morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-17
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter 

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 
Miles today: 16.6

Started 0700 arrived at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center at 1730 hrs just north of US 9, NY 403. Nice gathering of hikers at the pavilion at the ball fields. Passed the 1400 mile marker today. Crossed Bear Mountain, Perkins Tower and walked thru the Bear Mountain Museum and Zoo which has the lowest point on the Appalachian Trail at 124 feet above sea level. My right knee started popping this afternoon with slight pain and discomfort. I'm hoping this gets better and clears up soon. Got a blessing from one of the Sisters' which can only help my journey.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 

To: 2 Miles North of NY Rt. 301
Miles today: 13.8

Got up 0700 packed up and walked across the field to use the privy and then the rain came. I walked back to the pavilion and sat it out until 0930, then I started hiking. Listened to Rope Burn play guitar and hiker talk and stories for the 2.5 hours but the trail was calling. Hiked to 1830 hrs when we found a stealth camp site 2 miles north of NY Rt 301. or 5 miles south of RPH Shelter. Wasn't much of a stealth site because we were only 10 feet off the trail. Hiked with Hulk, Still Cassie and Noodle. Hulk camped down by the lake, we camped up on the ridge. Seems like we will have evening thunderstorms, I hope it is dry in the morning. Received trail magic of cold drinks at Dennytown Rd.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: 2 Miles North of NY Rt. 301

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Got an early start to try to beat the heat. Started hiking 0615 and took a break at the RPH Shelter from about 0830 to 0915. Got to NY 52, Stormville NY and went and got pizza for lunch and a deli sandwich for dinner. Stayed there from 1300 to 1600 hrs. Left and hiked to Morgan Stewart Shelter. I arrived at 1800 along with Still Cassie and Noodle.
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter 

To: Wiley Shelter 
Miles today: 16.6

Started hiking 0700 and at 1200 hrs I got to Native Landscape and Garden Center which is very hiker friendly. Free cold water shower, recharge phone station and snacks at a reasonable price. Thought I would take a two hour rest then push on for Ten Mile River Shelter in Connecticut. Oops, didn't make it. I stopped short at Wiley Shelter, 1.2 miles from Connecticut. The heat took zapped me of all my energy. Forgot about the trail magic first thing this morning at Old Rt 55 of sodas, banana and a Slim Jim. NY has been great about the trail magic. After leaving the Garden Center I ran into another lady putting out water for her hikers Passed the largest oak tree on the AT just north of West Dover Rd. It's girth four feet from the ground is more than 20 feet 4 inches and it's estimated to be more than 300 years old.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Wiley Shelter 

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 19.7

Started 0700 and hiked to 1900 hrs when I arrived at Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter. Alot cooler today then the past two days. Cloudy and some showers helped keep it cooler. Cinderella, Wood Chuck and Chile Awhile all got off at Kent, CT. So far Connecticut has given me a little of everything as far as terrain but all in all its been good. Just me and a section hiker, Snickers at the shelter. Done with NY state number 9 onto Connecticut.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter 

To: West Cornwall Road 
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

Started at 0730 and hiked with Snickers to CT Rt 4, Cornwall Bridge. There he went to a gas station and I hiked onto West Cornwall Rd. to get picked up to go to the Bearded Woods Bunk and Dine for my zero and to relax. I arrived at 1245 and Hudson picked me up at 1300 hrs. A cold soda and a short drive later I was showered and relaxing. Hudson, LASHed (long ass section hiked) the AT 2004-2008 and thru hiked the AT in 2014.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: West Cornwall Road 

To: West Cornwall Road 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Taking my zero and what a great place to do it at. Last night Pacer, Pom Pom, Uncle D, Doc 13, Big Sky and Voyager all ate, laughed and had a great evening and morning. It was good to see Pacer and Doc 13 especially since it had been a while. It's cool how hikers disappear and appear on the trail. It's like a shell game. Hudson and Big Lu are fantastic host. This is one of my BEST stays on the trail. Food, accommodation and host are five star. THANKS, it will be hard to leave in the morning.My current weight is 190 lbs. Which means I've lost 54.5 lbs. My pack weight with 1.5 liters of water and 5 days of food is 34 lbs 6 oz. I wish it was lighter. There was only three of us tonight: Freebyrd who I hadn't seen in a 1000 miles and his brother in law Rocket Man who is out in support. Another great dinner: first night BBQ chicken, baked beans, corn bread and corn on the cob. Followed by tonight's: meatloaf, fresh rolls, string beans with tomatoes and potatoes with carrots. And a great dessert both nights.
Date: 2015-07-24
From: West Cornwall Road 

