morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-21
From: campsite @ 1367.4

To: campsite @ 1382.9
Miles today: 16.7

Woke up to morning showers, grateful and optimistic that they would replenish the dwindling water sources. The rocky climbs if NY are challenging! I climbed my first rebar ladder. I ended up off trail somewhere around Buchanon Mtn road, following a rocky road around a lake for more than 30 minutes before I realized I was supposed to have access to the lake and thought to look for a blaze. Luckily, I was able to use the contour lines to find a gully, then a creek flowing downhill and the GPS feature of the Guthook app to bushwhack for 15 minutes to a road, which led back to the trail. When lost in the woods, go downhill until a water source; it will lead you to civilization eventually. I took a well-earned break at Little Dam Lake and had chipmunks scurry underneath me, disrupting my relaxing smoke. Still feeling dehydrated, all I wanted was a watermelon and a salt shaker. Shortly thereafter, I stumbled upon a sweet Trail Magic setup at the Orange Turnpike: a patio table with chairs, a citronella candle, jugs of cool water, a trash can, and a bucket of fresh apples and bananas. This, of course, resulted in tears of joy and love for the altruism of some individuals. The water that has been left at some of the trailheads has been a true blessing and I am so incredibly thankful. I loaded up on water, ate a banana, took an apple for the trail, and attempted to carry a gallon of water over Arden mountain. Again, these NY rocky climbs are very challenging, especially when toting 10 lbs of water. At 7, I decided to call it quit and stealth camped on the mountain.
Date: 2016-06-22
From: campsite @ 1382.9

To: West Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up a bit late and headed down the mountain wishing I had my knee braces. When I arrived at Harriman Park, I decided to skip some of the rocks and road walk to Tiorati Circle, where I wrote in my journal, used the restroom (wanted to shower, but the water was cold, so I only rinsed a bit), and filled up on water and food. Along the road walk, I spotted a bear drinking from a pond and a doe dodging cars with her two fawns. There weren't any difficult climbs afterwards and I breaker for lunch to dry out my sweat soaked pants at William Brien Memorial Shelter. Poor Homeward passed by and witnessed me walking around in my pink undies chatting with my car insurance company. I made it to West Mountain Shelter early and enjoyed the view of the NYC skyline while preparing my first (and likely last) MRE. The skyline tinkled like Christmas lights in ten rose colored sky as the sun set behind the mountains. P. S. A whippoorwill began chirping as the sun went down...and didn't stop until 3am. I ran out with my poles cursing the bird on three occasions, but it was not fazed.
Date: 2016-06-23
From: West Mountain Shelter

To: Bear Mountain Inn
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up exhausted due to incessant chirping all fucking night, coupled with some raccoons eating berries out of the tree in front of the shelter. I'm going to try my best not to be a cranky bitch today. So the hike up to Bear Mountain was pretty sweet. It was obviously a tourist trail; there were stairs, gravel trails, and trash everywhere. I truly wonder what people think happens to the trash they throw on the ground, or if they even do. In my deliriously tired and hungry state of mind, I chow to stay at the Bear Mountain Inn despite the exorbitant cost. All the rooms in the main building were booked, so I took a room in the Overlook Lodge, which was across the lake. I ate some pasta and chatted with my wife while walking through the zoo, which featured the flora and fauna of the AT. Afterwards, I went to my room, took a shower, washed my clothes in the shower, and set off for some food and booze in Fort Montgomery, NY. The bridge was under construction, so I would have had to take a side trail to reach Cheshire Matt in order to acquire said desired items. I didn't feel like waking. I called an Uber, but the driver said it wasn't worth it; I asked a couple in the parking lot, but they had a graduation party to attend; I walked along the shitty rocky side trail to the Fort Montgomery State Historic Site wearing Crocs, no bra, and no undies, and asked the first person I saw for a lift to the Mart. He obliged and I spent $45 on shitty gas station food and beer. I also received 4 packets of oatmeal on the house. A guy behind me in line offered me a ride back and I proceeded to have a very good time drinking to excess on the deck overlooking the lake.
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Bear Mountain Inn

