morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: The Edgerlys near Stokes State Park, NJ
Miles today: 3.6

This is how trail magic happens: Back in 1980, my sister, Laurie, was hired at Weyerhaeuser Company near Seattle, Washington by Linda Edgerly. Many years and moves later, they are still friends and colleagues. Linda and her daughter, Anna, have visited us several times in Florida and when Laurie and I ran the New York Marathon we stayed with Linda in her Central Park West apartment. Linda grew up in northwestern New Jersey; the Edgerly homestead is near the Stokes State Forest, in Sandyston. Linda was looking forward to hosting Hobo and me there but she had to be in Geneva, Switzerland at a client meeting. So Linda's brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Judi Edgerly, kindly stepped in. Judi picked us up today around 10:00. She arrived with a cooler of goodies....a true trail angel! She brought us to Linda and Mark's childhood home. We felt so welcomed. I feel so comfortable here. Linda left all kinds of goodies for us and a wonderful note. We did laundry, showered and aired out our equipment. We had lunch and dinner at Judi and Mark's house. Judi's mom and dad and daughter, Corey, joined us for dinner. We had lots of laughs and lots to eat! They have a gorgeous garden and we had fresh vegetables, steak, shrimp...yum!!! I think I'm gaining weight!! The Edgerlys are going to help us slack pack. This will be a first for Hobo and me....I know we're going to love it. Many thanks to Linda for spending her July 4th holiday getting the house ready and the fridge stocked for us. I feel so fortunate to meet so down to earth genuine nice people like the Edgerlys. Hobo and I will always remember your generosity.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: The Edgerlys near Stokes State Park, NJ

To: Highpoint State Park (stay at Edgerly's)
Miles today: 14.3

We slept great. I was so happy that we were not sleeping outside; it got below 55° last night. Judi picked us up at 7:15 and we were on the trail by 7:30. Hobo and I were so grateful to be slack packing. We packed a super lunch. We hiked 15 miles and then Judi picked us up at the High Point State Park Headquarters. Judi hiked in to meet us, she was so excited to be back hiking. We loved slack packing! We moved right along! Judi then brought us to where else but Walmart! Then we went to an outfitters. Some very quaint towns. We had dinner again up at Mark and Judi's house. Another full day!!
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Highpoint State Park (stay at Edgerly's)

To: Vernon, NJ (stayed at Edgerly)
Miles today: 20.6

Mark picked us up at 6:30 and had us back to Port Jervis, Park Headquarters. We had 20.6 miles to get in. I had ankle braces on both feet and they seem to give me more stability. A mile into the hike we saw the tower to mark the highest point in NJ. We enjoyed walking around the Wallkill River. But the very best was the long footbridge at Wawayanda Creek. It was great to see lots of locals strolling on this boardwalk. Corrie and her lhusband, Kurt, picked us up, then picked up two pizzas and headed over to Mark's place. Judi was attending a family reunion with her parents. Many people ask what has been your favorite part of the AT. I am going to have to say New Jersey from now on because of all the Edgerly Trail Magic!
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Vernon, NJ (stayed at Edgerly)

To: Cascade Brook
Miles today: 12.1

Mark had us back to Vernon, NJ and back on the trail by 10:00. It was hard saying goodbye to the comfortable house and our new friends. Our packs felt wicked heavy! I hate to admit this but we were not so enthusiastic thinking about our planned 17 mile day. We found ourselves sitting on a rock eating Brie cheese and cherries an hour into our hike. We knew it was going to be a long day!We perked up when we crossed the state line....New York, here we come!! To mark the highest point in NY, there is an American flag. The flagpole was made by using a skinny tree trunk. It really was beautiful. The rocks and abrupt ups and downs make this section challenging. They have a ladder at one really difficult spot. Collecting water has been rough here. Hobo and I didn't like the looks of the water at this Brook but we were too tired to continue to hike, so we are rationing what we have left...a half liter. We were only able to get 12 miles in today and then we ran out of steam. We'll add on more miles tomorrow. Just heard the coyotes howling ..........
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Cascade Brook

