morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-30
From: NY/CT border, Hoyt Rd

To: CT 341, Schaghticoke Rd, Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today's miles for Miles: 11.5Total miles for Miles: 696.8------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 685.3------------------------------Today we headed for Connecticut. The plan was for Miles to hike 11.5 miles while Side did some Trail Magic. Side dropped Miles off at the trail so she could hike out while he drove to a road 4 trail miles away. He had soda, gatorade, cookies, candy, crackers, and fruit for the taking. And Miles got to be the recipient of his trail magic at the end of the 4 miles. Then Miles continued on the trail and after a few hours, Side packed up and moved to the end of the trail section and set up there. Hey, Miles and several other hikers got his trail magic again. Liking this. Side drove a hiker to town so that he could resupply.It was so, so humid. Miles' clothes were soaked. The mosquitoes were not so bad at the beginning (using 30% DEET) but by the end they were relentless (had to reapply twice). Miles' feet were feeling awful again after the hike. This is not looking good. Will make an attempt to find new hiking boots to see if that will make any difference. The feet have definitely gotten larger during the hike.As usual followed up the hike with ice cream.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Waiting for doctor appointment at home

To: Waiting for doctor appointment at home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today's miles for Miles: 0Total miles for Miles: 696.8------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 685.3------------------------------Quiet day. Miles went for a 5.5 mile walk with Colette. Gave Miles a chance to get in some mileage on the new Keen boots she bought yesterday. Keen's have a bigger toe box which will allow the toes to spread out a little and hopefully stop the problem Miles has been having with both big toes. Time will tell.Started adding some mileage information at the top of each journal entry to show the progress we are making. Very difficult to manage this with each of us hiking different length hikes but we'll try.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: NY/CT border, Hoyt Rd

To: Bulls Bridge Rd
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today's miles for Miles: 0Total miles for Miles: 696.8------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 4.2Total miles for Side: 689.5------------------------------Today, Side hiked 4.2 miles and Miles did some hiking but there was some miscommunication about where the endpoint of the hike was located and the phone reception was so poor that Miles just went back to where she started for Side to pick her up. Will tackle it another day.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: CT 4, Guinea Brook, Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: West Cornwall Rd, West Cornwall, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today's miles for Miles: 4.8Total miles for Miles: 701.6------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 689.5------------------------------Happy Independence Day to all !!!Went to the 4th of July parade with Bob, Kim, Jilli, Robert, Rose and Wayne. It was a nice day and we had a shady spot. The kids loved catching the candy everyone was throwing from the floats. Fun family time.Headed back to the trail where Miles hiked 4.8 miles, most of it with Pilgrim who she met yesterday. At the end of the hike we treated Pilgrim to a hamburger, fries and milkshake to celebrate the holiday and then dropped him back off at the trail.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: CT

To: CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today's miles for Miles: 6.7Total miles for Miles: 708.3------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 4.8Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------We each got in a few miles today taking turns doing trail magic while the other hiked. The hiking remains a challenge with the weather and mosquitoes.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Waiting for doctor appointment at home

To: Waiting for doctor appointment at home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today's miles for Miles: 0Total miles for Miles: 708.3------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------Miles is getting ready to get out and do some trail miles trying out the hammock setup. There is a lot of work to get the pack ready to go. Since there will be an add-on of 2 pounds just for the hammock, some adjustments need to be made. The summer weight of clothes will help. In addition the air mattress won't be used in the hammock so that saves a lot of weight. But some sort of pad needs to be used to keep the mosquitoes from biting through the hammock and to provide a little bit of insulation from the elements. Laying on a sleeping bag crushes the down from your weight removing any insulating value. Haven't been able to find a pad that is light enough. For the moment, using a sun reflector that you use in the windshield of your car. It's not big enough and won't last long but it is very lightweight.In addition, Miles is planning on dropping the kindle, the stove, and the camera for now. Trying to get the weight down and then will decide whether to add any of those back. The changes brought about going from a tent to a hammock (where to store the backpack and boots), the additional challenges of dealing with insect repellents (how to keep from getting DEET all over everything), the length of time it's been since the full pack has been carried, and wearing new boots that haven't had enough break-in have caused Miles' comfort level to not be where she wants it to be. So will continue with slackpacking tomorrow.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: US 7, CT 112

