morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: clear sky

Out of the shelter by 8:30 this morning. Felt like I was running late but daylight savings time kicked in last night so daylight will take a little bit longer for a few days. I walked with Dave and Patty in the morning and we made good time to Little Laurel Shelter for lunch. After we started hiking again, Patty was just too fast for me so they went on and I slowed down a little bit. After a couple of hours clouds started rolling in, the wind picked up, and I started hearing thunder. As the approaching storm moved in the faster hikers came by me in a mad race for the next shelter. When I got to Jerry Cabin Shelter it was full so I moved on. As I crossed the open area about 12 mile from the shelter it was hailing and raining, with a good amount of lightning thrown in for good measure. Since there were no rocks to crawl under I kept going. The rain slacked up and the hail quit as I went across the top of Big Butt and I decided to walk on to Flint Mountain Shelter. Before I got there, a little after 6, the rain started again and the shelter was also full of hikers. Well, I was already wet so I decided to walk a little further and find a good camping spot. After walking about a mile I came to a little clearing and put up my tent in the rain. It stopped raining for a little while and I was able to get most of my gear inside the tent without getting it wet. No hot food tonight, just cheese crackers and a candy bar for supper.   A long day with high mileage but I feel pretty good.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Campsite

To: Erwin
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained throughout the night but I stayed mostly dry. I discovered one little leak in my tent fly but not much harm done. I packed up my wet tent, wet food bag, and wet rain suit and started walking in my wet clothes. The day was cloudy but didn¢t look like too much rain would fall. By noon I had reached Hogback Ridge Shelter and decided to stay there to get everything dry. My problem was that there was a heavy fog and nothing was drying, just getting wetter. As I sat there resting the Twins, John and Jack, came up and we started talking about going to Erwin from Sam¢s Gap to get dry. I packed up all my wet stuff and we walked to the Gap, getting there about 1:30. With my expert hitching, we soon had a ride to town and checked into a room at the Best Southern Motel. The weather prediction for the rest of the week was horrible. Precipitation the whole time and snow on Thursday and Friday. At least I can get my gear dry.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Erwin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I made a decision last night that I had been pondering for a couple of weeks. I had decided to leave the trail in Damascus and return to it in New York State where I got off last year. I really want to finish the Trail this year and if I finish as a section hiker that will be just fine with me. I decided to leave now instead of walking another week in snow and rain just to get to Damascus. Physically and mentally I¢m in good shape and I will be back on the Trail in late June or early July in New York. Over the next two months I plan on meeting my new trail friends in Virginia and providing whatever trail magic I can. I will be picking up several of them to take them to Trail Days and am looking forward to seeing old friends there also.   I¢ll continue the journal in July so see you then.
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

On the trail again! Stayed at the Ramada Inn last night and said goodbye to my wife early this morning. I'll be hiking for a while with my good trail buddies, Sparky and Zapman. We got out of town about 9:00 and the weather was beautiful. The rainy weather has disappeared and the trail is drying out--it must be me and my sunny disposition. Although we only walked less than ten miles it seemed to take a long time and we didn't get here until 3:00. There's going to be a wedding here this evening by the lake and all the hikers are hoping to get invited to the reception about 200 feet from our bunkhouse. We've already seen the beer kegs. A pretty good start to this section hike.
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Culvers Gap
Miles today: 17.9

We left this morning at 6:00 in a swarm of mosquitos. I'm glad we left early because it got really hot as the day wore on. I wanted to stop for water at Ratlesnake spring so naturally when we got there there was a big old bear with the same idea. He was completely unimpressed with us and took his sweet time moving on. I survived the rest of the day and we made it to Culver's Gap about 3:00 and soon had a ride to the nearest motel. It's very quaint to say the least. I'm pretty tired and sore after a 17 mile day, maybe tomorrow will be better.
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Culvers Gap

