morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-23
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Breezy nite and ended up putting my flaps down on the tent. Up at 5:15 and left at 6:30 to hopefully beat the heat. Weather was cool but the trail was very rocky with many ups and downs. Also lots of road crossings.Got to William Brien Shelter and got water from the well. Older shelter. The trail then became rocky with steep climbs. It went from dirt forest trail to rocky climbs. Passed by the West Mt Shelter and then the trail was on the large flat boulders. Was running low on water when I ran into a Day Camp group. They offered me cheese sandwiches, water and oranges. I had at least 4 oranges and I took 2 waters to go.The trail was moderate until the rocky climb up Bear Mountain - 500' in 1.2 miles.The climb was challenging because of the hotter temperatures. It was in the 80s to 90s. Got to the top at 2 and got cokes and powerade from the vending machine. There was lots of people at the tower and on the trail. The trail was initially rocky then went down a road about 1/4 mile. It then descended 900' in 1.3 miles with trail being mostly steps. Tough going with the steps but I was going as quick as possible so I could get thru the Trailside museum by 4:30.Got to the Bear Mt Park at 3:15 and went by a snack bar to the museum. Completed the trail to the bridge then returned to check out the dining possibilities at the Inn. There was just a sandwich and ice cream place so I went to the snack bar instead. Had a black bean burrito and salad and Pizza. Finished at 4:10 and headed back thru the Museum past the lowest point on the AT. Should have ate when I first passed the snack bar but wasn't thinking.4:30 Started across the Bear Mt Bridge. This was scarier than the I80 bridge because it is higher. After I crossed the bridge there was a lady waiting for her husband who was hiking. She offered me a lemonade. The temperature was now in the 90s. I was really tired and lack energy. I then had a climb of 500' in .7 mile. I took a break and had my powerade half way up the hill. Arrived at the campsite at 6:10. Found a good spot, bear bagged and set up. Got water to cool down with. Made some GU recovery drink since I was getting some cramping in my legs and hands.It was very warm so I kept the flaps up on my tent fly. There were 4 section hikers and at least 5 thru hikers.A hard 17 mile day due to the rocks and heat. Others commented also about how the heat affected them. This is the most fatigued I've been since starting.
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Hemlock Springs Campsite

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 18.0

Started to sprinkle so I had to put my fly down. Was warm but I was in my liner for the nite. Was in no hurry to get up. Awoke at 7 packed up but no breakfast since I could get it at the Appalacian Market. Left at 7:50. Trail was favorable with a flat smooth dirt trail even the uphill and the rocky sections weren't hard. Made good time and arrived at the Appalachain Market at 9. The lady from Bear Mt Bridge was at the market waiting for her husband and offered to buy me breakfast. Had tea and roast beef, cheese and egg hoagie -very good and filling. Many other hikers came in while I was there. There was a lady talking with a hiker who said she comes by to give hikers rides to the train. Left at 9:50. Again the trail was good with some uphills but I maintained a good pace. Met a girl I had camped with at Eckville also I passed Potato. Weather was better today with the temps in the 70s, breezy and low humidity. Again lots of road crossings. The trail that approached Route 301 was an elevated path with a stone wall on one side.Got to 301 and had 2 choices - 1 mile to the campground or 1.5 mile to the beach. It was 4 o'clock and the beach concession was closed. There was also a sign that a trail angel was cooking at the campground. Decided to go the 1 mile to the campground. It was on a highway with busy traffic. Got to the park office and they told me where to camp. It was another 1/4 mile to the campground. The camping area wasn't great but I found a decent spot. Set up, bear bagged and checked out the food situation. It was a gentleman who has been cooking dinner and breakfast every other week for the past 7 years. He made egg and cheese sandwiches.Other hikers arrived about 8 while I was journaling at my tent. It was a good day with trail magic breakfast and dinner. Carrying food which I haven't had to cook.
