morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Duncannon

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

The rain did not come during the night, but came as I was leaving Duncannon around 11:30am, after a nice breakfast at Goodies and chatting with Forrest and Hooshr. Luckily it only rained for about the first hour, then stayed dry, but still extremely humid. An z1easy 11 mile day ending at a nice shelter with new hikers to meet. OBI, NFC guy, Pockets, ... just to name some. As the shelters are spaced at good intervals, most of us will have the same shelter destinations for the next few days.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

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

It rained when I started out this morning, so the rain gear was on. But the heat and humidity were so high, that the inside of my rain jacket was just as wet as the outside. So as soon as the rain trickled off the gear came off! Had a couple of ups and downs in the morning section of the hike, some rock scrambles that were nice and slippery, and then mostly even terrain. Hiked some with Andy and Ally in the afternoon. Made it just in time to the shelter before the thunderstorm hit. 501 is a fully enclosed shelter, has an outdoor shower and one can order pizza. As you can tell by the picture, we did. Despite my best attempt, I could not finish my calzone. Once the weather cleared had a quick shower then snuggled into my sleeping bag. Dry, warm, well fed and tired.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got started around 8am, and took my time, as the milage goal today was not high. For the past 2 days it felt like I was walking through scenes of jurassic park, waiting to see some dinosaurs standing in the ferns or flying around the trees. The rocks were not as slippery as expected after yesterday's rain. Made the hiking so much easier! About the last 2 hours Obi, NFC guy, Andy, Ally and I hiked as a group. We reached Eagles Nest Shelter before 4 pm. After the last few nights in shelters I was happy to set up my tent. After a great afternoon/evening chatting, I was in my tent by 8pm and fast asleep shortly after.
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just a quick 9 miler into Port Clinton. Hub was coming out to deliver my new, bigger frame backpack and trail magic the other hikers. As always I made good time into town and towards meeting my guy. He brought amazing trailmagic and we spent a good 3 hours in front of the fire station to make sure all the hikers could benefit. He was also shuttling some into Hamburg or elsewhere in Port Clinton, so they could start running errands and take advantage of the restaurants. Yup, Hub is the best! As he brought the dogs, I got a day with them as well.
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

It was tough saying good bye to Hub and the pups in the morning. But the trail is there to be hiked. Had about one hour in, when the predicted thunderstorm hit. Had just enough time to set up my tent. Just waited it out for about an hour, then got going again. Had a good mix of rocky and non-rocky trail. All in all a good day.
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Eckland Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: few clouds

Started out at the shelter around 8 am. One of the first ones out, but then got passed by most of the others, as paces vary. Stopped in at Allentown shelter for a break. The Billy Joel song came to mind and stuck with me for the rest of the day. As the blue mountain restaurant was close to the trail, stopped in there for lunch. Then on to the knife edge scramble. The views were absolutely stunning! When I got to my destination shelter, I did not feel like staying there, but moved on down the trail a bit to a campsite. Settled in quickly, as my body was tired. Ps, there are two more pictures related to the one posted here in the pictures section...
Date: 2016-06-10
From: Campsite

To: Leroy A. Smith shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: clear sky

It started out a bit chilly in the morning, but warmed up quickly. By the time I hit the Superfund site I was back in shorts and shirt. That was a decent scramble up and over rocks. But except for a few other little scrambles I would call the day rr (reasonable rocky). Because of that I was able to move well, my leg played along, and I made it to the Leroy Smith shelter by 6:45pm. Thank you to the trail angels that set out water at the bottom of the superfund and later after a road crossing. Water sources were hard to come by, today!
Date: 2016-06-11
From: Leroy A. Smith shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early start (6:45 am),after a very restful night. Was able to refill my water at a family's home at Wind Gap, as the Motel in the guidebook was nowhere near finished. It is still amazing how strangers will go out of their way to help hikers. So very much appreciated! Halfway through the morning I started wondering if the ice cream store at the DWG had a rocky road flavor! But then after Wolf Rock it started to taper off. Got to see my first rattlesnake today. It was halfway on the trail and started rattling as I approached. So I waited for a few minutes to give it time to move on, but he/she did not want to budge. Ended up giving it a little nudge to at least move enough for me to step around it. Then I was on my way again. About an hour later heard some noise on my right and looked up to see a black bear running away from the trail. In the afternoon there were long stretches of easy trail, so my speed picked up. Met Forrest and Hooshr on my way up to Mt. Minsi. Always nice to see familiar faces! Made it into town by 3pm. Set up tent at the church, and did my town chores. Then ate, and ate some more, at the bakery and the BBQ stand in front of it. Very hiker friendly folks! There is a nice crowd of hikers staying at the church tonight. Subman and Suds are here, Veggie Stew, Ranger, just to mention a few. Full and content I am in my tent listening to some live music playing somewhere in town. Perfect to fall asleep to. PS, my total milage count has been off for some time now, it should read 1293.0, which also means less than 900 miles to hike!
Date: 2016-06-12
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: MOC
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

