morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-02
From: NJ94 (Vernon, NJ)

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It is not easy to get an early start when you are staying at a hostel in town. I slept until after 7AM and still didn't want to get up. My stomach convinced me it was time to head over to the Bagel Shop so I finally got my butt in gear. After breakfast I headed back to do some chores at the hostel and then BB, Pez, and I hitched back to the trail. We had a ride within minutes and after a quick stop for drinks we were headed up the mountain. After a climb of 800 feet we stopped at Pinwheel's Vista and took a long break to dry off - it was very warm especially with a long climb. We stopped for lunch at the Wawayanda Shelter but moved on quickly as the flying insects were annoying. Late in the afternoon we came to the NJ/NY state line. A short while later we came to another marker claiming the same thing. Whichever is correct the fact is that I have now completed eight states and have six remaining. The first section of NY proved to be very tough. We spent a lot of time today climbing on large rocks. It was a test to see how tough your feet are and also a test of your stamina. There was not much water available today and the water we crossed did not look too good. When I crossed NY17A I was pleasantly surprised to find an unopened gallon of spring water - and it was still cold. Whoever left it - We thank you! Wonderful trail magic. I enjoyed the fantastic views today - Greenwood Lake is beautiful when viewed from above. And the view from the Eastern Pinnacles was especially nice. I would have spent more time there except it was getting late and I didn't want to set up my tent in the dark. Pez and I arrived at the shelter (which was full) shortly after 8PM. I immediately set up my tent and started dinner. The mosquitos were unbelievable. Even with repellant they were all over me. I couldn't wait to get into the tent but I didn't want to eat inside. Bugs are better than bears. I am writing this inside the tent and the noise from the mosquitos trying to get to me is something. There are hundreds of them against the screen just looking for an opening. Buuuzzzzzzzz buzzzzzzzzz. What I wouldn't do for a can of Raid. I may be in for a battle tomorrow morning. I don't know how the others are making out sleeping in the shelter. I might put in some ear plugs to deaden the sound. Buzzzzzzzz. Could drive me crazy if I already weren't. Goodnight Ya'll,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-03
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I didn't sleep well last night and didn't feel like getting out of my sleeping bag this morning. The constant hum of the mosquitos just inches from my head didn't help. From inside my tent I could count ten to twelve of them searching for some way to get at me. It was not easy to leave the safety of the tent. I decided to skip breakfast and pack up as quickly as possible. Everyone had left except for me and Pez. We finally hit the trail about 9AM. We enjoyed Fitzgerald Falls but could not linger as the insects were bad there too. We stopped and made breakfast (coffee too) at Mombasha High Point where we were supposed to have a view of NYC. I couldn't see anything through the leaves but it was a nice place to chill and eat. At a road crossing we came upon a cooler full of water bottles and a note about a new deli which just opened today. Half mile down the road. I offered to pick up lunch while Pez remained behind to watch my pack.A soda, apple turnover, and a big sub (which is called a hero in this area) made it worth the extra mile I had to walk. On the way there I met Bear Behind on his way back from the deli - he was expecting to see me. We continued hiking and found the trail was really giving us a workout. Many short ups and downs with a lot of rock steps. And both Pez and I agreed that we were still a little beat from yesterday. Continuing on we crossed NY17 and the New York Thruway and passed into Harriman State Park. Pez and I took a long break at a beautiful lake and considered setting up our tents. I convinced him that we should hike a little further and try to make it to the next shelter. We were both tired but we still moved on. I headed through the Lemon Squeezer and made it through. Pez has a wider pack and couldn't fit. I reached down and pulled up his pack and he was able to make it through. The next couple of miles the trail was a little hard to follow and seemed to split into many trails. We followed as best we could and made it to the Fingerboard Shelter in time to watch a beautiful sunset with other hiker trash - Slips, Fits, Slim, Biscuit, Grass. Unkle Ben, and Pez. We all set up camp on top of the mountain and read another chapter of Dragon Lance. We could hear a lot of fireworks from all different directions. We were just not high enough to see them. Maybe we will catch some tomorrow night. Now I am hitting the sack. Enjoy your holiday. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Camp Smith Trail (Anthony's Nose)

To: US9 NY403
Miles today: 4.5

We got word last night that Scout will be in the area today so we arranged for her to pick us up early and head into town. It had rained last night and water was dripping heavily from the trees as I broke camp. It was one of those muggy mornings where you start to sweat even thinking of hiking. I packed up my wet gear and off we headed. I was absolutely soaked within minutes. No views today - only pea soup fog. Anyway, we were at the road before noon and within an hour Scout picked us up. We headed into Peekskill for a bite and than across the Hudson to get a room. The rest of the day was spent doing chores - laundry, etc. We decided to head into NY City tomorrow and picked up a local train schedule. Even with the short hike today I am feeling beat. Heat and humidity takes a lot out of you. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-06
From: US9 NY403

