morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-04
From: NY52, Stormville

To: NY 22, Pawling, NY
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

It was overcast and cool this morning when I went outside, and not the clear, sunny blue skies I expected, for today's special 4th of July hike. I was to have company in the form of my daughter Melody, aka "Mingo", and her boyfriend Sean, aka "Mallard"...and I wanted it to be perfect for the occasion. We started by visiting the local diner for breakfast, which is always a home run, in my opinion. After that, we drove to a parking lot near the Trail where I left off hiking yesterday. Lo, and behold, it was beautiful, mostly smooth, lovely rolling trail nearly all day. It was hard for Mingo and Mallard to believe all the stories I've told them about difficult, rocky and steep Trail. I could scarcely believe it myself that I was on the AT. As Mallard said later, it's as if the AT took a holiday too. Well, the weather was not so bad after all. It sprinkled, then rained a bit. But mostly we were dry, as the forest canopy caught the moisture. And it kept us cool. We enjoyed the colors of the leaves and ferns. We saw a teeny frog, and 25 newts and a turtle on Nuclear lake. We crossed a footbridge warning of bees, and still, Mallard got stung crossing it! We had fabulous trail magic of (still cold) sodas and drinks, plus a whole variety of hiker snacks and fruit. We had great life catch-up conversation. Then just before we arrived at the viewpoint on West Mountain, the rain suddenly stopped. We went off trail a few yards to see the view and take pictures. Before I knew it, Mallard was down on one knee, proposing to Mingo, and putting a ring on her finger! Happy Congratulations to Mingo and Mallard!!! Happy Outlier, who got to witness the occasion!!! Soon we were back on the Trail hiking, and the rain started again. Even the weather seemed to join in the celebration, momentarily After a bit of descent, we saw the turn-off for the next shelter, where we planned to stop for another lunch/snack. But before we could, we saw the hiker "Jesus" and stopped to chat a moment. When he heard of the recent engagement, he pronounced his blessings, while another hiker admired the ring. It was a wonderful example of trail community on the AT...we are all truly becoming "family" out here. Now it was time to hike on, as we were meeting some other special people for a shuttle and trail angel hospitality: my Aunt Marcia and cousin Bruce were driving down from Hudson, NY to help out with a ride back to Mingo's car, and to drive me to his home for a bit of family holiday time, shower, laundry, and gear maintenance. I had many remains of their earlier barbecue, a nice time of visiting, and ended the day with sparklers on their back deck. It has been a wonderful, joyous day, all around. Happy Birthday to you, America.
Date: 2015-07-05
From: NY 22, Pawling, NY

To: Hudson, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A zero in a home is a true zero indeed. Those of you who read this, who have a heart for hospitality, never underestimate the impact you can/will have on the success of a hiker's journey, by simply inviting him or her into your home. You mustn't worry about the cosmetic state of your house...no matter how humble your situation or grand...a hiker will respond to your gracious willingness to help in any way you can, will be grateful for any amenity you are able to share, and most any menu you can offer. Aside from that, there are those small gear issues you can often help to remedy, even if it means a trip to Walmart for a replacement part, or a spare bit of massage oil, or a cupful of cleanser to sanitize a grubby piece of equipment. And all within the confines of a relaxed and relaxing environment. You, who do this, with open door and open arms are truly invaluable, at least to me!In this particular case, I've been blessed by Bruce and Stephanie, with Lindsey (who gave up her room and soft bed 2 nights!) and Ian, who drew me a picture and shared Sunday night popcorn with me. Kudos to you, trail angels! Now my stomach has been filled with traditional Independence Day food, my clothes have a fresh permethrin treatment, my hiking pole straps have lost their stinky funk, my food bag is neat and pack organized. Ready to hike on!
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Mt. Algo Shelter

