morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2020-05-26
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Virginia Tech (Rest)
Miles today: 19.8

Had dinner and good conversation with a father and son out with their thru hiking family member for a few days. Many different paths bring hikers out here and the background stories are the most intriguing to me, when the first few days it's about gear and daily miles. Good night sleep even with 4 legged locals cruising by tent at night. Foot stiff as a board and swollen. No more pushing it, need to get off trail and rest. As usual in the hills no cell service for my boy to come rescue me from Virginia Tech, so slowly start moving south. I go about a couple miles until I get message to send but immediately lose signal for several more hours. He will get me by late afternoon and being impatient I decide to hike on. Sun burns off clouds for some nice views today. Stop at wayside and ask someone to take a picture of me with valley in background. She and her boyfriend are traveling east coast and she is a physical trainer. I love the reactions of those who are educated in health, see my injury, and instinctively give the "not good" wince. She inspects, then wraps my ankle, and he gives much needed water. When a stranger without hesitation tends to an injured thru hikers smelly foot, that my friend is true Trail Angel. I meander back along the trail and take in as many of the limited views that remain. I pass by the recently posted signs warning of bear activity in area and make a conscious effort to walk quietly in hope of running into one. Not lucky today but do walk along with a rabbit and a few deer. Due to no hunting they are not skittish around humans. While waiting along Skyline Drive I get one last passerby who stops after seeing me with my wrapped foot elevated. They offer a ride but I only take water knowing the boy is close. My boy arrives after himself seeing bear on road and off to Burger King. Off to his place in Hokie Land to recover. Hopefully.
Date: 2020-05-29
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Somewhere in the Shenandoahs is a rock with my name on it. It got me. Confirmed today that I I sprained my ankle and need at least 2 weeks before trying to getting back into hiking shape. This year doesn't provide me the time to finish without stressing over mileage everyday and enjoying the ride. Appreciate the support from home, friends, and those on the trail. What can you do.
Date: 2020-06-15
From: Kittatinny Visitor Center

To: Stealth Site Mile 1312.8
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light intensity drizzle

After 20 days of whats next, I decided to return to the trail and hike north to Maine and try and salvage the 2020 thru-hike season. Good Ol' Bob gives me a ride to Kittatinny Visitor Center where I started 3 months ago heading south. Very forgiving trail with some small pointy rock sections make testing my recovered ankle happy. Few dozen day hikers on the 5 mile hike to Sunfish Pond then just me and the chipmunks. Taking a much slower pace and doing my best taking a break every hour or near a view. Elevations go just over 1500 feet today with nice ridge walking. Come across a copperhead snake with its main body arched on the trail which brings me to a sudden stop. I immediately step back with my right foot but my heel is against a tall rock and I go right onto my back while Mr. Copperhead quickly slithers between my right and the bushes making his getaway. Now that my heart rate in cresting 400 beats a minute I continue down the trail to find water. Of course the water source is named Rattlesnake Spring which does absolutely nothing to stop me from seeing every branch and root become a potential venomous reptile. Meet up with fellow thru hiker Cyborg at water source and make plans for camp. Meander past several less than inviting spots before setting up tents about a mile past a beaver pond, where the half dozen beavers like to slap their tails against water to warn you to keep moving. Deer walk right through camp all night with one late night buck snorting near tents, telling us we are in his world but he quickly moves on.
Date: 2020-06-16
From: Stealth Site Mile 1312.8