To: US9 NY403
Miles today: 0.0

We were up early for our trip into the Big Apple. Neither Pez nor Scout has been to NY before and I haven't been there in ages. We visited and/or viewed: The Statue of Liberty, WTC Ground Zero, Empire State Building, Broadway, NY Stock Exchange, Wall Street, and spent most of the day at the Museum of Natural History. We used the subway a couple of times but mostly we just walked. Pez and Scout had a blast. I was very impressed with the improvment made by the City of NY. The subways were clean - in fact the whole city looked cleaner since my last visit. I am always reluctant to go to any city but now I am looking forward to my next visit. I was at the museum from around 10AM until it closed and did not have nearly enough time there. I loved the Planet Earth exhibit - all about rocks, volcano's, and other Earth Science type subjects. I could spend a day in that one hall. Anyway, none of this is really related to the AT so I will say no more about it other than it was a nice break from hiking on rocks all day. The return ride went ok and we are in bed and it isn't even midnight yet. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-07
From: US9 NY403

To: Hortontown Road
Miles today: 19.5

Today Pez and I were to be slacked so he could make up some time. At least that was the plan. Pez and Scout were two sleepyheads this morning - tired from our trip into the City yesterday. We finally got back to the trail (minus our packs) about 10:30AM. The weather was clear but the temp was on the warm side. But today we were slacking so the weather was not that much of a factor. We moved along at a good pace all day trying to get the most out of hiking without our packs. Even though we were pack free it did not make for an easy day - we just pushed ourselves to keep moving. The trail varied - there were no long climbs but plenty of short ones. At one point we thought there would be a problem - we ran into a firetruck and an ATV on the trail. Firemen were hiking along with us carrying rakes and other equipment. There was a small fire burning on both sides of the trail. Pez and I offered our help but it was declined. We were allowed to pass through the fire and made out fine. I smelled like smoke for the rest of the afternoon but out here that is an improvement. We finished up and met Scout at 5:30 and headed to a state park to set up our tents. We then went into Fishkill to resupply and for dinner. I am looking forward to a good nights sleep as I am exhausted. It is starting to rain and that is the forecast for tomorrow. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Hortontown Road

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

There was an interesting turn of events today. I awoke at about 6AM to the sound of raindrops hitting the tent. Pez and I had planned to hike 25 miles without packs and that meant we needed an early start. It didn't happen. Pez really hates hiking in the rain so getting him moving on a day like this is near impossible. We finally broke camp well after 9 and I was dropped at the trail about 10:30. Pez decided to take a zero to spend some time with Scout before she heads back home. As I started hiking the sun came out and turned the atmosphere into a sauna. It was hot and humid and really tough to hike through. I keep missing the chance to hike in the early morning coolness. I crossed the Taconic Parkway and eventually came to NY52. Less than a half mile from the trail I was loading a nice juicy Hero into my pack and enjoying some nice cold drinks. For those of you from other parts of the country a hero is a sub or hogie. But a hero from a NY style deli is something special and is one of the few things I miss about NY. Anyway, I continued hiking and crossed over I84 with truckers blowing their horns and waving as they drove past. I retrieved a voice message from Pez saying he would be taking a road trip and that he expects to return to the trail on Monday. By that time I plan to be about 60 miles north of him. He will have to put in some long days in order to catch up to me or to make his Sept 1st deadline. Anyway, I continued hiking along and stopped at the Morgan Stewart Shelter. I took a break to cool down and to devour the hero I'd been thinking about for hours. It was soooooo good. I received word from a southbounder that there is no water at the shelter I was heading to. I loaded up with 5 liters at the Whaley Lake Stream and carried it for almost five miles. Water is too heavy. I can't understand how you can combine two very light elements (hydrogen and oxygen) and come out with something as heavy as water. I was getting a good workout carrying my restocked pack along with the extra water. I passed by Nuclear Lake and enjoyed its beauty. It looked like a great place to camp but I think that is a no-no so I continued on and started climbing. I arrived at the shelter and found it empty. I set up a clothesline to dry my tent and sweaty clothes and relaxed for a little while. I intend to hike about twenty miles tomorrow so I can get to the Kent CT. PO early on Saturday. I understand I have some goodies waiting for me there. I have to start out early tomorrow so I have time to hit the next deli. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Mt. Algo Lean-to Shelter
Miles today: 21.4

