morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-09-09
From: Tom Levardi's House

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

9/9/17 Day 102 - 20.4 milesTom Levardi's House to Upper Goose Pond CabinSlept in a bit this morning - it was chilly out there and just too nice and cozy under the covers. Got everything packed up and was ready to hike out when Tom came out and offered me some coffee. HELL YES I'LL HAVE SOME COFFEE!!! He brought out a tray with coffee, some cranberry cake, and a slice of pumpkin pie. I could not thank him enough. I rolled out of there around 8 and headed back into the hills. Today's trail looked very easy according to the elevation profile and Massachusetts has been awesome up to this point. Like night and day compared to VT. I'm so glad I'm headed south because I would hate to have to go from this to the tougher stuff in VT then even tougher in NH. The trail was nice and I was cruising when I saw someone coming up from behind. I haven't been passed in a long time and when I saw him approaching I said how ya doin and he didn't answer. And the way I was feeling today, I wasn't going to be passed. I started flying, basically running downhill, letting gravity do the work. After about 10 minutes I looked back, no hikers behind me. I kept up my fast pace but stopped to get a sip of water and when I looked back, there he was coming up fast again. I took off again, luckily another downhill and I'm flying, basically jumping down the hill and once again, he's out of sight. I had to have done 4 MPH for a full hour just to make sure he wasn't catching up. Again, no idea why I'm doing this, just don't want to be passed today. Made it to a shelter for lunch and within 5 minutes he came rolling in. I said "man you're flying" and he said he was trying to make up some miles today with the easy terrain. He's a SOBO who started aroung the middle of July. His name is Shoe Wizard (I'll have to find out how he got that name later). Turns out he had his headphones in and didn't hear me when I asked how he was doing earlier. He's the 1st hiker I've seen going southbound since I left VT. The trail has emptied out almost completely. The plan is to get to Upper Goose Pond Cabin abouth 9 miles away. No problem at this pace. They serve pancakes and coffee in the morning for free (donations accepted though). A few ups and downs after lunch and I made it to the cabin. It sleeps about 14 and there were about 10 here already. Mostly section hikers but a guy named Stokes is heading SOBO to GA. I've heard some other hikers mention him before but hadn't met him.  I got to the shelter pretty hungry so I made my dinner and headed up to bed early. Probably another day and a half in MA then onto CT!!!
Date: 2017-09-10
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

9/10/17 Day103 21.1 milesUpper Goose Pond Cabin to Tom Leonard ShelterLeft around 8:15 after pancakes and coffee - what a place!!! Kevin the caretaker had some stories of hikers that passed through.  The hike out was around Upper Goose Pond on a nice cool and clear Sunday morning. Met some locals here and there at the road crossings, just some chit chat and get moving. MA has been awesome so far, such a big surprise. Elevation has been leveling off even more. Only a couple climbs today, the biggest was a 700' climb in .7 miles, practically nothing.  Made it to the shelter around 6:00 and met Jersey (a different one) from Westfield NJ. Shoe Wizard came in shortly after me and Stokes headed into town to catch the Packers game. He had left the cabin early and I didn't see him all day. Made dinner and passed out cold as soon as the sun went down.
Date: 2017-09-11
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Brassie Brook Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

9/11/17 Day 104 - 22.8 milesCold morning - low 40's. I'm ready for it!! Woke up this morning to an extra person in the shelter. At first I thought that Shoe Wizard moved to the bunk above me but as I was eating my breakfast, I counted an extra pack hanging up. I didn't hear anyone come in, I slept through everything. Turns out that Stokes came in around 10:30 last night after watching the Packers game in town. Die Hard fan.  Came out to a road crossing where I met Jangles - this dude had a homemade pack made out of a couple of broom sticks shaped into a triangle. He ties everything to it and he said it's held up nicely the entire hike! 5 minutes later, his brother comes down the road with the same type of pack! I think they said their base weight was like 7lbs - crazy! Made it to the shelter at 7:25. Starting to smell like fall with the crushed leaves.
Date: 2017-09-12
From: Brassie Brook Shelter

