morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-04
From: Same

To: One Day More
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The frame arrived yesterday. It took more than just a few minutes to remember exactly how I had disassembled the pack. Reassembly should be nothing more than the reverse of disassembly; or, is it the other way 'round. Finally I succeed and the pack is once again a single unit.I carefully repack all items. Oh, and I've replaced the military dry bags with several that are smaller, lighter, and presumably have more waterproof integrity (I saw some holes beginning to develop in mine). Putting the pack on, I am once again able to transfer load weight with ease instead of packed location. I'm ready for the trail again. And, as you've noticed, my journal is getting current .But sometime this afternoon Melissa is visiting. I have to keep focused on the "here and now" I may not see her for quite awhile. She's going in different directions, literally and figuratively. I may not get an opportunity to hike with her on this adventure.After her visit she'll be on her way south and I will return to the AT.I stay up 'way too long. It will not be an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Lake Buel Trailhead

To: Tom Leonard Shelter 
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm finally back to the trail. It will be just a short hike to the shelter. On the way to the trailhead I discovered I'd left my pocket knife in the other pants, you know, the ones I also left at the resort. This shouldn't even have been an issue, Kmart is close. But you can't buy a pocket knife in Kmart. It is a weapon. You can buy a 6-inch filet knife for fishing or a 6-inch sheath knife for hunting, or even a 10-inch chef's knife, just not anything with a folding blade. But problem resolved - you can buy a box cutter for a dollar next door. The thought for today, Cinco de Mayo, everybody celebrates. What? I know what the date means to some. But few remember that a General from the Grand Army of the Republic (no I don't remember his name, but it should be researched, at least by me) in 1868 ordered that Graves be "decorated" on 30 May that year to recognize the efforts of the soldiers, those on both sides. Or that while the effort continued, it wasn't until 1971 before the date was recognized as a federal holiday. Now I'm afraid few remember the date except as a day off with pay, a day for a picnic, or the start of the summer season. I need to hike longer and think less. Maybe. Or maybe reflection will help.
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Tom Leonard Shelter 

To: The Hemlocks
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Last night was very interesting. I expected rain so after deciding I would again be alone, I hung my hammock in the shelter. Was I in the shelter, or in a hammock? Both, I guess. I'd noticed some heavy scratches in the bunk areas and some other parts of the shelter and thought maybe porcupines may have been here. Nothing recent. Several hours after dark, I've no idea of time (I go to bed when it's dark and rise when it seems daylight) I heard what sounded like a little jack hammer on wood. Flashlight out and immediate quiet. I looked everywhere. Everywhere but the wall behind the ladder, at the "foot of my bed." There it was, a medium size porcupine, about 10 pounds worth, holding on to my Gatorade bottle. I know they are supposed to be shy and retreating, but it took several minutes of shining the light on it before it slowly crawled across that beam, knocking off everything I'd left in that area. But it did leave, and upon checking I discovered it hadn't even taken the bottle. Good, it was an unopened one I'd just bought before return to the trail. It did rain, when I left in the morning. It continued off and on all day. Accompanied by rain gear off and on all day. Due to the early season the views were quite good but rain prevented photos. I finally made The Hemlocks about 1800. The rain is increasing so it's shelter for the night, I again doubt anyone else will show.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: The Hemlocks

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I crossed into Connecticut at lunch. Since it had rained all night the rock crossing at the stream was just splashing over the rock tops. Interesting. I now know that I had entered CT, specifically Sages Ravine. The overcast conditions made any color more brilliant, more vivid. A wonderful hike. Then I discovered I had to hike out of this ravine. I don't know if I posted this thought but I've had it several times now: Is it hiking if my right hand AND right foot are in the same place at the same time? Or have I strayed that far from the trail. No, the blazes are there in front of me, up there, way, way up there. It was worth the effort. It's Saturday so lots of day hikers. One group out to find the tri-state point: CT, MA, NY.I almost decide to hike into Salisbury, I'd arranged an overnight, but resolve to stick to original plans and stay at Riga. I do have second thoughts, after MA shelters I've stepped back in time. And this one close enough to hike in so lots of abuse. And it shows, fire to the structure and so much trash in the bear box that I can't hike it out with what I'm carrying. Regretfully I can only take some with me. So much for "leave no trace" ethics. I'll stop here on this topic. It did stop raining and at dark no one else having arrived I hung the hammock across the back of the shelter. I checked and found everyone else in tents.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Riga Shelter