I was up and on the trail before 7 this morning. I didn't bother to make breakfast as there was a deli about three miles from the shelter. I hiked the extra mile (round trip) to the deli and had a nice cup of coffee, juice, and a good breakfast. I also picked up a roastbeef hero and some cold drinks to pack out with me. The trail passed through some pastures and then entered the Pawling Nature Preserve. I took a short break at the Wiley (Webatuck) Shelter and resupplied with water from the pump there. Shortly after I crossed the NY/CT border. It looped back into NY later in the day but I am now finished with NY. That makes 9 states finished with 5 to go. I took a long lunch break at the Ten Mile River Lean-to. Shelters in CT are called Lean-to's. I wonder what they call hero's... Anyway, the trail to this point had been nicely graded and easy to hike. That changed soon as I reentered NY and climbed Schaghticoke Mountain. It was a tough finish to a long day of hiking. To make matters worse, I missed the turn to the shelter and didn't realize my mistake until I had decended almost 300 feet - across a rock scramble. I didn't have much left in me when I arrived at the shelter. I quickly set up my tent - I didn't want to feed the mosquitos all night. After a few bites I stripped out of my wet clothes and sat in the tent half naked trying to cool and dry off. The insects outside the tent are looking in drooling. I walked about 23 miles today - far more than I like. But I am only a few minutes from Kent CT and will be able to get my maildrop and visit the outfitter early tomorrow morning. I do not plan to stay in town as it seems too yuppy for a stinky thru-hiker like me. I will not be hiking very far tomorrow. I will have a heavy pack leaving town and after almost 60 miles in the last three days I want a little rest. Starting now. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Mt. Algo Lean-to Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 7.3

It was a short mileage day but a very busy and tiring one. I was up and hiking early this morning heading into Kent CT to resupply. I had breakfast and then did my laundry. Had a little fun at the laundry when I found some black lace panties in my washing machine. I threw them into a dryer that was being shared by three other hikers. It was fun watching them divide their clothes. They vowed to get even so I better check my pack for rocks. Next I headed over to the outfitter and spent oodles of money. I bought a new pair of boots, replaced the tips on my hiking poles (the old ones were bent from the PA rocks) replaced the hip buckle on my pack, and purchased another sleeping bag. I didn't sleep well the last few nights because I was cold. After the outfitter I headed to the Post Office. I received a nice care package from eArThworm and lots of supplies from home. Bonnie sent me a package of cookies that must weigh ten pounds. I also received two pair of underwear to replace the 1400 mile pair. And my water filter arrived. I had gear all over the place as I shipped home or bounced the replaced gear. So, my pack leaving Kent was a heck of a lot heavier as I didn't ship as much as I received. Those cookies are in my food bag hanging from a tree - I half hope a bear comes along and that he knows how to untie knots. I had a lot to do in town but didn't want to stay overnight. Prices are very high in Kent and I kind of felt out of place in that town. I ate lunch on my way out of town and also picked up a sandwhich to take with me. The pack weight made the climb and the rocky decent a little tough. Trail maintainers have a fetish for rocks. The climb down from St. Johns Ledges was a steep rock scramble which would be tough even without a heavy pack. My feet seemed to do fine with the new boots. There was some soreness but that is to be expected. I arrived at the shelter...err, I mean lean-to at about 6PM and set up my tent and ate dinner. It looks like tomorrow will be a tough day so I may make it a short one. Besides, I need some rest and a good nights sleep. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

I had a serious motovation problem this morning. I didn't get moving until almost 10AM. It was already hot when I finally did get my butt in gear. I knew from the look of the profile map that today was going to be a tough hike. The trail maintainers up north have not invented the switchback yet so everything is straight up or straight down. The only deviation is to bring you over to a boulder field - heaven forbid you should miss the chance to break your neck. Anyway, up and down I hiked all day. I did take a few long breaks to cool down and enjoyed the many good water sources. I am happy to have my filter back - I can drink the water immediately while it is still cold. At 5PM I had only covered a distance of 10 miles. I had stopped at the Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to. Almost every entry made a comment about how bad the mosquitos were and that you would be eaten alive if you chose to stay there. A ridgerunner advised me that it would be much better at either of the next two camp sites. I opted for the second site and the mosquitos swarmed all over me as I tried to prepare my dinner. I am laying in my tent and there must be a thousand of them looking to get inside. It has been almost a week since I last took a shower and I guess they can smell me from a mile or maybe two. I'm afraid that if I roll to far to the side they will bite me through the tent. I have the whole campsite to myself tonight. It is a little strange to be out in the woods by yourself. There are a lot of strange sounds out there. A fallen tree leaning against another makes a moaning sound when the wind blows. The floor of my tent started to pulse with an eerie green light as a lightning bug emerged beneath it. Then there's the hum of a thousand hungry bugs looking to drink your blood. Bill Bryson would be pissing his pants if he were here now. Me? I'm just happy to be out here. I may complain a bit about the trail but that is what thru-hikers do. There is a reason such a small percentage of thru-hike attempts succeed. You are tested every step of the way. And I now have 700.3 miles remaining - 1473.8 completed. When I finish this hike I think I am going to sleep for about a month. Sleep sounds good right now. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Belter's Campsite

