morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-08
From: High Point shelter

To: Mount Vernon, N.J.
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Only 3 of 8 made it to the State Park last night. After a brief swim we scrambled to set up before dark. The extra large stone bath house was left unlocked. This seemed like a great place to stealth. Camping in a bathroom would be a first. Unfortunately after setting up and starting to cook supper we discovered it was infested with spiders and mosquitoes. So we broke everything down in the dark and set up again outside. Finally and end to a long, hot day (10:30 pm).   When we woke up this morning we realized that some of the other hikers got to the state park in the dark and set up in the woods. As we talked to everyone another friend said he was too sick and dehydrated and was going to stay at the beach today. So it's Otter and I with everyone else left behind. The first thing we saw as we climbed the hill out of beach area was the High Point Monument which is the tallest elevation in New Jersey. Then something amazing happened. All the rock's and boulders finally disappeared. Many hikers have been injured or quit in the last 3 weeks do to the rocks. It lifted my spirits beyond belief. With flat terrain and no rocks, Otter and I had 10 miles accomplished by 10 in the morning. Finally we're able to walk and look around and see things other than the top of our sneakers.   Otter and I stayed together the entire 20 miles today. And I thanked him for that as I know he could have hiked quicker. When the trail came out to the road crossing for Vernon New Jersey we couldn't pass up an ice cream stand 100 yards to my left. During a quick break it started to rain and we figured we might lose our chance at getting a hitch into town. Bad enough for stinky hikers but when we're soaking wet not many people want to offer you a spot in their vehicle. After numerous cars passed us a young man came out of the house we were standing in front of, asked us a few questions and immediately offered us a ride into town. Just getting used to having this good luck all the time.   Another great church hostel in town that is donation-based. This one suggests $5 which barely pays for the electricity, hot water and everything else that we use while we're here. So many great churches along the trail that have helped the hikers. Truly amazing. Slow Jam just showed up so he was behind us after all today. We're going to eat twice, have a drink and watch a movie before an early night. Plan on getting into New York by noon time tomorrow as it is only 9 miles away. Happy trails!!
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Mount Vernon, N.J.

To: Mount Vernon, New Jersey
Miles today: 0.0

The three of us woke up early, resupplied and packed up ready to go. But after careful consideration and a bad weather report we made a group decision to zero at the church hostel. It's just too nice to leave. It's working out well as fish in chips has just arrived and he is pretty much are fourth gang member.   This is the first time I've ever just sat somewhere and watched 3 movies in a row with my feet up. I'm sure I will feel like a million bucks tomorrow. We already made arrangements with the taxi cab company. The earliest they can pick us up at the church is 7 o'clock and we will be out there waiting with are packs on. Really feeling good about this core group who recently agreed to stay within a day of each other all the way to Mount Katahdin. It's very hard to hike into a shelter or hostile and break into a new group. Everyone's been on the trail so long they are now in their own little click.   Once again it is time to eat as much as I can and go to bed. Another good day on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2016-07-10
From: Mount Vernon, New Jersey

To: Stealth camp site
Miles today: 25.0

Jumped on the early shuttle out of town this morning. The very first climb I saw was "The Stairway to Heaven". It's an 800 step climb up the side of a cliff. Not exactly the ideal way to start the day but with the storms last night pushing all the heat and humidity out, the step climb was much more tolerable.   Its 11:30 a.m. and I'm having lunch in New York. The states are going to start coming up much more often now and it's such a psychological boost getting closer to Maine. Along with that boost it also brings thoughts of being home. Many hikers are showing signs of home sickness and a few have actually just quit in the last week . I try to block the thoughts out and think of what a fun summer this will be hiking through New England, but it's very difficult. Each time I talk to my wife and she fills me in on the week's activities I seem to be very emotional the rest of that day.br>   Ended up hiking 23 miles which is impressive considering we had five straight miles of giant boulder scrambling. That's what I get for not looking at my book in the morning. Had no idea it was going to get that hard for a few hours. Extremely tired calling it a night at 8 p.m.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Stealth camp site

To: Stealth camping before the zoo.
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

