morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec
Miles today: 17.8

Left DWG about 7:45. Another nice day. Cool sleeping last night. Had condensation in tent. Trail still a little rocky but many good views. Stopped at Mahican Outdoor Center for lunch and water. Camping at an old UMCA camp on a lake. The Park service acquired the land for the NRA. There are a lot of buildings but are not accessible to hikers. There are 2 run down shelters that we can use. Trashman I were first to arrive so we got choice of bunks. Also staying here are Rainbow Monkey, Barley, Strider, Crusher, BooBoo, Cowgirl, RokNRoll, Pistol and hot foot.Saw a bear along the trail this afternoon. The blueberries have been ripening the last week and are probably at peak right now. Also have found scattered ripe black raspberries and blackberries.
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start this morning and hit the trail. The weather was cool starting out. The trail was less rocky but more ups and downs then the last couple of days. Got to Culvers Gap around 10:30 and stopped at Gyps Tavern to watch the World Cup match. The waitress asked us to move to the back room after we placed our order because we smelled. We were ready to walk out after that. Not all the people we have met in NJ are that rude. I did have a nice talk with a woman who lives near the trail. Her husband gave Barley a ride to the PO since hitching is illegal in NJ. Saw a bear at Sunrise Mt. Camping out because the mosquitoes are terrible. Also staying here are Trashman, Barley, the Ridge Runner and his 2 daughters and 3 people out for the weekend. The trail down to the shelter is very steep and a rock slab at the beginning. Supposedly this is a good stop to view fireworks.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Pochuck Mt Shelter
Miles today: 18.2

Slept good last night in the tent. The weather was cool. Got an early start and made it to High Pt Park HQ around 7. Had an easy hike to Unionville, NY and arrived around 11. Had some ice cream and iced tea at the general store sitting in a rocking chair on the porch. Then went to the park an took a nap and washed out my socks. It got hot today, in the 90s, and is suppose to stay like that for the next few days. In fact, we heard tomorrow is suppose to be record heat in the high 90s. We stayed at the park until 5 and then hiked the 5.5 miles to the shelter.   There is no water at the shelter so I carried 4 liters up the mountain for about .5 mile. We are going to try and get an extra early start tomorrow and are prepared to take it easy in the heat of the day. don't know how far we will go.
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Pochuck Mt Shelter

To: Bellvale NY
Miles today: 20.0

It was very hot today. got an early start and hiked Vernon, NJ crossing to take a break and get water and ice cream. Water is scarce on the trail and I carried about 3 liters starting out. had a couple big climbs, one up Pochuck Mt and the other over Waweyanda Mt. Crossed the Pochuck quagmire over the board walk that I helped build and also crossed other big bridges. Stopped at the Waweyanda Shelter and took a long break during the middle of the afternoon. Was able to get water at the nearby park maintenance building. Soon after crossed many open rocky areas with views of Greenwood Lake. It was hot on the rocks so we did not spend much time. Crossed into NY near the end of the day. Got to NY17A around 8 PM and walked .1 mile to the Bellvale creamery for homemade ice cream. Camping near the road behind an abandoned house.
Date: 2010-07-06
From: Bellvale NY

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

The day started out hot and it only got hotter. the trail was mostly up and down and over exposed rock ledges with bouldery climbs. The temperature was over 100 degrees and it was probably 120 degrees on those rocks. The trail was beautiful but it was too hot to enjoy. Water was very scarce. All the springs and streams were dry. The shelters in NY have no water in many cases, If not for trail angels leaving jugs of water at some of the road crossings we would have been in big trouble. We were about 5 miles from the shelter around 3 PM and almost out of water. I was miserable and was hoping we would find water at the next road crossing. Water was there in about 10 one gallon jugs thanks to Captain V. A little later upon entering into Harriman State Park someone yelled to us from a parking lot. Tentman who works at Campmor was doing trail magic. He gave me a coke, candy, brownies, a pair of Darn Tuff socks, and some drink powder. Thanks Captain v and Tentman.Got to the shelter around 7. We thought we could get water down at Lake Tiorati on a .5 mile side trail. We hiked down but did not find the spigot. Luckily a group of campers gave use some water. Also met Juggles at the shelter who lives nearby and he gave us some fruit.
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Ft Montgomery NY
Miles today: 14.2

