morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2023-05-18
From: West Mountain Shelter

To: Bear Mt NY
Miles today: 5.7

Well it was cold again last night. I was thinking that I might not need my cold weather stuff but it was in the low 30¢s. Not as bad as in PA but cold. You could see NYC clearly from this shelter and at night it was lit up  The photo doesn¢t do it justice Short day today.  Up and down Bear Mt. It was a park in the 20¢s. The trail up was gradual and full of stairs. The way down was steep but all stairs We are taking it easy for  coupme of days as Tim has a mild (I hope) case of shine splints on one leg
Date: 2023-05-19
From: Bear Mt NY

To: Graymoor Tent Site
Miles today: 7.3

Leaving the Bear Mt motor lodge run by a racist  Glad to be out of there Yesterday Tim iced his shin and took advil but it seemed worse this morning We planned another light day to see if his leg would improve headed through the zoo on amour way out. Got to see a bear!the Graymoor site is a religious center that gas hosted hikers since 1970. We camped at a baseball field with a pavilion, running water, a cold shower and a portapotty Tim decided that he couldn¢t go on. Fortunately friends and former coworkers Sean and Gary live in the area. Tim will take 7-8 days off to see if he heals enough to continue Tomorrow I¢m on my own. It¢s supposed to rain so I will head out early to minimize the exposure
Date: 2023-05-20
From: Graymoor Tent Site

To: Canopus Lake
Miles today: 11.9

Almost made it before the rain started. Had to hike the last 3 miles in the rain. I was hoping that I would get my trail legs. Not sure that they will come. I find that I am slower than when I started and that uphill seems to be harder. Hope it changes. Still trying for 15 miles a day bury it is wearing Fortunately it¢s warm enough that I can hike without rain gear. You get wet but the rain gear only makes one sweat unless you slow way down. It¢s been a misty buggy rainy day. Not much to cheer about except not have to set up a tent in the rain!  The shelters make this much easier
Date: 2023-05-21
From: Canopus Lake

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Had a nice run today. Mostly ridges and the rocks were not too troublesome  It¢s getting a little buggy. Why they fly into your eyeballs and nose and especially your ears I don¢t know but it makes me want to get a bug net. Slept in the tent last night as the bugs were a little bad. I was the only hiker in camp until someone rolled in around 9. Still a little worn out. Finding the uphills are slow going. Makes me wonder if I can keep this up
Date: 2023-05-22
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.6

I was dragging this morning until I spoke w Theresa and Liam. They gave me the boost I needed Almost jumped in a lake to swim but I was late to meet Sean and didn¢t want to keep him waiting Met Sean Murphy and his parents John and Betsy. I thought we were meeting six miles from my start but there was a miscommunication. It was six miles from the end. At any rate it was good to meet them. John and Betsy have offered to host my zero day and it will work out well as they are so flexible. Looking forward to being off on Thursday The soles of my feet are getting sore. Not blistered but that may be next. Will have two short days and a zero to recover had a great time talking with Sean about his life¢s and his hiking w family and of course catching up on work projects Sean taught me cribbage which reminded me of my Aunt Marion (even though she played Canasta not Cribbage).
Date: 2023-05-23
From: Wiley Shelter

To: My Algo Shelter
Miles today: 12.8

My feet seemed ok after sleeping. No apparent blisters. A few calluses but that is good. Hiking about 12 today. Still trying to get a little rest and recovery. Beautiful day hiking. Had time to stop and smell the flowers. Since MD we have been hiking through Mt laurel and rhododendron forest.  I think we I am ahead of the bloom by a week or two. Hopefully it catches up  CT has been pleasant to hike through.  Mostly soft ground minimal rocks. It does have a few steep shorter climbs but all in all pretty easy Sean hiked to the shelter w me before heading home to his family. Had a great time catching up on his family and work at ACE. Spent the afternoon relaxing and reading. Sounds like Liam my have finally found a place to stay while in Seattle. It¢s near to his plant so that will minimize his commute
Date: 2023-05-24
From: My Algo Shelter

