morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-09
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter 

To: NY 22 - Appalachian Trail RR Station
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

2018 Miles: 112.6Quiet early morning wake up at the shelter. All the shelter dwellers and the other tenters were sleeping in so I had a nice quiet time to break down my tent, pack up and have breakfast listening to the birds and morning sounds in the forest. Not a particularly difficult day, with some challenges due to hot weather. Some rocky climbs but many nice woods walks and even a few open fields. I came to Nuclear Lake, which I believe is a glacial Lake. Very pretty and remote. Kind of a big rocky climb up West Mountain where my original destination was the Telephone Pioneers Shelter. There I met several day hikers on weekend outings, riding the commuter train from NYC. Also met a local hiker named Suzanne (and her dog) who asked about my journal - she has already signed the guestbook. Two brothers from NYC were there and brought out a small wrapped apple pie to celebrate my birthday.  My phone battery was essentially dead and I was planning to go into town tomorrow for resupply so I decided to hike a few extra miles and come in today so I could recharge and also clean up. The Appalachian Trail RR Station crosses the trail and then the trail comes onto the highway with the Native Landscapes and Garden Center nearby. They are very hiker friendly. I got something to drink and was able to contact a motel and get a ride lined up. Planning my resupply and enjoyed real food and a chance to clean up. Was able to recharge my phone and called Marlene to catch up. I think she was starting to wonder with no word from me. Today was my birthday so my phone and Facebook lit up with well-wishes. Thanks to all! It is so encouraging to find out you are following along. Will finalize plans for next few days. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-10
From: NY 22 - Appalachian Trail RR Station

To: Zero Day in Wingdale NY
Miles today: 0.0

Everything worked out well for rest and resupply. The guide said there is a grocery store but the motel folks said not really. Went to a deli for breakfast and met a retired local man, Jimmy, who came to the motel this afternoon and took me to another town to a full supermarket where I resupplied. He would not even let me give him gas money. My laundry is done and I got a couple of showers, and was able to rest. Got my phone backed up using the deli wi-fi, so all chores done. Marlene sent me the link so I was able to attend church on my phone via Livestream this morning. Very special. I will go to the deli early tomorrow to have breakfast and be picked up there for a ride back to the trail. Marlene and I talked again a few minutes ago and caught up, so that was nice. Seems everything is set. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-11
From: NY 22 - Appalachian Trail RR Station

To: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite 
Miles today: 15.2

2018 Miles: 127.8Big day. Up and ready, quickly out to breakfast at Ben¢s Deli, where Bill showed up at 7 as agreed, right after dropping his child with the school bus. At the trailhead in a few minutes and on my way. The rest did me a lot of good as I felt strong carrying the heavy resupplied pack. Open fields and pastures for awhile, then a big climb. I had it on auto pilot and moved along at a comfortable pace thru beautiful woods. About 7 miles in I crossed into Connecticut. Later back into NY and still later back into CT. I always love doing that and marking milestones. My original plan was to hike to Ten Mile River Shelter, coincidently about 10 miles for the day. It was early and I was doing well so I did not even stop there, planning to find a spot later or go to Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite (scat-a-coke), a long day that would end with a big big climb. The Ten Mile River area is beautiful with many views of the river, bridges, and mountain scenery. The climb up the mountain was over 1000 feet and looked very difficult so I decided to at least knock the climb out today. It was indeed one of my most difficult climbs, especially at the end of the day. When I reached the top I decided to go for it since it was 2 more miles and the path seemed flat. The first mile was nice and the second mile was very technical and tough. I finally got to camp on a steep side trail with just enough time to set up, eat, and get in my tent before darkness fell over the woods. I am here with Bat Girl and Sally Forth, two young women, and Shelter Dog, a young man. We had good conversation as we got ready for this day to end. Cell service has been poor since right at the border. I will try to contact Marlene when I climb up out of this hollow where the campsites sit between two massive stone ridges, all strung out in a long line. It was a long hard day. I am happy with making more miles, but will see how my body responds tomorrow. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-12
From: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite 

