morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Culver Fire Tower
Miles today: 19.9

Slept so good last night. I think being in a bunk house and only having two of us there made it quiet plus the rain all night made it great for sleeping. Finally got my stuff together and had a sandwich before I left at 11. Was pleased with the views and the ponds that I came across today. Met a few section hikers on the trail as well today. Made it to the first shelter at 5:00 and was debating staying there until I spoke with the ridge runner who told me that there was a pub on the trail in 3 miles. That was all I needed to hear as food motivates me. Green Ghost and Sprout stopped by the shelter and were headed into a Mexican restaurant. I met up with Tony - a section hiker who hiked the AT last year. We hiked to the pub and had dinner (and won a free beer). After dinner we headed to the shelter but ran into another hiker who suggested that we camp by the fire tower. Got to the tower at dark and set up our tents and just talked while looking at the view. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Culver Fire Tower

To: Murray Farm
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Was up around 7 and took my time packing up. Green Ghost & Sprout stopped by. They had camped down by the road. I woke up Tony around 8:30 to say goodbye. He hadn't slept well because he was so cold. Tony decided to head back south as his car was in Lehigh Gap. It was a cool morning with clouds and sun. I went to the first shelter about a mile away to get water for the day. Not long after leaving the shelter I came across a bear. He ran away when he heard me. That equals the amount of bears I saw in the Shenandoahs. The terrain was different this morning. Still had quite a few rocks but the ups and downs were more than I've had in the past few days. Finally made it to High Point State Park. I had been planning to eat lunch there but missed the trail so I went to the High Point Shelter and had a late lunch. After getting some food in my stomach the last 6 miles to Murray Farm were a breeze. I am the only one here and the place is beautiful. I guess I could have gone 2 more miles into town and camped there, but I cant be eating/drinking town food and beverages because it will get too expensive. Early night in bed as I have a couple busy days coming up. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Murray Farm

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Another great night sleeping last night. I was the only one at the farm and woke up during the night to check out the stars. This morning as I was packing up I noticed two deer nearby. I was on the trail by 7 - my objective was to get to Unionville NY to resupply and get my trail runners. Post Office didn't open until 9 so I had some time to kill at the general store. I ended up drinking a monster drink and a Coke and ate two huge coffee rolls. At the Post Office I received my trail runners and some extra sweets - thanks to my sister Elena for doing that - the store didn't have any of that as I looked before I got the shoes. Also received a few letters from MMRF patients and family - thanks so much. Finally got out of town around 9:45. My feet felt fantastic. I hiked around the Wallkill Wildlife Reserve which was nice and then hiked up Pochuck Mountain and then across a .8 mile boardwalk to bring me to Vernon, NJ. In Vernon there is an ice cream stand that also sells produce and shrubs. Met up with Green Ghost and Sprout and spent some time with them eating ice cream and then they hiked out. Met a nice couple from NJ who were with their daughter and grandchildren. They asked about the hike and we also talked about MMRF. As they left they thanked me for what I was doing - which really meant quite something coming from people I had never met. Next was a hike up Wawayanda Mountain. It was steep but not very long and it felt good. We really haven't had much for elevation in the past few weeks. Met some women hiking down as I was going up who knew me from reading my journal. So if you're reading this - hello. At the Wawayanda Shelter tonight with Dunes and James (a section hiker)I will be out of New Jersey tomorrow and I have to say that NJ has been great - certainly better than I thought it would be and far better than PAAlso. Saw more snakes today than on any other day so far - probably 15 snakes. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up early enough but was slow leaving and didn't get out of camp until 7:30. My plan was to hike 26 miles but that changed quickly when it started heating up and the terrain started with abrupt ups and downs. The guidebook had warned me of this - but how bad could it be?I crossed into NY on a rocky ridge and soon after met two women from Ohio that were doing a 4 day section hike. They reminded me that there was an ice cream shop at the next road crossing. By the time I got to the road I had hiked 10 miles and was tired. I really needed to find a place to resupply and rain was in the forecast for Monday. I thought - what better time to nero and then zero than right here?I walked .3 to get an ice cream and a soda and found a hotel in nearby Greenwood Lake and booked a room. While waiting for them to pick me up, Dunes arrived and he is staying at the same hotel. We got checked in and showered and then headed to Murphy's for lunch and the Cumberland Farms for ice cream and beer to bring back to the hotel. Rested in the afternoon and then went to another restaurant for dinner. I'm exhausted - so happy to be here Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Ahh, enjoying my zero day - first one in almost two weeks. I woke up early and rolled over and went back to sleep until about 9. Headed into town for breakfast and resupply. Breakfast was good (and cheap) and the grocery store wasn't open. I went to the library to fill out some forms and email them and then came back to the hotel to plan the next week of hiking and where I am going to meet some people. Did laundry and met up with Dune and we headed back in town for lunch at the Irish Whisperer. Ran into Napolean, The Senator, H2O and Goliath. They hiked into town to resupply and get lunch. We all ended up shopping between CVS and Cumberland Farms and have enough to carry us for a couple of days until the next store. Picked up a Subway sub for dinner and headed back to the hotel. Noodle and Handsome Dan arrived at the hotel while we were in town. I had met them in Palmerton a few days ago. Back on the trail tomorrow Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: William Brien Shelter
Miles today: 21.6

