morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-03
From: stealth campsite

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wednesday , July 3 Stealth Campsite to Mashipacong      Shelter   20 miles.      Weather: hot and humid. Hi 90 Lo 74Today was a long, hot day that started slow for Newton and I. We covered the miles slowly but steadily over rougher than expected terrain and with a new menace, Mosquitos. I mean swarms of them. The problem is the trail through much of New Jersey crosses swamplands. If you stop for just a few seconds you are covered in them. The day was dragging along when we were saved by trail magic. We lingered over hot dogs, watermelon, brownies, and beer. Just as we were about to leave, a trail maintainer showed up and volunteered to bring us leftover beer to the shelter we would be staying at. Very nice!We arrived at the shelter area and pitched our tent along with Hammer, Human, and Little Wing. We had a great time over a campfire sharing laughs and stories with new friends.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Thursday, July 4. Mashipacong Shelter to Unionville, NY.14 miles.   Weather: Sunny and Hot. Hi 92 Lo 78Today was a wild and crazy 4th of July. Newton and I got out of camp around 8:00 and walked along at an easy pace to the Highpoint Park in NJ. We faced brutal swarms of Mosquitos and a new menace, mud. We have had lots of rain and the trail goes over many low lying areas. The Mosquitos were so bad that when I stopped to pee, I couldn't finish because they were covering me. I now apply deet to my entire body at least 3 times a day. We then spent about 3 hours at the park , swimming, eating, and just relaxing. Why Not's brother John has joined is for a few days so we'll be slowing down a bit. More of a problem however is the heat. It's just too hot to move fast. After the park we hiked 5 miles to a beautiful private property were thru hikers are allowed to shower and relax. Finally about 5:00 we set out to do the final two miles to Unionville NY and to the Wit's End Bar for dinner, beers, and fun. Around 9:30 we went to a park in the center of town where we were allowed to pitch our tents and spend the night. Just another wild and crazy day on the AT.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Unionville, NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter. 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Friday, July 5 Unionville, NY to Wawayanda Shelter. 17 miles Weather: Very Hot and humid. Hi 95 Lo 78Today we had to resupply in the morning before we left and didn't get on the trail until after 9:00. We really need to be hiking earlier to beat the heat and resting during the hottest afternoon hours then hiking again later in the day We did 12 miles by 2:00 then stopped for lunch at a fruit and vegetable stand that also had Ice Cream. After a 90 minute stop Newton and I set out for the final 5 miles of the day. We stopped after 2 miles and skinny dipped along with Duffel Miner in a fine swimming hole. Boy, it felt great!We rolled into camp around 6:40 and vowed to be smarter about how we divide our time tomorrow. It's just too hot to miss the early morning hours for hiking and we don't want to roll into camp after 6:00 so we can have time to cool off and not be fighting the Mosquitos at dusk as we set up.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Wawayanda Shelter. 

To: Wildcat shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Saturday, July 6 Wawayanda Shelter to Wildcat Shelter14 miles. Weather: Hot and humid Hi 94 Lo 78Hot. Man it's hot! The kind of heat that just drains you. We started hiking today before 7:00 to try and stay away from the worst of it in mid afternoon. We did 12 miles before noon then went into the town of Warwick NY to resupply and do laundry. We also managed a dip in a lake and a partial shower at a state park. We also had a good lunch and an ice cream cone before getting back on the trail for the last 2 miles to the campsite. I have never camped in such heat and with worse Mosquitos. Several people are thinking of getting off the trail because of it. I figure 3 more weeks of it and I'll be in NH. I know it will be better by then. Until then, I'll just have to put up with it for the time being. We also have had to slow down. We just can't push out big mileage days in this weather. There is no breeze and the humidity is stifling. I would do anything for a real shower right now and a puff of cool breeze. Tomorrow's plan of 15 days would normally be a piece of cake but it will take l we've got with the heat. I'm slowly starting to think about NH and Maine for the first time. Not to finish but just to get into some comfortable air. And to think that I was hoping for this weather just over a month ago because it was so cold. Ha!
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Wildcat shelter