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Great weather last night, low humidity from Mother Nature was greatly appreciated. Couple small climbs today and a few ridge views of the eastern valley. Some of the ridge walks are 100 foot long, smooth boulders, edged with knee high grass, perfect hiding spots for my reptilian friends. Today there was a poorly marked ridge walk taking me off trail having me bush-wack through high grass to get back to trail. Cyborg was off ahead scouting for lunch and settled upon Gyp's Tavern on Route 206, a mere 104 miles north of the Nacle. Bucket of suds and cheeseburger later, and maybe some "to-go" libations, back into the woods. Made camp at Gren Anderson Shelter, some solving of the world's problems over our takeout, and another nice night of weather. Shout out to the trail clubs in NJ so far on the clean privies with huge bottles of hand sanitizer.
Date: 2020-06-17
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Our take out coupled with good sleeping weather contributed to a late start from camp, but not before French Press lived up to his trail name and provided the crew with some java. French Press is Professor Gadget with his kitchen equipment and food. Good views from Sunrise Mountain pavilion. Lunch at Mashipacong Shelter was NOT in the shelter when I saw the shedded snake skin in two separate rafters, but in the fresh cut field out front. A kind soul left 20 plus gallons of clean water in bear box at shelter for us weary travelers. The area has many stone walls along trail, some with trees growing though them that indicate they have been there for over a hundred years. Entered into the High Point Park for some nice orange colored water right from the spigot. Took side trail to obelisk monument for views of tri state corner of Pennsylvania/New York/New Jersey. In typical thru hiker fashion took full advantage of running water in restroom and "showered" from sink prior to getting to camp at High Point Shelter. Salmon Head and Sandwich Bread were in camp with their pups. Slight increase of humidity is equal to the increasing number of mosquitoes at water sources.
Date: 2020-06-18
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Been blessed with the weather lately, still low humidity for good sleeping. The elevations are getting lower to cross the lowlands of north Jersey. Came across a couple trail maintainers cutting back the grass from field walks, can't thank you guys enough. Made a late morning stop at the "Secret Shelter", private property of a former thru hiker who is giving back to the trail. Zen Dragon, former thru hiker, is care taking the property and gave us the 50 cent tour showing off Jake the resident donkey, chickens, ducks, shelter, cold clean water, and outdoor shower. And the outdoor in "outdoor shower" is correct, getting clean provides an unobstructed view of the hillside and fields. Within an hour or so we made it to Unionville NY, the trail skirts the border for miles, stopped at Horler's for lunch and resupply. About a dozen thru hikers came and went while enjoying the porch before we decided to help the local economy by patronizing Wits End Tavern. With Cyborg, Viking with his bad ass Kelty pack, and French Press, we enjoyed some cold brews before heading back into woods. Today was chipmunk and snake day, apparently the first of many days with both. Lower elevations again and walk through Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge, and quick stop at abandoned house near trail for use of the spigot. Pochuck Mountain Shelter was a full house as I set up my tent. I have to work on getting into camp before 7pm, doesn't give much time to dry out sweaty day clothes, set up camp, and make dinner before it gets dark. What a good trail day.
Date: 2020-06-19
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Out by 8:30 to break the cobwebs. Noticed a couple junk cars in the woods with one being the awesome Ford Pinto, probably sitting there for 30 years. More stone walls, chipmunks, and non venomous snakes today. Humidity and temps rising already. Stopped for some Tarzan time swinging on a vine along trail. Not that there was much before but upper body muscles take a loss while hiking and that loss limited my "vine time". Made it to the Pochuck Boardwalk which is a mile long mostly composite boardwalk through a marsh area. We exit onto Rt 94 and stopped at Heaven Hill Farm for lunch break, ice cream, and then across the street for some of Mitch's garlic and pepper onion hot dogs. Then it was up the Stairway to Heaven climb, not the first on the trip and apparently the go-to name for kick your ass climbs. At the top of the Pinwheel Vista a 200 pound bear munching on someones trash blocking dozens of day hikers from the view. Quick look at bear and I continued along with Tedward to the next shelter, but not before soaking our feet in the first clear stream in many miles. Full house at Wawayanda Shelter for the night. After collecting some water from nearby park office, taking outdoor G rated shower, and back to shelter to help some others remove some weight from their packs in the form of red wine from farmers market transported via Coca Cola bottles. Mosquitoes chased us to our tents/shelter right before the quick rain and lightning came. Uneventful night with some coyotes howling in the distance.
Date: 2020-06-20
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Home
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Left camp with no signs of rain last night but humidity levels say summer is here. Easy 1.9 miles to road crossing for my daughter to pick me up for a couple days rest to make sure no problems with ankle, which has been good. Prior to getting injury I took no days off and promised the family I would take a break, even 5 days into returning. Left some oranges for the forest dwellers coming behind me thanks to my daughter. 10am on the road and by noon I am home. Back to the woods hopefully by dinner Monday. Last trip home until the end.
Date: 2020-06-22
From: Home

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

The Princess dropped me off at Longhouse Drive at 5PM and off I went. I quickly realized I wasn't in forgiving NJ and abrupt ups and downs made for the day. Awesome views of Greenwood Lake as dusk fell. Came across one full grown garter snake who could care less I was walking right next to him. Two steps later a box turtle just chilling at the top of an area near Prospect Rock at over 1400 feet. Had to switch on my headlamp the last mile and got into camp with one section hiker. Some coyote howls at night.
Date: 2020-06-23
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brein Shelter
Miles today: 19.8

Right out the gate the trail roared its ugly head. No where do I recall reading that Southern New York was hard. Not a quip, passing statement, or complaint. Rocks, up and downs, hand grabbing, straight up climbs, and the always enjoyable open rock face tops. Oh did I mention there hasn't been any significant rain for awhile so water sources have become scarce. The Tuxedo Trail Angel's left gallons of water at one road crossing which was over an hour until next source, Thank You! Made it up along Fitzgerald Falls and through the Lemon Squeezer, which starts out wide enough to walk, then requires you to remove pack then climb out of crevice to continue. Recent "problem bear activity" as they call it, or bears ripping tents and backpacks apart for food, closed the closest shelter so off for 5 more miles to next shelter. My feet fingers are blistered. Not a bad day though.
Date: 2020-06-24
From: William Brein Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 
Miles today: 16.5