To: Undermountain Road, Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today's miles for Miles: 10.8Total miles for Miles: 719.1------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------Today Side shuttled Miles to the trail for a 10.8 mile hike. The plan was to drop Miles off wearing her nearly full backpack and let her hike 3 miles. Then Side would meet her so she could switch to a slackpack for the rest of the hike. And then Side would pick her up again at the end of the 10.8 miles. Trying to ease in since the new boots are still not broken in and the full pack hasn't been on for over a month. Plus the mosquitoes are sooooo bad that if the full pack causes you to slow down, the little buggers will have a field day. And it was another hot and humid day.On Side's way to the first pick up point, he ran into a hiker and was able to do some trail magic for him. A bridge was out and the GPS didn't give him a drive around so Side put on the day pack and hiked out a mile to do the pack transfer. Got another opportunity to do some trail magic donating a bottle of Gatorade to a north bounder. The terrain wasn't bad today but the heat, humidity and mosquitoes made it difficult. Side was able to provide more trail magic as he waited at the hike's end point, including taking a hiker into town for resupply and bringing him and another hiker back to the trail. This weather makes it hard on thru-hikers so it's nice to be able to help them out.Miles is getting close to the end of Connecticut.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: MA 41, South Egremont, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Today's miles for Miles: 9.3Total miles for Miles: 736.9------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------Slept pretty well in the hammock. It was hot at the start of the evening. Woke up four or five times, resituated and went back to sleep again. Woke up before the alarm went off at 7:00 and just laid for a few minutes. Saw two of the hikers take off down the trail. Figured it was time to do the same. Had to deal with the wet rainfly. Wiped it down to get rid of most of the water and put it in a plastic bag. Pulled the snakeskins over the hammock and stowed it in its stuffsack. Packed up everything else. Wrong Way came down to filter water about that time. He questioned the direction I was heading off but I felt I was going the right direction. Don't take this the wrong way Wrong Way but why was I questioning myself when your trail name is Wrong Way.The trail today was primarily rocks and rock ledges. Although they were sometimes fun to walk and climb, they took a toll on the feet. Feeling pretty comfortable again carrying the weight of the pack. Had two climbs today, the second was the toughest with a 700 foot climb over 0.7 miles. Two boys who were out day hiking passed just at the beginning of the big climb.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: MA 41, South Egremont, MA

To: Lake Buel Rd, Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Today's miles for Miles: 11.1Total miles for Miles: 748------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------Side drove us to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast to go and then dropped me off at the trail. The beginning of the trail was very wet and swampy, many places with a lot of wooden walkways built for getting across with dry feet. Thanks to all the trail maintenance crews who make things easier for us hikers. Walked along several fields of corn, a field of rolled hay bales, and crossed train tracks. Walked along the Housatonic River and heard a train pass. Need I say that the mosquitoes were terrible with all the wetness around. Crossed the river and at a road intersection found a little breeze that kept the mosquitoes at bay so sat down and had lunch. Took off my boots and socks to air out my feet a bit. As I was packing up to leave, two hikers stopped and decided it was a good place for lunch also. Started the day's climb. Crossed a number of roads and kept climbing. Before reaching the top of East Mountain it started to rain. Felt great but washed off the bug repellent which had already been sweated off a number of times. The number of mosquito bites was mounting. They take away the fun of hiking. Passed a couple of day hikers. Reached the top and started down. Got to the turnoff for the shelter and decided to call Side for a pickup. Had planned to stay the night but needed to figure out some different ways to beat the mosquitoes.Side met me at the trail. Went home to hang out with Kim and the kids who were swimming in the pool. Side had gone out to lunch and for ice cream with them earlier. Went out for pizza for dinner with them.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Lake Buel Rd

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today's miles for Miles: 10.1Total miles for Miles: 758.1------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------Side dropped Miles off at the trail on Lake Buel Rd. Miles' new mosquito defense was capri pants that come a few inches above her socks, a poly shirt that has sleeves that are a little longer, and putting on non-DEET repellent on her shoulders and shoulder blades under her shirt where the mosquitoes were munching yesterday. There was a light breeze and the mosquitoes were not a problem for the first 3/4 of the hike. That made hiking fun again. Ran into a couple of ladies who were older than me who were out for a climb to the Ledges for lunch. A Mom and her two children passed heading onto another trail. At Benedict Pond saw a backpacker enjoying the view. Climbed up to the Ledges where there was a really nice view of a couple of ponds and neighboring mountains. Pulled off the boots and socks and pulled out lunch. The backpacker I saw below stopped for lunch also. Chuckles had hiked the trail last year but broke his leg north of Hot Springs, NC. He gave me some hints for the hammock. The ladies I had met below joined us for lunch. It wasn't a difficult hiking day. Passed many ponds. The last spot to get water before Shaker Campsite didn't have water. Got to Shaker Campsite where So Far was setting up camp. He mentioned water just north on the trail a bit. So went to filter water and then headed back to the campsite to start setting up. So Far stopped over later to let me know that he had seen a bear down near the water source. It ran away when it saw him. Made sure to double check my backpack for all food and smellables and stowed them in the metal cannister. We have yet to see a bear in all our miles on the trail. Four more hikers showed up to camp for the night. Couldn't take time to talk with any of them because the mosquitoes were terrible in camp.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Shaker Campsite

