morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Murray Property

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 26.4

Less than 2 miles into the day I stopped in Unionville, NY and continued the deli walk at the general store in town, where I got a breakfast sandwich and a cola. I then went to the Post Office to pick up my new Tshirt. Finally got a wool shirt to replace my disgusting synthetic one. I got split up from SteveO in town becuase we both came in, and left, town at different locations. Did a large section of roadwalking and then skirted the Wallkill Reserve. I saw a lot of blue herons in the marsh and there were groundhogs everywhere on land. 6 miles later, I came to an extrodinarily nice boardwalk over a huge swamp. I finally caugt up to SteveO since he was taking his time across the boardwalk. We next came to Wawayanda Mtn and started up it. About half way up, we heard what sounded to be someone having a really bad day. It sounded like they were throwing big rocks and beating on trees with a baseball bat. When we got up high enough to see what it was, it turned out to be a 500 pound black bear. I don't know what it had been doing previously but it would have been fun to see. The bear just meandered of into the woods as soon as it spotted us. I still haven't gotten a bear picture yet. We headed for the NJ/NY border and in rolled the rain. We got soaked hiking and met Avatar trying to stay dry under a tree. The three of us ran the ridgeline until the rain stopped. We got to an unnamed overlook to get a perfect double rainbow. Avatar kept rolling and SteveO and I headed down into Greenwood Lake to meet up with Uno. Found a pavilion near the baseball field to hobo camp and we readied ourselves for the trip into NYC
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: New York City, NY
Miles today: 0.0

woke up early since, unknowingly, the pavilion was right next to the school bus depot and the buses leaving in the morning made it very hard to sleep. SteveO, Uno and I got breakfast and our bus tickets into the city and waited for the bus. When we got on the bus it was empty but as we approached NYC it began to fill up. We were still unbathed after days of hiking so, as could be imagined, the back of the bus stank. Eventually, there was cologne/perfume being sprayed and an angry asian man made it known that he thought we smelled. The bus finally filled to the point where people had to sit beside us. The girl sitting beside me was a good sport and was asking questions about our hike. We got into the city and looked right in place with the vagrants. So much, in fact, that SteveO was even offered a cup from a homeless guy because he thought SteveO didn't have one. Ahhh good times. We went and met my friend, Marty, at the Nike store and brought our funk with us. He introduced us to some of his coworkers and they all got a laugh out of our "hikerness". Afterwards, we showered, did laundry and then got beer and pizza. Fun.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: New York City, NY

To: New York City, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Another great day in the city. People watching is so fun and we saw soo many "unique butterflies". I think seeing some of the crazies after being withdrawn from the insanity for 3 months made it much more enjoyable. SteveO, Uno and I hung out during the day and then we met up with Marty and Katie to watch game 7 of the NBA Semi-Finals, which turned out to be an exciting game. The Heat won and move to the Finals. I don't really care but the game was interesting, as I have already said.I'll try to add pictures for this week soon.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: New York City, NY

To: Wildcat shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: few clouds

3 months on the trail!!!We said our goodbyes to Marty, Katie and the Big Apple and headed to the Port Authority to get the bus back to Greenwood Lake. Got there, got the tickets and found out that we completely misunderstood how the bus schedule worked. The stop we were going to only ran once every 2 hours and we were about 20 minutes late for the recent bus. So we sat and waited for the next one. By the time we actually got back to Greenwood Lake it was after 5 and unmotivated. We grabbed a sandwich at Subway and headed up to the closest shelter. On the way there, we met a group of people on the tail end of a trail maintenance/trail magic trip. They gave us fruit, fruit snacks and Budweiser. They informed us that Trotter, another thru hiker, was at the shelter and had seen a large bear. As we got closer to the shelter, we planned to fuck with him and make bear noises. When we got to within earshot of the shelter, we could already hear him banging pots together and we figured we could really get him going. Turns out he was banging pots because the bear came back and was only about 25 yards from us. It was the biggest bear I've personally seen. No one was too worries since it was already spooked and quickly leaving. Sidenote: I wish I could get a picture of a bear, they always run before I can get my camera. We came up and talked with Trotter and called it a night, after of course putting our food in the bear box.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Wildcat shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

I got a later start than everyone else, as usual. After about 2 miles, I came to Fitzgerald Falls. It was a nice waterfall which we climbed up along side of. 2 miles later, I caught up with Trotter at the Mombasha High Point. We hiked out together to try and catch up with Uno and SteveO. We caught up to them and we all went to the Island Pond and took a long break by the pond. After we left there we came to the "Lemon Squeezer" which is a small crack that you have to walk/climb through. It's a damn tight fit and both sides of my pack were dragging through the crevice. Good thing I've lost weight out here... Stopped at the Fingerboard Shelter to get water and found the spring dried up. So we took a quarter mile detour to go to Lake Tiorati Circle and stop at the restrooms, get water and a soda at the vending machine. Final 4 miles brought us across some young bucks that weren't yet scared of humans. They didn't let us get close enough to pet them, they stayed about 10 feet away but regardless it was cool to be so close to them. Got to the shelter and met some dayhikers which I had actually met briefly back in North Carolina. Coincidence.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