To: 3 Miles North of Limestone Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Started 0805 hiking by myself and in a short while I ran into a few SOBOs while talking to them I heard my name yelled out. It was Slow Ride who I haven't seen since Damascus. I'm telling you it's a shell game. Then several of us watched a road race practice going on at Lime Rock Speedway which was pretty cool. Had to follow a 3 mile detour on pavement because the Housatonic bridge is under repair. Then I got to Limestone Spring Shelter to early, plus it was.5 off trail and down 300 feet in elevation. So I decided to hike on to .5 south of US 44, Salisbury, Connecticut. I started hiking with Preacher and another hiker the last 3.4 miles. Both of them also happened to have been watching the race practice. We stopped hiking about 1800 hrs.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: 3 Miles North of Limestone Spring Shelter 

To: Glen Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Started 0700 and arrived at Glen Brook Shelter at 1800 hrs. Passed the 1500 mile marker and left Connecticut today. State #10 done and entered Massachusetts. Hiked with Mani Mato which is Lakota Sioux for Walking Bear, Preacher and Slow Ride. Some nice hills and views and great resting spots. Also received two cheese, tomato and basil pesto sandwiches from a day hiker that I shared with Slow Ride. It's amazing how the trail provides.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Glen Brook Shelter 

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter 
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Started late today because of the rain. It's so hard to get motivated when it's raining. Anyway I started hiking 0745 and before I left camp I ran into Cinderella and Wood Chuck so there are even more hikers around me that I know. Still no signs of Young Gun?? Arrived at Mt. Wilcox South Shelter at 2000 hrs. We were soaking wet because we had thunderstorms the last 2.5 hours of hiking. Preacher and myself, who I had hiked with most of the day, stayed at the newer shelter. Paperclip hung his hammock in the older shelter and Slow Ride was tenting. During the day we hiked.4 miles each way to go to a closed restaurant, but we did find a soda machine and water at a car dealership on the way back to the trail. It was a little disappointing but the soda helped us feel better.
Date: 2015-07-27
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter 

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin 
Miles today: 15.8

Started 0700 arrived at trailhead for Upper Goose Pond Cabin at 1500 hrs and hiked down the trail .5 to the cabin. Ran into Pace Car and Peaceful Warrior both of them were also going to the cabin. Nice pond and bunk house. Also received beef stew trail magic, the cabin had it and a previous thru hiker said she would carry out the empty cans. So Pace Car and myself jumped on the opportunity for beef stew, THANKS Thumper!! Early this morning I got to watch two beavers in their pond, don't think the pictures will be that great but it was neat to watch them. Encountered a new obstacle on the trail today. That was a bunch of downed trees from the storm. Just when you thought you have had everything already thrown at you
Date: 2015-07-28
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin 

To: Kay Wood Shelter 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Got up 0615 waited for coffee and pancakes which were fantastic. Started hiking 0730. Got to the Cookie Lady's house about 1400 hrs and waited because she wasn't home. After about 45 minutes she showed up and gave us cookies and a soda. Then we hiked to Kay Wood Shelter arriving at 1800 hrs. We only stayed at the shelter because the Shamrock Inn in Dalton, Massachusetts was full. If I'd known that the Upper Goose Pond Cabin was as nice as it was I would've planned a zero and carried an extra day of food.
Date: 2015-07-29
From: Kay Wood Shelter 

To: Dalton, Massachusetts MA Rt.9
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Started out at about 0730 and arrived into Dalton, Massachusetts at roughly 0900 hrs. Got a room at the Shamrock Village Inn after having a fruit smoothie and a breakfast sandwich. Then the town task started: shower, laundry, resupply and eating. I love neros, three miles is a breeze. It is a good day to be in town, very hot. Ran into Osha and his daughter who were staying at the same inn. It was good to see Osha and thank him for keeping my mind in the game in Boiling Springs, PA.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Dalton, Massachusetts MA Rt.9

To: Dalton, Massachusetts MA Rt.9
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take a zero because there is a 60% chance of a thunderstorm. Hudson said "You should let the weather decide your zero's that way your off the trail for the bad weather" so I thought I would try it. the coffee shop looked like a hiker hostel, 6 or 7 hikers and 1 or 2 town folks. It's always good to see other hikers for both your mind and for information. Found Young Gun, 140 miles behind me, he went to visit family in Pittsburgh for a few days. Hope to see him on the trail before Katahdin. Free Byrd and Mato showed up at the inn so we will hopefully have dinner together
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Dalton, Massachusetts MA Rt.9