To: Lake Tiorati
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Sunday, July 7 Wildcat Shelter to stealth site at Lake Tiorati16 miles. Weather: Hot and humid Hi 95 Lo 77Today Newton and I started walking at 6:45 to try and beat the heat. We covered miles steadily but not quickly. I drank 8 liters of water today but was always feeling like I should be drinking more. We stopped for lunch and then learned that there was trail magic just 200 feet ahead! We got some of that then did a big climb up to a ridge that then undulated the rest of the day. We did about 7 or 8 three hundred foot climbs over the last 5 miles. It was really exhausting in the heat. We then arrived at Lake Tiorati about 4:00 and ran into Hammer, Human and Little Wing. It was great spending some time with them. We swam, took a shower, and just relaxed for a while before setting our camp up near the lake. It was a nice campsite with no bugs and a nice breeze. It feels good to go to sleep clean and comfortable.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Lake Tiorati

To: Ft. Montgomery NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Monday , July 8 Lake Tiorati to Ft. Montgomery NY15 miles.   Weather: Sunny and Hot. Hi 89 Lo 75Newton and I left camp this morning around 6:45 and walked at a good comfortable pace. With the heat we are no longer interested in lots of quick miles in the morning. Still we managed 12 miles by 1:00 and arrived atop Bear Mountain in NY. This place was quite the destination for wealthy New Yorkers in the 20's and 30's. The original stone in is still standing and it is quite majestic. What was really impressive to me was all the set stone steps a d walk ways on the trails leading up and down the mountain. Literally thousands of stones were set during the depression by the CCC. We then passed the lowest point on the AT at just over 100 feet in the middle of the Bear Mountain Zoo. We had a shower and did laundry but were not in good shape for resupply yet. We'll have to take care of that in the morning. Also, I managed to get poison Ivory which I know from experience will now spread throughout my body. Yolanda will be mailing me some antibiotic to hopefully take care of it. Things do happen to you out here
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Ft. Montgomery NY

To: Lake Canopus 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tuesday, July 9. Fort Momtgomery, NY to Lake Canopus 17 miles. Weather sunny and hot with late afternoon thunderstorms. Hi 88 Lo 76. Today started with Newton and I scrambling to do our resupply. We hobbled together whatever we could find in a gas station convenience store and we were good to go. Today we went 18 miles to our campsite by a lake. The hiking was again slow and tough due mainly to the heat and humidity and the rough terrain preventing any strides, but right now my mind is on something else. We are getting reports up and down the trail of people we know quitting or getting off indefinitely which is usually the same as quitting. It's sad to see but I can understand it. It's really tough right now. Hot, humid, rainy, buggy, rocky. It takes a huge toll on our tired bodies and minds. Personally, I'm OK but I'm tired, hot, bug bitten over half my body and the other half covered in poison ivy. I've never been more tired and, at times, miserable in my entire life but they'll have to drag me out of here on a stretcher before I'll quit. I have wanted to do this my whole life and this old body is a little banged up and bruised but I've definitely got 800 more miles in the tank. Plus, even though the toughest part lies ahead in New Hampshire and Maine that's my home turf and I own that. No way I won't get over the Whites which I've hiked in for 40 years and where I've often sat and dreamed about doing this. Instead of the Whites scaring me, I find strength in knowing they lie ahead! Then Maine is all that's between me and the end and I'll be so pumped by then I'll dance the rest of the way. I just need to get myself to the Whites. One step at a time.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Lake Canopus 

