morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-23
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To:  Cooper Brook Falls Leanto
Miles today: 17.0

My hike plan called for a 9 mile day today, with three ups and a very long down, so I didn't think it would be feasible to make it to the next shelter - which would have made it a 17 mile day. If the hills are slow going, I just run out of daylight to make big miles.I was happily surprised, however, to have arrived at my planned destination by 2PM, and thus decided to go for the 8 more miles - in part because the trail was fairly level and was supposed to have a decent treadway. Not knowing for sure, however, I downed a couple of my magic pink pils, and poured on the coals.In the end, I averaged better than 2 mph, and was the first of the group to arrive at camp - once again keeping up with Mouth and company.My knee is complaining a bit, but at this point I am only 5 days, and 60 miles to Katahdin.Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-09-25
From: Whitehouse Landing

To: Rainbow Stream Leanto
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was COLD when we got up this morning - the forecast had called for freeze warnings, so I was happy to be in a warm bed in a warm cabin. But from here on out, it's back to the tent! Of course, that's only for THREE MORE NIGHTS!We started the day with a great breakfast, followed by a shuttle by boat back across the lake to the AT.The trail from here all the way to Katahdin is relatively flat, in terms of elevation change, but the treadway has remained tedious - rocks and roots and boggs, followed by more rocks and roots and more boggs, as we've come to expect from Maine. Still there are attractions, including lots of ponds and lakes - remnants of the glaciers of the last ice age, and one often hears the sounds of pontoon boats landing and taking off on these beautiful waterways otherwise inaccessible other than by foot. Or, in some cases, and in the winter time, by snowmobile. Like Wisconsin, snowmobiling is a major winter time activity, and attracts out-of-state tourists, to the extent that there are actually state maintained official snow mobile routes. In Virginia, we're lucky if we can get them to maintain the streets in the winter time!I reached camp after about 9 hours of hiking - not too bad of a pace for 16 miles, but it was 5PM, and since it gets dark by 6:30 up here now, I wasn't able to finish dinner before dark. Hopefully, when I resume my hike in about a week's time down in Massachusetts (60 miles south of here), I may have a bit more daylight, but even that will shorten continually through the month of October. Fortunately, having completed the three toughest states, the rest of my hike will go faster.Only three more days of hiking, and 30 more miles to Katahdin.Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-09-27
From: Rushing Brook Campground

To: Chimney Pound Campsite
Miles today: 3.3

It felt kind of strange today being over here on this side of the mountain, knowing that all of my friends are on the other side. While I am hiking up to Chimney Pond, they will be hiking into the Birches campground - the site set aside exclusively for northbound through hikers who are about to summit Katahdin. In a way, I wouldn't mind being there, but then again, their hike is not my hike. For most of them, though not all, they will finish their hike tomorrow, so they will be facing a lot of emotions that I will not - having another 500 miles to do, myself, before declaring victory!I hope to see at least some of them at the top tomorrow, and others in town tomorrow night, but either way I know that we will be staying in touch. These are some lifelong friends, and I for one intend to stay in touch.The hike up to Chimney Pond was uneventful, with some beautiful views of the summit. In some ways, this is the prettier side of Katahdin, one that through hikers don't normally get to see.It took me only a couple of hours to hike the 3.3 miles, and then find my assigned leanto.The wind here is pretty strong today, and despite the sunshine, it is really pretty cold. I have layered up, and I've set up my tent in the leanto to get out of the wind.Between my tent and sleeping bag, I'll be warm enough tonight, but I know it's going to be a whole lot more windy and colder above tree line when I summit tomorrow. The french-canadian lady - Maria - could not get a reservation for this campsite, so she will be coming up the 3.3 miles in the morning and then going on up to the summit. I told her I'd wait until 8 or so before I set out, so that I'd have some one to summit with, as I have no idea when people coming up the AT side may show up. I really need someone there to at least take my picture!I'm looking forward to it, and I think I'm going to be lucky with the weather for tomorrow. I gather the views from the top are stunning if you have a clear day. With the rain all day yesterday, only a few actually made it to the top - with most turning back - and those that got there had no views. But I'm just feelin' lucky. I know I've got my wife and family with me in spirit, and a lot of other folks cheering me on, so I know it's going to be a wonderful experience. I can't wait!No more days - and only 2.2 more miles.Stay tuned,LonghaulSent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-05
From: Kay Wood Leanto

