morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-06
From: BertÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel 

To: Leroy Smith Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8

Glad I took a zero at Bert¢s, feeing pretty good this morning, and skipped an entire day of steady rain. Terri (from Bert¢s) gave us a ride to the trail, savings us an extra hour of walking to get back to the trail.The climb up from Lehigh Gap reminded me of hiking in the White Mountains.  1000¢ up in the first mile over rocks, sometimes a scramble needing handholds.  Fortunately most of the rocks had dried out from yesterday¢s rain.  The day was cloudy but clear and the views were great.Saw my first rattlesnake today, a small one about as fat as my thumb.  As I was walking the side trail leading to the shelter I heard rustling in the leaves to my right.  The snake was heading away from the trail about 4¢ into the leaves and brush. I didn¢t see it¢s head but the part I could see was off the ground, very stiff, and moving back and forth.  When I saw it¢s tail it looked like it was vibrating but I didn¢t hear any rattling.  I moved on.  I really paid attention setting up my hammock as the tenting site was only about 70 yards from where this snake was.  Earlier in the day a hiker passed me and asked if I had seen the snake just off the trail (I had not).  A large rattlesnake was coiled next to the trail and starting rattling as he was walking by.
Date: 2019-05-07
From: Leroy Smith Shelter 

To: Kirkridge Shelter 
Miles today: 13.8

Woke up about 6 to a chilly, foggy morning.  Slo-go¢en was tenting close by and we were both up by 6:30.  Said goodbye as he left for Wind Gap where he was finishing his section hike and meeting up with his sister.The day turned out nice but didn¢t clear up till around 1.  On my way to the shelter I passed by Door Mat on the side of a road crossing about a mile south of the shelter.  He passed by me earlier in the day and I expected to see him at the shelter.  Turns out he had spent the last hour and a half try to get pizza delivered to him on the roadside, which he was planning on carrying to the shelter for dinner and breakfast (one pizza for each).When I made it to the shelter I found a ~4¢ black snake climbing the inside wall near the roof.  I¢m guessing no mice in the shelter tonight!
Date: 2019-05-08
From: Kirkridge Shelter 

To: Delaware water gap, on to New Jersey 
Miles today: 12.0

Left the shelter early this morning about 7 am.  I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to have lunch and resupply at the Delaware Gap.  Worked out well, had a great lunch at the Village Farmer and Bakery, resupplied, and was back on the trail before 1:00.As I was hiking to the campsite I planned on spending the night at I was the lucky recipient of some trail magic.  GiGi and her friends stopped to talk with me asking where I started and where I was going.  Before we went separate ways I was given 2 tangerines and a large sweet date!  Thank GiGi and friends!!!Most of the group I stayed with at the shelter were spending the night at a hostel in Delaware Gap.  They are all fast hikers so I expect they will pass me sometime tomorrow.
Date: 2019-05-08
From: Hemlock Shelter 

To: Great Barrington 
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left the shelter this morning hoping to beat the rain on my way to Great Barrington. A light rain started around ten but fortunately I was off the ridge and the rocks before they were too wet. When I made it to route 7 I decided to continue another 1.3 miles to the corner of Boardman street and Kellog Rd figuring I would get ahead for tomorrow. I was expecting I would be able too get an Uber into town, however that plan failed, leaving me with a ~3 mile walk into town. By this time a heavy rain had started. As I walked down the road a triaxle truck towing a backhoe came up behind me and just as the trailer was passing me one of the tires blew out - the driver must have seen me jump as he pulled over to see if I was OK. I explained that I just needed a change of underwear!Big Y supermarket was on the way to the hotel so I stopped and did my resupply before walking on to the hotel. Made it to the hotel around three and was looking forward to warming up with a hot shower. My plans were again dashed as the city was working on the water main and the water was turned off! Got my shower in a little after five.By the end of the day all was well! Warm and dry on the outside, wet and warm on the inside thanks to a little wine with dinner!
Date: 2019-05-09
From: Campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 15.8

last night a whippoorwill decided to make my campsite his personal stage, ALL NIGHT LONG!  A little whip-poor-will is ok, but 9 hours straight was a bit much!Perfect hiking day with a cool breeze and overcast sky.  This part of New Jersey seems similar to Pennsylvania as the trail is following narrow ridge lines, sometimes as narrow as 50 yards.  Definitely not as much rocks as Pennsylvania.Walking along the trail I kept getting a whiff of perfume and it took me a while to locate the source - the lilacs are in bloom!When I walked into my planned campsite I found the area occupied by a bunch of kids from Philadelphia who were on a 5 day Outward Bound adventure.  This was their last day and I think they were looking forward to going home and a hot shower!
Date: 2019-05-10
From: Campsite 