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

Wednesday, July 10 Lake Canapus to Morgan Stewart Shelter 15 miles.   Weather: Hot and humid with numerous afternoon thunderstorms. Hi 88 Lo 76Newton, Why Not and I left camp about 7:00 and walked 1 mile to where we left the AT the night before. Hate those extra miles! We haven't really seen much of Srocket the last few days so I guess she's pretty much moved on. I wish her well. The day was hot and sticky again without the slightest wisp of a breeze. What are normally easy miles become slow and difficult. We are now walking a pretty steady 2 mph pace including breaks which is at least half a mile per hour slower than what we were averaging before the heat and humidity hit. With the afternoon showers starting up again I'm sure the bugs which are already terrible will now be worse. Still, we try and stay positive and upbeat and support each other. We are seeing lots of new faces on the trail as we start to catch up with people who have really slowed down.   One positive aspect of this section of the trail is that there seems to be a deli a day we can stop at for lunch. Great sandwiches and pizza abound in New York!We stopped in one today after a 12 mile morning then had just 3 miles left after lunch. It was good to get to our campsite early, around 4:30, to cool down, dry out, and leisurely prepare our dinner while discussing our plans for the next few days. It looks like the showers have ended for the night and I'm looking forward to a good nights rest and getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Thursday, July 11 Morgan Stewart Shelter to Wiley Shelter17 miles. Weather: mostly cloudy and warm with brief AM showers. Hi 82 Lo 70Well finally we had a comfortable day for hiking and oh what a difference it made. I felt good right from the beginning and remained that way all day. The 17 miles went by easily plus we had a 2 hour deli/rest stop thrown in and still made it to camp by 4:30. We could have easily gone to the next shelter but tomorrow is already going to be an easy day into Kent CT so there was no advantage to pushing on. We had a nice dinner at the shelter and good conversation with M-80 and Trooper. Also, the local caretaker who is a friend of M-80 brought us beer which made the night even better!Newton and I will be in Kent tomorrow and then zeroing in Salisbury CT two days later. We're trying to fight the heat and humidity with more frequent showers and laundry stops as well as some occasional nights with AC. It's the only way to stay sane. Tomorrow we enter New England!!!
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Friday, July 12 Wiley Shelter to Kent, CT.   14 miles. Weather: partly cloudy and comfortable. Hi 78 Lo 65Today was a beautiful day with comfortable temperatures and a steady breeze. We had very few bugs and low humidity to boot. Newton and I hiked most of the day with Srocket and Why   Not and the miles went by fast and we enjoyed their company. We had arranged to meet Chrissy who is a friend of S rocket and who hiked with us for a few days earlier in July. When we got down to the road where we were supposed to meet we ran into trail magic on a large scale. Much to my delight, sitting there was Chaos who I hiked with for several weeks early on. I knew he was not far ahead and it was great to see him and Timex who he is now hiking with. We then went into Kent and did our laundry and went to a tavern for a beer. It was also great running into Slim Jim and catching up with him.Newton and I checked into our B&B and returned downtown for dinner. We had an enjoyable meal then caught up with M-80 and Trooper who's company I really enjoy! Yes, at this point the hike is very much about the people we have met on the trail and the friendships we have formed. Many friends have dropped off but many more remain to share our stories with and to give and receive support to. We all know the end is not far and we all want the hike to go on and on. As hard as it often is, we are all having the greatest adventure of our life and may never be this free, and at the same so driven, again. We are now in New England and are more than two thirds through with the hike. In less than two weeks we will be in Vermont! I can't believe how fast things are going right now!I only hope we hit a nice stretch of weather. Heaven knows we deserve it!Many hikers have also contacted Lime Disease. I pray that I avoid that. I check for ticks throughout the day but sometimes it just comes down to luck. I hope I stay lucky!
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Kent, CT

