morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-28
From: Unionville- The Mayors House

To: Just past Mombasha High Point
Miles today: 15.2

By 06:30 we were packed up and were seated in the dining room. Dick & Bill were preparing breakfast. You don't stand in the kitchen with Bill around, this is his domain and you'll need thick skin if you think otherwise.Afterward, Butch arrived and we loaded up for the last time. Dick came out and gave each of us a hug, I didn't see that coming?These 3 unlikely men, brought together under unusual circumstances, to do such an unusual thing. Each having their own stories, but together creating a new one. Regardless to whom anyone prays or worships, there is no denying that something much greater than us, is accomplishing it's purpose with the help of these "Second Hand Angels". As we drove away, I thought of a comment Dick had made last night. He said "doing this gave his life meaning rather than just waiting to die"Bill who says little, spoke up, that he himself, "has 2 more years left in him". He seemed real sure about that. Being here has obviously given him an extended lease on life. Whatever his life was, he will leave this one remembered for how he chose to live in the end and by the people who's lives he helped make a difference.Butch dropped us off miles later, We said our goodbyes and once again headed North. The trail was rocky and they day grew hotter. After about 9 miles I came to Hwy 17A I think? Just .2 of a mile to the west was a creamery. As I walked in that direction a truck of city workers were parked taking a break. They asked me all kinds of questions and one guy gave me part of his lunch. A female cop then pulled up, we spoke and I thought what the heck, I'll ask her for a ride? She politely declined, so I walked on down the road.Instead of ice cream, I felt more like a Shake, then after that, 2 root beers.There were several hikers here. Our gear was laid out to dry in the sun. This turned into a 2 hour break. Here I met Thor's mom & sister whom were waiting to pick him up, they lived in Connecticut not far away. In addition, were Powder River, Borders, Spiller & some others?Continuing on, we stood on top of Mombasha High Point. Supposedly on a clear day you could see the New york City skyline? Not today, although clear, the haze from pollution prevented the distant view.Here I met a section hiker named Zak who was out for a few days. We all found a stealth site not much further down the trail. These boots have really chewed on my feet. I can't wait for the blisters to callus over. Our tents were set up amid blue berry bushes, dinner was preparred and soon sleep would take over.
Date: 2008-07-29
From: Just past Mombasha High Point

To: William Brien Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning held the promise of a deli just 4 miles away. Hmmm, a bagel with creme cheese does sound good. The anticipation was building until we reached the road and found a note left by "VooDoo". He had made the 3 mile detour the day before, only to find the building abandoned. As disappointed as I was, I would have been less than congenial to have found this out on my own.I will need to thank VooDoo for this, it went a long way.I was not really expecting the rock climbs we were doing today. It was hot and water was scarce, I wasn't sure how long I would have to ration my water?But low and behold, as I continued down the trail, there were 3 jugs of water left by a trail angel. Talk about perfect timing and just what I really needed?God, I love it when this happens.Miles later, I entered Harriman State Park. For some reason I was developing a severe headache, perhaps it was from dehydration? My headaches and general health have greatly improved since I have been on the AT. This was unsusal but I had no choice, other than to continue on. I came to a small lake with a beach area, near by was a building with showers and vending machines. I took a shower and enjoyed snacks and pop from the vending machines. Several of us moved over to the picnic table area and made our dinner. A few people approached us asking questions and marveling at what we were doing and how far we have travelled by foot. Their looks however couldn't conceal the fact, that they thought we were crazy.The 2 phones next to the ranger station were broken, I have been trying to call my daughter Karly, however she is never home or doesn't get the messages I leave.It was getting dark, I had atleast 2 more hours to go, I eventually was hiking with my headlamp. Along the way, a large coyote crossed my path just ahead. It was unusually big compared to others I see back in Canada. They are so misunderstood? This creature can adapt to nearly any environment and situation, and yet is regarded so negatively.About half an hour later, I heard several coyote's howling and making their unmistakable sound. Powder River joined us tonight as well. It was well past dark when I reached the William Brien Shelter. I set up my tent and spoke with a scout leader who was here with several of his older scouts. He warned of several Rattle Snakes they had encountered where we were tenting.I appreciated the info, however this is as as normal as trees and rocks out here. I was more interested in putting an end to this long day. My headache had drained me, and my feet were less than happy with these boots.My calluses are prevailing, hopefully the break in will be over soon?I pulled my rainfly back to expose as much ventilation as possible, I need a good nights sleep.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area
Miles today: 17.5