To: Salisbury CT
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: scattered clouds

So it's a half day. I thought I had a 6-mile hike into Salisbury, turns out it's only a little over 4. But it was a short morning. I arrive at Maria McCabe's about 0830. Obviously no one home; another rainy morning and there's a dry spot on the driveway. So I have time to make Mother's Day calls. Maria arrives, one very "with it" lady. She is just so happy I'm early that she can go to lunch/dinner with grandchildren. But not before I have tea and snacks and we chat. Then a shower and ready laundry. She drives me to the laundry and makes arrangements at the pizza shop next door so they will drive me back when I'm done. Laundry done and most of a pizza devoured, they return me as promised. I should mention this pizza shop was recommended to me by a CT hiker when I asked where the best pizza in CT could be found. It was pretty good. Before I turn in for the night Maria details what I'm to cook and eat for breakfast. When I told her if I ate that much I'd have to waddle out like a duck she said that was quite alright, she would drive me to the trailhead. It was a pretty special Mother's Day. I hope she eventually discovered her "gift."
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Salisbury CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Maria insists on returning me to the trail and sends me off with a hug and sincere wishes for a safe journey. I'd no idea where I would actually stop for the day. I'd planned a stop in Falls Village. On arriving at the Amesville Bridge I discovered a detour posted, a 3-mile road walk. But fate was partially mine. I was waved over the bridge. They were putting the finishing touches on the bridge and opened it for pedestrians; I was the first.My stop in Falls Village was a bust. The village is closed on Mondays. I think it's also closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as well. The stop at the package store for the AT stamp for the passport didn't go well; the guy didn't know what I was talking about. He also didn't know yesterday was Mother's Day as I found out. Some how my hat went missing (I think the porcupine may have knocked it to the ground the other day and/or taken it with him; it was pitch black as were the hat and porcupine) the general store that used to be there would have been closed on Monday...no problem, it's not there any more. The only thing I did learn was that this is the home town of Bill Blass. Pirate pitcher of yore. So on to Pine Swamp Brook for the night. I do need to find fuel for this stove soon; I'm food heavy (having picked up my box yesterday) and now fuel light.
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

I hurried out of the shelter area this morning. A hiker with his dog was at the shelter when I arrived last night. Bad vibes and it was too late to push ahead. But on the trail this morning, maybe SOBO has advantages. I'm now food heavy and fuel light. I should have added alcohol to that resupply. Bad choice. My next chance will be Kent so I will push for the shelter closest. I have a chat with NOBO thru, Dr. John, who reports the outfitter in Kent had none. At my midmorning stop I call and find that there is alcohol, just not Coleman. A change of plans occurs immediately. Stewart Hollow Shelter is now tonight's destination. I arrive to find a hiker who is from GB, on holiday before starting the PhD program. A very independent youth, a breath of fresh air in the woods. Two other NOBO hikers arrive before dark. They'll hike out together in morning. It is now dark and therefore must be bedtime. They however are still up conversing rather loudly. And a fragrant odor, all too familiar, follows the breeze to the river. Fortunately I'm really tired or words could be exchanged. Maybe a night's rest will clear my head.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Stewart Hollow Shelter

