morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-08-10
From: Fort Montgomery - Bear Mtn Bridge Motel

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Starsday, Wedmath 19 (8-10)2.  Day 1073.  Morning temp: 654.  Weather: clear, calm, fair5.  Time start: 08406.  Time stop and miles: 1335/6.47.  End point: Graymoor CenterLog:I was up before 06 and slowly got ready for the day. I was in no hurry and would be able to get a ride back to the trail up to 09.At around 0830 I was ready to go and Kurt took me back to the bridge. I headed out, crossing the bridge and heading back up the next mountain.  I was happy to take my time and was happy I had saved this climb for when I was rested and refreshed. I probably  could have made it there last night, but was glad that I hadn't made yesterday harder than it had already been. I made it all the way to Route 9, where a Deli sat perched between two roads.  I hurried over and dropped my pack at the tables where three hikers sat. I ordered a cheese steak and grabbed a couple beers for lunch. Outside I hung out with Firefly, Swamp Donkey and Sleeping Beauty who I had last seen down in Damascus before I got off trail the first time.  She had done a flip flop and was going to be done in a day or so at Greenwood Lake.We hung out for over an hour before hiking the last .5 to the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. They let you camp at the ball field. There is electricity, a pavilion, porta potties and a cold shower.  All we need or want. Since we arrived at 1335, the rest of the day was pretty lazy. There was a hiker here, Pumpkin, who had a stress fracture in her foot and had been here for a week. She had decided to go home as it didn't seem to be getting any better.  I carried her pack up the road for her where she was waiting for her ride. I made dinner of something I took from the hiker box. It was home dehydrated mushrooms, ham and mashed potatoes. I added some stuff and some spoonfuls of a dried veggie medley that Firefly gave me.  It was good, but I should have used a little more water.Tomorrow I head to the State Park where you can stay one night for free.Flora: Purple flowersFauna: SkinkVOD: Wasp nestHigh: Hanging at the DeliLow: None todayHope: That the free camping is good on Fridays too.
Date: 2017-08-11
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 

To: Fahnstock SP
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Sunsday, Wedmath 20 (8-11)  2. Day 108  3. Morning temp: 65  4. Weather: clear, calm, fair  5. Time start: 0700  6. Time stop and miles: 1515/13.8  7. End point: Fahnestock SP  Log:I was up early and quietly pittered about to get my gear together and do breakfast.I headed out at 0700. I bit of a climb had me wet with sweat quickly. Today was just one of those days where you have just keep putting one foot in front of the other to get it done.I seemed to be low on energy today. Some of the climbs were steep, but they all seemed to kick my ass a little.After lunch at a road that had a water spicket to use, I saw a hiker walk by in the distance, as I sat resting, but couldn't tell who it was. When I started on, I came to a stream where the hiker was resting. It was Red Bull. I keep seeing him on this Quest. He said he had gotten off trail for awhile and had just come back.I pushed on and after what felt like a very long time, I was at the beach of the lake at the park. It was a bit of a walk to the concession stand for a quick bite, drink and ice cream. After that it was another long walk to the campground, where we can stay free for one night. I found the sites, but there wasn't much pickens for hammocks, but I managed to find an acceptable space and set up. I took a little walk around the camp. There is a guy here who likes to feed hikers and talk to them at Site 16. He came down and I went up and he made me a sandwich. He was really cool. His name is Joe. He is a Viet Nam Vet and likes to tell his stories and hear yours.Tomorrow I hope to get to the shelter 14 miles down. It is supposed to rain tonight. Let's see how it goes. Flora:  Fauna: Garter snake  VOD: Nada  Smell:  Sound:  High: When I finally sat in my hammock Low: The climbs were hard today  Hope: That I have more energy tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-12
From: Fahnstock SP

