morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Delaware Water Gap 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 24.6

Packed up and headed out of Delaware Water Gap at 5:00am. Similar to when I came into town, everyone was still sleeping and there was no traffic. The weather was cool, and the humidity was high with rain expected. At daybreak I could see the clouds racing above. Before long, I was crossing the Delaware River on I-80 and entering the state of New Jersey. Although there were rocks, the trail was different in that there was actually places between the rocks to place your foot while hiking. At about 9:30 it began to rain and it continued until early afternoon. This made for treacherous conditions when crossing large boulders. Ended the day trekking 24.6 miles and sleeping in the Brinks Shelter as a result of the rain. Thunder is rumbling in the background and more rain is expected tonight and tomorrow.
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Brink Shelter

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 17.9

Headed out from the shelter this morning at 5:00 a little sore as a result of a fall from a slick boulder yesterday. In spite of the fact that I¢m moving carefully, it¢s amazing how fast it happens. Although I landed on my hands and knees, a millisecond later the 30+ pound pack comes down on you as though it¢s reinforcing the fact that you¢ve fallen. Afterwards there¢s the moment of self assessment, triage and prayer. The whole event serves as a reminder of the fragility of this whole adventure and how one event or bad day could end it all. Despite a skinned knee, bruised palms and a sore back, I¢ll live to trek another day!Ben and I hiked 17.9 miles to the High Point State Park Headquarters in Port Jeeves, New York where we met the owner of the Mosley Place Hostel. She shuttled us to her place, with a stop along the way at the Dairy Queen, to spend the night. After two days of hiking long distances in wet feet, I needed a place and time to dry out. Rain is expected again for tomorrow. For the next several days, I¢ll be hiking in and out of New Jersey and New York until I reach a hard NJ/NY border. I¢m trying not to pay attention, but at mile 1338, and 854 miles to Mount Katahdin, it¢s hard not to think about achieving my ultimate goal. Until then, I¢ll do my best to both embrace and manage each day to the best of my ability.
Date: 2019-05-30
From: MosleyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 14.1

The night was restful with outstanding accommodations. I enjoyed Ms. Mosey¢s excellent breakfast and she dropped Ben and I off at the trail for 7:30. The time was agreed upon as we were in no hurry. The plan was to hike a short day as another round of thunderstorms was predicted for the afternoon.The morning was warm and still, but I had a better mindset with a good breakfast, dryer shoes, and the promise of something other than trail food for lunch. Even the mud on the trail caused by yesterday and last night¢s rain storms didn¢t dampen my spirits. We hiked 8 miles and into the town of Unionville, NY where we enjoyed lunch at the general store. Afterwards, we trekked on another 5 miles to the Pochuck Mountain Shelter where we claimed a spot in the shelter. I¢d rather not cut the day short or stay at a shelter, but just like my former professional life, I made the best decisions based on the information I have.Ben and I were discussing how our sense of smell seemed to be more acute. We joked about enjoying the smell of a day hiker and how I liked them because they were very giving of their food as they always packed too much. Later while walking down the trail, I stopped and looked back at Ben and at the same time we said ¢do you smell that?¢ I said it smells like an orange and Ben said it smells like citronella. We trekked on and soon came upon a section hiker also headed northbound. We talked for a minute and then I leaned towards the gentleman. I openly said, it¢s him, then explained to the gentleman what I was talking about. The hiker was wearing citronella oil as a bug deterrent. When we got out of earshot, we laughed about the whole deal.We ended the day trekking 14.1 miles and I look forward to improved weather tomorrow.
Date: 2019-05-31
From: The Pochuck Shelter

