morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Greg Anderson Shelter

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

I haven't seen a bear since the Shenandoahs, but NJ has about 1 per square mile since they are protected. I have had no sightings in NJ so far but had 4 separate bear encounters today. I only managed to get a picture of one of them though. Three of them ran off as soon as they heard me, but this one in the picture wasn't afraid of me at all. When I ran into him, I hiked back up the trail a little ways to let him pass and then took the picture. Fortunately, he moved on after a few minutes.I made it to the Murray Property (also known as the Secret Shelter), where I ran into Two Speed and Zman, about 4:30 pm. The shelter is actually a cabin on private property for thru-hiker use. It is really nice as it has potable water and a shower on the outside of a building. The shower was cold and out in the open, but I had no shame while using it as today was a really hot day.Tonight we are staying at the secret shelter with Tracker, Java Man, Gonzo, Grandpa, Kitty, and Rainbow Braid.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Murray Property

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up early this morning with Zman so we could get into town early and do our chores. We left around 6:00 am and booked it through the swamps of New Jersey. I thought for sure I would be covered in ticks but only found one today. The highlight of the day was running into a deer (pictured) on the trail that wasn't afraid of us at all.We made it to the road crossing to town around 12:00 pm and tried to hitch a ride. We almost gave up and started walking the trail when a lady from the church hostel pulled over and gave us a ride. We were later informed that hitching is illegal in NJ, which we were unaware of, and that we need to be more careful.Tonight I'm staying at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel in Vernon, NJ. The hostel is packed tonight with Gonzo, Zman, Cody Coyote, Tracker, Grandpa, Java Man, Rainbow Braid, and a few others.Also, we had to say goodbye to Two Speed this morning. Her grandfather passed away, so she is leaving the trail for a few days. We aren't sure if we will see her again but we hope she can catch up with us.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A trail angel named Butch gave Zman, Grandpa, and I a ride back to the trail from the hostel so that we didn't have to hitch ride. We had a large uphill climb to start the day. About half way up the climb, I had my 5th bear encounter over the last 3 days. I didn't notice him until I was almost within 20 feet of him. He kept looking at me but didn't seem to mind me too much, and I just kept moving up the trail past him.After the uphill climb, the trail became confusing with a lot of crossing trails and a lack of proper blazes. I had to backtrack several times as I took multiple wrong turns. Also, the trail was tough because several miles consisted of nothing but boulder climbing along the mountain ridge.With 2 miles left to the shelter, I stopped at a road crossing that I had been looking forward to all day since a hot dog stand and ice cream shop were just down the road. Fortunately, I just made it to the hot dog stand before closing and was their last customer for the day. Then Java and I loaded up on ice cream.Tonight I'm tenting outside the shelter with Zman, Java, Gonzo, Rainbow Braid, Meadow Flapjack, Sherpa, and several others.Also, I passed the NJ-NY border today. 6 states to go.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

New York has been tougher than the rocks in Pennsylvania for the last two days. The first 10 miles of trail today consisted of nothing but boulders and very steep up and down climbs. Despite starting early this morning around 7:00 am, I didn't hit the 10 mile mark until noon. Luckily the trail smoothed out a little bit for the last 10 miles, but today was still probably the toughest 20 mile day so far.With 4 miles left to the shelter, Zman and I decided to take a half mile detour to Lake Tiorati Park for a coke and a free shower. We got a coke and ate lunch, but the shower had no hot water. I have taken a lot of really cold showers on this trip, but I couldn't take the plunge into this one. It was just way too cold. After the stop, I finally made it to the shelter around 6:30 pm.Tonight I'm tenting outside the shelter with Zman, Sherpa, Nightrider, and Java. Since I was so exhausted, I wanted to use the shelter tonight so that I wouldn't have to set up my tent. However, the shelter sucks and is filled with trash. Also, I should probably hang my food bag, but I'm going to take my chances.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

After two surprisingly tough days in New York, today was much smoother and there were fewer rocks. I did have one decent size ascent to the top of Bear Mountain this morning, but the rest of the day was fairly easy. When I reached the top of Bear Mountain, I saw a silhouette of a bear on top of a rock, which I thought was a statue. But as I got closer I realized it was an actual bear. Unlike my previous encounters, I managed to take some good pics and a video of this one.After Bear Mountain, the trail actually passed through a zoo. I have seen most of the animals in the zoo while hiking. However, it was nice to see some of them behind glass, including the timber rattlesnakes. The snakes on display there were much smaller than the one I ran across a few days ago.With a half mile left before reaching my planned tent site, the trail passed a gas station and deli. I ordered a large pizza and so did most of the other hikers, which included Zman, Java, Nightrider, Mainiac, and Crazy Frog. We took a really long break there before heading to the tent site since we didn't have to cook our dinner tonight.Tonight we are tenting on a baseball field at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. The church has built a pavilion and an outside shower next to the ball field just for thru-hikers. After 3 really hot days, I really enjoyed the shower even though it was unbearably cold. Several other hikers arrived at the field later including Tracker, Miles, Flash Gordon, Sassy Pants, and Tempo.Since the video link isn't working, here is the web address for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-K39owxn5o
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

