morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-22
From: Little Rock Pond

To: Brimley Shelter
Miles today: 17.6

Rain overnight and early this morning. I packed up in a lull and was on the trail at 7:30. Rain continued all morning. Despite the rain the hiking was good all day. Though slippery and muddy the grade was mild enough to enjoy the day. I was making good time. I stopped at Peru Peak shelter around 1 as the rain stopped. I made coffee to help propel me. I talked with three people going north on the Long Trail. I continued hiking hoping everything would dry out. The trail continued with a good grade. There were three mountains to go over today. Baker was easy. Peru Peak had a short climb on rocks then a descent on rocks but nothing slowing my pace much. At about 3:30 it poured! It was a torrential downpour. I didn't attempt to get my raincoat out fearing everything would get soaked. Fortunately I had the pack cover on and my rain hat on. The rain was cold and I worried about hypothermia but I continued. The path I was descending on was a muddy torrent. After 20 minutes the rain stopped. I just continued hiking in the mud and puddles. Then the trail climbed Brimley Mountain, the steepest climb of the day. Got to the top at 5 p.m. Then a descent right down a ski slope for half a mile and into the woods. The descent continued on the trail. I came to the side trail to Brimley Shelter after 6 p.m. I found the solo tent pad and put my gear on top then descended a trail for water. It went way down the hill. When I found the water source I filled two bottles. Then I heard it coming...rain. I rushed up to the tent pad and my unprotected gear was now wet. Thinking quickly I grabbed everything and headed for the shelter. I don't like shelters too much but tonight it's a must.
Date: 2018-08-24
From: Winhall River

To: Kid Gore shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

On the trail at 6:34 this morning. After crossing the Winhall River Bridge it was mud. The mud was on and off. Big long holes and small ones. But it was easy navigating them because over the weeks the hikers made their detours and I only had to follow. Nothing terrible where I was told it was terrible which was around Stratton Pond. The pond was beautiful early in the morning. It was a climb to the top of Stratton Mountain. On top of the 3,936' mountain is a fire tower and the views were outstanding. It was 10 a.m. At the base of the fire tower I took a break even making coffee. Green Machine was there. He passed me way back but took time off in Hanover with his folks. The trail dropped off the mountain steadily. After crossing Stratton-Arlington Road the trail became problematic. The mud holes became much longer and the trail became much more rocky and root-bound. I had no problem and just kept going. After Story Springs Shelter the sloppy trail was discouraging me. It was just messy. But I came to Kid Gore Shelter at 5:45 and was glad my day was over. Though I did not make my goal of Glastenbury Mountain I made my second choice. I was glad to see I did a 17 mile day.So, despite the mud, which wasn't as bad as I expected, it was a productive day. Also, I am now beyond 25% of the way. Looks like Massachusetts on Sunday.
Date: 2018-08-25
From: Kid Gore shelter

To: Congdon Shelter, VT
Miles today: 18.7

Warm out when I got up this morning. Sun just coming over the ridge when I left camp at 6:39. Stopped at the fire tower on Glastenbury Mountain, 3,748', around 9. Usually can see the Adirondack Mountains of New York but it was cloudy in that direction. Great hiking almost all day. Trail was good with only a few muddy spots. I crossed Vt. 9 around 3:30. But the trail soon changed. There were a few hundred rock steps to climb and they were steep. But once on top of the hill the trail leveled out. For a few miles the trail was good but then descended on an eroded old road. Water and rocks and sometimes mud and roots. Sometimes all of those at the same time. Mosquitoes became bothersome. Then the trail crossed a creek and it became all mud. Came to the shelter at 6:08, way earlier than expected. Despite the last few miles being in poor condition, today was a great hiking day. Weather was good and most of the trail was good. Also crossed the last mountain in Vermont over 3,000'. Now only Mt. Greylock and Saddle Ball Mountain in Massachusetts and that's the last 3,000 footers until southern Virginia. Speaking of Massachusetts, the border is only 10 miles away.
Date: 2018-08-30
From: Upper Goose Pond, MA