To: Mount 
Miles today: 23.6

As expected the rain started at about 5:30 yesterday evening and lasted until about 2:00am making for a sleepless night. Ben and I headed out from the shelter shortly before 5:00am this morning in anticipation of stopping for breakfast a couple of tenths off the trail from a highway crossing and 6 miles later. As we approached the Pochuck Valley Farms Market and Deli it was obvious they were closed, contrary to information provided in the AT Guide. If I were a child I would have thrown a temper tantrum. As an adult, I didn¢t handle it much better as the anticipation started yesterday evening and built to a monumental letdown. Needless to say I sucked it up and pulled my usual breakfast consisting of protein bars and honey buns from my pack and hiked on. The air was dryer, but it was another warm day with mud to traverse on the trail as a result of all the rain last night. Similar to yesterday, we crossed large swampy areas with some having boardwalks over them. Others required you to hop from log to log or rock to rock, often getting my feet wet and muddy in the process.Eventually we crossed mile 1367 and entered the state of New York, leaving New Jersey for the final time. At this time we hiked on top of boulders on the ridge line while frequently having to climb up or down between a sequence of boulders. Upon crossing NY 17 we walked a couple of tenths to the Bellvale Farms Creamery where Ben & I celebrated entering New York. I got a large strawberry milkshake and a cup of ice cream. While waiting, I had a root beer. When I finished, I went back in to get an ice cream cone for the trail. It was all really good and we hiked another 2 miles to a campsite. We finished the day with 23.6 miles and tenting near the Wildcat Shelter. Similar to New Jersey, most tenting options in New York are near the shelters and oftentimes these shelters are spaced too far or close to one another.
Date: 2019-06-01
From: The Wildcat Shelter Area

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 23.1

Headed out this morning just before 5:00 for another long day of hiking. It was cooler last night and a pleasure to pack away a dry tent. Trekking was very different and difficult today as opposed to other days recently. Apparently we were hiking across mountain ridges. The sequence was actually quite simple in that you summit a ridge line then down into the valley then summit a ridge line. This was the all day and extremely strenuous, however never boring. Although there are rocks, it¢s manageable and the terrain and views are beautiful. A main goal of today¢s trek was to hike beyond the Fingerboard Shelter due to a problem bear. A day ago, the bear entered a tent during daylight in the afternoon and took a hiker¢s pack. The bear then ripped the pack open and ran off with the food bag. No one anticipates this behavior during daylight hours and there are warnings posted.We ended the day with 23.1 miles and I¢m stealth camping on the ridge line of the West Mountain above 1200 feet. On one side of the ridge I have a view of the Hudson River and New York City. As I journal, I¢m sitting on the other side of the ridge where I have just witnessed the sun retreat behind a cloud bank above the beautiful mountains I just traversed. I truly am a very lucky and blessed man!
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Mile 1398.9

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 12.5

Headed out this morning at 5:00 after periods of rain last night. I¢m thankful that it wasn¢t a thunderstorm because it was boulders, a few small trees and my tent on the ridge. The periods of rain were just enough to keep my attention. Yesterday I contacted a friend Rusty Haman who offered the help of relatives while I was in the New York area. As a result, Ben and I hiked 12.5 miles over a few mountain ridges to an intersection near Peekskill, NY. There Chuck Casabianca picked us up at about noon and brought us to his home in Putnam Valley. Chuck and his wife Karen opened their downstairs apartment for our use. After showering and starting a load of laundry, they fed us rice, sausage, steak, ham and salad. Afterwards they ferried us to the local Walmart to resupply. When we returned, they grilled hamburgers and hotdogs to go along with beans and potato salad. We had a few beers on the deck and eventually told them good night. Knowing I would probably not see Karen in the morning, I gave her a big hug and thanked her immensely for the hospitality. Because of the generosity extended, I¢ll rest tonight physically and mentally recharged to continue this great adventure at mile 1411.4.
Date: 2019-06-03
From: Mile 1411.4