A mile from the shelter was Black Mtn, which you can apparently see the NYC skyline from. I was looking forward to it and the visibility was pretty bad. No such luck. The water source at the shelter was disgusting and I had no water yet this morning. That forced me to take a detour (3/4 mile round trip) to a visitor center on the Palisades Parkway to get some clean water. Walking back to the trail I picked up about 15 ticks, both deer ticks and "dog" ticks. Terrible little creatures. 5 miles later I came to Bear Mtn. The trail maintenance crew has done an amazing job turning that section of trail into a really nice walk. At the top it became overwhelmingly clear that it was going to rain today. Bear Mtn is another spot that is supposed to have a view of NYC, I got black clouds. Headed down to the zoo hoping for a nice visit with some critters. As I walked into the zoo, it finally began to rain. I don't know if it was just the rain or not but being in the zoo and seeing all the animals caged up was really depressing. I threw on my poncho and walked around the zoo but didn't enjoy my experience much, which is certainly disappointing. The rain continued as I crossed Bear Mtn Bridge and headed towards Anthony's Nose. The rain continued and most of the remainder of the day was a miserable trudge. Finally, I popped out of the woods and stumbled upon a roadside deli. I had overlooked it being there in my guidebook and finding it was a much appreciated surprise. While there, I ran into Trotter, SteveO and Uno. Somewhere they took a break and got behind me. We grabbed food and headed to the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. I'm not certain what religion they are but they let hikers sleep in their pavilions for free. There was a cold water shower (it was great after getting used to the temperature) and clean drinking water plus lots of floor space in the pavilion. Things are looking up after a unfavorable day.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 27.8
Weather: few clouds

Well last night was officially the worst night I've had out here. That was due entirely to the mosquitoes. We all were getting eaten alive and it kept everyone awake for hours. I am confident I didn't sleep for more than an hour and a half. As I finally walked out to start hiking, it began to rain. And the rain continued, for hours. I put my head down and walked for hours. Eventually I soaked through entirely and the inevitable chaffing began. What a miserable day. Finally after what seemed to be an eternity, the rain let up and I finished the day sort of dried off. I set up my tent to ward off more bug bites and went to sleep. I'm going to some pictures up soon...
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

I slept in late to make up for the lack of sleep the night prior. Everyone was gone and I would have to play catch up. About 5 miles into the morning, I came across Nuclear Lake. I have no idea why it was named that but I like to believe there are three eyed fish swimming around in there, just like in The Simpsons. The next stop I made was at County Road 20 to get some water from a nearby house and to take some pictures of the largest oak tree along the AT. It was huge and pretty impressive. Soon afterwards I came to the Appalachian Trail Station of the NYC Metro-North train line. It is a train stop to come from the city to the AT. There's only 2 times a week that it stops at this particular station. It was cool none the less. I walked a half mile down the road to get yet another deli sandwich for lunch. When I returned, I stopped to take a picture of the AT train station and my timing was great. Shortly after snapping a picture a train, not stopping at the AT station came by going about 60 miles an hour. I stood close enough to have the wind throw my hat 30 yards and the force of the moving air pushed me off balance. It was pretty thrilling especially with the air horns blaring at me. I got a picture but I should have taken a video. Hindsight... I ran into Uno afterwards and we hiked out to meet back up with SteveO. We entered Connecticut for the first time today and we had a small celebration. Then we climbed over 10 Mile Hill and I turned my phone on at the top. I had a text from SteveO to stop at the shelter instead of the campsite a mile further. He said he would explain later. When we got there a crazy story pursued. SteveO had gone to the tent site that we had decided on last night and walked up to find a dead body hanging out in a tent with State Police checking it out. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He headed back and was eagerly awaiting our arrival. His retelling is much better but as could be imagined, it was an interesting way to end the night. And no, we don't know anything more about the dead guy other than he's still not alive.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Ten Mile River Shelter

To: St. John's Ledges
Miles today: 12.4

First thing in the morning we headed to where the dead guy was to see if anything was left, primarily his food bag. Waste not, want not. The campsite was empty. I guess we will still have to resupply in Kent, CT later today. After 5 miles we were in CT for good amd done with New York. Another state down. The trail got us close to Kent and we walked in to town. We stopped and got some chinese food, did laundry, charged electronics and resupplied. And we did it all while relaxing in the sun on a beautiful afternoon. There was about 10 hikers total at the laundromat and it was a great time being hiker trash. Eventually we got a local to give us a ride to the trail and it saved us almost a mile road walk back to the trail crossing. We had a short hike up to St. John's Ledges where we camped for the night. There was a nice little vista to sit and enjoy the evening.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: St. John's Ledges