After a big breakfast at the diner and Sunday church service, the trail was calling. On the bridge I entered NJ. The trail was about the same as the last couple of days, the weekend hikers more self absorbed and unless I said hello, did not even look at me. One group hiking on an intersecting trail even stopped right in front of me, at the AT intersection,blocking my path, completely oblivious. Walked around them. Yup, NJ style. Got to see 3 Northern Watersnakes. One must have had some food recently, as the tummy was extended. Trying to balance it's body on the log it was on proved difficult, as the blob in the midsection wanted to slide off the log with every forward movement. Very funny to watch! Treated myself to a cabin at the Mohican Outdoor Center and paid the AMC membership fee, which might come in handy when hitting the Whites. The staff here were extremely friendly! Glad I stopped in!
Date: 2016-06-13
From: MOC

To: Near shelter
Miles today: 19.8

Got a good night's sleep and was off around 8am. The trail was less rocky. As the plan was to only go 14 miles, I took my time. Great views from both firetowers and along the ridge. When I got to the Brink shelter, it was too early to stop for the day, so I moved on, even made a dinner stop at Gyp's Tavern. They are very hiker friendly! Sat out back by the lake and enjoyed food, drink and conversation with other hikers and the owners. (Sadly the diner and steakhouse there at Culver's gap are closed.) Prior on the way down to US 206, I got to see a NJ black bear. He did scramble off, but also looked back a few times checking me out. So I made myself bigger by raising my poles and yelled, before moving on. As This encounter had a different feel than the ones with other bears so far. But I did, what you are supposed to do when encountering a bear, and all went well. The wind picked up some and it cooled down, but I am warm in my sleeping bag, ready to relax and recharge for another great day on the AT tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Near shelter

To: Murray property 
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: broken clouds

We have been blessed with great weather so far this week. It started out cold this morning, but soon warmed up. Stopped at top of Sunrise mountain for breakfast, as I started hiking at 6:30am this morning. Even though I can eat, like lots, 6am was a bit early. So when the pavilion appeared with beautiful views, it was one of those perfect places to stop. Had some nice trail magic in the bear box at the Mashipacong Shelter. Was able to top of my water and have a snack. Thank you to the trail angels there! Also met Pops there for the first time, whose signature i had seen in many shelter logs. Stopped in at High Point State Park HQ for lunch, there thru hikers get a free soda, thanks to the friends of the state park group! From there on thru high point state park and on to the Murray property. Anyone following my page, coming up behind me, this is a great place to stop for the night!! The hot shower felt good, the well water is delicious, the phone got charged and more than enough room to tent. Watching all the different birds feeding in the trees, perfect entertainment.
Date: 2016-06-15
From: Murray property 

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Got another early breakfast free start. The reason for that, Unionville was just down the trail, and there all of us got yummy breakfast. Who can say no to a bagel with egg, ham and cheese, tea with cream and sugar, grapefruit juice and half a danish? Well, I sure could not! The terrain was a mix of easy flats, with two decent ups, one after breakfast and one after lunch. Sub and Suds stopped with me at Mitch's hot dog stand, and yes I ordered hot dog number 3, plus we got some watermelon treat. That did not stop us to move over to Haven Hill Farm and try their decadent ice cream. Despite all the food the climb up 'stairway to heaven' was manageable. I think there is another hot dog stand and farm tomorrow. Definitely something to look forward to!
Date: 2016-06-16
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a good night's sleep in my tent and got ready to roll fairly early, but then the rain started. After giving it about 45 minutes to stop, and it did not, I got going anyway, packing up wet. Not a big deal. Where it made a difference, though was on/at/over the rock scrambles. The lichen, when wet, seemed to turn every rock into slip and slides. The going was slow and at times I sat down on my butt and slid down a rock to avoid a fall. The good thing, I had hot dogs and ice cream to look forward to! Enjoyed two hot dogs and sat at the creamery, enjoying a modified banana split,for quite a while waiting out the rain. Every NOBO coming in told stories of their slips, slides and falls. Thank you, Nancy, for your trail magic of a mango and a jar of peanut butter! The rain stopped and I made it quickly up the hill to the next shelter. Got to see a NY black bear, who was checking out the campsite, but did not find us hikers interesting enough to hang around. A shorter milage day, but good all the same as I only got a couple of scrapes and bruises, oh and a rip in the seat of my pants.
Date: 2016-06-17
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: West Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Had another great sleep in my tent. Got up early and was on the trail by 6:30am. Bug juice got going at about the same time and we had the same goal, the shelter from which you can see the NYC skyline. A loooooong day! But we had the same hiking speed and break interval spacing. Thank you to all the trail angels that left water at the road crossings. Water was scarce and it was a toasty day. Huge difference scrambling over dry rocks vs wet ones! Got a kick out of the lemon squeezer! The last 600ft elevation was tough at the end, but when we arrived at the shelter with the view, so worth it! Saw the city light up and had a just about full moon. Yup, another great memory to take away from the trail!
Date: 2016-06-18
From: West Mountain Shelter

