morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-03
From: High Point Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake Ballfield Pavilion
Miles today: 0.0

Tuesday  July 3, 2012Got up this morning knowing we were leaving NJ behind and entering NY.  NY welcomed us with steep rocky climbs and dried up waterfalls and creeks.  I guess it's due to lack of snow this past winter.  There is just no water. What little water you do find is stagnant and mosquito infested.   We have been lucky and trail angels have left gallon jugs of water at different locations along the trail for the hikers.  Today, by the end of the day we found ourselves out of water.  That meant no water for cooking or drinking.  There was a side trail that was .9 downhill into Greenwood Lake.  As much as we hated too, we decided to go to Greenwood Lake, get water and maybe eat then find a place to camp.  It turned out to be a good decision.  Ate at a great restaurant called Murphy's.  We were offered a yard to tent in, although we later chose a different location.  On the way out we camped under the pavilion at the town's ballfield which was at the foot of the mountain.  It rained during the night so it was nice to be under the pavilion.  So another unexpected turn of events on the A.T.  that had a pleasant outcome.  The trail continues to be full of surprises.  Truly an adventure around every corner.  See yaSwamprat.
Date: 2012-07-04
From: no name tent site

To: New Windsor
Miles today: 16.0

6.4.2012 WednesdayVery busy night last night under the pavilion!!  A few cars and trucks were in and out the city gate all night.  Before going to sleep, the town's air raid siren went off.  Hummmm, wonder why,  1015pm and an air raid siren going off, go figure.  A minute after it stopped I heard a fire truck siren heading some where.  Weird.  After that things settled down enough to go to sleep.    Woke up early for the quick getaway.  After all, we were camping under the ball field's pavilion and it was the 4yh of July..  So we were climbing the steep mountain by 7 am to get back on the A.T.  The first few miles were fairly easy.  After that, it was rock climbs the rest of the day.  My goal was to make it to one of two points.  It was here that Dania would pick all 3 of us up around 5 pm.  By the time I got to the first point I was spent from the climbs in the heat.  I was going to suggest we go into Harriman, NY from this point but F100 and Steady were heading to the next point which was 1.8 miles further.  Looking at the guide book did not impress me.  It looked like the hardest profile of the day.  It also proved to be just that.  Hand over hand climbs and steep downhills.  At one point, I actually had to use some of my water by poring it over my head. I was over heated.  After that I finished the hike at NY highway 17.  From here it was 3 miles into Harriman.  Dania had landed in Newburgh and was driving to Harriman.  We actually got a ride from here into Harriman.  He dropped us off at a Mobile station and 15 minutes later we were on our way to the hotel in Nnew Windsor.  It was great seeing Dania again.  It will be great to give my feet a break for a few days.  I will get her to drop me off at the trail on Saturday.  Until then a lot of R&R.  See you on the trail Saturday, until then it will be Swamprat in the City!! should be fairly entertaining.  Here is a teaser, the train station began with spilling coffee, trying to figure out the parking and also how to buy the tickets!!  See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-07-07
From: New Windsor

To: No name tent site
Miles today: 2.0

Today was actually a day of total rest.  Got back from NY at around 1030 last night.  Had a great time in the city.  Took a boat tour of Manhattan Island and got some fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty.      This morning was relaxation.  Dania treated me to starbucks coffee and a scone in bed at that.  It was great.  After lunch we just laid around watching TV.  The plan today is for Dania to drop us off at the trail around 7 pm.  On the way we stopped and ate a hamburger so we didnt have to cook at camp.    I am a very lucky man. Dania supports me 100% while I hike for 5 to 6 months.  I have been fortunate and Dania has been able to visit me twice during the trip.  This visit was not long enough.  I know I will not get to see her again until I get to Katahdin but that now will be my focus to finish.  See you in Main Dania.  I can't wait!!  I miss my family very much and cant wait to see all three children again.     Well, i am tented by a lake about a mile in the mountain.  Tomorrow I begin the trail thru the rest of NY.  Then on to CT, MA and VT.  We should finish all three within 3 weeks.  Then as someone has phrased, NH and ME;  the playoffs begin.  The white Mountains, probably the toughest parts of the trail are only a few weeks away.     See ya tomorrow on the A.T. Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-08
From: No name tent site