To: N.J. 23
Miles today: 14.4

We left the "luxury" of the Forest Motel early and made it to the trail by 7:00. Today was hot and humid and rocky. The mosquitos did their part to add to the misery of the day's hike. We got to High Point State Park Headquarters about 3:00 and decided to call the High Point Country Inn and stay there for the night. After cleaning up we went down the road to a little bar and had a good time and great food. Not quite as tired tonight. No bear sightings today. Mike and Carla at the Inn remembered me from last year and are still the best of hosts.
Date: 2003-07-01
From: N.J. 23

To: County Rte 565
Miles today: 16.8

Another great stay with Carla and Mike. We were back on the trail by 8:00. Once again the day was hot and the mosquitos were relentless. We stopped twice today--at the "secret hostel" and the Walkil River. After the river we walked through a wildlife refuge that was mostly a swamp. When we went back into the woods we were walking above the swamp on wooden planks. The mosquitos swarmed all around us and I inhaled several in the next mile. I don't believe a hiker could make it out here right now without DEET. Super Dave, a section hiker from Florida who's been hiking with us for several days, went to Pochuck Shelter and we hiked to County Rte 565 and went to the Apple Valley Inn, a really nice, upscale Bed and Breakfast. A trip to the Deli right down the street provided supper. A man could get used to this kind of living--until the money ran out!
Date: 2003-07-02
From: County Rte 565

To: NJ 94
Miles today: 3.8

Our hostess Leigh cooked a delicious breakfast this morning and we were back on the trail by 8:00. It was a very short day as we were only going to the Episcopal Church Hostel in Vernon. When we got to the road we walked a little ways down to a Nursery and had ice cream and sodas. After hanging around there for about an hour we caught rides into town. By noon all my town chores were done and I took it easy for the rest of the day. Tomorrow we finish New Jersey and start on New York. We met a woman today who wants us to stay with her tomorrow night so we're considering her offer. A free bed and air conditioning sound pretty good.
Date: 2003-07-03
From: NJ 94

To: NY 17A
Miles today: 15.2

Our ride out of Vernon didn't show up this morning so we had a later start than we wanted and hit the trail at 8:00. The climb up Wawayanda Mtn was steep for New Jersey and the sweat was rolling off me when we finally got to the top. We took a side trip to a park headquarters and found a soda machine for the morning break. The mosquitos were just a little bit better today and the sky was cloudy until early afternoon so hiking was pretty good. We entered New York right after lunch and walked a rocky ledge most of the afternoon. At 4:00 we reached the highway and in no time at all had a ride into Warwick, NY. Warwick is a beautiful village and once again everyone is treating us great. Tomorrow I'll go past where I left the trail last year. Really looking forward to new scenery and experiences.
Date: 2003-07-04
From: NY 17A

To: Arden Valley Road
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

We arranged for a ride back to the trailhead before 7:00 to beat some of the heat but I was soon pouring sweat. Trying to get back into some kind of trail shape is hard and the extreme heat doesn't help. I drank over 200 oz of water today and still felt dehydrated most of the afternoon. We stopped for the day at Lake Tiorati Circle where about 2000 people were celebrating the 4th. The park folks let us stay in the group camping area and we were able to take a cold shower at the bath house. By dark the bugs were getting pretty lively. I guess the inside of a hot tent won't be so bad.
Date: 2003-07-05
From: Arden Valley Road

To: Bear Mountain, NY 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

As soon as I got out of the tent this morning the bugs attacked. We hurried and left the campground around 6:00. By 11:00 it was steamy hot again and the heat was getting to me. By the time I got to Bear Mountain Inn I was pretty much spent for the day. Patty, Dave and I caught a ride to Ft. Montgomery and got rooms at the Bear Bridge Motel. Due to the heat and my feeling so poorly we decided to take a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-07
To: Graymoor Spititual Life Center
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