For every instance I mention trail magic there are three or four others that I omit. There's just so much. Today we hit it 3 times before lunch. The first two were nothing more than gallon jugs of water hauled Into the Woods. But that's much more important than it sounds. As I mentioned lately water is very scarce. Then as I entered the state park in New York there was Otter and Slow Jam already sitting down to a parking lot feast. This magic was compliments of Paisley and her mom. As I reached for the fruit and a soda this woman looked at me and said "Your Terodactyle". Her and her mom had been talking about me and we're hoping that I would walk through this section today. She must have seen the confused look on my face so she answered my next question before I could get it out. I recognize you from Trail Journals she said. I've been following your entire hike. Wow, how flattering is that! Paisley attempted a thru-hike last year and made it to the New Jersey New York line. She will get back on the trail tomorrow and head for Katahdin with the massive bubble right behind me . I believe she is also on trail journals.    This morning the trail was again surprisingly difficult. It has been just as hard as the Pennsylvania rocks and maybe even slower as we ascended and descended 4 different cliff like hills. today. Again I'm wondering how the older hikers behind me are going to get over this section as I had to throw my poles up the mountain and climb hand over foot over these boulders. It's now noon and there's no need to stop for lunch today as I'm quite satisfied with the magic I've had this morning.   It's starting to get dark now and reflecting back on today I was in an exceptionally good mood. I like hiking slower and taking my time. 4 Trail magic stops and one jump in the lake has put me 2 hours behind my hiking Buddies. But I don't mind waking up early and I will catch them in the morning. Still got my 20-plus miles in today as the cliffs magically disappeared this afternoon and the trail got match easier. Going to hike for one more hour and hopefully find a nice stealth site preferably with someone who has already started a fire. This is very hard to stumble across but I've got my fingers crossed.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Stealth camping before the zoo.

To: Montgomery New York
Miles today: 13.0

Felt much more comfortable last night stealth camping in the woods alone. But did not sleep well due to achy knees. Definitely going to take some ibuprofen tonight before bed. Those cliffs yesterday did a number on me. Made the 2-mile trek to Perkins Memorial Tower this morning by 6 a.m. Could have stayed up there all day. The views were spectacular with the contrast of a never-ending sea of forest and the skyline of New York City in the background. Something you don't see everyday. Don't think the pictures will capture it as the sky line was 35 miles away.   I'm now at the Trailside Zoo where the AT runs directly through it. Thru-hikers get free admission. Unfortunately the zoo does not open till 10 so I'm trying to kill time by eating ice cream from the vending machines. The bear cage exhibit is the lowest elevation point on the entire trail at 124'. Quite different than my first month on the trail where I was constantly between 5000 - 6000 feet.   It will probably be a relatively low mileage day as everyone has to go into town to resupply. Besides food I need to charge my phone and phone charger, batteries for my headlamp and fuel for my cooking stove. This town stop is a must. Plans are to stay at the free church hostel. I can only hope it's as nice as the one last week.   So after waiting 2 hours to go through the zoo it was a very disappointing 10 minute quick walk. Things got worse when I exited and took a wrong turn crossing the Hudson River which is the picture of the day. I realized when I got to the other side that I completely missed the side trail to town. It was a very long, hot hike for the next 3 hours until I came out of the woods to a deli. After a much-needed meal and small resupply I moved on 1 mile to the church hostel. It is not as nice as the others, In fact it's just the opposite. It has the least facilities to offer out of any hostel I've been to. But I'm here and it's hot and I'm staying put at 13 miles today.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Montgomery New York

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Started the day by hiking 1 mile back to the deli for breakfast. Probably never would have done that the first part of the hike but the extra calories and quality of food is worth doing an extra mile. Chocolate milk, bananas, egg's, sandwiches and chicken salad.   I tried not to get too excited but was very much looking forward to Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Halfway through the day came upon somebody's food bag on a rock directly in the middle of the trail. I figured it was one of three hikers that had gone ahead of me earlier. I kicked it into second gear and caught all three of them only to find out that the it was not any of theirs. Feel bad but if I don't catch the person by tomorrow I will start lightening the load by eating the food.   Arrived at the state park around 2 and bumped into numerous hikers that I have seen in the last few days. I'm now in my element walking around the beach jumping in and out of the water and eating at the concession stand. As you can see in my picture I'm officially homeless as I spread out all my gear clothing and food to dry out in the sun.   4 p.m. and the party's over. Time to pack up and do the last 5 miles to the shelter tonight. It's important for me to get a spot as there's an 80% chance of rain late night and tomorrow. Hope the weatherman is wrong as usual. I would like to put in a long day.
Date: 2016-07-14
From: RPH Shelter

To: Last shelter in New York
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