To: Bear Mountain State Park
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

New York continues to surprise me with its hills. Today there were several ups and downs. The weather is hotter today than forecast. Todays high was around 93. Again we had water issues but worked through it. We got our first glimpse of the New York City skyline. It was very far on the horizon but you could make out the outline. Later in the evening we could see the skyline again from Bear Mountain. It was a nice trail especially going down into the Recreation area. By this time it was getting late. We ended up tenting on the back side of the lake. We practically set up in the dark. We will make a quick exit in the morning.   Today we saw Lighthouse, an 18 yr old man from Scottland.   Poor guy is hiking with a broken backpack. We also saw Secrets and Shananigans again for the first time since Delaware Water Gap. Well it is late and I'm tired. See ya tomorrow. Another hot day on the A.T. Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Bear Mountain State Park

To: No Name Tent Site
Miles today: 11.0

Today we packed up early.  We tented last night in the park along side the lake.  We were pretty close to the highway but out of site.  Around 10 pm the police stopped a car near us. Must not have turn out good for the driver.  About 30 minutes later I could here a tow truck hooking up.  After all the comotion was over I slept fairly well.     This morning's hike was going to take us through the middle of a small zoo but luckily it was closed.  I hear the bears are in small cages and it is actually depressing.  The hike bypassed the zoo and continued across the Bear Mountain Bridge over the Hudson river.  After that it traveled north in the mountain.  During the initial climb we met a southbounder whose trail name is Miles Davis.  He is actually the first SOBO thruhiker of the season.  We also met two section hikers, Twisted Sister 1 and 2.   They too were heading south.   The trail today was fairly easy with a few ups and downs.  As it exited the mountain at NY 9 there sat a new store.  Appalachian Deli, Grill, and Pizza.  Even had a Bud Light truck backed up to it.  This store was not mentioned in the guide so it was quite the surprise.  Talk about trail magic!!  It was barely 11 am but we decided to eat.  I ordered a slice of Pizza and a Bronx Hero.  I could not eat the entire sandwich!!  I'm slipping!!  No, I didn't have a beer although I did justify it by telling myself it was 12 noon somewhere!!  After that we headed north again before camping somewhere on Bear Mountain.  We ran into Jaybird at the tent site.  The mosquitos were bad so everybody was in their tents pretty quick.  That's it for this, NO! I forgot.  I failed to mention fall # 9.  Tried to negotiate Two rock steps which were covered with crushed leaves.  Pole slipped and I went down face first.  I am a very experienced fall person!!  Was able to roll on the way down even with the pack and land on my pack.  No damage done to me or the pack. F100 got quite the kick out of it sfter he asked if I was ok first.  I had to laugh at myself.  That was my first fall with my new pack.  Ok, now that's it.  Just would not have been fair to you guys not to mention the fall.  Later guys,Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-10
From: No Name Tent Site

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area
Miles today: 13.0

This morning started like most others.  I have it down to a science now.  Sit up about 545.  Reach for a comb for this mop on my head, then poor water in my capt crunch that I have in a ziplock which is premixed with powdered milk.  Shake it up and let it sit.  Then poor water in my chocolate milk that is premixed with powdered milk.  I then add my Starbucks via cold coffee to the mix and add water.  I eat drink and then pack up. In 45 minutes I can be ready to hike.  Ok, maybe an hour!     After 5 miles I came to a paved road where there was water available from a pump shed.  While there I met Trail Momma and SOS.  SOS is slackpacking the trail with her as support.  SOS  offered me a gatorade and a snack.  Thanks Trail Momma.  She also said someone on trailjournals told her that she should be running into me and asked her to say hi for them.  She could not remember their name so if you are reading this she did find me.  Let me know who it was and thanks for reading my journal!!    After that we hiked a few more miles and came to Clarence Hahnestock State Park.  You just cant pass up a concession stand so a quick stop for an hour then headed north.  After 13 total miles we stopped at Shenandoah Tenting area.  Great tent site.  A cut lawn with picnic tables and a hand pump well.  Perfect.  Set up the tent, ate and waited out a short rain shower.  Met other hikers here today.  Jaybird, Aqua Blaze ( last seen at the halfway point) and a couple others I will try and name tomorrow.     That's it for the day.  Right on schedule to resupply in Wingdale, NY on Thursday.  Great day on the A.T. Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: No Name Tent Site just south A.T. railroad station
Miles today: 20.5