Hot again today. Out early to try and beat the heat but it probably was already in the 80s at 6 AM. Hiked .3 mile one way to get water at the Lake Tiorati Circle. Carried 4 liters. Again no water on the trail and no jugs by the road. Got to the top of Bear Mt around noon. We had several climbs and crossed exposed rock ridges like the last couple of days. It only made it to 97 degrees today and there was a slight breeze at times, but we were still miserable. Trashman and I decided we needed to get out of the heat and would get a hotel in Ft Montgomery. The only place we could get a room is at the Holiday Inn Express at a hiker rate of $110. Had to walk about 2 miles off the trail to go to the PO and the hotel. It was hot walk. Hopefully the weather will break tomorrow.Tentman, Campmor, Otter and all the others who left water, you saved my day.
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Ft Montgomery NY

To: Graymoor Spiritual life Center
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was partly cloudy about 87 degrees and humid. It is slightly more bearable. Left the hotel around 11:30 and took our time to arrive here around 5:00. When we arrived only section hiker named Sallie was here. later Mike, a south bound section hiker arrived. About 7:30 several thru hikers arrived including Strider, Crusher, Conan and Backwards, Skipper, Coon Cat and Ichabod. My pack weighed 37 pounds leaving the hotel. My food weighted 13 pounds and my water weighted 7 pounds.
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Graymoor Spiritual life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Today was started out a little cooler but still humid. It was cloudy in the morning and had a shower around noon. After that it seems like the humidity dropped a little. The trail was fairly easy with no big climbs. Got to the shelter around 4:30. the trail club is here this weekend working on the trail. They fed us pork chops and chicken and salad. Thru hikers staying here tonight are Trashman, Conan, Backwards, Coon Cat, Ichabod and Crusher and Blood Hound. Also a SOBO named Freeman. The shelter is an old house made of concrete block that has been converted to a shelter. I am tenting.
Date: 2010-07-10
From: RPH Shelter

To: NY22
Miles today: 19.9

Hiked 5 miles to road then went to the deli for breakfast. While we eating outside it started to rain. It stormed for about 1 hour and light rain continued into the afternoon. We sat out the hard rain at the deli so we stayed relatively dry. It felt good to walk in cooler temperatures even though my feet were wet. Got to the Telephone Pioneers Shelter at 4:15 and realized that the garden center where we wanted to camp closed at 5:00. I practically ran 3 miles and was able to talk with the owner of Native Landscapes and Garden Center about camping. Later Trashman, Coon Cat, Crusher and Ichabod showed up. The only problem camping here is the highway is close on one side and the railroad on the other. The NY metro commuter train comes by every couple hours.
Date: 2010-07-11
From: NY22

To: Mt Algo Leanto
Miles today: 18.0

Left New York today an entered Connecticut. Ate breakfast at the deli down the road from the garden center. The trail was scenic in the morning going through the Pawling Reserve and then along some streams and through hemlock forests. Stopped for lunch at a deli near Bull Bridge, a covered bridge. After that the trail got tough with many ups and downs and rocky tread-ways. Got to the shelter around 6PM and decided to stay here for the night instead of going another mile into town to camp at the church. Also at the shelter are Trashman, Seeker and Pony.
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Mt Algo Leanto

To: Stewart Hollow Brook
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Left lean-to and hiked into Kent early this morning. Ate breakfast then did laundry and went to PO. Picked up 2 boxes including my Asolo boots. Sent the other boots back to Vasque. Went to library but could only use the computer for 30 minutes and had to wait to use it. We stayed in Kent until about 5 PM waiting for it to cool down as it was hot and humid today. Got to the lean-to about dark. Also staying here are Pony, Trashman, and Amy a section hiker.
Date: 2010-07-13
From: Stewart Hollow Brook