To: Mashipacong Shelter 
Miles today: 16.6

The Outward Bound crew were up at around 5:30 and were gone by 6:30.  It was another foggy morning and it was hard to tell if it was raining or water condensing in the trees.  It did rain on and off till around 2:00 then got sunny and warmer.Seeing lots of blueberry and huckleberry bushes in bloom but was surprised to also see strawberries in bloom on the side of the trail.Made my way to Mashipacong Shelter and was happy to see the caretaker had left containers of water in the bear box.  Second day in a row I have carried extra water for the last ~6 miles before camp because the sites lacked a water source.  Yesterday I obtained water from Rattlesnake spring which was clear and cold.  Today¢s water supply was from a stream and had a brown color to it. Tasted OK.
Date: 2019-05-11
From: Mashipacong Shelter 

To: Unionville 
Miles today: 14.6

Spent the night in the shelter by myself.  When I arrived yesterday I noticed what looked like the taters on a mouse nest in the corrugated roof.  This morning there was a black snake curled up in that part of the roof - mouse issue solved!I came upon two Bears about 50 minutes out from the shelter.  I did not see them till they bolted away through the woods.  I was about 100¢ from them when they took off.  I was blowing my nose (that¢s what the call it out here) and I think that alerted them to my presence.  I had originally thought of staying at the Secret Shelter but decided to go to Unionville NY (~0.3 mile off trail) to hit the pub for some wings and beer for dinner.  Unionville was also my planned resupply so I did that also.  I signed up to camp at the town park.  This is the first time I have taken my tarp to ground and I purchased a box of garbage bags to use as a ground cloth.  Worked out OK.  I had my air mattresses set up by 8 and laid while listening to the kids playing basketball.  Woke up at 9:30 to a semi dark park (lots off lighting around the park).  The rain started shortly after, and it rained all night.
Date: 2019-05-12
From: Unionville 

To: Pochuck Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 5.6

Woke up to a steady rain but was glad that my tarp setup and garbage bag ground cover had kept everything dry overnight.  I was packed up and at Holter general store for breakfast at around 7:15.  Bought a sandwich for lunch and was on my way by 8.The rain was pretty steady and the trail took me through a large open wildlife sanctuary.  Probably nice on a sunny day, but the wind was driving the rain making  it pretty cold.When I made it to the first shelter on the trail I decided to call it a day as I was wet and getting cold.Stephan and Eagle Wings also decided on a short day and the three of us were in our sleeping bags by 1:00 trying to get warmed up.  40 degrees and rain sucks!This was another shelter with no water.  The water source coming up to the shelter (a faucet outside a park service building) was not working so we were all a little short of water.  Eagle Wings solved the problem by collecting the runoff from the roof of the shelter.
Date: 2019-05-13
From: Pochuck Mtn Shelter 

To: Wawayanda Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0

Another cold rainy day, mid thirties last night, and forties today.  Drizzle and fog most of the day then a steady rain after 1:00.The saving grace of the day was a farm market that was at a road crossing about 6 miles into the day.  Stopped in for a large coffee and four donuts - it was a real pick me up!When I made it to Wawayanda Shelter I found Pipas, Pinky, Burn, and Bump there.   Stephen and Eagle Wings were also at the shelter.  Burn set up his hammock and six of us crowded into the shelter to escape the rain.
Date: 2019-05-14
From: Wawayanda Shelter 

