morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Jim Murray property

To: Greenwood Lake/ Breezy Point Hotel
Miles today: 25.9

Left earlier than usual....5:45 because I wasn't sure if I'd do 25 miles or 30.  The shelters in this section are pretty far apart.  It was a beautiful morning, but my head must have been in the clouds because I took a wrong turn on the trail and got lost three different times.  So much for that extra 15 minutes.  The positive side to being lost was running into a German kid named Achey Breaky who told me about an ice cream, bakery shop just a short distance from the trail at NJ 94 road intersection.  So, around mile 14 I got a milkshake, homemade, apple, caramel bread and a banana.  Just a few miles after that I found myself crossing the NJ boundary and entering NY.  I really ended up enjoying NJ.  One of my favorite things, early in today's hike, was a boardwalk the US Corp of Engineers built that went on for miles through a nature preserve.  It was mostly wetlands so there were a large variety of birds to see.  The boardwalk is hard to describe, but it was like a wooden side walk that almost seemed to float on the marsh land. I really only hiked about 4 miles of NY, but so far she's been pretty dramatic.  I got my  first trail magic in NY from an Australian family living in the city.  When they found out I was a thru hikers they pulled out candy (Australian) and wished me  luck .  I also met my first NY trail angels.  The Gun Runner, Glasses and I decided to hike down the mountain and split a hotel room on Greenwood Lake.  Two  local ladies (Barbara and Susan) were walking their dogs and offered to walk down with us and give us a ride to the hotel.  It was great to get a shower and hot meal.  Getting back to the trail in the morning might be more challenging, but I'll deal with that tomorrow..
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Greenwood Lake/ Breezy Point Hotel

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After calling a taxi service and asking a couple folks at the hotel about transportation back to the trail head I decided to just walk the two miles back.  It was a beautiful morning and Greenwood is a pretty little town,  so I didn't mind too much.  Once on the trail I marveled at the unbelievable weather we continue to have; cool, breezy and overcast with no threat of rain.  The first person I saw, as I hiked, twas Lightning Jack, and I was awfully glad we were together when we descended a hill and came upon two huge black bear.  They didn't pay much attention to us because they were circling each other and then all at once they started to fight.  They growled and wrestled and it was pretty frightening.  Eventually, one lopped away, but we couldn't believe what we'd gotten to witness.  The rest of the day was pretty uneventful..  This section of NY just seems to consist of short but steep ups and downs. However, the last four miles were beautiful taking me by a lake, through a cool rock formation, called Lemon Squeeze, and finally to the shelter on top of a grassy bald.  It was a good day.PS:  Met a 16 year old section hiker, named Annie, hiking with her dad for Father's Day.  She was a cool kid and asked a lot of questions about thru hiking.  Hope to read about her on trail journals in a couple of years
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center picnic pavilion
Miles today: 21.8

Up and out by 6:00 and had another beautiful hiking morning.  They say this weather isn't going to last (supposed to be in the high 90's mid week) so I'm trying to make the most of the beautiful mornings.  Saw lots of deer and the birds were singing like crazy.  The big attraction today was getting to Bear Lake which the Hiker's Companion reported  had a concessions  stand.  When I got close to the park I saw the glow, not of a rare woodland flower, but a pringles vending machine nestled between a coke and powerade machine.  I got some pringles and a coke, but was thinking of a burger when I met a local day hiker named Liz with her dog Beacon.  She informed me that the snack shop wasn't open  on week days and when she saw how disappointed I was, started rummaging around in her backpack for food. She produced  a can of tuna and some almonds which rounded out my meal nicely, then changed her hiking route for the day, so we could continue to talk.  She was a real New Yorker....I loved the way she said 'off'....and had a lot of good information about the park.  As I was leaving the park, we spotted another vending machine (ice cream) and when I didn't have enough change she took care of that too.  She was the sort of person I spent less than an hour with but would have liked to invite home for dinner.  Thanks Liz and Beacon for brightening my day! As I left the park I crossed over a really cool suspension bridge then headed back into the woods.  After  another six miles the trail emerged onto US 9 and  low and behold there was a convienience store which was open and had delicious sandwiches....also Ben & Jerry's ice cream, so it's official now.  New Jersey was amazing, but New York is starting to give her some competition.PS:  Cool Breeze and Pillow Pet:  loved meeting you today.  Wish we could have shared lunch, but I never could locate you all after I got to the park!
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center picnic pavilion