It seemed like some were in a hurry to go this morning, and others just not bothering to get up. I was somewhere in between. I leaped frogged with a few others, but largely hiked alone all day.Water has been a bit scarce lately. I would later realize what a good move it was to take a break and refill at a tiny stream just off the trail. It would be the only source I would see over the course of the 17+ mile day. About a mile short of the RPH Shelter, I came to a side trail to a tenting area. I knew I wouldn't be sleeping in the shelter and it would probably be crowded anyway? The tenting area had a small locked barn, with an open covered patio on the side. The grassy area had been recently mowed, so I set my tent up along the treeline. On the other side of the barn were several tents set up. The occupants arrived a short while later. They were a group of young teenagers on a summer school outing. My first thought was ........well lets just say I invisioned smore overload, unlimited sugar fixes in already giddy, hyper kids?Fortunately, this turned out to not be the case. They were actually well mannered and behaved. Or maybe, they just thought of me as a crazed axe murderer living in the woods and wanted to get on my good side? Tenting here tonight is "Bandana Man" and his son. They have been section hiking for a month and are going home tomorrow. I first met them back at the Mayor's house in Unionville. It seems just when you get to really begin to know someone, they suddenly are gone. An all to familiar occurrence out here. Perhaps this is an accelerated lesson, or a metaphore in life regarding people that cross path's and/or come into your life? I know I have lived next door to people whom I barely had contact, yet out here, I would enjoy having most of the people I met, as neighbors.I have had some good, end of day downtime. I have hung and dryed all my wet gear, enjoyed dinner, have water for tomorrow, and all done by 7:00 p.m.Even the bugs are coopertive tonight. All in all, another good day on the AT.
Date: 2008-08-01
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The first 6 miles this morning were a little sluggish, I just couldn't get a good rhythm going. Along the way, I noticed a flock of plastic pink flamingos just off the trail. What the ...? Needless to say, I got a good chuckle. I even became happier once I came to a road crossing and followed a sign to a nearby deli. There I met "Elvis Trailsley" a former thru-hiker and current trail maintainer, whom was responsible for the flamingo's.Sprite & Freckles, Bad Wheels, Powder River and Y2K were here as well. There's just something about a meatball sub, cold pop with a little debbie for desert that just brings out the best in people? Sometimes, even I have to admit, there appears at times, to be more luxury on the AT than back at home?Or maybe, I just appreciate the little things more?Later I stopped at Nuclear Lake to refill my water supply. There probably wouldn't be any more for the next 12 miles. Although tempting, I passed on Elvis Trailsley's recommendation to swim here. I did run into Y2K again who was already here. I gave him some "Fels Naptha soap" for his poison ivy, he does have it pretty bad.I arrived at the Telphone Pioneers Shelter around 6:00 p.m. Others would roll in a little later. Powder River & Y2K stopped by briefly but were making a big push that would go well into the night. Y2K wanted to get his mail drop before the post office closed at noon tomorrow in Kent Connecticut. I have been pleased many times over, with my decision to supply as I go, rather than have to adhere to a time and mileage schedule. I would not want to be hiking tired into the night on uncertain terrain unless I just had too. Oh well, good luck and HYOH. (Hike your own hike).Just before settling in my tent, a trail maintainer showed up. He was carrying next to nothing and was spending the night. His trail name was "Sasquatch", we spoke briefly, however the pitch black night and long day dictated that rest was now required.Tomorrow, I will be putting New York behind me and entering the 10th state of Connecticut. Sounds like a celebration is in order to me. I wonder what the day will bring? I can't help but feel excited about the progress, however the other side of the coin is that one day, this incredible journey will come to an end. .......But it won't be tomorrow, so let's get that thought out of my head!
Date: 2008-08-04
From: Kent Connecticut

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

At 5:00 a.m. I woke up with my stomach growling, this is starting to get old.Quietly, I left to go to the corner gas station. I knew they were open because I asked them yesterday. I wanted a real breakfast at the Kent Market Grill when they opened, but this chocolate milk, twinkie and snickers will hold me over until then. I layed back down in my tent for a short while but had scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, toast & coffee on the brain. There was no resisting any longer, so I got back up, walked down the street and arrived just as they had opened.A hiker named "Gallons" joined me and soon others arrived. The lady preparing our food commented that this was the most hikers she has seen in 2 years? It would be noon before I actually left Kent. I laid out all my gear in the parking lot to dry while I went to the Outfitter to see if they could replace the broken frame in my pack? As luck would have it, the Outfitter was an authorized repair center for many manufactures. He replaced the broken frame section free of charge.The 14 mile walk after Kent, went straight into rock climbs. At some point the trail came down and followed the Housatonic River for a while. A river walk is always a welcome change of pace. I arrived at our campsite about 8:00 pm. and set up in the dark. The mosquitos were relentless, I like to enjoy my dinner, but not while I'm being eaten in the process.Once in my tent, I briefly lay still until I begin my search & destroy mission.I smear what ever bugs happen to be resting on the fabric above me. Next I methodically take out each and every buzzing, blood sucking bastard of a mosquito until they are all dead.Ahh, that's better, good night.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Limestone Spring Lean-To
Miles today: 15.7