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

1. Date: Moonsday, Wedmath 21 (8-12)  2. Day 109  3. Morning temp: 63  4. Weather: Rain ending  5. Time start: 0700  6. Time stop and miles: 1617/14.0  7. End point:  Log:I was up early and as I was packing up, Joe came by and said he would feed us again. I went over and had another sandwich and some coffee, thanked Joe again and headed out. The first five miles went fast and I was pulling into the RPH shelter a little after 09. I had been thinking that it would be nice if there was some leftover pizza, but didn't think it would happen. As soon as I walked into the shelter, I was offered a slice. Awesome. I headed to the next stop, a deli that was .4 off trail, but hiker friendly. Getting there was a little harder than the first five miles, but before too long I was pulling off my pack and going inside. I just got some chips and a beer to start. We hung out behind the store where they had a picnic table and an outlet for charging. At some time after two, I headed the last 3.8 or so to the shelter.Firefly had gotten there before me and another couple were setting up nearby. Dragin, Camp and three other hikers came in for water and we had some good conversation until they headed out for the next shelter. Boston came in and also 10 steps, who just got back on trail.The wind has picked up some, but we aren't sure if the rain is coming or not.Tomorrow I will head to the last shelter in NY before we cross into CT for awhile. Fauna: squirrels, toad  VOD: From Shenandoah Mtn  Smell: Privy, when the wind shifts and swirls  High: Pizza at the RPH Shelter  Low: The section before lunch  Hope: That the rain is light or misses us
Date: 2017-08-13
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: moderate rain

1. Date: Treesday, Wedmath 22 (8-13)  2. Day 110  3. Morning temp: 68 4. Weather: fog, calm  5. Time start: 0720  6. Time stop and miles: 1845/20.6  7. End point: Ten Mile River Shelter  Log:I was up before 06 and did the normal routine and headed out after 07. The trail was pretty nice today. Lots of good grades and some pasture walking. I took my first break at Nuclear lake. It is very pretty. Next I went for another 10 by 12 and just made it. I pulled into a garden center for lunch. They are real hiker friendly and let you hang out, charge your phone and even have a cold shower out back to refresh yourself. I bought a Klondike and a soda.That family that is hiking with the one year old baby came in. They flipped awhile ago. It was cool to meet them. I moved onto what I had planned to be my final push to the shelter at 16.6, but Firefly caught me just before the shelter and inspired me to do four more to the next shelter to make tomorrow's hike shorter before the town stop. I had stopped to dig out my bug net, which I had been carrying for hundreds of miles. It was time to see how it worked as the gnats had become very bothersome. I stopped at the first shelter and made dinner while Firefly hung out. Afterwards, I watered up and we headed the last 4 miles to the next shelter. I made good time for the last miles and pulled in to the shelter. Dragin and Camp are here. The river look so inviting, so I went and took a quick dip after setting up.Tomorrow, I hope to get to a real grocery store for some resupply. Then to find a good place to eat that maybe isn't a deli.Flora: Queen Anne's Lace, Goldenrod  Fauna: Owl  VOD: Nuclear Lake, morning fog through trees Smell: perfumy smell in the forest  Sound: Ten Mile River  High: Finishing strong today. My first 20 of the Quest  Low: Second shift before lunch is always hard  Hope: That we have a good town visit tomorrow to resupply and eat.
Date: 2017-08-14
From: Ten Mile River Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Sheltee
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