To: Sharon Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: drizzle

9/12/17 Day 105 - 17.4 milesBrassie Brook Shelter to Sharon Mt campsite Late start today- 7:45, just didn't want to get up. The plan was to head into Salisbury to resupply. There are a couple of hostels (homes) here in town but I have no plans on staying here. Could definitely use a shower though. Nice easy walking this morning.Met up with Shoe Wizard and Stokes in Salisbury around 10:00. There's a nice supermarket and a little cafe. Did a resupply and grabbed a sandwich and coffee and hung around in the courtyard where there were power outlets. Stokes had to charge his battery backup and it was slow but I had no problem hanging out in civilization for a little longer. As we're siting there enjoying the weather and chairs Dotcom comes walking up!! She took my pic at the midway point in Harpers Ferry and I bumped into her again in Maine. Her and her friend Queen were out for a section hike. Queen has been working on the AT for a little while and should have all the sections complete next April. While she was here, I asked Dotcom exactly what she was doing in ME when I saw her last and she explained to me that she was doing research for a book that is coming out next year about the woman that got lost in the 100 mile wilderness. As it turns out, Dotcom and Queen were the last ones to see her alive and even had a conversation with her (as Dotcom explained she is a chatty one). The whole story is pretty tragic. Finally got back on trail at 4:00 and were still motivated to do the 20 miles. Had to change our plans and settle for 17 and a half. This included doing some night hiking till 8:30. Kind of creepy hiking at night. All I could see were headlamps far away. I kept thinking that the guys got so far ahead and I wasn't catching up. It turns out that there were another group of 3 hikers (NOBOs) night hiking as well and it was their headlamps I was seeing in the distance. We did finally cross paths and the 6 of us in the dark in the middle of the woods chatting was kind of odd. Finally made it to the tentsite and Stokes got a nice fire going quickly. Cooked dinner and I was off to bed at 10:00 - pretty late for me.
Date: 2017-09-13
From: Sharon Mountain Campsite

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

9/13/17 Day 106 - 19.8 milesSharon Mt Campsite to Mt Algo shelter Another beautiful day but starting to get humid. Came out to Stewart Brook which is more like a river. The trail follows a path along side of the river. It was pretty hot and humid and I would have loved to have jumped in for a swim but the water smelled terrible and there was foamy junk floating down it. No way I'm getting in that. Met a group of ladies from a UCONN activities club- out for a walk. They had lots of questions about the trail and my hike- they were great. Shot a text out to Stokes and Shoe Wizard to see how far behind me they were. Turns they did go for a swim and were quite a bit behind me. We decided on meetin up at Mt Algo which was a little after a road crossing. The original plan was 25 miles for the day but sometimes you need to relax and enjoy the scenery. With the change of plans I reached the road crossing pretty early and only had 1.5 to do so I thumbed a ride to Kent (1 mile away) for ice cream and grilled cheese. This is the 1st time I had to thumb a ride and was picked up by the 2nd car that passed. A guy in a pickup pulled over which was for the best - I wouldn't want to get in anyone's car with the way I smell - I haven't had a real shower since VT. I jumped out as soon as he pulled over at the ice cream shop to let him get on his way and he got out to point out all the stuff in town - Library that way, laundromat that way, restaurant over there. Very helpful. I sent out a text to the guys to let them know it was worth the trip if they could get here before it closes at 5. Stokes was motivated and made it there just before closing. Unfortunately thumbing a ride back to the trail just wasn't happening, luckily it was only 1 mile away. Got back to the trailhead and it was uphill for 1.5 miles to the shelter. Made it there around 7 and met Macaroni. This guy got off the trail for 8 weeks to go work in Alaska at a salmon processing plant. I asked him how he managed to find a job like that while he was hiking and he told me he found it online (I forget the name of the site). He made crazy money and overtime , they took care of room and board and he worked so much he didn't have any time to spend the money. Sounds like an adventure. We got the fire going and Shoe Wizard came rolling in a little bit later. Set up in the shelter tonight, it's supposed to rain.
Date: 2017-09-14
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Tony's Deli
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

