morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-09-17
From: Green Mountain House

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Jeff from Green Mountain House dropped me off at 8:30am. Sunny and warm day and moved quickly to Stratton Pond where I had lunch. Beautiful spot for a break and hung out there just enjoying it for some time. Next up was Stratton Mtn., made fast work of the hike up and completed it in 1 hour 10 min. Fire tower up top so I climbed up and took a bunch of pics of the great view. On my way down, I saw a moose! Young one, but my first on my trip.Lots of mud on the way up to the shelter slowing me down but made it before 5:30. Here with 3 other SOBOs and one LT. One SOBO accidentally spilled food all over just outside the shelter and there is a problem bear around. Hope it stays away tonight!
Date: 2017-09-18
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: mist

No bear activity last night, the bear resistant food storage boxes must have done the trick even with the spilled food, which had been cleaned up to as well as we could. Ready to go early to try and get a big day in. Felt really good yesterday but today my legs felt heavy, pack felt heavy (even though it is the lightest it has been) and my head was just not into the hike. Some days this happens and you have to work through it. Only had hiked 8.5 miles by lunch, which was really slow for me. Took a rest, ate some food, drank 2 liters of water and headed out. Felt much better! Was able to move like I wanted and made up some of the miles. About a mile before the shelter, saw a bear running away from me. I believe that makes 8 for my hike!Finally caught up with Chimney at the shelter, we will try and at least do the same miles so we can camp at the same spot. A lot of LT hikers with us tonight.
Date: 2017-09-19
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Hiking at 6:30am and feeling really good as opposed to yesterday morning. Moved right along with really no effort. As I was hiking, I heard a crashing in the woods, another moose! He stopped and looked at me from about 25 yards away for a few minutes and moved on. I feel lucky! Entered another state and am now in Mass then dropped down into North Adams where my wife went to college. Needed to resupply and walked the .5 mile to the grocery store. The same shopping center had a Papa Johns pizza so I had to stop in. It was a take out/delivery store but they had set up a corner for hikers. There was a bench, table, hiker box, phone recharge station and they let you use the restroom in the back. Totally setup by themand they were really nice, thanks!After eating and resting, I headed up Mt Greylock. Much easier climb than I expected so made quick work of it. At the shelter with Chimney tonight, good to have him around.
Date: 2017-09-20
From: Wilbur Clearing Shelter

To: Kay Woods Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early to get a jump on the day. Not really light enough till 6:30am now to hike, but I like to be packed early so I can hit the trail when I can. I do not start until I can see the trail without a headlamp. Chimney got up early with me, which is rare for him, to hike the same distance today. I left before him and Summited Mt Greylock, the last 2000' or greater climb of my hike. Enjoyed the war memorial but arrived too early to get in. The mountain was in a cloud and made everything wet and slippery slowing me down some. Hiked along the ridge and down into Cheshire MA where I hit up the Dunkin Donuts for some breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Chimney caught up with me and we hiked together the rest of the day. Good to have the company. Stopped in Dalton, MA, the second town the trail passed through today, for some cold drinks before heading to the shelter.
Date: 2017-09-21
To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: few clouds

Hiking at 6:30, seems to be my time to get going lately. Overcast which kept the temperature down making for good hiking weather. Some ups and downs but a pretty easy trail today overall. Got to stop by the Cookie Lady today. She has been giving cookies to hikers for over 20 years. What a wonderful woman. I talked with her for about 45 minutes, she is very interesting. I had new shoes sent to her place and was glad to have them. The old ones that I had since Shaws in ME were shot and not giving me any support, new ones feel great!Chimney caught up with me as I was eating lunch at a shelter we passed. He hiked with me the rest of the day. We stopped at Upper Goose Pond Cabin, a free cabin run by the AMC about .6 mi off the trail but worth the extra hike. Swam in the pond, which was great after a day of hiking. Was able to rinse the trail funk off too. Chminey and I took out a canoe and paddled around the pond before dinner. Enjoyed dinner conversation with the caretakers, Anne, Wayne and Norton (their dog). Calamaty, another SOBO came in late, always good to meet another hiker going south. Slept well in a beautiful place!
Date: 2017-09-22
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in a little as coffee and pancakes were not served till 7:00am. Great to have an unexpected warm breakfast. Chimney and I headed out at 8 with full bellies. Easy and beautiful day. Not too warm and almost no humidity, great day to be a hiker. Trail was forgiving and I was happy to be maintaining a 3 mph pace for much of the day. Chimney was bit by a horsefly (we think) that took a chunk out of the back of his leg. He was ok but jumped out of his skin when it bit him. We arrived at the evening's shelter but had to go .25 mi down a steep grade to get water and back up. Always a bummer after a long day but you have to do what you need to. At the shelter with Chimney and 4 section hikers.
Date: 2017-09-23
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Great Barrington
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: few clouds

