morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-15
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Telephone Pioneers Shelter to Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite for 18.3 milesUpdate on my sister Aimee. Thank you for your prayers. She got a good report from the doctor but will continue to be monitored. On the trail early this morning we were greeted by the largest oak tree on the trail. Estimated to be over 300 years old, Near Pawling NY at our mile 1445.9 We got snacks, used the bathroom and got water at the Garden Center on road NY 22 near the AT RR Station. We had a good hiking day...I'm still crying, once or twice a day. Still hiking and pressing on towards Katahdin. We sat a a nice high view about 2 miles from camp and Sparks showed up. He & a section hikers were going on to the shelter an address 3 million. That would have put us over 20 and we just have a hard time with 20+ miles. 18 & 19 are even a challenge, especially with the higher elevations coming up again, the closer we get to The Finish line. When we were in need of water for lunch....there it sits on the trail near a road crossing, 4 containers of unopened spring water 2.5 gallons each. So...We stopped and had a hot lunch and got the water we needed to continue hiking.Camp set up, feet inspection and toe cleaning. My toe box isn't wide enough...I'm starting to get another pressure ulcer, same toe but on other foot. So....placed my order and REI is overnighting my Keen hiking shoes. I'll have them for continuing on Saturday. Praise the Lord for a good signal at camp tonight!! That's highly unusual!!We met Shuttle a section hikers with a bad ankle problem, but trudging on. She's wearing an ankle air cast, it's that bad. Wowwie!! Like Earl Schaffer said he was the First of the Crazies (to thru hike the AT).Critters: Garter Snake, lots of piliated woodpeckers, and you guessed it.....squirrels & chipmunks
Date: 2016-06-16
From: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite

To: The Amselhaus Cornwall Bridge CT
Miles today: 14.3

Schaghitcoke Campsite to CT 4 Cornwall Bridge CT for 14.3 milesMixed trail today, climbing, butt sliding, steep ups & downs, some flat sidewalk-ish trail along the river was a great way to make better time.....as always, God kept us safe and our feet swift. We had newt (salamander) weather this morning, not heavy rain mainly showers that gave way to sunshine for the rest of the day.Miss Robin met us at the road sy 2:30 and wisked us away to our accommodations for the night or two. She's not sure about Friday night's stay as she's already promised the apartment to a "friend". Ends up the friend isn't really her friend, she takes advantage of her and her kindness and only speaks to her when she needs something, mainly the use of the apartment. It's more complicated, but too lengthy for this journal. The apartment is amazing. Owned originally by Breen's back to 1901. But the house is over 200 years old. One side is now a 2 bdrm apartment the other side a 3 bdrm apartment. Full kitchen, laundry room, living room, dining room. Nicely decorated and all renovations done by Robin & her son. The Amselhaus is a great place to rest off the trail and miss Robin is very sweet & accommodating. Rest, post office run made, Big Cypress even went to the little grocery for burgers and a few other items to cook, since we have a full kitchen! Then cooked up them and later lamb sausages. We watched Big Bang Theory and Life in Pieces....both give us good laughs!! Which we needed!!
Date: 2016-06-17
From: The Amselhaus Cornwall Bridge CT