To: West Cornwall Rd.
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

My tent was dry this morning, so that's twice in a row for me. Not that I've used it that much lately, but I'd like to keep the trend going. When I opened my rain fly flap I found my food bag had been taken down already by "Bill" (I'm glad to say that I had not forgotten his name, but rather I'd never heard it in the first place, which makes me feel better...in any case, I learned later that his trail name is Huey), who had generously offered to tree hang it with his last night. Nice guy. Anyhow, after eating breakfast and packing up, I found myself hiking with Huey on and off today. We ended up stopping for lunch at the same time, so chatted while we ate, and I found out he's from Cleveland, small world. There's really not too much to say about the hiking today except that the humidity is horrendous, so the sweat bath began after about 10 steps this morning, and continued all day. The gnats that hover in front of your face all day did their hovering. And the mosquitos are out en force. There was trail magic twice today, but it was what I consider "stale"...in other words, it was left at least 2 days ago, so what's left inside is no longer cold, but water-logged from the melted ice. I did pick out a few mostly dry mini candy bars from the first one, not being able to resist chocolate these days. I drank more water today than any other yet, but am still dehydrated. I finished hiking just behind Huey, and soon we were picked up at the road by Hudson, who along with his wife Big Lu, owns and runs the Bearded Woods Hostel, where I'm staying tonight. Huey, Wilson, Craynip and I represent the thru-hikers here, and there are 3 other visitors. Hudson thru-hiked last year, and after following his progress on Trail Journals I decided if I ever hiked the Trail I would stay at his place, so here I am. And it's everything I thought it would be plus more. The stay includes supper and breakfast, and Lu is a great cook: we had fantastic pasta and grilled salmon, with an upside down ice cream sundae for dessert, along with plenty of AT stories, exchanges, and laughter. Good times, all made sweeter because it poured torrentially not long after I arrived, safe and dry inside.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: West Cornwall Rd.

To: Sages Ravine Campsite
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: broken clouds

Hudson (Bearded Woods Hostel owner) spent some time at breakfast this morning handing out free hiker "tips" for the miles to come, while Big Lu served us delicious breakfast casseroles and English muffins. Then we loaded into the pickup to be taken back to the Trail. Huey, Wilson and I all got dropped off at the same location, with Craynip a bit further up the road. Wilson asked if I minded him hiking with me this morning, and I was glad for the company. Problem is, we both got to talking and not watching for white blazes, and before we knew it we had walked off the AT. So once again, I was retracing my steps, this time probably about a mile and a quarter (round trip) of extra hiking. It seems as though I have forgotten how to hike the AT these days, though the saying goes "practice makes perfect". Obviously I need a few hundred more miles of practice. In any case, Wilson and I got back on trail, cruised along, and came to the 3 mile detour for the day (there's a bridge being repaired), which we didn't mind too awfully much because it meant 3 miles of flat, smooth road walking. Partway through that, we came upon Huey in front of a church where there was trail magic ( of course, he had passed us while we were on our own personal mistake detour), where we enjoyed sodas and snacks. After that, the 3 of us hiked together until Salisbury, where we walked into the local market for some food and more drinks, and Huey for a bit of resupply. Wilson was being picked up by Hudson, since he slack packed today and is returning to the hostel for a second night. Huey and I were happy for the ride back out of town that Hudson gave us, saving us .4 miles of walking. We headed up the next ridge, passing the 1500 mile marker on the way, thinking we might stay the night at the first shelter. Once we got there, it was still plenty light, we were fueled by our food stop, and the weather was good, so we hiked on, up over Bear Mt., highest point in Connecticut. Back down the other very steep side, we soon left Connecticut and entered Massachusetts...so there's another state crossed off the list. We're now camped at a site near a nice stream where I was able to rinse off most of the sweat accumulated on this, another very humid hiking day. Wish I could rinse away the mosquito bites as easily, but it's not possible, so I may as well just post this entry and go to sleep
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Sages Ravine Campsite