9/14/17 Day 107 - 18.1 milesMt Algo Shelter to Tony's Deli (Pawling NY)No rush this morning and started a little after 8:00, I knew we were only doing 18 miles today. Highlight of the day was that I crossed in to NY!! Still stuck in this bubble of heat and humidity. As I came up on a trailhead parking area, it started to rain and there was a nice kiosk set up with maps and other info. The kiosk had a nice pitched roof that was just big enough for me to lay down under so I took a little nap. The rain stopped and started for the next few hours so I did end up getting wet eventually. Passed by Wiley Shelter so I was able to have a nice dry lunch. Caught up with Shoe Wizard and came out to Rt 22 and the Appalachian Trail train stop. We had a .7 mile road walk to Tony's Deli where they let you camp out back for like $2 or something. They also have a grill and pretty good resupply. They also have an inside table with TV and lucky for us it was Thursday night and we were able to catch a football game. There is also WiFi here!! Such a bonus! Had huge double burger and ice cream dessert. Still kind of smelly though. I'm on my 3rd state with no shower and none in sight. That's got to be one of the worst parts of this whole hike is the constant feel of being grimy. But there's no way to get around it. Even when I do get a shower in town, as soon as I head back on the trail I'm a sweaty mess in minutes. The only downside of this place is that it is right between highway and train tracks. Loud trucks and train whistles all night long.
Date: 2017-09-15
From: Tony's Deli

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

9/15/17 Day 108 - 19.9 milesTony's Deli (Pawling NY) to RPH Shelter Didn't sleep so well with the trains and trucks all night. I kept worrying about trucks careening off the highway and taking us all out and when I wasn't worrying about that, the train horns would blast. Should've brought ear plugs but I'm not so sure they would even help. Woke up early and had a great breakfast and coffee and packed out a hoagie for lunch. Stokes and Shoe Wizard were taking their time packing up so I got going. I'm not good at sitting in the morning when I'm all packed up. Lunchtime is another story but I'm definitely antsy in the morning. That's why I got my trailname after all. It was a nice easy hike this morning around a huge lake. Met Bob and Linda around Nuclear Lake- we spoke for a while and she even knew what a flip flop hike was! I think she's the 1st non thru-hiker I've talked to that knew what that was. They said they'd like to do the trail someday. I told them why wait. If it's something you want to do, sometimes you just have to do it. The perfect time may never arrive. Another hot and humid day, I seem to be stuck in this pattern. Made good miles this morning and had half the hoagie for 1st lunch and took a nap. Had the other half a couple hours later so I could order more food at RPH. This is one of 3 or 4 shelters on the trail that you can order delivery to. About 3 miles from the shelter I got stung in the head by a bee - didn't know if I'd have an allergic reaction - other than a big welt on my head. Got to the shelter around 5:15 and immediately ordered some Chinese. Shoe Wizard came in about 6:30 followed by Stokes and his new shoes around 7:15. He had to hitch all the way into Wingdale to pick up shoes that he ordered online. He has a knack for hitching and getting in and out of town. My gear is kinda damp so I hung it up for a bit before I set up in one of the bunks in the shelter. Getting pretty nasty, really need a shower and laundry. Trying to do a big day tomorrow to set up a Nero for Sunday and Ft Montgomery. The 3 of us are planning on splitting a room in Ft. Montgomery to get cleaned up and catch some games.
Date: 2017-09-16
From: RPH Shelter

To: SB mile 782
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

9/16/17 Day 109 - 21.2 milesRPH Shelter to mile 782Another hot humid day. Got off to an early start with the promise of a shower and room tomorrow. Stokes called and made the reservation and we're all set. Try to bust out a ton of miles today so we have a short day into town and enough time to do chores early and relax. Found a nice clearing in a park to eat lunch and try to dry out my gear which is still damp from the rain a couple days ago. There was also a hose faucet here so I was able to refill my water bottles. Had a nice lunch in the sun and packed up my slightly drier gear. Ate as much as I wanted since I was going to resupply in town tomorrow. Always nice to have a light pack. Texted Stokes and Shoe Wizard to let them know about the water and Stokes let me know that he decided to cancel the room reservation. Wasn't too happy about that, he could've let me know beforehand. There were no cheap options in town so it was just too expensive to do with just 2 of us. No shower, ugh. Walking angry means walking fast. Came to a road crossing at an intersection and there was a mini mart. Heard about the quesadillas here so I ordered one. This place also had limited resupply options, kind of pricey but what can you do. My quesadilla was made and it fit in a large pizza box - nice! Sat outside at some picnic tables and scarfed down the whole thing. It wasn't easy even with my hiker appetite - that's saying something. Full belly and still angry about not getting a room tomorrow so I powered up the hill and walked until I didn't feel like walking anymore. Found a nice stealth spot and called it a day.
Date: 2017-09-17
From: SB mile 782

