morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-22
From: Blue Mountain Lake Road

To: Forest Motor Lodge
Miles today: 14.0

We were up early and on the trail by 7am. We had a better trail today, there are still rocks but the good trail is becoming more frequent and longer duration. I led in the morning and found a good hiking rythem so we cover 9 miles by noon. We stopped at a shelter for water that had a great spring so off with the boots and socks and into the cooling water with our feet and ankles..ahhhh! We reached Branchville, NJ at 4:30 just in front of a major storm. Originally we were headed to a campsite but decided to wait out the rain at a local business, Gyp's Tavern. A good call on our part, the storm was hard and long. By the time it was over it was too late to hike so we got a room at a local, and I mean local, motel. Boston Mike, another hiker was staying at the motel and when we exchanged names he laughed. A hiking buddy of his told him about a guy a few years ago who was named 4Trees because he had trouble on the approach trail... I guess I am now famous.
Date: 2013-07-23
From: Forest Motor Lodge

To: High Point
Miles today: 16.0

We got a ride to the trail head after a breakfast sandwich at "Joe to Go". The morning hike was up hill out of the gap but we now have our trail legs so it seems easier. However, the rocks are still troublesome. We keep hoping we will hike out of them, maybe tomorrow. We did 9 miles by lunch, stopped at Rutherford Shelter for water and to eat. There were a couple of volunteers there doing maintenance. We ask about the weather, slight chance of showers. Twenty minutes after we left, a big storm hit us. The afternoon was filled with 2 rain storms. There is not many things more discouraging than hiking up hill over rocks in the rain. A bad day! By the time we reached camp everything we had was soaked.
Date: 2013-07-24
From: High Point

To: Pochuck Valley Market
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up early but for some reason we had trouble leaving camp. Maybe wet everything had something to do with it. We finally left camp around 8. The morning was filled with rolling trails and a few rocks. We stopped for lunch at 1 after a solid 9 miles. Then it was all about Pochuck Mountain. We were at 400 ft. and 2 miles later we were at 1000 ft. And boulders and more boulders, many difficult steep scrambles over rocks. These rocks are taking their toll on out feet and ankles. Sticks now has a huge blister on the ball of his left foot. I don't have any blister yet but do have some hot spots that worry me. One thing you learn out here is "take care of your feet"! But we had a great evening, we camped behind a farmer's market. We had deli sandwiches for dinner. We set up our tent behind the barn and the workers brought us lawn chairs and a basket of fresh fruit, apples, pears and plums. NICE! Good people.
Date: 2013-07-25
From: Pochuck Valley Market

To: Wawayanda shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast at the local market with the local breakfast club, 7 or 8 farmers, all in their 70s or 80s. Arguing or teasing about everything from the weather to politics. One of them volunteered to take us to the trail head where we started our hike on a mile of boardwalk over a bog. The trail lead to a large wooden bridge over a small small stream.... Had to be a government job! After the bridge we started a 1000 ft climb up a very steep mountain. Thankfully the temperature was cool and our legs are stronger. We met a dad and his young triplets (7yrs. old) on the trail. We gave them "high fives" for their efforts. On this section of the trail we have met a number of day hikers who are always interested in 2 old guys on a long hike. We are only doing 8 miles today to allow Hal's left foot to continue to recover from blisters. We are set up for the night and it is only 3:30... lots of rest tonight
Date: 2013-07-26
From: Wawayanda shelter

To: Glenwood Lake 
Miles today: 0.0

We had a good first 4 hours on the hike. It was easy getting out of camp and out of New Jersey- the trail was rolling with a few short climbs and only a few rocks. When we reached New York everything changed. We hit many unexpected steep climbs- including one that included a ladder bolted to the rocks and a rock ridge that lasted 3 miles. It took us a total of 6 hours to cover 8 miles. We were very tired when we hit town. We hiked to the Post Office only to find our food box did not arrive. Major Problem! We are improvising our food with instant potatoes and tuna. We are staying in a "hiker hotel" but the clientele is friendly. Going to an Italian restaurant for dinner.
Date: 2013-07-27
From: Glenwood Lake 

