morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Jim Murray Property

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.5

Hot, Hot, Hot A few miles of today's hike were trail "boardwalks" somewhere in the swamps of Jersey. After a rollercoaster ride through the shaded hills, the trail met the hot and humid conditions head-on by twisting through the swamps on an elevated wooden walk way. Nary any place to escape from the sweltering heat. With food supplies running low, all clothes overdue for laundering, and human batteries needing a charge, I walked another "off trail" mile before catching a ride to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, which has offered up their basement for long distance hikers. Attempts to send digital photos were unsuccessful but they are coming. The trail has done a zig-zag between NJ and NY the last two days, but will point north tomorrow as the approach to the Hudson River Valley begins. It'll be a tough go--35 miles of ups and downs, headwalls and more heat. Two long days ahead. SHOPPING LIST (for 2 days): 2 bagels 1 hunk cheese 1 box precooked bacon (not sure if this will keep in heat) 4 energy bars 4 packs tomato soup (will add bacon) 1 pack tuna 1 bag Goldfish Crackers 2 pack Pop-tarts 2 bananas Signing out from Vernon, NJ.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter, NY
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

The rocks of PA have finally given way, but new terrain means new challenges. After an immediate 7AM two mile hitch to the trail head, the hike started with an 800' climb then transitioned into several technical boulder hops. At times the only way to navigate through the boulders was hand-over-hand climbing. It seemed that the trail made an attempt to connect with every boulder as it weaved up, around, and through boulders the size of several football fields. At one point the trail put me right between a mother and two baby turkey vultures and I was able to get several close up shots of both as mother seemingly was patient for me to move on. A black bear was also encountered on an emergency park service road. (Note: pictures coming soon). Lunch was atop one of the many rock outcrops overlooking Greenwood Lake, a little lake town that seemed to be a cross between Raingley, Maine and St. Michaels, Maryland. Today was the day that, even though four pounds of food had been added to the pack, the weight seemed manageable. The pack is no longer a nuisance that is being lugged around, it's my lifeline to the hike and the weight does not slow me down--even when loaded with water. Near twenty miles tomorrow as the hike enters Harriman State Park.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Wildcat Shelter, NY

To: William Brian Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

The skies were sending rain signals all day and finally made good on their promise in the mid afternoon. Around 4PM I skirted off trail to Tiorati Circle Lake and took cover at the picnic area. The beach had been emptied as dramatic bolts of lightning kissed the other side of the lake. This was an opportunity to shower and relax a bit, but attempts to dry clothes with the warm air hand dryer were unsuccessful. I finally left the picnic area at 7PM and was in turbo mode to make 4.7 miles to the shelter before twilight bowed to darkness. Right at 9 PM I made it to the shelter and set up my tent as far away as possible from an out-of-control youth group. Earlier in the day I had been hiking with and leap frogging with Frito (retired Frito Lay warehouse guy) and Big Sky (35-year-old city girl) who had started their AT journeys separately but were now moving at the same pace and hiking together. Frito was instrumental in pointing out a water source early in the day which was vital, as the spring at last evening's shelter was uncooperative and had dried up. This hike had even more scrambles and twists (even a small cave) than the prior day's hike. One section forced me to take my pack off, carry it over my head, and throw it up on the next boulder as I shimmied my way through. This piece of the AT has earned the name "Lemon Squeezer." Thursday I meet Bruce and go over the Hudson. Signing out.
Date: 2007-07-12
From: William Brian Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Rendezvous with Bruce is planned for later this, so I did not leave the shelter until 9 AM and begin the four plus mile descent to the bottom of Bear Mountain. The walk was a combination of ridge-running and a view of the NY city skyline in the distance from atop Black Mountain. I was in wonderment over what a hiker's thoughts would¢ve been at this spot on 9/11 as I¢m sure the skyline would¢ve been a smoke-filled distress signal, when a few of the kids from last night's shelter were compelled to point out a five point buck about 100¢ behind the view. With some time to kill at the next overlook, I engaged in a long conversation with honey Ann about life on the trail and our good life together, as all of my wet clothing from the previous day's rain was laid out over the rocks and dried in a matter of minutes.After some confusion on the meeting point with Bruce, we finally met in the middle of the Trail Side Zoo at Bear Mountain. A miscue by an uninformed ranger had him hiking south on the AT heading back towards PA, before I hiked half way up a mountain to fetch cell reception and attempt to guide us to a mutual spot. Sadly, some of Bruce¢s first hiking was actually hitchhiking on the Palisades Interstate Parkway!!! So goes life on the trail.The AT blazes actually take hikers right through the zoo for local injured animals. If you¢ve got a backpack on, the $2.00 admission is waived. We hiked over the Hudson on Bear Mountain Bridge which at 124 above sea level is the lowest elevation on the entire AT. The trail went up and down a few hills then leveled out on an old stagecoach road or horse trail and we made it to the Friary pavilion around 7 PM. Accompanied by ¢Cheeseburger¢ (who must finish the trail by 9/14 to get ready for 9/15 wedding) and ¢Life Traveler¢ (who is thru hiking with numchucks [sp] and a 2lb book) the evening ended with us all lying on picnic tables staring up at an infinite space show.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Rt. 52, NY
Miles today: 24.0