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Despite excessive drinking and smoking, I woke up refreshed. I packed up and headed to the main Inn for the continental breakfast, where I ran into Tinker filling his tank in true Tinker fashion (stuffing everything he can into his stomach). We ate and chatted over breakfast, Tinker revealed he was gay and explained how hiking the trail had made him more open minded: "I figured-I was gay; I had to be open minded. But there are so many people on the trail I'd never come into contact with in real life, including you: a woman with a wife. " I assured him I'd also never had the opportunity to meet someone like him: a 70 year old man with a beard like Gandalf and the appetite of a 15 year old. I truly love the open community of the trail; it is truly live and let live. If you're a man who wants to hike in a skirt, (not a kilt...skirt; it took me a minute to realize he was, indeed, a man) rock that shit! You wanna sing off key at the top of your lungs, belt it! (But STFU when you hike into camp.) You want to only hike at night and avoid all social interactions, be a vampire! You want to throw your trash in the fire pits, pick that shit up and LNT bitch. In general, be who you are and do what you want within reasonable and respectful limits of others and the trail. After breakfast, I crossed the Hudson River (way cool) and became completely drenched in sweat climbing the hill afterwards; I think it must have been the beer leaving my body because the elevation profile did not show a difficult climb. I stopped for lunch at the Appalachian Trail Deli, ordering a Philly Cheesesteak on a "roll." I put role in quotes because in the south, a roll is a ring but of sweet and/or buttery bread served with dinner. The things they call rolls in the north are these pillowy puffs of bread with a slight crunch to the crust. In other words, fucking amazing shit! I was again disappointed AWOL had labeled a gas station as a "long term resupply." I feel the grocery cart icon should be reserved for grocery stores, where you can buy a box of granola bars rather than individually for inflated prices. The hiking today was pretty easy and I was actually able to collect water from a flowing stream. I arrived at the park around sunset and checked in. The man asked me if I had a reservation because the park was full. Just as my jaw hit the desk, he said he was just kidding, and offered some water and Italian ice to soften the blow he had nearly dealt. The park had three sites available to AT hikers, which are mosquito infested and close to a road, but that's okay; I was able to shower off the sweat of the day and climb into my sleeping bag clean(ish).
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The roars of rush hour roused me from my slumber, so I hit the road to the beach, where a side trail leads back to the AT. I passed a mysterious aquatic tractor "harvesting" something. I met 2 hikers along the trail: Running Mink & SyFy. I stopped by the RPG Shelter, at which you can order pizza and was presently having its roof redone. I stopped by the deli and had a Rueben sandwich on one those delicious rolls and took a nap before departing for the shelter. I wanted to stay at the shelter in hopes of meeting others; I was a bit lonely and felt like evening company. Many people had already set up tents and the shelter was empty. I had a safety meeting with a weekender, Night Train, who had thru-hiked in 2011. I spoke briefly with my wife before hanging out with Night Train, Alexander Superchamp, Chex, and Monkey King while forcing myself eat a single ramen. I haven't been hungry lately, especially in the evening. I think it's the heat combined with lack of plentiful water sources and increased difficulty of the terrain. NY has some seriously steep hills, some of which are also littered with boulders and rocks across which you must scramble whole coated in a sheen of sweat. I stayed up late with Night Train and crawled into the shelter, only to wake up at 4 am to set up my tent in order to protect myself from the mosquitos.
Date: 2016-06-26
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Ten River Campsite
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: few clouds

