morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Glen Anderson Shelter

To: Unionville,NY
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

Last night's storm cooled off the temperatures. The rain let up and the breeze dried most everything. It was a pleasant overcast morning with a modest wind. Another early start would allow me to finish twenty miles before the heat of the day. It was a pleasant day for hiking. A relief from the past high temperatures. The terrain was interesting with small hills, ridge running complemented by swampy and bogs with nice wooden walkways. I encountered my first AT bear within five miles of my start. As I entered a clearing the bear was busy concentrating on something. It was close to the trail. I was excited to get its picture and at the same time to scare it away from the trail. My hike would take me to close to the bear. I fumbled with my camera as I began making noises and talking to the bear. It's attention turned to me looking curious and surprised that I interrupted it. I did not see any cubs but the foliage was waist high. The bear looked at me as if assessing what I was. It began to stretch and stand to get a better look. I made more noise and walked towards the bear. It lazily turned and ducked back into the forest. It seemed to like its spot. I walked past without incident and excited at seeing my first AT bear. The video and pictures were fuzzy but the experience will last a long time. Along the trail I saw over two dozen orange salamanders. Up until this time they have been rather rare. I enjoy watching these beautiful little creatures. The rest of the day was uneventful finishing with a pleasant hike to Unionville, NY. A stop at Horlers Store (excellent) for lunch. Dinner was at Anabel's for pasta ( also excellent) with "Tom Collins" and "Disco". Tom was kind enough to bring beer and shared a couple with me. Thanks again Tom. Unionville welcomes hikers and makes a park available for camping.   Overall a good day that ended well with good food, drink and company.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Unionville,NY

To: Waywayonder Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Despite emergency sirens going off twice last night it was pleasant sleeping in the Unionville, NY village park. Breakfast was at Horeler's. Excellent sandwich and coffee sitting in a rocking chair on their covered porch. Still Bill, Disco and Tom Collins joined me. Relaxing on the porch with friends made me homesick for my lazy Sunday mornings at home. I do miss those mornings being with the ones I love. Hiking was interesting today. I started on level terrain going through peaceful farm fields. Through bogs with well constructed planks and an impressive boardwalk. Challenging climbs including one named "stairway to heaven". The trails were popular with day and section hikers. There is easy road access with interesting views and terrain. I spoke to many day and SoBo hikers. They were all a friendly to a hot and dirty NoBo thru hiker. I had the chance to say hello to Woodstock. He is a section hiker and volunteers for trail maintenance. Woodstock was taking one of his weekend days to cut grass around the trail. It was hot and humid.Thank you Woodstock and all of the volunteers who make it easier for people like me to have an enjoyable AT hike. It wouldn't be the same without all that you do. Today I loaded up on a deli sandwich to bring with me for lunch. I also stopped at Heavens Hill a garden store, grocery and ice cream store. My chocolate shake and fresh peaches (yes they were delicious) were just what I needed to get me up "stairway to heaven "a 900 foot climb in the heat. My day ended with camp at the shelter and a dinner of Spanish rice. Rain is expected late tonight with a 100% chance for tomorrow. If it stays warm the water may be a refreshing change from the heat. I'm planning a short day tomorrow as I'm meeting Ingrid in the afternoon. I'm looking forward to our reunion, being clean and recovery for my sore toes and feet. It's been fun hiking with Tom Collins and Disco. They have been good company. I'll say good bye tomorrow as I take a zero day. My best wishes for an enjoyable hike to both of you. With my day off from hiking I'm expecting Obsolete and Ox to catch up with me. I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail with them.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Waywayonder Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