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 21.4

Sleep great with the breeze and quiet. Coming down from the ledges was steep and I'm glad I wasn't going the opposite direction. That was followed by a very nice 5 mile walk along the Housatonic River. I met up with SteveO and then Uno a bit later. There were lots of creeks and streams to cross and I enjoyed this section a lot. We came out of the woods near Falls Village and decided to go into town to see what it had to offer. We found a package shop (liqour/beer shop) and figured it was a good start. It actually turned out to be the best decision of the day. The lady who ran the shop, Pat, was incredibly nice and loved hikers. She brought us and told us to sit. She then gathered all the menus of the restraunts which deliver and said she would call for us since there was no cell service in town. Soon we were sitting just off the property of the package shop drinking beers, eating pizza and chatting with Pat in between her customers. 30 minutes became 3 hours and we all had a "trail mom". Pat is a wonderful woman and I suggest if you're ever near Falls Village, CT that you stop by and say hello. As night began to roll in, we hiked back towards the trail and tented near a hydro-electric plant. A local family came down and asked 100s of questions about our hike and wished us a safe rest of the hike. This is a friendly place. I like it.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Falls Village, CT

To: Laurel Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Father's Day. So I think we drank a lot last night. It certainly felt that way this morning. A mile down the trail was Great Falls, a really nice waterfall that was made by the dams of the hydro-elec plant. Despite it not being entirely natural, it was still impressive. It didn't take as long to catch SteveO and Uno this morning so we all hiked up Mt. Prospect together and stopped to look at the Giant's Thumb. Which is a big slab of stone which sort of resembles, yes you guessed it, a thumb. We came down hill and hopped off trail to go into Salisbury, CT to get some more groceries and of course lunch. I made a phone call to my dad and then my stepdad. We soaked up some sun and then hiked out and then up another Bear Mtn. At the top was a large stone observation tower where we sat and enjoyed the vista (my current favorite term for an overlook). Also worth celebrating was the fact that sitting on top of the tower marked 1500 miles completed! Half a mile later and we left CT and entered Massachusetts. A mile further we called it quits for the day feeling quite satisfied with our day. I swear some pictures will get up sometime
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to find it very overcast and damp. Started out towards Mt. Race and then Mt. Everett. Mt. Everett was steep enough that it made for some sweating and panting but nothing too bad. At the top, there was nothing but clouds which is always a bit disappointing. The sun eventually came out and got us plenty warmed up. We stopped for a break after crossing South Egremont Rd and debated getting another deli lunch a mile down the road. Within a minute of debating, a truck pulled up and we grabbed a ride down the street. More hoagies and soda. The guys even gave us a ride back to where they picked us up. Convenience. I wanted to stop at Tom Leonard Shelter because my guide book indicated that there was a vista to tent near. There was and it was great. A nice tent platform overlooking the valley below. We were the first ones at the shelter and Uno and I snagged the platform before anyone else got it. Sometimes it does payoff to hike fast. Great spot to go to sleep after a decent day.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