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We are both exhausted after a tough 16 miles. As we had organized last night Billy Smith (taxi driver) picked us up at 6:30. We stopped for a breakfast sandwich and hit the trail by 7. We slacked packed the first 12 miles ( smart move) over 2 big climbs and many boulders and rocks. Again our time was slow- 8 hours to cover 12 miles. Billy met us at 3pm with out stuff, we loaded up and headed out. Only 4 miles to go but also extremely difficult... 3 hrs to cover 4 miles... Steep climbs ;steep declines; rocks; boulders... Just plain difficult. We finally reached camp but with very little water and water was still 0.6 miles away down hill. We decided to stretch our existing water for dinner and breakfast. No clean up until tomorrow and we reach our next water supply
Date: 2013-07-28
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Ft Montgomery
Miles today: 14.0

We left camp at 6:39 and headed to Lake Tiorate where we could get water and eat breakfast. We left there with 2 plans; one of 8 miles and one of 14 miles. We had 2 major ups and 2 huge downs, and the downs now are harder than the ups. We felt really good after the morning hike so decided to go for the 14 mile plan. When we reached the top of Black mountain we called a motel in town. The motel owner, Doug, asked us where we were and had we reached the steps yet. We said we didn't know what he was talking about but we had not reached the steps? He said we would know when we did. We soon found out! Bear Mountain... 800 stone steps up--- 1/2 mile across--- 800 steps down--- all in 4 miles!! Believe me our feet , ankles, and knees are suffering. Doug picked us up at the base of the mountain just before it started to rain. Good timing for us. We walked across the street to a BBQ for dinner. A local in the bar, Billy-the-nut-Guy, bought us a dessert after dinner and was interested in our experiences.
Date: 2013-07-29
From: Ft Montgomerg

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center
Miles today: 8.0

We had an absolute great morning. As we were having breakfast at a local deli trying to find a taxi, a customer offered to drive us to West Point. What an inspiring place. The history and the patriotism is palatable. The campus is dotted with stone buildings, each with its own unique history. The chapel was really inspiring. Wonderful Place!!! We did find a taxi to return us to the trail where we met up with K2, Blackhawks & Pathfinder. We walked just a short distance where we had trail magic, cold soft drinks. Then we started up hill, hiked 6 miles and found a deli at a road crossing. We had dinner there then did another 2 miles to a religious center where we set up our tent on the ball diamond along with many other hikers. It was a good site with a cold shower, faucet water, pota-potty and level ground.
Date: 2013-07-30
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

We left camp at 7:30 after a good nights sleep. We targeted a campsite 18 miles away. We really rolled in the morning covering 11 miles by lunch. We had great trail magic provided by "Socks" a former thru hiker. She asked our names and when I told he mine she responded that she follows me on Trailjournals.com. Because of the trail magic we did not stop to eat our afternoon snack. Later in the afternoon Sticks fell again, face down & hard. That was a sign he needs to lead to be able to set the speed. After 20 more minutes of hiking Sticks fell again - we are both really tired. We reached the shelter... Called for a pizza...they delivered...we share it with a south bounder,Dog Whisperer. He is hiking with his dog, Nara. Off to sleep at 7:30.
Date: 2013-07-31
From: RPH Shelter

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

This is an easy day. We are only doing 9 miles with a deli stop in the middle. One can get used to this type of hiking... A NY deli at every road crossing, sweet! The trail has gotten much better now with fewer boulders, less pointed rocks and more switchbacks. We reached camp at 2:30 and are going to rest and get another early night.
Date: 2013-08-01
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wingdale
Miles today: 15.0

We had breakfast with Crank, a young hiker from Farmington, Mi. He just graduated from U of M , good kid. We hiked until 1:30 nearing Wingdale, NY we met Amy Pearl, a reporter for WNYC a public radio station. She was interviewing hikers about their use of technology on the trail. She interviewed us as the older generation on the trail and was surprised we had iPods, iPhone,and a mini. We got a taxi from the road to the PO for our box and then to the motel. We ate a a Jewish BBQ, really a Jewish BBQ...only in New York!
Date: 2013-08-02
From: Wingdale