There was a steady rain last night which serenaded me to sleep. The rain let up by morning but was dripping from the vegetation. My tent was under a group of trees. The rain fly was covered with debris from the hungry caterpillars. Their chewed leaves, excrement and debris seem to be everywhere. Packing up a wet rainfly adds weight and risks getting other things wet. The added debris by the caterpillars made it worse. Part of living in nature and I will be happy when the caterpillars are done. I was motivated today by my date to meet Ingrid in Greenwood Lake, NY. It was a short ten mile hike. I'd arrive at lunch and be cleaned up by the time she arrived. As it turned out it was a difficult ten miles. NY greeted us with challenging bolder climbs and scrambles. I encountered the first ladder on the trail to scale a steep ledge. The wet weather slowed me down. Wet boots, rocks and moss made some areas like ice skating. I slipped and fell hard three times. Slowing down helped but did not prevent my last fall. Luckily I landed on my rear end assisted by my back pack. A few scrapes and brushes along with a dose of humility. Welcome to NY. Tom Collins and I met very nice people on the trail today. Two woman in their 70's section hiking. They've done the AT one and a half times! They were inspiring. I'm so glad that I had an opportunity to meet them. Close to the end of our hike we met a coupe day hiking. They insisted on giving us money to buy ice cream at Bellevale Farms a well known stop for hikers. Very generous of them. We hiked the 0.2 to Bellevale Farms for some of the best ice cream that I have had. The weather broke and we were given a nice view from the picnic area. Tom Collins moved on to fish is his section. My best wishes to you Tom and a great finish. I enjoyed our hikes together. I went to Anton's Hotel to meet Ingrid. I'm grateful that she drove up to spend a few days with me. We had a fun evening. I'm looking forward to a zero day tomorrow, relaxing and getting some equipment upgrades. It feels like Christmas Eve.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Greenwood Lake

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

My AT adventure has been demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. It was a great day to relax and reenergize. Being with family does that for me. I'm grateful to Ingrid for spending a few days with me to reconnect and just spend time together. She had a long drive to meet me and I'm grateful to have this time together. Despite the overcast skies and rain I had a wonderful day with Ingrid. We relaxed visited Greenwood Lake and towns around the area. The food was good and plentiful. The service welcoming and sincere. This has been a good town in which to zero. In addition to an emotional uplift Ingrid brought resupply. A new sleeping pad, ( current one #3 had a leak, deflating after two hours), summer sleeping bag, clean water bottle ( old one had a hole), gaiters ( worn out), super feet insoles, tent ( bug netting separating from seams), trash compactor bag ( backpack liner), and a full supply of food. The 1300 miles has been hard on my gear testing its limits. Ox and Obsolete caught up with me on my zero day. We picked them up just before the heavens opened up and the rain came pouring down The four of us had dinner together and caught up on the last few weeks. Obsolete was kind enough to buy dinner. Thank you Obsolete. A visit to Bellevalle Farms for ice cream and a enjoying the sunset ended the day.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: Greenwood Lake

To: hwy 17 Southfieilds
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After a great breakfast I slack packed with Obsolete and Ox. It was fun hiking with them again. They would continue for another five miles and Ingrid would pick me up from a trail head. It was a nice hike with interesting terrain. We went by our first major waterfall in some time. A pleasant surprise. It was good to be back on the trail with Ox and Obsolete. They are strong hikers and I need to up my game to keep up. I had an enjoyable day with them.Another enjoyable evening with Ingrid. Her support has made my hike a reality. I'm grateful for our time together. She will be leaving tomorrow. Our time together has gone to quickly.
Date: 2015-06-18
From: hwy 17 Southfieilds

To: Hemlock springs
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: broken clouds

