morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Fayettville, PA

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Put some miles in. Yes, there are rocks and more rocks! The Quarry Gap Shelter was a pleasant surprise - planters, flower beds, clean and shiny! The guy who maintains it was watering the plants when I got there. Met section hiker Still Rob. Got to Toms Run Shelter around 4:30 and decided to stay. We each had our own shelter. Weird. Lots of black ants in my shelter.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Toms Run Shelters

To: Alec Kennedy Sheter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Started raining just as I started out. Hit the midpoint at 7:50 am 5 minutes after I started out. Rained all day 2-3". Started out wearing my rain jacket then decided I was just as wet sweating as not wearing one at all so took it off. Instead of the ice cream challenge at the Pine Grove General Store, I had the 1/2 gallon coffee challenge. I am wet... Trail was a river. Stopped at the Green Mountain Store hoping they served soup . They didn't but were kind enough to heat up a can of soup I bought. Went thru the rock maze - lots of big rocks. It was pretty technical, made more difficult because everything was wet. Dragons Tooth way back has to be the worst so far. My one pole is not working, need to call Leki to see what to do about it. I am walking like Moses with his staff! It has been really weird, I haven't seen any other thru hikers the last few days. Can't figure out what that's all about. Got into the shelter at 7:30, removed wet clothes and went beddy bye!
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Alec Kennedy Sheter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up and started hiking early without eating breakfast. I hiked thru a cornfield! Got to Boiling Springs and had the hikers breakfast. Excellent! I call this segment of the trail the Agricultural tour. Lots of fields. I hiked thru soybeans, wheat, corn... When I went by Carlisle, I stopped in at the John Deere dealership and talked side by side ATVs. When they realized I was a thru hiker, everyone there had to come over and say hi. Called Leki about my hiking pole problem and she (customer service) was able to talk me thru fixing it. I'm good to go now. I heard Flosser had to drop out. He may have a torn meniscus. The 3 amigos are spread apart now.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Ran into Meat today. He resupplied and left. Sagebrush and John are here. Trail is rocky, rocky, rocky! Staying at the traditional Doyle Hotel. Interesting. Price is right. A shuttle from the grocery store comes and picks hikers up once a day, waits til they are done shopping then returns them to the hotel. Resupplied and back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Had my guardian angel watching over me today. One second I'm hiking, the next I'm falling. Poles went flying in different directions, the snickers bar I keep in my pack side pocket went flying... Beat up my right knee pretty good but doesn't look like I did any major damage. It's pretty cut up tho. Ended up elevating my leg for quite a while then hiked the 6 miles to the shelter. I did retrieve my poles and snickers bar!   Sunshine (section hiker) came along as I was recovering and took a look at the knee. She's a nurse. I'm lucky I didn't hit my head. Now I understand what everyone means when they talk about this part of the trail. Pennsylvania sucks! All the rocks. Fiber One is here at the shelter also.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Started out hiking early. Took it easy, smaller steps. My knee seems to be fine - just sore and stiff. Am at the shelter in my tent because the shelter's closed. It's under construction and the crew is staying at the tentsite. I'm set up far enough away from the privy that I don't smell it! Lots of mosquitoes and black ants.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

My intentions today were to hike to Swatara Gap and hitch hike into Lickdale for some fast food. Change of plans! A trail angel was serving breakfast on the trail!   Eggs, hashbrowns, etc. etc. Excellent! Then I arrived at 501 Shelter and was asked if I was interested in ordering dinner to be delivered...silly question! Broasted chicken for dinner. I'm at the shelter with Sunshine, Semper Fi and a few others.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Port Clinton

To: Port Clinton - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day. Went and toured the Yuengling Brewery - oldest brewery in the country. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Relaxed the rest of the day, did errands, resupplied for a few days. It was a hot one today so I timed this zero day pretty good. Am running low on gas but will wait, may be eating cold food if I run out before I find a place to buy more.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