July 11, 2012Got up this morning with a plan for 18 miles.  After we started, I made a suggestion.  Hey if we can stay away from the delis and swimming holes we can knock out this 18 by 6 pm.  I took off out front of the pack after the first foot break.  There was 1.5 miles to the next paved road with a climb in between.  The water situation is terrible and at this point I am low.  I even came across a sign on a tree that suggested the stream we were about to cross was below a cattle farm.  The run off from the farm contaminates the water.  It also suggested that at the next road there was a deli .3 tenths of a mile to the right of the trail.  Hummm, down 1 of my earlier suggestions already.  Stay away from the delis!!  I hiked to the deli, got water, apple fritter, little debbie brownie, gatorade (32 oz), a 20 oz Pepsi and a bag of chips.  Then went back in for an olive loaf sandwhich!!  F100 and Steady came in a few minutes later and did there part to lesson the stores inventory.  Then off we go for our intended goal. After about 7 miles the trail traveled right next to a clear water, deep lake.  Dangit!!  There goes my second suggestion from earlier.  Stay away from the swimming holes!!  So after swimming and filtering water we were hiking north again!!  Only 3.3 to our intended camping site.      So, we hit the side trail for the shelter.  F100 and I had just spoken to Steady. She was on a switchback right above our head.  We walked to the shelter.  There may have been two, maybe two tent sites.  There was just no level ground. We waited for Steady, no Steady!!  Where did she go?  Only conclusion, she missed the trail to the shelter.  We tried to catch her but it was downhill to the road.  That's where we caught her.  So decision time.  We don't back track, especially uphill!  We hiked another two miles and found a spot to camp just before dark.  Oh well, everybody's feet were screaming but it was all langniappe.  Not tomorrow only 7.5 or so to Wingdale.  So that's it fot today.   Just shy of a 21 mile day.  First 20 miler in a while.  We needed it.  Getting ready for New Hampshire.  Long day, crazy day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-13
From: Wingdale NY

To: The Ledges overlook
Miles today: 14.6

Let me start with the last town.  Wingdale, NY.  The only hotel/motel in the area was the Dutchess Motel.  It's a very old roadside motel with about 10 rooms.  We got out of the woods around 230.  It took about half an hour to get a ride from the trail head.  A local woman in her late 50's or 60's offered us a ride.  She brought us to the motel. She was very kind and interested in our hike.     After arriving at the hotel we spoke with John.  He was apparently  helping out.  He took us into a small utility room that apparently was used as an office.  As he was checking us in he mentioned that they were having an animal problem.  When asked what type he replied " you don't want to know".  Not good!!  Then he went on to say that there was a skunk, yes I said skunk problem!!  Then he said, as he explained that my room was opened already and "airing out" he said.  I could take my key and go to the room.  I wonder, does he not think that I could figure out that apparently my room probably at some point, smelled like skunk!!  Well I went to the room and to my surprise it was ok.  John also said they would be trapping skunks during the night.  And yes, during the night, st least 4 times, the smell of skunk came through the window airconditioner and caused me to wake up.  Not a pleasant night.  In the morning we got a ride back to the trail by a local contractor.  He, F100 and Steady also smelled skunks several times during the night.      Once back on the trail we hiked about 11 miles.  We met a young thruhiker named Machine because he hikes like a machine. He is trying to complete the trail in 100 days.  Good luck!!   It was early at the 11 mile mark so we decided to go .8 tenths to Kent, Ct.  There was an outfitter/ice cream parlor just waiting for us.  We agreed we would beat the 94 degree heat and head there.  At the road we met a former thru hiker named Patch.  He was waiting on the girl we met a few nights ago, Phoenix Rising.  He offred us some cold gatorade.  Good timing because I had been out of water for almost 2 hours!!  We called the outfitter and she picked us up for 5 bucks.  We spent a couple hrs in Kent.  A couple from the coast of CT offered us a ride back to the trail.  Great and friendly people. I wish we could have visited longer.  Thanks guys for the ride and I sure liked your truck!!   We hiked another two hours and camped at the ledges just above a river.  Fantastic spot.  That's it for now.  Oh, we also saw a huge Rattle Snake today and a small hognose snake.  Ok, that's it.  Going to sleep now.  See ya tomorrow on the A.T.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-14
From: The Ledges overlook

