morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Ft. Montgomery

To: Rt. 301 Clarence Fahnestock Campground
Miles today: 18.5

We left Ft. Montgomery on foot, no one gave us a ride the 2 miles to the trail. That means we really walked more than 18 miles today! We crossed over the Bear Mountain Bridge which is a high and beautiful bridge over the Hudson River. Three-quarters of the way across we were graced with the presence of a Peregrin Falcon flying directly overhead to land on the top cable to search for an unsuspecting pigeon.Anthony's Nose was our first climb right after the bridge crossing, a 600 ft climb in just over 1/4 mile. The rest of the day was a series of tiring ups and downs which soon became annoying. The only other wildlife of note was a painted turtle scurring across the trail.It began thundering around noon but the first raindrops had us scrambling for pack covers and putting cameras away at 3:15. Of course, afterwards, it did not rain. Finally, we arrived at the road to the Clarence Fahnestock State Part, tired of walking and swatting mosquitos. The date books mention .8 to 1 mile from the campground. We started walking, hoping that some kind soul would give us a ride as hitchhiking is illegal in NY. After a couple of tenths of mile, we saw a man in a van across the road. Pilgrim began a polite conversation, i.e. "How are you? Do you know how far the office is..." heading for allowing the man to volunteer to take us to the park office. Being the impatient type, I said " Do you think you could give us a ride? I'm really tired." He said sure--then asked us where our car was (twice)not truly comprehending the fact we walked from a great distance. He was great! He took us to the campground, then to the park office and back to the campground. By that time he was so curious we thought he would stay a while.The thunder finally brought a few drops just as supper was ready and after we took advantage of the hot showers, a welcome bonus after a hot and humid day.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Rt. 301 Clarence Fahnestock Campground

To: Morgan Sterwart Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

We left the park at 6 am. thankful there was no rain. Bird, Pilgrim and I planned a short 16 mile day. There were only a couple of hard hills today and the weather was cooler. We saw another turtle today. At noon we stopped off trail at Danny's Pizzaria and had huge fantastic calzones. Bird stopped at the next door deli and picked up a few more supplies and then a nice lady gave us a ride back to the trail which was reported to be .4 mile away and was definitely farther.We arrived at the shelter disappointed to find Retro had not stopped here for the night. The best we can tell is he is 9 miles ahead of us. Maybe tomorrow we will catch up. Two guys section hiking, Hungry Monk and Space Cadet, came in and are sharing the shelter. One is an accountant in CT and the other is a Medical IT guy in Madison, WI. Three other young folks looking for their spiritual calling have arrived. They have been on the trail 3 weeks and have covered 100 miles. (I cover 100 miles each week) They spent the past 2 days in a Buddist monastary. For them it is definitely the journey not the destination. Hopefully that will be all arriving tonight. Tomorrow we are shooting for another 20 miles.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Morgan Sterwart Shelter

To: Ten Mile Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Pilgrim, Bird and I pulled out at 5:40 this morning unsure as whether to go 16 or 20 miles today. We were also looking to catch up to Retro. The first part of the day had easy terrain. At one point, the guys stopped in the trail ahead and pulled out their cameras. (They walk faster than I.) Bird asked if I wanted a picture of a painted grouse. We stood there a bit talking and taking photos then advanced on the bird. Turns out to be a sick pigeon! It took us a while to get it to move to the side of the trail. We had passed a dead pigeon earlier and Bird suggests it may be West Nile virus affecting the birds.We also were fortunate to see a bald eagle at Nuclear Lake. I was unaware they are in this area. Pilgrim, always hungry, noted that the guide book said there was a deli near the trail and wanted a sandwich for lunch. Just before the road we passed the Appalachain Trail Train Station and took the obligitory photos. We passed 2 ladies on a bogwalk and Elvis, a 4000 miler. One lady was tickled to talk with me as she wanted to hike the trail and said she was worried she was too old at 67. She now wants to hike it more than ever. On the road we looked left and saw a hot dog stand and decided to go to right to the deli as Bird is a vegetarian. We started walking and talking about hoping to get a ride when a car pulled along side and there was Retro saying "get in". He had just returned from to the trail after a local named John Taylor bought him breakfast. John pulled over and asked us where we wanted to go. We said we were headed to the deli so he bypassed the deli and took us into Pawling NY to a diner. Pilgrim said something about getting his wallet out of his pack and John told us our money was "no good today". He said to order anything on the menu and he would pay. It turns out John has been reading Bird's blog and had been hoping to meet him crossing the road. We had a delightful breakfast and then John took us back to the trail and hiked a couple miles with us. Great Guy!!! Thanks, John.Ten Mile Hill was a trial as I still don't have my trail lungs, but, the shelter was great! Before arriving at the shelter we walked along Ten Mile river, a bubbling, gurgling clear stream through a nice open forest. The shelter itself faces a nice open, if overgrown, meadow. After dark we enjoyed watching the fireflies (lightning bugs to southern folk). Hellbender and Chips came in late and stayed over. It was good to catch up with Retro again.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Ten Mile Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 8.7

