morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-10
From: Campsite ~2 miles before Brink Road Shelter (NJ)

To: Rutherford Shelter (NJ)
Miles today: 17.9

17.9 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1329.4I was back on the trail by 5:45am. I walked in fog for awhile, not seeing anyone. I stopped at Brink Shelter to get water; there I met a mother and daughter section hiking. We talked a bit, and the mom gave me some chocolate- covered coffee beans. Trail Magic! She told me about a deli near the upcoming road crossing. I stopped there, had food, a Mountain Dew and met the owner, Joe. I sat outside on his hiker bench and talked with section hikers. I stayed a bit too long. I hadn't gone far on the trail, when there was more Trail Magic. A hiker that had been injured wanted to help the other hikers with a cooler of drinks and apples. Nice! When I got to the shelter no one was there. Probably because it was 0.4 mile off the trail. The area was large, grassy and freshly mowed. About 7:30pm, two young local guys out for a short hike came by. They gave me a beer and we talked awhile. The mosquitoes are the worst I've seen so far here. Their buzzing is pretty loud outside my netting. The lighting bugs I like and there are alot of them, too. And my friend the whippoorwill is here. Life is a day filled with Trail Magic. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Rutherford Shelter (NJ)

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

16.7 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1346.1I was hiking by 5:50am. I was tired today, so I took my time. The day was nice, the trail had a few rough spots, but a lot of easy stuff. I was a little low on water, and behold, a new gallon had been placed near a road crossing - Trail Magic! I was really needing a Mountain Dew to perk me up but was grateful for the water. At NJ 284, I walked 0.7 m to Unionville, NY (9th state of 14). It was a old, well-kept town, with a small grocery. Several other hikers were already there. I got a large ham & cheese sub, Doritos, an ice cream sandwich and two Mountan Dews. I saved half the sub and Doritos for later. It felt good to be full again. Back on the trail, I went most of the way around a large marsh that's a wildlife refuge. While on the grassy road there, hundreds of baby green & yellow grasshoppers would jump as I approached. Yesterday, I had a large gobbler cross the trail 15 yds in front of me, taking his time. I watched a wasp, with a red band around its abdomen, pulling a very large grasshopper that it must have paralyzed through the grass. It was trying to get it back to the nest it had in some rock. As it climbed up a rock the wasp dropped his prize; it searced frantically until it was found, always pulling it by the head. How can something with no muscle be be so strong? Nature is amazing. There was no water at this shelter but there was an empty house near the trail on the way up the mountain. Thru-hikers are allowed to use the spigot for water. While there, I washed my socks in my dry bag. My 2nd pair of boots leaked/failed again so I was going through my socks quickly. REI is sending a new pair again - hopefully the 3rd pair will be the charm. This time REI suggested I use a water based liquid wax every week along with keeping sand/silt/dirt off the other portion. I'm also getting a new hammock from Hennessy Hammock. I tried a different type of anchor on my hammock last week, and it cut the support line. I only requested a new line to repair it in the field, but Hennessy said it's under warranty, and sent a new one out to me. Leki is also sending out new pole tips, as mine failed after 1300 miles of rock torture on them. I got some miles in and stopped at 4:00pm. Sometimes I need a short day to recoup. I'm no spring chicken! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: ~0.3 mile before Wildcat Shelter (NY)
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: scattered clouds

23.3 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1369.4I was hiking at 5:40am. There's a bird that always starts its pretty melody around 5am. I had hard and easy trails today, a real mix. I also crossed into NY from NJ - my 9th state so far, with 5 to go. Yesterday, I ate lunch in NJ, but I slept in NY. Just like the back and forth of TN and NC. This afternoon, after crossing into NY, I had to climb a ladder anchored to a vertical wall to follow the trail up. It was a tricky spot to say the least. Once on top, I could see for miles. Below, there was a huge body of water with alot of boats on it. I'll describe the rock I was climbing as Elephant backs. I had to traverse many of these before finally coming off the top. There was no water for miles; I had been conserving mine and wanted to get more for camp tonight. I finally came to NY 17a, and a creamery was there. I had a chocolate shake and a mint chip cone. Their mint chip is white, not green like ours in MO. I met a young thru-hiker there named Hot Sauce. Before leaving, I filled up on water. I've slowed down my hiking. I'm just on the trail longer to get my miles. Time for the Sandman. As I was just about to doze off, and I heard rain. I didn't put on the rainfly before getting into my hammock. I jumped out and put it on, but the rain already stopped. Oh well! -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-13
From: ~0.3 mile before Wildcat Shelter (NY)