I left the tent site this morning around 7:00 am and hiked all day by myself. The weather was extremely hot and humid, so I took a lot of breaks. I was surprised that I didn't see any other hikers during the day since i was moving so slow, but they must have been taking long breaks as well.I arrived at the shelter around 5:00 pm where I found Zman and Tempo already set up. The shelter is one of the nicest shelters I have seen in awhile, so I decided to claim a spot and not setup my tent. This shelter is close to the road and a nearby pizza place delivers here. Since I have had enough pizza the last two days, I decided not to order any and cook some of my food. However, some section hikers ordered too much pizza, and I ended up eating their leftovers.Tonight the shelter is packed with Zman, Tempo, Sherpa, Crazy Frog, Java, Tracker, Sassy Pants, Little Rock, and several weekend hikers. I'm starting to regret setting up in the shelter as the Mosquitos are swarming me. Hopefully they will subside some after sunset.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: RPH Shelter

To: Pawling, NY
Miles today: 17.5

I started really early this morning at 6:30 am as I wanted to make it to town early this afternoon. After 5 miles of hiking though, Zman, Java, Nightrider, and I took a long break at a deli a half mile off the trail and had our second breakfast of the day. We finally left there after an hour and half. We quickly regretted the long break though, because it was already 80 degrees by 9:30 am.After a lot of breaks throughout the day, I reached the shelter located just before the road crossing into town. Zman, Nightrider, and Java arrived 30 minutes later. Java and I then said goodbye to Zman and Nightrider, and we both headed into the next town so we can take the train into NYC tomorrow morning.Java and I hiked another mile to the road crossing where we saw the Dover Oak Tree, the largest oak tree on the trail. After a few pics, we then took a taxi into Pawling, NY, which is small town. The town allows thru-hikers to tent at the nearby park for one night and to have free access to the lake and beach, which we needed since we didn't want to stink up the train tomorrow. However, when we arrived at the park, we found the lake and beach hadn't been open in a couple of years, and the lake looked more like a swamp. The park did have a shower on the side of one the buildings. Unfortunately the shower was definitely not meant for full shower use as it was fully exposed to the public with the road on one side and the park on the other. To make matters worse, a birthday party was going on that night in the building next to the shower. Despite the party, Java and I still took showers after it got dark. I had to make one dash into the nearby restroom while taking my shower, but I don't think anyone saw me.This entry will be my last entry for a few days as Java and I plan to take a few zeros in NYC.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Pawling, NY

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 27.8
Weather: clear sky

I had a great time in New York City the last few days and took the train back to the trail last night. I ended up leaving Java behind though as he decided to stay through the weekend. I was a little worried that I would no longer know anybody on the trail now after taking a few days off but managed to meet up with both Two Speed and Trucker early this morning. It was good to be back hiking with both of them. I haven't seen Trucker since our trip to DC.We had a really long day since we wanted to finish New York, and we finally crossed the Connecticut border after 10 miles. We had a fairly tough day with a lot of small ups and downs and tons of mosquitoes. I have been trying not to use too much DEET but was forced to bath in it today. Fortunately the shelter we are staying at tonight has a nice stream next to it, so I was able to rinse most of it off.Tonight I'm tenting outside the shelter with Two Speed, Trucker, and EZ. Heartrock, Tall Boy, and Wild Blue are staying in the shelter. I would stay in the shelter since rain is expected tonight, but the mosquitoes are just too bad.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: few clouds

We had a tough day of hiking today with a lot of pointless ups and downs in extremely hot temperatures. I did get to take a dip in the stream in the picture, Guinea Brook, about halfway through the day. That rejuvenated me for the rest of the day.I made it to Falls Village around 5:00 pm and ran into Two Speed and Trucker. The trail passes a hydroelectric plant here, and I had been looking forward to the plant all day since the power company has an outside shower for thru-hiker use. However, the shower is on the side of a building facing a river and nearby park where several locals were fishing and enjoying the day. Despite the audience, I still took a shower (with my shorts still on) as I was soaked in sweat and DEET.Two Speed, Trucker, and I debated about hiking further to the next tent site but didn't want to put our hiking shoes back on. So we walked the road to the actual town of Falls Village, which ended up being a great decision. Our guidebook didn't have anything listed for the town except for free tenting at a local cafe, but we found a general store, pizza delivery place, and a lot of friendly locals as soon as we walked into town.Tonight I'm tenting in the backyard of the Toymakers Cafe with Two Speed, Trucker, Bulldog, Crush, and Firehands. The town's general store is having live music tonight, so we are all headed there for a late night.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Falls Village, CT