To: 2.4 miles past Pine Knob Swamp Shelter 
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Saturday , July 13 Kent, CT to 2.4 miles past Pine Knob Swamp Shelter.   19.4 milesWeather: overcast and warm with stray showers. Hi 82 Lo 71Newton and I left Kent about 8:40 after breakfast at the B&B we stayed at. This was pretty pricey but Kent is an expensive town. In fact all of Connecticut along be AT is expensive. We're not in the south anymore!Our hike today started with a short climb out of town quickly followed by a 5 mile walk along the Housatonic River. The river looks like it would be fun but Newton and I both commented on how strange it was that on a Saturday not one person was swimming or boating on the river. Either there just aren't any active people around here or the river is so polluted no one uses it. It could be both. After lunch we began a series of 6 or 7 climbs of around 4 to 6 hundred feet, all of moderate grade. It made the afternoon more interesting. We finally caught up with Why Not toward the end of the day and all walked on past the shelter to the next campsite. It turned out to be a mistake because the shelter camping was nice while the campsite we went to was awful. Oh well, at least we're closer to town tomorrow. We made dinner then turned in early to get away from hordes of Mosquitos. Tomorrow we have a short day (14 miles) to Salisbury CT where we will also zero on Monday. I'm looking forward to cleaning my backpack and tent while there. They both stink and probably have poison ivy resin on them that I have to clean to real the cycle of re infection I am stuck in. Also, it's going to get very hot again so an extra days rest will be welcome.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: 2.4 miles past Pine Knob Swamp Shelter 

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Sunday, July 14   Campsite 2.4 miles past Pine Knob Swamp Shelter to Salisbury CT.   14 miles. Weather: Hot and humid. Hi 91 Lo 72Well we're back in the heat and humidity. Newton and I got out of camp at 7:00 and immediately noticed the difference. Not only was it hot and sticky, but the Mosquitos were back with a vengeance. We applied 100% deet repellant at least 5 times in the morning alone. At one point I was applying it a d the mosquito landed right were I just applied and bit me. I could not stop for more than 10 seconds without being swarmed by 30 or 40 of them. As I hiked they were getting in between my pack and my back where I couldn't reach them. I got at least 30 new bites today to go with the hundred or more I already have. Fortunately the poison ivy itches more so I don't feel the bug bites as much. It was so hot that I drank 5 liters of water in 5 hours. I pee'd exactly once. The hike itself was easy hiking. We covered the 14 miles into Salisbury CT by a little after noon. That was a good thing because it really got hot by 1:00. By then, Newton, Why Not and I were checked into a local hostel run by an 84 year old women in her home. It's a perfect little place and we will zero here tomorrow. We all showered, ate lunch, then fell asleep for 2 hours. We are all becoming run down and exhausted from the heat and the effects of more than three months on the trail. At a time when we thought we would be doing big miles we have slowed down. Many have given up. The weather forecast calls for mid 90's all next week. This is really unbelievable. We can't seem to catch a break with the weather out here! I will make the best of it and continue to make progress each day to the extent I am able to. That's all I can ask of myself. Next up, Massachusetts!
Date: 2013-07-16
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tuesday, July 16 Salisbury CT to Glen Brook Shelter 14 miles. Cumulative miles 1509. Weather: Sunny and hot. Hi 93 Lo 72Today Newton and I got back on the trail about 7:30 and both of us felt good after our zero. It was pretty hot but as we climbed up in elevation we noticed the air drying out and the breeze picking up. This also cut down on the bugs. We had three big climbs today which made the hiking more interesting and we had numerous fine views. We also crossed several large streams and it is beginning to feel like we're back in the mountains again. Newton and I really enjoyed the hike today because it felt more like the AT for the first time in like a month. We had two big milestones today. We crossed 1,500 miles and entered Massachusetts. Wow, just 676 miles to go and 3 more states. It feels like we're getting close. Still a long way to go though and many adventures lay ahead. At the end of our trail we came to some trail magic. This was courtesy of Hot Dog who came back after getting off the trail a few weeks ago. It was great of her to do that and it was great to see her. Newton and I then went for a swim and for into camp by 5:45. After dinner Srocket rolled into camp and it was great catching up with her since we hadn't seen her for a number of days. Another fantastic day on the AT!
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Beartown State Forrest
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wednesday, July 17 Glen Brook Shelter to Beartown State Forrest.   19 miles. Weather: Hot and humid. Hi 96 Lo 78Today was one tough day. It was incredibly hot, humid, and zero breeze. The Mosquitos were the worst I've seen yet. I had to reapply deet 5 times until my skin began to burn. We walked through mile after mile of swamp and bogs. What madman decided to put a mountain trail through swamps? By the fourth mile of the hike I was sweating profusely and becoming dizzy and faint. I drank 5 liters of water by 11:00 and still felt the early stages of dehydration. I just hope the weather breaks soon although there is no relief in sight. If we could just get a faint breeze...Newton and I soldiered on through the day. Generally we hike together and talk throughout the day. At one point be commented on how we hadn't said a word to each other for 5 miles. It was that tough of a day. We finally wound up at Beartown State Forrest Park where we could swim in a pond and had a bathroom to use. It felt good to clean up and refresh ourselves. Tomorrow we have an 18 mile day on another horribly hot and humid day. We will try getting up at 5:00 and start hiking at 6:00 to use the cooler morning hours a little more. Also, we are going to Upper Goose Pond Cabin which looks like fun. We need a little fun right now.
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Beartown State Forrest