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Another fabulous day on the trail. The grade was level, the treadway was mostly smooth, the weather was beautiful, and all of those factors combined alowed me to do an 18 mile day in just under 9 hours.To make it even better, I am not spending the evening alone, or even in a shelter or tent. My destination for tonight was the Upper Goose Pond Cabin. According to the guide book, the cabin is closed by the end of September (except for weekends) but you can camp on the covered front porch. When I arrived, however, I found that this weekend's caretaker had shown up early, so the cabin was open after all. I'm staying in the upstairs bunkroom, so I don't even have to fool The caretaker, Dan, was a '85 through hiker, so we had a lot in common. The first thing he did was to offer me a cold beer, which I gratefully accepted. I was also thrilled to have company, as contrasted with the sort of lonely feeling I had last night. We had an interesting conversation over dinner, after which Dan offered me the rest of his Hamburger Helper - with real ground beef in it! I, of course, could not turn THAT down!Not long after I arrived, five more guests showed up, a group of women section hikers who are known collectively as "Mommas on the Mountain". They are a lively and enthusiastic group, and the first thing they did was to offer me some hummus and pita bread. Later, they got a camp fire going in the fire pit behind the cabin, and offered me some marshmallows. Life is sweet.Still later, a hiker from Quebec arrived with his dog. The dog was beautiful, mostly husky but alledgedly with a bit of wolf as well. He didn't offer me any beer or food, but seemed like a decent guy just the same....My spirits are obviously higher than last night, which was kind of a tough first day back on the trail. My knees hurt, the miles were short, I was alone, etc. Today, with an 18 mile day, I'm up to 30 miles in total, and a 15 mile per day average, so I'm feeling like I'm making progress.In some ways, my entire through hike has been a series of section hikes, and this is simply the last of those sections - a distance of 516 miles. I'm hoping to do it in about 35 days, so this is now the end of day two. Thirty miles down and only 486 more to go.Stay tuned, LonghaulSent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-06
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Benedict Pond
Miles today: 17.1

Another fabulous day on the trail - day 3 of my final section. The weather was great once again, with clear skies and unseasonably warm temperatures. Rumor has it that that is going to change soon, with rain predicted, followed by much lower temperatures.I'm fine with lower temperatues but I am not looking forward to the rain. I've got a couple of mountains coming up where the guide books advises extreme caution on the exposed ledges if they are wet...I managed to do a 17 mile day today, which is very much a reflection of how good the trail has been. I know from the maps and elevation profiles that it won't stay that way, but it has been wonderful for my first few days back on the trail.The trees are definitely turning color, and many are rapidly loosing their leaves, littering the trail and, in some areas, almost obliterating it - but fortunately the trail is well marked with blazes. Lots of ponds still, and some wet areas, but nothing like the bogs of Maine.So basicaly, all is going well, and I am on track for finishing up the first week in November - God willin' and the creek don't rise....Stay tuned, LonghaulSent via PocketMailEmail Anywhere www.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-07
From: Benedict Pond

To: Hemlocks Leanto
Miles today: 18.4

Another fabulous day on the trail - day four of my final section.My goal for today was to go over 18 miles, but I wasn't sure it would be possible. It would depend on both how fast I could do the first 16 miles - after which I was facing a a pretty steep climb late in the day, and the weather - which was supposed to include rain that would have made the climb a good bit riskier.Fortunately, I was lucky on both counts. The trail was flat and level most of the way, which allowed me to average better than 2 mph, and the rain held off until I reached my destination.With a 12, an 18, a 17 and an 18, I am now up to a total of 66 miles, an average of more than 16 miles a day. Only 450 more miles to go!Tomorrow I expect to reach Salisbury, Connecticut where I will resupply, and have a chance to dry out as it is now pouring rain, and that is the forecast for the next 48 hours. I will also be completing Massachusetts - one of the five states remaining for my through hike. Progress!The only thing is, the rain is going to make for slow going over some rock climbs tomorrow, where I will need to be especially careful. Nothing new, but still, I'm a bit more partial to rocks that are dry. C'est la vie. Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-09
From: Salisbury, Connecticut

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Pops and I had breakfast at the local rescue squad, which was doing an annual fundraiser. I'm not sure they made much on us, so I gave them an extra $5, as did Pops. He then went back to Maria's, and I headed back to the trail. The weather was cool, overcast skies, but no rain.I got a bit of a late start, 9AM, but still did almost 16 miles by 4:30.The trail was mostly level - especially along the Housatonic River, including one of the only wheelchair accessible sections of the AT.The river itself was roaring over a hydro-electric dam, after 7 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. There was also some local flooding of the trail. At one spot, I managed to cross a small stream bed that was backed up by tiptoeing across on an old, moss covered log. I dubbed it the Longhaul Memorial bridge.When I got to the shelter, I found a group of 8 really nice kids from the Haverford College Outdoor Club. It was really nice to have company. With entertainment provided by their inexperience with two of their camp stoves...often a source of misadventures, as Ol' Private Longhaul can attest (see early Georgia trail entry regarding my new alcohol stove!)My hike is now a bit ahead of schedule, as I now expect to finish Connecticut in 3 days, and to be into New York by Tuesday. I have done 96 miles in my first six days, thanks to great trails, which is so much easier than the Vermont-Maine section I finished last week. All is good, except for the rain which has started up again. C'est la vie.Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-10
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Kent, Connecticut
Miles today: 17.0