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

2018 Miles: 138.0Difficult day. I somehow thought that since I was on top of Schaghticoke Mountain I would start the day coming down in a relatively easy descent. Wow! Was that ever wrong. From space I am imagining this mountain to be star shaped or X shaped. It must have 3 dozen summits with huge canyons and ravines between. Most of this is piles of boulders and high rocks to step up or down. Often a mountain or ridge is hiked along the summit in one compass direction generally. This mountain went in all directions and seemingly around in circles. This was followed by a series of regular mountains but with the same rough terrain up and down, mostly with beautiful views to the valleys. Finally I climbed St. John¢s Ledges and Caleb¢s Peak. The descent is legendary. It comes down a nearly vertical face about 600 feet with hundreds if not thousands of rock ¢steps¢ in a treacherous descent. Every step had to be studied. I am so glad it was not raining. The descent takes you down to the Housatonic River. Then a mile walking on a flat gravel road and another mile on nice flat regular trail beside this beautiful river. I had lunch way up on the mountain with three guys and left first. I arrived at this campsite two hours before they did, as the descent took a long time for them as each had to negotiate the next obstacle before they moved on. They asked if I had concerns about doing it alone. I was fine but made myself be careful. This morning my plan was to get to this campsite and decide about hiking a little further. My tank was empty and I have never been more happy to get to camp. I pushed myself a little yesterday and that plus today¢s difficult terrain wore me out. I am in my tent and ready to rest. Not sure of plans for tomorrow. May depend on how I sleep. Cell coverage continues to be weak. May try to text Marlene as we have had little contact today. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-13
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

2018 Miles: 148.0Rainy day. Most of the terrain was the same as CT has been since I crossed the border. Started out with a nice easy walk beside the Housatonic River. Then the usual climbs and descents over a rocky and boulder-y mountain trail. Rain makes rocks slippery so I had to be extra careful. Would not have wanted to come down the massive rocky steps of yesterday in today¢s rain. Planned a 10 mile day with the option to hike about 2.5 more but there was a break in the rain so I stopped and got set up. Sprinkling now. Some may remember The Lemon Squeezer from a couple of weeks ago. I sent Marlene a video of that and she posted it on Facebook. Today I passed thru what the guidebook says to ¢Pass thru cracked boulder similar to Lemon Squeezer¢. Apparently this one does not have its own name. I have a video to send Marlene but very weak or nonexistent signal so will send it when I can.  Not sure if I can post this journal entry until tomorrow either. Marlene and I are trying to get a resupply box organized for me to receive in Great Barrington, MA so I hope we can communicate to finalize that. Almost no phone calls the last few days but some texts have gotten thru. Will see. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-14
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

2018 Miles: 159.3Unusual Day. Got out by 7 from the shelter and made good time on mostly nice woods trail with a few boulders thrown in to keep my attention. Around 9 (eastern) I called Marlene so we could finalize the resupply box she is sending to Great Barrington. In that conversation I realized how fortunate I am to have her to help me. She really goes out of her way to understand what I need and how important the details are so things can go smoothly out here. It would be very tough without her. Thanks Sweetheart!!  After that I came to an opening in the trees from the ridge called Hang Glider view. I got a video of the beautiful valley below to send to Marlene. At the time I was unaware of what I was seeing but there was an oval track that at first I thought they were using to race motorcycles, but later realized it was sporty race cars. Too late for the video comments to mention that it was cars. I watched the action for awhile from my perch on the ridge, maybe a mile away. I need about two days resupply to make it to pick up the box Marlene is sending so I planned to make a lunch and quick resupply stop in Falls Village CT. I met Muzzy from Melbourne, Australia and we walked into town together. We had lunch at the Toymakers Cafe, but found out there is absolutely no grocery store of any kind in town. You couldn¢t even buy a Slim Jim or a granola bar in the whole town. So after a huge hot dog, Pepsi, and a fruit smoothie I made plans to hike ahead tomorrow and make a side trip to Salisbury CT to get supplies for 2-3 days. Muzzy was completely out so he planned to try to do the same by hiking there today and overnight in town. Too much distance for me at this point. In the area around Falls Village there was a lot of road walking, and using road bridges to cross the Housatonic River. I also walked beside the river today for a significant distance. My destination became Limestone Spring Shelter. Turns out it is 1/2 mile off the trail and down in a very steep ravine. So steep that the climb out of here tomorrow will be one of the biggest climbs of the day. I would not have come down here but it is the only available water source for a good distance and I was end of day low. Just have to do it. So I continue to move across Connecticut. Making steady progress though my daily miles continue to be a challenge. Goodnight Sweetheart, and thanks for being my trail boss.
Date: 2018-06-15
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: Brassie Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