To: Mt. Algo Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

This will be a shorter day, 7.3 miles to Mt. Algo plus about 2 miles round trip in and out of Kent. I arrive in "downtown" Kent about 1145, to find high school aged students all over. The town surely doesn't look that large. And the combination ice cream shoppe/backcountry outfitter, they're closed until 1300. So I warm my bare feet on asphalt and air out socks. At 1300 things start to gain clarity. The shop owner is willing to answer almost any question. But I solve problems first; alcohol for stove fuel and a replacement beanie. Then lunch and conversation. The town is small; they don't have their own high school; the regional is outside Falls Village. But they do have 3, yes 3, boarding schools. No wonder I was getting that "I've been here before feeling." This is where I used to work, too many spoiled little rich kids and their play toys. And Kent is a town where the people seem to hold tightly to their traditional values. Enough of Kent, however and off to Mt. Algo shelter. While setting dinner I hear a splash. The stream isn't big enough to support fish so I look. Shortly I meet "Tapestry" who I can only identify as "bad luck."Is his first day out on a 4 day hike. He's lost his hat, overestimated his ability for today's distance, underestimated the rocks and elevation changes, and to top everything, he slipped and feel in the brook about a mile before the shelter - all the way in. What I heard was him slip again and step into the stream to maintain balance. Oh, and somewhere he left his glasses. And his watch stopped.I offer him my reading glasses to no avail; he needs 6.5x minimum. He claims he can see to hike. We do get a text sent to his wife. I suggest that he hole out to Kent in the morning with the other hiker in the shelter area, a rookie hiker but nice guy. Me, after all that, well I'm just one really fortunate one.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Mt. Algo Shelter

To: Wily Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

So today hopefully I escape to NY. Sounds like a movie title; okay, that was "from" not "to," but it does involve a "Snake" and I'm "Viper."But out from the "bad luck" and down the trail. I shortly meet a NOBO who has his hat. We have no luck finding glasses. Pretty uneventful day actually. Lunch at Ten Mile. Except for the rainy forecast I'd overnight here, open field to the east for sunrise. I, however, need miles so on to NY and Wiley Shelter.On arrival I find a unique arrangement; kitchen implements, a library, and big firepit; there are no camp fires in CT.A pleasant place and I hang over a tent pad. I leave a awning for a view of what I hope will be sunrise and not rain. As usual I am the only one here.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Wily Shelter

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

The forecast calls for rain but I rise at 0535 to sunrise. I'm as quick as I can be trying to beat thunderstorms. Before I actually leave the area the sky has already closed over. The clouds remain all morning. I make a stop at "Native Plants," a landscaping business very friendly to hikers. My first AT passport stamp, an entry into their log book, 2 Clif bars, a bathroom visit, liter of potable water; all while charging my phone, then I'm off. I make Telephone Pioneers shelter by noon, and wait. And wait. There isn't even a hint of a shower, let alone a thunderstorm. I have lunch with "Bones," who is continuing NOBO. I decide to continue. It's only another 8.8 miles. This turns out to be a bad decision. Rain at 1400. I continue as it's the same distance either way now. Why are there always major highways to cross in the rain? And I haven't seen any signs warning of "hikers crossing;" signs for deer but not for people. I get to Morgan Stewart shelter and get dry enough to get rid of the chill. I decide I can hammock in the shelter and still leave space. "Rock Steady" and "Travelin' Man" arrive. Then a boy scout troop. The troop all have tents. There are female "boy" scouts. I thought I heard an adult female voice and when I get a chance to glance at the back of the shelter there is no mistake in physique, girls.Then the other two members of the shelter are out to assist. No problems; there are more than enough adult males with the scouts to cause these two to return to the shelter. Not that it helps me. "Travelin' Man" makes telephone calls, plays music for 30 minutes, and just rambles on about anything and everything. This reminds me to "hang out" in the hammock in inclement weather. But I do get to sleep at a reasonable hour.My thoughts on today are not that it is Friday the 13th, but rather that I will miss the Candlelight Vigil. Regardless of weather there will be thousands there. Unfortunately few if any will be outside spectators; most will be family, friends, and others of the profession. It is doubtful my presence, or lack thereof, is ever noted. And I knew I would not be there this year when I started this venture. But it did not make the day go faster or easier.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: RPH (Ralph's Peak Hiker) Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