This was a great day on the trail, but a very tough 17 miles - one of the longest days I've had in awhile.There were no big climbs, just a lot of puds (pointless ups and downs) that were surprisingly tough going, hard on my knees, and time consuming.I was looking forward to the 5 mile level trail along the river - noted as the longest river walk on the AT. Unfortunately, the 7 inches of rain locally has created flood conditions throughout the region, with the river over flowing its banks, including cutting off sections of the AT. They said the river was 2 to 4 feet above flood stage, which is consistent with the water marks on my pants.In fact, I had to do a 2 mile detour before getting to the river because of Ceasear Brook overflowing its banks.While I had hoped to keep my boots dry, it wasn't to be. Even the last creek I had to cross, just half a mile before my destination, had gone over its banks, so I again waded through water two feet deep. And, among the climbs between the river walk and Kent, there was even a 35 minute rock scramble just to further stress my knees, wear me out, and slow my speed.My original destination was a shelter just half a mile beyond a road crossing. As I approached it however, thouroughly worn out, my boots going squish, squish, squish, and looking up at another pretty steep hill between me and the shelter, I noted from my guide book that the town of Kent, Connecticut was only half a mile to the east. It even had motels and restaurants... Oh gosh, let me think-   another steep climb, followed by a night in my tent and more Rahman noodles for dinner (not to mention soaked boots and socks),or, a hot shower, a warm bed, good food someone else cooked and a chance to get some of my gear dried out.Not even close! I'm writing this from Room 3 at the Fife and Drum Inn, after a pizza and beer at the Italian restaurant. Oh, and TWO ice cream sundays for dessert.I'm still not out of the woods, weather wise. The Weather Channel is predicting rain for the next three days. But I'm still trucking, and I'm up to 113 miles in 7 days. I can deal with a little rain!At least by bailing out and going into town, I can start the next day with dry clothes - even if they don't stay dry very long! Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-11
From: Kent, Connecticut

To: Wingdale, New York 
Miles today: 11.5

I felt much better this morning, having spent the night out of the rain, eating lots of good food, and getting my gear (mostly) dry. I think one reason I've been feeling so tired at the end of the day is that my body can no longer live off "the fat of the land" so to speak. After loosing 50 pounds (or more, by now), I don't have a lot of spare body fat left. So, whenever I get into town, I try to load up on the calories. I've taken to referring to my favorite food - ice cream - as a non-prescription dietary supplement, with Ben and Jerry's being the preferred manufacturer.While I started out dry, it wasn't long before I was drenched once again. Fortunately, the trail was relatively kind, and the 11.5 miles went by reasonably fast. The best thing is that I finished up my second state - Connecticut - and am now working on New York. And, in just 8 days I have completed 124 miles, which also pleases me. In addition to being relatively flat, and very wet, the trail is well marked which is helpful and much appreciated. I arrived at the road crossing where I'd hoped to hitch into Wingdale and waited for a car ro come along. After more than 10 minutes of zero traffic, I called the motel to see if there was a local taxi. The owner said no, so I asked if he knew anyone who would like to come and collect me for an appropriate fee. He said he'd check, and I should call him back in 10 minutes.While I waited, I walked down to where Hoyt Road ran into Connecticut I-55, where there was at least more traffic. When I called back, however, he said he'd found someone, so before long I was once again getting a hot shower, a restaurant meal, and prepaing for a warm and dry evening with CNN.The rain is getting old, but the miles keep adding up, so life is good. Stay tuned, LonghaulSent via PocketMailEmail Anywhere www.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-12
From: Wingdale, New York 