To: Mark Noepel shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

This doesn't have to do anything with hiking, but it's changed my life more then the trail has, this is my 16 year anniversary of my first date with my wife, Tracey. I LOVE YOU!!! Started hiking 0830 after a fruit smoothie and a breakfast burrito. Short day and three quarters of the way to the summit of Mount Greylock. Saddle Ball Mountain and Greylock are the first 3000 foot mountains north of Shenandoah National Park and they just happened to be back to back. Mato and myself stayed at Mark Noepel Shelter arriving at about 1600 hrs. Preacher and Free Byrd hiked to Bascom Lodge at the summit which is another 3.3 miles. I prefer short days after a resupply when your pack is the heaviest.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: Mark Noepel shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

started hiking at 0645 and got to Bascom Lodge and caught Free Byrd having breakfast. Mato also caught me but the Preacher had already hit the trail. Mato and myself hiked to North Adams for a hiker feed where we caught up with the Preacher. Followed by Free Byrd also showing up. Nice event and food is always a good thing. Preacher is doing his own thing while while Free Byrd will need to catch up because he is going to a friends house. Left Massachuetts state # 11 down and entered Vermont. arrived at 1730 hrs at Seth Warner Shelter.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Hell Hollow Brook 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0700 arrived at Hell Hollow Brook at 1700 hrs. Recieved a soda as trail magic at VT Rt. 9 which was refreshing. There is five of us tenting at the closed bridge: Mato, Coffee Maker both of whom I had hiked with all day and Preacher and Free Byrd who caught up to us. Preacher is having some vertigo issues, hopefully he'll be alright. Passed the 1600 mile marker which means we are getting closer
Date: 2015-08-03
From: Hell Hollow Brook 

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Started 0700 and arrived at 1600 hrs at Story Spring Shelter with a pending thunderstorm on the horizon. Recieved some trail magic from the parents of two Long Trail hikers of bagels and watermelon and then from them I got some spagetti that they could not finish. Nice day of hiking both weather and terrian up until this point. At 1621 hrs the storm hit. What a display of lighting, thunder and hail. What a blessing that we made it to the shelter. When it stopped most of the AT thru hikers set up tents and hammocks just before the next wave of thunderstorms came.
Date: 2015-08-04
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

Started 0630 arrived Spruce Peak Shelter 1715 hrs. Climbed Stratton Mountain and halfway up the firetower where the views inspired the creation of the Appalacian Trail. Then hiked down to Stratton Pond for lunch and a nice wade in the cool water. Great day of hiking with a well graded terrian.
Date: 2015-08-05
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: VT Rt. 11 & 30 - Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Nero'ed into Manchester Center, VT. Started 0700 and was in town before 0930 hrs. I think I set a record for my shortest day also at 2.8 miles breaking my other low of 2.9 miles. Got a ride hitching into town by a sweet lady who took Preacher, Coffee Maker and myself to the Post Office and then to the center of town. It was very nice of her and I wish her the best and mant blessings. I picked up one of my packages and went to EMS before calling the hostel to be picked up. Coffee Maker is getting off trail in Manchester Center to visit friends before heading back to Austria. Nice guy and one hell of a coffee maker.
Date: 2015-08-06
From: VT Rt. 11 & 30 - Manchester Center, VT

To: VT Rt. 11 & 30 - Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero'ed at Green Mountain House Hostel in Manchester Center, VT. What a great hostel, host and other hikers. Detox and Raincheck showed up who I had not seen in a while. I also meet No Keys and Sprinkles who thru hiked in 2012 and worked at the AT Hostel in Millinocket, ME. Lots of good information and stories making for an enjoyable evening and morning.I want to give a special thanks to Leo and Kim from Joshua, TX. Who sent a box of trail magic after reading my trail journal. It was greatly appreciated by many hikers at the hostel. PayDays, Butterfingers, Jerky, Chick-O-Stick, trail mix and nut clusters all the healthy foods hikers like and need. Thanks again and God bless.A few Long Trail hikers also were here, Rookie of the Year who I meet a few days ago and I told him to get rid of anything cotton and not only did he listen he burnt his cotton socks. And then there was the coconut couple. Curry with no coconut??I want to thank Jeff and Regina Taussig for such a great clean place to relax and recharge and Hudson for recommending it.
Date: 2015-08-07
From: VT Rt. 11 & 30 - Manchester Center, VT