To: Brassie Brook Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a great time in Falls Village last night. Before we left this morning, we had a late breakfast at the Toymakers Cafe, which was really good. We then hiked a quick 8 miles to a road crossing near Salisbury, CT where we found trail magic when a hiker group called ALDHA fed us a large lunch. While at the hiker feed, we caught up with a ton of thru-hikers I haven't seen in a while including Mudmouth, Yardsale, Maniac, Gonzo, Rainbow Braid, Sassy Pants, and Tracker.After spending almost 2 hours at the trail magic site, Two Speed and I decided to hike on as we wanted to cross the CT/MA border today while most of the other hikers decided to stay in town. We reached a shelter with 4 miles left to the border when it started to drizzle. We decided to wait at the shelter for a few minutes to see if the rain would pass. However, after two hours of heavy rain we decided to claim spots in the shelter.Tonight I'm in the shelter with Two Speed, Zorro, Rocky, and 3 section hikers. We hoped the heavy rain would keep the mosquitoes away, but I'm getting eaten alive as I write this entry.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Brassie Brook Shelter

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Zorro, Two Speed, and I started early this morning around 6:30 am as we were supposed to have about a 3 hour break in the rain according to the forecast. We wanted to complete the first 8 miles before the rain started as the trail had several steep and rocky ascents and descents in our guidebooks including Bear Mountain and Mt. Everett. I managed to make it up and over Bear Mountain before the heavy rain, but the downpour started as I was climbing up the rocks on Mt. Everett. By the time I climbed halfway up, the rock face had turned into a stream/waterfall. I tried taking a few pics of what I was going through but couldn't get my phone to work in the rain.The trail leveled out some after the mountains but the rain continued, and I had to hike through deep puddles for the next 9 miles until I got to the road crossing to Barrington, MA. Normally I would be absolutely miserable in these conditions. However, since I knew I was going to make it to a hotel by the end of the day, I actually enjoyed them.Tonight I'm staying in a hotel in Barrington, MA with Zorro and Two Speed. We are heading to the local theater to watch the new Superman movie and are currently unsure of our plans for tomorrow if this weather continues.Also, I finished Connecticut today and only have 4 states remaining.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Boston, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We woke up to more rain this morning and there is rain forecast for today and tomorrow. So, none of us felt like hiking this morning. Fortunately Two Speed and I ran into Pumpkinhead yesterday, and he told us his mom was picking him up this morning so he could spend the next few days at home for the 4th. He also told us that his mom would be glad to drop us off near Boston where Two Speed's family lives. Two Speed and I decided to take the offer and rode to Boston. Zorro almost decided to go as well but decided to hike today since he just got back on the trail.Tonight I'm spending the night at Two Speed's family's house, which is near Walden Pond. This entry will be last one for a few days as I celebrate the 4th in Boston.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I had a great time in Boston and got back to the trail today. However, as soon as Two Speed, Pumpkinhead, and I arrived in Great Barrington, a tornado warning was issued for the area, so we decided not to hike any today. Tonight we are staying in the East Mountain Retreat Center.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Pumpinhead, Two Speed, and I got an easy hitch this morning from the hostel back to the trail. We were greeted with tons of mosquitoes as soon as we hit the trail, and they were persistent all day. I'm glad I bought a head net and more DEET while in Boston, because otherwise I think I would have lost my mind.We hiked 11 miles to the Beartown State Forest, which had a lake with a beach. We had lunch there, and then Pumpkinhead and I went swimming. This was my first time swimming while I've been on the trail. As soon as we finished swimming, we noticed a thunderstorm headed our way. Since we only had 7 miles remaining to the campsite, we decided to wait it out in the park's restrooms, which was a great decision.Tonight Two Speed and I are tenting at the Shaker Campsite. Pumpkinhead was supposed to meet us here, but we still haven't seen him and it's already 8:00pm. I hope he is okay.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Washington Mt Rd
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Since rain was forecast for this afternoon, I started early this morning at 6:30 am to try to beat the rain. I made good time but took a long lunch break at a stream to dry my tent out as it rained constantly last night. I made it to the tent site around 4:30 pm and pitched my tent just before the rain started.I didn't take any pictures today because there wasn't anything too interesting on the trail today. We are all looking forward to finishing Massachusetts. Tonight Phantom, Two Speed, and I are tenting at the "Home of the Cookie Lady", which is a house off the side of a trail that has a blueberry farm. The homeowners were very nice and gave us homemade cookies. Also, I finally heard from Pumpkinhead. He has been dealing with Lyme disease the last few weeks and had to stop short of the campsite yesterday due to exhaustion. He is okay though.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Washington Mt Rd

