morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-07
From: BrinkRoad Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 88. Got up early as other shelter rats were already stirring and packing up. Another beautiful day, a little warmer so sweating on the ups. There were beautiful lakes all along the trail today. My high point of the day was making it to High Point State Park in NJ. The trail goes right by the lake, which was crowded with folks enjoying the hot day. I hiked into the crowd, put out my ground cloth, took off my shoes and socks and jumped into the lake. It was cold, but perfect due to the temp and sun. Stayed in about 30 minutes and got a bath and did laundry all while swimming! Ate a burger, hot dog, ice cream and drank a soda. Soaked in the sun, swam again dried off and hiked .7 miles to the shelter. I spent about 2 hrs at the lake and loved it! Managed to hike 19.6 miles too! Also, free soda to thru hikers at the info center. Thank you for the Mountain Dew. Pretty nice park with a tall tower on top, which is the highest point in NJ. Staying at the High Point Shelter with Tech, Low Gear, Hyperbole, Sassafras and a group of friends camping. Great day...
Date: 2014-06-08
From: High Point Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 89. Heat wave! Hot hiking today and there were several sections through fields and over a 1.5 mile boardwalk through a marsh where there was no shade. The start of today was pretty level and downhill. Right before Unionville I came across a campsite that someone partied at last night. There were beer bottles, clothes, vodka bottle and chip bags. Sad to see the trash, but then I noticed 2 unopened Miller Lites and a bag of chips. Drank the beer ate some chips and Tech came by and finished them off. A new low, but it was good! Then the trail got harder. There was a view of Vernon Valley Great Gorge ski resort. That was the first mountain I skied at when I was about 12 yrs old. Saw a snapping turtle (in the middle of the trail), deer, geese, lizards, a long black snake, water snake and herons. Today was a long hot day and I made it to Wawayanda Shelter for 23.9 miles. Napoleon, H2O, Senator, Goliath, Raven, Noodle, Handsome Dan and a few others were there. Got a spot in the shelter. It was full and a lot of tents and hammocks were also set up. Mosquitos were biting tonight! Last night in NJ, NY tomorrow!
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 90. It rained last night and was raining this morning when I got up. Glad to be in the shelter! Started hiking a little late. After 4 miles, I was in New York! It started raining and we were going over boulders, climbing up steep slippery rock and going down sliding. Went over the "Ladder" in the rain. Tough section and there is actually a ladder bolted to a rock face that you must climb to get up. Rain soon stopped, but everything was still wet. I decided to only hike12.1 miles to the Wildcat Shelter. Napoleon, H2O, Senator, Goliath, Tree, Happy, Trillium, Hyperbole, Sassafras and Tech also were staying here. I was wet and hungry and the shelter was dry, so here I am. The water has a lot of tannins so it's kind of tea colored. Tastes fine though. Never saw a bear in New Jersey, which apparently is unusual. It sure was a pretty state!
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 91. New York trails go over many mountains of granite boulders. The trails go straight up and down with few switchbacks, but the hiking is rather enjoyable although a little slippery because of the occasional rain shower. Today's hike took me through Harriman State Park, which is gorgeous! There is not a lot of undergrowth and the scenery was very nice. At one point you go through the "Lemon Squeezer". This is through boulders where the passage gets smaller and narrower until you basically squeeze through. My pack barely made it through as it was almost too wide, but I managed to get out the other side. Then some free climbing over some steep rocks. Put the hiking poles away here because two hands are needed for climbing over and up the rock faces. I hiked with Goliath, H2O, Senator and Napoleon today and we had a great time. Made it to the William Brian Memorial Shelter and the small spring there had excellent water (no tannins). The shelter floor is falling apart and could stand to be replaced, but the location was very pretty. 19.6 miles for the day. Also stopped at Lake Tiorati for the vending machines. Ice cream and a Powerade were in order. The guide shows a free shower too, but it was closed. Tomorrow I hiked through the woods of my childhood and areas I know well. Can't wait!
Date: 2014-06-11
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 16.5