To: Big Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 16.5

Got up 0630 had coffee, eggs, sausage and cereal. We left for the trailhead at 0830 and I started hiking just before 0900 hrs. I arrived at Big Branch Shelter at 1730 hrs. Hiked some with Rookie of the Year and ran into Sweeps and his wife (coconut couple) and Witch who has flipped flopped. She said that Evergreen was in PA and that Weasley was off trail. I camped with Rookie of the Year and Insect both of whom are Long Trail (LT) hikers. No cell service so I'll try calling the wife tomorrow.
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Big Branch Shelter 

To: Clarendon Shelter 
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0700 arrived 1600 hrs at Clarendon Shelter. Received trail magic just north of VT Rt.140 sponsored by the Green Mountain Club, nice spread of fruit, donuts, coffee, juice, hot dogs, brownies etc. Haven't seen Rookie of the Year since I started out this morning. I've ran into Insect a few times including here at the shelter. Another enjoyable day of hiking here in VT. At the trail to White Rocks Cliff and about .5 miles south of trail was tw we really cool cairns gardens, hope the pictures turn out.
Date: 2015-08-09
From: Clarendon Shelter 

To: Churchill Scott Shelter 
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Started 0645 arrived at 1615 hrs at Churchill Scott Shelter. Climbed Killington Peak including the .2 side trail to get to the very top. Had a hamburger with Insect before climbing down to the trail again. Insect went to Pico Camp, I was the only one at this shelter until Neon showed up. Most hikers probably go the next 1.9 miles and hitch into Rutland. Had a soda for trail magic in one of the streams earlier today, always appreciated. Passed the 500 miles to Katahdin marker and I'm one mile short of 1700 hiked.
Date: 2015-08-10
From: Churchill Scott Shelter 

To: Winturri Shelter 
Miles today: 21.8

Started 0700 and hiked with Neon to Sherburne Pass Trail which takes you to The Inn at Long Trail. The Appalachian Trail left the Long Trail so I saw fewer people. Stopped by Base Camp Outfitters and purchased two freeze dried dinner meals and ate three ice cream sandwiches. Went to the private cabin with the observation deck which was pretty awesome. Wish I would have had water because that is where I would have stayed. Arrived 1930 hrs at Winturri Shelter which had quite a few hikers. Stayed in the shelter due to the pending rain. Passed the 1700 mile marker earlier this morning. One of the hikers at the shelter was Wildcat who is also on trial journals.
Date: 2015-08-11
From: Winturri Shelter 

To: Thistle Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 11.6

Started 0830 because of the rain, went 3.8 miles to VT Rt.12 and hiked .2 to On the Edge Farm. Where I had a breakfast burrito, muffin and a chocolate milk. I left the farm about 1100 and got a soda as trail magic after my first NOBO river fording by holding onto a cable. I arrived at 1400 hrs at Thistle Hill Shelter. Two SOBOs and myself slept in the shelter and someone was tenting.
Date: 2015-08-12
From: Thistle Hill Shelter 

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Started 0630 and arrived at the Hart Family Trail Magic House by 0900 and had coffee, pancakes and sausage. What a great treat. Onto Hanover, NH. Got to Elm Street in Norwich, VT were there appears to be a trail magic competition. Almost every house had something out as trail magic. I even got a ride to Dan & Whits and back to the driveway so I wouldn't miss any of the Appalachian Trail. Left Vermont state #12 and entered Ne we Hampshire. I got to Dartmouth College, The Green and got a bus to take me to an affordable hotel. The Hanover Inn next to Dartmouth was a little out of my league. I still have issues with wet mud, I slipped or fell once today and multiple times yesterday.
Date: 2015-08-13
From: Hanover, NH

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Decided to zero to relax and recover physically, then I would start New Hampshire. Saw Arrow and Green Bay at breakfast. We exchanged best wishes as they headed out to the trail. I updated my journal and did alot of nothing. I did go to town where I ran into Cinderella, Woodchuck, Chile Awhile and meet Baltimore Jack all while getting my free slice of pizza. Hanover is a great town just a little pricey.
Date: 2015-08-14
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0