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: moderate rain

As promised, my ride back to the trailhead showed up promptly at 6:30AM. We went to the post office first so I could drop a package off for my wife (completed maps/guide books and camera batteries needing to be recharged, she'll be so excited!)and then to a local diner for breakfast. I was hungry, so I ended up with five eggs, ham, bacon, toast, a bagle, coffee and orange juice.I got a bit of a late start - almost 8AM, and knew that my ability to complete almost 18 miles would depend essentially on just how easy (or difficult) the trail would be. It was great! To make a long story short, I did 17.8 miles in 8 hours, and arrived at the shelter by 4PM.It rained the entire day, and I was soaked to the bone, but I made it.I set up my tent in the shelter and, after getting chores done, got out of my wet clothes, donning my rain pants and my fleece jacket, as I was getting pretty cold by then. I hung my pants and socks up to dry (right!), climbed into my tent and into my sleeping bag and finally felt both warm and dry. Life is good. I am doing ok with the constant rain, but I have to admit it's getting old. I think I've proven whatever it is I need to prove, and now it's just a matter of putting up with it! But I'm happy to note that I have completed 142 miles in 9 days, so I'm gettin" it done.Stay tuned, LonghaulSent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-15
From: Bear Mountain Bridge 

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I like zeros. Especially when the day begins all overcast and threatening rain, and I don't have to be out hiking in it.I enjoyed the continental breakfast at the Holiday Inn, packed up, and Pops and I headed off to the Bear Mountain Inn.Along the way, we walked through the Bear Mountain Zoo, which means, technically, I did not have a zero miles day as the trail comes across the bridge and through the zoo, so I must have walked almost half a mile on their trail today!The most interesting exhibit was the bear cage, in part because it is the lowest elevation of the whole AT (just 120 feet above sea level) nd in part because it was the only chance I've had to get a photo of a black bear. I've seen at least a half dozen on the trail, but never managed to get a decent picture. (My one and only bear photo from the trail and the darn thing's in captivity, go figure! Can't fudge on this one either, those metal bars give it away every time.)It was kind of sad, however, with the momma and her two cubs behind bars. It reminded me a bit of the one photo I have of a bull moose - the one in the back of the pickup truck at the Abol Bridge camp store and moose check station - the first day of hunting season. I suppose the bears are better off than the poor moose, but still....I had lunch in the local park where there was an Octoberfest going on, and by then there were patches of blue in the sky and it was almost sunny.I had a bratwurst, a knockwurst, german potato salad, red cabbage, a beer, and - of course - some non-prescription dietary supplements for dessert.I returned to the Inn and have been watching college football games on tv while updating my journal. I am about done now, so will turn next to some overdue emails and then go to bed.It should be a gloriously dry and sunny day tomorrow, perfect for hiking. I'll be ready, too. These days off are not easy for someone as impatient to get home as I am. Life is good!Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-16
From: Bear Mountain Bridge

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Another excellent day on the trail - especially since my feet started out dry and stayed that way the whole day!Pops and I took advantage of the continental breakfast at the Bear MountainInn before heading out this morning. He is going to be doing big mile days for the next ten days, as he needs to then be off the trail for a week with his family. I, however, will be doing more reasonable miles, so I may not see him again. C'est la vie.The weather today was overcast skies, cool temperatures, and wind - 40 miles per hour from the west. But at least it didn't rain!The trail was a bit tougher than it has been, with three good climbs - starting with Bear Mountain - and a pretty rocky trail for much of the 14 miles to my destination. I am alone here tonight, not surprisingly, so I set my tent up in the shelter and gathered wood for a fire. I wasn't going to attempt a fire due to the high winds, but this shelter has a fire place built into it on both sides, so I got lucky.I'm now in my tent, and can hear the winds blowing through the trees. With all the rain, you can hear the occasional tree go down, as well as a lot of bushes. It's nice to be in a shelter!Tomorow will be another 14 mile day, followed by either a 12 to the last shelter in New York, or 17 miles to New Jersey Route I-94 and Vernon, the first city in New Jersey and that's where I will resupply.So, as of today I've done 190 miles in 13 days, with only 326 more to go. Won't be long now! Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-10-17
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Another very good day on the trail, but a long one due to a rocky trail that was hard on my knees.I passed a couple of section hikers today who told me they had spent the night with Pops at Wildcat shelter last night, so he was able to do a 28 mile day after all. How he did it, I don't know. There's no way I could have done that! They did say he got in after dark, and at least the last couple of miles into the shelter was decent for night hiking.The weather was overcast and chilly, with a very strong wind, so I did not anticipate having a campfire tonight. When I got to the shelter, however, I found that it was a stone structure that had fire places built in on both sides, so I gathered wood and had a nice fire after all. That was nice as I was, again, alone in the shelter. As I lie here in my tent inside the shelter, I can hear the wind blowing, and am very happy to be warm and cozy. I can also hear branches coming down, which makes it easy to gather firewood, but it's also nice to be protected by the shelter roof!Tomorrow will be a long day, but it's always a plus when it ends up in town. I broke 200 miles today, which also makes me happy. And Vernon, tomorrow's destination, is in New Jersey - so I will have finished with New York!I'm gettin' closer....Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com