To: near Southfields. NY
Miles today: 15.0

Our first stop was 3 miles into the hike. We walked .3 miles west of the AT to Bellvale Farms and filled our water bottles! The Creamery was closed so we just pressed our noses against the pane and dreamed of sweet treats. I saw Invisible Bears family. I haven't seen this family of four thru hikers since Gatlinburg. It was fun catching up. We ate lunch at Cat Rocks, we still have different and delicious food from the Edgerlys. We stopped after hiking 15 miles...we couldn't go another inch...we're tired. Lately many passing hikers are assuming that we are section hikers because we are MATURE women......love to see their faces when we tell them that we're through hikers!
Date: 2014-07-22
From: near Southfields. NY

To: near Bear Mountain
Miles today: 15.5

The whippoorwills are so loud I can't concentrate!! First of all... Thank you so much for following my journey, it means a lot to me! I love reading the guest book entries...you make me smile! We've been having gorgeous weather. I can't get over that when I'm in the shade it's actually cooler (I'm a Florida girl, remember). It was a 12 hour hiking day and I'm embarrassed to say that we got only 15.5 miles in. It was a challenge...it made us feel better when T-bags and Firewalker were telling us that they're struggling too. We haven't seen the NYC skyline but perhaps tomorrow. We went through the Lemon Squeezer and up Mountains---Fingerboard Mt, Black Mt, and West Mt. I was pushed. I just don't sleep soundly and it's starting to take a toll on me. I hear right now Hobo sound asleep in the tent next to me...I envy that girl!
Date: 2014-07-23
From: near Bear Mountain

To: random site near stream
Miles today: 16.4

It really was a full day today! A great day!*up at 5:15 and out by 6:00*hiked around Bear Mountain, Perkins Memorial Tower, enjoyed NYC skyline and toured the tower and hit the vending machines! *hit Bear Mt park recreation area and Hessian Lake. The AT runs through the Trail Side museum/zoo but the museum was closed. Hobo suggested we hop the fence...oh god....this sounds like a Lucy and Ethel episode! The bear cage in the zoo is the lowest point on the AT, I could see us hopping that gate too!! We did finally see that there was a bypass.*walked over Bear Mt. Bridge--Hudson River---views were gorgeous *walked total of 10 miles in wicked heat and humidity until we got to US 9 + NY403. At that intersection was my brother in law, Bill Small (Smally). We had planned this visit. He's on his way to New England to visit with family and friends and to get out of the Florida heat. Smally was our trail angel, he took us to a The Stadium/Sports Bar for lunch AND he delivered snicker doodles (made with love from mom) and caramel corn and brownies from Laurie! Smally is a super guy, how cool that he found us!!*hiked 6 1/2 more miles and found a great site near a brook to throw up our tents, it was 7:00pm*was eating a pumpernickel stick dinner and met a random wonderful person.. We chatted quite a bit.   She's a writer, Maura Kelly, I'm going to check her out on line. I bet she's a super writer!*totally had too much sugar....it's 11:00 and I'm not even drowsy!!!! Oh god, the Senior Chief, Hobo, will be waking me at 5:00 tomorrow morning....I wonder what tomorrow will bring!*thanks for your encouragement on my guest book page---I cherish each entry
Date: 2014-07-24
From: random site near stream

To: Taconic State Pkwy underpass area
Miles today: 15.0

We had fabulous weather to hike today! Last night there were storms all around us but luckily we didn't get a drop. We hiked 7 miles to Clarence Fahnestock State Park. It was an easy, enjoyable hike until a yellow jacket stung me...man did that hurt. I was lucky because there was a whole swarm of them. At the Park, we used flush toilets, ate at the Acorn Cafe, chatted with Superman, swam in the lake, took hot showers, and then had ice cream! We were at the Park for about 2 hours and then we hiked 7 more miles to the RPH Shelter. Hobo arrived 30 minutes before me and put in our Chinese Food order. They delivered right to the shelter. It was delicious. Hobo cracked open the fortune cookies and was hysterical making up her own sayings! I nearly chocked on my egg roll! We then cinched those tight hip belts and wanted to take advantage of this cool weather and hike some more miles. We didn't get far, I got a huge stomach ache---gee, I wonder why?! I slept well-thank goodness.
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Taconic State Pkwy underpass area

