morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-10
From: St. Thomas Episcopal Church - Vernon, NJ

To: Wawayanda Sh
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up ~ 0630 - went for b-fast then to the store for supplies. Came back and finished the journal. Could hear church services upstairs for an hour or so then ~ 20 members came down for coffee and snacks etc. A man came to the partition where I was and asked a few questions. He then invited me over for coffee. I mentioned that I was waiting for a guy to call back for a ride. He said he'll take me back to the trail head whenever I want. So I decided to join group for coffee. Turns out this gentleman and his wife has a son currently hiking the A.T. and is in Waynesboro, VA right now. After ~ an hour he drove me back to the trail. Steep climb first thing, had a sugar high and did ok. But needed more later in the day. Should have taken a break and eaten more because my legs were having a hard time with any other climbs. Only 5 mi. to the sh but seemed like 10. Made it there ~ 1500. More hikers showing up at the shelters as section hikers are active and more 'thru's' coming up. Two female section hikers showed up and one asked me if I was Phase II ? Most NOBO's have been following my trail as I sing the log books at most sh just to leave a trail. The leaves are finally coming out and the bugs are also ... and they're aggressive! Having a good time!
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Wawayanda Sh

To: Wildcat Sh
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Old Man River and Alabama (two sectioner's I met at DWG), Tortise and The Hare, SheBeast and Meadowlark, and Coleman were here last night. 4 in tents and 4 in the sh. A lot of ridge walking today and some climbing. On top of a ridge there was a boundary mark with NJ/NY painted on a boulder. Left NJ for good. 3 states done!Hiked with Meadowlark and SheBeast for a few miles then pulled off to stay at the sh. Still many ups and downs that, although small, require hands to climb. Hard not to stress the tendons in my feet.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Wildcat Sh

To: William Brian Sh.
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

This was the day I was waiting for since starting. I wanted to cross that road I had to call a cab for 4 yrs ago and ended my attempt to thru. My feet got real happy and would walk another 9.6 miles today. Some crazy climbs during the day. Went through the 'lemon squeeze' where you squeeze between two huge boulders and it gets more narrow until you have to climb out of it. And some vertical climbs also, where you have to find cracks in the boulders to pull yourself up. Every day there seems to be a different obstacle course to overcome. Was getting dark when I stopped at a sh, pitched my tent and had to use my headlamp to cook supper and see what I was eating. Feeling Good!
Date: 2015-05-13
From: William Brian Sh.

To: Graymoore Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't get much sleep as a cold front moved in overnight. No rain but the constant wind and strong gusts kept waking me up. Hard packing up also and SheBeast came over to help keep my tent from blowing away. Didn't know it but she and Meadowlark had their tents behind a small mound last night. We decided to hike together the rest of the day. The path led us up Black Mtn. and at a few places we could look to the west and see NYC in the distance. Was weird seeing that, felt like a sci-fi movie. We could get our first sight of the Hudson River. Then we climbed Bear Mtn. where the path took us up to the 'Perkins Memorial Tower'. There we had a 360 view including the Hudson and NYC. Was a good day for sight seeing.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Graymoore Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Sh.
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Cold last night and didn't sleep well. The Graymoore Spiritual Life Center is a monastery that has a ball field with a picnic shelter, running water and a couple porta-potties. They allow hikers to tent there. The trail is getting better as far as rocks but still a lot of very steep ups and downs. For some reason, the trail clubs don't bother with making switchbacks ans so the path usually goes straight up and down the mountains. Been using the balls of my feet going up and have to lead with them to go down. Hiked with SheBeast (Crystal) and Meadowlark all day. SheBeast is 36 from NC on a 17 day section. She connected with Meadowlark (Lynn), 58 from Montana. Just found out today Lynn is a cousin to a fellow PATC'r and cabin overseer I've known for years from the club I belong to at home. Small world!Arrived at the sh ~ 1630 and since it is close to the road and a pizza shop, we ordered takeout for supper and had it delivered. ~ 10 staying here tonight. I usually tent now due to a better chance of getting some sleep.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: RPH Sh.