The emotional highs seem to be getting higher as I close in on New England. Had a little extra pep in my step as I was shooting for the Connecticut line today. Hiked with a new person this morning named ghost and we both left for the trail at 5 a.m. sharp. I thank him for slowing a little so we could talk for a few miles. By 8:30 in the morning we had covered six miles and decided to go to a New York Deli that was a half mile off trail. It was worth the trip.   A little after noon I came across a lake and decided to go for a swim. Didn't find out till after my dip that the signs all said Nuclear Lake. Should be interesting what I learn when I look this up later on tonight. As we left the lake I was with two other thru-hikers when I heard a very deep growling of a dog. I spun around to see the dog charging the other two hikers. It ended up sprinting right by them but they were very shaken and so was I. I'm sure we would have won the battle but someone could have lost a calf muscle in the process. Very scary.   At a road crossing around 4:30 this afternoon a sign said "come to the flower shop, we love thru hikers". It was only a hundred yards away so I went to investigate. This lovely lady started right in on her speech. There's a free shower out back although the water is very cold. And soda and juice in the refrigerator at a discount price. She also sold fuel canisters for our stoves which no one has been able to find for weeks. I'm so glad I went. I left there after doing all those things while my phone was charging and felt fresh and clean. But I knew I would not make the Connecticut line. Was just running out of gas this afternoon. Did the last 5 miles to Wiley shelter which made it an even marathon for the day. 26 miles in this heat isn't too bad. And I can't wait to see what Connecticut brings tomorrow. By the way the picture above was special to me. When I saw the sign on the shelter showing Mount Washington I couldn't believe it. Finally feels like I'm on my way home. Good!!!
Date: 2016-07-15
From: Last shelter in New York

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 22.5

Okay. No more shelters for the rest of the summer. I will be staying in my tent. For the second night in a row I woke up at midnight and had to spray myself down with deet. Then around 2 p.m. I felt the pitter-patter of four little feet scurrying on the top of my thigh. Took the silk liner and flung it up in the air to hear the little guy hit the side of the shelter and drop to the ground. No more mice and mosquitoes for me, it will be a little warmer in the tent but I'll be safe from the critters.   So the hikers have been dropping like flies. Saw two different girls throwing up from dehydration and heat exhaustion in the last couple days with many more not feeling well at all. The heat is taking its toll on everyone including myself. After hiking over 100 miles in the last 5 days from dawn till dusk the cumulative effect is starting to show. 12 - 13 hours a day of hiking in this heat is just too much. Got to find a good place to zero around water although the black flies are relentless and I'll be sure to have my tent set up with plenty of bug spray. For the second day in a row they never let up from 8 o'clock in the morning till 8 at night. Being buzzed like a deer in the woods. Very annoying. I've been lucky enough to not get them in my eyes yet.   The only thing that kept me going today was a large cup of coffee right off the trail and constant news back home that my son is doing extremely well with his college golf career this summer. I even contemplated flying home tonight to watch him tomorrow. My entire family has told me to stay out here and keep hiking but it's killing me that I might miss the greatest victory of his young career. The sacrifices you make when you commit to a five-month Expedition!! He is 12 hours away from being one of the youngest New Hampshire State amateur champions at 20 years old. If anyone out there would like to check it out just go on and nhga.com. That's New Hampshire Golf Association they've been doing a great job of writing about him all week.   4 more miles to my destination tonight which has gotten easier since the temperature cooled off. But I have 10 black flies all buzzing within an inch of my face as I am journaling this. If I can make one more push for a big day tomorrow I would like to reach the Massachusetts line. Goodnight.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Salisbury Connecticut PBR 
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

I believe I fell asleep in about four seconds last night. Once again before the sunset. I had talked to PBR's dad and he made me an offer I couldn't refuse for the following day. But it would take another marathon to make it to Salisbury CT. for the pickup. I knew I was completely exhausted from the last 4 days of doing 20-plus miles in the heat. Then I made a bad decision. I rushed. I sweat profusely. I didn't have fun and hiked as fast as I could through the 90-degree temperatures and humidity. Connecticut was supposed to be easy. But the first 10 miles today were straight up and straight down. Very discouraging. Halfway through the day as the trail took us on a perimeter run of a 2 mile cornfield. I ran into IPA who I have not seen in a month. It was a godsend as for the first time on the trail I had zero energy and my legs felt like they could go no further. His family showed up with Trail magic and they were shocked that I opted for two lemonades and two waters instead of beer.    After hiking through another Marathon today I arrived at Salisbury around 4 o'clock. Pbr's parents met us at the post office shortly afterwards. I immediately went to the grocery sore and got a chocolate milk, yogurt and a bananaThen I started feeling so sick I had to drop to the ground in front of these people I just met. I knew what was happening to me. Dehydration and exhaustion. How embarrassing to meet the people that are taking you into their home and in the first minutes of introduction causing a scene. Slow jam took a look at me and told me to stay down on the ground as my lips were turning white. Never had this happen to me before. PBR's parents were very helpful and ran across the street for a gatorade and a water. I fully realize now that I am pushing this too far. How dumb to do one of my biggest mile weeks through record heat and humidity. Six days, 129mi.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Salisbury Connecticut PBR 