To: CT Route 4 outside Cornwall Bridge
Miles today: 11.4

Four miles walking along the Housatonic river. Piece of cake. Still no blisters. I may have dodged a bullet there. Still no prognosis on Tim but he is making plans to join me next week in the hopes that it is positive Had a late morning as NI big miles today and John and Betsy Murphy have grandcid duty till 5. They were early and met me with watermelon and a banana and a cold drink.  What a pleasure!  When you do t have the simple things you appreciate them more Betsy made salmon and swordfish and mixed vegetables and potatoes and salad. All the things I don¢t get out of the dehydrated trail food. Betsy and John have hiked the PCT and done a lot of day and weekend hiking. We shared stories and adventures. They gave me a preview of the Presidentials which is really helpful and John and Dave are hoping to meet us therethat¢s John and Betsy in front of their amazing rhododendron
Date: 2023-05-26
From: The Murphys

To: BelterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Campsite
Miles today: 11.1

Another short day.  I had wanted to continue on to pick up my resupply in Falls Village but it would have meant a 17.4 mile day plus the shelter was 0.4 miles down a steep trail So instead I had another pretty day in CT. Soft trails no big climbs and improving weather. My night at the Murphy¢s allowed me to escape another night in the 30¢sMeet two flipfloppers at camp. Emily and Scroggin. Emily is a young woman from Australia so it¢s fun to listen to her talk. Scroggin - can¢t tell her age -is American but lives in Australia. The two of them have been traveling together I was also concerned about my feet but thankfully they seem fine after the rest. So I¢m going to assume all is wellAnd sometimes the privy is not very private but it certainly brings you back to nature
Date: 2023-05-27
From: BelterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Campsite

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

Wanted to do more but no camping/water available in a reasonable spot. Heard from Tim. He¢s planning to rejoin on Tuesday or Wednesday. His leg is not 100% but he hopes it will continue to heal. I am worried that it will only get worse but will support his decision. It either will or won¢t get better. We will call Gary Hida (friend) on Sunday as he has offered to host us for a night and return us to the trail. With that in mind I am trying to not get to far into MA so today¢s distance helps that cause My feet seem to be back to normal. That means sore and tired but I no longer have that tingling feeling as if blisters will eruptIn camp early. Riga had a picnic table with a nice view overlooking the valley   Scroggin and Emily pulled in about 1 1/2 hour later. Later a couple of GA boys pulled in.  They get in set up a tent get something to eat and go to bed. Not a lot of socializing
Date: 2023-05-28
From: Riga Shelter

To: Glenn Brooke Shelter 
Miles today: 10.1

Last night it was warm. This morning I was able to just wear shorts and a shirt. Planning 10 today and 16 tomorrow for the Gary pickup on Monday. I would even the days out but there is no camping in the low valleySo three summits today. Bear Mt. Highest point in CT. A easy gentle climb. I sat at the summit for a while and enjoyed the viewRace ledges was a series of steep ledges. I sat up here for about a half hour. Had lunch. Enjoyed the sunshine and confirmed the arrangements with Tim and Gary. Gary is sou fan awful lot of driving to help us out. It great of himRace ledges leaded to - yup Mt Race. Not much of a summit as it¢s still tree covered at 2361 ft. An easy climb as well. Next up - er down - is Sage¢s Ravine. About a half mile of rugged trail next to a the most picturesque stream yet. My favorite spot so far. I need to see if I can find a shorter path to it so I can bring Theresa And finally Mt Everett. When I first saw the name I thought it said Everest. It was steep. About 800 ft with rocks and the steepest longest climb so far My east 10 mile day turned into not easy. But. It seemed easier than my hiking last week. I think the zero and these shorter days have been like Liam said a recovery week. Scroggin made it to camp but Emily had to leave the trail for a stomach ailment It seems as if I encounter people for about 2-3 days and then our paths diverge
Date: 2023-05-29
From: Glenn Brooke Shelter 

To: MA Route 23
Miles today: 16.3

A relatively easy day but I was anxious to get my mileage up. We should be averaging 14 miles and the recent string of 10 mile days is putting us behind our hoped for dates. Came down from Mt Everett along a 3 mile trail so nothing like the ascent which seemed like 1/2 mile up. But then I crossed a valley for about 5 miles. Other than the mosquito infested bogs it was not too bad. Finished with some gradual uphill climbs to round out the dayMet Gary and Tim about 3 in the afternoon when I started at 7:30. So 15 is very doable and maybe even 17. With Tim back we will only do 10 mile days to see if his shin holds up
Date: 2023-05-30
From: MA Route 23