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 24.5

Woke up this morning in a real bed. After packing, I headed up stairs to find Chuck sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee and waiting on me. There was a buffet of breakfast food on the counter in addition to fresh fruit, milk, juice and coffee. After breakfast we loaded up and headed out. Chuck confirmed that we had everything and reassured that if we thought of something down the trail to call him so he could bring it out at another road crossing. The whole visit was heartwarming as both Chuck and Karen had a sincere interest and appreciation for what we were attempting to accomplish. We arrived at the trail at about 6:00 and took a quick photo. Like all who have helped me, I gave Chuck a big hug and thanked him once again for the help and support. The weather was absolutely beautiful with sunny skies and the temperature at 50 degrees and breezy. As I ascended it was cooler and windy and this continued for the duration of the day.We treated ourselves to a pizza for dinner and afterwards had milk and split a three-row package of Oreo cookies. Ben and I ended the day trekking 24.5 miles and tenting near mile 1435.9.
Date: 2019-06-04
From: Mile 1435.9

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 24.5

Headed out this morning at 5:00 and swung by a nearby deli to get a breakfast sandwich and chocolate milk. As part of my weight management philosophy, I¢ll take every opportunity to eat something other than camp food and a lot of it. The weather was clear with a low of 44 degrees, which set up another gorgeous day. I used my puffy jacket while breaking down my tent. It was the first time in quite a while. The trails in northern New York are beautiful, and once you ascend, there are rolling hills.During the late afternoon hours, I departed New York and entered Connecticut.I ended the day with another 24.5 miles and tenting near the Ten Mile River Shelter at mile 1460.4.
Date: 2019-06-05
From: Near the Ten Mile River Shelter at mile 1460.4

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a restless night last night as my air mattress deflated three times. Once deflated it doesn¢t take long to realize it as the ground gets cold and it¢s hard. By 3:30am I had enough and spent a little time researching potential issues since I had connectivity. I have been extremely careful about protecting the mattress from punctures, so I don¢t believe that¢s the issue. It¢s a priority so I¢ll have to figure it out. Once on the trail, Connecticut wasted no time in welcoming me. There were several 1000-1200 foot brutal ascends with punishing descents back down to 300 feet. I had gotten off trail and found my way back when I happened upon Ben who was just recovering from a similar mistake. We were hiking apart as he left later than I did this morning. We were both somewhat frustrated both by our mistakes as well as Connecticut¢s strenuous welcome. We hiked for about four hours with either of us speaking a word, but that¢s not uncommon especially during periods of heavy physical exertion. Ben apparently checked his phone and saw that he had a message from a former supervisor stating that she was traveling with her family and were in Kent, Connecticut. Long story short, a phone call was made and a few tenths later at the next road crossing we were met and given a large breakfast sandwich, a coke and a chocolate chip cookie. It was a gift that couldn¢t have come at a better time. All I could think was that God provides, and today he provided an egg sandwich. Had I not gotten off the trail, I may have only seen Ben when eating lunch or not at all. Instances such as these support my belief that things happen for a reason. We visited with the family briefly while eating then trekked on. Ben and I later stopped for lunch along the Housatonic River. I took the opportunity to strip down to my underwear and go for a swim. The water was cold, but refreshing as the temperatures were now in the low 80¢s. Afterwards, I ate lunch, collected water from a nearby stream which drains into the river and we trekked on. The mountain tempo remained the same all day and we didn¢t reach the campsite until 6:30pm. We ended the day with 25.7 hard earned miles and tenting near the Pine Swamp Brook Shelter at mile 1486.1.
Date: 2019-06-06
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter Area

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 23.6

As expected it rained again last night. It wasn¢t a gully washer, but enough to wet everything, including the rocks I¢d be walking on later. Mornings like this are hard as my socks were still damp and my hat was as wet with sweat as when I took it off yesterday evening. I headed out at 4:30am a little gun shy from the mountain beating I took yesterday. Today¢s target was a little less aggressive which will set me up for a resupply on Friday. By the time I hit the third ridge the sun was breaking and I could feel today would be a better day in spirit and weather. The trail was considerably more forgiving than yesterday and as the day wore on there was obvious relief from the humidity. When I reached the US 7 highway crossing I detoured a quarter mile to the Mountain Side Cafe. I normally try not to do sideways miles, but breakfast on top of my protein bar was definitely a plus and helps throughout the day. I ended the day with 23.6 miles, completing the 44 miles in Connecticut and sleeping 2 miles into the state of Massachusetts at mile 1509.7.
Date: 2019-06-07
From: The Aurel Ridge Campsite