To: Homes Road
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Last night I got ready for bed and settled into my tent. It was already dark, and the campsite mostly vacant. Then along came a threesome of campers, who noisily put up their tents, right next to mine. They laughed and talked and giggled and discussed plans until nearly 11oclock. Hint: voices can easily be heard through tent fabric...it is not a wall. It was WAY past hiker midnight. Everyone was up by 6 this morning. It wasn't a very restful night. But onward I went, in the morning, with Huey. We enjoyed the bubbling, beautiful waterfall and stream through Sages Ravine, then started climbing. First, Race Mt., with its many whaleback rock slabs and beautiful views, followed by Mt. Everett, with its steep rocks, both up and down, with few views. We walked through lovely fields, except for the mosquitos. Then lovely piney woods, except for even worse mosquitos. More fields, more woods, dreadful mosquitos. We arrived at the road crossing where Huey was going to hitch into town. There was more trail magic, courtesy of Red Panda and family. RP is currently hiking the AT but lives not too far from here, and we've been spoiled by trail magic at several crossings through this past week. 3 cheers for RP, her family and friends, we really appreciate the kindness and goodies! I hiked another few miles to a road crossing where my trail angel cousin and family are picking me up soon. The mosquitos were so bad when I got here that I first broke out my head net, and then my tent (just the screened part) to get into while I wait, free from the annoying beasts. 3 cheers for Big Agnes, too! This evening I will do the usual in-home type stuff...eat, shower, laundry, reload, sleep with a real pillow. Hurrah!
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Homes Road

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a short, but sweet visit with my cousin's family last evening, made even sweeter because of the pasta dinner at La Bella's, delicious! Made extra short because I had the usual hiker chores to do, plus some sorting out and an early wake-up so my ride wouldn't be late for work. It was still cloudy and misty when we left Hudson, NY en route to Great Barrington, MA, but during the 45 minute commute we watched the storm blow off and blue skies start to appear. By the time I got on the Trail, a nice breeze was blowing the rain off the trees and drying the air. It was a nice change from the heavy humidity we've been hiking in, and except for the incessant mosquitos, I truly enjoyed my hiking day today. I happened to walk solo the entire time, and it was a refreshing change. When I arrived at the top of the second ridge of the day, I came across a pair of hikers doing trail magic: Mama Nature and Sourwood asked if I was thru-hiking, and when I told them I was, they gave me a choice of a homemade "oreo" sandwich cookie or a carrot - cake sandwich cookie with walnuts in the filling. I chose the oreo version....I crave chocolate out here...and it was delicious! At the opposite end of that ridge, several hours later, there was more trail magic: iced sodas in a cooler, including my favorite Dr. Pepper, and just when I was feeling thirsty. My third trail magic was some remains of Red Panda'sCrew, in the form of peanut - butter crackers, just before I headed up the steep climb on the day's final ridge. Thank you, trail angels, for these timely treats!My hike ended today at around 6:20, 11 hours to go just over 25 miles (the last half mile doesn't count, as it is a blue-blaze) to the Upper Goose Pond Cabin, which I don't know whether to count more as a shelter or a hostel. It's a 2-story cabin, fully enclosed, with bunks upstairs and living/eating downstairs. There's a caretaker, who will provide us with coffee and pancakes for breakfast. But there's no running water, the "facilities" are outdoor privies, and there's no electricity. Had I arrived sooner in the afternoon, I would have gone for a swim in the pond (it's really more like a small lake), but since I don't have a swimsuit, and my clothes would not dry overnight, I opted for a bandana rinse from the dock. It's a pretty full house here, and I'm thinking it will be a good night to break out the ear plugs; some hikers are down on the porch playing Euchre and some hikers are already in their bunks, snoring.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, Massachusetts 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a 2 - pancake limit at breakfast this morning, but I saw that the caretaker, Grampy, had 2 more sitting on a plate with no takers, so I snagged one of them. After my long hike yesterday, I could have eaten at least 3 more. But I settled for what I got, plus a cup of very strong, very hot coffee, and then made my way up the Trail. At first, it was the same type of trail as yesterday, but then it changed to a root path, interspersed with mud. After that, it was a mud swamp, interspersed with roots and rocks. I was tired, and never found my rhythm today. I stopped at the Cookie Lady's house midway through the day. The Cookie Man came out instead, and sold me a coke and klondike, and handed me 2 cookies. He chatted with me as I ate on the steps. One surprising thing I learned from him is that he saw a moose in his front lawn once. I never knew moose were in Mass. I hoped the sugar overload from my snacks would perk me up for the second half of the hike today, but it didnt. I'm sorry to say I was rather cranky. As good and happy as I felt yesterday while hiking, today was just the opposite. Today what made me happy was hiking into Dalton. The Trail goes straight through the town. On the way to main street I came across Tom's house. He is kind enough to let hikers tent in his back yard. I hoped there would be room for me, and there was. The weather is nice for tenting. There is town food just up the street, which we could take advantage of both for supper and again at breakfast time. I am happy for this little oasis/tent city, and that when I get up in the morning, it will be a new day. P.s. my adventure is 100 days old today!
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Mt. Greylock