We left our motel by 7:00, stopped at a convenience store and walked back to where we came off the trail Saturday. The trail ran through a zoo but it didn't open until 10:00 so we had to take an alternate route out of the park. We crossed the Hudson River on the Bear Mtn Bridge, pretty high up and a long way across. Soon we were back into the woods climbing up a ridge. Today was a short day so that we could enjoy the hospitality of the Monastery at Graymoor. We got there before Noon and spent a leisurely afternoon napping and talking with other hikers. At 5:30 we walked to the dining hall and met Father Fred who made sure we were served a wonderful meal. A thunderstorm came up while we were eating and most of us got wet getting back to the shelter. The shelter was going to be full so Dave, Patty, and I went up to the large picnic shelter and set up for the night. I'm sleeping on a picnic bench tonight--hope the mosquitos aren't too bad.
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Graymoor Spititual Life Center

To: NY301 Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 11.8

I got about 4 hours sleep last night waiting for the mosquitos to take me away but they weren't too bad. I doused my exposed parts in DEET so I'm sure that was the main reason they left me alone. We left the monastery at 6:00 to avoid today's heat and soon we were soaking wet from last night's rain still clinging to everything in the woods. The mosquitos and biting flies were particularly bad today but we just kept swatting and slapping along and gave as good as we got. We reached the State Park about 1:30 and put our tents up. The we went across the road to the lake and grazed at the concession stand until after 4:00. Hot food, hot shower and a hot tent but hopefuly the mosquitos won't be able to get to me tonight. It's supposed to turn cooler after tomorrow. Can't wait.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: NY301 Fahnestock State Park

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: moderate rain

I slept in today and didn't get up until 5:15. The mosquitos greeted me when I got out of the tent and with the heatI expected another day like all the others. But by 10:00 it was raining and the temperature was falling. We stopped at RPH shelter and decided to stop for the day. A light day but the rain was falling harder and the shelter was really nice with separate built in bunks. We even ordered pizza delivered to us. Another rough day on the AT!!
Date: 2003-07-10
From: RPH Shelter

To: NY 55
Miles today: 12.3

For the first time on this trip I had to snuggle way down in my sleeping bag last night. The cooler weather felt great. We got out by 6:15 and hiked to Hwy 52 and went down to a deli and had breakfast. By 12:30 we had reached Hwy 55 and walked down to the Elite Hotdog Stand. It turned out to be an old school bus converted into a food wagon but my two hotdogs were pretty good. A nice man gave us a ride to the Pine Grove Motel where we got rooms for the night. We walked about a mile for groceries and supper and called it quits for the day.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: NY55 Pine Grove Motel

To: Ten Mile River Lean To
Miles today: 17.3

We left the motel early, caught a ride soon after and hit the trail by 6:30. The hiking was good today as we went by Nuclear Lake (I didn't drink the water) and stopped in at a little hot dog stand at NY 22. The trail was in and out of the woods today and I really enjoyed the variety of the scenery as we walked across several farm fields. We reached Wiley Shelter for a long lunch and cold water from the contaminated well. It's time I found out if this water filter really works anyway. About 3:00 we crossed into Connecticut and Patty and Dave walked into a little village a mile off the trail to get some ice cream. I continued on and reached the shelter a little after 4:00. I went down to the bridge that crosses Ten Mile River and got in the water and rinsed off and soaked my feet. It was a beautiful spot and several day hikers and children were also in the water enjoying its coolness on a hot afternoon. Dave and Patty got to the shelter about 5:30 and it looks like we will be alone here tonight. Good day on the trail.
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Ten Mile River Lean To

To: Kent, Conn.
Miles today: 8.7

A good night for sleep last night as it was very cool and the mosquitos stayed away from the shelter. We got a lazy start and left a little before 7:00. At Bulls Bridge Road we went down to a little store for coffee. The road walk was very pretty and included a walk over the river, a dam, and a single lane covered bridge. At the store the lady working there offered to carry our bags to town for us so that we could slack pack our way there and we didn't refuse. A steep climb turned into a pleasant hike without the extra weight. We got to the road to Kent about Noon and shortly we were in town. What a yuppie town it is. The Church that was supposed to let hikers stay in their basement had stopped offering this service so we scrambled around and found a room we could share at the local inn. We went to the restaurant next door for supper and ate at the bar and had to move to the other end when we were told the seats we were in were reserved. Another first for me--reserved seating at a bar. I'm getting out of this place as soon as I can tomorrow. All in all, though, I'm enjoying Connecticut so far.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Kent, Conn.