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Very cool night had to put the tent flaps down and put my down sweater on my legs. Up at 6:30. Went to Joe's for breakfast sandwich. Moses, a German couple and Laura were there. Headed down the road at 7:50 and arrived at the trail at 8;20. The lady who bought me breakfast was dropping off her husband and his hiking partner. They were slack packing.The trail was flat and smooth as it went around the lake. Had some minor climbs but not bad. Got to the blue blaze trail to the beach at 9:20. Probably should have done this yesterday and saved some time. Got to Longhill Road and the trail was flat and smooth with only a few rocks to keep it interesting. Got to RPH Shelter at 11:20. 3 hrs for 7.3 miles good pace.RPH Shelter is an enclosed shelter with 4/6 bunks, table and trash bins. Also a porch with 2 tables. Large grassy area for tenting. The shelter is located next to the road.Ordered a pizza and 2 liter of Sierra Mist and was told it would be 1 hour. I was okay with that since it was a nice spot to relax. The 5 Germans had lunch and moved on. Everyone left and I waited for my pizza by reading magazines and checking the map. After 1 1/2 hours I called to check on my pizza. The girl said that the delivery man left 20 mins ago. He finally showed up at 1:15. He had the wrong address on the order slip but didn't bother calling to verify the address.Ate my pizza when Moses came in. They had orderes a pizza which arrived about 15 min later. Laura and her dog Cassidy came in and I gave her the remainder of my pizza and soda. She was staying at the shelter.Headed out at 2:30. Had a moderate uphill climb but again not too hard. Also the temperatures were moderate. Had a 500' downhill followed by a 500' uphill. Got to route 52 at 4:50. Decided to take the 4/10 mile downhill walk to the deli. Hope to get a milkshake. No Milkshake so I just got 2 iced teas. The girl who worked there said I could camp there if I wanted. Decided to head up the hill and onward.Back on the trail at 5:30. Trail was smooth and flat with a minor rocky ascent about 100'. Made good time and arrived at the shelter at 6:50.1 SOBO in the shelter and 2 others tented. Lots of nice tent spots with a large area for tents. Found a nice tent spot next to a rock wall. Bear bagged my food. Called home to find out I got 2 more pleges for the Community Table. Comfortable night but will keep the fly down.Trail magic breakfast and pizza for lunch. Feet are feeling good without any soreness.
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Native Landscape Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Cool night again. Up at 6:40, with usual morning routine. On trail by 7:45. Trail level with occasional rocky sections but could maintain good pace.Trail had some minor ups and long steep downs. Weather was overcast and cool. Got to Nucular lake and enjoyed the view across the lake. Very peaceful.Arrived at Telephone Pioneer Shelter at 11. Check the registry and headed out. Arrived at the Appalachain Train Station at 11:30. Wen to the Native Landscape and checked about camping. Set up my tent in the field past the office. Showered and got some ice tea. Headed into Pawling at 12:30 to do laundry and get lunch. Was going to the Deli for lunch when I saw Miracle, Plus 1, and Hydro. They were headed to Danbury, Ct. Got a ride into Pawling to the library. I hadn't seen them since NC. Checked my email and did my laundry. Went to the bakery for a milk shake, cake, and some bagels. Checked my laundry then was going to eat lunch at the pizza parlor. They had closed for 45 mins which delayed me. Finished my laundry then had my lunch of Pasta with sausage and brocolli. Very good.4:00 headed back out of town. Ended up walking the 2+ miles but stopped at the deli to see what they had to offer. Got back to Native Landscapes at 4:45 before they closed. Borrowed some magazines to read that night. Also was told I could move closer under the trees if I wanted. Moved my tent under the trees. I decided to hang my food but I should have just left it at the office.2 other hikers set up next to me.Sat and read and had my tea then headed to the Deli. Had the rib snadwich with a pint of ice cream. Called a racewalk friend about an upcoming race to let him know my situation and my possible participation. Called home.Nice night but lots of traffic noise. Obsidian called back to let me know which train he will be on. I will wait for him to arrive at 11;30.A short fast hike in and caught a ride into town. Did the usual town business of food, library and laundry. Anxious to hear about Obsidian's NYC trip
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Native Landscape Campsite