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter (NY)
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

19.9 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1389.3I continue getting on the trail early - this morning by 5:30am. I soon passed two young women going south - they appeared to be Amish. I had no idea where they were going. Most of the Trail Magic today was in the form of gallons of water as most of the springs here are dry. One Trail Angel had left a large bag of treats. I've hiked through alot of nice forest thus far, but today was really pretty. The large trees were nicely spaced, and the grass under them was short; the forest looked like a park. I had some wild bluberries again today. They grow all over here in the mountains. As I was climbing today, a group of young and older guys were driving their toy electric 4x4s up the trail. They did pretty well. Further along, I met a couple my age from CT that were section hiking. We talked a bit and they gave me some dry soup to try. I also met another couple section hiking. The fella complained about the rocks and the trail going up and down. Mountains go up and down, and they're full of rocks. He's on the wrong trail. I had to go 0.3 mile off the trail to get water at Tiorati Circle, I filled 3 liters. It is a public lake and picnic area. A few miles from the shelter, I came across a white blaze painter. I took his picture. Without these blazes, I'd be lost. There was a young guy staying at the shelter tonight. He said he had hiked 31 miles today. Wow! Sandman time. Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-14
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter (NY)

To: Ft. Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

10.1 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1399.4 - "nero"I was hiking by 5:50am. It rained hard last night, and it was still cloudy this morning. I'm going to stay tonight in the Holiday Inn Express in Ft. Montgomery. It's past my "off trail" time - it's been 10 days now. When I got into the Bear Mountain Recreation Area, the trail got easier. Once on top, I spied a drink machine a guy was loading. He gave me a Powerade at a $.50 discount. I drank that, then another guy says, you want a Mountain Dew? Heck ya! His Trail name last year was Plantman; he had to stop short because of an injury. He gave me his # for further up the trail if I need anything. I continued down the mountain on the nice path. I then met a fellow named Bill, who, after we had talked awhile, said he would drive me to the local P.O. and the hotel. At the bottom of the mountain, another great guy named Stan came up and said he was creating a book of thru-hikers and asked if he could he take my picture. He said he had chili and would give me the same ride as Bill so I took him up on it. At Stan's house, I ate, and then went to his studio, where he took photos of me right off the trail. No cleaning up so this is me after 96 days! He does great work - take a look at Stan's site at www.StanGoldblattPhoto.com/ I picked out a few and Stan emailed them to Pearl. He also showed me photos of hikers ahead of me. After dropping me off at the hotel Stan said he could later give me a ride into town to resupply. A lot of Trail Magic today from a lot of really good people! It felt so good to get cleaned up and wash my clothes. I know I could cut more weight by not having all the clothes I have but I don't like wearing stinking clothes or socks! I have been told many times that I don't smell like a hiker. I picked up my mail drop and my replacement hammock at the PO from Hennessy. It was a good day to nero as it started raining after I got settled. Stan was nice enough to run me to resupply, as there is not much here for that. The weight of the food and water may be the death of me. 37 lbs after this resupply. Recently, I had to climb up rock, not just hike over it. A heavy pack makes everything more difficult. But I'll make it, one short step at a time! Life is good people along the trail. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Ft. Montgomery, NY

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park (NY)
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: moderate rain

