morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Campsite by High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 18.9

Whew,,, it is humid! I sweat buckets out here and can't keep up with the fluids. It is unreal how much we sweat...I get almost light-headed towards the end of the day and hike in a fog. NJ showed her temper today and got steep enough to have our legs growing weary by the end of the day.. I wonder how long I will be able to do 20 mile days? I would like to keep them up until Vermont and then slow down a bit..but, who knows. The body is incredible though. At the end of the day I am wiped out but wake up ready to cruise again. My feet hurt pretty much all the time these days though. I went into Unionville this morning after a lovely walk thru farm fields and skating around butterfly filled ponds. They fly low and light ...skimming the water. The bullfrogs have rowdy conversations amongst themselves as I walk by.. I wonder what they talk about? That town is really beautiful. The houses old and weather beaten. The store sees everyone no doubt. The chicken sandwich was excellent too. We then had a chance to do some road walking which is a nice change of pace. The area is quiet and very very pretty. My favorite part of the day came when we hiked in the wetlands on a long walkway. Birds everywhere and I actually saw 7 turtles snoozing the sweltering afternoon away. I could have done the same thing. Got to the highway around 3 and had to stroll down to the fruitstand right? Well, these fruitstands are amazing! Homemade bake goods, fine smelling coffee and ice cream. After the hot afternoon it was gratifying to munch on strawberries in the shade. We got a ride into the church and I am now lying down chatting with you guys. The church is very roomy and cool. Some of the guys are watching movies or are on the computer. Pretty nice eh? .. Tomorrow it is on to NY for good. We have been weaving in and out of NY and NJ today but tomorrow we bid farewell to another state. I am here with Pieips, Spice, Morel, Da and Swifty.. Oh yeah and Uncle Ed.Glad to be here...------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Campsite by Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

I had my moment today. The one I had been waiting for on this hike. I knew I was getting close but had yet to experience it. It is that moment when you have finally absorbed this experience and it almost hurts. Somewhere not too far away is the end and a letting go. It seems about a 1000 miles into a hike I begin to realise that I LIVE out here. It took me longer this time around but none the less I now feel as if I grow right out of the soil.On the PCT the moment I began the slow, sad goodbye to the trail was at Cascade Locks at the campgrd. I was leaning against the bathroom, chattering to Rainman...when he gave me a meloncholy smile and spoke of goodbye I couldn't help but move closer to him and the warmth of his friendship...and I felt the impending loss. This evening I was sitting by the fire ring with Krazy Katy and Radio laughing about nothing. Things only we hikers would think were very funny and I had the poignant sense of time passing. Wait! stop! Let me get a mental snapshot of the moment.... Memories being built and friendships that will come and go but the smiles remain burned in my heart.Right behind all this tumbling emotion is Alaska and my life..waiting.... and my sadness dissipates to be replaced by anticipation. But oh.. how I will miss this. ------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Campsite by Wildcat Shelter

To: Campsite in Harriman
Miles today: 16.8

I am slowwwing down..at least these last couple of days. This state park is the 2nd biggest in the state(46,000 acres) and it is just too pretty to speed thru ya know..? I had another nice day..The weather has been superb, clear and cool. Almost fall like as weird as that sounds. This morning when I was scrambling up the rocks, munching on blueberries, I came upon Morel who told me to look beyond the hills. What did I see? NYC! Yep, that muscular, magnificent skyline. It was quite a sight.It is strange feeling to be out on the trail.. living this nomadic, challenging lifestyle and looking out at one of the most hectic, charasmatic cities in the world.Uncle Ed had told us about the restuarant down the road from 17 and we were hungry ...so, out came the trusty thumb and it didn't take too long and I was munching on a cheese burger. I haven't ben using my stove since the Shenendoahs, just eating cold every night. The town food tastes extra good. I may have to go back to cooking soon though. I need the energy. The place was cafeteria style and it had been around for decades. The owners were friendly and very savvy to what was going on around them. Uncle Ed came in and we chatted quite awhile about the hike and what we each get out of doing something like this. He is in his late 60s on his 2nd thru hike and very interesting. He definitely understands the beauty and difficulty of being out here. He decided to stay the night but we went back to the trail. We got a hitch from a happy drunk. Scary ! I didn't realise he was drinking till he started swerving around and hitting the brakes at unhealthy moments. Yikes ! Let me outta here!.....We caught Krazy Katy and Radio just before the Lemon Squeezer. I enjoyed the rock climb. In fact this whole park has been a delight. Lots of vistas and open forest. We went down to the lake for water and Wow..there were A LOT of people there! We watched the goings on for awhile. The music, crowds, honking, shouting chaos of 4th of July weekend. I was relieved to get back in the woods.Brad is coming July 19 for 5 days!!....------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-04
From: Campsite in Harriman