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Overnight I heard raindrops on my tent so I rushed out into the dark to collect items on my clothesline. Once back in the tent, the brief rain stopped. Packed up and at the nearby cabin at 7:10. Pancakes were already being served. There were only four of us at the table. Bambi (her real name) was the volunteer caretaker and the cook. She's around 60, white hair, and a friendly personality. Sitting in the quaint room with a fireplace and American chestnut wood floors were Bambi"s friend, Stephanie from Washington and Marilynn from Montana. I had to ask the question: are these pancakes or hotcakes? I mentioned my McDonald's lady story. Well, that got into a good discussion with all. Bambi finally settled the discussion with the fact that these are regional words for the same thing. I was happy and ate my flapjacks. Later I thanked Bambi and her friends for the hospitality and headed out. I was on the AT at 8:30. The trail was tame most of the day. In the morning the sun was in and out and sometimes I was sure it would rain, but nothing. As the day wore on it became hot. After Tyringham Road the trail went across wetlands sometimes on long dilapidated boardwalks. Sometimes the boards sank into the water. Even the bears weren't happy with the conditions of the boardwalk. They had left a significant amount of scat on the walkway as a protest. Near the end of the walkway I looked back. Ten years ago a farmer was plowing these fields as I went by and waved. Now all is overgrown. I came to Jerusalem Road. There a farmer has a little building, self-serve, next to the road and sells items to the hikers. Beaver's father was there resting as he was stung by a bee on the shoulder. I drank two Cokes as I charged my phone on the provided outlets. I got water across the road from the farm house at a spring with a pipe. I wrote a thank you note in the register. I went back to the trail and entered Tyringham Cobble. It seems to be a park with trails and views. The afternoon was hot. Up one hill I was sweating pretty badly. I had to take several breaks.Once on top of the mountains there was a good breeze. The trail even was good. A bunch of Nobos went by which may be the last of them...unless they are really fast. I came into Mt. Wilcox Shelter just after 6 p.m. Mr. Mesi and two companions were there. I saw them at Upper Goose Cabin this morning, the first I've seen them since Monson. They were pushing into Great Barrington tonight. A very ancient shelter here and a newer one nearby. I checked out the newer one but kept hearing this loud banging noise. I guess no one considered the consequences of building a shelter with a steel roof under oak trees. I don't stay in shelters usually anyway so I went up to the tenting area. Very odd, two shelters here and I am all alone. Very quiet...except for a few acorns now and then. Tomorrow it will be 12 miles to Great Barrington. I need food and Gorilla Glue for my right shoe. The sole is coming off and my only field expedient method for repair is my waterproof bandage tape.
Date: 2018-09-01
From: Jug End Mountain

To: South of Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 16.7

Up and on the trail at 7:20. Trail was good most of the day. Lots of walking on solid bedrock. Steep up and over Mt. Everett. Great views on top. Near Mt. Race I ran into several groups of hikers young and old. Many open ledges with lots of beautiful views. Dropped into Sages Ravine and crossed into Connecticut right at 1 p.m. Followed the trail upstream then found a pool of water and I was in. Long tough climb up Bear Mountain similar to climbing in the White Mountains. On top there were more people than pigeons on a silo. Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut and it is a holiday weekend so lots of folks out. (Bear Mountain is the highest peak in Connecticut but not the highest land. Figure that one out.) After a steep drop off the mountain, the trail was awesome all the way to Lions Head. Beautiful trail on an old road lined with Mountain Laurel. A bit steep up Lions Head and steep down some but then good trail all the way into Salisbury. I walked the .4 mile into the well-to-do little town. I stopped at LeBonne's Market and got an Italian sub. I sat on a bench outside trying to eat it. The meat was a solid inch thick and the bun was real tough Italian bread. It was luscious! I couldn't eat it all so I packed it away and headed back to the trail. As I was walking I called Heartrock. While talking I was on a four foot paved berm up against the lawns of houses. While not using my trekking poles I carry them in my right hand waist high and on a 45 degree angle to my body. A woman coming down the street in her maroon truck or sUV going about 35 mph, crossed the white line towards me and hit my trekking poles. They swung around hitting me on the right back side. Heartrock even heard the bang on the phone. I wasn't hurt but the lady didn't stop. Nice dent on the one trekking pole. Nothing I could do and thankfully no injury so I continued. It was getting late. The trail left the road and went steeply up the mountain. I stopped twice to finish eating that sandwich. A little after 7 p.m. I saw a flat area and stopped for the day. As I was setting up the tent the sun was shining bright on me just as it was hitting the top of a neighboring ridge. A Barred Owl called in the distance and thousands of insects are singing me to sleep. No katydids here though.
Date: 2018-09-03
From: Caesar Brook