To: Hitching Post Motel Cornwall Bridge CT
Miles today: 0.0

Zero at Amselhaus Cornwall Bridge CT.Big Cypress got up early...I slept until about 8. The bed was super comfortable and the ac made the room chilly for good sleeping, with shades to darken!! We have WiFi, but cell service is spotty. Can't make or keep a call, texts sometimes go out. But....Robin's fixed that with a landline with free long distance!! We prepared for moving to the Hitching Post Motel and for hitting the trail tomorrow. Robin offered for us to stay in her guest room, but ...We didn't wanna put her out and like to just chill & watch TV. We stayed at her place until 5:30 then she shuttled us to the motel.....in the morning she's going to take us back to the trail head @ 8 am.The Patel's have a clean and nice motel. Bed seems comfy, ac is cold and water is hot! Plus, Mr Patel got a dish pan so I can soak my feet, since there's only stand up shower, no tub. Fridge & microwave in the room also. Ordered pizza from Mizza's a big loaded NY style arrived...so big, it folded on the side cuz it didn't fit in the box. Delicious!! God has been working on Big Cypress & I with Communication and understanding. Plus, we heard a sermon on speaking into being what you want and need. Not just praying for them. Speaking them into being! Scripture even says to do it!! So....today I spoke to my toe and hip/thigh that they were healed by the power of Jesus and my faith that through Him all things are possible! Like Peter walking on the water after getting out of the boat, he had faith and the impossible became possible ONLY from his faith & trust in Jesus!! Our thoughts & words can make or break us. I need to be more positive and speak more positive, it has been a real challenge to do that out here! God wouldn't have put us out here and opened doors to make it possible, if He didn't already know that we can do it and make it to Maine. I/we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me/us!!
Date: 2016-06-18
From: Hitching Post Motel Cornwall Bridge CT

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Weekends mean the trail is a busy little "highway", thru hikers, section hikers, flip flippers, and day hikers. We left the motel at 7:45; miss Robin picked us up and dropped us at trail head and we were off by 8 am. We saw Wet Beard again today, he was off trail due to illness and we haven't seen him for hundreds of miles! Stealth also. He's doing only 6 miles today. The heat and lack of reliable water has been an issue. We chatted with GPS and her friend, flip floppers, just starting out.We hiked over the newly painted red bridge of the Housatonic River near Falls Village. Passed by the electrical plant, where hikers can shower, tent & fill water from spigot. Blessed by ridge runners doing their jobs, but letting us camp in a non-camp spot. The shelter is down an extremely steep trail and since I'm injured, they let us stay put. We already had the tent up and everything. Didn't know about this rule. Camping in CT in designated spots ONLY!! Feeling better with putting our faith in God and the power of our speach over our bodies!!Critter: tons of toads, frogs squirrels and chipmunks
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We left this morning at 7 and arrived at 7 pm. Enter Massachusetts from Connecticut!! Our Heavenly Father has two stubborn children (us), acting like we know it all. He's put us on the trail to show us....He's the boss of us!! Teaching us how to communicate with each other, how to speak positive, how to trust Him! (just a few example) Being positive has helped. One being pain relievers every 4 hours, turning to feeling the need for Vitamin I after 3 hours, then praying, speaking healing over our own bodies missing the 4 hrs, realized 5 hours had passed without the need for it!! We had lunch at Brassie Brook Shelter. After getting Water cache magic at a road crossing. Ridge runner, Smoke Signal, was there with her folks. She thru hiked last year!! Bear Mountain was crawling with day hikers!! Sages Ravine & swimming hole was busy also, since the weather was beautiful & hot!!We were pleasantly surprised by seeing Shao on the trail. We both took triple takes, thinking it was Fiber at first....from the distance. Then, we saw Unknown and Rocky Cat too!! It's been a few weeks. Critter: tail of snake...fleeting so not sure what kind it was. A baby bird chirping like crazy & hopping around...must have fallen out of nest as it was too small to fly yet.Camping on a tent pad next to two groups of middle school kids. Cool breezes and pleasant tonight.
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Beartown State Forest
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Left at 630 am, arrived at7 pm. We got water at a floral shop/nursery on US 7 near Sheffield MA. Water is scarce...streams are dry...it's brutal!! Needing to load it up and carry it. One liter weighs 2 pounds! We passed some amazing views this morning, from Mt Bushnell.We met Ziptie today. She was at the shelter next to ours last night, with Unknown & Rocky Cat.Emergency crew at road crossing MA 23; we were nervous it was a hiker...it was Not!! Medical emergency for a gentleman, we didn't ask, but prayed for him after we passed by. Big Cypress really wanted to swim at the pond at Beartown SF, so....the half mile off trail walk was worth it!! We arrived late, no campsites left...We stealth camped behind the work shed. Lots of leaf litter, so soft & nice! No swimming...too late & too much to do, before dark.
Date: 2016-06-21
From: Beartown State Forest