After chatting with Night Train, I had a late departure from the shelter. My legs felt like lead lubricated by the sweat coating my entire body and dripping from my face. It took me 5 hours to hike 8.4 miles to the Dover Tree (the largest Oak on the AT) where I spent an hour and a half for lunch with Tater Tot, Lil' Bear, Fire Tears, and Toasty Hands. Pro tip: there's a pinkish/purplish (I'm color blind, so it's something in the red/purple family of colors) E of the trail as you cross the road which has three spigots with hot and cold water; the house looks abandoned, but it was suggested by Guthook and it's not in the AWOL guide. I received an orange soda, a sucker, and two beers from Tater Tot's family who had come to pick up Lil'Bear, so I was thankful for my tired legs. Everything happens for a reason, but patience is often needed to discover it. I decided I would like another 12 miles, leaving at 2:30. I walked in the sun through many pastures, some of which had been bushwhacked (thanks!) and some of which had not (sad face) for about an hour and had covered 3 miles, my fastest pace since entering NY. My legs were alive again! I also walked along the boardwalk, but it was not nearly as nice as the one in NJ. I didn't mind the incline that accompanied the shade as it was infinitely cooler uber the cover of the leaves. I met some kids who had started their flip-flop an hour earlier and appeared to be chaperoned by a father figure. I stopped for water at Wiley Shelter before crossing into CT. A note on the water pumps in NY: while extremely convenient to have a reliable water source, the water tastes highly metallic since the pumps are decades old and seem to need to a good dose of WD-40; additionally, there's a warning sign posted by the ATC & National Park Services warning that the water contains Coliform Bacteria. Lovely. After taking a teary photo at the NY/CT border, I pushed up Ten Mile Hill (which really is only a mile of hiking...). The climb was tough, but the reward priceless: a tranquil campsite along the Ten Mile River (I wonder how long it actually is...). I dropped my pack, grabbed my beer, and immediately headed to the river, completely submerging myself in the cool running water. As I began wiping the grime off my body, I noticed on of my beers floating away, so I scrambled over slick, sludge covered rocks and saved the Coors from loss. After fully scrubbed, I sat on a rock to dry out, sipping a beer and watching the sky change colors.
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Ten River Campsite

To: Kent, CT (Arc 38)
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

I woke early to the birds singing and the sun shining through the trees and across the water. I packed up and headed out in the cool morning air. It wasn't long until I was shiny with sweat, puffing as I ascended my first incline of the day. Again I felt exhausted (I hadn't had any coffee), but knew I only had 8 miles until I hitched a ride into Kent, where I resupplied, ate lunch, and hitched a ride to Arc 38, an intentional community focused on permaculture where Moonshine and Ninja had been staying for a few weeks. At first, I wasn't sure I was at the right place; all I saw was an old barn and dilapidated house, from which Moonshine came running to embrace me in a big hug bee hung out on the front porch and chatted about what had transpired since we'd last seen each other. Moonshine then introduced me to the other inhabitants (Josh, Echo, Charmaine and her bf, Kenny, Lisa, Extra Credit, and Jose) and shower me around the place, starting with the zen garden she had made. Though the appearance was dingy at best, the atmosphere and energy was positive, accepting, and peaceful. We all gathered around the table after the dinner bell had been ring and ceased on fresh-picked garden salad, rice, garbanzo bean salad, and a crust less quiche made from eggs collected from dumpster diving.
Date: 2016-06-28
From: Kent, CT (Arc 38)

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up earlier than many of the rest of the members of the community, but still later than my usual, and fixed down more dumpster eggs for myself and others. I wanted to contribute, so I washed and put away dishes at least three times; they have a magical sink which perpetually produces dirty dishes. I had a lovely phone call with my wife; today marks 2 years happily married and a total of 8 years together. I am definitely one lucky woman to have landed such a catch! I got caught up of GoT (OMG) and OITNB (OMG!!) and helped Echo plant some blackberry bushes. We had another amazing dinner courtesy of Ninja and enjoyed a thunderstorm before going to bed. Thoughts on communal living: So I have mixed feelings about this scene. On the one hand, I love the idea of establishing a community that works the land, loves one another, shares, reduces waste, and creates beauty. On the other, I like clean spaces, personal spaces, and singular intimate partners (though possibly multiple sexual partners..). I could probably get into living on a commune, but I don't think this one.
Date: 2016-06-29
From: Kent, CT