To: Wildcat Shelter 
Miles today: 12.3

Yet another cold rainy day.  I have been drying my shirts using body heat and it¢s getting old!Thought I was going to get some goodies at a road crossing again today (hot dog stand) but was disappointed as it was closed.  The trail was really difficult today with lots of slab rocks that were slick with the rain.  At one point I had to throw my trekking poles down and essentially rock climb down some vertical wet rock.Finished New Jersey today and entered New York.  When I arrived at the shelter three Nobo hikers who started in GA (Wow, Silver Streak, and Perc) were already there.  Stephen, Eagle Wings and I joined them and we were all lined up in the back of the shelter.  Later in the evening two other Nobo¢s from GA squeezed into the shelter as door mats in front of us.  Had to step over them to get out of the shelter.  Although crowded, it was a relatively quiet night.
Date: 2019-05-15
From: Wildcat Shelter 

To: NY Route 17
Miles today: 10.0

Cool morning but finally no rain!!  Stephen, WOW, Silver Streak, and Perc were all up around 5:30 to start their day as they intended to hike about 24 miles, skipping the next 2 shelters.Eagle Wings and I decided to go to Harriman NY and get a hotel for the night.  This allowed us to resupply and set us up to skip the Fingerboard Shelter which is having a significant bear problem.On our way to route 17 we had to do an interesting stream crossing over partially submerged logs and rocks.  No way not to end up with waterlogged shoes.  Not long after the crossing I started having problems with the insoles in my shoes - they were wrinkling just in front of the ball of my foot and becoming very uncomfortable.  Could not find any Solomon dealers in town but was able to get some New Balance trail running shoes as temporaries till I can replace my Solomons.
Date: 2019-05-16
From: NY Route 17

To: West Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6

Eagle Wings decided to do a zero in Harriman, and I caught an Uber ride back to the trail.  Beautiful sunny day with a nice breeze to keep it cool.  Got some good views of the New York City skyline on my way to the West Mountain Shelter which also has a great view of the Hudson River and the New York skyline.  I was hoping to get a good picture of the skyline at night but was not able to get the camera to focus that far away.  Met up with Old School Moose early in the day and we hiked together most of the day.  Burn also came to the shelter later in the evening.
Date: 2019-05-17
From: West Mountain Shelter 

To: Graymore Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 14.1

Woke up extra early because my tarp was snapping in a fairly turbulent wind.  Got up and took the tarp down and tried to go back to sleep.  Gave up about 6 am and just packed up and started my days hike. About 7:15 I found a place out of the wind and stopped to make some coffee and have breakfast.It was an interesting day hiking as the trail went over Bear Mountain with great views of the Hudson River then went through a zoo and crossed the Hudson.  Burn, Old School Moose, and I made our way to the Graymore Spiritual Life Center, a Franciscan retreat that allows hikers to camp at their baseball field.  They have a pavilion with power, porta-potties, and an outdoor sink for water.  Unfortunately the shower was closed.Burn and I hung our hammocks In the pavilion and Old School Moose set his sleeping bag out on a picnic table.  Legolas, a Nobo who started in GA, and Scamper, a LASH (long ass section hiker) also spent the night at the ball field.  Legolas is aptly named given his long blonde hair and headband but he said he doesn¢t shoot a bow.
Date: 2019-05-17
From: West Mountain Shelter 

To: Graymore Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 14.1

Woke up extra early because my tarp was snapping in a fairly turbulent wind.  Got up and took the tarp down and tried to go back to sleep.  Gave up about 6 am and just packed up and started my days hike. Abo7:15 I found a place out of the wind and stopped to make some coffee and have breakfast.It was a really nice morning and the trail took me over Bear Mountain, through a zoo, and across the Hudson River.  Had a light rain on and off for a couple hours in the afternoon but cleared up in the evening.I did not see Burn or Old School Moose before I left the shelter area but we met up for the night at Graymore, which is a Franciscan retreat that allows hikers to camp at their ball field.  There was a pavilion with power, a sink with potable water, and porta-potties.  Burnnand I set up our hammocks on the pavilion posts, and Old School slept on one of the picnic tables.When I arrived at the pavilion Leg a Nobo hiker who started in GA
Date: 2019-05-18
From: Graymore Spiritual Life Center

To: Canapus lake beach in Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 14.5

Great hiking weather as I made my way to Canopus lake.  Found some wintergreen berries on my way and had a little snack.When I arrived at the Canopus lake beach it was warm and sunny so I took my first swim of the season.  Refreshing!!
Date: 2019-05-19
From: Canapus lake beach in Fahnestock State Park