To: US 20, Lee, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's miles for Miles: 11.5Total miles for Miles: 769.6------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------Miles didn't sleep comfortably in the hammock last night. Just couldn't keep myself at the right angle. Not sure why. Woke up about four times but fell back asleep pretty quickly. It started raining gently about 5:45 am and continued until almost 7:00 am. Climbed out and started packing. In addition to the normal chores, had to wipe down the rainfly. Tried to pack up quickly because my friends the mosquitoes were out. Wolfed down a meal replacement bar from Kim's family. Thanks so much. Last one out of camp as usual. The early part of the hike was quite nice. Once away from the campsite, the mosquitoes weren't bad. Hiked through several fields of tall yellow flowers that looked like goldenrod. Some were a couple feet taller than me. Hiked across a cow pasture after climbing a stile to get in. Hiked through several fields with nice views of the hillsides and farms. For days have been seeing vibrant yellow, orange and red toadstools. Started raining gently and started hiking through many swampy areas. Crossed on many wooden walkways and several long boardwalks. It rained on and off and the trail turned rocky with many tree roots. The air was heavy making the climbs difficult. Huffed and puffed up Baby Mountain. Passed a young man out for a walk , a foursome of two fathers and their teenage sons with backpacks, and a young couple out for a hike. Had planned to be picked up at Goose Pond Road but got there at noon and wanted to continue on so called Side to let him know. Hiked another four miles for a total of 11.5 miles. Walked across the Mass Pike over a hiker bridge for each set of lanes. Feet hurt, especially the big toe on my right foot. Have had this same problem lots. Thought it would go away with the bigger boots.Side picked me up at 3:00 and we headed home. Shower was heavenly. Threw the stinky clothes in the washer. Grabbed a bite to eat. Then off to the local baseball team's game where Jillian's class sang the national anthem. Enjoyed the game and then fireworks after.Side is not finding any improvement in his condition. Discouraging to put it mildly. He goes back to see his doctor in a week.
Date: 2013-07-30
From: US 20, Lee, MA

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Miles' hiking plans are on hold. Sometimes other things become more important and one needs to jump on that train for a while. Will be considering going back to the trail mid-August or later.Side's hiking plans are on hold indefinitely. He has found no relief to his sciatica problem. Next doctor appointment near the end of August. A big thank you to those who have been supporting us through our adventure. It was quite a time out there. We're proud to have been able to actually do things that we only thought we could do. One always questions when it actually comes down to it whether you will have the stamina for the task at hand. We both were on a roll there and could easily have continued were it not for a few physical issues. Met wonderful people both on the trail and off the trail. Received wonderful trail magic and will continue to pay it forward. Don't want this to sound like the end of things necessarily - just taking a moment to thank you all - without you we couldn't have accomplished what we did. To our fellow backpackers still out there on the trail we're cheering for you all to make it to your goal. You know you can !!!
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

We returned home Wednesday evening so have had a lot of catch up to do at home. It's been a pretty crazy summer for us. We were so happy to meet up with High Tide and Blockade Runner for dinner Saturday evening in Connecticut. They have been making their way along the trail since we last saw them in Virginia. We had an enjoyable evening catching up and hearing about their adventures. What a sweet couple. We're so proud of their progress and know they will make it to Katahdin.Miles is planning on hitting the trail tomorrow so stay tuned to see how she progresses. Packing the backpack has been quite tedious since everything had gotten spread around the house. Hoping everything that is supposed to go will be in the pack. The body will be putting up a fuss because it has gotten way out of hiking shape. Will just take it easy to start and see what happens.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: US 20, Lee, MA