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up and ate breakfast before saying goodbye to Gbear (who was returning to Ireland since he could not get his Visa renewed a second time), Moonshine & Extra Credit (who were both excited to be going to the Rainbow Gathering), and Ninja (who I may see again when she gets back on trail after her foot heals). I walked all the way passed Wasaic and was passed by 6 cars before I was able to get a hitch to the trailhead. I passed a few hikers on my way up, then didn't see a soul until I had almost made it to camp. All of a sudden, I heard "Sassysfree!" and thought..."Shit, do I know these people? What are there names? Fuck!" Luckily, one of the two hikers introduced herself as Suebqbee, a follower of my Instagram and trail journal. Hugs were exchanged, pics were taken, and adoration was showered down on me. I felt like a super star, which made me both slightly uncomfortable as well as deeply moved. As I told Sue, the support I've received from complete strangers really means a lot to me and helps me to keep pushing on the bad days. I will definitely be recalling this memory many times as inspiration to hike on when I feel like giving up.
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I was lucky enough to poo in a privy with no walls. The hiking was pretty easy, but I also stopped several times for water and breaks. The walk along the Housatonic was nice, but seeing as how the fish were inedible (a sign warned against eating them), I felt it prudent to not swim, and chose instead to eat lunch along side it just before Falls Village. Since the Toymaker Cafe was closed for the day, I chose to hike on to Limestone Shelter, despite it being 1/2 mile off trail. Guthook reported some camp spots along the trail to the shelter along a brook, so I figured I wouldn't have to hike the entire way. I figured wrong. The brook was dry, so I headed down a rocky ravine to the shelter. Sometimes, shelters are in seriously shitty places. This was one of those times. I met Walnut, who carries a branch (it's not a stick...it has a "V" on top), Hedgehog, Pops, and Spike. My mom called to tell me my grandmother had been taken to the hospital again, so my mom and uncle made the difficult decision to sign her up for hospice care. I could tell my mom was very upset and it broke my heart when she said she wished I was home. I hate that I'm not there for her right now.
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Hemlock Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

I woke up early in hopes of getting to the shelter before the arrival of the severe thunderstorm predicted that afternoon. It was cool outside and I didn't sweat until after taking a break near Salisbury, CT, where I was snorted and stomped at by a doe with her fawns. I passed the 1500 mile marker and attempted to am a selfie, but the sign was too high on the tree and the slope was too steep. With added vigor, I zoomed passed Riggs and Brassie Brook Shelters as I climbed the second Bear Mountain of the trail. By this time, I was dripping with sweat and cursing the gnats buzzing in my ear. I find I derive a sickly sadistic pleasure when I swat and make contact. Fuckers. I ate a quick lunch and made my way through Sages Ravine, which was rocky, rooty, and amazingly beautiful. Had I not been in such a push to get to the shelter, I would have loved to go swimming in one of the many pools. Mt. Race seemed like it would be a gradual climb, but AWOL's elevation profile has been seriously misleading lately bat the top, you walk along some ledges for a good bit, which was pretty cool, though would have been nicer had I not had a clear view of dark grey clouds being pushed toward me by fast winds.on the way down, I ran into some guys who were hiking SOBO and I asked them if Mt. Everette was as bad as it looked. Their response was that they were from the Adirondacks...so apparently all mountains are easy to them. Fuck that. Climbing 700ft in elevation in 1/2 mile is challenging! Not to mention, you are scrambling up seemingly vertical rock slabs. The girl from TN hills doing it challenging, even if I did have 1500 miles under my belt. Luckily, there was some trail magic water at the bottom of the mountain (I later discovered the shelter's creek was dry) as well as a pile of towels. I had no idea why someone left 3 towels on the ground, but they smelled clean (cleaner than me, at least) so I decided to take one hand have a shower in the thunderstorm. Though it rained a bit, nothing much happened. The shelter was full of hikers who wanted to sleep outside...just in case.
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Hemlock Spring Shelter