It was time to say goodbye to Ingrid. It was so nice to have her with me. Being connected to our family always gives me energy. After a hearty breakfast Ingrid dropped me off at the trail head. It was a late start and I planned a 22+ mile day to catch Obsolete. Weather conditions were good for hiking. Overcast, low temps and no rain. My hike today couldn't have been better. The forest was primarily mature trees with a high canopy and little underbrush. There were large segments where the ground was covered in grass. Boulder and rock formations added dimension to the landscape. Hiking in solitude most of the day I had ample opportunity to take in the the scene. It was very moving. It was as if I was the only human in huge cathedral with majestic columns and sculptures. Very inspiring. There were challenging assents and descents, rock scrambles and climbs complemented by rolling mountain top views. Going through Bear Mountain was a treat. The same majestic forest scene, however there was something special. Stone stairs aided in the ascent and descent. The craftsmanship was impressive. It is difficult for me to imagine the work and skill that went into creating these. They were a work of art. The Park is a popular spot and had many visitors. A family with three small children stopped me to take their picture. The children peppered me with questions about my hike and what was in my pack. They were a lovely family and I enjoyed chatting with them. It was a pleasure to meet you. The AT goes through a small zoo in the Park. Unfortunately it was closed when I arrived. This is definitely a place that I would return to visit. The AT then crossed the Hudson River. I enjoyed the walk over the bridge. A strong wind was blowing and relaxing views of the river and mountains. Today was one of the most enjoyable parts of the AT that I've been on. I wish that I could have spent more at the park. If you ever have the opportunity I'd encourage you to visit. More challenging ascents would end my long day. I got up with Obsolete around 6:30pm after a difficult but rewarding day.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Hemlock springs

To: Clarence Fahnestock a state Park
Miles today: 18.0

Obsolete and I got an early start with a target of getting to the State Park. There are hot showers and free camping for Thru Hikers. The hot shower was our motivation. I did not want to pass up this opportunity. I had the pleasure to meet Hawk a thru hiker and fellow NC resident. In fact we met a couple of months ago and just now got reconnected on the trail. Hawk and I had been hiking on and off with Obsolete and Ox. Hawk is a good guy and enjoyable to hike with. The trail is a small world for thru hikers. The hike today had challenging ups and downs with boulders and rocks. There was more beautiful forest as yesterday. NY has been a great state to hike. The air was humid and the wind still for most of the day. The lack of breeze and humidity made for a perspiring day. I soaked through my clothes at least three times. The weather was overcast, in the low 70's. There was no rain forecasted. A clean shower was in my future. Snakes are common. Hawk had seen seven today. Obsolete was in the lead and came across a large black snake in he middle of the trail. He gently nudged the snake's tail with his hiking pole to motivate it off of the trail. My experience has been that black snakes are docile and eventually move aside. This one was not like the others.When the pole touched the snake it immediately curled up and faced Obsolete in a defensive position. It did not want to give its ground. It was positioned to strike. Obsolete gave the snake its space and walked around the trail. As he did the snake tracked his every step. Once around the snake turned its attention to me. I followed Obsolete's path and the snake tracked me. The same with Hawk. It was to be the snakes day and we were happy to let him/her have it. During the last couple miles of our hike the skies opened up and we got soaked. Hiking on wet slippery rocks has been challenging. We have all taken our share of spills. Today was no different. The slips seem to happen when you least expect them. We all step more cautiously on roots and mossed covered rocks. The rain let up as we arrived at our destination. It warmed up and it was pleasant. As we set up camp we were visited by Sneak Box and two of his friends Bill and Kathy. They were kind enough to give us a beer, watermelon and blueberries. Thank you for your kindness. After setting up camp we went for the showers. The hot water pouring over me was an ample reward for the difficulty of the day. My shower included a good cleaning of my soaked clothes. Being clean at camp is rare. It made eating my dinner more enjoyable. It would make for a better nights sleep. Following dinner I went into my tent to read. I was exhausted from our day and fell asleep around 7:30pm. As I lay in my sleeping bag my muscles began to hurt and cramp. Clean inside my tent I was so tired I wondered if I could physically recovery to hike our planned 14 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Clarence Fahnestock a state Park