To: Telephone Pioneer's Sh.
Miles today: 16.8

The three of us were up and walking early again. The actual path is getting nice to walk on as far as less rocks. A bit chilly starting out but soon were shedding layers. Was noticing after a while that the trail seemed well maintained with perfect blazes and even some of the rocks on the path had white paint on them. Even mentioned to the girls that this maintainer takes pride in his section. A while later we actually met this guy walking our direction. His name is Ralph (Elvis Trailsly)sp. He has thru'd in 71' and 76'. Is # 311 of all thru hikers. He is in the National Geographic movie about the Appalachian Trail plus a couple others. A long history with the trail. Very nice man and full of info. We chatted for quite a while. Temps were great for hiking. Arrived at the sh ~ 1730. In the sh tonight due to limited tent sites. 10 here tonight - only 3 of us are thru's.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Telephone Pioneer's Sh.

To: Ten Mile River Sh.
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to pouring rain last night. Headed out ~ 0800 as the rain was letting up and also had a short day ahead. Had to take it easy on the rocks and because I've been walking on last fall's leaves the whole trip. Some pasture walking which is a nice change. Nice on the eyes and seems to change the thoughts as I'm walking along. Also nice that the farmers allow us to use their property as it keeps us off the roads. The cows just stare as we walk by. 4 of us hikers together the past couple days. We picked up 'Alabama' because his 'partner' had to jump off due to foot issues. Two have long strides and two have shorter ones but we usually stay within talking distance. Today the big deal was that we crossed over the NY/CT line. Anther state done!This Sh is very near Ten Mile River. When I got here I soon was at the river washing off and some of my clothes. Water wasn't that cold. There is a hand well pump near the sh with good cold water. 5 of us here tonight. Calling for rain so will be dry in the sh.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Ten Mile River Sh.

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Sh
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Did rain most of the night but stopped as we were getting up. All the clothes I washed did not dry even though they were hung in the sh. So, had to put wet clothes on to start the day. Soon after walking Ten Mile River merges with the Housatonic River which is a wider river. The path goes along the side of this river for many miles. Then goes up to the mountain top and we can see it from high up. Was a tough day until the last couple miles we were back down beside the river again. Could see rafters going down some small rapids. Our little group of 6 tented near the river tonight and I again was in it washing my clothes and myself. It is not deep as it is only up to my knees the whole way across. The scent of Honeysuckle has been around for the past few days. The wild azaleas are blooming also.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Sh

To: Belters Campsite
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Nice night for sleeping. Clothes mostly dry but the top will get wet from sweat soon after walking anyway. Hooked up with Mike (Better than expected) again yesterday. Hiked with him and Norma (Drop knife)(from Germany) back before Port Clinton, PA. Dropknife was on a schedule so her daily milage was a bit more than Mike wanted to do so she is ~ 4 days ahead. Mike and I plan a zero day tomorrow in Salibury, CT. Nice and cool most of the day with another 'lemon squeeze' in the mix. Same 4 os us hiking together today, but SheBeast will finish her section on Thursday, Meadowlark has a couple weeks to go yet, and Alabama jumps off on Friday. So soon it will be just Mike and I, as we are the only thru's anyway. While on Sharon mtn. we kept hearing engines sounding like racing and after ~ an hour we came to a clearing and down below we saw the race track. It was Lime Park Park racetrack. Could see the 'little' cars going through the course. Never really got close enough to visit though.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Belters Campsite

To: Salibury, CT. Marie McCabe's Place
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Rained during the night and so we had to pack up wet stuff. Makes the pack heavy. Our plan was to do the 10 mi. into Salisbury and stay at Marie McCabe¢s house. Salisbury is a quaint little town with a couple coffee shops, a Bistro, pharmacy, library, and a small outfitter. Maria has been taking hikers in for many years. She is known in the hiker community for her hospitality and willingness to help anyone. Meadowlark had called a couple days before and made arrangements for us to come. We made good time getting to town and stopped at a coffee shop first thing. Then we walked to Maria¢s house. Arrived all wet but Maria was happy to see us anyway. We all hung our wet tents, etc., on the clothes line and one by one took a shower. Maria had a big box of clothes from the ¢thrift shop¢ for us to wear as we gathered our dirty, wet clothes for the laundramat. Soon 3 of us had showers so Maria drove us to the laundramat with everyones¢ clothes to the next town and we started washing. Maria left us there and she went back for the other two.There was a Pizza place next door to the L-mat and soon the clothes were clean so the 5 of us and Maria ordered food. Alabama & I had pulled ticks off us yesterday and Maria said we could go to the doc across the street from her house. We walked over and the doc gave him and me a script for Doxycycline for two doses. One for now and another for if we need it up the trail. No charge for the visit. :]
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Salibury, CT. Marie McCabe's Place