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started out hot and humid. I had a hard time getting going. It seemed like I had no energy. That was probably due to the fact that I didn't eat dinner last night. The trail in CT is tougher than I remember with a lot of ups and downs and some rocky climbs and descents. The climb down from St John's Ledges yesterday was tough. There is more water along the trail but some sources are still dry so you can not always count on finding water. Have a good cold spring at this campsite. Also staying here are Trashman, Achilles the Red, Amy and Benjammin. It started raining shortly before I arrived but was able to get the tent up before it got too wet. It rained for about 2 hours and now the temperature is cooler. Still some thunder in the distance. Today I passed the TWO-THIRDS MARK! Have 700 miles to Katahdin.
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Brassie Brook LT
Miles today: 15.8

For about the past 10 days hiking has been a grind. I don't know if it is due to the heat, the accumulated aches and pains and/or poor nutrition. We started out today with the intention of eating breakfast at a diner about 1 mile down the trail from the shelter. We got to the road we discovered they were working on a bridge across the river and the trail was detoured. Trashman suggested we stay on the trail and not take the detour so we could go to the diner. We crossed the bridge and discovered the diner was out of business. We continued hiking to Falls Village and talked with a woman who told us about a cafe. We hiked .5 mile off the trail to the cafe to find it was only open Thursday thru Saturday. In the mean time it has started raining. At this point I am feeling kind of low. We ran into Dan, the ridge runner who told us that they have good grinders in Salisbury. So we decided to eat lunch in Salisbury. I had a great grinder and was interviewed by the local paper as I was sitting outside the store. People kept stopping and talking and asking questions as we sat there. There were as many as seven thru hikers there at times. After lunch my spirit were lifted and we had a good hike. The trail after Salisbury had a good climb up Lions Head but had good views. After the climb it was good hiking with pretty trail. Camping out because of bugs as I have done for the past several nights. Also camping here are Trashman, Amy, and Ben, a section hiker. Today is my last day in CT. Only 2.1 miles to MA. Ten states done, FOUR TO GO!
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Brassie Brook LT

To: US7 (Sheffield MA)
Miles today: 16.8

Today I had a couple of big climbs up Bear Mt and Race Mt. Also went thru Sages Ravine a very pretty section. Then climbed Mt Everett. Stopped at the Hemlocks Lt for lunch and met Bob and Mark, who live nearby and who helped build the shelter. They invited me, Trashman and Marty McFly to stay at either of their houses if we wanted. We told Mark that we would like to spend tonight there. Bob picked us up at the Corn Crib where we originally planned to camp. But the Corn Crib is now closed. Mark lives in Stockbridge, a very nice town. He cooked us wings, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. We brought fruit and beer. It was great to shower, do laundry, and sleep in a bed. Mark and Karen were great hosts and really made us feel welcome. Mark is a merchant seaman. I am truly amazed at the kindness of strangers to thru hikers.
Date: 2010-07-16
From: US7 (Sheffield MA)

To: Mt Wilcox South
Miles today: 11.7

Got a late start today. Mark dropped us off about 10. We stopped at Benedict Pond to go swimming, get water, and eat dinner. By the time we were ready to leave it started to thunder and before long rain. It rained for a couple hours. We planned on going to Mt Wilcox North LT but decided to stay here because of the rain. The bugs are terrible so I probably will tent.
Date: 2010-07-17
From: Mt Wilcox South

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was pleasant day hiking even though it was a little hot and humid. The trail was mostly through conifers and fern forest. Made it to Upper Goose Pond Cabin around 2:00. Went swimming. The AMC maintain the cabin and there is a caretaker. Also staying here are Trashman, Marty McFly, Cheese, and several other people out for the weekend. Found some great blueberries at an abandoned farm, they were big, juicy and plentiful.
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Lt
Miles today: 17.6

Had thunderstorms and lightning last night with rain for several hours. It was nice to be in the cabin and not have to worry about the weather. Right before dark Shepherd, a thru hiker from 2001 and caretaker of the cabin, brought 3 gallons of ice cream and we could not finish it all.   For breakfast, Grampy, the caretaker made us blueberry pancakes. The weather was great today and I felt like I had more energy. Stopped on the top of Warner Mt and picked blueberries. The blueberries were plentiful but not as big as yesterday. Tenting out at the shelter. Also staying here are Cheese, Jon (who I met the other day) and 2 section hikers, Spinner and Jeremy.
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Kay Wood Lt