To: SB mile 803.3
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: clear sky

9/17/17 Day 110 - 23.3 miles 780.0 to 803.3Up early and on the trail by 6:45. The morning started foggy and drizzle. Crossed the Bear Mt Bridge and came up to the Bear mountain zoo. Walked right in and filled water bottles and as I was about to walk through, a zoo lady told me they didn't open up for another 2 hours. WTF. The AT has a route around the zoo when it's closed so I had to follow that route. On the other side of the zoo was a park with vendors setting up tents with food and other stuff.  A guy at one of the tents offered me an apple which I gladly accepted but what I really wanted was one of the whoopie pies that were right next to the apples. I was more that happy to pay for it, which I did. The vendor was chatty and after saying he wasn't gonna tell me his life story proceeded to tell me his life story. I could not get a chance to walk away for an hour!!! Pack on my back the entire time just standing there inching away while he kept going. Nice guy but damn. Back on trail up Bear Mt, they say you can see the NY city skyline from here but that was not happening today - cloudy and raining. Energy was good and I was cruising past all the day hikers that braved the shitty weather on a weekend day. Got past the crowds and ran into 2 hikers going the opposite way. A guy and a lady. He said I was the second SOBO he saw today, said he just passed a young SOBO from Tennessee. I asked if he had a blue shirt on and he says yea. I think that could be Destiny. Haven't seen him since the day before Rutland VT. This guy says that he just got done helping a bunch of his friends summit Katahdin and he was heading home but wanted to do this section. I asked what his friends trailnames were and he said they didn't have any? He said that what he does every year and I said you sound like someone else I've heard of but I couldn't remember his name. The lady says this is the same guy - Warren Doyle! I said I met you in NH and he told me he remembered my new boots. Insane how I keep running into people on the trail - Just like Dotcom. He was with Ina- The Enchantress of the North as they were heading south after watching his expedition Summit Katahdin yesterday. Also passed another father,son,daughter group. Hot and sweaty today- got a nice stream bath at least. Sat right down in the water and rung out the clothes until the water came out clear. Even washed my back up clothes. Got moving again and came to a shelter where I ran into Destiny who had decided to stay there. We caught up a bit and I told him I still had some miles left in me today so I moved on. Found a nice stealth spot on a hill top- may even get to see some stars. Cooked a Ramen dinner and in the tent as it's getting dark at 7:30.
Date: 2017-09-18
From: Southbound Mile 803.3

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

just wanted to post a quick update....I should be crossing into Nj later today. Lots to write about when I get the time, battery, and proper cell service. Projected finish date is Tuesday October 3 in Harper's Ferry.Have to make a lot of miles everyday (22.5 to be exact) without any days off but I'm motivated to get it done!Take care9/18/17 Day 111 - 24.6 milesStealth site at 803.3 to Wawayanda ShelterSlept in a bit. The big mile days do take a little extra out of me so I justify the extra laziness in the morning. Destiny passed by my campsite just as I was eating my breakfast. Another hot one today,Only 98% humidity today- could be worse. Also, water is getting tough to find in this section- lots of water caches today from trail angels. Lots of breaks today and I kept lingering- miles were tough today. Crossed into NJ around 5:30! Only 3 states left! And now that I'm officially in NJ, that makes 3 states with no shower! Eww! Got to shelter and Destiny was there with Will and some weekenders. Made rice w/ queso and put it in tortillas for dinner and in bed by 8:00.Some nice views of Greenwood Lake earlier today.
Date: 2017-09-19
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Goodridge Rd (Mosey's Hostel)
Miles today: 19.0