18.2 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1417.6I left the hotel and followed the trail across the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge. Coming into and out of Ft. Montgomery, I heard alot of rifle fire. I guess from West Point. Shortly after the trail got back into the woods, another hiker I met at the hotel caught up with me. We hiked about the same speed, so we hiked together. I like to hike solo, but once in a while I don't mind the company. We met two young guys at a deli/store near a road crossing. They were going to Clarence Fahnestock State Park, so we decided to go too. I heard thunder most of the afternoon, but the rain stayed away. As we got to the two lane that led to the park, it started to rain. It was 7p.m. We had to walk a mile to the park, I won't do that again. I got my hammock set up and took my dinner gear to the old park bathroom. I took a shower and ate dinner there, as it was raining. It rained heavily during the night, but as always, I was dry in my hammock. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park (NY)

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter (NY)
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

16.0 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1433.6It rained hard again early. I took all my gear to the park bathroom to repack it. I met a young section hiker named Nate; his tent was soaked and he was trying to hang things up. After I got repacked, I walked the road mile, got on the A.T. and hiked to the park concession. I met another young section hiker there named Mike. After getting some food, I hit the trail about 10:30am. I heard big guns going off most of the morning, not sure where they were based as I'm several miles from West Point. I was the only one at the shelter until just before dark, when Mike showed up. We talked awhile before calling it a day. Also, I can't believe all the stacked rock fences here. Some souls worked their butts off. Life is a good night's rest. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter (NY)

To: Wiley Shelter (NY)
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

16.6 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1450.2I was hiking by 6am. What a difference a day can make. Overnight, the cool dry air, dried all my gear out. I, long ago, sent home my sleeping bag, and these cool nights are chilly, causing me to wake up. I was really dragging today, not getting good sleep. As usual, I had to wear my head net. My face must be the same height as a horses ass,as the bugs won't leave me alone! No really bad terrain today, some being relatively easy. I didn't see any hikers today, until I was at the shelter. A fellow I've seen before and a girl named Peaches stopped by briefly before moving on. Then, as I lay in my hammock getting ready for the Sandman, I heard a hiker approach, and to my surprise, it was a friend I met when I first started, Banjo! We caught up on what's gone on since we separated. It was really good to see him again. We're going into town tomorrrow, but then he'll move on as I can't keep up with his youth or height. Today was beautiful by the way. Day 100 tomorrow! Life is seeing friends again. -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Wiley Shelter (NY)

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

12.7 miles hiked - Resupply, Mile Marker 1462.9Last night at Wiley Shelter not long after I had gone to bed, two animals started making loud hisses/whistles, high to low. I've never heard that sound in the woods before, so I didn't know what they were. I guess they didn't like us being there. Sometimes they would come closer, and it sounded like blowing air through closed teeth but also with the whistle. They and the cold air, kept me awake quite awhile. In the morning I asked Banjo and Running Nose, a 64 yr old German fellow, if they heard the animals too. They said they did. Could they have been porcupines? I left early as usual and had a good walk out upon entering CT. Coming off Schaghticoke Mountain, there was Trail Magic waiting! A woman whose son did the A.T. in 2009 puts on a great, homemade spread once a year; I was lucky enough to be there today. The food was great and so was their company! Banjo came a little later and ate too. Then we hiked the two lane into Kent for resupply and to pick up my mail drop. We had a good time in town and headed back to the trail, where I parted ways with Banjo - he is a much faster hiker than I. I hiked up the mountain and set up camp about 6:20pm. Running Nose came by shortly and camped as well. So ends this 100th trail day and 11th state in "Tales From The Hammock". -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Kent, CT

To: Near Sharon Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 19.4

19.4 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1482.3I slept in today, getting up at 5am, hiking by 6:30. The trail started off a little rough, but then got easier before moving into rolling hills. The day was mostly cloudy. Where a road neared the trail, two girls had Trail Magic set up: Cokes and snacks. Later on, more Trail Angels offering Cokes & Kit-Kats. I saw the couple from CT on the Trail - they couldn't believe it. They gave me the soup to try when I last saw them, I believe in New Jersey. The Vampires of the forest/mosquitos are always testing your defenses. Their toll for passage is a bit of blood. The mosquitos are the worst they have been. I sometimes where my Froggtoggs jacket in camp as they can't bite through it. When I got to the Sharon Mountain campsite, Running Nose was there, so we camped together again. I should break 1500 miles tomorrow. "Tales From The Hammock" to be continued... -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-20
From: Near Sharon Mountain Campsite

