morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-07-08
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

1. Date: Moonsday, Afterlithe 16 (7-8)2. Day 743. Morning temp: 70s4. Weather: clear, breezy5. Time start: 07166. Time stop and miles: 1835/13.27. End point: Pinefield Hut8. Events: Loft MtnLog:The whip-or-wills sang off and on all night. At times it seemed to be right above me. I was still up at 06 and we were out after 07 again. After a good climb out from the shelter and up the mountain, the terrain smoothed out again. The Blackrock summit was pretty impressive. A whole hillside of rocks. A lot like near the Washington Monument in MD and Blue Rocks in PA.We dumped trash at Dundo picnic area and headed for Loft Mountain and its camp store. We arrived at lunch and got a sandwich and a beer. We found a few food items in the hiker box and LoGear bought a few things. We took a $1.75 shower and hung out with the other hikers watching the muggles come in and buy firewood and ice. One of the campers named PJ gave us all a beer after chatting with us a while. He was pretty cool. Red Bull came rolling in, which was cool. I had last seen him in Damascus. We caught up and he continued on.We finally headed out, but weren't going far. We headed to the Wayside, which was about a mile down trail and .6 off trail. On the way down the blue blaze LoGear spotted a mamma bear and two cubs. We checked them out for awhile and they faded into the forest. We went down and ordered some more food for dinner, then headed back to the trail. On the way back up the trail, the bears were there again. The momma didn't seemed concerned with us at all. She just treed the babies and slowly put herself between us and the cubs. It was very cool.We made our way the last few miles and arrived at the shelter. We found our trees, set up with a doe grazing at the edge of the field. Also not concerned with us. We sat and talked with the two other hikers that were there, then headed to our hammocks. I can hear others coming in now.Flora: Fauna: Bears, deerVOD: Several OverlooksSmell: HamburgersSound: Whip-or-willHigh: Hanging at the camp store. Seeing the bears.Low: None to reportHope: A good hiking day tomorrow.
Date: 2017-07-09
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Treesday, Afterlithe 17 (7-9)2. Day 753. Morning temp: 704. Weather: clear, calm5. Time start: 07476. Time stop and miles: 2030/19.87. End point: Lewis Mtn Campground8. Events: 900 mile markLog:Up at 06 as usual. We got out of camp a little later than the other days, but still a good time.The shelter maintainer, Larry came in. He has lots of stories. He told us about a nice camping spot about 15 miles out. Since we were pretty sure we wouldn't want to stop early at 8.2 miles, we thought this might be a good place to stop for the night.We made our way along pretty nice, but the climb to the first shelter was pretty steep. When we got there, LoGear said that she was beat and maybe we should stop. After eating lunch, she felt better and we continued on. We stopped for a break at the crossing of US 33 and found some ripe wineberries. Next we stopped at a picnic area and took a long break and cooked dinner. We only had 1.5 to go to this camp, but never found it. We decided to keep going to the Lewis Mtn Campground. We had to pay to camp, but figured 19.8 was enough for today. This basically puts us a day ahead of schedule.As the sun was getting low, we saw a couple of deer near and on the trail. The one on the trail just looked at me as we approached and then finally hopped off the trail about 10 feet.We got to the campground and walked through looking for sites with good trees for our hammocks. We found one and self registered at the entrance.We set up as darkness fell. LoGear can't get her stakes in the ground for her tarp, so lets hope it doesn't rain tonight. As we were setting up, we saw an owl flying around the camp and it landed right above us across the road.  Soon, other members of the owl family came flying up and landing in the trees of the campsite.  They all started talking to each other in a screechy voice, that entertained us for at least an hour.  I think it was a hunting training session for some young'uns.  They were probably looking for some easy "prey" from the campers picnic tables.  Tomorrow we hope to hang out at another wayside amd camp store. Both of us had some chaffing issues late in the day. It's just hard walking all day in soggy underpants from the sweat. Oh well.Flora: WineberriesFauna: DeerVOD: Sunset through the treesSmell: mugglesSound: Screeching owls all around campground (not sure what breed)High: Resting and eating at the picnic area.Low: ChaffingHope: That my chaffing feels better tomorrow
Date: 2017-07-10