To: No name tent site
Miles today: 15.7

Got up this morning at 5 hoping to start for 6 and beat some of this heat and humidity.  It was a very uneventful day.  A steep long downhill then a 4 mile walk alongside the Housatonic River.  I did see a few guys fishing.  I hadn't done that in 4 months!!  That's a record!!  I also saw a deer running across the river, that was neat.  After the roadwalk, it was ups and downs most of the day.  Water was plentiful the first half of the day but dry for the second.  Most of the creek beds were dry.  We ran into Jaybird at lunch and again later at the Pine Swamp Shelter.  I was hoping to get water there but the feeder creek for this pond was dry.  It was just a big stagnant beaver pond.  We decided to hike to our goal for the day, another 2.4 to some tent sites.  There is a stream there, maybe we can get water.  I hiked the 2.4 with no water and I drink lots of water!!  We got there and were able to filter water from a small hole which had very little water movement but it was moving.  We treated sfter filtering considering the source.  It tasted fine, i drank until I felt hydrated again.  Like I said earlier not much to report.  We did meet a SOBO section hiker in camp. Her name was Hippie.  I think she was at least 6'5" tall!!  Not gonna make her mad !  Well thats about it.  I hope the A.T. Starts giving up water a little easier.  We will see. Later Gator,Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-15
From: No name tent site

To: Sallsbury, CT
Miles today: 15.0

Hiked out of camp at 7:10.  We hiked into Falls Village, CT.  There was a car show taking place.  There was also The Village Inn and restaurant.  Hummm, it's Sunday.  A brunch is a great idea.  Ate a late breakfast then took a few pictures of the cars.  Then finished the hike passed the hydro electric plant. It's got a shower on side of the building.  A great way to wash up so we all cleaned up a little and continued north.  Another 8 miles and we hiked into Sallsbury, CT.  Great grocery store there.  Even Jaybird hiked to a small grocery with us. We all got a sandwhich and some ice cream.  While eating outside we saw Kindle Ninja.  He said he had to take a couple days off because of bursitis issues but was ready to hike again.  He said Secrets and Shannanigans were in town also.  After finishing our food we decided to try and find a campsite before the rainstorm heading our way.  We made it as for as the cemetary at the edge of town. You gonna like this one!!   The trail follows the road about a mile.  We were able to find a small patch of woods in the cemetary!!!  None of the occupants minded if we camped for the night!!  We promised not to make noise that would wake them I am in my tent in a cemetary!!  Creepy!!  We should be in MA tomorrow!!  Well that's about it.  Riding out the rain.  It looks like a nice day tomorrow.  A reay good day on the A.T.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-16
From: Sallsbury, CT

To: no name tent site
Miles today: 16.4

Well I slept very well last night.  Even if we were tented in a cemetary.  I cant say the same for Jay Bird andF100.  Jay Bird said he heard a voice ask if it was alright to tent by us.  F100 says he thought he heard it also.  There was nobody tented by us this morning.  Really guys, come on man!!      We packed up fast this morning and hit the trail.  Today was the first day in a while that we climbed over 2500 ft.  We climbed Bear Mtn, about 750 ft of elevation change and back down 800.  Then up Mt Race another 900 ft elevation change and down about 600.  Then Mt Everett, another 700 ft elevation change.  It was practically verticle and back down about 800.  We hiked until 8 pm and tented just before dark.  I met another SOBO today.  He started two months ago at Katahdin.  Well thats it, heading into Great Barrington, MA for resupply tomorrow.  Will be slackpacking 20 miles Thursday.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-17
From: no name tent site