Out of the hotel by 6:45 and dropped our packs into the trunk of Mr Anton's car and then Dune and I went to breakfast. Mr Anton picked us up at the restaurant at 7:30 and brought us to the trailhead. The day was overcast with a chance of rain and 90% humidity. The rain from the previous day plus the humidity made the rocks slippery. I took one 'bad' fall and bruised my right hip and scraped my left side - but all is ok. The terrain today was fun with some challenges thrown in just to keep you on your toes. The Lemon Squeezer was the most notable - two rock slabs with a narrow crevice to hike through. I crossed I-87 and entered Harriman State Park and immediately ran into a deer that could care less that I was there. Got to Fingerhut Shelter around 4:30 and decided to continue on to this shelter. Ran into Noodle and Handsome Dan slackpacking southbound   Here tonight are Topo, Napolean, The Senator, H2O, Goliath and a couple more hikers. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-11
From: William Brien Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Was up around 6 and left by 7:30. The terrain was a bit tricky as the rocks were still wet and slippery. The first real challenge of the day was crossing the Pallisades Parkway. Cars flying by at 60+ mph and you have to cut across two lanes of traffic. It took a few minutes but when I got the opportunity I ran. You then are in a wooded median and then have to cut across the other two lanes. There was much less traffic so it wasn't as much of a challenge. After that there were a few ascents leading up to Bear Mtn. If it had been clearer you can see NYC from the peaks - not today. Climbed Bear Mtn and then climbed down to meet Jane and Kelly from MMRF. They brought banana bread, donuts, grapes, pop tarts and vanilla Oreo cookies. We all (The Senator, H2O, Napolean, Goliath and Topo) finished all of that off pretty quick. Then Kelly, Jane and I went for pizza and subs. It was great telling stories and answering their questions about the hike. They dropped me back at the trail around 2. When I started back on the trail - within minutes I was in the Bear Mt Zoo. When I passed the bear exhibit I was at the lowest elevation on the AT. After the zoo I had to cross the Hudson River on the Bear Mtn Bridge. While going across the bridge I passed the 1400 miles hiked mark. A couple more ascents in the afternoon and I passed Honey Badger and caught up with Dune. We hiked the rest of the afternoon. At one point we net a 2010 thru hiker whose trail name was Gandalf. About a mile before the 'shelter' we hiked by the Appalachian Mart. We stopped to get a sub, beer and ice cream. Honey Badger met us there and the three of us hiked to the Graymoor. This place is a monastery that allows hikers to stay in their ball field   Hopefully it drys out tomorrow as the rocks and mud could use it. Here tonight with The Senator, H2O, Napolean, Goliath, Honey Badger, Noodle and Topo)Gandalf.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Today marks the beginning of my 14th week on the trail. It's hard to believe I've been out here this long - it just seems like a couple of weeks. I was lazy getting out of camp this morning and didn't hit the trail until 8:45. No big deal as it was a sub 20 day. I had my usual ups and downs but NY seems to like more of these than any other state. No ridge hiking - as soon as you get to the top you just go back down - repeat. No views today as it showered off and on all day. Stopped at a state park for lunch around 3 and then it was an easy 5 mile hike to the shelter. This shelter has delivery service so I ordered a Stromboli and a 2 liter Coke. It was very good - I could have eaten another.A trail angel stopped by with an 18 pack of beer and a couple bags of chips. Needless to say - that was finished off in no time. Here tonight with Dune, The Senator, H2O, Goliath, Noodle and Napolean. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-13
From: RPH Shelter