Pilgrim, Bird, Retro and I left camp at 5:45 this morning leaving Hellbender and Chips sleeping. We hiked a few good hills then into Kent for lunch. The church is allowing us to tent in the back yard which allows us to make it to the second shelter out of town when we leave tomorrow. In any event, we scouted out the post office and asked a lady where the best place for lunc was and she loaded us into her car and took us to a pizza place. That was truly a wonderful veggie pizza. Afterwards, we picked up our mail drop at the PO and then headed back toward the church. The ice cream place has some of the best carmel cookie dough ice cream and at a fair price. At the church we sorted our mail drops while waiting for Pilgrim's ride to show up. His month on the trail is over. He is headed home to deal with whatever happens and to prepare for his trip in August hiking the John Muir Trail in CA. We also needed to wait for the children to get out of school before we set up our tents. Retro is also leaving the trail for a few days to visit his family living in CT. He plans to meet up with us in a few days. Mama Lipton and Flatlander showed up to host Pilgrim in their home overnight and assist his picking up a car to travel home. They are in their late 60's and are active hikers, having hiked the AT and the JMT in the last few years. Super nice folks, extending an offer to call if we need them.Retro's brother showed up and stayed to chat for a while before whisking Retro to his family. Hellbender and Chips showed up and later that night Mt. Camerer showed up. Dinner was at the Shanghai Palace. Very reasonably priced and good food. In my opinion, Kent has been getting a bad rap. We were told by a caretaker to be sure to have "deep pockets" if we were to stay in Kent. Yes, the lodging is expensive if you stay at the local hotel, but, the pizza, ice cream, chinese food were very reasonable. The Kent Market is owned by Dawn and is the place to go for affordable breakfast and sandwiches. She says she is priced for the locals, not the visitors who pay $7 for a sandwich. I would highly recommend stopping for resupply or food.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Kent, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean to
Miles today: 17.0

We went to Kent Market for breakfast consisting, for me, of egg, toast, homefries and tea for less than $4.00. Dawn the owner is very nice. She is there at 5 am and will serve folks before the official 6 am opening time. We definitely will recommend her place to other hikers. We left Chips, Hellbender and Mt. Camerer sleeping.As it was just Bird and me we decided to go slower today just because. We had some ups and downs and on 5 mile section of flat river walking which made for a nice change of pace. Bird identified some bird calls for me and we got to se some scarlet tannergers and orioles.This afternoone we headed up a rock scramble to find a yound black buzzard perched not 5 feet from us on the trail. It just sat there and ignored us. Pine Swamp Brook Lean To is known for its buggy atmosphere. It is situated near a couple of beaver ponds. As it was cooler, we were spared the mosquitoes in any noticeable numbers. Tonight at the lean to is Tank, a Long Trail/AT Section Hiker. He is finishing his hike tomorrow at Kent. Mt. Cammerer stopped in for supper about 6 pm and left after 8:30 to hike another 12 miles. Amazing stamina. He and Bird hiked together early on in Georgia. Tomorrow we plan to hike 16 miles. That's all for now. My feet hurt.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean to