To: Schaghticoke Mountain, CT
Miles today: 16.8

Up and on the trail at 6:18. A steep climb right away and it wasn't long until I was soaked in sweat. The trail dropped to Guinea Brook then up again. I don't remember Connecticut being so tough. It must be the heat and humidity. The trail dropped to the Housatonic River and followed it for over four beautiful miles. At first it was in the full sun, which was hot, then mostly in the woods and cooler. Occasionally a breeze cooled the air. The trail weaved through a few mowed fields along the river. Stacks of hay or straw were at the end of each field. Then the trail followed an old road along the river with old stone walls along the upper side to my right. The river was always on my left. I took a dip on the river to cool off. I kept my body under the water to cool my core temperature. But too soon it was back on the trail and back to sweating. I stopped in upscale Kent. I got water treatment at Backcountry Outfitters then went to do laundry. I really needed to charge my phone. A young guy there gave me soap for my clothes. A woman, Jean, told me to throw in my wet clothes into one of the many dryers she was using to save me the $2 fee. Her husband has symptoms like MS but the doctor ruled that out. Now she is washing everything in her house because they suspect it's the tick and flea collars on the dogs they have been causing the strange nerve reactions. She was very pleasant and we wished each other success. I went back to the outfitter and got a milkshake and a $5 hot dog. Well, the milkshake was good. Then back up the road to the trail. It was hot and some of the tar on the road was sticky. I hiked up to Mt. Algo Shelter which wasn't far. 10 backpacks were there but no humans. I figured college kids doing their orientation week though I don't know what that means. I decided to continue 2.9 miles to the next campsite thinking it shouldn't be tough...it was tough. I was soaked climbing several hills. At 6:20 I turned up the blue blaze trail to Schaghticoke Mountain Campsites. There were college kids doing their orientation week. They were friendly. I set up camp, got water and in my tent at 7 p/m. A long, hot, humid day. Lots of fireworks bangs at the moment. The kids are quiet and the trees are singing. No Barred Owl tonight. Tomorrow the trail enters New York state. Also I should be at the 1/3 point of the trip in the morning.
Date: 2018-09-04
From: Schaghticoke Mountain, CT

To: Near NY Highway 22
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Warm overnight. Moonlight this morning through the trees. I packed up and got on the trail at 6:18. It was a tough climb up Schaghticoke Mountain but the orange growing glow on the ridge to my east kept my attention. I was near the top when the sun crested the neighboring ridge. A beautiful morning. Fog hug in some of the valleys below. Then the trail was excellent staying contoured for miles, almost the whole way to Bull's Bridge. I hiked into the village of Bull's Bridge over the old covered Bull's Bridge. At the Bull's Bridge Country Store I got a breakfast sandwich and coffee plus food for today and tomorrow. I remembered the owner from 2012, a helpful and pleasant woman. I sat on the outside picnic table in the dwindling shade. I ate my sandwich and a Drumstick (ice cream). I got a Coke to go and headed back to the trail.  On the trail I met River, a Nobo. He says he knows he won't make Katahdin in time but will finish next year. He was happy and content. I continued on the trail above the Housatonic River to the bridge over 10 Mile River. Just up that river I jumped in to cool off. Up over 10 Mile Hill crossing a few roads. At 12:23 I entered New York State. I had a cold hamburger from the store that I ate in celebration. Not too far into New York I saw another stream. Wasn't long until I was under water cooling off. It was hot again today. The afternoon was indeed hot. The trail was good with mild ups and downs. After Pawling Nature Reserve the trail went through open farm fields. The sun was very hot. I crossed a stile into a field of cattle resting in the shade they found. Their eyes followed me until the next stile which led me into a neighboring farm field. No cattle there and I crossed another stile and a road. There in a big plastic tub were gallons of water provided by trail angel Carolyn. I thought they'd be warm but they weren't. I was very happy. I drank what I had and got two liters. Then I continued and crossed NY 22. Just beyond the highway is a train platform. Metro North has an Appalachian Trail train stop. Some do venture into New York City as part of their hike. I continued over a long boardwalk through a wetland. Grasses, cattails, and pink flowers lined the route. Some were eight feet high. At the end I followed the trail a short distance then stopped a few miles shy of my goal for the day. It was just too hot. AccuWeather says 88 degrees locally. It was 5:38 p.m.
Date: 2018-09-08
From: Bear Mountain, NY