To: Salisbury, CT. Zero day.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Meadowlark and Alabama hit the trail early. She Beast was having a difficult time w/ travel arrangements to the airport for the next day so Maria drove her to the airport over an hour away. Mike and I were taking a zero so I spent a few hours at the library updating my journal, then resupplying. My feet have been getting blisters and think it is from my superfeet so I called a shoe store in Great Barrington and they have them. We plan to stop in a few days.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Salibury, CT. Marie McCabe's Place

To: Glen Brook Sh
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Took our time this morning. I wanted to hit the market at 0800 to pick up some tortillas for my lunches. Had to pack 5 days of food and that¢s rough starting out. The food will be the heaviest thing in my pack for a couple days. Nice two nights sleeping in a bed. Maria insisted that the sheets will be washed whether I¢m in it or not, so I¢ve been in it. She had our plates and coffee cups placed on the kitchen table for us when we got up. Also she had eggs, bananas, OJ and Rasin cin bread for us both mornings. (She don¢t get up till ~0900). So Mike and I had made b-fast and came back from the store, and changed the bed sheets by the time she woke up. I paid her more than what she charged for the stay. She resisted, but then came over and kissed me on the cheek. She then insisted that she drive us the 12 mi. to the trail head. One sweet Lady!Cool morning but good for walking. Was tough most of the day. Had 3 significant peaks to do. Bear Mtn, Race Mtn and Mt Everett which was the steepest and highest at 2000¢. My knees were hurting by mid afternoon. Hoping the Advil takes it away. But left CT and made it into MA. Another state done. Only 3 more going NOBO.Supposed to be in the low 40¢s tonight and low 30¢s tomorrow night. Have my 40 degree bag so will need to wear every thing I have to keep warm.
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Glen Brook Sh

To: Lake Buel Rd. East Mtn. Retreat Center
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Nice and cool starting out this morning with a few miles of open pasture walking. Nice to come down from the woods now and then. Get different scents in the fields. Walked along that Houstonic River again. We were going to stay at the shelter but the wx forecast was calling for frost and high winds so with my 40 degree bag and having to wear all my clothes at that temp we decided to walk a couple more miles to a hostel that offered a room, shower and take-out service for $10. We shared a big room with a couple thru hikers. Ordered subs & sodas.
Date: 2015-05-23
From: Lake Buel Rd. East Mtn. Retreat Center

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

Good nights sleep at the hostel. Left ~0830 and hiked for ~an hour to the road that goes to Great Barrington. I needed to replace my ¢super feet¢ insoles and found a store there that carries them. Got to the road, found a place that a car could pull over and stuck my thumb out for the 1st car I saw. She pulled over ¢ Less than 10 sec. She took us to the store in town ~4.5 miles. I got the insoles, cut them to size and replaced my old ones. The Lady there said there was a good place for b-fast around the corner. Mike and I had a big b-fast then walked a short distance to the road that goes back to the trail. Stuck our thumbs out and within 15 sec we got a ride. Very nice hiker friendly town!Seemed like everyone we met on the trail were females. Ended up a group of girls from Boston came into the camp site we were at. They all worked together at some massage place there. Then two more ladies came in. Mike and I with ~9 females. Hmm! Cold in the evening so turned in early.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Had all my clothes on again last night. Temps in the mid 30's. Packed up and headed for this cabin along Upper Goose Pond - operated by the Appalachian Mtn. Club (AMC). Most AMC shelters and cabins have a caretaker with them. And they charge to stay. Shelters are usually ~ $5 to $8. This cabin had 14 bunks upstairs and a fireplace in the 'living room' with a table in one room and a primitive kitchen. Water is brought in by the caretaker using a canoe to row across the pond to the nearest spring. This caretaker, Jim, makes pancakes and coffee in the mornings. Only 10 mi to here so arrived just after noon. A couple hikers from last night just left and there was a plate of ~ 8 pancakes left on the table yet. Mike and I took care of them in ~ 15 minutes. This is a holiday weekend so they're expecting a lot of people to pass by due to the big pond.
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Kay Wood Sh.
Miles today: 17.6