To: Dalton MA
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked an easy 3 miles to Dalton. Ate breakfast then checked in to the Shamrock Village Inn. Did my laundry and showered. Had a rain shower mid morning and another around dinner time. Ate a gigantic Reuben at Jacob's for lunch. My goal today is to chill, eat and eat some more. Will stop in Cheshire tomorrow for lunch and to pick up my mail drop. Should be in Vermont on Wednesday. Dalton is a nice town but no grocery to resupply and the general store has very limited selection.
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Dalton MA

To: Mark Noepel Lt
Miles today: 13.7

Had a relaxing time in Dalton but it felt good to be back on the trail. Hiked the 8.7 miles to Cheshire in less than 3 hrs. The climb was not bad. The weather was great today. It was partly cloudy and in the low 80s but the humidity had dropped. It is cool tonight so it should be good sleeping. Have been sleeping in my tent the past couple of weeks because of the bugs.The shelters in MA have been nice. Most of them have a loft and four bunks. Too bad I have not slept in them. Staying here tonight are Trashman and Cheese. Also four south-bounders, three from Granville, OH. Preacher, Yogi, Skittles. Met a south-bounder in Cheshire named Easy.
Date: 2010-07-21
From: Mark Noegel Lt

To: Seth Warner Lt
Miles today: 16.5

Slept good last night with the cooler weather. It warmed up again today and we had afternoon thunderstorms. Had good views from Mt Greylock this morning. stopped at the grocery in N Adams for lunch. Just after we got back on the trail it started thundering. Soon we had some nasty lightning, hail and heavy rain. today marked several highlights -- entered Vermont, have less than 600 miles to Mt Katahdin, and I started my 16th week on the trail. Camping out near the shelter. Also staying here are Fireball, Pony, Trashman, Cheese and four people who are on day one of their hike of the entire Long Trail.
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Seth Warner Lt

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

My first night in VT was marked by a severe thunderstorm. It rained hard for a couple of hours with thunder and lightning. It was cool and misty in the morning. Walked by several beaver ponds this morning. My recollection of Vermont has not changed. The trail goes through a lot of muck. At first I tried to avoid the muck but after a while there is so much that I just slogged through it. It was good hiking weather today. The sun came out around lunch time so I was able to dry my tent. It is cool tonight. Hope my sleeping bag is warm enough. Sleeping in the shelter tonight with Trashman and 2 southbounders.
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up to a cool cloudy morning. Imagine it got down to around 50 degrees last night as I was cold in my sleeping bag. Climbed the Glastenbury fire-tower and had some good views. After leaving Kid Gore Shelter it started to rain. It started raining hard climbing Stratton Mt. Got to the Stratton Pond Shelter around 3. Soon after it started raining harder. When I arrived there were three SOBO already at the LT. Soon after about 8 section hikers came in. Everybody was wet and cold. The shelter is nice and big and has a big porch. It looks like a cool wet night.
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was still misty this morning when I left camp. Got to the road by 10 and was able to get a ride to the PO right away. Picked up packages, went to EMS, resupplied at the grocery and did laundry. Got a ride back to the trail with no problem by 5. Hiked to the shelter and decided to sleep here. It is a nice shelter. Last night we had 14 people in the shelter. Tonight we have four, including Swampa and Mickey who are trying to get to Maine. They started at Mt Greylock. Had the tips on my trekking poles replaced today. One broke off either today or yesterday and the other was bent by the rocks in PA. I also bought a new pair of hiking shoes at EMS. They had a $20 off sale so I thought it would be a good time to look for replacements. Spent about an hour getting fitted and ended up buying some Keen Voyagers. I took a nasty fall today about 1/2 mile from the road to Manchester Center. I was crossing a brook and slipped on a big rock. I almost kissed another and my knee took a slight scrape. no harm.
Date: 2010-07-25
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Four days in Vermont and it has rained everyday. Had hard rain overnight and then rain this afternoon. The trail was a mix of water, muck, rocks, and roots. Had a couple of climbs and some good views off Baker Peak. It was foggy this morning when I crossed the summit of Bromley. The bog bridges were very slippery and I almost did the splits on one near Peru Peak. One foot slipped back and the other slipped forward. I pulled the groin muscle on my left side. This is the one that has been bothering me since VA. It was slow going for a while but I think it should be OK tomorrow.
Date: 2010-07-26
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a beautiful day for hiking and the trail was as well. Walked thru lots of spruce forest and along streams as well as thru the pockets of muck. Had some good climbs up Bear Mt. Beacon Hill, and Killington. Killington is the second highest peak in VT. I am staying at the Cooper Lodge which is an old stone structure. It is enclosed but the windows have no glass and are facing west. Therefore the wind blows right in. It will be cold tonight. had a nice sunset. Met the relay team from the GMC. They are on day 10 of a 30 day relay of the Long trail to celebrate its 100th Anniversary. Also rain into a trail crew. There is another crew camped below the lodge. They are building steps nearby. Got to the shelter about 7:30 so not much time to do much. Today was the first day in Vermont without rain.
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Stony Brook shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: broken clouds