Got up and had breakfast at the hotel and caught the 0935 bus to Hanover. I was getting ready to go into Lou's Bakery and Diner when I saw Neon, Mosey, Wayah and Log. We all had breakfast and got our free donut. Received trail magic from Sooner or Later who plans to thru hike next year, he left us $20.00 towards our bill. After two breakfasts I started hiking about 1100 hrs. I stopped by a church to thank God for the safety and perseverance I've had so far and for all the people that have appeared in my life when I needed someone. I arrived at Moose Mountain Shelter at 1800 hrs. A nice short day coming out of town. The breakfast group arrived shortly after I setup camp. I hiked half the day with Runs With Beer whom I met yesterday. He is a Navy Corpsman and a great guy to hike and talk with. I really slowed him down and I was grateful he hiked with me most of the day.
Date: 2015-08-15
From: Moose Mountain Shelter 

To: South Jacob's Brook 
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0645 hiking by myself and encountered my first porcupine within a half hour. Shortly after that I found Runs With Beer tenting. Came upon some trail magic at Bill Ackerley's who is 87 and gives out ice cream, water and lets you play croquet. You can also tent for free and buy a soda for fifty cents. Great guy and as you can imagine alot of hikers. Arrived at South Jacob's Brook at 1730 hrs and decided to camp due to pending rain. The brook was 1.4 miles south of Hexacuba Shelter and a really nice camp site. Mosey, Wayah, Neon, Log and myself stayed, Runs With Beer decided to hike until it started to rain and Arrow and Green Bay went for the shelter.
Date: 2015-08-16
From: South Jacob's Brook 

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter 
Miles today: 17.1

Started 0630 arrived Jeffers Brook Shelter at 1730 hrs. Had a big climb first thing this morning. I've lost the ladies down the trail and Runs With Beer is going to see how far over Mount Moosilauke he can get today. Should have some nice pics from the top of Mount Cube that I took this morning. When Runs With Beer passed me he told me Preacher got a ride from the hostel to Lincoln, hope all is well.LESS THEN 400 TO GO
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter 

To: Eliza Brook Shelter and Campsite 
Miles today: 15.9

Started 0630 and arrived at Eliza Brook Shelter at 1930 hrs. Passed the 1800 mile marker today and also entered the White Mountains. I climbed Mount Moosilauke which was breath taking in effort and in beauty. Saw Red Beard who also has flip flopped camping on top. The four ladies got off at NH Rt 112, hopefully I'll see them again. I'm exhausted, I only hiked 15.9 but it feels like 20 plus.
Date: 2015-08-18
From: Eliza Brook Shelter and Campsite 

To: North Woodstock, NH - The Notch Hostel 
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Started 0700 arrived at Franconia Notch at 1300 hrs. Called to get a shuttle ride into North Woodstock to stay at the Notch Hostel this evening to allow me to shower and do laundry. These mountains are wearing me out, apparently I'll only be able to do 10-12 miles per day. Free Byrd also arrived at the hostel by getting a ride from Fat Man Walking ( I met him earlier doing trail magic ) and I saw Hot Pants and Crumbs in town and they are also coming to the hostel.
Date: 2015-08-19
From: North Woodstock, NH - The Notch Hostel 

To: Mt. Garfield 
Miles today: 9.9

Got up to coffee and breakfast,then packed and caught the shuttle back to the trail at 0720 hrs. I walked the.9 miles back to the Appalachian Trail and started hiking about 0800. Climbed the mountain to Franconia Ridge and walked above tree line for the next 2.5 miles. On Mt. Lafayette I stopped to eat and enjoy the beauty when the trail provided me with a peanut butter, honey and bacon sandwich (SWEET) and some M&M's. Got to the top of Mt. Garfield and there was a group of us who decided to stay: Hulk, Pocahontas, Icarus, Tick, Kiki, Juice and a few others. The location was great to see both the sunrise and sunset. I camped out near a ledge, everyone else was tucked tightly in a pine grove.
Date: 2015-08-20
From: Mt. Garfield 

To: .5 Miles North of Ethan Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4

Got woken up by a Penn State orientation group which was good because I got to see the sunrise, had to wait for the clouds to blow by but it was awesome. I packed up and started hiking at 0615. I stealth camped .5 miles north of Ethan Pond Shelter arriving at 1715 hrs. It's hard to get used to not being able to get more miles but it's all I can do in the Whites. Had a heck of a time hanging my food bag in pine trees. It was nice to stop by two huts during the day for rest, drinks and soup.