To: Shaker Campsite 
Miles today: 9.2

Had a very easy day so Tim could test his leg. We are only doing 10 miles, stopping frequently and going about 45 minutes a mile which is about twice my normal rate and 15 minutes slower than Tim¢s normal. He is being very cautious which is good Let¢s hope he heals while walking This site was once a 93 person Shaker Village  There were farm implements and old stone walls left over
Date: 2023-05-31
From: Shaker Campsite 

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 10.1

A chilly morning. Just a reminder that the cold is never really gone the further north we goGot up late and left about a half hour after Tim. We stopped at a roadside stand  I was disappointed as I was hoping for a sandwich but they only had candy and soda and ice cream. As that was all they had I got some as I am running a bit low on food as we are doing the slow walk. All day I was trying to stay connected to the world via my phone as Theresa and Liam were flying to Seattle. Often I can just get a txt in and out but can¢t make a call. Happily their travel was uneventful and they arrived safely. I can make the next reprovisioning in Dalton but need to seriously consider the next 10 days. My supplies need to last that long and it may be too much to pack. If we are going to take longer it will become a bigger issue.  I think we pass through a town or two which may ease the food situation The shelter is fabulous. It¢s actually a two story cabin with a caretaker. It was  sunny and clear so I got to go for my first swim in the pond!Tim thinks his leg is not getting worse. Next week we will have to up the miles to get through the 10 day food stretch
Date: 2023-06-01
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter 

To: Cookie Lady ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Yard
Miles today: 11.0

Nancy, the caretaker of the shelter made pancakes for us this morning. We were there with a group of 8-9 hikers from GA. While the pancakes were good we only had 3 a piece, just enough to get started We then came up with the plan to have second breakfast at a motel up the road. Hikers talk about how great it is and it is supposed to have food. Alas when we got there they told us because of COVID they no like her serve breakfast. A great disappointment Passed over the Mass Turnpike. It a good reference for where we are in the world. Sometimes you lose track of these things Met a flip flipper like us  Comparing notes we realized that we are more than 1/4 through the hike and halfway to Katahdin . Big milestones that I didn¢t realize we passed Spent a mile or two walking with Frizzle.  She¢s is from MA and has hiked from GA. Coincidentally she also had a case of shin splints. She worked through them but it took weeks. And finally. There is very little to see here in MA. The pond was great but the trail has no views of anything.  We hike in the woods for hours and ¢summit¢ the peaks but they are just points in a map and the trail goes down instead of up. The miles go by but I¢m looking for a place to sit and admire the view
Date: 2023-06-02
From: Cookie Lady ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Yard

To: Zero Day Hostel
Miles today: 9.6

We had such great plans for the dayShort 10 mile hike into Dalton. Go to the bar and get a beer.  Stop at the post office and get our supplies. Visit the community center for a free shower and then an Italian dinner. And then Uber to our hostelWell some of it worked. The beer was excellent. The shower fantastic. The post office no problem. Then the rain started and we had an hour to kill before the restaurant opened. So what¢s a person to do but go get another beer!  The restaurant which had great photos of Italian dishes basically was a pizza joint. And tasteless pizza at that. The wine was not good either. So we finished up and tried to get an Uber. No go. No Ubers available. Looked at our options. Hike 3 miles. Hitchhike 20 miles  And it was threatening to rain. Luckily the hostel offered to drive back to town to pick us up. Well then we got to the hostel. They have Wi-Fi but it¢s so weak one can¢t connect. The water is a hose at the house.  Well I give up. The day is not a total waste but enough disappointment to dampen the day. Good thing tomorrow is a brand new day
Date: 2023-06-03
From: Zero Day Hostel