To: Morgan Stuart Shelter 
Miles today: 14.2

Woke up around midnight to a very bright moon shining in my eyes.  Did no sleep well the rest of the night and was up at 6:00. Old School Moose, Burn and I all got an early start on our way to the Morgan Stuart Shelter.  Decided to stay in the shelter as rain was forecast. There was a pretty good thunderstorm that came through around 9:00. The thunder shook the shelter.
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Morgan Stuart Shelter 

To: Wiley Shelter 
Miles today: 16.6

Long day to the Wiley Shelter with a quick rain shower in the afternoon to keep things interesting!  Catmando was at the shelter. I had last seen him at Bert¢s hostel in Palmerton PA. He was off trail for 7 days but caught up to me, essentially traveling more than twice my daily distance.  Two other Nobo hikers from GA were at the shelter but I only got one name, RD.  Anton, who I met at Canopus lake and who also stayed at the Morgan Stuart Shelter also spent the night at Wiley, along with Burn and Old School Moose.I decided to hammock for the night so I could leave early without disturbing anyone.
Date: 2019-05-21
From: Wiley Shelter 

To: CT Route 341 in Kent Ct
Miles today: 12.7

Got up early, packed up and was on the trail at 5:30.  Crossed into Connecticut fairly early and did a good stretch of trail along the Housatonic River south of Bulls Bridge.  Crazy Rapids!!Made it to the Rt 341 crossing around 1:00 to catch a rental car and take a zero at home!
Date: 2019-05-24
From: CT Route 341 in Kent Ct

To: Silver Hill Campsite 
Miles today: 10.2

After taking two zero days, back on the trail!  It was a busy time at home taking care of some home maintenance and my equipment issues.  REI came through with my new shoes, however the repair parts for my Zpack backpack never showed up. Ended up replacing the pack with one from REI.Chris came back to the trail with me and hiked a few miles to get me on my way. A great way to return to the trail!!Did a relatively short day and was at camp early around 3:00.  That worked out well as I was tired from the extra early start to drive to Kent.
Date: 2019-05-25
From: Silver Hill Campsite 

To: BelterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Campsite 
Miles today: 12.0

Nice day hiking, and about 20 degrees cooler (~75 today) than when Chris and I did this section last year in my first shakedown hike.Lime Rock race track had some races running when I stopped at the overlook looking down on part of the track.  Very loud, even miles away.Not long after I set up camp for the night Nymph and his dog Cousin Vinny came in and set up close by.  They had hiked the southern half of the trail together a couple years ago and are completing it this year.  Vinny is a sweet boy!
Date: 2019-05-26
From: BelterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Campsite 

To: Riga Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6

Had a great start to the morning, getting on trail at 6:30 and making my way down to Rt 7.  As I crossed Rt 7 after going over the Housatonic River Bridge, a fox caught a squirrel just as it was coming onto the road from under the guard rail.  The fox was busy shaking the squirrel and did no notice me for about 20 seconds, even though it was only about 20 feet away.An exciting start to the day, but it got better as I did an off trail detour to the Mountain Side Cafe for breakfast- stuffed myself and got a brownie to go!Warm day hiking but had some great views along the way.  Stopped to talk to a group of day hiking and received some trail magic (3 energy bars)!!!Nymph and Cousin Vinny also found there was to Riga for the night.  Met 3 weekend hikers from Boston, and 3 Mile, a LASH going from Harpers to ME.
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Riga Shelter 

To: Hemlock Shelter 
Miles today: 10.2

Beautiful day hiking.  Climbed Bear Mountain which I had climbed about 40 years ago.  The climb down into Sages Ravine was as tough as I remembered.  Sages is also still as beautiful as I remember.  There were spectacular views while walking the Race Ledges, more so than the top of Race mountain.  Camping with Nymph and Cousin Vinny again tonight.  BD, a LASH was also spending the night at the shelter.
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Hemlock Shelter 