To: Montgomery
Miles today: 12.0

Happy 4th of July....This trail is shaking out her impressive shoulders and beginning to flex her beefy muscles. We had all better settle in and enjoy the 786 mile roller coaster ride. That is what we are in for. I had a great nights' sleep in a cushion of grass. We hiked the last 12 miles of the park. The climbs are getting steeper and taking more of our energy. Everyone is trying to come to terms that the hike has changed yet again. No more easy miles.One of the interesting things about this hike is that it winds its' way thru some very busy places and we hit a major one today. What a zoo ..literally! We clambered up Bear mnt only to be overwhelmed by all the people. Wow, I feel like a bat coming out of a cave, blinking at the crowds. Well, hello New York..there sure are a lot of you! We had a soda, sat in the shade and gawked at the tourists but we hadn't seen anything yet. We strolled down the mnt with the other folks...most of them stopping us to ask where the "top" is. I smelled the lake before I saw it. Barbeque...yum. There had to have been 2000 people down there talking several different languages and eating delicious looking ethnic food. I couldn't help but stare..They stared right back at us.. wondering what in the world we were doing there..scruffy looking people carrying backpacks. We stopped and had a sandwich again staring in amazement at all the activity. After the silence of the woods even the music seemed loud and overpowering. DA and I decided to head into town and enjoy the holiday too. Tomorrow we will walk thru the zoo and eventually back in to the woods. The last time I was at the zoo it broke my heart to see the animals. The cages were tiny and plain.It was painful to see the same animals that we had been seeing running strong and free looking back at us from behind bars. There was a coyote there that paced about a 12 foot cage. His expression would end up haunting me still. He had a look of defeated horror as he tracked and turned and tracked and turned. I hope it is better now..or I might have to plan a break out!------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-05
From: Montgomery

To: Montgomery
Miles today: 0.0

It was the Chinese food that did us in! I had it last night and I mean I am not a dillweed..(Brads' word). I had to have it again.. soooo, that is how I ended uphere another night... Enjoying the rest and drinking tons of fluids. I think there is a good movie on ..so gonna check it out.PS- Hi Jersey.. I miss you ....------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Campsite by Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Campsite on the ridge
Miles today: 14.0

We got a late start this morning and had to walk the extra mile back to the trail. They really should count that stuff! Speaking of miles I wanted to clear up something. When I say I am road walking it is because the trail follows a road instead of being in the woods. I am following the white blazes. I have been asked about that so thought I would explain. I don't really care what anyone does out here but, for me, I enjoy just following the blazes.We got to the zoo and I steeled myself for what I was going to see. This zoo provides a home for injured animals. Most of them unable to be set free again. It doesn't make it any easier to see them pacing their cages...mostly right at the door. They know the way out. They had 2 coyotes, a bobcat, a bear and other animals. It was cool to watch the black bear swim and play with a ball in his pool. He was a big boy. It was the coyotes once again who made me itch to spring them. Also the porkipine who paced right at the door. Reaching up and over to the other side of the entry only to do it again and again. It made me uncomfortable to witness such yearning to get out. The cages need to be bigger.Anyhow, we crossed the Hudson, which was fun and then entered the woods. We stayed in the forest for most of day. Not many views. I did stop at at Graymore for water but moved on after a break. I hear they had 14 hikers for dinner last night. Tomorrow we have a deli. 1 of about 7 along the trail in about 60 miles or so or something like that. Yum! 2 more days in NY then finally into Conn and New England....mighty sweet, yes indeed.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Montgomery

To: Campsite by Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning I woke up tired...having slept under a big rock..lol.. The first 12 miles dragged as I didn't have much energy. We got water out of the spigot at Dennytown road and then moved on. When I am tired I break the day down into little goals and the first goal was the RPH shelter. It turns out that they are having a work weekend starting tomorrow and will be feeding the hikers. We stayed and chatted with the caretaker. That rest gave me some energy and I found my pace. I got to NY 52 and took a right.. heading for the deli. Great store! I had a sub, brownie, banana and coffee as well as gatorade and a soda. They were very nice and the food was delicious. The NYers know how to make a sandwich. After I ate the next 4 miles went quick and I was hoping to go on. But, there was a section hiker from the Yukon of all places so we talked about our part of the world and just decided to stay. Rumor has it that there is a huge storm coming our way tomorrow bringing with it up to 4 inches of rain. Yikes! There is another store 10 miles from here to wait it out. Conn is only 18 miles away!! I am so excited...words don't begin to describe how it feels to have come this far. I am feeling good and some where.. not too far off..this trail is gonna become a steep, lung busting and leg burning slice of heaven. I am enjoying the journey...and the company.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Campsite by Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Pawlings
Miles today: 8.3