2018 Miles: 167.9Pretty good day. Started out at Limestone Springs Shelter, a beautiful shelter site but a terrible location. It is a half mile off the trail with the last 3/10 scaling down a precipitous cliff. Climbed out of there first thing - you just have to do it. Since I could not resupply in Falls Village yesterday I had to go into Salisbury CT to buy food and also had lunch while there. Had to walk in but got a ride back out. Worked out great. Climbed to Lions Head and got a video of the beautiful sweeping valley but I had my screen too dark and could not see the video screen clearly enough and forgot to zoom back out so may have ruined the last half by being in too close. Lesson learned. Passed the Riga Shelter and went to Brassie Brook Shelter instead. A shorter day but good with resupply chores done. I am here with Rabbit, Oven, Honey Bun, Mr Peanutbutter and a few others I have not met. It seems cold tonite so I hope to sleep well. Sent Marlene a picture of the 1500 mile marker made of sticks beside the trail. Nice to mark progress. On to Massachusetts. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-16
From: Brassie Brook Shelter

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

2018 Miles: 176.4Kind of a tough day for me. Did not sleep much last night and could feel it when I got out this morning. First thing was a steep rocky climb to Bear Mountain where I got a video of the broad Housatonic Valley. That climb went well enough but I could tell the heat was coming later. Down from Bear Mountain to Sages Ravine, a beautiful swath thru the mountain filled with huge boulders, a picturesque stream tumbling down, and stately old trees. I have known of Sages Ravine from childhood but cannot remember if I learned of it from a book, American history, or possibly from American Literature when we studied something like the Thoreau era. An idyllic setting. About half way thru I came to the CT/MA border- so nice to have Connecticut completed. Then began a long grinding climb up Race Mountain, with more great views to the same valley. The climb, the long summit, and the descent were a treacherous boulder filled path the whole way. It continued to get hotter and the work became increasingly tough. Finally down from Race Mountain and right away the climb up Mount Everett begins - the hardest of all. A straight up climb with about a dozen sections having wooden steps made of thick wood blocks bolted to the surface of the rock slabs to provide footholds. By this time I was low on water as several streams in the section were dry. Finally to the summit and carefully down to get to this shelter site, a beautiful camping area in a forest of very large hemlock trees. I filtered water and ate, plus a quick bird bath down by the creek. There are about a dozen here, great folks. I am hearing owls off in the woods and other twilight sounds. Need to sleep well tonight, then on to Great Barrington to pick up my resupply package from Marlene. Moving along in Massachusetts. Goodnight Sweetheart
Date: 2018-06-17
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: US Highway 7 - Great Barrington
Miles today: 7.9

2018 Miles: 184.3Kind of a summary entry for today. Up early and out on my way to the valley below to pick up my resupply in Great Barrington, MA. Climbed Mount Bushnell and then along its¢ summit for a long way on the same rocky ridge line path. Finally to the end at a place called Jug End where the descent to the valley begins. Below was a more pleasant path thru beautiful woods and open fields and pastures, with clouds of mosquitoes as companions. Out to the road and a hitchhike into town. I am set for tonite and tomorrow with a very long list of chores to do, including rest and eat!! First thing - pick up package from my trail boss. Thanks! Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-19
From: US Highway 7 - Great Barrington