To: Phillips Club, NY
Miles today: 17.1

We were on our way by 5:55. Really cool, perfect hiking weather once again plus relatively easy terrain. We hiked 17.1 miles to Pawling, NY. When we were in the Nuclear Lake area Hobo got caught with her pants down peeing...I was holding a tube of Neosporin and was laughing so hard. The man (who caught Hobo with her pants down) starts telling us how the Lake got its name ...I guess I didn't put the cap on the cream and I squirted out 1/2 a tube while he was talking because I was stifling a laugh. Hobo was trying to get my attention....you know I have one piece of advice to give if you're thinking of doing a thru-hike....join up with someone funny. Hobo cracks me up-her facial expressions are a riot. She just told me today that she was voted Class Clown her senior year of high school. Doesn't surprise me!So we stick out our thumb at County Road 20. This man picked us up. His 2 girls do a lot of hiking all around the world. He showed us the town and gave us all his recommendations. It's so wonderful to see how proud everyone is of their home towns. Then I heard "Are you Cadi?" My Warfield Elem School friend, Jenn B., knew I was in her hometown and was able to reach her sister, Robyn, who was on her way to her second job. Robyn was a sweetheart and officially welcomed us to Pawling!! How fun is that! We ate at the Tavern (yum, entertaining) and hopped on the 6:30 train to New York City/Grand Central!!! Yup, New York City, here we come!!!!
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Phillips Club, NYe

To: Phillips Club, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Loved New York!! What a fantastic day. Hobo and I stayed with Barb 'Spoons'. Hobo met Spoons on the trail. They hiked together in March and April. Spoons planned to be on the trail only for that amount of time. She loved the experience, enjoyed Hobo's company and then had to head home and get back to her job as a neurologist. Barb owns a condo/time share in Manhattan and invited us to spend a rest day with her. We gorged ourselves with bagels, ate at sidewalk caf©s, visited museums, walked around Battery Park, went to the top of tall buildings and honestly we rested! We put those thick, white robes on and drank tea and wrote post cards. Barb was fantastic; I really feel lucky that I had this chance to get to know Barb. Tomorrow we head back to Grand Central and put those hiking boots back on!
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Phillips Club, NY

To: campsite 7 miles north of Pawling
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept great for a city that never sleeps! We caught the 11:30 am train back to Pawling, NY. Trail Angel, Barb, escorted us back to Grand Central, where we poked in some shops. I don't remember New York looking so clean. I was really impressed. The train ride went very smoothly, $32 round trip, so worth it. I needed a day without the pack on my back! But we have to get moving. My brother, Bill 'Dirt Dog', will be joining us for awhile!!! 'Dirt Dog' just turned 60. We haven't had much quality time together since we've been adults. I'm really looking forward to this. He does not want to slow down my progress to Katahdin. I meet him tomorrow at 11:00. The train this morning was on schedule and we were back in Pawling in an hour and a half. When we were in the CVS, a man asked us if we would like to have a ride back to the trail. He said that we looked like we had it all together! We fooled him! We hiked 7 miles. It would have been a super hike but it was so humid and buggy. A man stopped his vehicle while we were crossing a street and gave us a pack towel, everyone has been so friendly!
Date: 2014-07-28
From: campsite 7 miles north of Pawling

To: Schaghticoke campsite
Miles today: 7.0

Hobo and I met up with'Dirt Dog' (brother Bill) and nephews Christian and Kevin in Gaylordsville, CT. I'm in CT...NY whizzed by. The nephews are so tall and handsome. What great kids...I sure wish that I could see them more often. They dropped off their Dad and wished him luck. There was a lot of kidding going on! Dirt Dog did really well...it was Hobo and me off our games. By accident I threw out my AWOL map in New York City (good move), Hobo slipped and fell (she was fine), and Hobo and I led Dirt Dog down a private way off the AT (1/4 mile mistake), I forgot to put my snacks in the bear bag...on and on! We got too spoiled in The City! We had quite a few inclines and Dirt Dog hung in there. He set up his tent with no problems. I hear him groaning over in his tent though! Hope he can move tomorrow!
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Schaghticoke campsite