And the long hard days continue. Rocks, rocks and more rocks. Big boulders. Little rocks. Watch where you step. Stopped for a burger at Blue Mountain Summit. Good food. Arrived at the shelter and am totally disgusted. What a pigstye. It's filthy, no privy so everyone went everywhere and didn't bother to cover up. And there's all sorts of trash. Can't figure out why people have to be like that.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy A Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Vertical climbs today. Had to use hands to climb up. Phew! Arrived at the shelter and a trail angel served dinner. What a welcome site! Grilled burgers and brats, corn on the cob, watermelon, roasted marshmallows. Most excellent.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Leroy A Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Started out in the rain. Hiked into Wind Gap, tried hitch hiking but no luck. Stopped at Dunkin Donuts then resupplied for the next couple days. As I was packing up, was offered a ride back to the trail by someone asking if I was one of those crazies hiking. Trail continues to be the same as the last several days - hate repeating myself. In here at the shelter with Just John and a couple new faces. Cold night - have my long johns and down jacket on.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Blue Mtn Lakes Rd, NJ
Miles today: 17.7

I am out of Pennsylvania. Just John and I were going to take each other's picture as we crossed into New Jersey but there was no sign. The border is the river. Darn. Still rocks but they don't have as many sharp edges. I'm stealth camping. Am getting into an area where water is few and far between. The weather was great for hiking. Not as hot and there was a good breeze.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Blue Mtn Lakes Rd, NJ

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Hot day again today. Not much of a breeze. The scenery is changing again. I'm starting to see ponds and small lakes. The rocks are smoother now but hard to see because the brush on the trail is about knee high or more and covers the rocks. Nice to know I'm not the only one who seems to be exhausted after hiking thru Pennsylvania. Other thru hikers are writing about their exhaustion too. Stopped about .1 miles off the trail and had a burger, sweet potato fries and a beer then finished with a corndog! Didn't seem that good once the wife informed me she was having Vietnamese food courtesy of Phuong's parents. Joe to Go is next door and apparently closed. Guess Balls and Sunshine were thrown out of there for wanting to use the restroom and being told no. Balls didn't appreciate that. Even tho I'm at the shelter I'm sleeping in the tent. The procedure is to throw up the tent then dive in as quickly as possible when it's time to go to bed to get away from the bugs. Lots of mosquitoes.
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Murray property
Miles today: 18.4

Today was hot, hot, hotter. At least the rocks are getting a little easier. There were stretches I could actually get moving. My host is very gracious. I took a shower. I don't know if house is the right location to put in. I'm sleeping in a cabin. Can't open the windows because the bugs are so bad. It's pretty warm but I'm toughing it out. The others here opted to sleep in their tents.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Murray property

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 1.7

Talk about a short day! Decided I really needed to take a break. Set up my tent in Memorial Park, didn't want to pay the high prices for a room. Slept some, ate lots, sat in the air conditioned bar. Had a monster egg, taylor ham and cheese sandwich, cinnamon roll, real coke and coffee. Went to bed and got to listen to the teenagers playing basketball and throwing rocks at the backboard til long after I'm usually asleep. And the bells went off every hour on the hour. But I did give my body a rest!
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Unionville, NY

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 11.8

HOT! HOT! HOT! Sucks all the energy out of you but what can you do. Keep hiking. Locals are telling me to expect the same for several days. Hiked on boardwalk that put the longest stretch of the SHT boardwalk to shame. Pretty darn cool and quite the feat to build it. Came into town so I could do laundry. I smelled pretty bad. I know I stink when I can smell myself. Staying at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Was happy to see they have a washer and dryer. I wasn't expecting that.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Vernon, NJ

To: NY 17A
Miles today: 15.0

Finally made it into New York. Couldn't take a picture of me with the border sign because it was painted on a rock. Encountered the ladder. All this hand over hand hiking is something else. Saw another bear - big bear! Blew my whistle and it turned and looked like I was calling it. I had to shout, jump up and down and make noise before it finally ambled off. Then a little while later I saw Momma bear and her 2 cubs. Yes, there are bears here! Came into town so I could enjoy air conditioning... aaaahhhhh! Staying at Antone's on the Lake. It is still hot with no relief in the immediate forecast. Hot, rocky day.
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: NY 17
Miles today: 12.0