To: Pawling NY
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

Rained all night and was still raining in the morning. Moved all my stuff into the shelter to pack up out of the rain. Had a pop tart and a snickers for breakfast and finished off the remainder of my 2L Coke. I was the last one out of the shelter at 7:45. The day started off with an up but for the most part the terrain consisted of brief ups and downs. After five miles I stopped by a deli that was .4 off the trail. Met up with The Senator, Goliath, Noodle, H2O and Napolean sitting outside the deli eating their breakfast. I ended up getting a bacon, sausage, ham and egg on a roll plus a huge coffee roll and a Pepsi. It was perfect and gave me enough energy to hike on. And then the skies opened. It poured for about 2 hours, but with the trees in full bloom it kept the rain from really being a problem. Just had to go real slow when I would come to rocks. I had a little zip in my hike today as I was excited to see my former employers (Sal & Dorice) who were meeting me to take me off the trail for the night. I met Sal & Dorice at the Appalachian Train station in Pawling. They brought beer and goodies and everyone enjoyed the trail magic. We left everyone at the nursery next to the station and Dune and I headed off to a hotel in Danbury with Sal and Dorice. Showers were taken and laundry done and then we went to a steakhouse for a incredible dinner. Back to hotel way last 'hiker midnight' to sleep in a real comfortable bed. Thanks so much to Sal and Dorice. Your timing was perfect and really appreciate your 'trail magic' that you did for us. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Pawling NY

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: few clouds

Was up around 6:30 after an unbelievable nights sleep. Realized that there was a Walmart next door and went over to resupply. We met Dorice and Sal for breakfast (and about 20 kids) and then left so they could drop us off. We said our goodbyes and Dune and I started hiking. It didn't take long when I realized that I left my phone in their car. Luckily they had taken a walk on the boardwalk leading to the station. Got my phone back and said our goodbyes - again. Today was beautiful - finally. It has rained every day in NY. About 7 miles into the hike I crossed into CT. I was so excited to be back in New England. The terrain had some good ascents but once you were up you would travel a ridge for a bit and then come down. There was one section where you walked along the Ten Mile River that was real nice. A good amount of people on the trail today including a. Boy Scout group that was tenting at the Ten Mile Shelter. Ran into two ridge runners on the way to the shelter and there is another here at this shelter. Really enjoyed today - the terrain, the weather and the fact that I just crossed out of my ninth state and only have five states left. It seems like it's going by way too fast. Here tonight with the ridge runner, 2 section hikers and Dune. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