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Black Bear (correction on her name), Batman, and Wye Knot were up and out early, but I dozed until 6. Even then, I lingered in my bunk for a while, since breakfast wasn't until 8. I did go downstairs for coffee at 7, and then did some reading, feeling like I was "playing hooky" or something. I loaded my pack and made sure my phone was charged, then went downstairs again. It was disappointing to find that the "continental breakfast" consisted only of blueberry muffins, with butter and jam. I filled up on 5 of them (small muffins), and a cup of tea, then headed out...at a very late 8:15. The Trail was gentler heading down the other side of the mountain, and 6 miles went by quickly. I decided to stop off in Williamstown, adding a half mile walk each way, so that I could eat at Papa Johns pizza, and pick up a few food items at the Stop and Shop. Brock, the clerk at Papa Johns, treated me very well, giving me a hiker discount on my pizza and supplying me with paper plate and napkins to eat on the bench in the store. He offered to watch my pack for me while I shopped next door, and charged my phone back up, and filled my water bottle with fresh water. At Stop and Shop I used the ladies room to wash hands and flush. When in town one must multitask. The rest of the day was spent climbing the next big ridge, crossing into Vermont!!! and also passing 1600 miles. It was also spent trying to avoid stepping into the sometimes deep, dark, black mud puddles and pits. I was mostly successful, but it only takes one missed foot placement and you can feel the damp oozing through the mesh toe box of the Trail shoe, and through the sock. Oh well, this pair is soon to be retired anyways...I have a box of goodies coming with the replacements on Thursday. I may as well play in the mud while I have the chance! There's a large group of boy scouts tenting at the shelter tonight, plus several thru hikers. I'm opting for the shelter, along with Black Bear and Batman. I've got my head net on this time...hoping it will keep the mosquitos from buzzing in my ears and face all night...we'll see.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

When I got up this morning, the sky was white with fog and mist, and the humidity was very high. I put my pack cover on, as it looked most certainly like rain was coming, and as I started up the Trail I almost needed my headlamp it was so dark. But it didn't rain. In fact, as the day went on it began to clear, the breeze blew, the sun came out, and the air dried up. Unfortunately, the wet and muddy parts of the Trail have not dried up. The first 2 miles took me nearly an hour and a half this morning, they were in such poor condition. I was feeling rather glum. But then I got to a road crossing. There was a parking area, and then just at the trail head was trail magic of cold sodas, thanks to "Whichway" and "Braids". I downed a root beer and then started up Stratton Mt. This must be a popular/touristy peak because suddenly the Trail was wider, and we'll graded and in pristine condition. So, they DO know how to maintain trails properly in Vermont, they are just choosy about which section (s) to focus on, apparently. Perhaps because of the higher mileages I've pushed the past few days, I was feeling very sluggish and tired, and had a headache, after descending Stratton. I checked my watch, and it was 1pm, with just 8 miles left for the day. I saw a nice, flat camp spot off to my left, with the sun shining down through the trees, and decided to partially set up my tent and take an hour siesta. Nice! I dozed a bit and had enough left to finish the day. The Trail had me perplexed a few times today, with a rerouted section near Stratton Pond, and then a late-day one mile road walk that our guide didn't really indicate. Now I'm snug in a shelter (3rd night in a row?!) that is more of a log cabin, with actual windows, porch, and wood-burning stove inside, pretty neat. Chet, who was at last night's shelter also, and myself, are the only 2 here. The temperature has dropped so the down bag will feel good tonight. I can hear cars and trains down the hill; town is near and I'm headed there in the morning. It's been a week since laundry and my hiking clothes are pretty ripe...
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Manchester Center, VT Green Mt. House
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