1. Date: Skysday, Wedmath 23 (8-14)  2. Day 111  3. Morning temp: 59  4. Weather: cool, calm, some clouds  5. Time start: 0725  6. Time stop and miles: 1835/15.7  7. End point: Stewart Hollow Brook shelter Log:I was up before 06, but it was cool out and I didn't want to get up after troubled sleep and aching feet. But I was up and heading out before 0730.The trail followed the rivers for awhile and then headed up Shaghticoke Mtn. I had put my bugnet on and was flipping it up every so often to drink and somehow I must have knocked my hat off without realizing it. After I did realize, I put my pack down and went back down hill about .1 to try and find it. I didn't want to climb that mountain again, so I want on.Not long after Dragin and Camp caught me. I asked if they had seen my hat. They said the had, but weren't sure it was mine. What the fuck? They have seen me wearing that hat since NC. I'm a little pissed at them for robbimg me of that best thing that can happen on the trail, reuniting a hiker with lost gear. I have carried stuff for several miles when I find it on the trail. Sometimes even if I don't know whose it is. Oh well, shit happens. I'm bummed to have lost it, but I just need to let it go.After dragging myself over two more steep hills, I came to the road to Kent. Firefly arrived shortly after and we headed into town. Somehow I lost my buff in the short time we were sitting there. Today was becoming a real shit day.We stopped at a outfitter/ice cream store and I bought a new very expensive hat, a tent stake (one had broke) and some ice cream. Next we went over to the pizza place and ate lunch. After that we stopped at the small welcome center where you can use the rest room, take a shower for $2 and charge your electronics.We left our packs and went to the IGA for resupply. We hung out at the welcome center for a while, sorting our food and drinking a couples brews.A hiker stopped by as I was getting ready to leave and showed us a road walk along the river that avoids some of the annoying hills in the afternoon's walk. Since I was tired from lack of sleep and the morning's hike and was having such a bad day losing all my gear, I opted for the river walk. It falls under EarthTone's Appalachian Trail Inclusion Corridor which extends 1 mile to either side of the Trail. It was a very pleasant walk.I arrived in camp before 1900 and set up. I was pretty tired and had eaten my leftover pizza on the walk in, so I hit the hammock as soon as all the other chores were done.Tomorrow will be a short day where I will be picked up and taken to Hudson's Bearded Woods Hostel.Flora: Fauna: Turkeys VOD: The blue heron on the river Sound: Eagle? High: Taking the road at the end of the day Low: Losing my hat Hope: That all goes well with the Hostel
Date: 2017-08-15
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: W Cornwall Rd - Bearded Woods Hostel
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: moderate rain

1.  Date: Seasday, Wedmath 24 (8-15)2.  Day 1123.  Morning temp: 684.  Weather: rain ending5.  Time start: 07306.  Time stop and miles: 1200/8.97.  End point: W Cornwall Rd/Bearded Woods HostelLog:The rain started early in the morning, but wasn't heavy and had stopped by 06 when I rolled out of the hammock. I wasn't in a hurry to get going, but when I'm ready, I'm ready. So, I was on the trail at 0730 and moving leisurely along the flat riverside trail.Eventually it started to climb and I had to climb three or four hills, some with rocks of course. I didn't mind too much as this was going to be a short day.I took my first break at a road and while I was sitting there Hudson pulled up to drop off some sobos. I talked to him a bit and said I would see him in a couple of hours as I had two more mountains to climb. I texted him when I was 2 miles out and hit the road at exactly 1200. Hudson pulled up a few minutes later and soon I was washing the trail off me, gathering my nasty clothes that hadn't been in a washer since Warwick, NY and relaxing an the couch. They have loaner clothes, but most of them were sized medium. I may have lost weight, but I'll never be a medium again.They have a scale on the porch and I weighed in at 205.  15 less than when I started this Phase and 35 less than when I started the Quest.I pretty much just took it easy the rest of the day, eating ice cream and chips and Hudson made me a salmon salad sandwich which was delicious. Hudson offers a free slack pack if you stay a second night, so I thought I would try it out.  He will drop me at the road tomorrow with a small pack of just the days essentials and pick me up in Salisbury after about 17 miles. I'm looking forward to some light hiking tomorrow.The day's slack packers came in later in the day and we caught up. One is Babbit who had been hiking with Firefly for awhile before I came along.They said the trail is real nice tomorrow. I hope it's true.Flora: Fauna: chipmunk VOD: The view from the Hostel's screened porchSmell: dryer sheetsSound: Rain on the tarp in the morningHigh: Taking a real hot showerLow: Some rocky areasHope: That tomorrow's slackpack goes well.
Date: 2017-08-16
From: W Cornwall Rd - Bearded Woods Hostel