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 13.7

Starting to stretch our distance out. We spent the night in the not quite yet open hostel with Seadog a flipflopper like us. The hostel shuttle dropped us off at 9 in town so about a two hour later startThe weather was nice but the forecast was for unsettled weather. We had an 8 mile hike up and over a 1000 ft climb. Turned out to be not as bad as we feared. Nothing like the PA climbs off the rivers. Into the town of Cheshire and Seadog had a banana split Tim a milkshake and I a cone. The misty rain started so we made our way over to a Dunkin¢ and had coffee and muffins to warm up.Our first 2000 foot climb was looming.  4.5 miles to our shelter. Againg a fairly easy climb as it was spread out over a long distance. Not too many rocks. But then the rain started. Not soaking but enough to get you wet.  The trees were drenched and everything you touched gave you a fresh splash. As I was climbing and sweating, rain gear would only keep the rain off but increase the sweat factor. I just hike in the rain. Luckily there was room at the shelter. When you get in first thing is to go get water. Usually that another 0.1 at least from the shelter and often downhill. Collecting and filtering three liters takes about 15 minutes - in the rainNext up is to get out off the wet hiking clothes, set up bed and make a hot diner As all this was taking place the temps were dropping. Scroggin, the US women liviyin Australia, was there.  She was in her winter coat curled up in her two layered sleeping bag. Fortunately, based on my previous dealings with the cold, I was all set with my bag, a 25 degree bag liner and a 7 degree bag liner. Layering. So I slept fine even though it went down to 39  In June no less!Forecast for the week looks like more rain but then it¢s weather so who ever knows
Date: 2023-06-04
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Stealth camp in VT
Miles today: 14.1

Woke up expecting rain and the sun was shining. Still cold but no rain!  Hot breakfast, some coffee and pack up Oh I almost forgot. When we arrived yesterday Journeyman Jim was at the shelter. He is a retired union carpenter from Baltimore. I give him credit for being out hiking but. . .He hikes about three miles and then spends two nights at a shelter. He packs about 50 lb of stuff. Camp chair folding bed bottles of iced tea. Last night he had a fire going in the rain. No small gray but he couldn¢t keep it hot enough because the wood was wet. So wet wood means smoke. And smoke it did. Before going to bed I dismantled the ¢fire¢ as best I could to lessen its effect.  Then he snorted and wheezed and snored all night. Thankfully I slept through most of it but it was the talk all morning. Had to put on wet cold hiking clothes and hike 3 miles to the top of Graylock Mt. Another war memorial like High Pt NJ. Graylock is highest elevation in MA at 3488ft. It¢s amazing to still see the works built by the CCC - Civilian Conservation Corps.  At Graylock the built a lodge which is still in operation.  Met Scroggin and Seadog there and we all had a proper bacon and eggs breakfast (second breakfast).So what do you do when you summit, you go down. This was steeper than the ascent but still 3 miles down - it seemed to go on forever Tried to buy stove fuel in Mt Adams but no go. Will need to get in the next few days. On up again.  It¢s time it culminated it a steep rocky climb. Reminiscent of southern NY. Thankfully it leveled off after that and we entered VERMONT!Feels like we are almost at Katahdin. Just 600 more miles to go Stealth camped by a stream. In VT you can stealth camp. Just camp off the trail wherever you can. NY , CT, MA didn¢t allow this
Date: 2023-06-05
From: Stealth camp in VT

To: Catamount Hotel
Miles today: 13.9

First full day in VT. Long IPS and downs but generally not too bad.  Rocks are few except for the final descent. Steep rocky descent down to route 9. We had to go into town to get fuel. The last two towns had no fuel. There seems to be a shortage of it.
Date: 2023-06-06
From: Catamount Hotel

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4

Shuttle from the Catamount didn¢t drop us off till 9. So a late start when you go into town. Game plan was to hike 18 so that tomorrow we only have to do 10 as we have to go up and over Stratton Mtn Right out of the gate we went up. Rocky steep start but it leveled out. Continued climbing most of the morning. It¢s wearing. Several ups and downs and we reached the base of Glastenbery Mtn. Another 800 ft climb. Steep steps rocks, oh and the knats started to attack. Finally reached the top. Chilly.  Thunderstorms rumbling in the west. We decided to make a run for the next shelter which would be 14 miles from our start. As we raced to beat the rain we could hear it just behind us.  Again some uphills so I couldn¢t done rain gear but it never really let loose. Made the shelter and decided to not push on for the 19 mile day   Swift and Howell popped in but then headed on to the next shelter. Seadog, TLC and I brought 500ml of Cabernet in a box and had it with freeze dried lasagna. It was a great pleasure We may have a beautiful sunrise as the shelter looks due east and the trees are cleared in front of the shelter. Maybe I¢ll be up.
Date: 2023-06-07
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

