morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center

To: Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 13.8

It rained off and on all night and it was cold. Quicksilver and I hit the trail at 6:30 to 48 degrees and overcast skies.The rain held off for us until 8:30 and then it was just a constant ALL DAY LONG! The trail was a hodgepodge today. It was very nice for awhile and then there were uphill and even some rock climbing. Of course, there were periods of rock scramble, too. We had to be extra careful because everything was wet and slippery.We stopped briefly for a snack in the rain.In the trail guide a state park was mentioned and said there was a campground. So, that was going to be home tonight. As we got closer, there were signs posted saying concessions and beach - still in the 50's temperatures. When we got to the side trail, we were advised to stay on the AT for 1.5 miles to avoid the busy highway. That was the longest 1.5 miles we've walked!This trail took us up and down and all around the rocks.The trail spilled us out on to the beach. We walked up to what we thought was the office, only to find out the office was a half-mile away. Oh! Man!QS called the park office and was told where the park is. She said there was a pavilion where we can stay at no charge.We hiked another half mile to the campground, but couldn't find the pavilion. We saw a park worker and asked him and he said it was down the road. He gave us a ride to the correct spot.The pavilion is a rock building from the CCC era and had huge fireplaces at each end and picnic tables.QS and I made ourselves at home and QS built a fire. I am so tired of being cold!! Tomorrow promises to be rain free and 70.We made dinner and went to bed. Today we hiked 13.8 miles.
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 21.8

It was still cloudy this morning when we broke camp at 7:00. It was 48 degrees.Peach and I ascended the trail and has a pretty easy go. In fact, this was probably the best hiking day we've had. By 9:00 the skies cleared and we were treated to a beautiful, cool day. The temperature never climbed above 69 degrees.The worst climb of the day was about 9 miles in, going up Hosner Mountain. After crossing Hosner Mountain Road before the climb, we saw a sign warning not to drink water from the stream we were about to cross due to several farms upstream. The sign was provided by Ralph "Elvis Trailsley" Furisso. He maintains the trail from Hosner Road to NY52. This trail section was the best maintained of any we remember. He even removes rocks from the path and stacks them neatly beside the trail! Shortly we met a man walking south on the trail: it was Ralph! He is a very interesting and chatty man. He has thru-hiked the AT twice, and told us of his involvement in a Nat-Geo production about the trail. He also recommend a good deli about .3 mile east on NY52.We reached 52 and headed straight for the deli. Lily and Jim run the deli, and they are very hiker-friendly. They fixed us delicious Reubens and invited us to use the shaded picnic table behind the store. They offered water and electrical outlets to charge our phones. "Ox" came by as we were finishing up.We returned to the pleasant trail. No more real steep climbs and lots of level, rock-free miles.We stopped at Morgen Stewart shelter for a break. Big Ben came in, we chatted a while, then we moved on.We reached Nuclear Lake by late afternoon. It is a beautiful, serene and unspoiled lake approximately 200 acres. The trail skirts the edge of the lake for nice views.We crossed several swollen streams. After all the rain the last few days, the streams and springs are bountiful. No problem finding water now.Peach and I realize how few couples seem to be hiking together. It's mostly single young men this trip and there are some young women hiking alone. We finally reached Telephone Pioneers shelter (no, there was no phone!). We met Red Swagger, Blackbird and Shortround. We ate light after the big lunch, then crawled into our tent.We hiked 21.8 miles today.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Duchess Motor Lodge
Miles today: 10.0

QS and I hit the trail at 8:00 this morning. Neither of us slept very well last night. Our campsite was on an incline so we had to continually scoot up in the tent.The trail started downhill this morning. Followed was a brief, but aggressive climb. Then it was really good hiking!We came to a long boardwalk that took us to the Appalachian RR Station. This area was called Pawling's Swamp.From here we came out to NY22. We turned east for .6 mile to Tony's Deli. We had great breakfast sandwiches. Yum!!Everywhere we go, people ask us if we're hiking the AT, where are you headed, or where did you start? Lots of former AT thru-hikers.After our breakfast sandwich, we walked back to the trail. Here were large fields of high grass where the trail skirted around the edges. Birds were numerous.The trail took us back into the woods. We had to climb a steep ridge, Hammersly Ridge. We had smooth sailing from there on.Bill, from Duchess Motor Lodge in Wingdale, NY, picked us up around 3:00 p.m. He took us to the motel. The motel is the typical 1950's era motor lodge. We showered and got the laundry done. QS and I walked 1/4 mile to Big W Roadside BBQ. It was killer! We had a plate of ribs that was better than anywhere down South. Watched TV for awhile then went to bed.Today we hiked 11.2 miles.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Duchess Motor Lodge