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Dirt Dog (DD) had coffee made and oatmeal eaten by the time I stumbled out of my tent. We shoved off at 6:35. Hobo was about 1/4 mile ahead of us and DD and I stayed together the whole day. The three of us snacked at Mt Algo Shelter and lunched near Skiff Mt Road. There we chatted with Chip. We hadn't seen him for awhile. He thrilled us with his bat and pit bull stories...sure glad I don't have adventures like that to share! Hobo then said good bye to us. She needed to put some miles in because she has plans to meet up with her sister, her friend, and her spouse. So tonight she is 5 miles ahead of us (just heard she met up with Ireland!)This afternoon St Johns Ledges were a challenge. DD and I are a bit ADD, so we kept reminding ourselves to stay focused because these rocks were no joke. DD is very happy with all his equipment. He begged, borrowed(and hope didn't steal). He doesn't like his mattress though....a thin accordion type pad. DD and I played gin...winner was to get my deluxe blow up mattress...thank God I was dealt good cards! Tomorrow we up the mileage to 13! We'll see how he hangs in ......DD was starting to feel a little hot spot on his foot.
Date: 2014-07-30
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Sharon Mt. campsite
Miles today: 13.0

It was so chilly last night, heh, I thought this was July! Dirt Dog (DD) was comfortable, I was cold--it went down to about 50°. We took off at about 6:40. DD did not develop blisters--he loves his Vasque boots. We had fun taking photo ops while on foot bridges and while going through rock squeezers. Guinea Brook was so high we had to take the high water bypass. We stopped at Pine Swamp Brook Shelter for a 2nd lunch--actually DD doesn't have much of an appetite but he sure loved just sitting at a picnic table instead of on a rock or log! We tried to figure elapsed mileage and future mileage....the tenths were killing us..actually got comical! T-bags tried to pretend he wasn't listening to us but I saw him smirking! Our bear bagging is pathetic...we both have read and watched Utube videos of how to do it--we are so sloppy, we're so tired that we're content with sub par efforts..oh well!
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Sharon Mt. campsite

To: Mount Prospect campsite
Miles today: 8.6

Today we only hiked 8.6 miles, so there was no need to rush out this morning. We're able to do smaller mileage because Hobo is taking a zero day on Saturday and we'll meet up with her on Sunday. It rained just a bit this morning but then cleared up. But, yikes, the Mosquitos are brutal. Anytime that you stop moving they come at you in droves. We got rid of our trash and ate a snack at a Falls Village school. Then we pushed on and enjoyed walking parallel to the Housatonic River--the falls were spectacular. We bumped into Survivor and he looked really down. I asked if he was alright --he was bummed because he had just finished his book--Swiss Family Robinson. So we brainstormed with him the next classic he should read. We found a patch of black berries and tackled Mt. Prospect this afternoon. We decided not to hike the .5 down to the shelter --very steep. So we set up our tents at a makeshift site --sorry to say, this is frowned upon in CT. An official looking woman just came by, if she was going to make us move, DD was going to limp out of his tent. High stakes tonight--gin rummy winner gets a Lance Toast Chee peanut butter sleeve of crackers!
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Mount Prospect campsite

To: Laurel Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

Dirt Dog (DD) had arranged with his oldest son, Jack, a trail support visit in Salisbury, CT. DD got thinking last night that he'd get off the trail then instead of continuing on to Pittsfield, MA with me. DD knew I had to up the miles and pace and bad weather is predicted. So we headed down Giants Thumb this morning and who tries to blow by us without saying anything but Jack! Jack decided to hike in to surprise us. He exchanged packs with his Dad (DD was so pleased to have a day pack on!) and brought us to the Country Bistro for a yummy breakfast--we had 2 rounds of juice! Jack and his wife, Randie, are expecting their 2nd child soon! They really are a great family...very thoughtful, thank you for all the trail magic, Cadigans! I really cherish the days I had with DD. We clicked; I couldn't believe how in sinc we were. We gave each other a silent nod and we knew it was time to swing on our packs. DD would click his sticks after a short water break and I knew it was time to hike on. We looked at pictures in his tent and read the Country Bistro menu out loud many times. We got super silly playing gin. His tent was at such an angle last night, that I ended up sliding down my mattress before I could discard!It was sad saying good bye. I quickly marched up and slid down Bear Mt. because a storm was heading my way. I got rained on but I was off the steep rocks so actually it felt refreshing. It's lonely in my green weenie but it still feels right and good to be out here. And ya, btw, I made it into my home state ....I'm in Mass!!!!
Date: 2014-08-02
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: Sheffield, MA Jess Treat's house
Miles today: 12.9