No sunrise as it rained last night and the clouds had settled over us. Damp misty morning. Today was a day to just put your head down and hike. We had to summit 3940 foot Stratton Mtn and again the weather was unsettled. Meaning it could rain at any time. The climb up the Mt was long and steep in spots but not terribly bad. It was 4 1/2 miles up. About 2 hours of not stop up. It was chilly and overcast. Still just wearing shorts and a T shirt as the heat of climbing is more than enough to keep me warm. Thinking that there would be some view as we were on a ski mtn but our trail never got close With threatening rain I just pushed on to the Stratton Pond shelter where a hiker had a great fire going. After waking nearly a half mile total to get water I stripped off the wet hiking gear and into warm dry (likely a bit smelly) clothes. Heading for a 35 degree night again
Date: 2023-06-08
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Bromley Ski Patrol Hut
Miles today: 13.7

Again another misty chilly day. Just trying to stay out if the sometimes rain as much as possible Seems like Seadog will hang with us. We have just about the same schedule and hiking temperament Headed for the next mountain.  Shelter bout halfway up. The trail for the day was mostly flat until we got to the obvious mountain. As we approached Seadog found a note that the ski patrol lodge was left open for thru hikers to use. When we arrived it had lights and electricity and heat!  It¢s great to be out of the elements for the nightJoined by Swift and Howll and ToTalla note on photos - there hasn¢t been much to take a picture of. Just green woods and no views. Clouds and mist wherever we look
Date: 2023-06-09
From: Bromley Ski Patrol Hut

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.5

Started the morning in the clouds. Leaving the heated hut into the chill mountain top air took some effort. Nonetheless I was in my hiking attire- shirts and a tshirt. Made good time and the rain held off. Got to Peru Peak shelter and stopped for lunch. We had a crowd and the sun came out. All were just soaking up the warmth when it started to rain. Tim was first out in full rain gear. Seadog and I waited about 20 minutes and the rain let up so off I went.  About ten minutes out it started to rain again. Another ten minutes and I had to put my rain coat on. Another ten minutes and I had my rain pants on. The rain was heavy and the temperature chilly  I couldn¢t afford to be both wet and cold. Suffered through this for about a half hour.  Walking through rivulets which made the rocks and especially the roots slick. Then it let up. After twenty minutes I had to take the rain gear off or risk overheating Carried on like this for a few more miles until the rain came again. Not as heavy this time and I got to within two miles of the destination when out came the sun. The shelter was what I have been looking for all trip. There was sunshine and a river in front. Got to put my legs in the cold water and take a little bath and then sit in the sun to warm upThe weather and the conditions have been chilly and damp for what seems like two weeks. It gets wearing when it is constantly chilly. No one was expecting this ever present damp. We are hopeful that it will warm up for a day tomorrow and Sunday but next week looks like more of the sameOne fortunate turn is that the Canadian smoke seems to not be a threat to us here. The wind currents seem ti be shifting and will not cause us to stop at least for the next week or so
Date: 2023-06-10
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.9

We have been hiking about 12-14 miles a day. I can cover that in about 6 hours. I often get into the shelter about 3 which leaves a lot of time to kill before falling asleep at ten. Today we are planning almost 17 miles. This will enable us to get over 4200 ft Killington the following day and then a short day into the town for a much needed zeroTim was out first as he is a 5:30 riser. I Seadog was next and I followed about an hour after Tim. I caught up to Tim at about mile six and we all had lunch at mile 8 by a beautiful stream and waterfall. At that point Seadog hit the road as he was fantasizing about the deli we were headed to a mile from our shelter. Tim and I played leapfrog as I was talking with Theresa and the. Liam as I had cell service. Needless to say walking and talking on a phone don¢t mix out here General a descent day. Chilly most of the hike until the last hour when the sun came out. Had to walk a mile to the deli. We were dreaming of gettin 1/2 liter boxes of wine again.  No luck. So just sandwiches and rain. The rain stopped just as quickly as it started and we hiked back to the trail. All in all it turned into a 20 mile day