To: Wilton, CT
Miles today: 7.1

There needs to be more said about the Duchess Motor Lodge. It was probably built in the 50's- typical motor lodge. It was pretty clean, but there were no bath cloths, hand towels, ice machine anywhere nor a coffee maker. Bill, the gracious owner, did pick us up from the trail yesterday, stopped at Dunkin Donuts this morning so QS and I could get breakfast, and drove us to the trailhead at no extra charge. He actually took us a little beyond the trail so we could see Bull's Bridge (a 100+ year old covered bridge spanning the Housatonic River). Also, Bill did our laundry and QS hung out our clothes on the clothesline - no clothes dryer.QS and I finished onur DD breakfast and walked back across the bridge. It was so neat!The trail followed along Schaghticoke Road for about .5 mile before we were in the woods again. Saw a Baltimore Oriole.There was an aggressive incline. The trail turned north and west back into NY. Finally, we made it to the top. Views were gorgeous. Here we were back in CT to stay.For almost a mile, the trail leveled out and was great hiking.Then we had 2 significant uphill climbs. Next, it was right back down to CT 341. We followed Macedonia Road for .8 mile into Kent, CT. Our friend, River Rock who we met on last year's hike, was picking us up at 3:30.QS and I walked around this quaint but stuffy town. You get a real feel that the townsfolk find it an unfortunate inconvenience to be so close to the AT. We got lunch and bought a few groceries.Funny story - in the Awol Guide to the AT, the laundromat in Kent, states that "Hikers are NOT welcome." At lunch we asked out waitress what the story was. She said that there was once a male hiker doing his laundry there IN THE NUDE!!!!River Rock/Mike Ukropina picked us up around 3:30. His 9 year old daughter, Alex, was with him. He took us back to his house in Wilton, CT, which was about a 45 minute drive. We met his wife, Kimber, and their 16 year old son, Mitchell.We were shown to Mitchell's room where we would stay. We got showers.Their house was lovely - 1950's typical New England. We sat outside on the deck for awhile. Dinner was grilled salmon and steak and several different vegetables. Very good!We visited for a bit longer and went to bed.Mike and Kimber's generosity was so, so awesome!Today we hiked 7.1 miles.
Date: 2015-06-06
From: Wilton, CT

To: Silver Hill Campground
Miles today: 10.3

It rained during the night and we were so afraid that we would have a wet hiking day. We had breakfast. Kimber and Alex left for a soccer game. Mike left shortly thereafter for a quick haircut. QS and I got ready to go.We piled everything in the car and left Wilton around 9:45. Mike stopped at a deli so we could get sandwiches for the trail. We got back to the trailhead at 10:30. The day turned out to be very nice and no rain! The high today was around 70. We found a spot with a nice view and we ate one of our sandwiches.There was some uphill, but nothing to compare to the very severe, steep downhill we had to hike down.After the sharp decline, the trail followed along the Housatonic River. We hiked on a dirt road for about 2.5 miles. The trail narrowed to a path and continued by the river for 4.2 more miles. It was quite nice.Once we left the river, the trail went up for almost a mile. On the way up, we passed 5 NY Yankee fans from CT. They were headed for the same campground we were.Tonight we are camping in Silver Hill Campground. There is a party of three guys and five rambunctious kids. Also, Bourbon, Spice, PJ, and Ridge Rambler (He went to GA Tech) are camping here, too. More hikers continued to fill the already crowded campsite; as of this writing, there are 22 people here. (The trail and campsites become crowded with local hikers on the weekends).QS and I ate our other sandwich for dinner. We got into the tent, read and went to sleep.Today we hiked 10.3 miles.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Silver Hill Campground

