morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-25
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 0.0

The Crunchmaster is staying 1 more day in Vermont. Haven't heard of the whereabouts of Matt & Josh, but we've got the word out and Scott Davis, a NOBO that is from our hometown is on the lookout. Scott spent the night last night at Manchester Center so we're hoping he'll meet them on the trail soon.Here's a short post Trevor made today: "Living the homeless life in Bennington, VT. A day full of hitchhiking, pushing my pack in a Walmart cart around town, and ordering taco bell with my pack on. Doesn't get better than this!"Good to see Trevor back in good spirits, a nero followed by 2 zeros has helped. Back to the trail tomorrow to test out his new trail runners.Because Trevor posted no photos today I decided to post the picture showing Trevor at 2 years 11 months, on his first time to hike on the AT. This photo was taken up by Spence Field in the Smoky Mountains.
Date: 2013-08-26
From: Bennington, VT

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: broken clouds

Trevor's FB post: "I didn't start hiking today until 11:15 because the bus doesn't leave until 11:00. I got a better pair of shoes which should take care of the blister problem. The climb coming out of the notch today was pretty steep. I was soaking wet with sweat by the time I reached the top and it wasn't even sunny. In fact, it looked like it was going to rain any minute. I pushed on and got to Congdon Shelter at 2:00 and ate lunch. My feet felt great but I decided to stop for the day hoping Milkrun and Matt would catch up. I later found out they are in Manchester Center though. It was good to relax this afternoon anyway. I will enter Massachusetts tomorrow and leave Vermont behind. Right after supper tonight it started raining and is still raining as I type this. I'm really happy to be back on the trail after having another couple days off. Time for bed now!"
Date: 2013-08-27
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 12.5

Quick initial post.One photo, 4 words, 2 numbers. Trevor posted this, "3 states down, 11 to go!"All is good.Matt or Josh, call Trevor, when you can.More later.BTW thx Don Stuart...trail magic via the mail system! You rock!Here's Trevor's daily FB post:"The rain had stopped by the time I woke up. I was glad because I wasn't really in the mood to get all wet. It was sunny when I left camp, and 10 minutes later heavy fog set it. All I could see was the next blaze, which was all I needed. I walked steady until about 11:45 not stopping much. I stopped at Seth Warner Shelter for lunch and stayed there for about an hour. As I was eating the fog cleared and the sun came out. About an hour and a half after I left the shelter I crossed into Massachusetts! I was so happy to leave Vermont behind! Another 2 miles and I was at camp. I set up my tent and cooked some cheddar broccoli rice and put some taco bell sauce on it. It was good! Tomorrow I will be climbing Mt. Greylock, the highest point in MA, so I better get some rest."Several scenes for the day:
Date: 2013-08-28
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Trevor climbed the high point of Massachusetts today, which is where he started hiking with my father about 10 years ago. His feet are feeling good and his spirit is up as a result.Milestones for the day: 600 miles completed, into his 4th state, looking to finish MA by next Monday, looking to complete 700 miles by next Tuesday. Trevor, here's a photo challenge: get some interesting close ups. I'm curious how your camera does with close up shots.More later.Here's 'more later', with Trevor's FB post for this day: "I got a late start this morning at 8:30. My feet felt great and there was no pain at all so I knew the day was going to be good. After about a mile and a half I came to Massachusetts Avenue and there was trail magic waiting! There was soda, peanut butter, and some oatmeal packets. I'm always so excited when I come across trail magic. It really gives me a good confidence boost for the day. My next task was Mt. Greylock. This will be the last 3,000 foot mountain until Virginia! The climb was very steep. I felt like I was back in New Hampshire again. I had to take several breaks before I reached the summit. Once I reached the top I stopped for lunch. I bought a sandwich at the restaurant plus ate some of my own lunch. I only had 3 more miles to the shelter so I took my time on top. I did the last few miles pretty quick and was at camp by 4:30. I had mac n cheese for supper and it tasted fantastic. I followed that with two Snickers bars! It has been kind of lonely the past few days. I haven't seen any other SOBO hikers since Friday. Hopefully I'll meet up with someone soon. It just started raining. At least it didn't rain during the day. Time to get some rest now."
Date: 2013-08-29
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Levardi's in Dalton
Miles today: 13.9