It was cool last night and cool this morning. I was a little cold in my bag even wearing two shirts, rain jacket and socks. It is warmer tonight. It was warmer this afternoon hiking than the past few days, but still pleasant. The trail was not as mucky today and just beautiful. Had a couple of views of Killington. Went to the Killington deli to get fuel and eat lunch. It is only .3 of a mile off the trail. Had a good climb up Quinby Mt. It feels good to be climbing mountains again.
Date: 2010-07-28
From: Stony Brook shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day weather wise. It was a little warmer and clouded up later in the day. Had a few drops of rain tonight. The trail was beautiful today. We are in the section that is known as the Vermonster because there are a lot of little steep climbs. We are crossing across mountain ridges instead of walking along the ridge. Stopped at the farmer market on VT12 and had pie and ice cream. YUM!
Date: 2010-07-29
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Last night it started pouring rain about 10. It was coming down so hard it was deafening as it hit the roof. Soon after 3 hikers came in. I slept poorly as these hikers dried out, ate and read. I kept waking up as rain hit the roof. Surprisingly the trail was not that muddy. Got to Hanover around 2. Stopped at the PO and picked up and mailed packages. Took the free bus to the Sunset Motor Inn where we are staying. I called EMS and will stop in tomorrow to try and swap out my pack. EMS is in West Lebanon and will have to take a bus. Hopefully everything goes smoothly.
Date: 2010-07-30
From: Hanover NH

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got a good nights sleep at the motel last night. Still I was up and moving by 5:30. Caught the bus to go to EMS and arrived before they opened. I swapped out my old Osprey Exos Pack for an Osprey Atmos 65 pack. They did not have an Exos 58 but I did not want to replace it with that since it may not hold up. Had a leisurely day in Hanover. Go the free slice of pizza that they give to hikers at Ramuntos pizza. Stopped at the food co-op on the way out of town and had a pint of Ben&Jerry's. Got to the shelter about 5:00. Had to walk about .5 mi from the shelter to get water. The shelter is in a nice location and Trashman and I are the only ones here. Met Itrod in town today as well as Tequila John. Have been following behind them for several days.
Date: 2010-07-31
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Firewardens Cabin
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a great day for hiking! The weather was cool and sunny. Last night it got down to 45 degrees. Glad I picked up my cold weather gear in Hanover. The trail ws very pretty and the miles just slipped by. We planned to stay at Trapper John Shelter, which would have been a 15 mile day, but we arrived there at 1:30 so we decided to climb Smarts Mt and stay at the Firewardens Cabin. I decided to tent because the cabin looks dirty and is mouse infested. It was a tough climb up Smarts Mt just a preview of what lies ahead. I climbed the fire tower and took pictures of the sunset. It doesn't get any better than this. Happy Birthday Mom! Love You.