Technically I was going SOBO. The hotel dropped me off at NY 17 and I slack packed back to Greenwood Lake. I was able to use someone else's day pack to put my bladder in. Still rocky, still hot. Met Kindle Ninja and he had had an encounter with a branch. Asked me to look at his head injury. Cleaned it up good and put a bandage on it. Pretty good cut but doesn't need stitches. They should call this state New Rock! AC is great, today was a hard hike and I'm glad I slack packed.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: NY 17

To: West Mountain 
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Difficult day because of the heat and also a difficult section. And finding water... Ha! All the designated water spots are dried up. Hiked with a couple other guys so we were able to keep an eye on each other. Am really worried about heat exhaustion. Encountered the Lemon Squeezer. Can't figure out how bigger people would get through. Guess they'd have to take their packs off. I felt like I was rock climbing. Still have rocks, lots of rocks. Saw my first view of the NYC skyline. Hard to believe we're not that far away. My main goal today was to find places to refill water, had to hike sidetrips to fin them. Slow hiking...
Date: 2012-07-06
From: West Mountain 

To: Franciscan Way
Miles today: 13.4

Saw another view of NYC but it was pretty hazy. Crossed the Hudson River. Made good time this morning but after taking a break, the heat kicked in. Jolted my hip and now it's pretty sore. Wondering if I pulled something.   Hiked into the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. The shower felt great once I adjusted to the cold temperature! Set up my tent (bugs). Hope to get a good night's sleep.
Date: 2012-07-10
From: Stealth camp

To: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got to the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station early. Was sitting there watching trains go by when someone walking their dog came by and when they returned, asked if I wanted a ride to the deli. Very hospitable!   So went, had breakfast then back on the trail. Hiking has been easier than the last month. It has cooled off a little also. I'm in Connecticut!
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 3.3

Got into town, picked up my package at the Outfitters... And stayed for the day! A group of hikers had breakfast together, discussed hiking plans and all went on our individual merry ways. Enjoyed my package with a new shirt and undies (both of mine were dying), long handled spoon, different shoes, food and the messages from home. I FINALLY got a haircut. Ate, then ate some more. Am staying behind the Episcopal Church (with permission). All they asked is I didn't come in while their meetings were going on this evening.
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Kent, CT

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 11.1

Last night I thought I was hearing a break-in. Turned out it was critters (probably raccoons) trying to get into the trash bins. Hot day. Not much of a breeze. Decided I needed to find someplace to take a shower so I came into town and got a hotel room. I was filthy, and there's a lot of dust in the air, it's so dry.
Date: 2012-07-13
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 14.0

Hot day. Ran into Connect 4 - she took off a few weeks and then managed to catch up and pass me. She can really cover ground. Three of us got to the cracked boulder similar to Lemon Squeezer about the same time. We all hung around to make sure everyone made it thru but it wasn't near as bad as the Lemon Squeezer - wider. I still had to climb hand over hand. Got to Falls Village and am staying behind the Toymakers Cafe. Went to the bottle store where they sell beer by the bottle but you can't drink it on the premises. Sat outside next door with some locals, drinking beer. Had a good time. One of them took me to the deli so I could get some dinner. Am back at the tent. It is still hot. I would have never guessed I took a shower yesterday - back to being very dusty.
Date: 2012-07-14
From: Falls Village, CT

To: Sages Ravine Campsite
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Sure was hot for the first part of last night. Then it rained. So I got to pack up a wet tent. Had an excellent breakfast at Toymakers Cafe. All homemade food. Definitely am climbing again. Climbed to the top of Bear Mountain and sat there for 1/2 an hour. What a view! Got into campsite right before dark so had a really nutritious dinner - 2 cereal breakfast bars! But earlier in the day stopped in Salisbury, CT for a tuna boat. I crossed the border into Massachusetts right before the campsite.
Date: 2012-07-15
From: Sages Ravine Campsite