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

We were all early risers. Tank left before Bird and me and that was before 6. There was no unusual terrain today and only a few vistas. The mosquitos showed up in force with their friends the gnats making the hot hoke a bit more uncomfortable. Emerging from the woods, we found Ladybug and Natural High two hikers Bird had met and hiked with down south. Ladybug gave us a ride to the nearby restaurant where we dad an excellent late breakfast. We had scheduled a short day today and after 10 miles Bird mentioned how hot and miserable he was getting and that a shower was on his mind. Bird loves cold weather but prefers not to put up with hot humid temps. He said he was thinking of going in to Salisbury and renting a room with a lady mentioned in the guidebook. I suggested we call Mama Lipton and Flatlander as they lived in that area and had urged us to call if they could help us in any way when they picked up Pilgrim on Friday. We were unable to reach them on the phone but continued our walk in to Salisbury. While we were waiting for a return call, we stopped the ice cream place and got iced tea. Sitting outside, we struck up a conversation with a lady named Ann who lives half her week in NY and the other half in Salisbury. She is a clinical psychologist in NY but in CT she does "energy healing" on people and horses. As my feet were killing me, I jokingly asked if she could heal my feet. She said yes, so for the price of a bottle of tea, she worked on releasing the bad energy and inflamation in my feet. I don't really know if it helped or if the feet being raised helped, but they did feel better. A second call found Mama Lipton and Flatlander at home. Flatlander came and picked us up in time for Father's Day dinner with them and a family friend. After dinner came showers and conversation. Super folks. I hope to be as active and healthy at their age. It is time for bed--almost hiker midnight and we are set for a 5:30 breakfast.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Hemlocks Lean To
Miles today: 14.1

Mama Lipton and Flatlander dropped us off on the trail at 6 am after bagels and tea. This was a lovely hike, perhaps the loveliest day yet. We had a good but gentle climb up Bear Mountain (2316')to a stone observation tower built in 1886. Then crossed into Massachusetts--my last state to hike. Sages Ravine and Sawmill Brook were just gorgeous! Pine and hemlocks grow along the creek which is bubbly and so clear the bottom of the swimming areas look as if they it is one foot instead of 6 or more feet deep. We found oranges and apples and Gatorade in the creek, compliments of the trail runner in the area. The views were breathtaking, causing frequent stops. We met a woman fresh on the trail, a father/daughter out for a week and 3 seminary buddies out for a week. The seminarians, Bill, Mike and Seth, are tented about .2 mile away. They are really nice. So far, the other 3 people haven't shown up. I would think if they were stopping her tonight they would have arrived by now. Bird needs to go into Great Barrington tomorrow so I'll tag along. Retro is going to try and catch us on Wednesday when he returns to the trail. So far no rain. Hot and muggy yesterday but today is better. One day at a time.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Hemlocks Lean To

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

Buggy, buggy, buggy!!! It was a short day heading into Great Barrington. Most of the 8 miles went through the woods bordering a marsh so the gnats and mosquitos were almost enough to carry us away. Bug repellent and a head net were necessary today. There was the "mad" chipmunk that ran right down the trail between Bird's feet then used my foot as a launching pad as it raced away. Bird pointed out my first Bob-o-link. Today also brought my first header after tripping over a bog log. I managed to twist enough to only hit my arm on the support. Nice bruise.The hitch into town was easy and the motel is clean and accommodating. It is always nice to get a hiker discount. Today was a typical town day--a visit to the library, the grocery, the laundry and food. The On the way to the laundry, we noticed some shoes outside a room's door and said "Hikers!" Sure enough, there were Chips, Hellbender and Patrick. They are almost on the same schedule as us so we should see them over the next few days. Three of their group have been off the trail and are now racing to catch up, hence the short days for these three. The weather channel is calling for severe weather here tonight, perhaps with hail, and we are pleased to be inside. By the way, I finally had the banana split I promised myself last year on my hike.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Mt. Wilcox North Lean To
Miles today: 13.5