There were lots of ponds, lakes, streams and creeks today. The most impressive was the one we ended at, Upper Goose Pond. At the pond is a cabin which is staffed by members of the local trail maintenance group. There was a canoe, a floating dock, a beach and a very nice cabin. It was a great place to stay. Other than the mosquitoes, it was a great night.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to coffee and pancakes from the caretaker. Afterwards, we headed out into the already warm morning. A mile and a half into the hike, we crossed over the MA Turnpike. I guess it's hiker tradition to moon traffic from the bridge. I found out afterwards so no one was lucky enough to see my ass. It was a really easy hike from Becket Mtn 18 miles to Dalton, Mass. What made it difficult was the heat and humidity. It was HOT. Walking into town Uno and I met a guy Tom that runs a hostel at the edge of town. He gave us some water and ice cream. He was a nice guy and the ice cream was perfect on a day like today, or anyday actually. As we were eating our ice cream, SteveO and Rob Bird pulled up and picked us up to go to Rob's hostel, The Birdcage. We got there, got settled and relaxed until diner. We went to the Old Country Buffet and did our best to eat all their food.  Went back and drank a few beers and called it a night.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Dalton, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It was really hot today again and we had stuff to do so we      made the executive decision to zero at the Birdcage. Not a      tough choice... Slept in, ate some breakfast and went to the      mall to try and find shoes. No luck. Came back and did some      grocery shopping and relaxed out of the heat. Went to diner      and we quickly walked a few miles to an Olympia Sports so      SteveO and I could grab some new shoes. Came back and watched      some movies. I wish today could have had more hours in the      day because I don't feel like I actually got much downtime.      It's supposed to be cooler tomorrow so that's good. I really      enjoyed Rob's place and I will be telling southbounders to      stop on their way by.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Stocked up on water and headed out. It was warm but not as      hot as the last few days. Hiked for awhile with nothing too      exciting. There were some young crows making a lot of noise      from some trees but that's about it. SteveO and I came to      Cheshire, Mass and grabbed some food at Diane's Twist, which      was conveniently right on the trail. Another 5 miles and we      were at the shelter.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Welcome to Vermont! 3 miles into today SteveO and I came to      Mt. Greylock, the highest point in MA. The whole park area on      top is very nice with a large bronze model of the mountain      range, a large fancy lodge and most notably a huge      observation tower. We went up to the tower and checked it out      and then down to the lodge. They had just finished serving      breakfast and lunch wouldn't be ready for an hour and a half.      So we laid our sleeping pads down in the grass and waited,      hiker trash style. Lunchtime came quickly while napping in      the sun. We ate and headed out. 6 miles from there we came to      MA Rt. 2. There is a grocery store .5 miles down the road so      we went down and got some groceries, made some salads and      waited out a thunderstorm. Before leaving, we stopped at the      liquor store and the guy working hooked us up with a nip of      Wild Turkey Honey and a Bud tall boy. 3.5 miles later, we      were standing at the sign welcoming us to Vermont. We      celebrated with our alcoholic trail magic and headed to the      shelter. It was a long day due to all the pit stops so I      cooked diner in the dark. Glad to be in VT!
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: few clouds

I'm late writing this one so I don't remember much from the      day. I know I saw a lot of people doing the Long Trail. The      Long Trail is a trail that runs for 270 miles from the bottom      of VT to Canada. The AT and the Long Trail both begin where      the AT comes in from MA and then the two trails run together      for 105 miles, eventually splitting apart. Anyways, I know I      made certain to get water from Hell Hollow Brook, just on      principle. Don't recall anything else. Finally made it to      Goddard Shelter and the first piped spring I've seen in      months. Set up my tent with Wwater, SteveO and Dundee.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: moderate rain

Headed out and found out that our guide book was wrong. There      was a firetower just north on the trail. Our book said 1.2      miles but it was less than half that. It would have been a      perfect spot to camp without the circus of Long Trailers. Oh      well. Vermont is absolutely beautiful and is already my      favorite state of the trail, to date. There's springs and      nice views and well maintained trails, you just can't ask for      more. We climbed up Stratton Mtn in the afternoon and at the      top was a lookout tower. The wind was whipping the clouds      past so quickly that at times it felt like I was moving.      Rolled down into the Stratton Pond Shelter and called it a      night. Tomorrow we all get to meet Mrs. Whitewater.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: VT 11/Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

It was very foggy when we woke up, which made for some cool      pictures over the pond. We pretty much flew through the      morning and only stopped at Prospect Rock, which ended up      still being closed in by clouds. Made it to the road crossing      and ran into some section hikers we had met a day ago. They      recognized my mustache and offered us a ride into town. We      came in and went straight to The Golden Arches. After that      Miss Mary aka Mrs. Whitewater came and picked us up to go      back to the hotel. We met Bill (Wwater's son) and got      showered and had some beers. Then it was off to Friendly's      for diner and ice cream. Can't wait to sleep tonight, I'm so      tired.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: VT 11/Manchester Center, VT

To: VT 11/Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

SteveO and I zeroed with the WW family. Uno headed out so he      could meet up with friends in Rutland, VT. I ended up getting      new shoes. The ones I just bought aren't working out for the      trail. They're great shoes but not for slippery rocks. I know      this now. I sent my old ones home since I can wear them in      regular life without issues. We went around town doing some      stuff and checking out some stores. Basically just relaxing,      my perfect zero day. We went back to Friendly's again because      I sort of insisted. There wasn't much else that was as      affordable and deeeelicious. Thanks to Mary and Bill for      letting us tag along during family time.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: VT 11/Manchester Center, VT

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

Headed out with SteveO, Wwater and his son Bill. We got to      the top of Bromley Mtn and were treated to a great view out      for 75+ miles in every direction. I wish it had worked out      better so we could have slept up there. We decided that a 3 mile day after a zero just wasn't the best idea. 7 miles later we came      to Griffith Lake. It was very nice and I took a couple      pictures. 6 miles later, we ran into Mrs. Wwater and her      friend as they were hiking south to meet WW and Bill. We      pressed on and got the Greenwall Shelter after a long day on      the trail. Vermont is so nice!