After duct taping my right foot to fend off aching blisters on the heal and ball of foot, Bruce (Bosco) and I set out around 7:30 AM. I¢ve come to the conclusion that all foot problems were caused early on by a PA rock (when in doubt, blame it on PA) that collided with my right ankle causing swelling in the entire foot that made my feet fit too tightly in my shoes. While today¢s trail had no elevations greater than 1200¢, it was nonstop up and down with nearly 5,000 feet of ascends. To put this in perspective, it¢s the equivalent of hiking up and down the Blue Mountain near Rt. 81 in Mechanicsburg over seven times in one day.We settled down for a lunch of packaged tuna at a waterfall and decided that I would hike ahead and do the short five miler to Bruce¢s car that we had planned for Saturday, in addition to the 18 mile hike planned today. The ¢zero¢ day has been earned in a big way. After dropping off my pack at the RPH Shelter (original ending point), I hiked sans pack with a liter of water only. It was an uneventful hike except for the screeching brakes and loud crash I heard from the Taconic State Parkway below. While driving Bruce¢s van back to RPH shelter, traffic was dead in water going north (I was going south) as an SUV that lost a battle with a big rig was being limped onto a flatbed. I witnessed the accident with my ears from above. Bruce and I drove new hiking buddies ¢Life Traveler¢ and ¢Cheeseburger¢ out to a deli before I finally sunk into the bed at the Hampton Inn for some real slumber.¢Zero¢ day tomorrow to recharge. Then Sunday the two day charge to Connecticut gets underway.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Rt 52, NY

To: Rt. 52, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Good day - checking in from East Fishkill, NY. I am beat and taking a "zero" day to air out my abused feet.Some photos finally posted. A few notes to those following:Julio - sorry to hear about your grandfather passing on. A wish that he'll be that far away star twinkling ever so brightly at you and your family. The bacon did last two days in the hot sun . . . no sign of food poisoning yet . . . subs on trail soon?Pop-tarts went quick . . . must get new pack with pockets so they don't break and crumble.Other hikers attempted to rename me "Foot Massager" but I vetoed.T-Bo - I slack packed (walked/ran w/no pack) yesterday for 5 miles . . . I flew down the trail.Diane - I drank lots of beer in prep for trip.Mea - Curious George brought tears.Melissa - hike naked day was 6/21. No naked hiking planned yet.Schuetzandscores - you be da man.Dan and Jane - no witness protection sightings yet but was approached by NJ boys asking me to sell them some "cheese". Thats NJ for weed I think as they drove away when I offered the stinky Cabot leftovers.Bosco is hanging out with me today . . . must get . . . more duct tape, pads for feet. Food stuffs. Wash clothes that really don't come clean anymore as perpetual stink is setting in. Drink some beers. Air out feet. Hang out . . . no walking planned. Drink more beers.I'm missing all buds all around.SECRET MESSAGE FOR RILEY AND KATHERINE: Can you march around the house saying your three favorite animals?????
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Rt. 52, NY