Terrain was much the same as the last two days, tough on feet. At Bear Mountain hit up some vending machines for ice cream and Visa says only two $2 chocolate eclairs before card is canceled for using it too far from home for small amounts. Half hour later after being on hold and a creamsicle is my reward. Bear Mountain has thousands of stone steps throughout park and every one is unique to its surroundings. View of NYC from summit near monument. Crossed Hudson River near West Point and back into woods. Met up with Viking, Table Saw, and Fly by Night at deli for late lunch. A former thru hiker approached with the standard term of endearment, "What's up trash", as in Hiker Trash. Couple more drinks and camp in a lot provided by the Graymoor Spiritual Center. Level grass, electric, and cold shower for thru hikers. Beautiful night, low humidity and no bears.
Date: 2020-06-25
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park 
Miles today: 13.8

Woke up refreshed from low humidity. Terrain is getting smoother than the last couple days but feet are blistered. Hiked off and on with Table Saw and we ended up at Fahnestock State Park around 4 just in time for concessions stand grill to close. Got some drink and ice cream then setup tent in thru hiker field. After park closed we could use outdoor shower, restroom, and swim in lake if we wished. Shower first as always. Another nice night.
Date: 2020-06-26
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park 

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter 
Miles today: 21.8

Left camp after Table Saw and had the park all to myself for a bit. Mostly lower elevations today with a view of a 9-11 memorial on top of Shenandoah Mountain. Past Nuclear Lake, which is named after a 1960's incident of a nearby nuclear lab that put some plutonium in the area which apparently has been remediated since then but did not make me 100% sure to drink the water. Locals were swimming, fishing, and sun bathing so must be okay, although they had this glow about them, well maybe not. As I made my way past a trail intersection north of Nuclear Lake I heard some leaves rustling about 100 feet away and then saw a couple coyotes running to my left and away with the sound of at least one other in a canyon nearby. They stopped and turned and looked my way about 200 feet away and I made no attempt to let them recognize, or smell, the fear of god and made my way north, quickly. Been hearing them at night lately but seeing them is pretty alarming, at least to me. Made it to camp and set up tent with just netting to keep bugs at bay. No water to make dinner or rinse. Section hiker came in after walking a mile off trail to get water. Tough getting sleep in humidity.
Date: 2020-06-27
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter 

To: Bulls Bridge Road 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

5:30 start, poor sleep, everything damp. About 3 mile walk to first water source. Crossed marsh area by boardwalk then some farm crossings. The higher the humidity the higher the bug population. Made a stop by 11 at Wiley Shelter and rinsed off at hand pump. NY has the distinction of the worst tasting water so far. I am also thrilled to get drinking water from sources that have signs indicating contaminants are present. Weather reports are for storms in next couple hours and the next shelter is 4 miles away so off I go. Drizzle starts as I get to Ten Mile Shelter and I set up my bug netting in shelter to avoid bugs. Heavy rains for next couple hours as I stay bug free but enjoying the mist blowing on my already damp gear. The mental game is getting tougher.
Date: 2020-11-20
From: Home

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 19.1

After leaving trail and thru hike attempt back in June I return to knock off a few more miles. Start where I got off trail in May while heading SOBO in Shenandoahs, at Wildcat Parking Lot. Along with my son Jack and just after 10am we start toward south end of park. Quickly the memory of hiking south with the sun in your face returns but this time instead of budding trees I shuffle through fallen leaves on the trail striking hidden rocks with my toes within minutes of hiking. Cool and dry weather makes for comfortable walking with only a handful of day hikers along the way. Much nicer hiking this time with a partner than the solitude from the spring. Only a handful of views today and minimal wildlife(several deer). We make it out of the Shenandoahs southern end by 4pm and decide to find first level stealth spot for camp with only an hour or so of sun left. With the trail skirting the side of the mountains and only passing level area at Lowe Family Cemetery, already claimed by the very quiet Lowe Family, we hike into the darkness by headlamp toward Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. Amazing how many spiders were out in late November and how their eyes reflect fluorescent green into the night. We make it to shelter by 6ish where 3 other hikers have made camp. Setup tents by headlamp, make dinner, ramen noodles with turkey pepperoni, and into tents by 7ish to the sound of the stream 50 feet away.
Date: 2020-11-21
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Awoke to the reminder of age and lack of hiking the last couple months. Awesome sunrise on crisp morning had us first out of camp by 8am to a reward of a 2000 foot climb to toward Humpback Mountain just over 6 miles away. About 20 people at Humpback Rocks view for our largest amount of people we would end up seeing over 3 days with everyone being good about giving space. Quite a few dog hikers today and passed over a dozen hikers by lunch planning on going to Paul Wolfe Shelter, with one crew carrying enough to open a backwoods bar. Terrain was tougher on the feet today but many more switchbacks than straight up and downs. Some really good views and even the trail with no open views had so many mature trees with unique branching and growth. Lunch today with a view of Wintergreen Resort ski area. Fellow hiker spotted the Fonzie sticker on my bear canister and explained to younger hiker the iconic but now archaic character. Leap Frogged with hiker Martin several miles from Dripping Rock to the Maupin Field Shelter where we made camp in the daylight. Boy Scout troop and about another dozen campers in area tonight but probably the largest camping area spread out through the woods I've seen on my entire hike so far. Instant mash potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and spam on a tortilla wrap for dinner by the rare campfire. Surprised the boy with his first taste of Crunch N Munch in his 23 years for an after dinner snack, which after doing chores I found an empty bag! Fire out and in tent by 6:30.
Date: 2020-11-22
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Virginia 56
Miles today: 9.0