It was drizzling when the motel guy dropped us off at the trail. Bird and I dashed thru mosquito heaven to the first up. After an hour or so of tree rain it cooled down and made for glorious walking. We found a note from Retro saying he was back on the trail, the question is where will we find him? It was a lovely but cool lunch by Benedict Pond where we saw a solitary mallard, water iris, a snake, 2 section hikers and about 20 Israelis. The Israelis are in the U.S. for two and one/half months and are having some nature hikes. When we got the the shelter's blue blaze, we talked about that and the other mileages posted then Bird continued walking--the wrong way. After about .3 mile we noticed the error and backtracked. At the shelter we found Retro. I was then happy we didn't continue. As you know by now, Bird and I have been traveling together for over a week. He shared some observations about me. First, at a shelter known for porkupine activity, the other night Bird woke up hearing a repetative shuffling noise. He finally got out his headlamp to look for the offending porkupine and found that I was moving my feet in my sleep as if I were walking. I guess I don't walk enough during the day. Then, he tells me that last night he awoke to hear me singing! SINGING?? Wow! What in the world was I dreaming? Whatever--that is so funny. By the way, he did say I needn't give up my day job.Well, it is Retro and me in the shelter with Bird and 2 section hikers tenting. Bird is betting it gets down to 46 degrees tonight. We shall see. Longtall and Wingpants just stopped in for a snack at 7 pm and are then moving on. Longtall is doing research for her doctorate thesis from U of WI/Madison. Something to do with how the AT impacted communities and individuals along the trail since its inception. She admits it is a thinly disguised reason to hike the AT. They intend to settle in Virginia after the hike.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Mt. Wilcox North Lean To

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

It is Hike Naked Day!! No naked hikers in sight all day. We actually forgot about it until our hiking was finished today. We all agreed that naked hikers may be a sight we could do without. An amazing day. The beauty of the woods and the relatively easy walk had us at the famous Upper Goose Pond Cabin at noon. Wow! 14 miles before noon and without much effort.After settling in our bunks at the cabin, Retro and I volunteered to go to the spring for water. This would give us first dibs on the canoe. The spring is the only water source for the cabin and is located across the pond (at least 5 acre pond). After returning with the water, we went exploring in the canoe under the warm sun (it was 60 degrees in the shade). We noted three powered boats on the pond and then were amused to see that one was a Water Officer. It seemed odd for such a small lake. We discovered that there is a connector to Goose Pond, a larger body of water. We returned knowing that others wanted to use the canoe. Soon after climbing the hill to the cabin, it began to rain. We had returned just in time. The afternoon was spent enjoying the company of other hikers. There was a full house of more than 20. What a fun, relaxing afternoon. Just as a note. Upper Goose Pond and the waterfront acreage is owned by the AMC (Appalachain Mountain Club). There are two other cabins on the lake with provisional use by private individuals (previous owners). It is said that the provisional use time is almost completed. This is a beautiful, quiet pond and well worth the time and the .5 mile off the trail.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

WooHoo! Pancakes for breakfast at the Cabin. We feasted well! Bird, Retro, and I left at 7:10 for a high mileage day. It was cool and good hiking with miled ups and downs. At noon we detoured to the "Cookie Lady's" house just a few steps off the trail. The Cookie Lady allows hikers to refill water and sit at the picnic table for a rest. Sometimes, it is said, she even has cookies. That was not the case today. A cool front moved in while we lunched and soon after getting back on the trail it began to rain. With the temperature at 55 degrees, the rain made it feel colder. Silly me, couldn't decide to stay hot in my rain gear or get wet. Well, the rain jacket didn't go on until after I got cold then couldn't get warm. We hiked into Dalton after four hours in the rain.I had heard that if you go to a certain gas station there is a man who hosts hikers in his home. We did connect with Rob and were invited to stay in the Birdcage along with another section hiker. Rob has soda and beer for us and doesn't ask anything of us (even donation). It is good to be inside and out of the cold and damp. Only two more days of hiking and I'll be finished with the trail. Hard to believe.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mark Noepal Lean To
Miles today: 13.7