We woke up to a grey and windy day but no rain fell thru the night. Some folks were contemplating just staying in the shelter to wait out the storm but we decided to go and see how it went. It did start to rain but the hike around Nuclear Lake was gorgeous. We had the rock ringed lake to ourselves except for a family of Canadian geese who spent most of their time diving for breakfast. They paid us no heed and I watched entranced as they dove time and time again. What did they see under there I wonder?By the time we got to Telephone Pioneer Shelter it was coming down hard and getting cool. I hate to say this but I am thinking of asking Brad to bring down my cold weather gear. I don't want to head into the Whites without it..even though it will still be summer. By the time he gets here I hope to be in Vermont or close and will bounce it ahead until NH. Anyhow, without much arm twisting we decided to come in to this hiker BB..good rates and dry. Conn will have to wait until tomorrow. Only 9.5 miles until the border! I should be at the doorstep of Kent tomorrow evening. Very nice to be dry tonight... Only 12 more days till Brad comes! yippee.. yahoo..------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-09
From: Pawlings

To: Shagiticoke Campsite
Miles today: 17.8

I woke to a bruised looking sky but it had the promise of clearing in the late morning. Pawling was an interesting town with a Spanish influence. The BB was above a Latin grocer and there was also a Latino restuarant. Seeing the Spanish menu outside reminded me of Costa Rica. We were on the trail by 9 and hiked thru wet and overgrown fields the first 2 miles. When I crossed NY 22 I squinted at a trailer I saw parked at a pull out. What did it say? Hot dogs! Yep, right there on the trail..That was the beginning of a great food day if I do say so myself.. After the dogs we went back into the woods. The skies were clearing and I was enjoying the views of the surrounding country. Just as I was beginning to think NY would send us on our way without any trail magic I crossed a gravel road and spotted the 2 coolers.. yes, 2. Amazing. I felt like a queen as I dined on chips, salsa, a coke and a Hostess cupcake for dessert. Thank you so much Mac and Cheese! We then went on to the last shelter in the state , wiley....signed the register and began hiking the final mile in NY. My hike changed, just like that. I crossed that long 1400 mile hurdle into NE. I swear my heart fluttered and I wanted to sing out loud. In fact I did and DA called me "annoying!" How rude..lol It seemed as if the afternoon slowed down and I was walking with a clarity I hadn't had in awhile. I felt absolutely wonderful..taking in Conn while munching on blueberries. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday. We weren't the only ones with that idea. There were folks camping along the lazily-flowing 10 mile river while others were getting canoes together. After admiring the river for about a mile or so we walked out onto Bulls bridge road and ambled a half a mile (no, not included in the 17.8 either, daggone it!) and had turkey sandwiches. I told you guys it was a great food day! I did the 4 miles to this campsite on a full belly but felt good. I took my time and gazed down at the valleys and across into NY. Very very pretty. Tomorrow it is into Kent for deet at the outfitter. The bugs are hungry in Mass. Did I just say Massachusetts ?? ..be there in 2 days or so... ps- I was asked today "if I had a wrench"..huh? I have been asked some weird questions on the different trails I have hiked but that is sorta an odd one...lol.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-10
From: Shagiticoke Campsite

To: Ceaser Brook Campsite
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Don't worry! I am not gonna get into that again! I got up early hoping to get into Kent for coffee. Wow! what a Gucci town. Yikes, I wonder what they think about the hiker trash that rolls in just about every day. I saw a Lamborghini..man, what a tricked out rig. I wouldn't want to forget to mention the Ferraris, Beamers, Caddies either. Everyone was so CLEAN...lol. They were also very nice and seemed to enjoy having the trail so close. I had an excellent cup of joe and a good breakfast. We ended up not getting out of there till around noon and it got hot out. Between the climbs and the heat it was a long afternoon. I have pulled a couple of ticks off me lately.. yuck! I check myself every night. I heard of 1 hiker getting Lyme Disease but I would't be suprised if there were more. We saw Florida today but no other hikers. It looks like our buddies are just a day ahead now with Krazy Katy and Radio a day or so behind. I enjoy the solitude. The trail in this state has been relocated since I was here last, back in 94. The climbs are fairly steep. I think of it as training for the big 3...so probably a good thing. Only 25 miles left in Conn. Should be out early Tues. Yippee !!..Ps- Hi Frank and Joy..... Way to go, Sarah Frank and Joy------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-11
From: Ceaser Brook Campsite

To: U. S. 7
Miles today: 9.6

Everything has changed! lol... doesn't it always...After a hard 9 miles. I think Conn has a crush on her big sisters up ahead and wants to be just like them. Steep! We stopped at the Mountainside cafe for lunch. Wow, it was the best lunch on the trail so far. I had a hamburger, fries and gigantic brownie and I just about ate with my eyes closed in ecstacy.... While we were eating the owner casually comes up to the table and says he has had a cancellation on 1 of the cabins and would give it to us cheap. I almost choked on my burger!...Well, I could go back out into the inferno or I could kick back in the cabin.. hmm. And now you know the rest of the story. Mass will have to wait another day but the trail is about being spontanous right? Tomorrow it is on to the border, hopefully....but who knows.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-12
From: U. S. 7