Trevor had 13.5 miles in by 1:00, and decided to stop and stay at Thomas Levardi's house on Depot Street. Mr. Levardi allows hikers to use the water spigot outside and, with permission, provides the hospitality of his front porch and back yard for tenting. He is toying with the idea of taking a zero or two to allow Matt and Josh to catch up so he'll have company.Loneliness is something thru-hikers must deal with from time to time. Everyone hikes different speeds and while they may not hike together all day, hikers often end up at the same campsite or shelter and good company is a difference maker while sitting around in the evening. This is what Trevor misses.If there is a job waiting with a definite and non-negotiable start date, if there's a school start date that must be met, or if money is short requiring the hiker to finish sooner and therefore more cheaply, then a hiker must push to maintain a schedule that will allow a finish by a specific date. Trevor has 1,560 miles to go. Here's the calculations that need to be made if you're setting a definite date to finish.If Trevor wants to finish by November 27, one day before Thanksgiving he'll need to hike 17.5 miles per day for a 7 day walk week, or 20.4 miles per day for a 6 day walk week (allowing 1 zero day each week).If he wants to finish a couple of weeks prior to Christmas(Dec 15) he'll need to walk 14.6 miles per day for a 7 day walk week, or 17 miles per day for a 6 day walk week. If he wants to finish by Dec 23 he'll need to walk 13.6 miles per day for a 7 day walk week, or 15.8 miles per day for a 6 day walk week.Trevor will have to decide for himself how he wants to hike, but I'm certainly encouraging him to do it in a way that maximizes his enjoyment. This is a journey and experience of a lifetime and he needs to enjoy it and savor it, not rush it. If you push too hard it takes some of the joy out of the experience. He really doesn't have to push, unless he wants to.More later...Here's the FB post:"I'd like to start off by wishing my mom a happy birthday! I was on the trail by 7:30 and it was really foggy again. I hiked with out stopping once until I got just south of the town Cheshire. I wanted to get to Dalton for lunch. I walked pretty steady for the next 8 miles until I got to Dalton. I got there at 1:00 and enjoyed a Philly Cheese Steak at a local restaurant. My original plan was to go another 3 miles to the next shelter. However, I decided to stay here in town at Tom Levardi's house. He lets hikers tent in his backyard. I'm really wanting to hike with Milkrun and Matt again so I might just stay here until they show up, which is hopefully soon. I'm not in any rush so I don't really mind hanging around until they get here. I will definitely enjoy hiking with them again since I have been hiking alone since Gorham, NH. Not much else to say about today."And now for the scenes captured on this day:
Date: 2013-08-30
From: Levardi's in Dalton

To: Levardi's in Dalton
Miles today: 0.0

Some time back I shared a photo of the profile of the trail that Trevor was walking (see July 12 post). Here's a side to side comparison of the trail profiles between Maine and Massachusetts. What a difference!On another note, I'd like to thank all of you who have signed the guestbook. Trevor looks at those and is encouraged by all the kind comments regarding his journal and his photos. I can't say enough about how a little thing like signing a guestbook and offering words of encouragement mean to a Thru-Hiker. I've followed "Rash" who is a NOBO who finished his hike when he climbed Mt Katahdin 10 days ago and would like to share a paragraph from his post hike posting in TJ yesterday, because he captures it so well."I would like to thank you for following along side me on this amazing Appalachian Trail adventure. On tough days I would read the positive and supportive Guestbook posts to help me to just get through. I can't express how much they meant to me. I never imagined in my wildest dreams the support and friendships that I would make just through Trail Journals. From the beginning I promised to deliver a short, honest and entertaining account of my daily experiences and I sure hope I delivered. My faith in the goodness of people has been restored. And above all, if you believe in yourself and your abilities, nothing's impossible."Thanks to Jan from ME, Randy from NC, Larry from KY, Steve from WI, Eric from ME, Molly from NC, Trevor's 'mama' from TN, Trevor's 'grandma' from TN, Charles from CA, Don from IN, Scott from FL, ForceFlex from SC, Lil Bit from KY, Kinnickinic from ? (where you from K?), Brenda from VA, Patti from PA,Benjamin from Afghanistan (cheers to you B for your service to or country!), and Michael from CT. All these 18 just in the last week from 12 different states. Thanks for following.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: Levardi's in Dalton