To: Washington Mtn. Rd, Becket, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today's miles for Miles: 9.5Total miles for Miles: 779.1------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------The day started in an interesting fashion. Much rain predicted but you need to hike in rain, right? We hopped in the car, got coffee and breakfast at Dunkin Donuts along the route, and headed for the trail where it crosses Route 20 in Lee, MA. Side planned to drop me off and do some shopping at the outlets in Lee. It was raining really hard so I decided to accompany Side for a bit of shopping hoping the rain would let up. Well, as fate would have it, when we had finished shopping it was still raining pretty hard and I was concerned that wet boots my first day back on the trail would tear my feet up so I decided to return home and wait for the clear weather forecast for tomorrow. We got half way home and the weather was improving so we stopped at a diner for lunch. By the end of lunch the weather had improved even more so we headed back to Lee, MA. Side dropped me off at the trail crossing on Route 20 about 1:30 in a very light drizzle and I headed north. My goal for the day was to hike to the October Mountain shelter. The hike began with a 1000 foot climb, but then leveled off. I skirted Finery Pond (looked more like a lake to me). During the hike I got stung by a wasp on the leg (thanks Shelley for the AfterBite). I had planned to spend the night in my hammock at the October Mountain Shelter but during the hike I ran into a German hiker, Pee Wee Herman, who planned to hike a couple miles further to the Cookie Lady¢s in Becket, MA, so on I went.I arrived at 6:30 and set up camp in the Cookie Lady¢s yard along with a young couple (Copperhead and Huckleberry) and Pee Wee just before the rain started. It started raining and the Cookie Lady offered us the use of her garage, provided us with her famous cookies and hard boiled eggs. Pee Wee and Huckleberry both broke the standing record of 15 by consuming 16 eggs in a single sitting. Thank goodness we weren¢t sharing a shelter. I bought a soda and a Klondike Bar. It¢s the little things that keep you going! It should be noted that we attempted to order Domino¢s Pizza but they refused to deliver because we were outside their delivery area. Shame on Domi¢no¢s!Many thanks to the Cookie Lady for her kindness and hospitality!It rained hard for quite a while after and was cold and windy overnight. I used a light yoga pad for insulation between me and the hammock. It didn¢t work all that well so I was pretty cold. The temperature was in the upper 40s. Up around 8:00 this morning, quick breakfast and call home to Side before heading out for the day. My plan is to hike into Dalton MA for ice cream and a small resupply.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Washington Mtn. Rd, Becket, MA

To: MA 8, Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Today's miles for Miles: 9.5Total miles for Miles: 788.6------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------I Began my hike at 9:45 this morning. It was cool and gloomy most of the day. I found a ledge around midday where there was a view down into a town. I broke there for lunch and removed my boots and socks to dry my feet. During today¢s hike I passed an elderly gent walking his dog as well as about 15 south bounders.When I arrived in Dalton, my first stop was for Ice Cream at SweetPea¢s. I then went to Tom Levardi¢s Hostel which is in town right on the trail. About 800 hikers stay here each year ¢ how great is that? He has room for a few hikers in his house as well as space in his yard for tenting (no trees for hammocking). When I arrived Tom said that if I hurried I could get a 5 minute shower. Since I felt like I smelled pretty bad I was so grateful. He also offered to wash and dry my clothes. All was good! There were 5 people sleeping in the house as well as 7 tents set up in the yard. Tom drove four of us in to Pittsfield for an all you can eat Chinese buffet which was great. Many thanks Tom!! I was lucky enough to get a private room with a double bed which was great since I got precious little sleep last night because of the wind and cold. I slept very well! Tomorrow I plan to hike in to Cheshire, MA and spend the night at St Marys of the Assumption Church.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: MA 8, Dalton, MA

To: MA 8, Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Today's miles for Miles: 9.3Total miles for Miles: 797.9------------------------------Today's miles for Side: 0Total miles for Side: 694.3------------------------------I started my day with a stop at It¢s a Wrap for a breakfast sandwich and a sandwich to go for lunch followed by a stop at Juice & Java for a Latte. I called Side and chatted while enjoying my breakfast and enjoying latte. I was on the trail about 10:00, having some difficulty finding my way through town. It appears the telephone poles holding the blazes were recently replaced sans blazes. Luckily I was aided in two places by friendly residents who helped me to navigate through the town. Once back on the trail I passed a couple day hikers from Oregon who are vacationing in MA. Also passed a few south bounders and was passed by a north bounder during the day. Shoulder hurt pretty bad in the early part of the hike but after about an hour I managed to adjust my load to relieve the pain. Much better! Hiked past Gore pond. It was an absolutely beautiful day for hiking. Bright sun and cool temps! Met Fat Man Walking as I approached Cheshire. Stopped in town for a vanilla milk shake and a can of Mountain Dew. Really appreciated both¢¦.   Met Father David who welcomed Fat Man and me to St Mary of the Assumption Church. There is a menu posted at the church for a place that will deliver but doubt I¢ll call ¢ not very hungry. I was able to wash up in the church bathroom which was very nice. I¢ll be warm tonight at the church, but it will be a hard sleep. All I have for a pad is a thin piece of carpet the church provides and a very thin yoga mat I use for insulation in my hammock. Spoke with Side a couple times today about Tarptents. He did some research for me and placed an order for a Notch Tarptent for me with a request for expedited shipping. Once it arrives at home he will seal the seams then we¢ll decide how to make the transition.