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 13.1

With the exception of having to blowup my air mattress last night a few times, I slept well. Temperatures got down to 50 degrees with low humidity so I opted to cowboy camp. I laid there looking up through the foliage as dusk turned to night. Soon the stars were shining brightly and the serenity of the night set in. I¢d been wanting to cowboy camp for some time, but the weather and the location never seemed to line up. Each time of the three times that I re-inflated my air mattress, I spent the next 10 minutes looking up and admiring the stars and in wonder of the whole experience. I headed out at 4:45 and made it to the 2300 foot elevation summit of Mount Race for daybreak. I stood there for a few minutes admiring the view then trekked on along the mountain ledge for the next half mile. It was incredibly beautiful, but makes me realize that one misstep would be tragic. Soon I was descending and then ascending to the summit of Mount Everett, at 2600 feet, as the sun continued to rise. The Wild azaleas were in full bloom and their sweet aromatic fragrance filled the air. The small pines were in full bloom and as gust of wind blew, so would clouds of yellow pollen. I pressed on and eventually made it to US 7 where Ben and I took a shuttle into the town of Great Barrington, MA. It has been a long four and a half days on the trail and a town visit was badly needed. After eating, showering and starting laundry, I found and hopefully patched the hole in my air mattress. If it works, I¢ll be ecstatic to only have to wake up to use the bathroom and not do a series of lung exercises when back on the trail.With dinner out of the way, I¢m looking forward to sleeping in a real bed tonight at the Monument Mountain Motel. I¢ll check out and hit the trail a little later tomorrow.
Date: 2019-06-08
From: Great Barrington 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 13.5

I slept late, or as late as I could this morning after a great night¢s sleep. The comfortable bed combined with the hum of the air conditioner helped to make up for the last couple of nights. After breakfast, I did some equipment maintenance and then packed away everything in my pack. Then for the next couple of hours I stayed off of my feet and studied my AWOL AT guide trying to determine particular benchmarks I¢d like to make this week. At 1100, Ben and I checked out and headed across the street to the Subway for lunch. While there I bought a second sandwich to take along on the trail with me for dinner. This way I don¢t have to eat trail food. It¢s not that it¢s bad, I just get tired of eating the same thing over and over and when I can, I¢ll take advantage of the opportunity. Ben and I hit the trail at 1145. We eventually said our goodbyes as we each have our respective mileage goals for the week. I trekked a total of 13.5 miles where I¢m tenting near the Mount Wilcox shelter. I would have preferred to hike further, but there¢s a problem bear at my next camping option and I¢d rather not deal with her.
Date: 2019-06-09
From: Near Mount Wilcox Shelter 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 27.0

Headed out this morning at 4:30 and soon the birds started singing at daybreak. They¢re most vocal from first light until about 30 minutes after sunrise. The weather was beautiful again today with temperatures in the low 50¢s in the morning and warming up to the upper 70¢s. The trail remains strenuous but fair and I¢ve hiked by several picturesque mountain lakes with crystal clear water.I¢m stealth camping tonight near mile 1563.3 after a 27 mile day. I¢ll know tonight if there are any bears nearby because I accidentally kicked my Spanish rice and hickory smoked tuna over next to my tent as I was trying to multitask.:( I ate what I could off of the leaves and did my best to clean up the rest, but it still smells like the kitchen of a Mexican restraunt. I guess we¢ll see as it¢s too late to move.
Date: 2019-06-11
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 21.5