Last night I devised a plan to only hike to RPH shelter - 9.0 miles. I understand pizza can be ordered to this location, and I'm hungry. I find I'm hiking with the scout troop of last night. Within 45 minutes I've passed the larger group of boys with 3 adult males in attendance. Where did those girls go? In about another hour I catch the 3 adults supervisors for the forward group; 2 guys and the "required" lady. They are easy to pass and shortly I overtake the group of 5 "leaders" ( 3 girls and 2 boys). We leapfrog briefly; to try to keep in front of this group will exhaust me in short order. I hike behind then until they stop for a break. This is a good idea.The adults eventually arrive and I let the entire group in front to the shelter (about 40 minutes). They set up and have a meal eaten before the other group ever arrives.This is a solid shelter; block structure, windows, and one side even has a real door. There are 3 bunk beds. And you can really call in an order for pizza delivery. "Smiley" and "Bill Bailey" are both there, older hikers, and we eventually do place an order. They split a very large pizza. I've already had soup, macaroni and cheese with meat and vegetable, and finish with a spinach and cheese calzone for dessert. I think I may still be hungry.There are residences in close proximity and it doesn't take long after the other scout group arrives before the East Fishkill Police stop by. It seems someone has been trespassing and given the property owner a bad time when encountered. Sounds familiar. The scouts are now under close scrutiny. But stove lessons in preparation for Philmont take up spare time.At 1800, thunder and related storms for several hours. Time out to watch the "show."At the end of the storm all is now peaceful. I sit in on scout conversation for about 30 minutes and then it's bedtime.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: Catskills NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What does one do on a zero day? One gets a really hot shower, eats breakfast - TWICE - and then indulges in adult beverages throughout the day. Of course there is a wine and cheese orientation and then the topper, a 5-course dinner. That's all true, but what happens the rest of the time. First you do a gear check. Then you check the gear you requested. You switch some and make other adjustments. Then you review some journal entries. And find errors. So you proof read all the entries and make many, many edits. Anyone who knows me knows errors can be expected and those errors should and will be corrected. So I think I found them all and they are corrected. My only "excuse" is I'm using swype as a keyboard on a small page and sometimes can't even see what actually prints. Then when I try to proof the entry the page is so small everything is tiny; it seems the screen is barely twice the size of my thumb nail. Enough for explanation. I shall try harder to make this at least readable.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: US 9
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I've planned out the rest of my week, a couple days of slackpacking, 2 consecutive days with an overnight, and another zero. This way I can maximize time with my wife and continue adding miles. So today, back to Fahnestock State Park. The trail started easy enough; I figured to get maximum miles today. The trail however turned rocky quickly and was covered with a layer of dry brown leaves. The faster I tried to go the quicker I kicked loose rocks, stumbled on hidden rocks, and banged my toes against camouflaged roots and rocks. This was not going as I had envisioned. I then happened across 4 young male adults sitting in the trail. They were out for a short section hike. I determined they had hiked about 3 miles from last night's campsite before needing a serious rest. I had been going pretty strong and was feeling better the more they complained. I continue and stop in another hour for lunch. They wander along just before I finish lunch. I can see the looks at my lunch and then the question: "What are you eating?" My response is fairly rapid, "A stromboli from my hometown pizza shop." (It was in fact a stromboli from Sam's Pizza Shop.)They stop again for another rest and I'm off. I will not see them again. I call for a ride from the Appalachian Market, US 9 and NY 403. The time might have permitted more miles, but by stopping early I can spend an evening with my wife and another of those 5-course dinners. Befitting my Eastern European heritage I opt for kielbasa, pierogies, and sauerkraut.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: US 9