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Skysday, Afterlithe 18 (7-10)2. Day 763. Morning temp: 654. Weather: clear, calm5. Time start: 08056. Time stop and miles: 1930/12.37. End point: Rock Spring Hut8. Events: Log:After a family of owls filled the night with there squaking with each other, I had a good night in the campground. Up around 06 and a leisurely morning getting ready. We headed out and up. We rested at a nice view, but our sights were set on the next Wayside, where food, beer, resupply and good conversation waited. We got there around noon and stayed until 1730. We had a nice lunch, then hung out at the picnic tables and drank beer and snacked as other hikers came in and joined. We got some resupply and then finally headed out for the last four miles to the shelter.LoGear spotted a bear in the woods by the campground, just doing it's thing and we came upon another deer right off the trail.We got into camp and found our sites for the night. There is a PATC cabin here and we ate dinner in the porch hoping for a good sunset, but it wasn't too spectacular.These are the kinds of days that make me want to stay out here for a long time.The wind is starting to kick up now and we are snug in our hammocks on the hillside.Flora: Fauna: Deer, bearVOD: Big MeadowsSound: The laughter of my TramilyHigh: Hanging at the WaysideLow: Realizing my battery pack had been drained somehow last night. Waiting for it to slowly recharge.Hope: A good day of hiking
Date: 2017-07-12
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Earthsday, Afterlithe 20 (7-12)2. Day 783. Morning temp: 694. Weather: Clear, calm5. Time start: 08006. Time stop and miles: 1843/13.17. End point: Gravel Springs Hut8. Events: Log:I was awake pretty early and I rolled out about 0530. I made coffee and sat on solitude as the day crept into the forest. It was very peaceful. We headed out at 08. Our first important goal was the wayside for lunch, but first we needed to walk around 7 miles. We took a break a few miles in and soon we were ordering chicken and hot dogs and drinking 24 oz Yuenglings. Finishing with some Signature Blackberry Ice Cream and one more Bud for the road (trail).We relaxed and charged our devices and I even enjoyed a presentation about bears by a ranger.But eventually we had to pull free of the whirlpool of the Wayside and start walking the last 5 miles. Chipmunk arrived just as we were getting ready and tried to pull us back in, but we escaped.I unlocked my drunk bushwhacking ability by stupidly thinking I could take a fire road for a short distance as it looked like it intersected the trail in the woods. Well, it didn't so I had to bushwhack up the hill to find the trail. I had a nice bloody arm from a blackberry bush to initiate me into the ability. We continued into the late afternoon, doing our thing and walking the miles. We took a nice break at an overlook that overlooked an overlook.We arrived at the shelter an hour earlier than the last two days and had plenty of time to set up and eat dinner.We retired to our hammocks and it sounds like the group has arrived for the night.Tomorrow, we finish Shenandoah amd this Push. Flora:Fauna: Deer, Squirrels, bearVOD: Rattlesnake Point OverlookSmell:Sound: The night hikers rolling inHigh: Elkwallow Wayside breakLow: None to reportHope: A nice finish to this Push
Date: 2017-07-31
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Skysday, Wedmath 9 (7-31) 2. Day 97 3. Morning temp: 65 4. Weather: clear, calm, warm then hot 5. Time start: 0745 6. Time stop and miles: 1551/13.7 7. End point: Kirkridge Shelter Log:I was up at 06. My sleep had been hindered by an off and on headache. Maybe from dehydration. I left before 08 with three liters for the day. Water sources would be iffy again today.The first challenge of the day was Wind Gap. The going down wasn't too bad, but the uphill was a bitch. It was the only real climb of the day, so I just kept at as the sweat poured off my body until it was done.At the parking lot in the Gap there was a large group of kids heading out with packs. I asked where they were going, but didn't hear any answer. I figured I better make it to the shelter before them so I could get a spot, but when they came they moved ahead .1 and set up away from the shelter.The trail was its usual PA rocky most of the day, with a few spots of good trail. It can be painful after a while stepping on all those sharp rocks.After checking a stagnant pool for a water source and rejecting it, I moved on to Wolf Rocks. It is a nice scramble with a decent view. After awhile it became rather tiring, but the only way was forward.Late in the day I saw a hiker ahead looking into the woods. There was a rattle snake just slowly going about his business next to the trail. I watched him for a few minutes as he moved about. He never rattled.There was some pretty nice trail at the end of the day and before too long I was pulling into the shelter as I drank my last swallow of the three liters.The water here is from a tap, so that is cool. I set up above the shelter next to another hiker named Ashes. He has been hiking for about two years straight. Just going from one trail to another. Basically living out here. We had some good conversation.There are other hikers down at the shelter that came in later in the day and Bonnie and Tortoise is down there too.Tomorrow I plan to head onto Delaware Water Gap to resupply and hopefully shower. I may stay the night, or get everything done and head out to a campsite 5.3 into New Jersey. We will see how it goes.Flora: Water lilies Fauna: Rattle snake, Toad VOD: Wolf Rocks Sound: Vultures, cicadas, traffic, red tailed hawk High: Wolf Rocks scramble Low: More crappy trail Hope: That I can get everything done in town tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-02
