morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Graymoore Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 21.9

A wet day but a good day. It rained all day but it wasn't too heavy. There are no downpours so I stayed moderately dry. My feet were soaked the entire day though. The trail was flooded. I couldn't avoid it.The trail was a huge river or lake at times. The rocks were slick and required close attention on how I stepped. It would sound like it was slow going but I made good time actually. The train wasn't technical like yesterday, just wet. There were flat sections even. It had a good combination of terrain.There was one climb I was really looking forward to: Black Mountain. Just before I descend to the Palisades Parkway, Black Mountain offers views of the New York skyline. It's a really impressive view. I saw it on a clear day or year or so back. Seeing the skyline from the woods is amazing. Today however the weather had obscured the skyline. I figured it would because it was foggy and visibility was minimal but I was hopeful anyway.I had a hike up to Bear Mountain today. It was also in fog and mist. The tower on top, the Perkins Memorial, was closed too. The only thing I could do was eat lunch and continue on. It brought me down the mountain on hand to cut stone steps built decades ago. You could see the chisel and drill marks still there. Once down mountain, the trail brought me through the Bear Mountain Zoo actually. Because of the way the weather was, I wasn't sure if it would be open or would be closed. If it was open I get to breeze on through and even see the exhibits. If it was closed I would need to take the bypass around the zoo. When I got down to the zoo I saw that it was open. As I went through it goes next to the bear den. It is the official lowest point on the AT at 124 feet.With the zoo behind me, I crossed over the beautiful Bear Mountain Bridge; it goes over the Hudson River. There was a very steep climb shortly after but the trail leveled out. It eventually brought me to the Appalachian Market, where the trail passes by. It's where I'm resupplying tomorrow so I stopped in to see what I'm working with...and grab a couple snacks. It looks like I'll be fine. Just a bit more junk food instead of actual meals. I'll have to backtrack the 6/10 of a mile but that's no big deal. Tomorrow is only going to be 17.5 miles anyway.I'm staying the night at the Graymoore Spiritual Life Center. Tonight I have running water, trash cans, an outlet and even a shower available. I guess I'm living the high life. Actually, it's chilly out so the shower will have to wait until tomorrow!
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Graymoore Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

The sun¢¦ It was out! No rain! The trail wasn't a stream! Life is good!The first thing I had to do was resupply. I left the Greymoore and backtracked the half a mile to get to the store. They didn't have any real dinners but their snack and bakery food we're good. So I resupplied for today and tomorrow. In hindsight, I should've sucked it up and done snack food for Friday. Now I need to go a mile and a half into town to resupply tomorrow just for a day or so. I messed that up. At least it's a shorter day.Once I resupplied and was organized, I was feeling good and making good time throughout the day. I went down to the Clarence Fahnstock State Park for a warm shower. It was great! I smelled really bad so I now feel human again. Once I was done I took a walk to a picnic table near the beach. I set out gear to dry as I ate lunch in the sun. It was fantastic!At about 3 PM, I got back on the trail to finish the last 3.7 miles. I made it to the Shenandoah Tenting Area but soon moved to the RPH Shelter when I saw a sign about contaminated water. At the RPH are a couple through hikers and flip-flop is that I don't know too well. That's okay though. I had my sandwich I packed out from the market this morning and I sat around with them.With dry feet tonight, I have a positive outlook for tomorrow!
Date: 2015-06-04
From: RPH Shelter

To: Native Landscapes Garden Center 
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

I left the shelter at 6:15 AM. I needed to be on the trail ASAP because I had to resupply in town today.I started hiking and hour or so into the hike I met "Elvis Trailsley". He's a 4000 miler and a trail maintainer. He was removing rocks from the footpath and making stonewalls alongside. He has really put time and effort into his section. You don't see such attention along the trail anymore.At the 5 mile mark of the hike I had a decision: see about a resupply 4/10 of a mile away, but it could be a waste. Or, skip it for the guaranteed resupply but it's a mile and a half into town. I ultimately chose to see if the 4/10 of a mile was worth it. It turned out that is was actually. I resupplied for tomorrow and grabbed a bacon, egg, and cheese before I left. I'm glad I stopped!The hike continued on for the next 15 miles. It wasn't too challenging but I felt a bit tired today. I tried eating a bunch of snacks but my body just didn't want to move. I had to put in my headphones for the last 8 miles to help me get through the day.Despite a lethargic day, the miles themselves were pretty. There was a nice lake the trail goes by and there were countless stonewalls. The stonewalls seem to be endless in the length. There were quite a few foundations also. I love walking in the New York woods. The day concludes in my tent at the Native Landscapes Garden Center. They allow hikers to camp for free, get water and use their outdoor shower. The bad thing is my tent is about 25 feet from train tracks. On the other side of me is a very busy road, similar to Route 10. Metro-North seems to be running every 45 minutes. Good for passengers, bad for hikers. It literally feels like the train is right next to me. I feel the ground shake and the light on the front shines right into my tent. The only good thing is there is a deli just down the street. Even though I just had dinner, I felt it was a good idea to walk down the street for some chips and ice cream. Yum!! Tomorrow I cross into Connecticut. I can't wait to be home! These last 300 miles have been tough. The anticipation has been killing me. I love being out here, 110%. I am just looking forward to seeing everyone sleeping in my bed. It seems like Sunday can't come soon enough!
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Native Landscapes Garden Center 