I was not in any particular rush this morning. So by 8:00 I was plowing through spider webs with my face as I proceded down the trail. Somewhere I learned of a small restaurant just off the trail about 9 miles further up?Once I came out of the bush and onto a roadway, it was near lunch time, so I decided to make a little detour. I arrived at this little place but sat outside and waited for Sprite & Freckles to show up. They soon arrived and we went inside. The air conditioning felt so good I could have just stood there indefinitely. The tables were pretty close together so after ordering, we decided to wait outside under the umbrella's of the picnic tables. It was a courtesy we extended to the patrons by not imposing with our hiker funk aroma.Powder River arrived and joined us outside.While we were eating, a white BMW had pulled up and soon the 4 occupants had a small crowd around them. Although I recognized these actors, I didn't know their names? The one girl was a regular on Saturday Night Live, The driver had played the nerd in the movie Dodgeball and is the MAC guy in the computer commercial PC vs MAC. The other two I have seen but couldn't place their work?Sometimes there's nothing better than a big cheeseburger and fries to fill a mid-day void. I could have almost taken a nap but eventually we all got moving again. The rest of the day had the usual up & downs otherwise uneventful.We pitched camp in a stealth site not far from Limestone Spring Lean-To.Shelter, Lean-To, Hut? A rose by any other name, it's all the same. Today I reached a point where I have less than 700 miles remaining. I normally try to avoid knowing this? For one, anything can happen between here & there. For another, I am not in a hurry for this trip to be over. It is strange as I can remember when 100 miles was a goal, that was 1400 miles ago.Tomorrow the trail will go through Salisbury. That means resupply and another good meal or two?
Date: 2008-08-09
From: Housatonic River

To: East Mountain Retreat Center.
Miles today: 8.3

Opening my eyes this morning, I saw through the mesh of my tent that it is covered with slugs and swarms of mosquito's. OK, I can see how this day is going to start? First I killed as many skeeters as I could by pressing my tent against the rainfly. I did this as I ate mini-bagels with slices of spam & cheese. Next I sprayed myself with bug dope and crawled out, removing my rainfly. The trick with slugs is to remove them without their slimy snot being left behind. I launched them through the air by flicking them with my thumb and middle finger. My tent still got slimed.Today would turn out to be another low mileage day. Early on we decided to spend tonight at the East Mountain Retreat Center. The owner, Reverend Lois Rose also runs a hostel there. After only 8 miles, I was walking the road 1-1/2 miles to their half mile long driveway. As I was walking, a pickup stopped and gave me a ride. The gentleman was the father of "Bluetongue" so named for his daughter's thirst of Slurpees. She too was hiking the AT, however I never met her.The retreat center was on a hill with a few cabins. I came to the home/hostel but no one was there. A sign welcomed hikers to come in, shower and chill. Eventually Lois came down and introduced herself and showed me around.The main rule was not to talk to anybody on the property. People come here to meditate, spend a few days without uttering a sound etc...I laid out my gear in the yard to dry, had some lunch then took a nap. Man, did that feel great.S&F showed up about 1-1/2 hrs later. We got laundry going, and wouldn't you know it, we could have dinner delivered from a local restaurant. This is beginning to sound like more eating than hiking? Truth be told, it is actually just what I need, I'm only now beginning to get more of a grip in my right arm. I still haven't totally ruled out a fracture, however, I'm gaining more use and the pain seems to have leveled off.I went to bed at dark and had one of the best night's sleep. I dreamed all night.
Date: 2008-08-10
From: East Mountain Retreat Center.

To: Tyringham Pavillion
Miles today: 19.4

I woke up early and had breakfast in the library as to not wake up S&F.Eventually all of us left at 8:30 and arrived back at the trail head 40 minutes later. Today was going to be a 19.4 mile day, we were back to making some miles again.About 2 miles from where the trail nears the little hamlet of Tyringham, The sky was getting black in the distance. Thunder and lightning were making it's way toward me and I could see the wall of rain. At a road crossing I met a hiker named "Freestyle" he was looking for a water source. Just wait a few short minutes and you'll have all the water you want I told him.The blackness directly to my front made my decision as to whether I would continue on and camp further North or check out the small Pavillion that I had read about and use it for shelter tonight? Upon reaching this little hamlet of Tyringham, there was a Post Office, Firehall, a park and the Pavillion down the road.Among a few houses was the Cobbleview B&B. I was able to buy a couple of cokes and a snickers. I left a donation for the can of beer that he wasn't selling.Other than that, there was nothing else here.Once under the roof of the Pavillion, I sat among the many picnic tables lined up in 3 rows. S&F arrived along with Freestyle. We all sat and talked as it rained. Eventually, we pulled out our food & stoves to prepare dinner.With not much else to do, we each claimed a picnic table, laid our bed rolls out and settled in for the night. Right at dark, another hiker came in. On his pack he sported a big flag with a letter "A" on it. This was "Warren" from Alabama. He set up his tent on the concrete pad. There wasn't much conversation at this point, it was a long day and sleep was now required.As it turned out, this would be the most uncomfortable night's sleep I can ever remember having? I will take the ground anyday over a picnic table in the future. The temperatures are getting subtley cooler, I am thinking I need to get my warmer gear?
Date: 2008-08-11
From: Tyringham Pavillion