Day 92. Today was my lowest point on the trail. Literally...right in front of the bear cage at the Bear Mountain Zoo is the lowest elevation of the AT. I have been looking forward to this section of trail since before the start of my thru attempt. This area is where I grew up and fell in love with the woods and is probably the leading reason for my love of hiking! Hiking up to Perkins Tower brought back a flood of memories and I celebrated at the top with Goliath, H2O, Napoleon and Senator. Unfortunately the tower was still closed, but it was cloudy and slightly drizzling anyway so views were limited. We hiked down to the Bear Mtn Inn and had trail magic from Gandalf's friends who had fresh fruit, banana bread, donuts and poptarts. The Inn was nice and the lake looked beautiful. After hanging out there for a while we crossed the Hudson River by walking across the Bear Mtn Bridge. I've crossed the bridge numerous times in the past, but this was my first time walking across it. Very cool! Once across I spoke to some workers from the bridge authority who know my cousin Roy. Told them to tell him hi for me. Then the hike up towards Anthony's Nose which is a steep climb. I chose not to go the .6 to the Nose and back because the weather was lousy and I was hungry again. I crossed South Mtn Pass Rd where I had friends and relatives live when I was younger. I hiked to the Appalachian Market in Garrison and got a huge roast beef sub, drinks and dessert. A lady there was buying all the hikers fresh bread and rolls. So good! We hiked in a few beers, drank them and continued on to the Graymoor Spiritual Center. I used to go there when I was younger and also used to drive around there with friends. We camped at the ball fields under a pavilion. It has restrooms, water and a cold water shower. Later that evening we ordered pizza and drinks which were delivered right to us. We even played stick softball or actually log softball with a big branch! I was really enjoying the day and everyone had a good time. My friend Pat who grew up with me here in Cortlandt Manor is picking me up tomorrow for a few zeros and for a calorie infusion! It was nice being back in the area I grew up in. Hated to leave the guys I was hiking with as they are really fun, but I may catch them later. On the other hand I look forward to seeing the other hikers that I've hiked with in the past who may be behind me. That's how it happens on the AT!
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Tarrytown, NY

To: Tartytown, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 96. Zero day. Went to a pool party in Ardsley at friends of Pat's and ate a lot of ribs! Pat dropped me back off at Graymoor about 8:30pm. I had a great time visiting Pat, Carolina, Steffie and Rocky! Nice to rejuvenate and visit friends. Thank you guys so much for a great time!
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Tarrytown, NY

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

Day 97. I hiked through my old stomping grounds again today. Going through Fahnestock State Park brought back lots of memories as I had spent many a day here when I was young. Went to Canopus lake and took a hot shower. They have an outdoor shower that hikers can use and it has hot water. The trail goes over an old mining rail bed and a couple of spots. I hiked 18.8 miles to the RPH Shelter and a guy named "Grrr", 2013 hiker, was doing trail magic in the form of sodas, hot dogs and snacks. I had a great time talking with him all evening! This shelter is very nice and close to a road. Grrr cooked bacon and eggs for breakfast! Mmm! Thank you very much Grrr for all the awesome magic! Also met a guy that is friends with Dan's cousin. Small world!
Date: 2014-06-17
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 16.8

Day 98. Hot day today! Went swimming in Nuclear Lake. Hope I don't glow in the shelter tonight. I drank a ton of water today and felt sluggish due to the heat and humidity. Met two gals at the lake sd and also met Knapsack. Ran into Moose at the shelter. Hiked 16.8 miles to Telephone Pioneers Shelter. The water felt great! Nice and cool. Getting the salt off and outta of my clothes made a world of difference. Got water and an orange on the trail someone left! Thank you! Pretty trail all day with nice views at some spots.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: Ten Mile Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

Day 99. Another hot day and feeling lazy so went swimming in the river by Ten Mile Shelter. Went to a little store about a mile from here for a sandwich, soda, Gatorade and ice cream. Wet Dog, Knapsack, Moose and A few others were here. Grasshopper came hiking in later too. Only hiked 12.8 miles, but it was nice only going that far and taking it easy a little bit. The trail was nice and there was a nice view of a meadow from the shelter. Made it into Connecticut too! Only four more states after Ct. We went by a train station near Pawling where you can get on a train and go into NYC if you wanted, but it only stops there on weekends. The trail also crossed a marshy area where a long boardwalk was built above the water.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Ten Mile Shelter