To: Levardi's in Dalton
Miles today: 0.0

I'm testing different ways to enhance the reading and viewing experience. Here are some select photos from Trevor's collection so far. Note: When I add more news about this day or when I post Trevor's journal I'll put it at the top of this post and will leave the photos at the bottom.July & August Reflectionsphotos by Crunchmaster Taken on July 16 Taken on July 17 Taken on August 2 Taken on August 7 Taken on August 12 Taken on August 20 Taken on August 20 Taken on August 22 Taken on August 22 Taken on August 27 Taken on August 28
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Levardi's in Dalton

To: Levardi's in Dalton
Miles today: 0.0

Milkrun & Matt hiked into Dalton yesterday afternoon. They wanted/needed a zero day so it looks like they'll head on in the morning. Trevor is well rested, has happy feet, and is excited about having good company.It rained today in Dalton and there is a threat of rain for tomorrow. As you can see in the picture of the trail profile in my 8/30 post the next 20 miles are relatively easy. I'm eager to see what the trail brings through the Berkshires of Massachusetts.
Date: 2013-09-02
From: Levardi's in Dalton

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: mist

Trevor's FB post: "My stay at Tom Levardi's house was great. It was great having Milkrun and Cerveza (Matt) catch up with me. Yesterday we went to Taco Bell in town wearing some pretty ridiculous town clothes. Everyone stared at us kind of funny. At Taco Bell I ate a taco, a chicken quesadilla, a chalupa, and two nachos bell grande before I felt full.Today, we got a later start than we wanted at 10:00. It was sprinkling when we left and we were hoping it wouldn't rain hard during the day. We stopped at the "Cookie Lady's" house for lunch but they were not there. We didn't get any cookies but it was still a great place to rest. We went and looked at their chickens. They actually sell boiled eggs for hikers when they are there. We had 11 more miles to go and it was 3:00. We tried to hike as steady as possible so we could get to camp before dark. We barely made it! It was about 7:45 when we got to the cabin. When we arrived we learned that it was italian night and that pasta was being served. Before supper we went and swam in the lake even though it was dark. It was so refreshing! After supper we sat around and talked to Kevin, the best caretaker that's out there. It's now 11:00 and its raining outside. It seems like it rains every night now. It's really nice to be inside and sleeping on mattresses. It's been a really long day and it's time to call it a night."Scenes from the day:
Date: 2013-09-03
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Mt Wilcox North Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

No word from Trevor today so I'm guessing where he'll end up. When I do that I put ? marks after the destination and then remove them later when verified or replace it with the correct destination when he posts on FB. I regularly add to or modify posts several days after. You'll note the addition of a photo in yesterday's post. You may want to get in the habit of checking the previous two day's posts to look for additional information or photos.Sara and NKO, also known as Harpo and Groucho have a very interesting perspective and I'd urge you to check out their response to a question a gentleman asked them, "Are you having the time of your lives?" Their thoughtful response is classic. I really enjoy reading their posts.The URL for their blog is http://songsoutofthecity.com/2013/09/03/question-of-the-day-are-you-having-the-time-of-your-lives/More later...Here's Trevor's FB post: "We got a very late start today because of Upper Goose Pond. We had a huge pancake breakfast with hot chocolate. After breakfast we took the canoe out on the pond. We paddled out to an island and sat out there awhile. Finally, by 12:30 we were on the trail. We did about 3.5 miles before we stopped for lunch. The rest of the day we hiked pretty steady. We crossed a field with cows in it this afternoon. We wanted to pet them but they wouldn't let us. Milkrun and Cerveza were ahead of me the rest of the day. The last 4 miles of the day was a pretty good climb which really wore me out. It took us 6.5 hours to go 14 miles! We are planning a big day tomorrow so I'm hitting the sack."Scenes of the day:
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Mt Wilcox North Shelter