To: Mount Algo Shelter
Miles today: 18.1

CONNECTICUT!!!I got up early and was feeling good. I knew that in a couple hours my feet would be on my home-turf. It was motivation!I crossed cow pasture, a native reserve, and a couple of small roads. At about 9 AM I crossed White Road and reentered the trail. About 50 yards in was the new sign welcoming me to Connecticut. It was a great feeling! It took 95 days but I'm back in my home state.Being back in Connecticut is excellent! My body is a bit tired, I can tell, but I'll have time to rest. It's been tougher to hammer out the climbs. I just need to get through tomorrow and part of Sunday and I will be home.The remainder of the day was a bit difficult. There were some solid climbs but I made it to the Mount Algo Shelter at about 3 PM. Although I was still feeling sluggish, I figured that calories couldn't hurt. I wanted to cut that deficit down. I took a mile walk from the trail and down the road to a local ice cream shop in the center of Kent. I had a couple hotdogs and two scoops of ice cream. It was, as expected, overpriced for what I got. That's Kent for you! It was a nice treat on the trail but I wouldn't be back otherwise. With a stomach moderately full from the overpriced food, I took a walk down the road to their local IGA. I figured while I was in town I might as well resupply for tomorrow and part of Sunday. I bought a lot of food. I think I need to eat more, so let's try out what I bought!Food in hand, I walked back to the trail and to the shelter. Lorax and Blood Blister are staying the night as well. We hung out for a little while while I broke down my food. It was fun to just chat about the day.One more state down and two more days until I'm home. I can't wait!
Date: 2015-06-07
From: HOME - Southington, CT

To: HOME - Southington, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It was so nice to sleep in my own bed last night. I know this visit short so I'm going to enjoy every minute I can!I had to run a couple errands this morning. Nikki would be home from her trip and arrive before me. When I walked in the door I received the biggest hug I had ever had. It was nice to see her once again! We chatted for a while, caught up a bit and then went over to mom and dads for dinner.Dinner with everyone seemed normal again we were all together. It felt like I never left. After dinner, Nikki and I took a drive to Friendly's for some milkshakes. We brought them back and just relaxed on the couch enjoying each other's company. It took a while to get back home but I'm glad to be here!
Date: 2015-06-08
From: HOME - Southington, CT

To: HOME - Southington, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept it. It doesn't happen on the trail because I have to get the miles in. This was a nice change. I was tired so I'm hoping to sleep will help me be refreshed when I get back to the trail on Wednesday.It's Nikki's birthday today and we had a party tonight. We had to run to REI, Stop & Shop and Walmart before, however. I needed some odds and ends at REI and we needed snacks for this evening from Stop & Shop. I needed to resupply so Walmart was right there and was a good option. We were busy but it was great to be together.We had everyone over and it was nice to see the in-laws, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law. I had not seen them yet. Heg also joined the party. My only concern was that people would talk to me about the trip and lose focus on the reason we are all together: Nikki's birthday. I'm glad she was the focus, although I did talk with them about my trip a little bit.I'm so happy I was able to be here today. I didn't think getting here would be possible couple hundred miles back. I guess things have a way of working out!
Date: 2015-06-09
From: HOME - Southington, CT

To: HOME - Southington, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A bittersweet day. I was able to see many people but I will leave in the morning. I've enjoyed it all today!I slept in once again. My body really must of been tired. I needed to break down all of my food and Nicky helped me with it. It was a huge help because I had to get the rest of my gear set. It takes longer than you may think. I'm leaving first thing in the morning so I had to make sure I'm 100% ready.I actually had to go back to REI today. In haste, and with a ton of things on both of our minds, I forgot to get the new pair of shoes I needed for the trail.so¢¦ I went back and got what I needed.I also went to camp and went down to the why. I was able to see everyone once again. It was a great feeling to hear how many people are closely following my journey. They were so excited to see me and I was just as excited to see them. It was a nice treat.I can't wait to see them again soon!The last couple people I saw where charting and Craig. We went to Chili's for happy hour. It was good to catch up. It will be nice when I see them again.The night concludes with homemade tacos with Nikki. It's great to have this last night together again. It's sad though. It's been difficult for both of us while I've been away. These couple days together we're like I never left. I routines were back. Our jokes were back. It felt normal.I think were both avoiding thinking about being apart again. It's always difficult meeting. The positives are that I will be home sooner. I have a goal of 699.1 miles until I'm home again.I'm fortunate off to have had this time to be home with everyone. Not everyone can say that. Some hikers are from the other side of the country or The other side of the world. To be as close as one hour from the trail is a blessing.I loved my time home. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon. In the meantime, I have a goal to complete this. It starts back up tomorrow morning. Be home soon!
Date: 2015-06-10
From: HOME - Southington, CT