To: Great Barrington 
Miles today: 9.5

Left the shelter this morning hoping to beat the rain on my way to Great Barrington. A light rain started around ten but fortunately I was off the ridge and the rocks before they were too wet. When I made it to route 7 I decided to continue another 1.3 miles to the corner of Boardman street and Kellog Rd figuring I would get ahead for tomorrow. I was expecting I would be able too get an Uber into town, however that plan failed, leaving me with a ~3 mile walk into town. By this time a heavy rain had started. As I walked down the road a triaxle truck towing a backhoe came up behind me and just as the trailer was passing me one of the tires blew out - the driver must have seen me jump as he pulled over to see if I was OK. I explained that I just needed a change of underwear!Big Y supermarket was on the way to the hotel so I stopped and did my resupply before walking on to the hotel. Made it to the hotel around three and was looking forward to warming up with a hot shower. My plans were again dashed as the city was working on the water main and the water was turned off! Got my shower in a little after five.By the end of the day all was well! Warm and dry on the outside, wet and warm on the inside thanks to a little wine with dinner!
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Great Barrington 

To: North Wilcox Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4

Made arrangements for a shuttle ride from the hotel to the trail last night. Joe has been shuttling hikers in Great Barrington for 3 years and doesn¢t change for the ride but accepts donations to offset the cost of gas. Wish I had known about Joe yesterday!!! He picked me up at 8:30 and I was on my way by 8:45.Turned out to be a nice day but rain came in not long after I made it to the shelter. I shared the shelter with Litefoot, who is from Texas and is doing a Nobo flip- flop, Chris, who started in Georgia two weeks before I started in Virginia ( he wants to complete the trail in 100 days), and two sisters from Boston taking a week long hike. Tinman was also at the shelter but decided to tent for the night.
Date: 2019-05-30
From: North Wilcox Shelter 

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 14.8

The day started out wet with water dripping off the trees.  For the most part a dreary, overcast day.  Fortunately the sun started to peep out just as I was getting to Upper Goose Pond Cabin.  The caretakers this week were Mike and Penny.  Mike had a pot of hot coffee on the table when I got in but I decided I was going to swim before partaking.  Just as I getting into the water some fishermen were motoring in but didn¢t stay- I¢m guessing my splashing around was not too good for the fishing action!The coffee was great after my swim and I had to limit myself so I wouldn¢t be awake all night!  Penny made some blackberry cornbread muffins for us at dinner time (which were fantastic, thanks Penny!!!).  The rain started around 9 and it was nice being in a bunk and out of the weather.
Date: 2019-05-31
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin 

To: Kay Wood Shelter 
Miles today: 18.2

Started out the day with a fantastic pancake and coffee breakfast that Penny and Mike prepared for us.  Mike and Penny were gracious hosts and made the stay at Upper Goose Pond enjoyable.It was almost 8 before I got started but I was at the October Mountain Shelter at 1 and stopped for lunch.  It was early in the day so I decided to continue on to the Kay Wood Shelter.  Eagle Wings, who was also at UGP and Tinman also decided to move on.  Hostel, a LASH from Florida did the same and we all met up at Kay Woods.
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Dalton 

To: Mark Noebel Shelter 
Miles today: 13.7

Had a great breakfast in Dalton and got a sandwich to go before hitting the trail.  Eagle Wings and I were debating taking a zero as heavy rain was predicted for the afternoon and into the night, as well as a temperature drop.  We decided to go figuring we could change our destination if we needed.The day ended up being mostly nice.  Had great views of Graylock before descending into Cheshire and climbing up the ridge to the shelter for the night.  I did get caught in a cold down pour around three.  It was a quick shower but enough to get me wet before I could get my rain gear on.  Hope to dry everything out tomorrow.
Date: 2019-06-03
From: Mark Noebel Shelter 

To: Sherman Springs Campsite 
Miles today: 11.6

Nymph and Cousin Vinny were at the shelter last night along with another through hiking who¢s name I didn¢t get.  The wind picked overnight and my gear mostly dried out, even my shoes. Bright sunny day but windy and cold. Eagle Wings and I got an early start leaving before 7. We were counting on another breakfast at the Bascom Lodge at the top of Mt Graylock. We were very disappointed as the lodge, while apparently open, wouldn¢t even sell us a cup of coffee. The cook, who appeared to be the only employee there said he didn¢t know how to operate the cash register so couldn¢t make anything for us.Eagle Wings and I resupplied at the Stop & Shop about a half mile west of the route 2 trail crossing. The pack was unpleasantly heavy, but the chicken tenders and pint of Cherry Garcia ice cream were quite pleasant!