Day 95 - Pine Swamp Brook ShelterWas up early and out of the shelter at 7:15. It was only .3 miles to the road and another .8 into Kent, Ct so I decided to go for breakfast. Was there for 1 1/2 hours and consumed a bacon and egg sandwich, a sausage and egg sandwich, a pint of ice cream and 2 Pepsi's Got back on the trail and there was an up to Caleb Peak and then over to StJohn Ledges which had nice views. From there it was straight down on rock stairs to the Housatonic River. There were several miles where you walked along the river. Stopped by a shelter and had lunch. Met UHaul and Dozer - thru hikers from Philly who were hiking with some family friends. After lunch it was time to climb some hills. Special thanks to the trail angel who left the cooler of COLD Pepsi and Root Beer - it hit the spot right before a big climb. I did have one river crossing that required me to remove my shoes and put on my crocs to make it across - and then more uphills. I really enjoyed the terrain today and the legs need to get back into shape for the climbs that are coming up in the next month or so. The weather today was perfect - sunny but with a refreshing breeze. Here tonight are The Senator, H2O, Napolean, Jules, Canary and a couple section hikers. Happy Fathers Day to any dads that reading this. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Laurel Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Was up early this morning as I was determined to get to Massachusetts today. Was on the trail before 7 and was able to hike 15 miles by 1 pm. The terrain in the morning was hilly - what else is new? - but it felt good again working the legs. Part of the trail had you hiking along the Housatonic River which was real nice. After the river was Mt Prospect which was a decent ascent but coming down to Rt 44 was very steep. It was a 1/2 mile off trail to get into Salisbury. I headed to the market and got two subs - one for lunch and one to pack out for dinner - 3 cokes and a pint of ice cream. I ate lunch with Wind Screen. Next thing I knew it was 3:30 - I needed to get moving. The hike in front of me was only 5 miles to the Ma state line but it included going over Bear Mt - the highest peak in Ct. Again, the ascent wasn't bad but it was very steep coming down. The next few miles were through Sages Ravine - a river with several waterfalls. Probably one of the nicest sections in CT. Milestones today:Crossed into Ma - 10 states done and 4 to goPassed the 1500 mile mark with less than 700 to goHere tonight with section hikers Adam and Brian. Weather today again was perfect. So excited to be home and looking forward to seeing friends and family this weekend. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: few clouds

Was up early and decided to wait a bit to eat breakfast and hit the trail by 6:45. I resupplied my water and started up Race Mtn. The horizon was hazy but still provided nice views as I walked along the ridge. From Race Mtn you head up to Mt Everett which was a good climb and then a steep descent and then back up to another peak. The descent from that peak (Bushnell) was very steep. Reached Rt 7 in Sheffield and four of us headed to a restaurant only to find out that it stopped serving lunch last week. We sat under their pavilion and ate what we had in our packs. I headed out from lunch and only did another five miles and reached a shelter. I had planned to go further but i had just done two significant climbs since lunch - one up June Mtn and another up East Mtn. Couple that with the fact that this was most likely the hottest and most humid day so far just took a tole on me. It actually worked out well as I got to see Raven again. Can't remember when I last saw her - most likely in Virginia somewhere. Here tonight with Raven and 15. To Ms. Repose's class: - My birthday is in December - so I won't celebrate it on the trail. (Gee, I hope I'm off the trail by then). By the way - I hope to finish somewhere around Aug 12th- Regarding summer supplies - I have sent most my winter gear home so I am hiking in shorts and a T shirt. I haven't used sun screen - but you should. - My favorite state - good question. They are all unique in their terrain, views and types of forest. From having hiked previously in NH I think that will be my favorite. Least favorite - northern Pa. I was done with all the rocks. You will probably be out of school soon. Have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you in September. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

So I need to talk about last night first. I decided to stay in the shelter so that I could get an early start in the morning. The mosquitoes were so bad that I put my rain jacket over my head. That worked but it was too hot so I decided to put my tent up. About 1:30 I could hear the thunder coming and it rained hard and was quite windy. Fifteen had set up his tent in the shelter - and when it started raining Raven came into the shelter and slept on the floor thinking that we were in the bunks. It wasn't until morning that she realized that she essentially had the whole shelter to herself. I was up early and on the trail by 7:15. There were a couple peaks to summit - South Wilcox and North Wilcox. I didn't have a lot of energy - maybe due to the humidity. I stopped for lunch at the Shaker Campsite and knew that shortly after I had a 1000 ft climb. Made it to Upper Goose by 5:30 and met up with Fresh (who I haven't seen since Glasgow Va) and Stretch who I last saw in Duncannon Pa)The weather today was partly cloudy with an occasional nice breeze - which helped with the mosquito issue. Here tonight with Stretch, Fresh, Happy and one more hiker and the caretaker. I hope to be out early tomorrow so that I can see friends in Dalton tomorrow. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To:  Dalton Ma
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