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 27.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to change my schedule and do a bigger mileage day today, because tomorrow is supposed to be so hot.  I was the first one up and out, at the Graymoor Spiritual Center, (which ended up being a cool place to stay) closely followed by Sit-a-Bit and Glasses.  The hiking today was pretty nondescript.  The most exciting thing was being reunited with people I thought I might not ever meet again...seeing Sit-a-Bit yesterday, and finding Hoot and Doug back on the trail today.  Then seeing Dark Age at the shelter...I guy I haven't seen since the second day of my hike.  It's so cool to reconnect with people and get their stories of who is on and off the trail.We ended the day with another stop at a deli, which is becoming a habit I could learn to live with.  I need to look at my book and see if there are any close by tomorrow.  The mosquitos are starting to become a nuisance at night in the shelters. They're not too bad during the day until you stop for breaks.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: 10 Mile Shelter
Miles today: 20.6

The day ended up being just as hot as anticipated, but it was still a good day.  A day hiker named Lee (from England) that we had met the night before, was packed and ready when I was, so we started off together.  He's a really cool kid, visiting his girlfriend in NYC, and I loved visiting with him.  Those of you who know me, know what a huge anglophile I am.  We caught Doug, who was first out of the shelter, and the morning flew by.  Our deli stop today, came ten miles in...Jerry's Deli...and not only was the food delicious, but they had a picnic table inside so we were able to eat in the air conditioned building.  The next big event was going seven more miles and crossing into CT.  Good-bye NY.....then three more to a shelter by the Ten Mile river.  It was a perfect day to find a secluded spot and go skinny dipping. I felt so refreshed after.  My fellow thrus, at the shelter tonight, are Glasses, Sit-a-Bit, Doug and Candyman.  Glasses just informed us that tomorrow is not only the summer solstice but hike naked day.  Hmmm...I've said I want to experience everything the trail has to offer, but....
Date: 2012-06-21
From: 10 Mile Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: few clouds

Well, we woke up to discover that we had missed hike naked day.  The summer solstice was June 20 this year because of leap year.  Glasses seemed a bit disappointed, but the rest of us were relieved.  It was certainly hot enough to hike naked.  It was in the high 90's and I think the rocks were sweating.  In spite of the heat, I had a big day planned because I wanted to get as close to Salisbury, CT as possible, because my husband is flying in Friday and I plan to nero Friday and zero Saturday.  Doug, Sit-a-Bit and Glasses all hiked into Kent for food and resupply, but I hiked on.  I'm afraid with the hot weather and increased mosquito activity, it's going to be difficult to objectively judge what Connecticut is like.  I've been so focused on staying hydrated, I haven't noted many high points.  We did however,  have a beautiful light show at the Ten Mile River Shelter last night.  At dusk the field in front of the shelter was full of hundreds of fireflies lighting up the darkness.  It was really beautiful!
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

The only other thru hiker, at the shelter last night, ended up being Dr Dave.  It was encouraging to know I'd be hiking today with an MD behind me, because the forecast called for another hot, humid day.  I had my earliest start time ever (5:30) and with the promise of seeing Mark and civilization, did 16 miles by 11:00.  He picked me up at a road crossing and we drove the .8 miles into the quaint town of Salisbury.  It looked just like I pictured a small New England town in Connecticut looking. We went to a picturesque shop and got lemonade and scones....hit the outfitter store for fuel....picked up my resupply box then headed to a hotel in Torrington, CT.  Mark had looked at the B&B's in Salisbury, but they were just too expensive, so we got to drive through a number of other small New England towns to get to Torrington.  It's amazing how much pleasure I get these days from riding in an air conditioned car.  The hotel was perfect and we had such a relaxing night.  It's amazing how much pleasure I get from bathing, lounging and watching TV.  A huge storm blew through, complete with hail and power outages in some parts of the town, so my thanksgiving of being safe and dry were even more magnified.  I'm so glad Mark is here, but it's a bit sobering knowing, after this visit, I won't see him until Maine...however, we have a whole day tomorrow.  Twenty-four hours of zeroing!  Carpe Diem indeed.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My zero day couldn't have gone more perfectly.  I can't stress enough how much I value my husband (Mark's) support through this whole endeavor.  Perhaps the most important thing I will take away from this adventure is a deep and lasting appreciation for my marriage.  Tomorrow, after walking about seven miles, I'll be in Massachusetts, and I will have completed ten states with just four to go.  The word schedule is probably a more offensive word than f@*k out on the trail, but I have a schedule and hope to finish the trail six weeks from today.  I don't know what lies ahead, but I'm still excited about the possibilities.....however, I never lose sight of the fact that there is no place like home.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Barrington, MA
Miles today: 21.4