From: Backpack campsite

To: Campsite By Buttermilk Falls trail
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Earthsday, Wedmath 11 (8-02) 2. Day 99 3. Morning temp: 69 4. Weather: calm, mild 5. Time start: 0735 6. Time stop and miles: 1830/15.6 7. End point: Campsite at Buttermilk Falls trail  Log:I was up in the middle of the night again, but it was positive. I felt rested and my mind had lots of thinking to do. I read, wrote some notes, planned the next day's hike. I was feeling good.I finally fell asleep for awhile and I rolled out at 0620 again. I packed up and headed down to have coffee with Coach Sunny and Tortoise. Coach and I headed out together, but she fell behind at Sunfish Pond and I didn't see her again. Today was her last day on the trail.I headed to the Mohican Outdoor Center for some lunch. I wrote a farewell note to Coach and walked to the Center. I ordered a sandwich and charged my phone. They only had rye bread, but it tasted delicious.I hung out for awhile and got ready to leave when a group of summer camp hikers came in. We talked a bit and I packed up and headed out.The first target was a campsite at 11.4 miles, but I was pretty sure I would want to move on from there to another campsite at 15.6. That turned out to be the case. At around 1500 the temp dropped several degrees, the wind picked up and the slow roll of thunder, rumbled in the distance. Soon the storm arrived and I continued on. I had been saying that a little rain would be a relief in the constant heat and it was, at first.The rain got heavier and heavier and I went from sweaty wet to downpour drenched in about 10 minutes. I continued on. Stepping through the puddles and flowing stream that the trail had become was actually refreshing.When I came to Crater Lake, I decided to take the trail into the picnic area parking lot. I was hoping for a pavilion or restroom to hole up in to wring my clothes out.There was only a small pit toilet restroom, but in true Hiker Trash fashion, I made myself at home. I traded my wet shirt for my rain jacket and decided to make dinner in the shelter of the building. I propped the door open with my trekking pole and cooked my dinner in the doorway.By the time I was done, the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to come out. I packed up and headed out. Continuing along the lake then up another trail back to the AT. This is the section I had hiked two years ago, so I wasn't skipping any un-hiked trail on this weather bypass.I arrived at the campsite and started setting up as the mosquitos started to find me. I got everything set up in record time, got out of my wet clothes and jumped into the hammock.Tomorrow I hope to spend some time in Culvers Gap, eating more town food and maybe enjoying a beer.Flora: lots of wild flowers today. Spearmint  Fauna: Frogs VOD: Kittatinny Mtn  Smell: flowers, spearmint Sound: whip-or-will  High: Lunch at Mohican Outdoor Center Low: Being wet from head to toe  Hope: A good visit to Culvers Gap
Date: 2017-08-03
From: Campsite By Buttermilk Falls trail

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: fog

1. Date: Starsday, Wedmath 12 (8-03) 2. Day 100  3. Morning temp: 63  4. Weather: foggy, calm  5. Time start: 0644  6. Time stop and miles: 1815/15.3  7. End point: Mashipacong Shelter  Log:I was awake early and started doing my morning chores in the hammock as the mosquitos were waiting for me. Breakdown time is much faster when the bugs are biting.I was out before 07 and on my way. I stopped at Brinks Shelter for some water, a snack and to use the privy.The next stop was in Culvers Gap. I stopped at the closed deli where we had eaten two years ago and took off my still wet shoes and put on my crocks and my camp shirt.I ordered lunch and something to go for dinner. I also had a few pints of Lager. I just relaxed and enjoyed the view of the lake. There were some nice bluegill hanging out by the dock.I finally pulled myself away and headed up out of the Gap. I stopped at the Sunrise Mtn pavilion and ate my dinner then continued on.I arrived at the shelter and set up. I talked with a Sobo, Coo coo for a bit then headed to the hammock. There is a large group of kids here. Very talky.I'm not sure what I will do tomorrow. I guess I'll figure it out as I go.Flora:  Fauna: Red eft, bluegill, baby toad  VOD: The Lake from Gyps  Smell:  Sound: Kids having fun at campHigh: Hanging out at the Tavern  Low: Right foot blisters  Hope: That the rocks end tomorrow as promised.