To: Mt Algo
Miles today: 11.0

What's the deal? Connecticut is not supposed to be this difficult. Today was a hard 11 miles with 2 major ups that were really hard. We stopped at the top of Schaghticoke Mountain and I called Bob & Sally Harvey, friends of mine from Zurich, who live in Conn. Sally is going to pick up us tomorrow evening for a home cooked meal and a shower, nice. We reached camp at 4:30 and although we did not do many miles we are tired... We thought it was going to be easier in Conn and the first day did not live up to our expectations. We need to rest, then fix dinner and get some sleep.
Date: 2013-08-03
From: Mt Algo

To: Harvey House
Miles today: 11.0

We had a good day to hike. The weather was perfect with cool temperature and a lite breeze. The hike is still difficult but we made good time to our meeting point with Sally. Unfortunately there was no cell connection and Sally was not familiar with the area so making contact was not easy. But we did get picked up and taken "home". We had a great meal, some cold beer, a hot shower, clothes laundered and great conversation. They were the perfect stop for us...
Date: 2013-08-04
From: Harvey House

To: Belters Campsite
Miles today: 11.0

Bob & Sally fixed a great breakfast and then drove us back to the trail. I might add that it was over an hour drive to get us there. We did 10 climbs and descents over an 11 mile span. We did have one interesting incident. As we were hiking a long a ridge we could hear people talking down below. When we reached the road in the gap we decided to find out what was going on. We hiked to a collection of building just as a man exited one of the buildings. I asked him if there was anywhere we could get a coke. He looked startled at the question so I repeated "can we get a coke around here?". He took a step back and responded "oh, you mean a soda.... This is a drug rehabilitation center... So yes you can get a soda here". He was super nice giving us fresh fruit, oranges, pears and peaches. Great stop after a confusing start!
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Belters Campsite

To: Brassie Brook
Miles today: 16.0

Our worst day on the trail by far!!!! We only had a half mile to go before reaching US 7. We turned the wrong way on the road. We walked for a while complaining about the lack of white blazes, then we walked for awhile complaining about how narrow the road shoulder was, then we walked for a while complaining about how inconsiderate the local drivers were. We walked 7 miles complaining about everything. We finally flagged down a local who told us we were going the wrong way, UGH! She felt sorry for us and took us back to where we started. We hike for about 2 minutes before we took a wrong turn again! We walked in a circle for 20 min. and came right back to where we started. BAD MORNING!!!! We finally got ourselves organized and on track but we were very frustrated. We hiked until we reached a road crossing, called a local shuttle and got a lift to Kent, Conn. had lunch then hit the trail in the right direction. We hiked all afternoon and finally reached the campground physically & emotionally worn out. We are still on our proposed schedule even if we continue to do dumb things.
Date: 2013-08-06
From: Brassie Brook

To: Glen Brook
Miles today: 9.0

A great day to hike after a cold cold night. The temperature dipped into the low 40s and the tent does not have a heater. We were cold all night. But today was beautiful, perfect for hiking. We only did 9 miles today but they included 2 major climbs and descents. Our legs are strong but our knees and ankles feel the steep downs over boulders. It was good to get into camp by 4:30 but the water was down another steep hill. We put our tent on a platform, hiked down for water and called it an early night. It is not as cold as last night but still colder than we expected.
Date: 2013-08-07
From: Glen Brook

To: Great Barrington
Miles today: 9.0

We got up early and had an easy hike into Great Barrington, Mass. We hitched into town and got a room at the Days Inn. We had a busy afternoon, doing our laundry, getting our supplies, and picking up our box at the post office. We completed all our jobs then had a nice dinner and a couple of beers.
Date: 2013-08-10
From: Great Barrington