Mark dropped me off at the trail head around 6:30, and I started off with a heavy pack and a heavy heart. The last few miles of Connecticut were really pretty, walking along the ridge line....climbing to the highest ground in CT.....then walking thru a ravine beside a stream.  As soon as I  crossed into Massachusetts,  I climbed to the top of a ridge and got some really pretty views.  Most of the day was spent ridge walking with one steep decent followed by a climb to the top of Mt Race and then Mt Everett.  It was a pretty interesting hiking day and, the weather was so much cooler, but I arrived at the shelter way too early...12:30, and was still feeling homesick.  I turned on my phone and had a message from Doug saying he and Sit-a-Bit were pushing another eight miles to Barrington, MA, and Sit's brother, wife and niece were picking them up.  They invited me to tag along, if I could catch up, so I grabbed my pack and started speed hiking.  After about five miles I ran into a local guy with a dog named Everett (which I thought was ironic since I'd just climbed Everett Mt) and he proceeded to tell me some of the history of Great Barrington.  After talking to him I was even more glad that I'd decided to push on to join the boys.  Barrington did end up being a really hip town with a great vibe, and I loved Sit's family.  We grabbed a sandwich at a shop that had just been featured in the Boston Globe, then ice cream at a local creamery.  So much for roughing it on the AT. No worries though.  I've already called a cab and will be back on the trail by 7:30 in the morning, but I'm glad I didn't miss this detour....
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Barrington, MA

To: MA 23 / Great Barrington
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: moderate rain

Well mother nature didn't care much about my plans, and we woke up to a pretty major thunder storm.  I delayed calling a cab, but by 8:00 things began to clear.  Sit-a-Bit and Doug had decided to slack pack; that means they would leave their packs at the hotel and just carry water and snacks for the eight plus miles they planned to do.  I had my fully loaded pack, because I planned to do at least 15 miles.  The terrain allowed us to do a pretty fast pace, so around 11:15 we were back at a road crossing where we were planning to part ways.  It began to sprinkle and I started second guessing my decision about moving on.  We also discovered no ones phone had a signal which made it impossible for the guys to catch a cab.  The 'boys' started trying to hitch a ride and almost immediately a woman stopped and offered us a ride but stated it was only because there was a woman in the group.  That helped make my decision, so we all piled in her car and headed back to Great Barrington.  I was still questioning my decision until we got lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant, close to our hotel, and shortly after getting our food a horrific storm hit.  I swear there was hail, fire and brimstone, and I was incredibly relieved to be safe and dry.  A very cool family, on their way, to Boston to dance at a Lithuanian festival, huddled with us, on the restaurant covered patio and asked questions about the AT experience.  It was a totally enjoyable afternoon!
Date: 2012-06-26
From: MA 23 / Great Barrington

To: Upper Goose Pond cabin
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: mist

What a change in temps!  Our cab came around 7:15, and I had to start hiking in a jacket.  It was 53 degrees.  The day continued to be overcast and very pleasant, but I did eventually shed my coat.  After hiking for a few miles I came upon The Dude....a guy I'd met before but didn't really know.  We ended up hiking together for a while and I enjoyed getting to know him.  He's an unusual age for the trail (38) and hails from Florida... has two young sons (9 & 7) and a very supportive wife.  The day passed by pretty quickly with the only negative being a pop up thunderstorm that lasted for an hour or so. Today's destination was Goose Pond cabin.  A number of people had recommended it and when I got here I understood why.  There's a very large, clean bunk room with padded mattresses, and a living space with a fireplace.  Also, a very nice caretaker named Bob.  We built a fire, dried our clothes and roasted the marshmallows that Bob provided.  The cabin has a beautiful view of Goose Pond and if it had been warmer we could have swam off a dock close to the cabin.  There are also two canoes you can paddle around in if you choose.  Doug, Sit-a-Bit, the Dude, the Dutchman and Bootstraps we're the thru hikers in for the night.  It was a fun night and a cool place.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Upper Goose Pond cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Goose Pond cabin continued to impress.  When I got up this morning, I found Bob, the caretaker, in the kitchen, making pancakes and coffee for everyone.  He'd gotten up at 4:30 in order to feed us all.  Thirteen people ended up spending the night at the cabin, and the first six people, up to eat, were the six thru hikers that had stayed.  We enjoyed a delicious breakfast, washed our dishes (that was the only thing Bob asked us to do), and were packed and on the trail by 6:30.  Sit-a-Bit, Doug and I started out together and hiked together all day.  The Dutchman and the Dude were close behind.  Our first stop was the first shelter, October Mt., because a friend from MA (Kay) had promised to leave trail magic there.  When we got to the shelter we couldn't find any 'mouse magic', as the boys referred to it, so had a snack and pushed on.  After just walking a few minutes we came upon Kay walking toward the shelter and my story of possible magic was validated.  She shared a whole bag of Gu with us (an energy gel) and I was so glad to actually meet her.  She has been following my journey, on trail journals, and at almost every mail drop along the way I've received 'mail magic' from her.  Thank you, thank you, Kay, for your support and encouragement.The next stop of the day was supposed to be 'the cookie lady' (a woman's house a few hundred yards off the trail where she's known to  leave cookies out for hikers), but my group of three missed the turn off so we were pretty bummed when we realized it two miles past the spot.  Our spirits were lifted when we came upon a cooler full of cokes and Gatorade provided by MA trail angels.  While we were enjoying our surprise beverages, the Dutchman and the Dude showed up with the report that the cookie lady wasn't home when they swung by, so all was right with our world again.Today's destination was the town of Dalton where we'd decided to try to get a hotel room to share for the night.  When we got to town, we ended up finding the home of Tom Levardi; perhaps one of the most incredible individuals I've met so far on the trail.  Tom opens his home,  to hikers, free of charge, every day of the year.  He provides a bed, shower and does your laundry.  He walked with us to the local pub, for dinner, then when we got home and were sitting on his porch surprised us with ice cream sundaes.  Finally, because we'd talked so much about how the Dude looks like Jeff Bridges in the Big Labowski, Tom put the blue ray disc version of the movie on his big screen High Def television and invited us to be entertained in his living room.  I was amazed at how much the Dude does look like Jeff Bridges, in the film, and at Tom's unbelievable hospitality.  It was a late night for hikers (11:00) but what a day!
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Dalton, MA