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

We had another hot and muggy day of hiking today with tons of mosquitoes. My clothes have been soaked in my sweat for the past two days and haven't been able dry overnight due to the humidity and rain. Luckily the trail passed through the town of Dalton today where Two Speed, Phantom, and I were able to do some laundry and have some dry clothes at least for a few hours.After laundry and a big lunch in town, we hiked another 8 miles to the next trail town, which was Cheshire, MA. Fortunately we made it there just before the rain started. I ran into some other hikers (Sugarbombs, Blue Eyes, and Finder) who told us there is a crowd at the hostel tonight. I was kind of surprised as I have only ran into 1 other thru-hiker the last 2 days.Tonight I'm staying at St. Mary's Church hostel in Cheshire, MA with Two Speed, Blue Eyes, Phantom, Little Rock, Timber, Sugarbombs, and Finder. We are headed to the local pizza place tonight for dinner and to celebrate Two Speed's birthday.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Williamstown, MA
Miles today: 14.7

I started early this morning as I had the first decent size uphill climb I've had in a very long time to Mt. Greylock (3491 ft). The climb wasn't that bad since the temperature was cooler this morning. The trail scenery was much nicer as well as the trees changed from hardwoods to fir and spruce trees as I climbed higher. When I arrived at the top of Mt. Greylock I could barely see the memorial due to heavy fog. However, while I was having lunch at the nearby lodge the fog lifted and I was able to take some really good pictures.As I was leaving Mt. Greylock, I took my hardest fall on the trail so far when I slipped on a wet rock. I didn't have any major injuries but did cut my hand and arm up a little bit. Unfortunately Two Speed saw the fall and laughed uncontrollably for about 5 minutes.Two Speed and I made it to the road to Williamstown by 2:00 pm where the hotel we are staying at gave us a ride into town. We did laundry and resupplied. Then we went to Desperado's Mexican restaurant, which our guidebook mentions as a hiker friendly restaurant. The food was great, and the restaurant actually gives thru-hikers a free dinner. Our total bill was only $8 plus a big tip.Tonight I'm staying at the Williamstown Motel which is one of the nicest hotels with a cheap hiker rate that I have stayed in while on the trail. The owners were very nice and offered a free ride back to the trail tomorrow morning.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The hotel owner in Williamstown couldn't take us back to the trail until 9:00 am so Two Speed and I tried to hitch but were unsuccessful. We finally hit the trail again around 9:15 am and crossed the MA-VT border an hour later.The weather was great with temperatures in the 60s and 70s most of the day and low humidity. It was probably the best weather we have had in over a month. Also, the trail and the scenery were the best I have seen since probably Virginia and perhaps before Virginia. I have been told this would happen when I reached Vermont and have been looking forward to it since Pennsylvania.Tonight I'm tenting outside the shelter with Goose, Two Speed, All The Way, and several section hikers. It was good to run into Goose again. I haven't seen him since Glasgow, VA. We stayed up until around 9:00 pm catching up on the last couple of months.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Black Brook
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning to more great hiking weather with temperatures in the 50s. I was able to make great time and met up with All the Way, Two Speed, and Goose 13 miles up the trail at the second shelter (Kid Gore Shelter) around 1:00 pm. We took a long lunch break to enjoy the view of the mountains from the shelter and were about to leave when it started to rain.We waited an hour for the rain to stop and then hiked onto the next shelter. Along the way, we ran into the first big group of southbound thru-hikers, who had started June 1st. We stopped and gave each other tips on what to expect over the next 50 miles.I made it to the 3rd shelter around 5:00 pm and decided to hike another 3 miles to a campsite to setup a shorter day into town tomorrow. Tonight I'm tenting at the campsite next to Black Brook with Little Rock and Two Speed.
Date: 2013-07-14
From: Black Brook

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

I woke up early this morning and started hiking at 6:00 am so I could get into town early to do my chores. Except for some early morning fog on Stratton Mountain, the trail was really nice today and Vermont is definitely my favorite state so far.When I arrived at the road to town around 1:00 pm, I ran into Baylor and Baker, whom I hadn't seen since PA. They had just gotten a hitch back to the trail after staying in town last night, and their driver gave us some free drinks from his cooler before leaving. We spent some time catching up while I was waiting on Two Speed and Little Rock so the three of us could try to hitch into town. Luckily we got a quick hitch as a local minister offered us a ride. Surprisingly, almost all of my hitches have been from women, including this one.Tonight I'm staying at the Green Mountain House Hostel along with Two Speed, Little Rock, and Marketman (a southbounder). This hostel is relatively new and probably the cleanest hostel on the trail. We had a good time at the hostel, and the southbounder gave us a lot helpful advice for the rest of Vermont and New Hampshire.