To: Bear Mountain 
Miles today: 8.6

I'm dragging this morning. Yesterday's efforts created some aching toes today. Specifically the little toe on each foot feels as if someone slammed a trekking pole down on the outside edge of the toe. There is, however, much to be accomplished today. First I need to correct the logistical error. The error: Who seems themselves a package to a location at which they will meet family? Unfortunately I must take credit for that mistake. So off to Ft. Montgomery Post Office. The building is located on Fallen Firefighters Memorial Drive. Package retrieved. On the other hand I'd picked the right location for this resupply; I have only today's lunch and dinner in my pack. I'd given an ETA of 16 May; 2 days behind schedule. Not too bad. Now back to the Appalachian Market. I did try to take care of my foot issues last night and must have accomplished something; it is a little less painful while picking my way through the rocks. I meet "Orange Crush" while eating lunch. She is so named due to a bright orange shirt and as, for someone her age, she is "crushing it" (the trail). She attacks the slope and I start a road walk on NY 9D.There are visible blazes on the bridge, but it is the only bridge in vicinity over the Hudson River and I surely wouldn't be able to swim across. So, over the river and through the...zoo. Yes, through the zoo. I get an AT paper stamp at the office. I spend too much time wandering through the zoo. Everything has a sign and I read a lot of them. Even the utility pole has a sign. I do eventually wander into the Hiker Cafe at Bear Mountain Inn. Melody arrives and we have those adult beverages. Again we dally longer than I want. Finally off with pack and I climb to the top of the mountain and end my day at the top of Perkins' Tower. I save having to carry a full pack to the top tomorrow. Again I probably could have done more miles, but I have someone who loves me nearby and I can use the time better than "making miles." I can spend another evening over dinner with my wife.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: William Brien Shelter

To: Elk Pen
Miles today: 9.3

I sleep late; the replaced sleeping gear may have felt delightful last night when I first got in the hammock. It is actually cozy; no more drafts. I awaken when I hear my pots hit the ground. I hung my cooking gear in my bear bag and "Tribe" had hooked onto my "hang." He was already packed and cooking. I'm functional now and seemingly operating with military efficiency. My gear was packed in minutes and I have breakfast eaten minutes later. This operational ability may have something to do with this morning's sounds. Shades of the 101, helicopters. Yesterday, small arms; today, helicopters. I make Fingerboard Shelter in what seems nothing flat; I expect another 45 minutes of hiking but the shelter is off to my left. I pass "Tribe" almost at the shelter, (he is also SOBO) but opt for lunch at the shelter. It's a unique structure, rock walls, singled roof, and 2 fireplaces, one on either side wall forward of the floor. I have lunch and call to confirm pick up location. Then a hike out to Elk Pen. "Tribe" and I play tag for the next 3 hours, then hike into the parking lot together. Melody awaits and tomorrow is a zero day. And, well, what do you do on a zero? You start the zero today by having a second lunch and finish with another of those 5-course dinners. Of course!
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Catskills NY

To: Catskills NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I know I told someone the AT was a foot trail except when going through towns, some road walks, or the C&O Canal. I was wrong. I remember walking toward MA20 near Lee, MA and facing a stop sign on the trail; snowmobiles have the right of way. Other than the 2 deer I saw the first day in NY the largest 4-legged animals I've seen are squirrels, with chipmunks leading in numbers and approaching squirrels in size. Snakes are starting to make an appearance. Over the past week the green tunnel had closed. No longer can I see beyond the leaf canopy. Leaves and understory have created walls and ceiling. There are still views but I will have to find openings and walk out to look. My average mileage is a little low; lower than expected. But time with family is important and issues have been resolved. There is one other notable item of the past 4 days. The trail follows what might be thought stream beds most of the time and on hill sides it is most obvious. Over the past days I observe most of the rocks in these channels have been the size of golf balls. And those that have not become completely spherical have become very rounded. Others have become generally rounded, like Lincoln logs. In any case they roll very, very easily, especially when stepped upon. Maybe this had slowed me down - who knows...