To: Stewart Hollowbrook Sheltet
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 100. Wow, just writing day 100 days of hiking is weird! Hiked 15.8 miles and stayed at the Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter. Stopped by the town of Kent, Ct. Neat place and good supply point for groceries and a good pizza joint. Moose, Thirsty, Boot Burner, Boomer, Knapsack, Smudge and Brother, Wet Dog, Monologue and Grasshopper were all at the shelter or camping nearby and we were leapfrogging each other all day long. Tough hiking though due to the heat! Plus a heavy pack due to food! Have to eat a lot to keep up the weight, but that equals heavy. Beer trail magic was had on the trail right before the shelter! Thank you.
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Stewart Hollowbrook Sheltet

To: Toymakers Cafe, Falls Village, Ma.
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

Day 101. Beautiful day for hiking! Cooler/drier air blew in and it was nice for hiking and kept the bug population down a bit! Coolest thing of the day was when we stopped by Pine Swamp Brook Shelter and saw a Garder Snake eating a toad, which was still alive....briefly...you get the picture. Bulging belly snake. Never know what you're gonna see on the A.T.! Camping at the Toymakers Cafe with Grasshopper and Wet Dog after hiking 18.1 miles. Good ups and downs on this section made for slow going. Knapsack is going back home as he was only out for a few days.
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Toymakers Cafe, Falls Village, Ma.

To: The Hemlocks Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 102. Broke the 1500 mile mark today and also entered the next state..Massachusetts! We heard about a day hiker that had to be rescued from a ledge near Mt Prospect. We saw evidence of vehicles and bright ribbon leftover. Apparently the person had a cut too, but they are going to be alright. Hiking with Grasshopper and we did 20.8 miles to the Hemlocks Shelter. It was a long day with climbs over Bear Mtn, Mt Race and Mt Everett. Someone left water jugs just before the shelter and it was really nice not to have to filter water tonight. Today was the summer solstice and also hike naked day! At the shelter a group of guys hiked a cooler of beer down for a bachelor party. They gave us beer and hotdogs! Very cool.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: The Hemlocks Shelter

To: Mt Wilcox South Shelters
Miles today: 19.7

Day 103. Hiked 19.7 miles today to Mt Wilcox South Shelter. The best part of the day was when I came upon Benedict Pond about a mile before the shelter. Swimming, bath and laundry done! It was beautiful and felt great. The water was cool, but not too cold. It was a nice surprise as I didn't know it was going to be there and I was hot from hiking today. Saw Survivorman at the shelter and also met Lightening Bolt. The Mosquitos here were horrendous! Slept with a bug net on to keep from going nuts!
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Mt Wilcox South Shelters

To: Lee, Ma. 
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 104. Hiked a quick 17.4 miles down to Lee, Ma. Need to get resupplied and a shower is in order. Tried to hitch, but no one would stop. Found a number for a taxi and they picked Grasshopper and I up. Turns out we were trying to hitch on the I-90 Turnpike, not US 20. Good thing a Mass State Trooper pulled over to let me know I was on the wrong road! Stayed at a hotel, ate, did town stuff and resupplied. Nice and easy hiking today as the trail went downhill for a long while and the terrain wasn't too tough. Did have a Grouse attack me. Probably trying to protect a nest or something!
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Lee, Ma. 