To: Bear Mountain Bridge
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early again, moving out at 6 am with Mama Goose and Bugjuice. A nice up to Bear Mountain. Had great views on the way up and on top. There is something to be said about being able to take a break at 8:15 in the morning, enjoying a soda with a view of the Hudson River. The AT gives! Then a quick down, as we all had people to meet. Does put a spring in one's step! After yesterday's long milage, my body was happy about the half day! Hub and the pups were waiting for me after my walk through the zoo, where the bear habitat is the lowest point on the AT. I guess it goes up again tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Bear Mountain Bridge

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 6.4

Enjoyed a relaxing morning at the hotel with Hub and the pups. Then it was time to put on the "work clothes" again, as the trail does not hike itself. Thankfully just a short afternoon hike, over the Bear Mountain Bridge, stopping at a deli and then at the Center. When we got there, the Ecuadorian members of the Church of the Assumption congregation of Peekskill were celebrating half year San Fernando feast. Thanks to Father John and Father Felix, hikers got free, very delicious food and sodas. It was a treat watching the kids get trophies and trying to hit the pi±atas. Loved the music! Thank you also to the Franziscan monastery, letting us tent on their ball field. Another special day on the AT.
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start, which was good, as the day got toasty. Took my time hiking all the little ups and downs, past the Clarence Fahnestock SP. Sadly, the concession stands were closed, so no ice cream or cold soda there. Good water sources seem hard to come by. Thankfully I had filled up all the way in the morning. Then just before the shelter the stream made for a good refill spot. Lasagna for dinner, with a cold soda! In my tent, watching a colorful sunset. Oh, life is good!
Date: 2016-06-21
From: RPH shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to raindrops hitting my tent. Quickly packed up everything and moved it to the shelter porch to stay mostly dry. Had breakfast, finished packing and then waited for the rain to stop. Started hiking just before 7am. At NY 52 I stopped at a market not far off the trail, had tea, oj, bagel sandwich, and packed out a gatorade. Well fed on I went on the trail, past Nuclear Lake, which looked pretty inviting for swimming, but somehow the name turned me off. Just before the next shelter I did a great full length belly flop (sadly not into water) tripping over a root. Took me a moment to get up, then dusted off. Fortune Cookie came along and together we hiked to the shelter, where I cleaned up my knee, which took the brunt of the fall, then moved on after a quick snack. Passed by the Dover Oak, the oldest tree along the AT. One impressive sized tree. Wonder what it would tell us if it could talk, around 300 years old, I am sure there would be some great stories... On we moved, stopped at the garden center near the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station for drinks and refilled our water. So welcome on a hot day! Arrived at Wiley Shelter around 7:30pm. Had some trail magic waiting in the Library box. Yum! Nice ending to a long day.
Date: 2016-06-22
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Today my heart just was not into the hike. I did the milage I set out to do, but the joy was lacking. I guess we are all coming across days like that. My body was sore from the fall yesterday, which made the downhills challenging. On the positive side, I now know I can hike even with a banged up body, just a tad slower. Also reached New England, only 5 states to go! Let's see what those northern states hold in store for me. The weather was great, and there were some decent views along the way. Listening to my body, for tomorrow I will adjust my miles if needed.
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Toymaker Cafe, Falls Village

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

It is amazing how quick 7 miles fly by. I think if you know it will be a short day, you do not need to pace your energy, ergo move faster. The delicious breakfast, green eggs and ham, at the Toymaker Cafe helped as well! Thank you to Bugjuice and family for the trailmagic! Salisbury is a cute little town. Maria is a darling! Sharing her home, driving us to and fro, cleaning up after us and entertaining us with stories out of her life. Got my resupply package, and all the other chores taken care of. Ready to move on again in the morning.
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