To: Great Barrington for resupply
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Doing a nero today.  Only 5 miles to Hwy 7 where we were able to catch a ride after only a few minutes.     Started hiking at 710.  Made it to Hwy 7 in just under 2 hrs.  The trail passed through open fields and then back into dense forest but was fairly easy with only minor ups and downs.    There was an ice chest with sodas at the highway.  On top of the chest was a cordboard sign that read, "thruhiker needs  ride. Thanks".  We used it and caught a ride almost immediately.  He dropped us off at the Monument Motel.  Great place to stay for the hiker rate of 50 bucks.  Clean and the manager was super nice.  Easy place to resupply from with a Mcdonalds within walking distance.  We ended up taking a zero and with the help of F100's mom and dad who was visiting we ended up doing a slackpack.  Mr and Mrs Geraghty are super nice folks.  They made me feel like I had known them for years!      Well that's about it.  I will catch up on the 19th with the slackpack/nightmare shoe problem day.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-19
From: Great Barrington for resupply

To: TyringhamMA
Miles today: 20.0

When we arrived in Great Barrington on Tuesday I discovered a local outfitter.  It was actually more of a clothing and shoe store.  If you have read my previous entries, you know I have had many equipment problems which have included shoes.  I started with Lowas.  I got about 550 miles out of them and they fell apart by Daleville.  I replaced them with Merrell Moahbs.  Very reputable shoe but I bought a size 12 which ended up being too small.  I replaced them in Harpers Ferry with a pair of Obozs in size 13!  The shoe came highly recommended by the outfitter.  I wore them for about 3 weeks before they fell apart. I called the company, they were aware of the issues and sent me a beefier shoe, as they called it.  When I got the shoes they reminded me of the old Hush Puppies!!  Sent them home and went back to my merrells.  They were just too small now. My feet have grown.  On the steep downhills my toes were being slammed.  So, that brings me to this outfitter in Great Barrington. They carried Lowa, Merrell, Ahnu, Vasque, and Keen.  I know this because I tried them all.  The owner raved about the Ahnu.  He could not recall ever having a pair returned. They were comfortable and had a stiff sole which I liked.  I wore them right out the store; after paying of coarse!!  Started the slackpack this morning and 45 minutes into the hike the shoe began coming apart.  Come On!!!!!  No way I thought.  Oh well hiked untill noon and had to go back to the store.  They took them back but said the shoe wasn't meant for hiking with 30 or 40 pounds on your back.  He said he didnt sell a heavy hiking boot.  That's funny because the crew working yesterday sold them to me knowing exactly what I was needing them for.  Furthermore, they had their display wall set up with "light hikers" on display seperate from their heavier hiking shoes!!  I quickly explained to him that I was not wearing a pack and they began coming apart after 45 minutes.  I ended up exchanging the for Merrells in size 13.  Not exactly what I wanted but at this point I just needed something on my feet that fit.     Well my day was over.  Will start hiking again tomorrow.  So, busy day today.   See ya'll tomorrow on the trail.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-07-20
From: TyringhamMA

To: October Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

We were dropped off this morning at the trailhead in Tyringham, MA.  It was raining slightly at the motel but as we traveled north toward Tyringham the rain stopped.  It was much cooler this morning than the previous week or two.  With the clouds hanging around it was not expected to get much over 75*.  Great hiking weather!!  There were only two climbs today which had elevation changes around 1000'.  It wasn't expected to be a difficult day and proved not to be.  We had lunch at the side of Goose Pond.  It looked like a great lake to fish, but so does any lake I see!  After lunch we ran into Mad Hatter.  The first time we seen him was at Murphy's restaurant in Greenwood Lake, New York.  I hiked ahead most of the day enjoying the cool weather.  I reached October Mountain Shelter Round 440 and F100 and Steady were not for behind.  We pitched our tents in an area behind the shelter.  The water source was barely flowing but I managed to get water for cooking supper and making breakfast.  The only views today were that of Goose Pond.  Other than that the trail traveled through mostly dense forest.     The only people here tonight are Mad Hatter, F100, Steady and me.  The forecast low tonight is around 55*.  Should be pretty chily trying to sleep tonite.    Great day for hiking the A.T. Today.  Cool temperatures and relatively easy trail.   Swamprat