To: Mount Wilcox North Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

2018 Miles: 197.8Up early for a shower one last time before I get back to the funk. Breakfast at the motel then final packing and recheck of everything. Joe Sokul the shuttle driver was on time at 7 and we were on our way. Started with more fields and pastures and another crossing of the Housatonic River. Quick climb up June Mountain followed right away by East Mountain. I heard a loud crack and recognized the sound of a huge branch falling from a large tree about 75 feet away. The forest is littered with such debris but you rarely see and hear them fall. I was the only one around to witness it, but it answered a question for me. ¢If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?¢ I think it does. The entire forest seemed to pause momentarily to note the event, then went on. It was a funny experience. From the top I could see the valley I had been videoing the last few days from the other side. The view was obscured by trees and not suitable for making a video, but I could see Bear Mountain, Race Mountain, Mount Everett, and Jug End, now on the opposite side of the valley, all strung out in a row for miles. The Housatonic Valley is over 10 miles wide here - so great to see it from this ridge with the other mountains as the backdrop. Pulled in to the Tom Leonard Shelter to filter water - a long way downhill to the source and then back up. Decided to have lunch there. Talked with Marlene and she sent me some info to help me decide to skip the Mount Wilcox South Shelter and come here to the Mount Wilcox North Shelter- a great choice with good tent sites and reliable water source. I am down for the night as darkness begins to set in. There is a group here in training for some kind of outdoor guide outfit and they are talking quietly over in their tent area. I hear a few bird sounds but otherwise a still evening. No one has phone service so I will have to post and contact Marlene once I am back on the main ridge tomorrow. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-20
From: Mount Wilcox North Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

2018 Miles: 211.8Long day today for me. Miles of woods walks and plenty of climbs and rocky descents, including Beartown Mountain, Cobble Hill, and Baldy Mountain. After Cobble Hill I came to Jerusalem Road where some kids had a ¢trail stand¢ where I got a coke and other snacks, plus was able get water at their spring - Running Spring Farm. I think I wore myself out today right from the start by determining that I wanted to make it to Upper Goose Pond Cabin for the night - a kind of special place along the trail that is sort of ¢must see¢. The whole day I was watching the miles and my progress and it became kind of a burden with my pushing forward continuously all day. I¢m glad I got here but I was virtually exhausted. It probably affected my ability to enjoy the evening. There is a good group here and I will be in a bunk for the night. I must hold on to the discipline I need to do what I can and be satisfied. I need to decide what will be best for tomorrow. Too tired to think about it tonite and there is no phone service here. Need rest. Goodnight Sweetheart
Date: 2018-06-21
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Stealth Campsite - Alone at Mile 1554.4
Miles today: 5.2

2018 Miles: 217.0Woke up still feeling worn out from yesterday. At Upper Goose Pond Cabin the Caretaker Joanne provides coffee and pancakes (blueberry today) to all the hikers. There were probably 20 of us this morning. The coffee was great and the pancakes were home made and went away as fast as she could make them. Hikers began to leave and I was considering what to do. I could have taken a zero day there. I called Marlene and we talked about it. She is good with me taking the time I need but I was unsettled. I finally decided to hike ahead a couple of miles and go in to Lee, MA and buy enough food to get me to Dalton, MA and then forward the box at the Lee post office ahead to Dalton. If you don¢t open the box it will be forwarded for no additional charge. About half way to Lee I became very hungry for some reason and stopped to have essentially lunch, after a late start for the day just before 10. When I got to the road a retired man named Dave pulled over right away - the first vehicle to go by - and dropped me at the Big Y grocery store where I got resupplied and had a great deli sandwich and a coke. My return ride was difficult as I stood by the road for 45 minutes. Finally I crossed the road to where some construction workers were working on equipment and asked the foreman about a ride. He had one of the men take me back to the trail in a company truck. More of the same Massachusetts terrain, and I am camped alone in the woods just past Finerty Pond, another beautiful glacial pond in the forest. So I am satisfied with how today went with shorter progress but at least some, and I feel better. I need a good rest tonite. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-22
From: Stealth Campsite - Alone at Mile 1554.4