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was nice to be home these last few days. But today it was back to the trail. Mom and dad brought me back to the parking area in Falls Village where I left off. On the way we stop for some breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts.Once I made it to the trail and started walking I felt good. It was good to be outside and be exercising again. I wasn't sure how I feel for the rest of the day though. What I feel physically good because of the rest or would my body not want to work? What I feel mentally refreshed or drained because I'm heading back? It was one of those things I needed to figure out as I walked.As I was walking I was thinking about the other hikers I've been with. Although we don't necessarily hike together we do see each other often either on the trail for that camp. I was wondering how far ahead they are since I took three days off. I also didn't know who is behind me or who is on the trail with me.As I was talking to resection hiker, trail Walker came down the trail. We chatted for a few then just Seppi came down the trail! They were staying at a hostel for tonight. So they were no further along than I was. Now I know who is around and where they are. Unfortunately bear fish and Kate you are somewhere behind. Either way, I'm ahead. I don't have that pressure (I put on myself) to catch up to anyone.After figuring out who's around, Giuseppe and I hiked for a couple miles. It felt great again. I knew that today was going to be 23 miles. I felt rejuvenated. I was in a better mood. I needed that push to get me through the day.The hike it's self had a few big climbs. The difficulty was the rocks though. They were hurting my feet quite a bit. There was also water on the trail in the rocks making it more difficult and slowing my progress. I made it though.I didn't get into camp until 7:15 PM I set up my tent, inflated my sleeping pad, took out my gear, filtered water, etc. By the time dinner was cooked it was after 8 PM. That's what I find tough about getting large mile days in. You get in later and you feel rushed before bed. It doesn't always happen, like today. But it was worth it to get the miles in.I called Nikki from camp tonight. She's doing better which makes me feel better. It's tough to be away but it's actually easier now. Before I left we didn't know what to expect. We need to figure it out as we want. Now we had a time to see each other and now we know what to expect for the next, hopefully, 50 days.The day worked out. I'm just tired because as I write it is 10 PM. Tomorrow should be another 20 mile day or so. I always feel accomplished when I break the 20 mile mark. I guess we'll see what tomorrow is like.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Mount Wilcox Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

I slept really well last night. I think those 23 miles took it out of me. I ended up being a bit tired during the day too. I felt like my body didn't work. I stopped for bagels and peanut butter about an hour into the hike. I was hoping the carbs would kick in and shortly after, they did.As I was sitting enjoying my bagels with peanut butter, I could hear other hikers in the distance. There were two through hikers, a boyfriend and girlfriend on their way. It reminded me of how Nikki and I height. Unfortunately we haven't been able to do that in the past few months. I miss hiking and joking around with her on our walks. Hopefully in a couple months we will be hiking together once again.My energy picked up and I hiked on. I walked through forests of spruce and pine. I walked through tall grass fields. I walked on slick rocks of mountains. There was a nice variety of terrain and scenery.The day went on and I put in the miles. I stopped at the Tom Leonard shelter late in the day. I met for friends from all over the country who were out hiking together for a short period of time. We chatted for a bit and one guys gave me a block of smoky chipotle cheddar cheese. It was fantastic!I left the shelter and had just 5 miles left for the day. They went by quickly and I was in camp by 430. That was nice!Tomorrow is going to be shorter but it's going to be at the goose Pond cabin so it's okay. Looking forward to it!
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Mount Wilcox Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Today was a great day to hike. The ground was soft and the weather was nice. There are wild raspberries popping up along the trail. There are countless chipmunks running around and playing. The forest is alive.I hiked a couple hours and got to see mom and dad again. I ordered something that didn't come in until I left. They brought it up to me in Lee, MA. They even brought me a snack. And by snack, I mean a bottle of Coke and four glazed donuts! Mmmmmm! After the short visit I was off to the trail and they were on their way too.I hiked on with my goal of making it to the Upper Goose Pond Cabin. It's an amazing cabin built in the 1900's. It sleeps 15, has a fire place, a fire pit, tenting areas, a doc, swimming, and you can even take out canoes. It really is an amazing cabin. When I was out hiking in Massachusettes before, I always wanted to stay here but never actually made it. I'm glad I finally made it this time!I dropped off my gear, got a bit organized and took a walk to the dock. The water looked beautiful so I had to go for a swim. The water was as nice as it looked. It was a bit cool but it felt nice after a warm day of hiking.After the swim I grabbed my journal, my cell phone, and walked down to the dock again. It was quiet so I figured it would be a great place start typing up my trailjournal. It's been difficult to update it lately. Either I've been getting in late, tried to conserve my battery, or just been tired. I was glad I could do some updating. I had a beautiful view in front of me as I typed away.I updated the journal from the last eight days and headed back up to the cabin about 8:00pm. There was Cruise Control playing Wagon Wheel on guitar. Another guy, Mike, played the fiddle alongside him. With a small fire pit going in the background, it was the perfect ending to the day. It's a memory that will stick in my mind for quite some time.The day went well and I'm staying in the cabin. No tenting for me tonight. It's supposed to storm so I'm taking cover!
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6