The temperature dropped so much last night that it would have been nice to have a fire going in that wood-burning stove! Who knew that could be the case in the middle of July? The nice thing is, I didn't arrive at the road crossing to go into town all sweaty and sticky. In spite of that fact, I couldn't get a hitch. I have yet to be successful at hitching. But I'm quite improved when it comes to asking. So when 3 cars pulled into the hiker parking lot just as I was about to call a cab, I quickly put away my phone. I asked one guy about a ride, but he was about to hike. 2 others overheard me, and said I could ride with them; it was a husband and wife...he was dropping off his car, she was about to drive him to another trailhead, and he was going to hike back to his car. So, thank you very much for your kindness, Jeanne and Russ, and I hope your hike was as beautiful as today's weather! They dropped me off at the bookstore, which wasn't opened yet, but I was directed around the corner to the cafe, which is attached, and has a nice selection of coffee/espresso drinks and pastries, and also salads, sandwiches, and such. I started with a mocha latte and doughnut, while charging my phone and catching up with emails. Then I studied my guidebook, trying to plan for the next several days, making a grocery list, etc. By then it was lunchtime, so I had the quiche of the day with a side salad...always a treat to get veggies...followed up with tiramisu for dessert. I visited the outfitter briefly, then headed down to the theater, where I sat mindlessly watching "Minions" (what a treat to visit a movie theater). Then it was time for grocery resupply, heading to the hostel, which is a fantastic place, and I'm glad I didn't buy ice cream at the store, because a pint of Ben & Jerry's came free with my stay...they support the local business here The shower felt great, my laundry is clean and dry, and it's back to the Trail in the morning.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Manchester Center, VT Green Mt. House

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Green Mt. House hostel provides hikers with a fully - equipped kitchen, and supplies for make-your-own breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and/or cereal, plus coffee. I supplemented my scrambled eggs and coffee with a bagel & cream cheese I'd purchased in town, and orange juice. We were all packed, ready to go, and at the trailhead by 7:45...and had another picture-perfect hike day: chilly, clear, blue skies and sunshine, plus to start the day, no bugs, so I went deet-free ( this did not last all day, I'm sorry to report, as in the afternoon hours I was attacked not only by mosquitos, but also a few stray blackflies as well as the ever-present deer flies). Our first climb was my favorite of the day, to the summit of Bromley Mountain, the top .3 mile on the grassy ski slope itself. Another "space ship" awaited there (see pics), as well as a warming shelter, which in the summer is available for use by hikers. The main attraction, though, was the bald summit with 360 degree views of surrounding peaks. Very nice. I hiked on to the next peak, which merely had an overlook rock, and took a snack break. Later on, I stopped at an interesting shelter overlooking a stream with foot bridge and small waterfall, where I ate a nice sandwich made from town ingredients, while chatting with Monk (see pic of Monk silhouetted atop Bromley Mt. earlier in the day) and Possum. Then there was just more hiking...some nice trail, some not as nice trail, and then towards the end of the day, trail a bit reminiscent of Pennsylvania rocks, not fun at all. I selected this shelter to end at today for a couple reasons: 1. My feet were tired and sore, and 2. There's a lovely pond here, which allowed for an after-supper "swim" (I admit, it was more of a dip than an actual swim, but the water was lovely and there were actually salamanders swimming in the water too, very cool). I had my tent set up because when I arrived it was buggy, but once it started to cool down, then sprinkle, I changed my mind, took down the tent, and snagged the last bunk in the shelter.