Up early and hiking at our normal time. After about 3 mi, my right foot with the busted toes was really hurting making progress slow. Chimney and I were planning on going into Great Barrington for resupply and laundry and decided to do a short day (nero) get a room and stay the night. A runner and former hiker, Wild Bill, passed us on the trail and we arrived at his truck just as he was getting ready to leave. He offered us a ride into town which was great news to us and we accepted. Had a restful day relaxing and enjoying Great Barrington. Had some pizza for lunch, resupplied and mexican for dinner. Plan on getting back out early tomorrow.
Date: 2017-09-24
From: Great Barrington

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Up in enough time to shower before breakfast. Not used to that luxury anymore, what a treat! Chimney and I tried hitching back to the trail head but were not having luck and had resigned ourselves to walking the 3.5 miles back out when a suv pulled over with a bunch of hikers. It was a local trail angel Jim who offered us a ride! What luck for us, thanks Jim!Warm day, upper 80's making progress slow. Started by going up and over Mt Everett and Mt Race before crossing into a new state, CT. The trail then took us over the top of CT's highest point Bear Mt. Chimney and I were both pretty exhausted from the heat so we decided to stop a little early and rest some. No other hikers here but us so we will get up early tomorrow to try and beat the heat.
Date: 2017-09-25
From: Riga Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

Knew it was going to be a hot day, so Chimney and I wanted to start early, but started at 6:30 like usual due to the incredible sunrise. We had to stay and watch it unfold the day.Trail was relatively flat today with only a few climbs. Went through Falls Village where we stopped at the hydro electric plant to use their outside shower to rinse off the sweat and grime. We sat under some large trees afterward enjoying the shade and ate lunch before heading back down the trail. The heat was around 88° with high humidity. This took a toll on us both, lots of sweat and I drank over 8 liters of water for the day and we stopped early at the next shelter. Here with Karate Kid, another SOBO.
Date: 2017-09-26
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up a little late this morning, must have needed more sleep than usual. Chimney and I started hiking at 7:30 hoping to get to Kent CT for an early dinner. Some steep, relatively short ups and downs early which we were glad of as it was to be another hot day. Nice long flat section next to a river allowed us to make some good time, then more steep sections into Kent. Due to how hot it has been we have kept our miles lower than we had hoped through CT. The heat takes a lot out of you and the bugs keep trying to fly in your ears, nose and eyes. Chimney said I had a huge cloud of them around me, so I put my bandanna over my head covering my ears and secured it with my hat. Worked great at keeping the bugs out!Kent provided us with the ice cream shop where we had sodas, milk shakes, hot dogs and of course, ice cream!Hiked back to the trail and am at the shelter with a section hiker named Crinkles.
Date: 2017-09-27
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Chimney and I were dragging this morning and did not hit the trail till 6:50am, late for us. We were not looking forward to another hot day, but it is supposed to break tonight. Trail was not too exciting so we stopped at a convenience store near Bulls Bridge (a covered bridge) for a resupply. After checking prices, decided it was way too expensive ($2.75 for a tuna pouch??) but did have some lunch before moving on.Hot, hot, hot, humid and buggy day. Makes hiking much more of a chore than usual, kind of a miserable day to be out.We did run across Yard Dart waiting for his wife Lazer Beam. Have not seen him since Maine. He gave us water, bananas, snacks and good conversation so we talked with him for a long time. We also hit a new state, New York! One more done with. We stopped at a hiker friendly business, Native Landscapes, right off the trail to cool off before heading to the shelter. Felt myself overheating so I wanted to cool down at Native Landscapes, my face was bright red with the heat. Here with Astro and Mr. T.
Date: 2017-09-28
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Clarence Fahnestock SP
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a good start on the day with the sunrise. I had been promising Chimney the heat would be gone today and I did not lie, high of 69°, very low humidity and a cool breeze! An absolutely wonderful day to be a hiker. New York seems to have routed the trail up and down every hill it can to prove it has mountains. This is not a huge deal but it can slow you down. It also has deli's close by at almost every road crossing. So far we have passed by three to save some money but I believe the temptation will be too much soon.We hiked to Clarence Fahnestock SP where we took advantage of the free AT sites they have for camping. We were found by a gentleman, Joe, who does trail magic here and cooked us up several egg sandwiches for dinner. Yum! Thank you Joe! Going to slow down tomorrow and Saturday to rest my feet which are really painful, smashed toes have not yet healed. Nothing serious, just too much use.
Date: 2017-09-29
From: Clarence Fahnestock SP