To: Arden Mountain, NY
Miles today: 16.2

I think the 900 stairs was tough on my knee causing me to not get much sleep last night. Plus I was a bit nervous camping so close to the trail. Bears walk trails and I was so close a bear might have thought my camp was a drive thru and taken a bite out of me for the road. On the trail at 7:44. A few sprinkles of rain before I got up. Not bad out. Cooler. Crossed busy Palisades Parkway's divided four lanes. Really had to watch as the cars flew by at 70 mph it seemed. What a dangerous crossing. I think it's to keep the hiker population down. Climbed up Black Mountain. What a view! I could see the skyline of New York City. I sat there a while taking in the view while eating spoonfuls of peanut butter. A sign back at the parkway read NYC 34 miles. I continued through Harriman State Park encountering many hikers and groups of hikers. Another weekend and it looks to be busy. After a few hours I took a road .3 miles to Lake Tiorati. There are showers there and vending machines. Near the lake a family spoke to me. They said a relative hiked the Appalachian Trail sobo last year. I told them that's what I was doing. They gave me the best trail magic I had all this trip! Spontaneous trail magic! The Murphy family from Long Island filled up my liter bottle with grape juice, gave me two bottles of Yoo Hoo, a bottle of Muscle Milk, a bag of Twizzles, a package of ham and a package of another meat. Wow! They made my day. I thanked them then went to the visitors center in the traffic circle. The showers were closed. But I did get some good food and drink thanks to the Murphy's. As I was filling my gut it started to rain. It was about 2 p.m. I headed up the road and onto the trail. The rain was light so I only used my pack cover and rain hat. About 5 p.m. the rain stopped. I came to Arden Valley Road and crossed over I-87, the NY Thruway. After a steep climb up Arden Mountain I looked for a campsite I remember seeing twice before. I passed by a good one and later regretted not staying there. I kept going but after an hour decided it was getting too late and stopped at 7 p.m. Looks like I'm near the Orange Turnpike. I can hear cars below and music from somewhere. Damp and chilly. More rain coming the next few days. A good day.
Date: 2018-09-10
From: Long House Creek, NJ

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 8.0

Rain, rain, rain, beautiful overnight and this morning. Packed as much as I could inside the tent. Then, as the rain slowed, went out and packed up my tent. All rain gear on. Temperature not bad. Headed out around 7 a.m. Good hiking, lots of puddles but not so muddy like in Vermont. I never look at a puddle as a puddle but look at the reflection in the puddle. Came to Wawayanda Shelter. There was Habib. I met him a few days back. He was taking a zero. I made coffee. Good talking to him and a section hiker out on his first hike. Headed out. Meeting Heartrock around 1 p.m. Earlier I felt toasty but for a while I was cold. I warmed up after awhile. Before I knew it I came to Pinwheel Vista. I saw the wind pick up and knew I must be at the ridge line. Because of the rain and fog I didn't go to the vista but headed down the steep mountainside. It was a steep slippery rock drop. I texted Heartrock and said I'd reach the Heaven Hill Farm at 12:20. The route down was brutal. Again, flashbacks to New Hampshire. I was slow and precise in my descent. I didn't want to mess up now. Finally I got out of the rocks and onto steadier trail. Beautiful junipers line the trail. I mistook them for pines at first. A closer look proved they were indeed beautiful pyramidal shape junipers. I arrived at NJ 94 and walked the short but narrow berm distance to Heaven Hill Farm Store. At the store I got a coffee and two pumpkin donuts and waited for Heartrock. It was 12:17.It rained off and on but at least it was warm. I was early. Heavy rain and truck traffic delayed Heartrock but she made it about 1:30. We went to Vernon and she suggested jalapeno pepper jack whopper at Burger King for me. It was HOT. Then we drove to the Appalachian Motel. Oh, so glad to get a warm shower. The motel washed my stinky smelly hiker clothes for $10. It was worth it. Later we got dinner at an Italian restaurant and took it back to the motel. It was great to be out of the rain and be warm and dry for the night.
Date: 2018-09-11
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Pochuck Creek, NJ
Miles today: 2.3