To: Rt. 52, NY
Miles today: 0.0

BONUS ENTRY Today's "zero" day should be mandatory fare for any thru hiker. This was a day that combined the down time that a hiker putting up serious miles needs, with the benefits of tweaking the gear and mingling with the locals at various watering holes. Gear line-up has been near overhauled as trekking poles were added to help with balance and transfer some of the leg energy to otherwise useless arms. And the equivalant of a heart transplant was made as the 8.5 size Lowa boots, that were bursting at the seams due to what may be permanently swelled feet, were swapped out for 9.5 size Merrell trail runners. The Eastern Mountain Sports visit was sandwiched between a visit to the "Wash and Dry" for laundry, a great lunch at "Cibo" deli where caramel corn is a free teaser with every meal, more food at "Fishbone" for salad and more apps, Shoprite for trail food, Walgreens for more blister stuff, and to tip back a few with the locals at the Hopewell Inn. Thanks to bro Bosco for being patient and making it his sole quest to be certain that all zero day objectives were exceeded. Back to the trail tomorrow as the walk to Mount Katahdin, Maine continues. On On!
Date: 2007-07-15
From: Rt. 52, NY

To: Wiley Shelter, NY
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The real world dose officially ended around 9 AM this morning as Bruce dropped me back off at the trail head I left two evenings ago. Feeling homesick, I stared at the hill that was begging for me to conquer it, as Bruce honked a familiar horn tune as he drove off. Time to move on--and move on I did. The hike was a relatively soft, level ridge running trail and the modest objective of 13 miles to the telephone Pioneers Shelter was achieved at 3 PM. It was a dirty shelter with no other hikers present. My immediate thoughts were to push a few miles closer to Katahdin. So I pushed forward and after filling up water at a trail magic house I proceeded on. No more that a few hundred yards later I realized that my new trekking poles were left back at water magic and while enroute to fetch them the clouds busted loose a rain squall. I was fortunate to be able to duck into a makeshift tarp/garage at a residence where I took total advantage of the rain delay by taking off my shoes and taking a quick siesta.When the weather broke, the final seven miles of the hike continued and I made it to busy Wiley Shelter at 8 PM. I felt like a hiker again, only now I¢ve got new boots and poles and a few more days growth on my beard!!!
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Wiley Shelter, NY

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 13.0

This day started out with coffee...that's right...I'll take instant black water in a plastic cup over the aromatic, rich bold taste of fresh brew in a mug any day of the week. While drinking my new favorite beverage the debate over whether to hike 13 or 20 miles was being contemplated.The debate ended around 10 AM as I detoured off trail to see a covered bridge over the Housatonic River, then detoured further to visit a little town market that was waving a cozy little bench in the front. While enjoying a ¢Ben and Jerry¢s Cherry Garcia¢ pint, conversation started with a local couple who invited me to their place to crash after today¢s hike and get a ride back to the trail head in Kent!!!The trail is full of magic and the magic comes in different ways. Some days it¢s jugs of water on trail, some days it¢s a ride, some days it¢s even a genuine personally engraved Swiss Army Knife purchased just weeks ago in Switzerland that arrives in stealth fashion in a not so fancy bounce back box (thank you KY!!!!!).The trail itself had several climbs, but these are just primers for what¢s ahead as the elevations in Massachusetts will tip the 2000 foot scales and they will give way to Vermont where trail heights will approach 4000 feet. Then all bets are off as the ¢Whites¢ of New Hampshire will challenge hikers with even higher altitudes and throw curve ball weather systems our way.Now at 4:30 PM, elevation 350 feet, I find myself relaxing at the Kent Memorial Library tapping away at this log, then will look to get some food, and hope to hunt down some more pints that really have nothing to do with Ben and Jerry unless those ice cream guys make a root beer float flavor.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Kent, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 17.0