Up and out of camp first again by 8am. Only heard one deer walking though camp during the night. 1200' climb awaited us this morning with fresh skewered blisters and a shot of Advil. Overcast windy morning worked in our favor whisking away the sweat this morning during our climb. Incredible views today with some serious drop offs. Nice stealth spots at elevation near views in this stretch. Goin was slow with the rockiest part of our outing coupled with our beat up feet and legs keeping our MPH low. The walks around the "draws or re-entrants" in the mountain sides were awesome with no leaves on the trees. Gradual downhill had us across the Tye River suspension bridge and back to our car by 1230. Guess the wraps up my mileage for 2020. Not bothered by not completing my thru hike attempt this year and no plans on trying a thru hike anytime soon. I had waited and wanted to thru hike for a long time but with the culmination of shut downs, too much solitude for my personality by starting SOBO from NJ, and then loosing contact with a great "Tramily" toward the end, it simply wasn't enjoyable anymore. I will keep the journal active for when I can add to the mileage to hopefully become a 2000 Miler. Thanks to anyone who followed along!
Date: 2021-06-20
From: Bulls Bridge Road 

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Dropped off near Bulls Bridge for some 2021 miles. Although some anxiety with hitting the trail, the stressors of last year of being consumed with finishing without interfering with prior commitments are long gone. First mile or so rekindle memories of the end of last years hike but the fresh air and easy trail are quick to get me into good spirits. Good little mix today of hills and small field walks. Amazing what a few hundred miles of hiking last year did for my skill set, mainly weight management in regards to carrying water. Carrying just what I need and being aware of upcoming water sources make the hiking a little bit easier, and the flavors of the iron infused water from New York are now replaced by the cleaner waters of New England. Chipmunks galore, as everywhere else on the trail, along with a couple garter snakes, and one mellow porcupine make up the wildlife today. Up to Caleb's Peak and down the steep and rocky St. Johns Ledges to the trail following the Housatonic River and the wonderful mosquitoes. Setup the tent at Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter area, little conversation with a couple flip floppers, past thru hiker Wind, and her brother and current thru hiker Boston, before heading to sleep with the sounds of coyotes howling as background music.
Date: 2021-06-21
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Early out of camp before anyone else was moving, trying to beat the bugs waking up. Overcast start to the day with rain slated for later tonight. Nice and level along the Housatonic River for an hour with one quick encounter with a turkey along the trail. Leap Frogged with Catapult and her sister for most of the day when the sun came out and roasted us through the leafless trees. For 10-12 miles today the damage caused by the gypsy moths was horrendous, brown views of surrounding mountain tops and continuous rain of caterpillar droppings are going to make for a lackluster fall in the area. The trail led through a Lemon Squeezer like formation today reminiscent of New York. Quite a few rock walls, commonplace the last couple hundred miles along the AT. Came across a mulberry tree near Rte 7 and 112 and stopped to sample some when I saw a fresh pile of bear scat near where I was standing. Hear rate up and time to move. My quick exit was interrupted less than a 100 yards later when I came back out to Rte 7 and saw an orange cooler making the thoughts of the recent bear sign a passing memory. An ice covered ice tea and orange was glorious. Back down the road/trail past a high school setup for graduation and and power generating station. Great Falls Ct was a nice stop to cool off while watching kayakers hone their skills in the turbulent water. Onto the Limestone Spring Shelter and its 1/2 mile downhill slide arriving around 8. Setup and camp chores down just as the rains start. At least the rain is drowning out the distant coyotes tonight, mostly.