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in as it was cold last night and neither Chimney nor I were motivated and did not want to get dirty after our showers yesterday. My feet were really hurting today so I was glad we were only going relatively short miles. Many more PUD's today as New York showed us her best, but we made good time and arrived at the Graymoor Spiritual Center (a monastery) that allows hikers to camp at their ball fields, by 2:00pm. The sun was peeking out from behind the clouds and my clothes were, crusty, stained and stinky so I took a chance and washed them hoping they would dry before nightfall. They did not, and the thought of putting them on tomorrow was not thrilling me. We ordered pizza with Hope, another SOBO, as they deliver here (score!) and ate well. Astro showed up and got the leftovers which made him really happy. Chimney made a fire with his pizza box so we threw sticks on and made a proper fire and I was able to dry my shirt, shorts and underwear but lost a pair of socks to the fire gods. Will need to replace them next opportunity. Mr. T showed up later as well, fun group tonight!
Date: 2017-09-30
From: Graymoor Sporitual Center

To: Willian Brien Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were sad to leave Graymoor this morning, but we were up at 6 and hiking in 45 min. There was a convenience store just down the trail so we resupplied there at a huge cost (these stores are the most expensive) and got coffee. Today's hike took us across the Hudson River just as the rain started and through a zoo which is the lowest point on the trail. We saw coyotes, bear, foxes and a bobcat. Everything was labeled in the zoo, even the utility poles. All the animals are rescues that cannot be released in the wild. Then we went through Bear Mtn-Harriman SP with a nice view of the NYC skyline and a lot of day hikers. When we arrived at the Palisades Parkway, we had to dodge the traffic basically playing Frogger, an old video game, in real life. Chimney made a fire when we arrived at the shelter as it was getting cold which warmed my spirits. We are here with four weekend hikers from NYC.
Date: 2017-10-01
From: Willian Brien Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Crazy day today, where to begin.Chimney and I were hiking by 7:00am, nothing exciting to speak of except the weather is clear and cool. Due to the lack of rain here many of the water sources are dry making things a little harder. This means we have to be more careful with water we have and sometimes carry more to get us through long dry stretches.We were planning on staying at a church hostel and resting tomorrow and I had left them a message asking about shuttles the day before and had not heard back yet. Chimney called them when we stopped for lunch and they told him they were not a hostel and it was a misprint in the guide. We were both bummed but moved on. We will have to wait a couple more days before we can rest.A couple hours later at a road crossing, a beat up old pickup truck slammed on it's breaks as it passed us and spun around squealing tires and honking its horn. We waited and it stopped next to us where a guy in his 40's who looked rough (Chimney nick-named him Crazy Harry) said there was no water for 12 miles and he would take us up the road to get some if we wanted. We were low so we threw our packs in the back and jumped in. The source he took us to was dry so he took us to a gas station store where we got water, drinks and snacks. He spun out of the gas station and dropped us off, but started to drive off before we got our packs out the back. I slapped the door and he stopped long enough for us to retrieve our things before squealing away. Crazy.We finally got to the shelter and while we were eating dinner as it was getting dark, I saw a light through the trees. I pointed it out to Chimney and we watched a guy on a motorcycle head toward us. This was unsettling as there are no motorized vehicles allowed on AT lands. He stopped right in front of us, handed us a picture of a guy and asked if we had seen him. We said no and he explained he left his girlfriends house drunk at 1am last night to go for a hike after a fight and no one has heard from him since. We talked for a while and he drove off. Chimney and I are the only ones here tonight, glad we have a bear box and don't have to hang our food tonight!
Date: 2017-10-02
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Primitive Site
Miles today: 15.1