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 105. Hiked 16 miles thru "Roots-A-Chusetts". Lots of tree roots that like to trip you. Went to the Cookie Lady's house and had lunch at her picnic table and she gave Grasshopper and I 3 cookies each. Also filled water bottles there. The terrain was relatively flat so it made for a fairly quick day. Ran into a lot of people at the shelter, mostly day hikers, and one family brought marshmallows. I built a nice fire to roast them on and it also helped keep the mosquitos at bay. Stayed at the Kay Wood Shelter.
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 106. Luxury day. Had second breakfast in Dalton Massachusetts at the Dalton Restaurant and the hiked up and over a mountain to Chesire Mass for lunch at an ice cream stand. Yum! Still need the calories as I am getting too skinny. There was also trail magic of soda, watermelon and cookies right after Chesire before a big climb. Hiked 16.9 miles to the Mark Noepel Shelter. It was very hot and muggy today and the hike at the end was up a mountain just shy of Mt Greylock which is the highest peak in Ma. I was soaked in sweat by the time I reached the shelter. Met a group from Camp Everet and they had a great group of counselors. The boys were 14ish in age and were well behaved. I knew thunderstorms were forecasted and sure enough we had a ton of rain! I was nice and dry in the shelter when it hit. Stretch and Fresh came in soaking wet about 7ish. Dune, Grasshopper and I were there before the rain.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Williamstown, Ma
Miles today: 9.6

Day 107. Hiked up to Mt Greylock which was a little over 3 miles away and had second breakfast at the lodge there. I didn't take a picture of the tower there because you couldn't even see it from the base due to the fog, clouds and misting rain. Good breakfast though! Survivorman was there as he stayed the night and he sent me a pic of the tower from the day before. Dune, Survivorman, Grasshopper and I then descended the 3400 feet on an extremely steep, rocky, muddy and root filled wet mountain. Many close calls on the descent today, but we made it to the town of Williamstown Ma. Only hiked 9.6 miles today, but we needed resupply and they all had maildrops in town. Another Grouse attack occurred on the way down, but he was no match for us dirty hikers. We stayed at WilliamstownMotel and they picked us up at Ma2. We called a cab to go to an outfitter and got in. The driver put it in gear and a loud crunching sound was heard and then the van stopped. Tranny went out. Cabs here are way too expensive so avoid them if possible. A wrecker and replacement cab soon came. The last time I was in this town was when my friend Dan dropped me off when I hiked The Long Trail in 2011 during Hurricane Irene.
Date: 2014-06-27
From: Williamstown, Ma

To: Vt 9, campsite by bridge
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 108. Left town and hiked up and up for about 4 miles to the Vermont border with Massachusetts. This is where the Long Trail starts and the AT shares the LT for a little over 100 miles. Weird how the terrain can instantly change at a state border. We hit mud. There was some serious rain up here though. Vermont can sometimes be known as Vermud. It was like that today and wet feet were part of it. Hiked 18.4 miles and camped at a tent site near a footbridge by Vt9 road crossing. Someone left drinks and snacks there as trail magic. Thank you for the refreshments! Nice being on familiar ground as I've hiked this 100 plus miles in Vermont before in 2011. Hiking with two good guys, Survivorman and Grasshopper. This was a tough but fun day. The descent down to Vt9 is steep and hard on the knees. Big rock steps await you here.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: Vt 9, campsite by bridge