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Thursday, July 18 Beartown State Forrest to Upper Goose Pond Cabin   17 miles. Weather: Sunny and hot. Hi 92 Lo 73Newton and I got up at 5:00 this morning and began hiking by 6:00. This way we were able to get in some early miles before the heat. We finally felt a faint bit of breeze which made all the difference in the world. We made good time for the first 14 miles and got to trail magic around 1:00. After spending an hour there we left for Upper Goose Pond Cabin because we really wanted to swim and enjoy the place. The cabin is a very special place. It sleeps about 20, is fully enclosed and has a fireplace and full kitchen yet it is super rustic. Newton and I grabbed a bunk and headed directly to the lake for a swim. The lake is beautiful and this was the best lake for swimming that I have seen so far on the trail. It also had several canoes for the use of hikers. We had thought about going into the town of Lee, but we were so glad that we went here instead. It's really an AT must see and with a full breakfast it is still donation only. Tomorrow we head for Dalton which will be a 20 mile hike in plus 90 degree heat again. The cabin, however, is serving blueberry pancakes so I doubt we'll get out super early.
Date: 2013-07-19
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Friday, July 19 Upper Goose Pond Cabin to Dalton MA20 miles.   Weather: Hot and humid. Hi 93 Lo 81We awoke in the Upper Goose Pond cabin to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and blueberry pancakes. This was in my opinion the best stop yet on the AT. If I had the time I defiantly would have zeroed here. The place is just amazing. Kudos to the AMC for really getting this place right. Todays hike was a real slog. 20 miles through bug infested bogs and swamp. Once again I am astonished to think someone ran the AT through such an ungodly wasteland. The highlight of the day was passing over the Mass Pike on the AT footbridge. This was the bridge I've driven over a hundred times and dreamt about someday crossing over it as an AT thru hiker. Well today I did it!Another highlight was spending an hour for lunch at the Cookie Lady's house in Beckett, MA. She's a legend on the AT. Every visitor is served fresh baked cookies. So cool! We then had 9 miles to finish the days hike. It was in the low 90's with sweltering humidity, swarming bugs and no views or points of interest. We put our heads down and just did our miles. Thank God there was an occasional slight breeze. We got into Dalton MA around 6:00 and proceeded to Tom Levardi's house who lets hikers stay on his property. While Newton and I appreciated the tent space the guy turned out to be a real tool. He treated us like Village idiots and I was one sly comment of his away from telling him to buzz off. I bit my tongue and stayed the night in my tent in the sweltering heat. Well tomorrow we head up Mt Graylock which will be the biggest climb since Virginia. Can't wait!