Woke up this morning at 5:30. The rain began at about 7:30 last night and did not end until about 6:30 this morning. My tent performed well, but it was so humid that everything was damp and sticky. I laid there and studied my AT guide as I ate the Dunkin donuts that I bought last night. When the rain stopped, I packed up everything and placed it under an awning near the church. I then walked back to the Dunkin Donuts store to use the restroom and get a cup of coffee. The walk was about a mile each way, but without a pack it seems effortless. When I returned, the chapel was open and I went in to say my prayers prior to morning Mass. I attended Mass in remembrance of my brother in law, Eugene Leblanc Jr., who died a year ago tomorrow. Eugene was adventurous and I recalled the times we¢d go duck hunting and camping. We had a lot in common and Eugene was the perfect brother in law. I left town at about 8:45 and with last night¢s rain, the trail was wet and muddy. I did a lot of rock and root hopping trying to keep my feet dry. In several places water was running down the trail like a creek. The effort to stay dry didn¢t last long and eventually my shoes were wet once again. Prior to noon, I summited Mount Greylock. At over 4100 feet, this is Massachusetts¢ highest elevation, unfortunately the weather had not cleared yet and there was little to no view. About an hour later and on the descent, the clouds cleared and the sun emerged. That¢s just how it goes sometimes.Today marks 3 months or 93 days of this great adventure. Of the 93 days, I¢ve hiked a total of 82 days. I¢ve logged zeros on the remaining 11 days. My first day of 8.8 up the approach trail to Springer Mountain doesn¢t count, just the 2 tenths I actually did on the trail that evening. Just like the tenths here or there to camp sites, to get water, miles walking into towns or miles walking in the wrong direction.:(I¢ve commanded this trek with an  aggressive pace and a common sense approach. With 591 miles remaining, I plan to push for another week or so which will provide a cushion in the event of sickness or injury. For logistical and personal reasons, I¢m planning to reach Mount Katahdin by the end of July. This is the first time I¢ve mentioned Mount Katahdin to myself or anyone else. It¢s one of those ¢don¢t look over there kind of things.¢ Over the last month and a half, I¢ve been trekking through heavy foliage and the only views have been on ledges or over watches. This will afford me the option to not hike in the rain, zero when I want to, and the opportunity to take more time in the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine where the views will improve, especially when hiking above the tree line.This evening, I departed Massachusetts and entered the state of Vermont. Not long after, I crossed the 1600 mile mark after trekking a total of 21.5 miles today. I¢ll tent tonight 2 miles into Vermont near the Seth Warner shelter.
Date: 2019-06-12
From: The Seth Warner Shelter Area 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 11.5

Woke up this morning at 4:45 to clear skies and 45 degrees. I packed up and hit the blue blaze trail, which leads to the AT. I finished my pop tart just as I made the turn to trek northbound on the AT. As I stopped and was tucking away my trash and calibrating my mind, an exuberant voice rang out with a loud good morning. Needless to say he scared the heck out of me as I was in my own world, rarely seeing anyone on the trail at that time of the morning. It was two southbound hikers finishing up the Long Trail which ends near the Massachusetts/Vermont border and they were happy. With only 11 miles to trek today I was not in a hurry, much less focused. Once again, the trail, in lower areas was extremely muddy and holding water. Hiking through the mud takes more energy than climbing elevations. Soon I had conquered the few mountain ridges, and was on my final descent towards Vermont 9 where I would head into the town of Bennington, Vermont. With no service, I studied my maps and just as I began to hike the 5 miles into town, a local resident pulled in and offered a ride. Once again, God was looking out after me and the trail provides. Once in town I ate then took a taxi to a house where I showered and completed my chores. Later, my two daughters, Geralyn and Christine arrived for a two day visit. I¢m on top of the world as I¢ve longed to see them for quite a while!The girls arrived at about 5:00pm and my spirits were lifted. I was already excited about them coming, but to actually see and hug them was wonderful!