To: Bearfall Campsite
Miles today: 18.9

I got caught in the rain! I was just getting my tent up when it came down and I wasn't quite quick enough. I am now inside getting organised. Yep, things are wet in here. Such is life on the trail.But I have good news too. I am in Mass!..Only 4 states to go. Conn went out like a lamb. The trail was great today. We still had the climbs but a steady dirt path..not much rock. We crossed into Mass at Sages ravine..a lovely spiraling creek, moving in and out of the rocks like the sun does with the clouds sometimes. It would have been nice to camp there but came to this site instead. There is a problem bear in the area so have used the bear box. I haven't seen one since Va. I have my tent on a slanted, rocky campsite. When I peer out the water is beginning to sit as Dennis kicks up a fuss above me. Today, when we got above 2000 feet, the trees were short and tuff...fiercely strong because of the northern weather they endure. It is fantastic to be here. I don't begin to have the words to put this all into prospective. I look back to March 21, when we started, and it seems like a life time has passed. Yes, I have thru hiked before but every 1 is a learning experience and big, big challenge. Guess what? I am getting dripped on! Better say goodbye to you guys and make sure everything is dry... sorta ....------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Bearfall Campsite

To: Great Barrington
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The gauntlet was thrown rudely at our feet today as we scrambled over slippery, steep rock ledge after rock ledge. Mass has challenged a bunch of weary, trail savvy hikers with 1500 miles beneath our feet. I am not sure who is winning. On the plus side the views were spectacular. The mnts growing muscular and the northern forests dense. I devoured blueberries while climbing, admiring the ponds and streams snaking thru the valleys below. I fell 5 times as my sneakers are not up to the task of wet angled rock. Everyone wore looks of intense concentration as we traversed precarious slabs of granite. I put my feet in slim nooks and crannies of the rock, twisting into a pretzel...stretching and probing for solid footing. I ran into my first true south bounders today. She said she hated Mass cuz of the lack of views! For us visually starved north bounders we thought we were getting great views! Lol, she has a long way to go.... When I finally got off the ridges the fun really began as the bugs feasted and I half ran, trying not to fall on slick roots. Man, they were awful! At this point asking your body to run is almost a joke. Your muscles scream in protest. That might have been the worst 3 miles on the trail so far.I was greeted by a bunch of weary, limping hikers in town. This hike is beginning to take more victims as our bodies break down. But what we have lost physically we more then make up for in a stubborn will. I saw Just Bob, his face full of strain. He had fallen and hurt his back. He was mumbling to himself. "I have come too far to get off now.." I sure hope he can continue. Dream Catcher is also here with a stress fracture in her foot. She is probably calling it quits. In the midst of all this Dennis has bunched up in these hills and making himself at home. We hike to the foreboding music of thunder and constant threat of rain. The creeks are moving fast and high and the bog bridges are worthy of a ballerina. I tiptoe across only to spin rather wildly when I lose my footing. Oh yes, this trail has truely begun as we head towards ever steeper country. If I listen real close I swear I can here the AT laughing, beckoning us.... PS- I saw Morel, Naked sun and Jersey fresh today..nice to see familiar faces. My buddy Jeresy Jones got off and went back to Alaska....I hope he is well up there.PPS- trying to time getting to Vermont with Brads visit..so slowing down a bit. Only 7 days to go!------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Great Barrington

To: North Wilcox Campsite
Miles today: 13.5

The mosquitoes are the worst they have been by far. They remind me of Alaska. There is a lot of standing water in this state and that breeds the relentless little creatures. I can hardly think straight the buzzing is so loud outside. A few have found their way inside and I kill them with relish! I swear I can hear their knife edged little wings (fists?) beating against the tent, chanting "lets break down the tent and eat her!"We got a ride out of town with the same woman who brought us in. She happened to be driving by just as we were making our way back to the trail. Thanks...As soon as I stepped onto the trail the bugs began to torment..even with the deet. It made the hike a long, frustrating walk. In Vermont they aren't as bad as we will be higher. I can't wait to be out of Mass....a 90 mile bug fest, especially if we are kept low and not on those high beautiful ridges.I don't need to be in Bennington, Vermont, until Tuesday. We do have some good stuff coming though. I will climb Graylock, the highest peak in the state and that will be very pretty. I am NOT looking forward to breaking camp in the morning though. I am going to get eaten alive.I need to have a Zen moment....I love mosquitos. I love mosquitos.....------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com