TRAIL MAGIC PARTS II & III:Today started out with waking up at first light, but instead of lying on the ground or on shelter wood planks I was snug in a bed with a homemade checkered blanket. This made this morning an exception to the norm. A warm shower, real coffee, cereal with fresh currants and bananas, sliced grapefruit and whole grain toast. Trail magic abounds as Mike and Meg, whom I had met the previous day at the local market, had picked me up in Kent the night before. Then after a brief tour of Meg's organic farming operation Mike dropped me back to the trail head. Not only was my body clean and rested but I felt energized by their compassion and generosity.The next piece of magic occurred not much later when my new favorite Swiss Army knife had found its way out of my pocket and was astutely picked up by Frito. Note to self: sew pockets where holes compromise all essential goods. Beautiful day to be out in the woods and after the first up and down of ~700 feet each way, the Housatonic River offered five miles of nearly at grade views of its banks, its wildlife, and the warmth of its water, but what followed was a six hour thrill hike of non-stop ups and downs. All the climbing was sandwiched around crossing Guinea Brook which required shoe removal to ford the rapids. Nary a level stretch to rest the legs. I think preseason will soon be over. Signing out from tent at Pine Swamp.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-To

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: haze

The faint pitter patter of rain intensified to a steady downpour around 4 AM and my Eureka tent had passed the water challenge so far. As much as I wanted to wait out the storm, at 6 AM the morning duties of loading gear readying for the hike were conducted in the rain. It is said that there is a silver lining in all things dark and I am a subscriber of that notion. Although this lining was blue. To be specific, near 11 AM as the trail crossed a sleepy road there was a blue tarp set up complete with grill, picnic table, and food stuffs that any hiker pines for. The Connecticut AT chapter had set up a staging area for hikers to rest, fuel up, swap stories, and get updated on the hills that lay ahead. The magic pot kept on flowing as later that evening while resting my hardened feet beers were purchased for us in Salisbury, rides offered, and more friends were made. This is what has brought me to the AT and now more than ever what keeps me looking towards Maine with determination.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Hemlocks Lean-to, MA
Miles today: 15.6

Having just left the Vanessa Breton (rooms for rent for AT hikers in private residence) house in Salisbury, a quick stop at The Roast Coffee Shop was in order before tackling Bear Mountain, CT, Race Mountain, CT and Mt. Everett, Mass which would bring new elevation highs for the journey. Lions Head (babe - our phone call was here) was an uneventful easy up hill. Upon arrival at the summit, the remnants of last evening's weather system cleared away as if mother nature was opening the curtin for todays trail. Act two was the descent down Sages Ravine and introduced ~300 feet of 45 degree or better drops. Forget the trekking poles, hand over hand was the only way to navigate these drops, some of which were better than vertical six feet. The show continued with the hike up Bear Mountain (2316 ft) where intermission included tuna and Frito corn chips. No views today as the sun was on break again and the clouds were thickening and lowering.   The waterfalls at Bear Rock Falls were spectacular enough to pull camera out of zip lock, which was in stuffsack, which was nestled in backpack, which was surrounded by pack cover. And be sure that waterproofing your gear is not to be taken lightly as natures encore was a violent, windy rainstorm that woke up just as I was in the middle of nowhere. Attempts to hide under several pines were unsuccessful as the driving winds made it too cold to stand still. The exposed ridge of Race Mountain (2316 ft) was an absolute nemesis and caused several slips, bloodied knuckles, and the thought that it was just a matter of time before nature would unleash some small amount of fury at me sooner or later. The five additional miles to hike after the rain stopped featured hiking up (and down) Mt. Everett which at 2600 represents a new high. Hemlocks lean-to is packed and Zip Lock is playing folk music on his git. Hopefully sleeping bag dries enough before slumber - which is right now.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Hemlocks Lean-to, MA