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 17.3

We had a late start this morning with breakfast,a trip to the hardware store, and sorting thru mail drops. By 10:00 we were climbing the hills above Kent. The heat and humidity are back in force. After a steep descent down St. Johns Ledges we were treated to a mile long walk along the Housatonic River. Later in the day we were climbing again and by the time we reached the shelter I was dog tired. The water source for this shelter comes from a swamp and tastes a bit "earthy." The skeeters are making their presence known, but maybe with a little DEET perfume behind the ears I'll get some sleep tonight.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-To

To: Salisbury, Conn.
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Out and walking by 6:00 again to beat the heat. Today's walk was better than expected with another long river walk through lands owned by the local power company. After passing the hydroelectric plant we were soon climbing again. After a long climb we reached the top of Prospect Rock and stopped for lunch. Dave and Patty took off to get to town as soon as possible and I slowed down a bit and took a leisurely stroll into Salisbury, another quaint and pricey New England town. Will be staying here two nights for a planned rest.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: Salisbury, Conn

To: Hemlocks Lean-To
Miles today: 14.1

It was hard to leave my soft bed this morning but I managed to get started by 6:30. All of a sudden we're climbing real mountains again. We crossed over Connecticut's highest mountain, Bear Mountain, and then went through Sage's Ravine, following a beautiful stream. As we left the ravine we crossed into Massachusetts. We were welcomed into the state with two nice climbs up Race Mtn. and then Mt. Everett, the second highest peak in the state. We got to the shelter about 3:00 and decided to call it quits for the day. Not too tired and happy to have put another state behind me.
Date: 2003-07-18
From: Hemlocks Lean-To

To: East Mtn. Retreat Center
Miles today: 16.4

Not much sleep last night as some weekender came into the shelter at midnight and woke us up. We made plenty of noise at 5:00 this morning so we pretty much paid him back. We raced up the trail and made it to a place called the Corn Crib for sodas and ice cream. When we left it started raining which continued for the rest of the day. Not much to talk about since you don't see or do much in the rain but keep your head down and walk. We reached the retreat center about 4:00 and cleaned up and ordered pizza from town. A quiet night planned tonight as a policy of silence is enforced after 10:00.
Date: 2003-07-19
From: East Mtn. Retreat Center

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Back on the trail by 7:00 after a peaceful night at the retreat center. A lot of climbing today, but manageable. We stopped for lunch at Shaker campsite and decided to push for this cabin. The afternoon was beautiful and not too hot as the trail meandered through woods, fields, and boggy areas. I got to Upper Goose Pond about 5:00 and into the cabin by 5:30. The pond is a lovely small glacial lake. I went down to it after supper, rinsed off and soaked my feet for about 20 minutes. The caretaker here is Grampie, a former AT hiker who I first met 3 weeks ago at the Mohican Outdoor Center. He told us then not to miss this place and he was so right. It's as peaceful and serene here as any place I've been on the trail. Grampie is a great host and we all have enjoyed his company. A long day today and a long day tomorrow so it's off to bed. Hey Dianne, Massachusetts is treating me good!
Date: 2003-07-20
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, Mass.
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Grampie was up bright and early this morning to serve us pancakes and coffee and we were able to get going by 7:00. We decided to try to make it into Dalton, a long day for this old boy. The miles rolled by and the trail was kind to us and by noon we had made it to the home of the Cookie Lady, a woman who lets hikers take a break in her yard and sometimes makes cookies for them. She wasn't around today but we had a leisurely lunch at her front yard picnic table. Soon we were back in the woods and by 4:30 we had made it to the outskirts of Dalton. We got rooms at the Shamrock Inn, where I have collapsed for the night. My longest day on the trail in a long time and my feet are really barking at me. Hopefully a good night of rest will prepare me for tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Dalton, Mass.