To: Ten Mile Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tough nite sleeping between the trains and the car traffic noise. Awoke at 6:45 with sounds of thunder. Decided to quickly pack up in case of rain. Finished packing at 8 just as it started to rain. Got to the patio as it rained harder. Looked like it was going to rain for a long time but then it stopped after 45 minutes.8:30 left for the deli for breakfast and a lunch sandwich. A great egg and turkey hoagie sandwich. Got back to the center as they were opening at 9. Ate breakfast as other hikers came in to get mail drops or use the bathroom. It started to rain again so I just relaxed and read waiting for the 11:30 train.Met Obsidian and Ireland at the station. Ireland was just hiking thru. A trail angel was leaving bananas and drinks at the station. Went back to Native Landscapes to have lunch. Gave Obsidian half of my huge roast beef sandwich.Another hiker, RW, had come in and was eating lunch. The rain had stopped but was very humid. The 3 of us headed out on the trail at 1. The trail went thru fields with moderate ups and downs then entered the woods but was smooth and flat. Even the ups were gradual. We kept a good pace.Got to Wiley Shelter at 3, 5.7 miles in 2 1/2 hours. Took 40 minute rest break. Misty Pony stopped by. The 10 mile shelter was only 4 more miles. Trail was quick with a minor 600" up and down. Crossed the NY/CT border at 4:30. Crossed many roads then got to a trail but no shelter sign. We could see the river which was about 1/10 mile from the shelter. Took the road and arrived at the shelter at 5:15. Water source was a pump. Shelter was very typical with a high steep and gap between the shelter floor and the front. Good tent spots. Bear bagged then helped Obsidian set up his new Fly Creek tent. Very similar to mine but with some modifications. Made a recovery drink and then dinner of Ramen, tuna, and cheese sauce. In tent by 8. Very warm night although the day wasn't bad. Talked with Obsidian about his NYC Experience. He said they did lots of walking but did us the weekly subway pass.A good day after a bad night sleeping. Good Breakfast and lunch. Good to be back hiking with Obsidian. RW had been off the trail for 3 weeks due to an injury.
Date: 2014-07-28
From: Ten Mile Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 6:30. It rained heavy and thundered last night. Tent very wet but I was dry. Took my time packing trying to dry things. Had my cereal. RW anxious to leave but Obsidian slow to start. Finally left at 8.We discovered the blue blaze trail to the shelter next to the bridge. We had not gone far enough the previous day. Trail went thru the woods then fields with the trail flat. Arrived at the trail to the Covered Bridge at 8:25 and headed to the market for breakfast. Had 2 breakfast sandwiches and tea. Took our time eating and got back on the trail at 8:50.Then we had the typical morning climb 400' to 1200' in about 2 miles. Trail was smooth so the climb was tolerable. Weather was humid and the trail muddy in spots. Had another steep climb of 300' in 1/2 mile. We arrived at Mt Algo shelter at 1. Similar shelter design but with no picnic table. Had lunch of apple and tuna bagel.Left at 1:55 with the trail going up and down. Not long ups but just enough to slow us down. Passed som SOBO Section hikers who praised the Bearded Wood hostel. We called and reserved for tomorrow. Had a steep climb up to Calelor Peak. Again slow going the a moderate descent over steep rock steps. Passed St. Johns Ledge which are listed as steep steps to the river. Soon after this sign we encountered our own ledges. A very very steep rocky descent which was slow one step at a time. I slipped once on a slippery rock. As we got the the bottom of the steep descent the skies opened up with a major rain storm. It came down hard but only lasted 10 mins. We were glad to be off the steep down hill rocks. We got to River Road which was flat for 8/10 mile. The trail retuned to the woods along the river. The trail was flat and smooth but we didn't see any blazes. Always a concern that we missed the trail. We just kept going. RW check his phone and located the brook ahead of us. We hoped we were on the right trail. At 5:30 we saw the shelter. Typical shelter with 3 tenting locations. Usual routine of set up, bear bagged, and made dinner. Had Spanish Rice and Ramen with tuna. Got water and filled all my bottles.In tent at 7:30. Another warm nite but it may rain so will keep the fly down.Another interesting day. Breakfast at the market, Hard climb down the mountain to then be caught in the rain. Feeling good hiking with others. RW is also doing a fund raiser for his local art museum.