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 15.0

We had a crowded campsite this morning, but it was quiet when we awoke at 5:30. (It gets light at 4:45 a.m. Too early!) Peach and I left camp at 6:30. It was 45 degrees.The trail started uphill and it continued an up/down pattern for several miles. We had planned to do 22 miles today, but the terrain was more challenging than we expected.The peaks and valleys were similar to those we struggled across in NJ/NY, just less intense. But it still slowed our progress.We came to Pine Swamp Brook shelter around noon after 6.5 hard miles. We had lunch and met Rolling Thunder, Bright Side, and Blue Toes. They were a lot faster than us so we don't expect to see them again. Ridge Rambler was at the shelter too.Peach and I came into Falls Village, CT, after a rough several miles. We planned to stay at a free tent area. Falls Village is a tiny, quaint New England burg with a lovely inn. We were getting an appetizer in the Tap Room when I asked about the hiker discount for a room. Chris, the manager, made us an offer we couldn't refuse. So we checked in, showered, and went down for dinner.In the Tap Room, we had a gentleman to offer us a ride to Salisbury, CT, but we declined. Nice guy!The Falls Valley Inn was built in 1834. It has been lovingly restored. The Inn has only 5 guest rooms with sumptuous beds and incredible pillows. It was just so comfortable.Soon, Bourbon, Spice and Ridge Rambler came in, and were politely asked to eat outside. (They had a strong trail odor going and were leaving an unpleasant wake behind them: some patrons had complained.)We had a delicious dinner. Chris offered to provide muffins for breakfast. We went back up to the incredible bed, read (very little) and were off to dreamland.Today we hiked 15 miles.
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Falls Village, CT

To: Laurel Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 16.0

QS and I got up about 7:00. Chris told us last night that if we could hang around until 8:30, a lady named Jo would make coffee for us and have muffins. True to his word, Jo provided us with coffee and fresh muffins. In this little village there is no place to get breakfast, so we lucked out.The trail started out as a gradual incline. It wasn't too bad-just long. 1,000 feet in 2.3 miles. After we reached one peak, there were awesome views. The trail was great for the next 3.3 miles. It descended gently through an evergreen forest.The trail began a steady incline, sometimes easy, sometimes abrupt and difficult. We finally summited Bear Mountain, which is the highest point in CT - 2,316 feet. There is an old rock tower erected at the top.After Bear Mountain we passed into MA.On the north side of Bear Mountain, the drop off was severe. It dropped down for 400 feet in about .2 mile. From here QS and I followed a raging creek that flowed through a deep, dark ravine. The creek kept growing larger as side streams tumbled into it. We hiked along the creek for .5 mile. Then we began to ascend to Laurel Ridge Campsite for 1.3 miles. At this campsite there are three platforms and other ground tent sites. We were alone here.QS made dinner. It was about to rain so after we ate we put our food bags in the bear box and we crawled into the tent. The rain came and lulled us to sleep. We were nice and dry in our tent.Today we hiked 16 miles.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 5.0

The rain came last night shortly after we got in the tent. It poured on us almost the whole night. There was even lightning and thunder and strong wind, but we stayed dry.Quicksilver and I woke around 5:15 and heard rain still, so we rolled over and slept for awhile longer. We got up at 7:00 and packed up and hit the trail around 8:00. It was cloudy and everything was wet. Our pads in the tent were even wet on the bottom.The trail was grueling right off the bat. It was a slow, steady climb uphill. We had to be real careful, because the rocks and roots were very slippery. The trail led us up and over Mt. Race at 2,372 feet.We made it to the top in about an hour. There would have been nice views if it wasn't so cloudy.We walked along the top on bare exposed rocks then the trek started downhill. Today's ascent wasn't as severe as the past few days, but with the wetness every step was tricky.QS and I slipped and slid down this mountain. The last two miles were a little better. We walked along rocks and roots. We saw an awesome falls, Race Brook Falls. This area is so lush and green, because of all the water present. We got picked up at the trailhead on Rt. 41.Monument Mountain Motel was our destination. We showered and had some delicious Mexican food for lunch.Today we hiked 5 miles.This concludes our 2015 AT hike. We hiked 223.4 miles that averaged 12.4 miles a day.
Date: 2016-09-17
From: Egremont, MA