Heartrock and I left the motel around 9 a.m. First stop: Dunkin' Donuts! Then we drove a short distance to Warwick, NY. We stopped at Price Chopper where I bought four days worth of food. That should get me to the Delaware Water Gap and into Pennsylvania. Then we went to a Sneakers to Boots. I tried on several brands and finally settled on the same as I always get, Merrell Moabs. I received 10% off since I was thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. Then we took everything back to the motel. Around 11 a.m. we headed up County Route 517 to the AT trail crossing. We walked north on the AT across the Pochuck Boardwalk and on to NJ 94 where I ended yesterday. Of course I had to stop at Heaven Hill Farm for ice cream. Then back to the trail for today's official hike southbound. After crossing a stile into a meadow we walked across slippery boards all the way to another stile at a railroad. One slip and you'd either have mud or cow pie on you. On the way we saw no cows but there were plenty of geese in the field. Then a section through new forest. We crossed a bike trail and back to the Pochuck Creek Boardwalk. The boardwalk was beautiful. It weaved through the wetlands. Grasses and flowers lined the wide wooden path. A bridge over Pochuck Creek required steps up to a bridge and down again. The southern section was much longer and weaved lazily and illogically through the grasses. Finally we returned to County Route 517 where we started. The sky looked threatening all day but we had no rain as we walked. That was our big day, 2.3 miles on the AT. Wow. I'm exhausted.
Date: 2018-09-13
From: High Point Shelter

To: Brink Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 19.6

Light rain overnight and into this morning. I was hungry so I got up and retrieved my food from the bear box up next to the shelter. I was glad my knee was OK from the fall on the rock yesterday but my left hand and ribs hurt from the earlier tumble on the boardwalk. Rain stopped except drops off the trees. I was on the trail at 7:29. The morning was foggy. No view of the High Point Monument today. The trail continued through the wet woodlands all morning. On top of Sunrise Mountain I did get my first views into Pennsylvania. I saw no thru hikers all day. I saw a nobo section hiker in the Anderson shelter in his tent at 3 p.m. A short time later at Culver Fire Tower I met another nobo section hiker, Spidermonkey. I dropped to US 206. I was debating if I should stop at the deli because I had plenty of food. I decided I at least needed a soda. But when I got to the deli it was closed...out of business. Oh, well. 5 p.m. Up the mountain. Sun was shining after several days of hiding. Today I saw more newts than I've seen all my life. They were everywhere. Usually I see hundreds of little toads. Today it's hundreds of newts...and one big black snake. Up to today I have only been seeing garter snakes. Around 6:30 I noticed how low the sun was. I was pushing to get to Brink Shelter and knew it would be after 7 p.m. Hope there enough light to set up the tent. I came to the old road that leads to Brink Shelter at 7:04. After .2 of a mile I came to the shelter. There at the shelter was Southwind, the section hiker from West Virginia. He is doing New York and New Jersey. No one else was around. I finally got his name when Heartrock and I saw him at the Pochuck Boardwalk two days ago. I found a campsite and dropped my gear. I hustled down to the spring for two liters of water. I got the tent up and gear inside and did not need the headlamp. A good day. The katydids are singing me to sleep.