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Stewart Hollow Shelter

To: West Cornwall - Bearded Wood bunk and dine
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It did rain last night at 9:30 for about 15 mins so the tent is wet again. Up at 6;30 and packed up. The 3 of us hiked out at 7:20. Trail ran along the river for about 2 miles so we were going at a good pace but then we started our usual morning climb from 600' to 1200' then down to CT 4 - Cornwall Bridge. Guinea Brook had high water so we had to take a 1 mile blue blaze detour. We had one final climb from 700' to 1200'. Again slow climb on rocks then the steep downhill to West Cornwall road. We had called Hudson at the Bearded Woods when were were 3 miles to go. We arrived at 12:10 and he arrived at 12:15. We got to the Bunk and Dine at 12:45.Nice facility with 2 bunk rooms with 4 bunks per room, 2 showers, screened porch, and a nice back yard. Showered then put our tents out to dry. Hudson went to the airport to pick up Frankie the Sleeper. Big Lu came back with Grandma Pepper, who was from Asheville. Big Lu offered us lunch of pasta and meat which was great.Just hung out and talked about our options for tomorrow. Whether to slack pack to Salisbury and come back here or just go to Salisbury. Hudson came back at 4:30 with Mad Jac and Frankie. We then headed into Salisbury to the grocery to restock. Prices were high but great selection. Got 3 days of food. Picked up Genesis and Archer who had come off the trail.Sorted my clothes and reorganized my food bad. I will be slack packing tomorrow with my full pack less food. We decided to stay here since it's only $10 more than staying in Salisbury and we get 2 meals.Dinner was at 7 of salad, corn on the cob, herbed chicken, potatoes and cake and ice cream. Visited and learned about how Hudson and Lu developed the hostel. Called home and in bed by 10:15Another good day on the trail. Some good up hills with rocks, a blue blaze detour, great hostel and great food. Good to catch up with people.
Date: 2014-07-30
From: West Cornwall - Bearded Wood Hostel

To: Salisbury - Bearded Wood Bunk and Dine
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:30 organized my pack leaving out my food bad and my journal. Breakfast at 7 of watermelon, egg and pork/beef casserole, muffins and coffee. Great breakfast. Left at 8 with RW and Obsidian. Frankie was starting at Cornwall Bridge. On the trail at 8:20. Had the usual morning climb but it went quickly with my 26# pack. Passed thru rock boulders. Was moving quickly on the flat sections but did have some minor climbs. We then did a road walk on US 7 past the high school then back into the woods. The trail ran along the river near the power plant. There were 20 Canoeing Slalom gate in the river and the house next to the river had a rack of canoes and kayaks. 11:45 stopped for lunch at the power plant. Sack lunch from the hostel. It then that RW and I discovered we were wearing the other's short. RW wondered why his short were tight this morning. They were the same design but different company's.Left at 12:30 along the river then over an abandomed bridge. We then went up along the river and the falls. Very powerful falls due to heavy river flow. We then had a slow climbup to Mt Prospect. Rocky section of the trail but kept a good pace. Passed the Limestone Shelter then arrived at Giant's thumb at 2:10. Called Hudson about our pick up. The trail then descended quickly with many rocks. Weather was cool with a slight breeze.The trail then was next to the road for a ways then onto the road past very nice home. Walked on Cobble Road for 2/10 mile then into the woods. Arrived at Overmountain Road at 3:35 and Hudson arrived 5 mins later.Went into Salibury. I got some snacks so I could cash one of my travelers checks at the market. Archer was there and decide his injury was forcing him off the trail. Got back at 4:30. Hudson offered us some pasta and meat for a late lunch.Showered and put in our laundry. Watch the DVD of the trail and just relaxed.Dinner at 7:30 of beef and chicken meatloafs, mashed pototes, green beans. Good conversations. I related my Portland to Coast walking relay stories.Discussed with Obsidian our options for tomorrow. Bed by 10:30Lighter packs do make a difference when hiking especially uphill. Not sure how I can lighten my load. Been a great 2 days with great food, accomondations and conversations.