It is Memorial Day. A lot of hikers here last night. Pete is up at 0600 and starts breakfast for anyone who wants it, and it is AYCE. He also washes the dishes even though we offer to help. Head out ~ 0700 for a long day to the Kay Wood sh. Mostly level all day but it was also mostly tree root walking. Stopped at the 'Cookie lady's' house along the way for water. Her place is just off the trail and down the lane. She is know in the trail community for bringing out some cookies for hikers who stop by. As I was using the outside spigot she came out with a small basket of chocolate chip cookies for Mike and I. She and her husband are in their 80's and have been doing this many years. Her husband was mowing the yard and later stopped to chat with us. They also had sodas, Klondike bars and hard boiled eggs for sale - cheap. We each bought a Klondike and two eggs each. Got to the sh. ~ 1700. A couple tents nearby. Heading into Dalton in the morning to re-supply, grab b-fast and a shower at the local rec. center. Temps are getting milder for a change.
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Kay Wood Sh.

To: Cheshire, MA. St. Mary of the Assumption
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Other than the resident mouse, nice and quiet last night. Left ~ 0730 for Dalton to re-supply. Only 3 mi and got there ~ 0900. The trail goes through part of town and we stopped at the Dalton Restaurant for b-fast, then stood outside at the curb and got a ride to the next town via a transit bus to Walmart then back to where we left the trail, then headed out of Dalton ~ 1400. We decided to go to Cheshire, another 9 mi to the church hostel as the weather was calling for t-storms later. Temps in the 80's and humid which made for a hot and sweaty afternoon. Made it to the church ~ 1830. Father David Raymond greeted us outside and showed us where we would be staying. 15 min after we checked in the rain let loose with a downpour for ~ 45 min. There are two rooms downstairs for hikers to stay. There are no showers here, but we can clean up in the restroom. Nice of them to open their doors for us hikers. Heading for the outfitter in the morning to pick up rubber tips for my trekking poles I ordered a week ago.   .
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Cheshire, MA. St. Mary of the Assumption

To: Mt. Greylock, Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 8.4

Slow getting up as the outfitter didn¢t open until 1000. ~3 mi. road walk to there in the hot sun. Picked up my trekking pole tips. Then they gave us a ride back. My RT knee hurting after the walk so was searching for a nearby Urgent Center. Closest one 8 mi. in the next town which I could take the bus. ~Noon I decided to down a couple Advil, put my knee supports on and suck it up.We left town ~1230 and headed up the mountain. Had the option of stopping at the nearest Sh ~4.5 miles but I was doing OK so we moved on to the Bascom Lodge on Mt. Greylock. ~1.5 mi. to go and heard the 1st thunder. The trail to the lodge was a steep incline the last mile, but we motored up as the storm was coming closer. Made it before it hit. Knocked on the door and the caretaker said the lodge is closed during the week ¢¦ but we can stay. ~1/2 hr later the t-storm came in hard and lasted a few hrs. Meanwhile the caretaker made us dinner ¢ lentil soup, pot-salad, grilled cheese sandwich and coleslaw. Took a shower and settled in and kept looking out the window at the great views. We are at MA¢s highest peak at 3491¢ ¢ the views are of the Green Catskill and Taconic Mtn ranges. Slept good.
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Mt. Greylock, Bascom Lodge

To: Sherman Brook campsite
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Slept off and on - After the storm passed the winds continued, but was real nice with the moon shining in my window and millions of stars. In the darkness could see lights of the towns below and far away. Took our time and left ~0900. Tough walking from the start. Went from 3500¢ to 660¢ in 6 trail miles, then back up to ~1400¢. This will become the norm the farther north we go. Could hear thunder early afternoon and we decided to make it to the campsite before it hit. Had two miles to go so sped up some. Made it there and scrambled to get our tents up as it was getting dark. Got set up and threw everything in as the storm let loose. Lasted ~ an hour then the sun came out. Was able to string a line and dry some things off. Knee still hurting, but not getting any worse. Hoping it will pass soon.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Sherman Brook campsite