To: Stealth camp (north of South Egremont, MA)
Miles today: 11.3

Climbing is definitely back! First climbed Mt. Race & the ridgeline then Mt. Everett. It took me 35 minutes to climb up! No switchbacks up, no switchbacks down. It was cloudy and warm today, rain expected by late afternoon. I got to this pine grove and decided to stay after hearing the rumbling. Put the tent up on pine needles...nice! Started to boil water for supper and it started raining. Second night in a row eating cereal bars for dinner! The mosquitoes here put Minnesota to shame.
Date: 2012-07-16
From: Stealth camp (north of South Egremont, MA)

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Nero day. Great Barrington has been my destination for the last week or so. I got to US 7 about 9 and caught a ride partway into town. My ride directed me to Martin's Restaurant for a most excellent vegetable omelet - fresh vegetables. I was able to check into the Day's Inn early and took a loonnngg shower. Felt great! Got my laundry done and hung up to dry. Went to 20 Railroad St. to eat and had some good German beer. Then of course had to finish that off by stopping at SoCo Creamery for ice cream. Am planning on a zero day tomorrow. Just need to stay away from the tv and channel flipping!
Date: 2012-07-17
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero day in Great Barrington. Am glad I stayed here today...it was hot! Nice relaxing day. Went to the library to get on the computer and bought new insoles for my hiking shoes. My left foot has been going numb up near the toes which was not a good thing. Hopefully this will help. Ran into Ninja Kindle. He's still not connecting with a package!
Date: 2012-07-18
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Eastern Mountain Retreat Center
Miles today: 8.4

Had to hike back to the trail this morning so got a late, late start. No ride to be found. Then the water sources have been dried up again. So here I am at the Eastern Mountain Retreat Center where there is water. I hiked 12.1 miles today but only 8.4 miles on the trail. Today was not a good day.
Date: 2012-07-20
From: Stealth camp (past Knee Deep Pond)

To: Washington Mtn Rd 
Miles today: 14.7

Got up this morning and hiked to US 20 and down to the parking lot. Made breakfast/lunch (had been hoping for a picnic table but had to settle for a brick wall). Ate chili, which was the first meal I grabbed out of the pack. Decent weather for hiking. Cloudy skies, not too hot. The trail had major roots and rocks, beautiful pine groves. I'm seeing beaver dams. The leaves are drying up and falling off. It's scary, it's so dry. I'm staying at Cookie Lady's house (tent in yard). They were not home when I got here so waited to ask permission.
Date: 2012-07-21
From: Washington Mtn Rd 

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Bought 3 hard boiled eggs from the Cookie Lady this morning. Very good. Made good time hiking. Got into Dalton by noon. Hiking not too bad. I needed to resupply and the trail goes thru town. As I got to town stopped at the bar and had a bite to eat and a couple beers which promptly went to my head! Am staying at The Birdcage owned by Rob. He doesn't advertise, relies on word of mouth. Got laundry done. Shuttled to Old Country Buffet and the store to resupply. Ate my money's worth at the buffet. We picked up a couple 12-packs and brought them back to the hostel for everyone to enjoy. Full house, I'm in the garage loft. This is a cool place.
Date: 2012-07-23
From: MA 8, Cheshire, MA

To: MA 2, Hoosic River
Miles today: 14.1

Slack packed again. Got dropped off fairly late this morning. Hiked to the highest peak in MA. Was going north to south. My first climb was to Mt. Williams, that was something. I looked like I had gone swimming I was sweating so bad. Then climbed to the top of Mt. Greylock. The views were great! Didn't realize until I got to the top that there was a road up to it. Lots of people coming by vehicle. And there I was, sweaty and tired. Hmmmm. Back at the Birdcage for my last night. Can't say enough about what a great place this is.   Lifted my spirits being with other people and it felt comfortable, like a home.
Date: 2012-07-24
From: MA 2, Hoosic River