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

Going to sleep last night clean and full helped me recover from my day. It was a cool morning and overcast. Having a camp site with a picnic table was helpful. I'm use to putting my things on the ground. Having a dry and clean place to pack and have breakfast made for a leisure morning. We had a short hiked planned. Obsolete was meeting a colleague for lunch and invited me. I looked forward to meeting his friend, Greg and joining them for lunch. Greg was meeting us at a 10 mile mark in our hike were the AT crosses a road. We made it there in enough time for me to put my feet up and relax on a boulder. Taking short breaks helps with my endurance and comfort. It was a pleasure to meet Greg and to join them. I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie between Greg and Obsolete. You can tell their friendship is built on trust and respect. Lunch (second breakfast) was delicious. Moisture wasn't forecasted until this evening but a steady rain came while we were at lunch. Great timing as we missed getting drenched again. After stopping for a quick resupply Greg returned us to the trail. It was a pleasure to meet you Greg. My best wishes to you on your new job. Obsolete, thank you for the invitation and thanks for picking up lunch.....again. We had a short four miles to finish our day. After the relaxing lunch I found the uphill to the Shelter challenging. The rain stayed away for us to make camp. Heavy storms are expected tonight and rain all day tomorrow. As I write this the wind is picking up, trees are creaking and heavy fog in rolling in. For now I'm dry and warm. I'm hoping to stay that way for Father's Day.
Date: 2015-06-21
From:  Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Willey Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

My best wishes for a Happy Father's Day. In particular to those Dads on the trail. A special note to TJ. May you have a great Fathers Day. Hope to see you again up the trail. I'm blessed to have three great children. It is because of them and their mother that I can celebrate today. You calls, cards and letter made my day. Thanks for being my biggest cheerleaders. I miss you all. Fathers Day lifted my spirits from the steady rain we had last night. There was a slight break in the weather and Obsolete and I packed up and were on the trail at 7am. The break didn't last for long. The rain began to pour and pour and pour. We were soaked...again. The temps stayed in the high 60s to low 70s so hiking was wet but comfortable. The trail conditions were nice with the exception of wet rocks, roots and wooden boards through the swampy areas. It was slow going but no falls today. There was one ~600 feet climb with the remaining hike of short ups and downs. It was a good anaerobic workout. The rain let up as we arrived at the Appalachian Trail RR Station. There is a metro that will get you into NYC. Close by is the Native Landscapes and Garden Center. They welcome hikers and have a small supply of bars, snacks and drinks. You can also get an outdoor shower. We stopped for lunch in their gazebo. It's very gracious of a business unrelated to hiking to provide services to us. It was the perfect stop for lunch before our big climb. Thanks you for giving us such a relaxing place to recharge. We quickly made it to our destination. Peter and Beth Mullins provided trail magic at the shelter. A hot chicken dinner, potatoes, green beans, chips, desert, cold beer and soft drinks. Our timing was perfect to enjoy their generous hospitality and an early dinner. Despite the lovely cards, notes and calls from my family wishing me a Happy Fathers Day, I missed seeing them for our traditional meal. The Mullins helped provide a little piece of home for me with their hospitality. Thank you very much Peter and Beth. After dinner we settled into camp. I had a tent platform. These are not common and I enjoy being out of the mud. Rain came again as forecasted. By then I was in my tent, dry, full and counting my blessings to be a father.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Willey Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Thus far my AT hike is filling my desire to celebrate this time in my life through a ritual, grow closer to the Divine and to have an Adventure. While I believe these to be worthy goals, reaching them through a 2189 mile hike has posed many challenges. Now at mile 1455 I thought I would be further along in reaching my goals. I have not. Progress yes, but a ways to go. Perhaps that is why the trail is so long. It takes time to change. Each day gives the opportunity to grow. By now you would think that I am a hiking machine. And a part of me is. However there are days that the cumulative effects of the miles are taking their toll. There are times I wonder if I will make it to my daily destination much less to Maine. On those days, like today I focus on the present and why I am here. I left NY and entered CT today. The 12.8 miles was a nice trail with beautiful forests, boulders, rocks, clear streams and waterfalls. The hike challenged me with climbs and number of ascents and descents. I'm concentrating more on foot placement on wet rocks and roots. I'm tired of falling. Each day on the trail requires strenuous physical effort. Today was no exception. At the trail head Rob and Fairy Tale gave us a ride into town. They are section hikers with a big heart. Despite their care being full they found a way to squeeze in three tired hikers and their gear. Thank you. Also for the soda. We are camped at Country Clothes, a woman's boutique in Kent, CT. There is no business reason why the proprietors would open their grounds for hikers to camp, use a privy and take showers. They even provide towels. Simple and pure hospitality and generosity. They ask for nothing in return. I am humbled by the kindness given to me on the trail. Thank you Country Boutique. I'm inspired by the hospitality that I have received and especially those who are supporting me. Their cheerleading helps me each day. I am committed to moving closer to the goals of my hike and to make it to Maine. Now I will include how I may show generosity on the trail. I hope that I am up to the task of completing it.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Kent, CT