To: Brassie Brook Shelter (CT)
Miles today: 18.6

18.6 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1500.9!I awoke to a little light rain, but it soon stopped. I was chilly again last night, but I can't complain as this weather has been great to hike in. I was hiking by 6:00am; Running Nose starts later. My trail book said that in Falls Village, CT there was an outside shower at a utility building. I really wanted/needed a shower. Well, it was what they said, just a shower head on a outside wall, no curtain or walls. Not for me so I moved on. After Falls Village, the trail got pretty nice. The bugs were out again though. I think those gnat bugs must have a tag team, as the same bugs couldn't follow me for fifteen miles. At Salisbury CT, I was lucky enough to get a shower and wash my clothes all for $15. A Trail Angel named Vanessa lets hikers stay overnite and wash clothes for a fee, but she agreed to let me just get cleaned up. It felt soooooo good to get showered and into clean clothes. After leaving Salisbury CT, I had a big climb and plenty of rocks near the top. At the shelter, a local guy named Paul was there. He likes to hike and came up. He gave me half of a great deli sandwich - very generous of him and a great guy! A father and son out for a day hike showed up as did Running Nose as darkness fell. He had gone to town to resupply but didn't have much luck. I gave him one of my Mountain House meals to help him tonight. Tomorrow he plans to hike to Great Barrington, MA for a resupply. It's hard to believe that MA (the 11th state of 14) is coming up shortly and that I made it to 1500 miles today. I hear the next few days will be some hard miles. I have to hold my next several hikes to 15 miles as I have a mail drop due in Becket, MA on Wednesday so I don't want to overshoot then have to wait on it. After that though I plan to cover some ground as I am anxious to get home now. Home is where one's heart is happiest and for me, that's Missouri. That concludes tonight's "Tales from the Hammock". -HoytTBContinued -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Brassie Brook Shelter (CT)

To: Campsite near MA 41 (MA)
Miles today: 13.1

13.1 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1514.1Another pretty day and I was out hiking by 6am. As I hit the trail I thought about all the NOBO hikers that have gone before me - like a human ant line - all stretched out heading north. Leaving CT we hiked Paradise Lane. A beautiful, fast, clear stream, with waterfalls, chutes and pools - it had it all! The steep hills had conifers and other trees spaced nicely apart, even the bugs didn't bother me there. The trail was easy as it followed the stream through the valley. Then we crossed the stream into MA. Let me tell you, if CT gave me a kiss goodbye then MA gave me a slap in the face! It wasn't long before I had tough, rocky climbs and hard declines. When the mountain spit me out into the valley, I crossed through farm fields and then into some woods. The forest looked very nice, but it also had what I call bogs. Soon I was almost running to get away from the mosquitoes - there are ALOT of them. The trail went through a field and then a hikers parking lot. No mosquitoes there so I called Pearl then made my dinner early so I could eat in peace. Running Nose came along so we went together to find a camping site without a lot of those Vampires. We found a nice spot that had fewer mosquitoes but unfortunately still enough to annoy. The devil missed his chance again for I would have sold my soul for a can of Yard Guard. I also saw my first SoBo hikers that I'm certain started on Mt. Katahdin. They were young and in a hurry. So ends another chapter in the "Tales from the Hammock". -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Campsite near MA 41 (MA)