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 109. A good climb up to start the day today. Nice and cool though so perfect for hiking. Went up Little Pond Mtn and into the Gastenbury Wilderness. Hiked up and had lunch in the fire tower on Gastenbury Mtn. We saw Stratton Mtn...our quest for tomorrow. Stretch and Fresh were there too! There is a real nice spring up there that I remembered from the last time. The trail today was less muddy and actually tough but fun. A lot of shrubs and small tree branches overgrown on the trail today. One tick found on someone. Rocks, tree roots and some mud pit rock hopping was the hike today. Lots of uphills and I hiked 19 miles to Story Spring Shelter. Collected firewood and got a nice fire going to fend off the bugs. Grasshopper, Suvivorman, Fresh and Stretch are here too. Sheltering it tonight.
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Day 110. Today's climb was up Stratton Mtn and there is a fire tower and caretaker's hut at the top. Jean and Hugh are the caretakers and I met them both 3 years ago when doing the LT and they had given me apples and plums. I spoke to Jean for a while and climbed the tower. A little overcast today, so not as good of a view as yesterday's from Glastenbury Mtn. This spot is where the idea for The Long Trail was conceived and also where the idea for the Appalachian Trail was developed. The trail descends to Stratton Pond where I immediately got my shoes off and jumped in for swim, bath and laundry! Beautiful spot and I had wine in a porcelain tea cup in 2011 here! The trail is fairly easy through this section. Stopped for the view at Prospect Rock and then on to Spruce Peak Shelter for a total of 18.3 miles today. Met a day hiker and his dog and XC. Trail Wife and Prom Queen came in and Trail Wife asked if anyone knew what the Lymes Disease bullseye looks like. He pulled up his shorts and everyone was like....yep you need to go to a doctor! I had two deer ticks previously I pulled off. Scary deal. I gathered wood and built a fire to keep the bugs away. Once it was dark everyone went to bed.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 111. Food resupply today in Manchester Center. Got to the road and Caribou was there with his friend who was picking him up. They gave Survivorman, Grasshopper and I a ride right to the grocery store. We resupplied food and the other guys bought some gear. We ate and had a few beers. We then hitched back to the trail. A lady who I shall call "M" was going the opposite direction and turned around to give us a ride. She played CD's like Weird Al Yankovic only a lot more risqu©. I laughed so hard I was crying by the time she dropped us off at the trailhead. We spent a lot of time in town, so only hiked a total of 4.8 miles and am staying at the Bromley Shelter. Nice Shelter. Weekend hiker and his 8 yr old son are here too. Moose stopped by soon after.
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 112. First thing in the morning I hiked to the top of Bromley Mtn. There is a ski building at the top that you can stay in. I've skied here before and also have gone down the Alpine Slide here. I also hike here in 2011 and ate/warmed up there. Then there was the hike up Styles Peak and Peru Peak. I met Bob who was cutting blowdowns from the trail. I hiked with Survivorman and Grasshopper. Went by Griffith Lake and saw Moose swimming in the lake. The last time I was here it was muddy and flooded, this time nice day but hot. Bugs are still a pain. Mostly just annoying, but every now and then one gets you. Hiked 17.8 miles to the Little Rock Pond Shelter. First order of business was to get my shoes off and jump in the lake! This lake is beautiful! There were a bunch of Thru and Section hikers there swimming and washing. Somehow a canoe has been hiked in and was tied up by the shore for anyone's use. I got Moose to go along and we paddled across the lake to the Little Rock, but I didn't feel like jumping off the rocks. A former shelter care taker was camping there and hiked in a bottle of Rye which he shared with everyone. This shelter is large and there is a fee if the care taker is there...not tonight though! The mosquitos caused me to wear a bug net to sleep. A rain storm came through, but it was relatively short.
Date: 2014-07-02
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: moderate rain

Day 113. The heat is on! It was very hot and humid today and I felt drained. The hike over Bear Mtn was tough and I stopped for lunch at the Minerva Hinchey Shelter. Here I heard a moose calling, but never saw it. I stayed at this shelter in 2011 and had moose, bear, porcupine and mice all visit me in one night! Ate with Survivorman and a section hiker named Socks. The trail then descends to Clarendon Gorge where there is a nice river with lots of swimming holes. There were a lot of locals and thru hikers cooling off in the river and it felt wonderful jumping in! Then it was time to go and hike up the Gorge. Now I was covered in sweat again, but that wouldn't last. The distant thunder was getting closer. The wind picked up and the trees showed the backs of their leaves. Here it comes and then....wham! Pouring rain, thunder and lightning. At least I was cool err actually I was getting cold. This section of trail was decimated by Hurricane Irene in 2011. I got lost here then and had to piece the trail together and find my way through all the debris and damage back then. This time the trail was easy to follow and I met some trail maintainers under a tarp, but didn't stay long because I was getting chilled. I sped up my pace to keep warm and Grasshopper did too. I followed the original trail and just walked through the streams because I was already soaked and muddy. As I approached the Governor Clement Shelter, I smelled smoke and was happy to find XC inside tending a fire. He had also gathered a bunch of wood before the rain hit. There is a fireplace built into the side wall. This shelter is really old and gets a bad rap, but today it was beautiful! I put a line across the fireplace and soon was drying my socks and clothes. Other hikers came in and all soon were drying their wet stuff too. It was a crazy day of hiking and I managed to make it 19.4 miles. I would sleep really well tonight as the fire kept the mosquitos outta the shelter. Ahhh!