Both Chimney and I were tired and dragging this morning so we did not start until 7:30am. No big ups and downs but lots of scrambling over rock out croppings. We both decided it would be a good idea if we did lower miles today so we stopped near a creek and set up camp. Had a small fire to warm us and brighten our spirits as tomorrow will be more miles. New state today, New Jersey! Almost to my final state!
Date: 2017-10-03
From: Primitive Site

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Chimney and I were planning on moving fast today so we were up before the sun. The terrain was supposed to be easy today so we were hoping to do some bigger miles. Imagine our surprise when we hit a very steep, rocky downhill right away, this really hurt our morning mileage!We finally made it to Unionville NY, (the trail is still in NJ but runs close to the border) where we could not resist lunch at a great little pizza place on Main St. They were very welcoming to stinky hikers which made us comfortable. I then picked up my mail drop, sent my winter clothes back to Colorado, and moved on. Feet were hurting but we made good time to the shelter. There are 3 section hikers and two SOBO's here, full shelter tonight! We are both looking forward to staying at the hostel tomorrow and resting our bones.
Date: 2017-10-04
From: High Point Shelter

To: Mosey's Place Hostel
Miles today: 1.7

Slept in (6:30am) as we are taking a nero today at Mosey's Place Hostel in Port Jervis, NJ. I was given some coffee by another hiker at camp this morning which was a real treat and got me going strong. Short hike to the High Point SP Headquarters and Mosey picked us up shortly after we arrived. I had fun talking with the park staff before she arrived. Showered, laundry, resupplied, napped and relaxed all day. Mosey is not only a hostel owner but a great trail angel and person, she took wonderful care of us today! Hope to sleep well as we are back on the trail early tomorrow morning!
Date: 2017-10-05
From: Mosey's Place Hostel

To: Brink Shelter
Miles today: 17.9

Up early as Mosey made us breakfast and took Chimney and I to the trail at 7:00am. Rest day did really well for my feet and I am feeling good!We had gone quickly through the first 6 mi when we came across a wooden box with gloves and a note pinned on it. The note was from Mosey asking if the gloves were mine, they were! Must have dropped them at the hostel, she found them and drove them to the next road crossing. Wow, Thanks Mosey!!!!! We hiked on, had a quick lunch and stopped at Culvers Gap for an excellent burger at Gyp's Tavern. Hiked up to the shelter after a sprinkle of rain which made me realize I have lost my rain cover. Bummed about that but will work with the trash bag that Chimney gave me for the rest of my trip. Newer nice shelter which is full of SOBO's, us, Mr. T, Hemlock, and Troll.
Date: 2017-10-06
From: Brink Shelter