To: US44 - Salisbury, CT - Bearded Woods 
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Earthsday, Wedmath 25 (8-16) 2. Day 113 3. Morning temp: 66 4. Weather: overcast 5. Time start: 0824 6. Time stop and miles: 1507/16.4 7. End point: US 44, Salisbury, CT - Bearded Woods  Log:Sleeping on a mattress is just not the same as the hammock. It is comfortable enough, but my arms get numb. I woke early and went out into the common room to watch the rest of GOT with less load on the wifi.I was up before 06 and drinking coffee on the porch. Breakfast was great and filling.He all headed out after all the bills were settled with those leaving today. I got to my part of the trail at 0824 and headed up the hill with a very light load.This was my first time slack packing during the Quest and it felt great. I moved along at a decent pace, feeling like I had nothing on my back. All I carried was the days necessities and a couple contingencies.I made decent time for the first 5 miles, not needing any lenghtly breaks other than taking drinks when needed.I had brought leftover pizza for lunch and I ate the three pieces spaced out over time. I took a longer break around 1230 to eat the last piece and rest my feet near the hydro electric plant.I broke out the tunes and just blazed the rest of the miles. After the last major climb, I just flew along, enjoying my music.Before I realized it I was at the last road of the day. I did the short road walk and then moved off trail to follow the Rambler rail trail into town. I texted Hudson when I arrived at the store and then did some quick shopping for a couple breakfast items and some drinks.Hudson came by about 30 minutes later and we were transported back to the Hostel. Kitchen Sink was already on board and we talked on the ride back.Dinner was steak and corn on the cob and was delicious. Tomorrow it is back to regular hiking with the full pack. I enjoyed the slack pack, but now we move on. Bearded Woods is an awesome Hostel. I can't say enough good things about it.Flora:  Fauna: Deer, snake, toads VOD: Rands view  Smell: steak  Sound: Great Falls  High: Moving fast at the end of the day, listening to tunes  Low: Waiting to get started in the am  Hope: A good hike tomorrow, back at full load
Date: 2017-08-18
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Sunsday, Wedmath 27 (8-18)2. Day 1153. Morning temp: 684. Weather: wind, rain5. Time start: 0710 6. Time stop and miles: 1510/14.37. End point: Tom Leonard ShelterLog:The forecast said it would rain most of today and Pamola delivered. I heard the first drops on the tarp at 0500, but it remained light and in the trees while I broke down camp. I was out a little after 07 and heading for a long descent into Great Barrington. It was slow going as it was pretty rocky and everything was wet.The rain picked up for about 30 minutes, so I donned the rain jacket, even though I was already wet. It mainly just keeps me from getting chilled.I took my first pack off break at the Shays Rebellion monument at about 6 miles. There wasn't too many places to stop and rest today. I actually sat at the base of the monument and leaned against it.Next I walked to an antique store on US 7 and bought a coke. I ate a quick lunch in front of the store sitting on the ground and looking like a homeless man. It had started to sprinkle again.I had about 5 miles left and it involved a pretty long climb and I entertained some ideas to go further today and maybe get to Williamstown a day early, but as the rocks and rain had their way with me, I knew I would be done when I hit the shelter.My feet were yelling at me by the time I got to the shelter. They had been wet most of the day and wanted to dry out.I found a spot quickly, set up, got out of my wet clothes and just laid back in the hammock. It started raining again, just as I got everything set up. I didn't care, I was warm, dry and safe for now. It had been a good decision to not continue on.Tomorrow will be a short day of 11 miles. I want to hit Upper Goose Pond Cabin in two days as it is a must visit place.Fauna: Efts, chipmunks, tree frogsVOD: Not much todaySmell: The riverSound: RainHigh: Getting into dry clothes after a wet dayLow: Coming down this morning's rocky mountain in the rain.Hope: That I can get mostly everything dry tomorrow.
Date: 2017-08-19
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