I began my hike at 6:45 and went up to 2,265 feet, I was on Mt. Race. It was quite foggy which made the view all the more spectacular. There were great views along the ridge line for .6 of a mile. I was the only one there. Then up Mt. Everett and down. I met a southbound hiker. She left Katahdin June 2nd. She hopes to finish in 5 months. I'm seeing more and more south bound hikers. Near South Egrement, MA, it was very muggy, muddy, and buggy...a lethal combination. Dirt Dog put me up at Jess Treat's house for a shower, bed, laundry, and breakfast. I was really comfortable there. I missed Oregon and Little Bits by one day.
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Sheffield, MA Jess Treat's house

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

It was super reuniting with Hobo. She had a great visit with Debbie. They thought that Great Barrington was a nice town, Hobo and I were on the trail after my breakfast at Jess's...scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and lemonade. We had to take anther high water reroute over the Housatonic River. Both of us were tired and really not into the hike much so we quit after 11.7 miles. I can't help thinking that Dirt Dog made the right decision. It was extremely buggy...everyone dove for their tents tonight. We ate everything heavy out of Hobo's food bag...banana, apple, cookies, chicken in a foil packet. I love a fresh new food bag to chose from!
Date: 2014-08-04
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Wicked great day! We slept in an extra hour, so we set out at 7:35. It was a really pleasant hike with small rolling up and downs. The streams were plenty and the humidity was low...Mosquitos were much better today. We bumped into Survivor and he said he started reading Moby Dick..DD he liked your recommendation. We also met 4 south bounders...they hope to finish by Thanksgiving. They were 3 young women who met on the Trail. Their birthdays are 1 day apart from each other and they're the same age. They figured they have to experience this journey with each other. They convinced us to stop at Upper Goose Pond Cabin near Lee, MA. And we did and what a treat. We swam in the lake...the temp was perfect. I swam a 1/4 mile out to the Island while Hobo followed me in the canoe. We were so happy to see Tbags, Bamboo, Survivor, Tbird , Yetti Legs, Chip.....just a super group. I met Voodoo...she's from Beverly, Ma.....not far from my hometown, Nahant. The caretakers were wonderful people and the fee to stay was a donation. I'm sleeping in an upper bunk right now....it's kind of narrow-hope I don't do anything stupid tonight. It does smell bad like feet in here..oh well. Hobo and I took the canoe back out after supper and paddled around....bummer, no stars. It's 9:45--14 people in this cabin and I'm the only one still up. I'm WIDE awake. Great day...could be in for a long night. But pancakes tomorrow for breakfast!
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: few clouds

I did not fall off the top bunk ...my pillow fell overboard though. Everyone was up by 7:00 and we all devoured blueberry pancakes. It's funny you don't know if you'll bump in to these people again. I hope they all make it to Katahdin. The weather was perfect. We hiked 11 miles to the infamous 'Cookie Lady's' house...off of Washington Road. There was a lively group of hikers there. She gives out free homemade cookies and sells hard boiled eggs, Klondike bars, and lemonade. You can also do some blueberry picking. We were there awhile and we were so content but knew we had to get going. We arrived at the shelter around 7:00 and just had time to set up our tents and whip our backpacks in. It is still thunder and lightening out. I can't help thinking of the many hikers that pushed on three more miles to get into Dalton. Hope they're safe. Glad I'm dry and comfortable in my little tent.
Date: 2014-08-06
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained for 7 hours last night. I finally did it... I was desperate ... I peed in a Ziploc bag. I'm a big girl now! I just didn't want to go out in the torrential rain! We hiked down into Dalton, MA. I love walking through towns. I babble on about wreaths on doors, clean windows, flowers, patios and Hobo pretends she's listening! We talk to everyone and we learned that 'Juice and Java' was the place to go for breakfast. I tried to fool myself as I was sipping my tea that I was my 'normal self in real life' and then noticed my fingernails and my reflection in the mirror. I got up to use the restroom and the hallway to the bathroom was so toasty warm; it took everything in my power not to roll up in a ball and take a nap right there! I think it's time to go to a hotel for a night!