We were up before 6 and got everything packed up. One of the benefits of staying at Upper Goose is that they make coffee and pancakes for breakfast. Finally got on the trail by 7:15. It was a fairly steep down to I-90 and then there are walkways over the highway where the AT crosses. Then it was a brief up to Walling Mt and a nice hike to the October Mtn Shelter for a break. Met up with Happy there and we hiked the rest of the day. The highlight of the afternoon was stopping by the Cookie Lady who gives out free cookies and you can buy soda and Klondike bars. Hit the spot. Got to Dalton around 5:15 and setup my tent in Tom Levardi's backyard. Headed to the CRA ( the local Y) to shower and over to the Mill Town Tavern for dinner and drinks with Nix, Karen, Jim & Cindy and Happy. It was great seeing everyone. Weather today was slightly overcast with a good breeze to keep the mosquitoes away Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-20
From:  Dalton Ma

To: Cheshire Ma
Miles today: 11.0

Was up before 6 to walk to Cumberland Farms to get coffee, food and to use the bathrooms. Relaxed quite a bit n the morning as we weren't starting out until 8:30 - and the plan was to meet friends (Bob & Jackie, Craig and Pete) at 9:30 at the trailhead. When Happy & I got to the trailhead there was a surprise waiting for me. My daughter Kellye had driven out to hike with us for the day. I was so surprised - so happy. We planned an easy hike from Dalton to Cheshire (~8 miles). The weather was perfect - as was the company. There is one very nice view along that section called The Cobbles. We stopped there and had snacks and refreshments for a while. When we hiked down from The Cobbles and got into Cheshire we pass my nephews house. He had left trail magic on the front stairs with my trail name written on it. Pete, Happy and I continued another 1.6 miles to Outlook Ave which is where we will start to head up Greylock tomorrow. Craig picked us up, brought us back to the house where we could shower and just feasted on steak and chicken with baked potatoes - amazing. Special thanks to Craig and Arlene for feeding us and putting us up for the night. A couple of things to note:- I finally have new tips on my trekking poles. My right tip had worn down an inch lower than the left pole. - Finally weighed myself since Marion Va - I have lost 41 lbsGandalf
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Cheshire Ma

To: Rt 2 No Adams Ma
Miles today: 13.0

I have been thinking about this day for awhile - hiking home to Adams from Georgia.   We got on the trail about 9:15 at Outlook Ave in Cheshire as Bob dropped us off where we ended yesterday. Hiking (slack packing) today with Happy and good friends Pete and Craig. Terrain was steep at first but then gradual until we got to Jones' Nose and then it was steep again. Happy made it to the summit 1 1/2 hours before we made it to the summit. Once we made it to the summit - Jackie and Bob, my sister Elena and her husband Bill, my brother Dennis, my brother Ed and his wife Pam and my Aunt Veronica were there to greet me and welcome me home. There was tons of food and drink and a few hikers stopped by for lunch. Joining us for trail magic were Cabo, Headbanger, Problem Bear and Moxie. Two other section hikers also stopped by. After being there for a couple hours we headed back down the mountain - passing Mt Williams on the way and then a steep descent into No Adams. We headed back to Craig and Arlene's house in Cheshire to another feast. Weather was cool, breezy and sunny today - great hiking weather. Special thanks to my family and friends who greeted me and put the trail magic together and to Craig and Arlene for hosting us this weekend. Gandalf.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Rt 2 No Adams Ma

To: Rt 2 No Adams
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another beautiful day. I decided to zero today as I needed to resupply and get some new equipment. Bob & Jackie left shortly after 8 and Happy & I left to meet Pam & Ed and my nephew Ed and his wife Jill for breakfast in Cheshire. After breakfast we headed to Dicks Sporting Goods to get a new pair of trail runners - the Vasque are falling apart - again. Ended up purchasing a pair of Salamon XA Pro (thanks Pam) and a new pair of hiking shorts. The remainder of the day was just relaxing and visiting and packing up everything as we hit the trail in the morning. These past few days have been amazing. So good to see family and friends - I'm so appreciative of your support and generosity. Gandalf