To: Wilber Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

Up early because Tom promised to take us for a proper breakfast at a diner in town.  The Dutchman, Sit-a-Bit and Doug had decided to slack pack going southbound , so they could spend another night in Dalton.  The Dude and I packed up after breakfast and headed north.  We hadn't hiked very far when we came upon very creative trail magic.  Someone had taken canned Cokes and Mt. Dew and placed them on individual rocks and it looked like a soft drink garden.  We 'picked' one for our morning break and started to climb.  The literal 'high' point of the day was to summit Mt. Greylock;  the highest peak in MA.  However, about half way through the day, the trail passed through the town of Cheshire.  We decided to grab lunch there and ran into Candyman.  We discovered that Candyman was the person who left the cokes we'd found earlier on the trail.  Candyman is an interesting guy.  He's from Switzerland and brought thirty  pounds of Swiss chocolate with him when he came to America, and he has someone mail him some  every resupply box.  There was a rumor that he was carrying ten pounds of chocolate and when I told him he said, " that isn't true....I've never carried more than three pounds?".  He had just picked up a new shipment, so he shared a bar with me.  I gave away the Hersey's dark I'd been carrying.  We ate lunch together then pushed on.  The climb to the top of Greylock wasn't bad and we were able to get a sandwich in the snack shop before heading down the mountain another three miles to the shelter.  Supposedly, after we get to VT ' the hiker buffet' closes, so to speak, and all the delis and restaurants close to the trail become few and far between.  The only thru hikers at the shelter tonight are me, the Dude and Candyman.  We did have a small toast and celebration because tonight we are 599.8 miles from Kahtahdin....less than 600 miles!
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Wilber Clearing Shelter

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: few clouds

Didn't get up and out as early as I planned, but I slept great and enjoyed the low key night.  The high point of today was hiking seven miles and crossing the boundary into Vermont.  The temps were warmer but it was still a nice hiking day.  I got to the shelter way too early but stayed because there was a stream I could lounge in and I liked the shelter. The Dutchman was the first of many that eventually arrived.  I had forgotten it was the weekend, so we had a number of section hikers, but everyone was very cool.  My favorites were Cheryl and Kelly, from MA, who happened to have a leftover Backpacker Pantry meal.  I got to eat two dinners.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I can't believe it's the last day of June.  Our whole crew decided to get an early start, so we woke up at 4:30 and were on the trail by 5:30.  The Dutchman and I ended up hiking together most of the day, so it went by quickly.  I like Vermont, but the roots we had in Massachusetts have continued in this state with a good dose of rocks and mud thrown in.  Glasses sent word from two days ahead to prepare ourselves for more Veroots, Verocks and Vermud.  It is cool to be walking through more evergreen forests and the nice smell of pine, spruce and hemlock.  It's sort of like having a car air freshner rear view mirror hanger helping disguise how bad we all smell.  It was a quieter night at the shelter with me, Sit-a-Bit and the Dutchman.....also a couple girls doing the long trail and three thru hikers from last year finishing some sections they didn't get to complete; Big Dog, Minusha and Stylin'.  The most exciting person to meet was Angry Bird; the first southbounder I've met going from Maine to Georgia.  Some other folks met Miles Davis (supposedly the first one through) but this was our first opportunity to exchange information and ask questions about what lies ahead!