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

September 17, 2016Quicksilver (Craig) and I got up at 6:15, showered, and got packed up. RR had coffee and cereal ready for us at 7:00.After breakfast, RR took us to a local bagel shop, so QS and I got sandwiches for lunch. RR dropped us at the trailhead. We started our hike at 8:15. The first five miles were a hiker's dream - nice and level and beautiful. We hiked through the Housatonic Valley which was farmland and cornfields and forest that was filled with hemlocks.THEN the hills began. The first ascent was a steady climb up June Mountain. We began to encounter lots of rocks as the trail began to climb again to East Mountain. We saw some beautiful views as the trail skirted along the edge of the mountain.At a road crossing we saw a sign for Tom Leonard shelter which is where we planned to camp tonight that said 5.1 miles. This being our first day out, it seemed to take forever to hike those 5.1 miles.We got to the shelter and decided to stay in the shelter instead of setting up our tent. QS and I hiked down a steep 1/4 mile to get water. We were joined a little later by 2 guys out for a weekend hike. They were Quigley and One Step. Rain is forecast for tonight thru midday Monday. We ate some dinner and got in our sleeping bags. Today we hiked 10 miles.
Date: 2016-09-18
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 11.2

September 18,2016Update on last night: there were 5 of us in the shelter last night. We had noticed that there were chew marks all over the shelter. So then at 5:15 am, the mystery was solved. That's when we awoke to what sounded like something gnawing on the shelter, very loud. It was a porcupine chewing on the wood! We were all awake by this time, but the porcupine was unfazed. After making a little more racket, it finally scampered off into the woods.So Peach (Lisa) and I ate a quick breakfast and got on the trail around 8:15. It had just started raining, so we had some of our rain gear on. Problem is, it was also very warm and humid, so we began sweating pretty good. We elected to shed the rain gear. Being wet from rain is preferred to being wet from sweat.The trail was wet, and we proceeded up the trail slowly. We came to Mt. Wilcox South shelter, where we had lunch. 2 miles later we came to Mt. Wilcox North shelter, where we met up with Cueball, who we met last night. He is an interesting guy; I don't thrink he's ever met a stranger. We chatted a while, then proceeded to our home for the night at Shakers Campsite. But first we had to descend 1,000 feet nearly straight down. It was brutal (I'm already going to lose my little toenail on my left foot!). Overall, the trail was gradual, and went through stretches of huge hemlocks. Still very little fall color, but it is supposed to turn cooler after this rain leaves tomorrow night.We hiked 11.2 miles today.
Date: 2016-09-19
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 10.0

September 19,2016Around 2:00 a.m., we started to hear rain then it began to get louder and louder until it was a full blown thunderstorm with lightning and thunder. It went on for an hour with torrential rain.Surprisingly, we stayed fairly dry. The rain finally subsided. Quicksilver and I got up and ate a quick breakfast, loaded up and hit the trail around 8:30. The trail was a bit challenging today. Although we did have a few nice views. We didn't have any more rain, but it stayed cloudy most of the day. It was very humid again today.Upper Goose Pond Cabin was our destination for the night. It has to be one of the coolest places we have stayed while hiking the AT. It is a cabin that looks out over the pond. There is a bunk room upstairs with mattresses on the bunks.When we got there, David, the caretaker told us there was a beach down by the lake. After hiking all day that was music to our ears. QS and I took off for the pond after putting our gear away. The water was beautiful, clear and cold. It was so refreshing.Our friend, Cueball, came along a little later. We relaxed on the porch and chatted with David and his wife, Carrie, and Cueball.We fixed dinner. Ron and Cindy came as we finished. They were hiking to the Vermont line.After dinner we visited some more then went to bed.Today we hiked 10 miles.
Date: 2016-09-20
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: October Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

September 20,2016Peach and I thought we were in heaven this morning. David and Carrie fixed pancakes and coffee for us. It was probably the best pancakes we have ever had!!We packed up, watered up, and hit the trail around 8:30.The trail was an ascent right off the bat, but it leveled out after a bit. There were periods of steep incline and there was more water on the trail today.Cueball left the trail today. We were sad to see him go. He was very entertaining and fun to be around.We walked by a beautiful pond, Finerty Pond. The trail skirted around it.The trail leveled out for about three miles. This section was some of the most level we have encountered so far. We got to October Mountain Shelter. There is a great stream close by. We set up our tent, hung a clothes line to try to dry out all of our wet clothes. Today we hiked 10 miles.
Date: 2016-09-21
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Dalton, MA 
Miles today: 11.8