To: Pine Swamp Shelter 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A work crew repaired the street next to the Country Boutique throughout the night. Despite the noise it was a good place to rest, refuel with good food and drink. Following a hardy breakfast and great coffee we hiked the 0.8 miles back to the trail. Thank you Obsolete for buying breakfast. Heavy storms were in the forecast, however they never materialized. Hiking was a challenge with steep climbs and boulder scrambles. This was broken up by a number of miles of flat hiking. There were many beautiful streams, clear with small cascading falls. I haven't seen this much water since Tennessee. I made my first small river ford as I didn't trust myself on wet rocks that were just beyond my stride. I took a slower approach to my hike today. This really paid off. While I worked hard the slower pace enabled me to conserve energy, enjoy conversation with Obsolete and not feel exhausted when I arrived at camp. My plan is to repeat this tomorrow. Overall a good day, challenging trail and lovely scenery with comforting sounds from the clear flowing water. I expect to finish CT tomorrow and move into MA.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Pine Swamp Shelter 

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Heavy thunderstorms rolled in at dusk and pummeled us with heavy rain. The storm was a good test for my tent. I'm happy to say that I stayed comfortable and dry. The morning brought cool temperatures, lower humidity and no rain. Combined with the rain cleaned air make it a great day for hiking. Today began our 100th day on the trail. We crossed the 1500 milestone. Only 689.2 miles to go!Connecticut has been beautiful and today was no exception. Great forests, one of the most beautiful views on the AT (Rand View) and the largest waterfalls I've seen on the trail on the Housatonic River We also benefited from trail angels. Pastor Heidi from a church along a trail detour opens their doors to hikers for water and a break. We took advantage of their kindness today. Thank you. I'm camped at Riga Shelter. The Shelter has great views. My site is next to a flowing brook that I can hear from my tent. It's cool evening with low humidity. A great place to reflect and to be grateful for the past 1500 miles. ipastor HeidiU
Date: 2015-06-25
From: Riga Shelter

To: Great Barington, MA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather was excellent overnight. Dry, low humidity and cool temperatures. A great night for sleeping. The trail today brought us the diversity of three big climbs, steep down hills with boulders and rocks, crystal clear streams, layered mountain views and boardwalks through bogs. It was a strenuous, challenging and rewarding day. Our walk along a stream on the state border was one of the prettiest I've experienced on the trail. Waterfalls, deep pools and tranquil sounds. A very special place. It was nice to be at higher elevations again. Bear Mountain and Everett Mountain brought us above 2500 feet. We have not been at above that elevation since Virginia. The cooler air and refreshing breeze were energizing. We left Connecticut and entered Massachusetts early this morning. Ten states down and four to go.   We resupplied in Great Barrington, MA. The town was lively and had everything we needed. We took the occasion to catch up on celebrating. Obsolete, Disco and I celebrated our 1500 milestone and Disco's 500 with a great dinner, beer and local ice cream for desert. A room at the Days Inn made for a comfortable and relaxing evening. Disco was kind enough to carry a functional but unwanted trekking pole some distance to me. He knew that one of my poles was bent and could break at anytime. I gave Disco my AT Karma Pendant to recognize his thoughtfulness. There are 500 AT Karma Pendants. Mine was given to me by a hiker in Shenandoah. The intent is to pass along the pendants to other hikers and track their progress, ATkarma.com. I wish Disco well and thank you. It was a great day hiking and getting refreshed in Great Barrington. There is nothing quit so motivating as good food, drink, clean clothes, clean body and the good company of friends.