1. Date: Moonsday, Wedmath 28 (8-19)2. Day 1163. Morning temp: 654. Weather: Drippy, fog, calm5. Time start: 07236. Time stop and miles: 1453/11.27. End point: Shaker CampsiteLog:The rain was off and on overnight, but never heavy. By morning it had stopped. I got up and had breakfast before breaking down camp today. Thought I'd change it up a little. I chatted with three kids from Boston College who were out for a few days, then hit the trail.I needed water and since today was a short day, I headed down to Beartown State Forest for a longish break. It turned out to be a great decision. After eating a snack, filling my water and walking around a little, I started heading out.I went to ask the guy about a nearby town and whether it had a food place, since I had figured I might be one dinner short. He was over by a camper and they turned out to be 8 Track, who I had met several days ago and his wife, Cathy aka Angel Princess. They ended up making me a second breakfast and giving me lots of food. It was awesome.I headed up the trail fueled and feeling good. I ate lunch near one of the shelters. Lunch was two peaches and a cup of peaches, courtesy of 8 Track and Angel Princess. Yum.The track was pretty good the rest of the day. It was pretty steep coming down that last mountain, but it was not very rocky with several switchbacks.I got behind a couple day hikers who smelt real nice and saw them taking a photo of something. It turned out to be a large owl in a nearby tree. We all got pics and it flew off as we got close.I got to the empty camp and found a spot. I set up and am waiting for dinner time. There are a lot of bees flying around.Tomorrow is another short day with hopefully some swimming and canoeing and possibly pancakes for breakfast.Fauna: Cows, owlVOD: From The LedgesSmell: Day hikerSound: OwlHigh: Being fed by Angel Princess and 8 TrackLow: The last steep downhill taxed my kneesHope: That I have a nice day at Upper Goose Pond tomorrow
Date: 2017-08-20
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

1. Date: Treesday, Wedmath 29 (8-20)2. Day 1173. Morning temp: 654. Weather: cloudy, breezy5. Time start: 07006. Time stop and miles: 1210/9.97. End point: Upper Goose Pond CabinLog:I was up pretty early and broke down camp before breakfast. I was out and moving at 07. I filled up my water and got ready for the climbs of the day. There were two longer ones and a few shorter ones. The climbs went fine. I just took my time as this was a short day. I did have to eat lunch early as my hiker hunger has really kicked in.The last few miles were rather pleasant and before I knew it, I could see the pond. I had to walk all around the pond to reach the trail to the cabin. I arrived at the cabin and it said it was open, but the door was locked. I went up the stairs to the bunk room and it was open. I looked around then put my gear in the bunk room.I went down to the lake and took a swim, while rinsing out my clothes. Now I'm just relaxing until the caretaker comes back.I hung out during the day as hikers arrived and the new caretaker showed up. Later I took another swim. I guess I lost my bug net in the pond. I must have forgotten to take it out of my back pocket and it came out and floated away.I was thinking of hanging my hammock up at the camping area, but just went with the bunk. The mattress was thick enough.Tomorrow will be pancakes, then 17+ miles to walk.Fauna: Young cowVOD: The pondSmell: The pondSound: Rooster, the wind whispering through the tall pinesHigh: Taking a swimLow: Hiker hunger has kicked inHope: The 17 tomorrow isn't too hard
Date: 2017-08-21
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

1. Date: Skysday, Wedmath 30 (8-21)2. Day 1183. Morning temp: 664. Weather: calm, clouds5. Time start: 07206. Time stop and miles: 1630/17.67. End point: Kay Wood ShelterLog:Sometimes the day is just a day of walking. You just do the miles and stay in your own head until you arrive at camp. This was pretty much how this day went.I was up early after my usual tossing and turning in a mattress. Waking from time to time with numb arms.I walked down to the lake around 06 to see what the sunrise looked like, but it looked like it would be awhile until the sun got over the mountain. It was a peaceful, calm morning and a great way to start the day.Before too long, the bunk room was stirring and the smell of coffee and pancakes wafted through the cabin.I had a helping of cakes and a coffee, then hit the trail. Today looked pretty easy elevation profile wise, but you never know how rocky it will be.It turned out to not be too bad and I made pretty good time throughout the day. I stopped for an early lunch at the October Mtn shelter then thought I would hit the Cookie Ladies place for water and maybe a treat of cookies, blueberries and cookies, but no one was home. All I was able to get was some sulfur tasting water and a few blueberries that were in a container on the table.I arrived at the shelter at 1630, set up and relaxed. I went down to get some water. When I headed down the shelter was empty. When I got back it was filled to capacity with a freshman orientation group from Yale. I had some good conversation with the leaders and some of the students until it was time to retire to the hammock. I'm looking forward to hitting Dalton tomorrow. Food, a shower and maybe some beers await me there.High: Getting to camp at the end of the dayLow: No Cookie LadyHope: That I can get everything done in Dalton tomorrow.