Date: 2017-08-04
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

1. Date: Sunsday, Wedmath 13 (8-04) 2. Day 101  3. Morning temp: 68  4. Weather: calm, breeze, clouds  5. Time start: 0653  6. Time stop and miles: 1630/14.3  7. End point: Unionville, NY  Log:I was up and moving early today. Headed to the privy before the kids woke up.I packed up, ate at the table then headed out. Within 30 minutes I heard a noise and saw a yearling bear working at a rotten log. He was so intent that he didn't see or hear me. I took a pic and video and then he must have smelt me and he moved away.My first stop was at High Point State Park HQ. I got a free soda and filled my water. Next I headed to Marcia Lake for a swim. I turned the wrong way when I hit the road and ended up walking all the way around the lake. I should have followed the sound of the swimmers voices. When I finally got to the lake, I took everything out of my pockets and went into the lake. It was very refreshing.Next I went up to the concession stand and ordered a second lunch. The lady let me charge my phone in her stand. She was very nice.I headed out in anticipation of the rocks getting better and the track was very good off and on as I made my way to Unionville.I stopped at the secret shelter for water and met the owner of the place. Supposedly, the shelter had closed as of June 1, but when I asked him about that, he just said that he has had hikers in almost every night.I made my way to the road crossing and then walked the .75 into town. I first found a place for my hammock and then went to the General Store to register to stay in the park for the night and to get a few resupply items.Next I went to the Pizza place and ordered a medium for myself. It was delish.I haeded back to the park and settled everything, then went down to the Tavern where the other hikers had gone to.The Katydids are singing and I'm not sure how tomorrow will go, but I know it will work out.Flora: Goldenrod, Milkweed  Fauna: Bear, 42 effin Red Efts, frog, Monarch butterflies  VOD: High Point  Smell: Pizza  Sound: katydid  High: Going for a swim  Low: Going the wrong way around the lake Hope: That tomorrows day comes together.
Date: 2017-08-05
From: Unionville, NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Moonsday, Wedmath 14 (8-05)  2. Day 102  3. Morning temp: 69  4. Weather: rain ending 5. Time start: 0802  6. Time stop and miles: 1836/16.8  7. End point: Wawayanda Shelter  Log:I was up early. It had rained during the night (the only thing that silences those Katydids), but was all done by 0630. I packed up and moved to the gazebo to make my coffee and eat breakfast.I had decided to bypass Vernon, NJ and do 16.8 to Wawayanda shelter, so I needed to resupply at the general store before heading out. That task finished, I headed out.The first five miles were super fast track and I got it done in two hours. The trail was mostly flat and ran through a marsh wildlife refuge. The next two hours I would only do 2.5 miles as the trail climbed two rocky hills.I broke for lunch at a road crossing, sitting on the steps that exited the road. Next I made my way to NJ 94 where the farm store was. I had some ice cream, chocolate milk and a donut. All very good.I met the Ridge Runner, Padfoot, who gave me some cherries. She is here at the shelter tonight.You have to climb a pretty high mountain here. They call it the stairway to heaven as there are a lot of rock steps. It being a Saturday, muggles were everywhere.I met Scrambles and Grouch as I started up and stayed with them until the spring, where they stopped for water.I made it up and continued on. My feet were grumbling a lot, so I rested a few times to massage the dogs.There were a couple of trail magic coolers today. Mostly water, but at one there were sodas. The root beer hit the spot.I got into the shelter and set up. Padfoot came in and I cooked my dinner at the table, but had to reture to my hammock to eat as the mosquitos were eating me.When I was at the farm, I called the motel in Warwick and asked about a room for tomorrrow. It is time to do a short day and rest the feet, do laundry and take a good shower.Flora: Reeds and Grasses. Cattails  Fauna: Bunnies, egrets  VOD: Looking back at High Point from Pochuck Mtn  Smell:  Sound: Red Tailed Hawk  High: Heaven Hill Farm break  Low: Feet pain  Hope: That all goes well getting to town.