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Salisbury - Bearded Wood Bunk and Dine

To: Gren Brook Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Up at the usual 6:30. Partially packed up and went to breakfast. Breakfast was watermelon, coffee, juice, and egg and cheese muffins. Discussed the day's happening with Obsidian. Frankie is probably going to Laurel Springs campsite since he is about 5 miles behind us. Archer is headed home. T Bird and Grandma Pepper are doing the trail we did yesterday.8:10 loaded up with Big Lu to Salisbury. On the trail at 8:40. Over the next 2 miles we had a good climb but not too strenuous. Crossed many streams. Trail was muddy in places. Topped Lion's head at 9:45 and at Brassie Brook Shelter at 10. Trail was flat but with rocks and mud.Started the climb up Bear Mountain. It was a 400' climb but an easy uphill. The downhill had lots of boulders and rocks so was slow going. We crossed the 1500 mile mark then we crossed into Massachusetts. We made our own marker of the border. Walkabout came by and took our pictures. The trail then ran along a stream with water falls and large rocks. Stopped at 1 at Sages Ravine for lunch - had the meatloaf sandwich from Bearded Woods. The trail then became muddy and swampy and rocky. Still along the stream with many stream crossings. Climbed Mt. Race. A challenging climb but mostly smooth until we got to the ridgeline. Had great views but with a steep drop on the right side. The downhill was muddy and rocky again.Final climb was Mt. Everett. This was the hardest since it was steep on smooth rocks. We crested the mountain at 3:45 after the descent we went thru swamp until we got to the parking lot. At the parking lot was 2 Jugs of water with gallon jugs around them. We filled our water bottles and headed to the shelter. Went to Gren Brook shelter since Hemlocks didn't allow tents. Arrived at 4:20. Met a ridgerunner then set up our tents. There was a tent platform which we used as a table. Misty Pony, Batman and Pocahontas were there. Lots of room for tents. There was a bear box for our food. Usual rice, ramen and tuna for dinner.Talked with Obsidian about my past adventures and travel as well as what the next couple of days will be. I had called Enterprise in Bennington about Manchester pick ups. They don't do pick ups on Saturday so I would have to get to Manchester by 4 Pm on Friday.Cool evening but dry.A short 14 mile day over mountains. Got some trail magic of water. Felt okay even with my 11# of food
Date: 2014-08-01
From: Gren Brook Shelter

To: Mt Wilcox Shelter South
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Up at 7 and on the trail by 8. Trail was uphill a short distance then down. Trail was muddy. Most of the morning we were above the clouds. The trail flattened out but then we were in the swamps. Very wet, very muddy, and lots of Mosquitos. Obsidian got bitten badly in the legs. I had put on some repellent in the morning so it wasn't bad but I did put on my head cover.We crossed Rt 41 going thru more fields until Route 7. Due to river flooding we had to go up the road then to Kellog Road. We decided to stop for lunch at noon. I had my sausage sandwich.Left at 12:40. Continued on the road until we got to the woods and started our afternoon climb to June Mountain. The climb was slow mostly on rocks and mud. I arrived at the shelter at 3:15 when they were getting water. I got some but it was brown from the tannic acid.We descented on a rocky steep incline. We had 2 more climbs. The first one was not bad then we went around Benedict Pond. We then climbed to the Ledge, a more challenging climb. We arrived at the shelter at 6:20. There were actually 2 shelters - an old one and new one. There was a ridge runner who told us about camping at the old shelter and water.Set up camp. Got water and filtered it. Other hikers were coming in to camp. Dinner at 7:10 of ramen, rice, peanut butter and tuna with a recovery drink as well as a cheery drink.In tent by 8 due to the mosquitos.Weather was warmer todayand we had about 1/2 hour of drizzle at the end of the day. It stopped by the time we got to the shelter. Passed Grandma Pepper and T Bird who were slack packing to Salisbury. Also past 2-3 SOBOs.Feeling good hiking with RW and Obsidian. We are all on the same pace. Makes the trail interesting.
Date: 2014-08-02
From: Mt Wilcox Shelter South

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Cool night had to put on my long sleeve shirt. Up at 7 on the trail by 8. Trail was muddy with some rocks then it descented into fields. Got trail magic of cookies and cheeries at the road crossing.Trail then climbed to Cobble Hill. Gradual smooth trail. Had lunch at Cobble hill at noon and left at 12:40. Passed some day hiker and crossed 2 more roads. The trail then went into the swamps on boardwalks. The long climb of 900' in 1 1/2 miles was next. Crossed over streams but the trail remained muddy. Past some more SOBOs. The trail then became pine needle covered so were going at a good pace. Got to the junction of Goose Pond Cabin at 4 and took the 1/2 mile trail to the cabin. We were the first to arrive so we had a choice of bunks. The caretaker showed us around. Nice bunkroom of about 12-14 bunks. All the bunks had materasses. There was a living/dining room, covered porch, and a cooking/eating area outside. Lots of people coming in for the night. The bunkroom filled quickly.Made dinner at 5:30 of pasta, ramen and tuna. Organized my pack and called home.Frankie the Sleeper, Genesis, and Walkabout came in. They were staying the living room while others tented. Altogether there were 32 hikers that night. The caretaker had 2 assistant and said they were having 20-25 per night for the last week.A good day with the weather nice without rain. Nice shelter with many people catching up to us that I hadn't seen in a while. But the mosquitos were bad