September 21, 2016We awoke at 6:30 this morning and broke camp by 7:40. We walked 1.6 miles and came to the Cookie Lady's house. Marilyn Wiley met us at her door and brought us homemade cookies and Cokes. She also gave us some homegrown tomatoes for the hike! We sat outside her home in early morning sunlight and cool breeze and drank the Cokes. When we returned to the trail, it was gentle and level for nearly 5 miles, then began a roller coaster pattern of small rises and dips. It was a beautiful day, with welcomed lower humidity and temperature. We got to Warner Hill (2050 ft.) and saw a commanding view of Pittsfield, MA, and Greylock Mt. in the distance. The trail was fairly easy into Dalton, MA, where the trail goes right through town.We checked into the Shamrock Village Inn, got much anticipated showers, did our laundry, then went for dinner. Today we hiked 11.8 miles.
Date: 2016-09-22
From: Dalton, MA 

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 15.9

September 22,2016Quicksilver and I failed to mentioned that we saw a mama bear and two cubs on Sunday, 9/18. Fortunately, they paid us no attention. QS here: it struck me as we have been traveling through these beautiful New England towns, just how much history is here. Many of these towns in Mass. are as old as our country itself. The architecture of the homes and businesses is gorgeous, and so many little villages have such a nostalgic feel. It's almost like traveling the remaining sections of Route 66, where history just comes alive. QS and I got up at 6:30 and packed to go. We walked to the Java and Juice which was only a block away and had coffee and breakfast. It was delicious! We hit the trail at 8:00 a.m. We walked through town for about a mile to get to the AT. The trail was great to start out. It was fairly level with some uphill sprinkled in. Seven miles in we came to an area called The Cobbles. We have seen this term before. It is an outcropping of marble. From this one we saw a great view of the Hoosic River Valley and the village of Cheshire. Quite beautiful. At 9.3 miles we came into Cheshire, MA. It is so cool that the trail walks right through these towns. We had lunch at the Bass Water Grill. It was outstanding. We had to walk about 2 miles around town to find a restaurant that was open. The guide showed a pizza pub that was no longer in business, and only showed the BWG in a little corner of the map. From here we began the climb up to the Mark Noepel Shelter. This portion of the trail was a 2,000 foot incline in 4 miles. To say it was brutal is an understatement. We made it and, boy, were we glad. We arrived at 5:15. We met a party of 3 hikers just before the shelter heading down the hill. There was no one else at the shelter. Another lady came up a few minutes later and set up her tent and promptly got inside. QS and I had dinner and crawled into our sleeping bags. Today we hiked 15.9 miles.
Date: 2016-09-23
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 3.1

September 23,2016QS and I slept in this morning. We are going to Bascom Lodge which is at the summit of Mt. Greylock. So, we had only 3.1 miles to do. The trail was uphill for the most part except for about a mile and a half of fairly level trail. The last .4 mile was tough. It was straight up and rocky. The elevation of Mt. Greylock is 3,491 feet, which is the highest point in Mass. This lodge is awesome. It was built in the 30's. It is rustic and really quaint. We ate lunch in the restaurant and checked in. The place is full! We have two bunks shared with 8 other people. We got here early, around 12:00 p.m., so we got two bunks next to the windows with the view. After lunch we showered and even had a hair dryer to use! Then we went for a walk around the grounds. Very pretty. There is a famous Veterans War Memorial monument at the summit, around which the AT continues. Tonight we will enjoy a sumptuous dinner, complete with wine!Today we did a near-0 day(pronounced near-oh, which means a day where there is minimal miles). We hiked 3.1 miles. A random rumination: hiking at this time of year in MA/VT/NH, we have discovered that we are in the "sweet spot" - that gap between north-bound (NOBO) and south-bound (SOBO) thru hikers. NOBOs have already passed through this area on their way to Katahdin in Maine, and the SOBOs have already passed this point on their way to Springer Mtn. in Georgia. That leaves stragglers, weekenders and section hikers (like us). So shelters aren't crowded, and the towns' businesses slow a little - at least until the peak fall colors arrive.