To: Church of Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 24.7

Up early as we have a big day ahead. We ran into Hope about 1.5 miles from the shelter packing up her gear. She was bummed she missed it as she wanted to see us. Beautiful day to hike, 70's and clear. We had a fast morning and did 15 by lunch putting us at the Mohican Outdoor Center which has a deli providing us lunch and cold drinks. I also picked up a pack cover as it is predicted to rain on Sunday and Monday. We left full and happy. After hiking for about 30 mins, we ran across Hope. She hiked with us the rest of the day. Easy run into Delaware Water Gap and my final State! After today's mileage several things happened, first, I have 185.2 miles to go and I went over the 2000 mile mark! I am officially a 2000 mile hiker!After dealing with the rocks of southern NJ which is a precursor to the rocks of PA our feet hurt. We all stopped at the Church of the Mountains Hostel where we took showers and went out for pizza. Playing a fun game of Monopoly with Chimney, Hope and Wheeler.
Date: 2017-10-07
From: Church of Mountain Hostel

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in as we have to wait till the Post Office opens so Chimney can pick up a drop box. While we were waiting we went to a great breakfast at the Apple Pie Cafe. Hope joined us, she is zeroing today so we will not see her again. We said our goodbyes and hit the trail at 9:30 which was late for us, but you do what you need to.Today we hit the infamous PA rocks, lots of them which really slows you down. Not a lot of elevation change but oh those rocks! My feet are tenderized. Arrived at the shelter just before sundown and filtered water by headlamp. Here with Chimney, Nameless (another SOBO) and two section hikers. Forecast is for rain which should make the rocks really interesting.
Date: 2017-10-08
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: George W. Overbridge Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Lots of rain last night, good to sleep by but no fun to hike in. The PA rocks become very slick when they are wet so we took our time with them today. They are small but pointy and everywhere so you either step on them (ouch!) or navigate around them really slowing you down. We were drenched when it stopped raining around noon and my feet were prunes which brought on a couple more blisters, sigh...We passed Wind Gap and climbed down the exposed rocks of Leigh Gap before heading to the shelter. Due to the rain and rocks we did a shorter day than planned but got to meet Doctor John at the shelter, he has hiked almost 25,000 miles of long trails. Too much for me!
Date: 2017-10-09
From: George W. Overbridge Shelter

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Woke up several times to rain last night, but it let up when we woke and packed up. Rain began again shortly after we started hiking and came down hard. Chimney and I were soaked early on but when it rains, you get wet. There were several long rock scrambles that were very treacherous with the rain. This slowed us down because we were being very careful on the wet rocks. Feet were prunes by the time we stopped, no new blisters! We are alone at the shelter tonight just enjoying the woods noises of the night. I have about a week left and have very mixed emotions. Trail life is fun, hard and unlike anything else but I miss my wife and family. I will be enjoying my last days here and take in as much as I can.
Date: 2017-10-10
From: Allentown Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

No rain today but everything was still wet from the last couple of days. Rocks and roots were still slick.Chimney and I started with the first light to get to Port Clinton before the post office closes at 4:30. His dad surprised him and is coming up from South Carolina for a visit, he is excited and I am looking forward to meeting him.We hiked by the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary after a brief lunch at the Eckville Shelter. We pushed on over more and more rocks, they really wear you down not only hurting your feet but mentally as well by not allowing any other thoughts than where to place your feet. Most of PA is relatively flat, but those rocks...We rolled into Port Clinton around 4:00, got the package and his dad pulled up. Great to meet and hang out with him. We all got a hotel room and did all the usual town chores, some for the final time for me. Chimney's dad is slack-packing us tomorrow so hope to move fast!
Date: 2017-10-11
From: Port Clinton

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: broken clouds

Chimney's dad, John, dropped us off at the trail head at 7:30am, overcast with rain predicted. We began with an uphill before hitting the rocky ridge. Light rain started after hiking for an hour and lasted just long enough to wet everything making rocks slick. Despite this, we moved at a good pace. Rain began again and came down hard in the afternoon. We were soaked, my feet were squishing in my shoes for the 4th day straight. It stopped right before we arrived at the shelter, oh well. The shelter is close to a road and a when we arrived John had set a feast. We ate like kings! This was my last day hiking with Chimney, he will be hiking with his dad and not doing bigger miles. I will miss him and wish him well. Only about 86 miles left!