I'm glad I slept indoors. The weather got really bad last night. I could hear the rain coming down and the thunder rolling in the distance.When I got up and out of my bunk, I packed up all of my stuff to get rolling. It was about 6:30am when I got to the trail and started walking. About 45 minutes into the hike I turned the corner and there was a moose! It was in the middle of the trail at a stream. I was backing away slowly and snapped a picture too. I made some noise so it would hear me and after it saw me, it slowly wandered up trail. It was amazing to see. I guess I was pretty lucky.After the moose sighting, I continued hiking with my heart still pumping with excitement. The trail was very muddy with ruts all over the place. There were countless foot-planks and rocks to walk on and avoid the water and mud on trail. There were streams, ponds and marshes all along the way. This is what I imagine the trail in Vermont will look like.At eleven miles in, I made it to a road where The Cookie Lady lives. She is a trail angel who provides hikers with cookies and a place to fill water bottles. She also accepts and holds packages from hikers. I shipped myself two days of food so I didn't have to go off-trail to a grocery store to resupply, or make it to a Post Office by a specific time. I generally don't mail myself food, in fact this was only the second time so far. It just worked best in this case. Either way, I met the Cookie Lady's husband, Roy. He is this nice old man who welcomed me, gave me my package and even a couple chocolate chip cookies. It was a nice stop and I sat at his picnic table to eat lunch too. I didn't want to stay too long because I still had 10 more miles to do. So, after a quick lunch I was back on the trail.I hiked on and came to a parking lot where there were a few section hikers. They wanted to feed me and I was happy to let them! I was given two Cliff bars, two freeze-dried meals, a bag of homemade beef jerky and some fresh carrots. It was great to have these treats and they were super nice to talk to.After the goodies, it was off to Dalton, MA where I am staying the night. Me, Lonely and Cruise Control got our tents set up and were driven to into town. We hit the Country Buffet, Walmart and the the Mill Town Tavern to end the night. At about 10:30pm Luke Trailwalker showed up after doing 33 miles...unreal. It was a pretty nice day overall!
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Dalton, MA

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

I got to bed late last night. By the time I got back and finished writing in my journal it was 11:30pm. I got up early still. I packed up my gear and Tom Levardi (the owner of the house where I set my tent up last night) invited me and the other three hikers in for some breakfast. We enjoyed bagels with cream cheese, orange juice and coffee cake. I was able to save my Pop Tarts and honey bun for a bit later now!I left the house at 7:00am and was on my merry way. Shortly after I started I crossed a small bridge over the Housatonic River for the last time. For the last x-amount of hundreds of miles the trail crossed over it back and forth. Now, no more. About 10 miles into the hike, the trail goes through a neighborhood. From where I was walking, I could see the tower at the summit of Mount Greylock in the distance. I'm not sure how many miles it would be if "the crow fly's" but it was about 8 miles by foot. But after the neighborhood road walk it dropped me off to Route 8 in Massachusetts. There was a Shell gas station just off trail so I stopped in for a snack and a refill on my water bottles. I couldn't stay long though, I had a long uphill to Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. It had some steep sections but it was mainly a multiple-hour climb. Along the way I caught glimpses of the tower again. Sometimes it was as little as a mile away but it looked like it'd take forever by foot. Thankfully, it didn't.I arrived at Greylock for the second time ever, now. The first time was when Nikki and I day-hiked it many years back. I had perfect weather today, like we had back when we hiked it together. When I made it to the summit it was very busy. It was the weekend so it was expected. I just stopped for a couple pictures, to fill my water bottles and keep on rolling.It was only a couple more miles to get to the shelter from the summit of Greylock. The miles went by quickly and I was happy to be at camp buy 4:45pm. It makes the rest of the night less stressful since I don't have to rush. Even though it is currently 8:21pm, it's not bad. I did everything I needed to do and writing is relaxing.I'm staying in the shelter tonight. It sounds like the weather is going to be rainy tonight. It even may be rainy tomorrow too.