Bird, Retro, Java and I headed into breakfast while we waited for the Post Office to open. Breakfast was excellent and the folks were very nice and asked us to sign their hiker log. Last evening at the Birdcage was very nice with Rob giving me a private room. His black lab, Tinker, came in and slept by my bed to keep me company.We left Dalton around 9 am and headed up Greylock. It was an easy walk up the mountain. Retro was ahead of me and set a slow and steady pace that got us up and to the shelter just short of the summit. We passed thru Cheshire and on the way found Diane's Twist, an ice cream shop that caused us to pause and partake. I can say the black raspberry yogurt was quite refreshing. Ice cream seems to call to most hikers.Here in the shelter with Bird, Retro and me are two section hikers--Abby (who knits in her spare time on the trail) and Corey, who just came in. It is a quiet night and we are tired. This is my last night on the trail. Tomorrow finishes my 2174.6 mile journey. Leaving is bittersweet with fond memories of places, people, happenings and kind deeds. Those memories con never be erased and will be treasured. Bird is also leaving the trail in order to visit family for a while before he moves from Maryland to Colorado to pursue his doctoral studies. Retro will find more folks with whom to hike and plans to summit Katahdin on August 6.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: MA/VT line

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Bird and I boarded the same bus, he bound for Boston and me for Philly. We said our goodbyes shortly after when he changed busses. Now we are both on to the aventures life off the trail brings. This walk has been an experience and adventure not to be forgotton and has given me some wonderful friends. Some wonder why any person would want to hike the Appalachian Trail. There will be always the "because it is there" group. For me, it was several things. 2200 miles--who could walk that far? Could I? What would it be like to live a simple life with few responsibilities? Would the time spent walking allow time to think about life, health, happiness and who knows what else?I found that there is more good than bad on the trail. There were more people than expected hiking the trail. There was time to think, ponder, and wonder along the trail. There were times when I heard "Be still and know that I am God" along the trail. There were times of wonder, times of laughter, times of tears. Beautiful sights and sounds in nature were common but always appreciated. If anyone has doubts about people being good or bad, just walk the trail for a short time. I cannot think of a time where anyone was less than helpful or friendly and many times, people went out of their way, time-wise and with money, to assist me, all with a smile. (Even the Policeman in PA who stopped us wished us well and safe journey on the trail).Would I do it again? Last fall I would have said no. As this is written, I can only say I wouldn't turn down the opportunity. Is it hard? Yes. Is it worth the time and effort? For me, yes. I am glad to have walked the miles and now feel there is less that I cannot do. It is simply one step at a time.I leave you now to go - one step at a time - into my life outside the trail where new adventures await, new friends are waiting to be met and life is good.Thanks to all who have followed my journey and for all the good wishes and encouragement given by you. Farewell.
Date: 2005-09-05
To: Welcome to my Journal
Miles today: 0.0

I think I should¢¦No, I think I won¢t¢¦.Yes, I think I would like to¢¦No, it sounds like too much work¢¦Yes, I will! It has been a very difficult decision to make ¢ not whether or not to hike, but whether or not to keep a journal on Trail Journals. I am a private type person and keep wondering ¢Do I really want to write stuff about my hike that absolutely anyone can read?¢ Well, I still don¢t know about that, but I do know that I have found the many journals that I have read to be very helpful and informative, as well as interesting and fun, and so it only makes sense to see if I can do the same for someone else, especially for any other 50ish female thru-hike hopefuls, as that will be my perspective. It will also simplify keeping my family, relatives, and friends posted on my progress, although several from the next generation up do not even have computers¢¦maybe my DH (dear husband) will print and snail mail copies to those individuals, especially my mom! So-welcome to my AT trail journal!