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Left at 630 - arrived at 7Forecast was raining or Tstorms after 2 am. Well, at 3 am....We woke to drops on the tent. We both got up to tinkle before the sky opened, if that was the case! We could hear the thunder...then it got closer. One bolt was too close for comfort...the rain sounded like a wall closing in on us...it was loud! Only lasting a short time, packed up under sunny skies, But still wet! Nice to use real bathroom with flush toilets and wash our hands and dry with paper towels. Made our breakfast in the little entrance stand, it had a picnic table in it. Not sure it was worth the half mile off trail hike in & half mile out. But, it was God's plan for us anyway!!We met Speedy Gonzalez today. He was at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin when we arrived. We were greeted by Sparks! He showed us the bunk room, we got one next to the window & one adjacent (L shape, head to head). Miss Nancy is the Caretaker this week. Unknown, Rocky Cat, Shao, AK and Oats were also there. Along with FF's Slug & Looney from Minnesota and few others in tents.Big Cypress finally got to swim!! He was thrilled and the water was warm and beautiful!! Nancy solved a bird song we didn't know....Veery bird. Hummingbird feeder at the cabin and lots of hummers there!!
Date: 2016-06-22
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

We slept well on bunks with a mattress. About 18 hikers there last night. 6:30 am, miss Nancy made piles of pancakes...We each got 5 or 6 and coffee!! Mmmm Good!!! This cabin is great....canoeing also. Sparks zero'd here too. Rocking chairs on the porch even. We Must visit again!! We had lunch at October Mountain Shelter, couscous! Good trail day. Hiked to the Cookie Ladies house....no answer. We did get water from spigot. We got text updates from Rabbit and Fiber. Fiber is only one day in front. Rabbit, Leopard & Crash are 200-ish miles back. If we could only bottle the beautiful aroma of the ferns. There is one type ferns that grows in huge areas and boy do they smell great!!! Topic for some trail talk today, a glad to be home party & we did it, for our entire family, both sides!Critter: Garter Snake, lil tiny grey ball of fir....mouse, sitting smack in the middle of the trail. Posed for pic, then scooting him away, so he wouldn't get hurt.
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Shamrock Inn
Miles today: 3.0

We had a very pleasant temperature for sleeping last night!! Not sure what it was exactly, but I almost put my pink balaclava on, from Karen & Bill. We arrived last night, eating dinner with Everyone we've been with the past day or so (and then some). Met Omega! He was a delight to talk to. Peter and the wolf (Dog, Tanner) showed up late and not happy about no cookies from Cookie Lady. (her husband is ill and she has a lot going on).We arrived in town at about 8, since we left camp at 6:25 am. Hiked in with Quicksand, as he was fast enough to catch us and wanted to chat. Passing Hail and his sister at Tom's house. Tom is hiker friendly, but can't advertise in the AWOL guide, too much work last year (over 1,000 hikers hosted). He does shuttles too. He took us to Wal-Mart, Price Chopper and McDonald's (I wanted a Big Mac)This morning I was struggling with my optimism, being negative and then in same breath or thought, positive. Does that mean I'm struggling with my faith and trust in Christ also?? Well....We got to the hotel at 8:30; I sat down, Big went to find a restroom. Who do I see....Fiber!! He's hiking with Mufasa and someone else. They were supposed to hit trail at 7, but slow to go this morning. Super excited to see him!! We hugged, I was sweating...so I made Fiber go Ewww!! Big returned and we chatted. We stashed our packs in his room, he gave us the key (office still close) we changed our clothes and went to Dalton Restaurant for breakfast. Fiber hit the trail! Boy oh boy that was a nice surprise!! Check in is 3 pm. Additional $5 each hour before that, if you want to arrive early. We sat in the lounge & watched TV, until about 1 pm. Usual chores, laundry, showers, foot soaking....no resupply boxes until Cheshire tomorrow. Visited with Wild Thing and her mom, Melissa from Connecticut.Cutting back miles this week. Plan is 6/24 Friday 9.3 into Cheshire MA, sleep at St Mary's of the Assumption Church6/25 Saturday 15.8 to sleep at Petes Spring Campsite6/26 Sunday 18.4 sleep at Congdon Shelter (Hopefully seeing Beth/Neon at VT 9, road crossing to Bennington VT) as we missed her in Dalton....a mix up in planning and poor phone service!! Thank you for the trail magic and time you took to drive to see us. We are Saving the $ to see you!!6/27 Monday 14.4 miles sleep at Goddard Shelter6/28 Tuesday 12.5 miles sleeping at Stratton-Arlington Rd6/29 Wed 14.7 miles sleep @ Spruce Peak Shelter6/30 Thursday 17.6 miles sleep at Lost Pond Shelter7/1 Friday 14.9 miles sleep at Minerva Hinchey Shelter7/2 Saturday 2.7 miles to VT 103 to the Qu's Whistle Stop Restaurant into Rutland VT for rest/hotel & resupply. No bus on Sunday back to trail, so not sure if we will Nero & Zero or what??
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Shamrock Inn