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

2018 Miles: 229.4The woods were very quiet overnite. I broke camp alone at my stealth campsite hearing the occasional bird but mostly the quietest tick as small seeds from the trees fell and hit last falls brown leaves. I had heard them hitting my tent during the night. The terrain today was generally more flat than usual with a few climbs mixed in. I stopped at October Mountain Shelter for a morning break and talked to an 11 year old girl and her mom, who are from Alaska. The 11 year old wanted to walk across a state and they chose Massachusetts. A good conversation with them. I had lunch at a makeshift parking lot where the AT crosses Blotz Road, sitting on a large rock. A group of older hikers came out of the woods southbound, having completed a morning hike. Some sort of senior citizen outdoor activity group. They had many questions for me and gave me some water since they were at the end of their trip. One couple were from Australia. I continued on to the Kay Wood Shelter where I am with the ridge runner (trail volunteer/employee who travels a section of trail during the season) and a young woman from Scotland. Very poor to non-existent phone service here. I was alone when I arrived and went straight to the water source in the ravine below to filter water and soak my feet in the cold stream. We are talking quietly as we prepare to eat. Tomorrow I go to Dalton to resupply and possibly take a zero day. Then planning for the rest of Massachusetts. Evening is coming on, the best time of the day sometimes. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-23
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Dalton Massachusetts 
Miles today: 3.0

2018 Miles: 232.4Away from the Kay Wood Shelter early for a quick 3 Miles into Dalton MA to pick up my box at the post office. Retrieved the food and one shirt and sent the cold weather gear ahead to Bennington VT, my next resupply point. Got a room at the Shamrock Inn and met other hikers. We quickly arranged with Tom Levardi, a local trail angel, for a ride to the grocery. That handled, I did laundry and did planning and other chores including a stop at the town library to use the computer. Tom Levardi and I were talking and he offered to drive me 10 miles north on the trail to a road crossing so I could hike back to town with a light pack of basic necessities, and Glider, overhearing the conversation, decided to do the same on Monday morning. Then Tom will drive us to the same point Tuesday morning and we will continue north, with Mount Greylock, highest peak in MA, right in front of us. Went for supper with Glider and am down for the night. Talked with Marlene so that was a good time. Great to get some rest here in Dalton. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-24
From: Dalton Massachusetts 

To: Dalton Massachusetts 
Miles today: 0.0

2018 Miles: 232.4Lazy Sunday morning in Dalton MA. Got on church website and caught up on last Sunday¢s message and then tuned in to Live Stream for today¢s service, live on my phone. Was great to see friends and participate in the morning worship service from Massachusetts. Pastor Rick was tipped off that I was watching and gave me a shout out. That was fun, and much appreciated. The rest of the day was rest and getting ready. Talked with Marlene several times so we could catch up. A good day. Goodnight Sweetheart.
Date: 2018-06-25
From: Dalton Massachusetts 

To: Outlook Avenue - Mile 1580.2
Miles today: 10.4

2018 Miles: 242.8Right on time Tom Levardi was there to pick up Glider and me for the shuttle to the trail. It had rained Sunday afternoon and several times overnight so the woods were dripping wet. There was a nice cool breeze and by about 10:00 the sky began to clear. Glider and I mostly hiked together and made good time hiking back to town with our light packs. So my progress of about 10 miles today puts me right at the foot of Mount Greylock, highest peak in MA. We have set our tents up in Tom¢s backyard for tonight. Then Tom will take us to the same road crossing tomorrow morning and we will continue north.  I am planning to be in Bennington VT around Thursday night or Friday morning. That will be a good milestone to make. Need to plan for supper and get everything packed and ready. Then a little while to relax. Goodnight Sweetheart.