To: East Mountain Retreat Center Hostel, MA 
Miles today: 15.4

Today will be the last hiking day for three or four days as Ann is coming up tomorrow and I'll "zero" out until early next week. But the business of today was hiking down off Mt. Everett, which was uneventful since the weather was in a cooperative mood. The walk took us through several miles of low elevation country and a lunch break at a local flower/antique/bails of hay/farmers supply store called "The Corn Crib" consisted of a big loaf of homemade cinnamon bread which as hard as I tried, I could not consume the whole thing. After another 1000 foot up and down over East Mountain the hike concluded at the Reverend Lois Rose's home where a a huge order of take out Chinese was consumed with "Big Sky", "Stubble" (62 year old retired computer guy from Atlanta), and "Blue" (mid 30's guy from Portland, OR, stuff in storage, savvy, transitioning). They are moving on tomorrow and in trail speak - I'm standing still. But I'll be back. As corny as it sounds, the comments and notes of encouragement are so kind. I'm appreciative for having many good friends and family following the journey. This has been most exhausting, challenging and rewarding all at the same time. On out for the weekend.
Date: 2007-07-25
From: East Mountain Retreat Center Hostel, MA 

To: Upper Goose Pond, MA
Miles today: 19.1

Today was difficult, not in the trail sense but in the sense that I was back on my own, on the trail, heading to unknown destinations, without Ann. We had just finished four days of doing whatever came to mind, without any reason to worry about time or the when's and where's and why's of what to do next. After my "shortcut" through Hartford took us through busy rush hour thoroughfares, we finally arrived back at the trail head at 10:30 and I was off heading up one of two 1000 foot climbs. Although the weather was a knockout "10" and the trail was mostly soft needles, I was in need of something to pick my spirits up and take them to the place I left four days ago.At 7 PM that place was found. Upon arrival at Upper Goose Pond Cabin I was greeted by "Grampy", a 2001 through hiker with an affinity to stay close to the hiking circles. So close that he is the caretaker of my home for the evening--a no-charge, donations-accepted cabin purchased by the ATC for the comfort of hikers young and old, new and experienced. Instead of a wooden bunk, I slept on an ultra soft foam pad. And while it wasn't the same as the comfy "Whalers Inn" in Mystic, it was a sign of good things to come.
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Upper Goose Pond, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Waking up to the smell of coffee is a good thing. Waking up to the smell of coffee out in the middle of the woods is even better. Fresh coffee with blueberry Pancakes is just what was needed to push me back into trail mode. That coupled with seeing familiar faces "Cheeseburger" and "Uncle Tom" (retired school psychologist from Mass) made me feel at home.The trail itself was mostly level grade and easy to hike. And just to make a good thing better, the magic well was in overload today. For starters, a stop at "The Cookie Lady's" place meant a basket of homemade cookies along with blueberries the size of robin eggs. And yes--this is where "Grampy" got his blueberries for the pancakes...a great deal at "pick your own for a buck a pound."A few miles further down the trail were two coolers loaded with ice and beverages. I dug to the bottom not unlike a kid digging for a freebie in a box of cereal just to see if an icy cold beer may be a reward for my strange thinking. No go, but three Gatorades and a few of the snacks stuffed in additional crates were happily consumed.Today's destination was the sleepy town of Dalton, MA where the trail skirts right through a slice of middle America and also passes Tom Levardi's place. Tom is THE trail magician. I asked if he had tent space in his yard for me...he not only obliged but went inside and returned with a platter of pie and and an ice cream sundae that was overflowing with syrups, whipped cream, and sugar confetti stars. Magic confetti stars, I believe. After he drove me and four other hikers to the local Chinese stuff-your-face buffet, we bought pints of Sam and swapped salty hiking stories on his wraparound deck. And forget the tent. Tom fixed his sofa with sheets and pillows for me to crash. Was it comfortable? I'll just say that after lying down a few minIutes I think I heard Ann say, "Babe, are you coming up soon?"