To: Cheshire, Mass.
Miles today: 9.3

A bit of a late start today due to a much needed postal drop. It was a nice long walk out of town on a beautiful tree lined street. The trail treated me gently and by 12:30 we had made it to Cheshire. We had lunch at a small but very nice restaurant called T's and checked into the St. Mary's Assumption Church to spend the night. After getting our stuff in place we caught a bus to the Berkshire Mall to shop for new shoes. Naturally, I was the only one who couldn't find his size on sale. But it was still good to get re-treaded. We got back to the Church and had supper then took a walk down the stret to a little store for ice cream. The store looked like it was straight from the 50s and was run by a sweet elderly lady who seemed to enjoy our visit. Back to the Church to settle down for what is supposed to be a stormy night. Good to be in a dry spot.
Date: 2003-07-22
From: Cheshire, Mass.

To: North Adams, Mass
Miles today: 0.0

Thunderstorms roared through the area last night and this morning, causing a change in plans. We were going to take a zero day tomorrow but caught a bus from Cheshire to the motel in North Adams and took the day off today. Tomorrow we'll take the bus back to Cheshire and walk across Graylock and back into North Adams. Sounds like a good plan right now but we'll see tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-23
From: North Adams, Mass

To: Ma 2
Miles today: 14.0

We left on the bus at 6:20 in a light rain. By 7:30 we were back in Cheshire and on the trail. It was muggy most of the day but the rain ended soon after we started walking. We climbed steadily and reached the summit of Mt. Greylock by 11:00. Lunch was in Bascom Lodge. They make a pretty good cheeseburger. The walk down the mountain turned into a steep descent after 3 miles and I managed to fall down twice. Each time I fell I got covered in mud and wet leaves. Not too much got hurt except for my pride. By the time we came off the mountain to a quiet residential street I was covered in dirt and mud and sweat and as filthy as I've ever been on this hike. Back in my room at the motel I climbed into the shower with all my clothes on and finally got most of the grime off. It's good to be clean again.
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Ma 2

To: Vt 9
Miles today: 18.4

We left the motel at 6:00 and soon we were climbing in the rain. We got to the Ma.-Vt. border early in the hike and it sure felt good to have completed another State. For the next 105 miles the AT follows the same path as The Long Trail, the nation's first long distance trail. Sure hope it treats me well. Today the trail was extremely muddy from all the rain we've been having and our shoes were caked in the stuff. After a steep descent we made it to the highway and hitched into Bennington for the night. Last night in a bed for a few nights.
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Vt 9

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Today really started off badly and then improved dramatically. The lady at the motel took us back to the trail about 7:00 and right after she left I discovered I didn't have my camera bag. There was nothing to do but hitch back to town and look for it. I caught a ride pretty quick and found the bag and camera on the floor in my room. The lady at the motel was nice enough to take me back up again and I was hiking by 8:15. The trail was absolutely beautiful today and the weather was perfect for walking. The skeeters and deer flys even gave me a reprieve for most of the day. Vermont is so green. We walked through waist high ferns half the time it seems.   We're seeing moose tracks finally and we usually walk by three or four beaver ponds each day. I'm enjoying Vermont like no other state I've hiked through. Things can only get better from here on.
Date: 2003-07-26
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It was very cool this morning as we prepared to leave but within an hour the humidity was high and the sweat was pouring. The big climb today was Stratton Mtn and I made the top by 10:00. The caretaker there showed me the trail to the ski lift area so I took the extra time to have a look. The lift was in operation since it was Saturday so I got in one of the gondola cars and rode down to Stratton Village, a ski resort. It was very nice but I felt out of place and turned around and went back up the mountain. Back on top I bought a gatorade for $3.00--what a deal. I climbed about halfway up the firetower, took a few pictures, and then went down the mountain. I stopped at Stratton Pond Shelter for lunch. It's supposed to be the most heavily used shelter in Vermont but on this Saturday I was the only one there. Stratton Pond was big and beautiful but I didn't linger long there. I got to the shelter about 5:00 and washed up and had supper. About 7:00 in walked Jeremy,from Durham, who I met in the Smokies this Spring. He was a ridgerunner there and quit to begin a Southbound thru-hike. He couldn't believe we "old" people were still hiking. Into Manchester tomorrow.