To: October Mountain Lean-To
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

This morning we all slept in as long as we could. I made breakfast then laid back down without ever getting out of my bag. We were waiting for the P.O. to open. Sprite was expecting her new pack, as her old one was ripped down the side. I took advantage of the payphone next to the P.O. I still am not able to get a hold of my daughter Karly? We finally reached the trail head at 09:30. I knew it was going to rain again, so I started making miles.5 hours have now passed and it is 2:30 p.m. It began to rain, it was light and steady at first then really started to pour. It was a torrential downpour for the next 2 hours. The air was cool and I had begun to chill. I knew there was a shelter soon but it seemed to take forever to reach it.I had my head facing downward to shield from the rain, I might have passed the side trail to the shelter, had it not been for the orange tin roof. This was a first, but I'm glad because that's what caught my eye.I was never so glad to be in a shelter as I was today.I was surprised and had become concerned in how much I was chilled and now shivering? I stripped down and dried myself before putting on my dry clothes. It wasn't until I had mashed potatoes in me before I started feeling better, then I made the rest of my dinner.I was alone for a long while, then Sprite appearred. Freckles had stopped and sat in her tent for a while to wait out the storm. She came in later.This shelter has 2 bunks as well as floor space. Our wet things were hung up to dry but never did.My rations are low. I have rice for breakfast but have no lunch or snacks. It will be a hungry 14 miles into Dalton before resupplying tomorrow.I always have a dry set of clothes, but I need warmer clothes. I am baffled at these mosquito's? I have never seen them so active in cold weather. These are tough little bastards.
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Seth Warner Shelter

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

Woke up to a gray morning. Shortly after getting back on the trail it started to rain and did so for most of the day.I have been noticing alot of Moose tracks lately, but no Moose. Another observation is that unlike a bear who drops his scat in the middle of the trail, a Moose seems to shift his rear end to the side of the trail.I hadn't realized they were so curtious?Today was a generally easy walk, however the mud is something else. It will take a while before this dries up, especially with the daily rain.Right around 8 miles, I stopped at the Congdon Shelter for a break from the rain and to have lunch.After I got going again there was a very steep rock hop going down to VT 9.After crossing the hiway and going through a small trailhead parking lot, I met a guy who had been running on a section of the trail today and was now waiting for a ride. We spoke for a while and he took alot of interest in my hike. I was grateful for the leftover treats he offered. His name was Tim Jones, he was a teacher in nearby Rutland VT. He gets out when he can to knock out sections of the "Long Trail" until completion. Meeting people like Tim just adds to the trip.The trail went along side a Beaver dam holding back a large pond or small lake.You just can't help but marvel over their industrious handy work. The dam stood chest high to me. Partially submerged in the high grass and reeds, there were slippery moving boards you had to negotiate as you walked through the marshy bog. I would learn later, that "Growler" slipped off one these boards and ended up driving a stick fairly deep into his calf. Fortunately, they ran into Sprite not long after, she convinced him to leave the trail and seek out medical attention. The possibility of a bad infection was high, and the wound still may have debris in it?Tough break, I have seen several out here. You never know what lies in store for you good or bad? I felt fortunate that my arm, although still very sore seems to be improving. Good Luck Growler.It was still kind of early when I arrived at the Melville Nauheim Shelter. It had only been a 13.1 mile day, but having been soaking wet and up to my knees in mud all day, I was leaning toward calling it a day. Dry clothes and something to eat was sounding better & better.Also staying here tonight is a thru-hiker named "Snowplow" and a section hiker doing the Long trail named "Buddy". So far I have only met a couple of people doing the Long Trail. I get the impression the number of LT hikers is low and for some, could be a very lonely hike? Sprite's sister is going to meet her tomorrow, so she & Freckles are going to spend the day with her. I never really saw the sun today, however the gray is turning to black and it's time to transform the chillaxin into sleep.