To: Great Barrington (Berkshire Community Center)
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

At 12:30, I was very thankful to have decided to sleep in a shelter as the rain drummed on the roof, lightning lit the sky, and thunder vibrated the loft in which I was sleeping. I woke again with the early risers just before 5 and started my day. The walk into town included some beautiful views of the valley below and more nearly vertical rock slabs. I chatted with a trail maintainer, some day hikers, and a fellow staying at a cottage with sheep in a field just behind; three of the sheep had escaped and were disinterested in being pat. I walked next to a field with a fe dos and swear I smelled leather. After climbing off the mountain, the terrain was basically flat to the road, where I hitched a ride into down town Great Barrington in search of the farmers market the trail maintainer had told me about. I had a sausage on ciabatta with mustard, relish, and kraut before heading to the laundromat, where I wore my rain jacket as a skirt as I washed all my clothes minus the shirt I was wearing and the bra I had accidentally left at the shelter. Oh well; free tatas! After my clothes were done, I bought a pack of smokes for $11 (sad face) and ate some cheese dip that was below my standard (sad face again) at the Mexican place along the strip where a single server tended the entire place and the bar. I left her a good tip and encouraging note before deciding to walk to Kmart to buy not undies, but a bra (no more free tatas). I was picked up by a nice guy who was headed in the opposite direction and dropped me off at the community center next to Kmart where I was planning on tenting for the night. I met Bag Lady and chatted with her for a bit before showing at the community center. Unfortunately I only had $3.75 after my trip to the market and laundromat; fortunately, the woman at the desk was kind enough to spot me the difference so I could bathe. I headed towards Kmart, found a $20 note, and stopped at the Price Chopper for a few items, where I searched for Mac'n'cheese several times before giving up and grabbing a pasta side instead. I then hit up Olympia Sports and bought a shirt and a bra (Kmart had a crap selection). I dropped off my gods and had dinner at the Berkshire Brewery. On the way back, I had a sudden and intense need to shit at an hour my body doesn't normally experience said sensation. I had a 7 minute walk to the nearest loo: the grocery store. By the time I hit the parking lot, I was clenching my cheeks and holding my breath. On the way out, I found the Mac'n'cheese...in the freezer isle.
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Great Barrington (Berkshire Community Center)

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

I woke up in a damp tent and sleeping bag thanks to the few which seems to only settle in towns. I'm sure science has an explanation for this. I packed up and hung out at McDonalds, drying my gear and charging my electronics while stuffing my face. I hugged Bag Lady goodbye and road walked a bit before getting a lift to the trail. I passed a beautiful beaver pond and took a lunch break at the head of the spur trail to Mt. Wilcox North Shelter. I wanted to take my lunch under a beautiful Hemlock, some asshole had taken a shit behind it, leaving their poo, TP, and trash on the ground. I hiked for a bit with Puk then kept on until the campsite. I thought briefly of hiking closer to Goose Pond, but decided to stay put. I hate a great evening with section hikers Greg and Collin (trail named "Starter Tab"). I was super excited to have set up my tent on a plant form for the first time.
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up at 5am, got my food from the bear box, then decided to go back to bed. I woke up again once the sun began to shine in my tent, packed up, and headed out at top speed. I took one short break before arriving at the cabin with a huge smile on my face. This was definitely the swankiest shelter of the trail thus far; it was fully enclosed with a porch, rocking chairs, a common area and kitchen downstairs & bunkroom upstairs, a pond, a dock, and a canoe. I jumped in the water with all my clothes on so I could "wash" them and swam a bit while waiting for the caretaker to return. I cooked lunch on the dock and sunbathed a bit. Tea Time arrived and we went out on the canoe with Echo across the pond and around a little island. We received some chips and sodas for two kayakers as well as a beer each from the party pontoon. The cabin was full and it was great to socialize with so many hikers. Before heading to bed, I walked down to the pond in hopes of catching a few fireworks, but only saw a Roman candle. All in all, I had a great 4th of July.