To: US44 (Salisbury, Ct.)
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

I survived sleeping in the big dark woods all by myself. I actually enjoyed the solitude. I wasn't ever really alone as my friends (the mosquitos) kept me company all night. They were there waiting for me when I awoke. I could hear them saying "Don't give up - he's got to come out of there sooner or later". The buzzing I heard was them sharpening their beaks. Little did they know I brought my deet towelettes into the tent with me. The poor little buggers looked so dejected when I emerged smelling of poisonous chemicals. But I maintained a stringhold on my sanity. I didn't want to temp fate so I just broke camp and headed the mile down the trail and took a road walk to a nice diner. As I was eating two breakfasts Wicomico Walker came in and joined me. We compared notes and noticed that the weather for later today and tonight called for very heavy rain. We agreed the smart thing would be to head into Salisbury and spend the night. I hadn't had a shower in almost a week and am starting to suffer from heat rash. So needless to say the thought of staying a night in civilization sounded good. After breakfast we arrived at a hydroelectric plant which my handbook said had a shower. It turned out to be cold water only and outside - with no cover. I could only clean half of my body and not very well. I then walked over a hundred year old iron bridge across the Housatonic River and enjoyed a nice view of Great Falls. I continued the thousand foot climb to the top of Prospect Mountain. Rand's view and the Giant's thumb were worth a few photos and made the climb worthwhile. Then came the steep climb down to US44 and a half mile walk into Salisbury. We stopped in an ice cream shop for a snack and then called and arranged to stay at Maria McCabe's house. She takes in thru-hikers during season and charges a nominal fee. Included is a nice soft bed with linens, a shower with towels, and a long ride to the laundromat and back. It was wonderful and Maria and her family are very nice people. I am almost hoping for rain so I have an excuse to take a zero here tomorrow. But I am only a few miles from the MA/CT border and am anxious to move on. I am clean, my belly is full, and I have clean clothes. I had a fantastic (but rather expensive) meal at the White Hart Inn. It was a nice treat but would exhaust my budget if done on a regular basis. I am as usual very sleepy. I want to feel the delight of sleeping on linens. Simple pleasure usually taken for granted. Goodnight, sorry mosquitos not tonight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-13
From: US44 (Salisbury, Ct.)

To: US44
Miles today: 0.0

Looked for any excuse I could find to take a zero day here at Casa Maria's. I could not come up with one so I figured I would just stay here until I did. My heat rash could use some time to heal. It is raining. I need to stay in town to replace some calories. I'm sleepy. I know - all very lame excuses. But then again, I am just lazy hiker trash and I ain't gonna hike today. I did exert myself and finally seem sealed the Packa I purchased at Trail Days. I sorted through my gear and mailed out about two pounds of stuff I think I could live without. And I checked my pack for rocks and lace underwear and found none. All of this was very tiring so I think I'm going to take a nap. Later....The nap only lasted a few minutes before it was time to go and eat again. I am looking forward to hiking tomorrow. Funny, you need to take a rest day every now and then but midway through the day you get antsy to be out hiking. I am also looking forward to another night of sleeping in a real bed. So, goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-14
From: US44

To: Glen Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.3

Wicomico Walker and I were up and heading for breakfast at 7AM. The skies were a dark grey - not very promising but at least it wasn't raining. We ate and then picked up our packs and headed back to the trail. We were facing an immediate 1500 foot climb with a brief stop at Lions Head. You could tell there would be a nice view on a clear day. Today you couldn't see anything but fog and mist. We made it to the top of Bear Mountain and took a few photos at the rock tower. Again there wasn't much of a view. On the way down from Bear Mountain we crossed the CT/MA border. This means I have now completed ten states and have only four remaining. We had a lunch break and fed some mosquitos at Sages Ravine Brook and then started the climb up Race Mountain. The weather had cleared enough for us to have some views from Race. The trail in this area was really unique in that there are no large trees to block your view. Most of the growth is very stunted. The ridge is very exposed and there are great views from a number of locations. But while we were on top of Race Mountain the skies started to darken again and a light mist and drizzle fell upon us. Just enough moisture to make the already slippery rocks more slippery. The next climb was really tough. We had to do the rock scramble up Mount Everett with about as much traction on the rocks as you would expect to have on ice. The going was very slow and deliberate. We made it up and over the top without any major injuries and without seeing any views. We first came to Hemlocks Lean-to but didn't find any water there. Only about another tenth mile we arrived at the Glen Brook Lean-to and filled up with water and made our dinner. I decided to set up my tent on a nearby platform in spite of the sound of thunder off in the distance. The mosquitos were thick and I didn't want to put up with them biting me all night. I had already been bitten by something and my left hand was swollen to almost double its normal size. So I set up my tent, hung my food bag, and updated my journal. It is now raining and the mosquitos are buzzing me to sleep. Goodnight,Lwop