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Shamrock Motel to Mark Noepel Shelter for 13.9 milesWe woke early and had donuts & hard boiled eggs we picked up yesterday. We had packed most of our gear last night so didn't have much to do this morning. The trail took us through town and some neighborhoods, finally ending up in the woods. The cool shade of the woods is always wonderful and welcomed. We were surprised by the appearance of Toothpick, who we haven't seen since Pine Grove Furnace SP in Pennsylvania. We caught up and hiked on to The Cobbles, the outcroppping of marble where we were greeted by Omega. The 4 of us hiked on together until hitting the road into Cheshire. Toothpick moved on and Omega chatted with us to Diane's Twist ice cream sandwich joint. We got our resupply boxes from the post office across the street. While we sat at the picnic tables in the cool shade, we went through boxes, had Gatorade, ice cream and chatted with Omega, Toothpick, Serenity and son, Cookie with Dog/Sammie. DT showed up too. His buddy got off the trail, at the shamrock motel due to injuries. We arrived at the shelter kinda early. Which is nice and we don't feel rushed. Looney & Slug were there, tent already up. We found a tent pad just below theirs. Omega sheltered, Serenity & Cookie tented. Quiet camp evening!! We have been talking about our faith. We both pray a lot during the day and have faith in our Lord. We've been struggling with faith in ourselves. We came to the conclusion that this hike is God's Boot Camp for us. He's got us out here with no distractions, struggling daily with an event and obstacles we aren't used to. Kinda "breaking us" and making us more dependent on Him. Doing that and at the same time teaching us to listen and to have faith in ourselves - something that He's given us!! We pray and ask for His help and hand to intervene, but He gave us the power to overcome and we just have to believe that!! = Faith. He's our heavenly Father and fathers always want what is best for us, but we don't always listen/believe/trust. Learning the hard way!! Peter had faith, to step out of the boat, but then realized what amazing thing he was doing & had the faith, then immediately lost faith in himself or belief that he was given the power to do great things and sank.
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Mark Noepel Shelter to Sherman Brook Campsite 11.2 milesWe slept in until 6; since we were doing lower miles today. Hit trail at 7:30. Up from behind is Rocky Cat. He got food poisoning and stayed at the Catholic church hostel in Cheshire. Feeling much better and on the mission to catch up to Unknown, AK and Shao. ** About the church hostel - some one sent us a guest book email to trail journals and said the hostel was closed - TOTALLY UNTRUE!! ** We aren't sure why someone would do such a thing, but it just strange and unusual!!We climbed Mt Greylock this morning. Highest point in Massachusetts @ 3491 feet elevation. Popped into Bascom Lodge, had some treats, Gatorade, coffee, Coke, ice cream and breakfast sandwich and used the restroom with running water and toilet paper. (the simple things that make a hiker happy ) Rocky Cat, Serenity & Cookie were there. Then we also saw Babbit. It's been a long time since seeing Babbit. He's been well. We also ran into a group of birders, who tried to help us ID the birds we've been hearing. Later DT happened upon us while having a snack break. He's sick and can't shake it, so getting to town for Dr visit. We've been having faith in our power over pain and even able to skip a ibuprofen (vitamin I) pit stop, because our pain was gone. We arrived at camp at 5:30. We were able to have a camp fire and also the site has elevated wooden tent pads. Critters: kicked up a couple grouse, that just kept flying in front of us & over the trail. Lots of toads & frogs hopping about.
Date: 2016-06-26
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Sherman Brook Campsite to Congdon Shelter for 12.5 milesLeft at 6:45 this morning, crossing into Vermont after about 3 miles. We stopped for pictures and a snack. Mark, a day hiker stopped also. He remembered seeing us, yesterday, at Mt Greylock. He was an angel and gave us each a snack size pack of Oreo cookies. We visited a bit and then back to hiking! We passed by the Seth Warner shelter and decided to have lunch (ham, rice beans & veggies) at the Roaring Branch Pond. Nice spot right on the trail. A couple wild purple irises were in bloom and a frog was resting on a boulder, it didn't seem to care we were just inches away. We saw Wildthing today, we stopped & chatted for a few minutes. Her mom, Melissa went home after hiking with her a few days. We arrived at the shelter area at 4:30. Tented nearby and had a tiny campfire tonight. Sleeping well before hiker midnight (which is 7:30-8).Critters: squeekers of the woods...chipmunks - lots n lots of them. Porcupine, pretty big one crossing the trail first thing this morning. Lots of toads n frogs again today. Butterfly getting necessary minerals from the salty area of my back pack. Little brown squirrel at our lunch spot. Scripture we read tonight that helped our minds: Romans 5:3-5Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God¢s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.                Mark 11:22-24¢Have faith in God,¢ Jesus answered. ¢Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ¢Go, throw yourself into the sea,¢ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Date: 2016-06-29
From: Albany Med Center NY