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Another late morning start. The ups and downs are definitely back. It rained last night (definitely needed it) so the trail was pretty slippery. Had to be careful. I crossed the border into Vermont! WHOO-HOO! Got to the shelter later than I like and am pretty beat. It is hiker's midnite. Time for all good hikers to get to bed.
Date: 2012-07-25
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Staying at shelter. Semper Fidelis and Toto are here too. Went up to the the top of the Glastenbury Mtn. lookout tower - the views are amazing in all directions. Yet couldn't get any cell phone reception. Definitely getting more remote than the last several states. Can't hear cars now. This is a good thing. And the temps have cooled down. There are signs preparing us for less maintained trails: stuff like trees down, erosion. I'm guessing what I've encountered on the Kekekabic in northern MN.
Date: 2012-07-26
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Black Brook
Miles today: 11.6

Heard there are tornado warnings out so stopped short of where I was planning on going. Didn't want to be on top of a mountain in those weather conditions! So I'm stealth camping...and it's raining. I just got my water boiling and saw the rain coming so threw everything inside the tent and finished my dinner in the tent. That's a big no-no in my book! The hike is not easy but I really like the remoteness of Vermont. Lots of roots. lots of ups and downs.
Date: 2012-07-28
From: William B Douglas Shelter

To: Vt 11 & 30
Miles today: 4.8

Hiked into Manchester Center, VT. Was here fairly early and was able to eat a good breakfast and scope things out. Decided I wanted to stay in town so have a room at Sutton's Place. Nice to sleep in a bed again. Realized it has been a while since I had a zero day so plan on staying here tomorrow. Did laundry and have been at the outfitter's discussing gear. Good to have cell phone reception after not having it for a while!
Date: 2012-07-29
From: Vt 11 & 30

To: Vt 11 & 30
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day and I hung out and relaxed. Felt good. Walked around town, enjoyed myself. Good coffee, good food, good ice cream! Resupplied for several days. The days of coming across delis are over. Need to carry food for more than two days. Happy birthday to Mom!
Date: 2012-07-30
From: Vt 11 & 30

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Late start today - had to find a ride/hike back 5.4 miles to the trail. Hiked to the top of Bromley Mtn. and didn't want to leave! What a view! Talked to some ski patrollers who were there. I really need to come out here skiing once I recover from this trip. Came off the mountain to some trail magic coming up the trail... It is always much appreciated! Lots of ups and downs, roots, rocks, but the view makes it worth it. Back in the wilderness for sure.
Date: 2012-07-31
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Stealth Camp before Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: clear sky

Loving Vermont! Kicked up lots of grouse this morning - must have been 10 to 12. Wish I saw that many back home. The view from Baker Peak is amazing. A group of us hung out enjoying the view for quite a while. Did some serious climbing after that. My poles were of no use. Had to use my hands to pull me up. Came across the Swiss couple bathing in a stream - naked. I averted my eyes as I passed them. They didn't think anything of it - definitely European! Hiked until almost dusk then stealth camped because I wasn't sure how far I am from Minerva Hinchey Shelter. The bugs are back.
Date: 2012-08-01
From: Stealth Camp before Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

Started out hiking this morning and found out I was within minutes of the shelter! Hiked down to VT 103 and was chatting with a State Patroller who was parked at the trailhead. He offered to give me a ride down to the Whistle Stop Restaurant (which was where I was heading). Even recommended the hash. It was excellent! After taking a break for 3 hours got back on the trail. What a lovely 4 1/2 mile climb up Killington Mtn. Yikes, it did me in. There is a group of boys here at the shelter. Well populated. I put my tent up on a platform which is all fine and dandy except you can't stake it down. Oh, and as I was getting ready to fix my dinner it started raining...lots. Another night of no real meal. I'm on the top of a mountain, in a tent and it's thundering, lightning and pouring. Yup, doesn't get more exciting than this!