To: The Hemlocks Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

Trevor's FB post:"Today was my 2 month anniversary on the trail. It's crazy to think I've just been hiking for this long! I got a much earlier start this morning at 8:00. It was a little chilly when I started out but I was sweating in the first 15 minutes. The trail was pretty easy most of the morning. There were some small ups and downs but nothing too big. I stopped for lunch with Cerveza and Milkrun on East Mountain. There was a great view and it was the perfect spot to stop for lunch. After lunch I pulled ahead of Cerveza and Milkrun and didn't see them until camp. The trail really leveled off after lunch too. I was hiking through tons of fields and farmland. My thermometer was reading 80 degrees but it felt like 100. I stopped for water right before Jug End Road. It was a little yellow but still tasted great. I got to the shelter at 7:00 and there were two section hikers already here. I quickly started cooking because I was so hungry. I ended up eating tons of crackers, two pop tarts, and two servings of spanish rice. I'm exhausted from the long day so I'm going to go to bed a little earlier tonight. I'll be heading into Salisbury, CT tomorrow."Scenes from the day:
Date: 2013-09-05
From: The Hemlocks Shelter

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 13.7

Trevor's FB post: "I got started this morning around 8:30. The day started by climbing Mt. Everett. The climb was pretty easy. I eventually caught up to Milkrun and Cerveza on top of Mt. Race. I went on ahead of them and waited for them when I got to the Connecticut state line around 11:30. We continued to the top of Bear Mountain, the highest point in Connecticut, and had lunch on the summit. From there it was all downhill to Salisbury. I picked up my four packages at the post office and then headed to the library with the guys. We are heading into New York City in a few days just for one night. Hope it's a good trip!"Some scenes from the day:
Date: 2013-09-06
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 19.4

Trevor's FB post:"I was on the trail this morning at 8:00. After about a quarter of a mile I caught up to the guys. They had stealth camped while I stayed in town. I went on ahead since they were not packed yet. I was startled by a deer running across the trail in front of me. I walked 7 miles before I stopped for a rest. After a quick break I knocked out another 4 before I decided to stop for lunch. Cerveza and Milkrun had lunch with me too. While we were eating Breeze and Hover Job caught up to us. We have been leap frogging with them the past few days. After lunch I only stopped once which is very unusual. Usually I stop several times in the afternoon. I was feeling really good today and my feet felt great so I never felt like resting. Me and Milkrun made it to camp around 6:15. Cerveza and Breeze arrived about 15 minutes later. It is pretty cold tonight! I actually had to wear my down jacket while I was eating. Tomorrow will be a 20+ mile day so I better get some rest."Scenes from the day:
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Ten Mile River Shelter
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: overcast clouds

No word from Trevor today. A long walk planned. He and M&J hope to catch a train into NY City tomorrow from Wingdale, NY. To pull this off will require a 2.2 mile hike over Ten Mile Hill and a 2.5 mile hitch into town before 10:30, at which time the train will leave for NY. They will stay 1 night in NY City (let's pray for their safety) and then back to Wingdale and on the trail again by Tuesday.Just got FB message from Trevor (11:30 pm). 3 miles of night hiking. He posted the attached picture, but is hitting the sack.Here's his FB post which he sent the next morning:"Today was a very long day! I was on the trail at 8:00. I hiked through small rolling hills the first few miles. Then I ran into the Housatonic River. The next 4 miles was the flattest trail I have seen this whole trail. Then after the flattest section was probably some of the steepest trail I have seen the whole trip. The climb was going up to Calebs Peak. My hiking poles were not useful at all because it was so steep. I ate lunch with Milkrun and Cerveza on top. We hiked together pretty much the rest of the day. We crossed into New York around 6:00. Hover Job caught up to us around then so all four of us hiked together the rest of the day. When we got to Bulls Bridge it was already completely dark. We somehow missed the trail after road walking so we went the wrong way for about 15 minutes. Finally, after going back the way we came we found the trail again. We finally got to the shelter at 9:30! We arrive to find that two girls have their tent set up in a 6 person shelter. I was so mad I had to let Cerveza talk to them because I would have been mean about it. I can't stand when people do that. They don't even need to be out here! After talking to them for 10 minutes all they did was move their tent over. So Me, Milkrun, and Cerveza were crammed together in the corner of the shelter. Didn't get to sleep until about 11:45. Getting up early in the morning to head to New York City!And some scenes from the day:"
Date: 2013-09-08
From: Ten Mile River Shelter