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 17.0

We took 2 zero days in town because of the weather. It rained literally all day yesterday and the the town was full of hikers waiting out the storms. This morning we woke up to blue sky's and cool temperatures. Sticks joined Blackhawk and Pathfinder at the local diner while I ate breakfast at the motel. We planned on slack packing the first 14 miles assisted by a former thru hiker M&M. We were glad we did, there were many difficult climbs over wet rocks and muddy terrain. It took us until 4pm to cover the mileage and meet up with everyone. M&M had cold drinks and snacks at the road waiting for us. She even offered to take us to dinner and give all of us a place to sleep. The others accepted but Sticks & I declined. We wanted to go another 3 miles to the campsite. We didn't get to camp until 6:30 but were fortunate to get a platform for our tent. The site was full with thru hikers and section hikers but everyone was tired except a group of section hiker from Indiana. A good group of guys, but noisy until late. It was difficult to get to sleep even though we had covered 17 miles.
Date: 2013-08-11
From: shaker campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 12.0

Today was a really good day to hike. The elevation changes were not too bad, the rocks were fewer and the trail is drying out. The only difficult part was the last 1.6 miles, they took forever! We had to hike around Upper Goose Pond, a beautiful lake high up in the mountains. It was privately owned at one time but the taxes got so high the owner had to sell it to the US government, go figure! The ATC runs a shelter there with 10 bunks, a volunteer caretaker and a free pancake breakfast to hikers. We took a platform, sat up the tent then went to the lake to enjoy the beauty, and to soak our feet in the cool water.... And tomorrow morning pancakes, mmmmmm good!
Date: 2013-08-12
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Lay Wood
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

A really big day for us so it was good to be fueled by pancake and syrup. We went the first 11 miles with only one incident. At about the 10 mile marker we hit a hornets nest. Sticks was leading, he got stung and stopped to swat away the hornets, that put me at their mercy, I got stung, then we took off running. We each got a number of stings... Ouch! We then stopped at the "cookie lady's" place. It is a pick your own blue berry farm. She sells soda (we are in the east now) ice cream, hard boiled eggs and gives you a couple of cookies with each purchase. We left there with 6 more miles to go. By the time we covered 3 miles are feet were hurting (2 days of 17 miles might be to many) so we slowed way down. We didn't reach camp until 6:30 so we quickly set up our tent, fixed dinner and lights out at 730.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Lay Wood

To: Cheshire
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and ready to go by 7am. We were focused! We wanted to have breakfast in Dalton just 4 miles away. We reached the restaurant by 10am and met Pathfinder and Blackhawk there. They needed to go to the post office to pick up a box and we decided to to head out to the trail. The weather was looking dark, clouds were gathering and the forecast was for storms. We debated but decided to go on. We were halfway up a huge climb when the storm broke. For the next 2 hours we were in a downpour walking up hill while the trail channeled water right at us. We used our ponchos to keep out clothes dry but by the time we reached town our feet, socks and boots were soaked. We stopped at the local ice cream parlor, took off our boots and tried to dry out. Ice cream helps that. While we were there we met Outback, a thru hiker, who wanted to go to an outfitters. We joined him and then went to our B&B, Harbor House. Just a little bit later Pathfinder & Blackhawk joined us. Eva was the perfect hostess and her house is beautiful. She gives hikers a cost break but certainly does not reduce her services. We ordered pizza delivered and went to bed before 8pm.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Cheshire

To: North Adams
Miles today: 14.0

The 5 of us were up,and ready to hit the trail after a super breakfast. Eva had offered to slack pack us over Mt Greylock, the tallest mountain in Mass. 3500ft. The day started out with partly sunny sky's and moderate temperature. Unfortunately as we climb the temperature dropped and the wind picked up. We had not prepared for that! We were in short sleeves and shorts and freezing. Because we were slacking we hustled up the mountain. By the time we reached the lodge at the top we were bone chilling cold. Hot soup and hot chocolate helped warm us up. We wanted to buy long sleeve tee shirts but they only had short sleeves, darn! Outback met us there and the 3 of us started back down. The further we descended the warmer it got and by the time we hit the bottom all was good. We hiked to our pick up point ahead of Pathfinder & Blackhawk so we decided to go to a nearby grocery. We picked up some supplies and waited for Eva to come get us. That evening Sticks and I went to a local restaurant while the others ordered in. A really good day.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: North Adams