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Albany Medical CenterUp and doing laps in the hallway, as I can be released from hospital if I can move about with falling or collapsing. So....that's the goal!!2:30 pm, Shana the physical therapist said I was good to go! I can walk ok with the aid and I can make a step up and step down for thresholds and or curbs. I will be leaving the hospital with crutches and using both walker & crutches once we are home.3 pm, got our plane tickets home for leaving at 7 pm, arriving FL at midnight. We were shuttled to airport at 5 pm, via Hilton hotel shuttle (hotel connected to hospital). American Airlines very accommodating for my leg not being very "bendy"!! Our sons, daughter in-love & grandson met us at the airport to get us home. Home & in our own bed by 1 a.m.
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Follow Up & Gear UpdateWe will post a few more posts on trail journals.For updates to the healing. I have a doctor appointment on Thursday the 7th and we will post an updated Gear List. Since a lot of people are interested in that, as we were when we were planning the hike. Thank you to our church family for making dinners for us this whole week. You are all amazing and your kindness is much appreciated!!Thanks for your continued thoughts & prayers!!
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Our trail family that need prayers and if you'd like to read about their journey - here are links. Jason Kulp At Facebook - winter park FLSteady & Teach are at traillife2016.blogspot.comSubman & Suds are at trailjournals.com/submanandsudsRob Rounce or as we called him Connecticut Rabbit as we know a Rabbit from Michigan too. Posts lots of pictures & details at trailjournals.com/rabbitUnknown is on Facebook atThe "Unknown" ATSteve Claxton (mustard seed) At Facebook - he's raising money for two charities and posts lots of picturesSparks AT HikeAt Facebook , friend request and his trail boss will add you as friend, he posts lots of pictures alsoRoger Wooten aka Sooner or Later is at trailjournals.com/soonerorlaterWe really are fond of him & hope to visit him someday!Dan has a blog at hikeitforward.wordpress.com We didn't hike with Dan, but his blog is an interesting read !!