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Had a mile uphill climb from the campsite first thing. 3 12 miles to go to the VT border. Made it in ~1 12 hrs and was expecting a sign for a nice selfie but not. Actually for the next 12 miles I became more and more disgusted with the path. Blow downs every 30 ¢ 50¢, bush whacking most of the time. And then meet up with a trail maintainer from the Green Mtn. Club carrying a ~16¢ saw. In the midst of our awkward conversation he said he hadn¢t been out here since Sept 2014. Err! That¢s at least 8 mos of growth and trees across the trail. So it made for a rough day. We decided to go the 4 extra miles into Bennington to grab a motel to wash clothes and shower, also to resupply. Was a steep descent down to the road. Knees were aching after that. Called the motel and he came out and picked us up.
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Bennington, VT

To: Melville Nauheim Sh
Miles today: 1.6

Was able to put some ice on my knees at the motel. Grabbed showers and did wash. By then it was 2130. Walked down to a local pub and I got dinner. Woke up ~0730. Called a taxi to take us a few miles to Walmart for resupply. Grabbed B-fast while there then got a taxi back to the motel. Steep climb back out from the road. Decided to stop at the first Sh. to take it easy on my knees. Will try small steps for a few days to see if it helps.
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Melville Nauheim Sh

To: Goddard Sh.
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Rained most of the night. Sh. at capacity ~8 of us there. There are a lot of people doing the Long Trail now so the shelters fill up. Rained until ~1400 and we decided to stop at the first Sh. as the temps were dropping below 60 and I was soaking wet. Got to the Sh. ~1300 and it filled up quickly. 9 of us here. 7 of us were at the last Sh. last night. Clothes hanging up, but waves of mist will keep them wet until we put them on again in the morning. Everyone is making the best here by playing cards and sharing stories. Mike (Better than Expected) and I are the only thru hikers here. The rest are doing sections and the Long Trail.
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Goddard Sh.

To: Goddard Sh. - Zero day.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Rained all night and temps dipped into the mid 30¢s as morning came. The same 7 of us decided it was too cold and wet to head out, so we just stayed put. Long day! Later in the evening 3 more moved in. I was cold both nights as my sleeping bag is a 40 degree. My toes were numb in the mornings even with socks on. Def the worst night on the trail.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Goddard Sh. - Zero day.

To: Stratton Pond Sh.
Miles today: 19.3

We all decided to get moving early this morning and try to make it to the Stratton Pond Sh so tomorrow we can make it to the town of Manchester and off this mountain. Nice shelter. Sleeps 16. Normally a caretaker is there and the cost is $5, but no one around so it was free. The same people here as the past couple nights.
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Stratton Pond Sh.

To: Manchester, VT
Miles today: 10.7

Temps in the mid 30¢s again but with no wind didn¢t mind as much as the past 2 nights. Not fun putting on cold damp clothes but after ~1/2 hour I don¢t mind it anymore. Got to the trail head at RT 11-30. Called the Red Sled Motel and booked a room. Hitched within 15 min. Better than expected and I split the $70 hiker rate. Plan to find a Doc to check my knees tomorrow.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Manchester, VT

To: Manchester, VT, Zero day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The motel owner took us into town ~0700 so I could catch a bus to Bennington 25 mi. away so I could go to the hospital. Mike stayed in Manchester to run some errands. The ER doc checked my knee ligament and range of motion, etc. Said he thinks the issue is just overuse and a couple days rest would help. All the ligaments and joints were intact. So just let the pain dictate when to lighten up. Good News!Took 4 hrs. to get back to Manchester due to the bus schedules. Hooked back up w/ Mike and did some resupplying etc. Stopped at a pub for dinner and chatted with some locals ¢ ended up with a ride back to the motel a 1.5 miles away. The owner (John) has offered to give us rides to town and back anytime we needed. Great Guy!