After my relaxing nero at Maria's, it was time to move again. Took it slow today. Did the 3 bumps out of Salisbury, Bear Mountain, Mt Race and Mt Everett. Had some neat views along the way. Talked to some day/weekend and section hikers. There were a lot of them out on the trails. A beautiful weekend day for a hike. And the good thing, my clothes smelled as clean as theirs, well at least up the first climb. At the Glen Brook campsite I met Johanne, the volunteer caretaker and a nice couple section hiking. As they had done most of the northern sections, they gave me a good idea of what is coming up. I guess I will take it one step at a time, same as I have done so far. Made it past the 1500 mile mark, and into Massachusetts. Thank you to the trail angel leaving water at Guilder Pond parking .
Date: 2016-06-26
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Another toasty day out here! Got a later start than planned. It was so nice and comfy in my tent this morning and then I took my time with breakfast, enjoying the company of the other tenters. The terrain was easier today than yesterday. A nice 5 mile long flat stretch in the middle. The challenge for all of us hiking right now is finding water. Even reliable sources are dry or mere trickles. Thank you to the people at Kellogg House for letting me fill up, and to the Florida trio, who gave me their spare water. There is a bit of a breeze going now, lowering the temperature back to comfortable. Happy in my tent with the vestibule flap open. Listening to the leaves and the birds. And the mosquitoes, that buzzed around me most of the day, are on the outside of the netting. One happy camper here!
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter

To: US 20
Miles today: 17.4

Day 2 in a row of seeming to be the only NOBO thru hiker. Kind of weird! Enjoyed talking to the day hikers and South bound section hikers. Found the cutest little road stand on Jerusalem Rd., selling drinks, granola bars, eggs..., perfect spot for a little break, enjoying a cold soda on another hot day. The AT was kind as well, which let me move at a decent pace. Some up and down, thru forest and fields, towards getting picked up by Hub and the pups, to spend two zero days at Nonni's house. Life is good!
Date: 2016-06-28
From: US 20

To: Nonni's house
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day one of the two zero days. Got my third pair of hiking boots at REI. These better last me till the end. Took the dogs for a nice walk in the afternoon, just before the rain started. Had to slow down from my hiking pace, especially with no pack on my back and an easy gravel road.
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Nonni's house

To: Kay Woods Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

It is definitely getting tougher to say good bye to Hub. Good thing, next time we see each other will be in Maine. Something to walk towards and look forward to. Met up with Forest and Hooshr again. Stopped in at the Cookie lady for a soda and got presented with her famous cookies as well. Not sure if the cat was happy about the visit by yet another hiker... At the shelter I caught up with Obi and UFC guy, yes!! Very happy to see them again. To top it off, Nomad trail magiced me. Yes, the trail is amazing! I did need those pick me ups.
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Kay Woods Shelter

To: Cheshire
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today went completely different than planned. Last night when I got ready to sleep I found that my sleeping bag had not completely dried after the last wash yet. Thank goodness it was warm enough, and the bag only clammy/damp, so I did stay warm during the night. So today I stopped in Dalton at the laundromat(the cleanest on the trail so far) and finished drying out my bag. Also had a second breakfast at the store down the street. Then hiked on to Cheshire, where I had planned to only get a soda. As the cloud's were piling up, checked the weather. Tornado warning and high percentage chance of thunderstorms made me reconsider hiking on tour the next shelter. Thankfully St.Mary's church let's hikers stay for a donation. So called it an early day. The rain did come, but not as severe, the tornados touched down elsewhere. Still glad to have stayed dry. Borrowed a book from the free library. Love those little take a book - leave a book houses. Riptide, Obi, UFC guy, Forest, Hooshr and Last Minute all chose to stay at the church as well.
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Cheshire

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: mist

Made up those miles I missed yesterday, which made for a very long hike. We went up Mt Greylock, where the wind was pretty chilly. Had an early lunch there, and enjoyed the view. Great to share this experience with some of the other hikers.Looking forward to the Harry Potter book coming out at the end of this month, when I can say 'been there' when Mt Greylock gets mentioned. We moseyed down the mountain and all the way into state number 12. Here we are Vermont, or as some like to call it Vermud. This also meant, that we were now hiking on the Long Trail. So LT thru and section hikers are joining in, at least for the next 105 miles.
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

So glad today was a short milage day! My body was still a bit sluggish after yesterday's hike. So I took my sweet time getting to Melville Nauheim. Met a nice couple on the way down to VT 9 intersection. Daisy and Blue Shirt. It was great small talking and downhilling at the same time. Arrived at shelter early, set up tent.... nice to do camp chores at a leisurely pace. Was in my tent early and fast asleep moments later.
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story SpringShelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Happy 4th of July everyone! Had a great day hiking! Started out around 7:30 am. Had shared my rope with Riptide last night. When I got the bags down this morning, his had two holes gnawed in it, mine was untouched. He must have had some really yummy snacks in his! Thankfully no high waters where the bridge was out, so made it across safely. Somehow missed a shelter sign today, a first. Thankfully not the one I wanted to stay at. Signs seem to be small in this area. Had a great view from Glastenbury Tower. Sadly still no cell reception. Ended my day after 17.4 miles. Met Spook, a section hiker. He has a great sense of humor mixed with respect and politeness. Most of them military guys out here, gotta love them!