9/19/17 Day 112 - 19 milesWawayanda Shelter to Goodridge Rd (Mosey's Hostel)Hit the snooze button but was still on trail by 7:00. Didn't sleep well in the shelter- snorers (in stereo) and mosquitoes- it's gotten warm again so I'll have to take that into consideration next time. I was spoiled up north with the cool temps and no bugs (or snorers). There were signs on the trail that advertised for a hostel so as soon as I had service I called the number.Originally I was trying to make a reservation for tomorrow night. I said it was a possibility that I may make it there tonight if I can do 20+ miles today but she told me she does pick ups on a bunch of road crossings and asked where I'd like to be picked up. I was so relieved! I'm actually going to get a shower today!! Instead of being energetic and excited to get to town, my body just fizzled out - I'm sure I've been overdoing it the past 2 weeks. Also the adrenaline boost I got from being under 500 miles left is starting to wear off. Had cell service and called about 2 miles from the next road crossing and told her I would be there in an hour at the latest. Mosey came and picked me up in her jeep and headed back into NY to her hostel/home. There were 2 others there already - Wiki and Kokopelli. I've seen Kokopelli's journal online before - she is doing the trail in sections over several years. Was so glad to get a shower and do some laundry!! We all packed in the jeep and headed to town for some food and resupply. By now it's after 8 so not much rest at this stop but at least I'm clean!
Date: 2017-09-20
From: Goodridge Rd (Mosey's Hostel)

To: Gren Anderson Shelter 
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

9/20/17 Day 113 - 17.9 milesMosey's Hostel to Gren Anderson ShelterWoke up to an amazing breakfast from Mosey. She made pancakes, eggs, bacon, and toast - incredible!! She is a true trail angel!! I was so tempted to take a zero- I was all packed up and getting ready to put on my shoes and paused for a little too long but forced myself out the door. Mosey told me she could see I was struggling with the decision to head out but I had to go. I want to make it to Harper's Ferry on Tuesday 10/3 and a zero day here would make it all but impossible. Mosey's place was awesome and she is so helpful to all the hikers she interacts with- she thru hiked in 2014. On the trail by 8:45. Easy gradual climb up to High Point. Didn't do the .3 side trail to the monument - I had been there a couple years before and I was definitely NOT climbing the tower again. There was an observation platform right on the trail so I got a nice view of the tower. Stopped at High Point visitor center and signed the book for a free soda. They give free sodas to all thru hikers. Got pretty hot and humid in the afternoon. Met up with Will and his father Easy Roll, they're out here for a section. Also met Phoenix who is SOBO. Got to the shelter around 4:30 and decided to set up the tent for the night- gonna get to bed early and up and out early tomorrow. Had a nice dinner with everyone at the shelter.Also met Wuss who is hiking the ECDT SOBO
Date: 2017-09-21
From: Gren Anderson Shelter 

To: Tentsite at 887.7
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: clear sky

9/21/17 Day 114 - 22.9 milesGren Anderson Shelter to Tentsite at 887.7Didn't want to get up this morning, too comfortable in the tent. Even after procrastinating, I was on trail by 7:45. Supposed to be another nice day. Not too much elevation but the rocks are the unknown- hard to plan miles. Also, supposed to be another day of scarce water so I will carry full whenever possible. Passed the under 300 mark! Passed 1900 miles at lunch! These milestones are always a boost to the motivation. Originally the plan was to get to the Mohican Outdoor Center but I think I'm going to push on past it. I need to make the miles whenever possible to stay on pace. I've thought about pushing the finish date to the following Tuesday but I have the idea to finish the entire trail in 5 months or less. Was hiking the ridge and passed a fire tower where I met a couple South Jersey folks! 1st I met Ana and Larry from Franklinville - that's about 5 minutes from my town. They were just up here for a couple days out on the trail. Then I met a guy named John from Malaga - it turns out I worked at the same hospital as his mother. Small world. Made some good miles today and ended up camping with Fleet - a SOBO from Rochester NY. Found a nice stealth spot on top of the ridge. Was able to catch a sunset also - not too many chances for that, I better enjoy them while I can.