Date: 2017-08-07
From: Route 17A - Warwick, NY

To: Warwick Motel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Skysday, Wedmath 16 (8-07)2.  Day 1043.  Morning temp: 60s4.  Weather: RainZero DayLog:I was up around 06 as usual. I pittered around and watched more TV, then I went for a walk into town. The walk was about 1 mile each way. I slowly explored the town, seeing what kind of stores there were.  I picked up a menu at the Pizza place for a later delivery and stopped at Burger King on the way back.  None of the stores I checked had fuel.  I'll need to find fuel soon.I watched a movie and more TV and ordered some wings and a piece of stromboli. Eat, rest, watch TV, repeat.I went to bed early. The trail awaits my return.Flora: LawnsFauna: DucksVOD: Pile of clean clothesHigh:  Second shower in as many daysLow: A little bit of lonelinessHope: That my feet feel ready tomorrow
Date: 2017-08-08
From: Route 17A - Warwick, NY

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Seasday, Wedmath 17 (8-08)  2. Day 105  3. Morning temp: 63  4. Weather: Overcast, fog  5. Time start: 0706  6. Time stop and miles: 1635/16.3  7. End point: Fingerboard Shelter  Log:I was up pretty early, ready to get back on the trail. I took one more shower and packed up. I went down to the lobby and the door was locked. I rung the bell and Harry came and let me in. We started the coffee and got my bagel toasting. Harry told me a bus comes at 0655 and the stop was right on the corner. I ate up and drank my coffee, caught the bus and was on the trail a little after 07.My feet felt better after the rest and also still felt pretty good at the end of the day. I had taped up and double socked and all went well.The trail was pretty good to start and I made good time. I was on track for another 10 by 12, but the continuious climbing slowed me down some. As I passed Wildcat shelter three hikers were coming out. I stayed ahead of them until the falls. At this point I started following a well used trail that I thought was the AT. It wasn't. I had missed the turn by the falls that climbed up using lots of stone stairs. I quickly noticed my mistake and backtracked. The guys were taking a break and I headed up and away.I seemed to walk off the trail several times today. There are so many other trails here, that, if you aren't paying attention, you will find yourself off trail.There was a lot of water magic at several of the road crossings. I kept filling my bottle, ensuring my pack stayed heavy with water. I stopped for lunch at one place that had a few chairs and a bug candle.When I was almost at the lemon squeezer I passed a group of hikers. They asked me if I wanted some almonds. Of course I said yes. They kept giving me stuff. In addition to the nuts, they gave me chocolate, gatorade, a strawberry and a banana. Yum.I met Buckle and Lucky Star at the squeezer which was a challenge to get up. I had to take my pack off and I helped Buckle get hers up.I entered into my final push of the day mode and arrived at the shelter at 1635.I found a spot and a tree to hang my food and set up. There is supposed to be a bear hanging out here taking food. Firefly and another hiker came in and soon others. Buckle and Lucky Star and of the others I have only met Pearl before. The biters are out, so I'm in my hammock. It's time to zip myself in.I'm not sure how far I'm going tomorrow. We shall see.Fauna: Garter snake  VOD: Fitzgerald falls, Island pond Sound: NY State Thruway  High: Being given a bunch of food from a nice group from the local trail club  Low: All the climbing gets tiresome  Hope: That I can find fuel soon