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: overcast clouds

21.2 miles hiked, Mile Marker 1535.3I left Running Nose dreaming in his tent, and was on trail by 5:45am. The day was a little warmer, but nice. The mosquitoes were on me again from the get go. I wore my headnet and my longsleeve mosquito shirt. Somehow, they would light on my hands as I quickly hiked, and bite me. These guys were really small. If I stopped for a second, they would swarm me. At 11:00 am, I was finally able to take off my sweat-soaked mosquito shirt. There were still a few vampires, but they were bearable. Today I had a few good climbs, and some rock, but soooo much easier than yesterday. What I had more of today was mud. There are low areas that are wet much of the time, and the black mud can be ankle deep. In the previous two states (CT and NY) they would build some type of boardwalk over these areas. Not as much of that here, you just get through the best you can. Much of the trail today was either dirt or pine straw covered, not so much rock. I hiked through some nice forest again today; a nicer mix of conifers and other trees. When I was still several miles from camp I came upon some of that wonderful Trail Magic: cold Cokes and trail bars! I just can't put into words how great a good cold soda is when you don't have access to one. Trail Angels are such good people. I had come upon some Trail Magic earlier in the day but most of it was gone. I had the grapes that were left and really enjoyed them! At camp there was a group of older women section hikers along with a group of young folks out for a week hiking with mentors. In camp there was also a thru-hiker from Springfield, MO. I don't think I mentioned what the boys have been up to. Billdozer, Wheezie(Chase) and Dancer decided to aqua blaze (canoeing a section of the trail) that follows the Shenendoah River. Well Dancer wound up getting a good job offer and went home to Texas. Billdozer and Wheezie got tired of it here, rented a car and drove to ME, and started hiking back as south-bounders. Billdozer decided he was done and went home to NC. Wheezie is still planning to continue hiking south after a trip to Alaska with his father. And off course, Banjo is hiking hard ahead of me northbound, as he has a family commitment he's trying to make. He hopes to finish by August 20th. He then hopes to ride his bicycle from ME back home to IL! I didn't mention that Running Nose planned to spend the night in Great Barrington tonight and resupply. Today I ate lunch on a high rock face, with a view of mountains for miles. Many thanks to Red Robin for the feedback on the under/overquilt via Pearl; till trying to make a decision. Sandman calling, this ends another installment of "Tales From The Hammock". -Hoyt
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Lee, MA (Becket)
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

11.5 (nero) miles hiked, Mile Marker 1546.8I was up at my usual 4:30am, and hiking at 5:50am. When I woke up during the night, I could hear the high pitched whine of mosquitoes wings. It sounded like it was coming through my small pillow as my ear lay on it. I guess they were under the hammock as well, testing my defenses. Other hikers have also said that MA has alot of the little devils. I get dressed in my hammock, and put on my Frogg Togg rain jacket so they can't bite me. Then I get out, spray my hands and put on my headnet, all while listening to the growing whine of wings. I made my tea, ate, and was off before most of the other hikers were up. Before I left, I changed my Toggs jacket for my bug overshirt. The swarm accompanied me for about a mile, then they disappeared. I even crossed a boardwalk through a marsh and there were only a few. Maybe I crossed a hatching out line, I sure hope so. I had a pretty good climb early, but then back to dirt trails and rolling wooded hills. I was heading for US 20 as it's time for a resupply and a stand in the body wash. Along the way I met an 18 year old young lady hiking MA where she lives. She wasn't in a hurry so we hiked together for some miles. She was educated and raised well, I was impressed. Last year she went to Spain alone and hiked the El Comino. Last night this young hiker camped alone in the forest as her friend had a commitment and had to go ahead. That takes such courage for such a young girl to camp like this. She later went to meet her friend; I went to meet Joe, owner of the Becket Motel and my ride. Joe took me by the local store where they served food as well: got some good stuff to take back to the motel. After getting cleaned up, I gave Joe gas money for a ride to resupply. We stopped by the Arcadian Shop in Lenox, MA to get some freeze dried meals and have them put my new tips Leki sent me for my trekking poles. I was trying to hurry as Joe had to get back, but as I was leaving I saw Cliff Bars half off. I set my poles down to get the bars, and yep! you guessed it, I forgot them! I realized my mistake after pulling into the motel. Joe could not take me back, as his wife wasn't as fond of hikers as Joe was and wouldn't allow it. I called the store and told them my story. They sent one of their people a good 30 minutes each way to bring me my poles. Talk about Trail Magic! Many thanks to these good people! As I have been saying, my journey would not be possible without the help of all these good people along the way. Well, tonight we are having terrible thunderstorms, with heavy lighting. I picked a great night to be off the trail. I feel though for my fellow hikers. So as the saying goes, 'no rain, no pain, no Maine'. "Tales From The Motel" -Hoyt