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What a great day, we crossed over into Vermont. Or should I say Ver-muddy. After a quick 4 miles we crossed the state line only to be met by mud, mud and more mud. The AT joins the "long trail" at the state line and for the next 10 miles we were either stone hopping or wading boot deep in mud. No other way to go. We finally reached camp with wet feet, tired and hungry. 14 miles in 8 hours, a pretty good day. We fixed dinner and then went to bed.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a difficult day. We did not sleep well last night because it was so cold. Our sleeping bags are rated at 50 degrees and the night temperature dipped in to the 30s. We slept with most of our clothes on and our ponchos over our bags to trap the heat. The trail is getting better but still plenty of mud and stone hopping in creeks. But once in Vermont we entered the Green Mountain National Forrest. I should emphasis the word mountains...3 thousand foot climbs in between many downs ... And our campsite was up the last climb. Sticks has not been feeling well the last few days and this afternoon he felt really weak. We slowed way down and it took some time before we finally reached the shelter. By that time he was officially sick! We are not sure of the cause or the cure but our hike is in jeopardy. Our pace has slowed way down and Sticks has no energy, a slight fever and is feeling bad. I looked for a tent site but could not find a level place so we decided to sleep in the shelter. It will be colder there than in the tent but that is better than rolling off the mountain. The temperature is supposed to be cold again tonight so we are going to put our ponchos inside our sleeping bags to keep us warmer. A quick dinner and into our bags, good night.
Date: 2013-08-17
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Manchester Center/Rutland
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

When we woke up this morning Sticks was feeling worse. He still had a fever, his joints ached and he had no energy. Two weekend hikers offered to take us to a main road if we wanted a ride out of the mountains. We would have to hike 12 miles to reach a back road to their car if we were interested. It was not a difficult decision to make as Sticks was not getting any better. We decided to go off trail early and get into a town. We headed out going very slowly we were not sure how long it would take us to go the 12 miles. The trail was pretty good with minimal rocks and roots but we were still in the mountains so there were plenty of ups and downs. Along the way we met some trail maintainers one of whom offered to help us. She knew a short cut to the back road and then she would drive us to the parking lot of the weekenders. She hiked ahead of us to pack up her stuff at the next shelter and then wait for us. As we were hiking we met Davy Crockett coming south with no pack. He had met the ladies at the shelter, they told him about 2 older hikers one of whom is sick and he hiked back to help. He took Stick's backpack and we hiked up to the shelter. From there we took the shortcut with Davy still carrying the pack down to the road. We said good by to Davy and drove to the car park where we got out to wait for the weekenders. While there we saw Tiny Tim and Bootsie (thru hikers we met on the trail) with some of their friends. Some of them were doing a day hike while others were doing an overnight. Sarah, offered to take us to Rutland if we wanted to wait until she returned from the day hike. It was 4 in the afternoon and she would be gone until around 7. We debated between the offer to take us to Manchester Center from the weekenders and the offer from Sarah to take us to Rutland. We took Sarah up... Waited until she returned and then headed off trail... To Rutland and the train home.
Date: 2014-07-14
From: Manchester Center/Rutland

To: Getting Started
Miles today: 0.0

I am preparing for my hike. I have boxed and shipped my food...packed my backpack, and made my travel arrangements. I leave in a week and once again I am taking Amtrak from Toledo, Ohio, to Rutland, Vt. Unfortunately the train leaves at 3:48 am Monday morning so Becky and my daughter Beth will be driving me to the station in the middle of the night. I will be traveling all day on the 21st. and will arrive in Rutland, Vt at 10:00pm. The next day after a hearty breakfast it is off to the trail.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Manchester Center/Rutland

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well my preparation is not getting off to a good start. I bent over yesterday to pull a weed in the yard and my back seized up. So I am now on muscle relaxant medicine and taking everything very slowly. I have a full week to recover but this is extremely discouraging... A massage tomorrow will help and then rest until I start...