To: New York City
Miles today: 2.2

Trevor's FB post:"Milkrun, Cerveza, and I were on the trail by 7:30 this morning so we could get to the train station on time. We got to the road around 8:30. We ended up hiking a mile down the road before getting picked up. Our train ride was about an hour and a half into grand central. We have been walking around times square most of the day. People look at us really weird since we are carrying our packs around. It's so weird being in the city after being in the woods this morning! We ate at Johns Pizzeria for supper and then went around to some of the shops. I'm extremely tired now. The city has wore me out!Here's some scenes from the day, very different from the normal scenes you've been viewing..."
Date: 2013-09-09
From: New York City

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Plan for the day was to spend the day sightseeing in New York City and then catch the last train out of town at 9:00. The train will pull into Wingdale, NY at about 10:30. The trail is 3.3 miles outside of Wingdale. They will try to catch a ride with someone, though at that time of the night it may not be possible. If no ride is available they will walk to the trail and then go 1.8 miles south to Wiley Shelter. A little night hiking will be novel, not so bad when you don't have to do it alone.Quite a transition from the busy city to the quiet and peaceful woods. Must have been a shock to the system after two months on the trail.Not sure whether Trevor will post tonight or not, but when he does I'll add it here."Today, we spent the whole day just sightseeing around New York City. We went to times square, the Rockefeller Center, central park, and we even went to see a movie in Lincoln Square. We ended up getting back to Grand Central Station earlier than we expected so we got an earlier train at about 8:52. The train ride was two hours back to Wingdale, NY. When we got off the train there was no car in sight so we started walking. We still tried hitching with the few cars that passed but had no luck. So we walked the 4 miles back to the trail and another 1.8 to the shelter. We arrived at the shelter at 1:00 in the morning. We are going to sleep in a little tomorrow and do a shorter day. I'm anxious to keep moving south!"Almost seems irreverant to nature to post these city pictures, nevertheless it is all part of the adventure and journey. I will say this, it would make me appreciate the mountains and woods that much more after being in this asphalt jungle!Here are several more city scenes:
Date: 2013-09-10
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The boys slept in, hiked 5.7 miles to West Dover Rd and hitched 3.1 miles into Pawling, NY, for a resupply. They are getting enough supplies to make it another 90+ miles. After resupply they planned to hitch back to the trail and hike an additional 3.1 miles to the next shelter.More later...Here's Trevor's FB post:"I didn't even wake up this morning until 9:30 since we got in so late the night before. Right as I was about to leave the shelter it started pouring down rain! So I put my rain jacket on and left around 11:00. The rain stopped after about 30 minutes and it was getting really warm wearing the jacket so I had to stop and take it off. After that I hiked without stopping to Route 22 where I waited for Cerveza and Milkrun to catch up so we could hitch into Pawling for resupply. We stood there for awhile and nobody stopped. Probably because it is actually illegal to hitchhike in New York. Finally, someone with a truck pulled over and gave us a ride into town. In town we resupplied, grabbed a bite to eat, and went to the library. The hitch out of town was pretty hard too. We probably walked a mile before getting picked up. After about 2 miles we passed by the Dover Oak which is the largest tree on the entire trail.20 ft 4 in girth, 300 + yrs oldWe arrived at the shelter just as it was getting dark. I'm not going to cook tonight because I'm not that hungry. I know...what a shock that is! We have been told there is a bear that hangs out around this shelter so maybe we will see him. They say it is a 300 pound bear that isn't afraid of people. Time to get some much needed rest so that I can do a bigger day tomorrow."How about some scenes from this day on the trail...