To: Zero. @ Big Pond Massachusetts
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I guess now I know my limits. Can't try to run 26 miles with my backpack on and a heat index of 96 degrees. The thought of me passed out unconscious in front of the general store in the middle of the afternoon kind of scared me. One minute after meeting PBR's parents everything started to go blurry. I fell to the ground on my hands and knees and tried not to pass out. Everyone then told me my face was as white as a sheet. After lying down on the lawn and drinking some water I apologized and let them know that had never happened to me before. Push too hard today!!! Temperatures are supposed to be much more reasonable for this week so I'm hoping that I can still make it to the Vermont border by Saturday.   Another amazing zero day. As exciting as the hiking is everyday, zero days are usually events that I will not forget. I have never needed a rest more than today and this family has given us the five star treatment. After a fabulous breakfast we spent most of the morning cruising the entire lake while visiting about a dozen cottages. One of the many stops involved dropping off our laundry and having a few cocktails while we waited for all our clothes to be cleaned. All the while wearing their son's attire in true thru hiker fashion. I've never met so many generous people in my whole life. It really makes me realize how happy I made hundreds of thru-hikers over the years when I've done trail magic myself in New Hampshire. I hope to finish this hike and do another twenty years of Trail Magic fully knowing now how much the hikers appreciate it.    After a leisurely afternoon with another boat ride and many dips in lake, slow jam and I spent hours answering questions from people on the lake about thru-hiking.   Thank you so much Rich and Betsy for a very special day. Also was great meeting Jim @ Cathy (Grissley's parents).
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Zero. @ Big Pond Massachusetts

To: Stealth camping tonight
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

After another fabulous breakfast from our hosts we were given a ride back to town to resupply and dropped at the trail at 10 sharp. I was very pleased to see a brisk wind that kept the bugs at bay today. Crossed into Massachusetts around noon time and The rock scrambles got surprisingly difficult. They call this section the Little Whites and it's very popular with the people in the Berkshire area.   I'm excited to be in Massachusetts but I am really shooting to be in Vermont by Saturday. The weather and the trail is supposed to be very good for next few days. Walked until it almost got dark and then posted up right smack in the middle of the trail for the third time this trip. I'm down to my shorts and it seems like this is going to be a hot one tonight. But I'm still glad to be in my tent. No bugs, spiders, mice or snoring. Going to try to wake up very early tomorrow and see what I can do at a nice leisurely pace. Once again huge trail magic in the afternoon with a group of Girl Scouts that left enough food and drinks for an army. The timing wasn't perfect because I just resupplied but there was still plenty that I can use should have enough now to stay on the trail all week. The watering holes are getting more frequent and there's actually too many of them for me to jump in. Boy are they refreshing!
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Stealth camping tonight

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: few clouds

I now realize that getting up anytime before 5 o'clock is useless. It's just too dark to start hiking. Not to mention scary. As I was breaking down my tent at 5 sharp I startled a bear. This thing bolted away at full speed and was just crashing through everything. Extremely scary even when they're running away from you. Can't imagine something like that charging as you would have no time and no defense against an angry bear.   Planned on 31 miles. The temperature has dropped 20 degrees and there is a stiff breeze today. It makes all the difference in the world when you don't have to hike in the scorching heat while swatting away black flies for 14 hours.   Still feeling very tired and zombie hiking half of the day. Pretty sure it's just lack of sleep with 14 hours of hiking and 6 hours of sleep a night I'm not getting enough rest. Did manage to jump in one pond and have a nice lunch by another. But the hours of daylight ran out so I only made it 27 miles instead of the intended 31. It worked out almost perfect as tomorrow I'm hoping to visit two of the places that I've been reading about for years. Upper Goose Pond and the Cookie Lady's house are in the near future. Tenting alone again right off the side of the trail. Unfortunately have no service here tonight and cannot post this until the next day.
Date: 2016-07-20
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: Stealth Camping
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

After feeling very sluggish the last few days,woke up this morning 100%. I was excited to get to Upper Goose Pond. The 3 miles flew by and I was amazed. It was everything I thought it would be and more. The extra half mile walk both ways was well worth it. I was greeted by a female caretaker who immediately asked me if I was hungry. My answer was, are you kidding? They still had leftover pancakes and coffee from this morning's breakfast. The caretaker was so nice and showed me around this beautiful cabin which sleeps 14 upstairs and a separate room for caretaker and guest. Unlike the White Mountains I can actually volunteer for a week every year and be the caretaker. It would be another dream come true so. Most of the volunteers are from out-of-state. I extracted as much information from her as possible and I'm pretty sure I could start doing it next year. They do ask you to come up one week in May or June for some training. The next three hours were spent rolling off the dock into the lake and then getting back on for some sun.   I've then ran into a young hiker who I had seen a few times in the last couple weeks. Christina had also lost her group after going to New York City with her mom for a few days. We hiked the afternoon together and she was also heading into the town of Dalton Mass tomorrow. So for the third night in a row I stealthed Camp off the side of the trail but at least I had another tent next to me. This was comforting as last night was the loudest for the animal noises out of the 3 past nights.