morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-12
From: NYC

To: NYC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Food and more food. Eating and eating. We decided in the morning to get a fleece blanket and a massage. We weren't sure in which order, so we went to the diner and let food help us decide. After a great meal, we sauntered down the street to the massage place. We both got deep tissue and it was my first massage like that. I felt like parts of me were releasing tension and hurting in ways I had not thought possible. But I felt like the massage definitely helped clear me. It was good for us to work and focus on our bodies. Things were getting serious. The numbers were starting to add up and little things could start to take their toll.I thought again and again about the bear. Most importantly what to learn. I feel that every wildlife situation should be approached with true caution for the animal and your sake. In this case, we were fine but I feel like better precaution would have been appropriate. I am thankful that our paths crossed and then released. But more caution next time. Ok...Phew. That still had my heart pounding.
Date: 2017-06-13
From: NYC

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Hit the trail rather late. Said goodbye to Emily and thanked her over and over again for the stay. Of course, we had breakfast again. Uber to the bus station and then the bus back to Greenwood. Started back up the mountain. Pretty pleasant afternoon, not too hot. Heard rumor of a great ice cream place just off trail. As we made our way towards it, we started to hear massive thunder. But didn't think too much of it as we were thinking more about ice cream. Got to the ice cream place. Ishmael had a root bear float and I had a raspberry sorbet shake. Mmmmm. That was tasty. But the storm we could now see in the distance smashing the valley below us while the thunder sounded even more daunting. Quick weather check, looks like it should pass us. We gathered our things and set off, about 2 more miles till camp. The thunder continued and we noticed a few drops so we threw our pack covers on and kept pushing forward. Next thing we know, the floodgates open wide and the storm is dumping water on us. And I mean dumping. Instantly we were soaked. The trail was a small river we were now climbing and every time we thought the rain was too much it got thicker and heavier. We were running down the trail now. Our shoes were soaked to the core as we were smashing through puddles as we made our way. The thunder was two seconds. Then four. Then, I looked up, saw a lightning strike, and then immediately heard the thunder. The storm was directly over us. That strike had been somewhere in the vicinity, really close to us. We were laughing and romping through the woods like kids. Again lightning. Two seconds thunder. Maybe the storm was moving away. Again lighting, immeadiate thunder. This time I looked up and saw electricity zoom back and forth above us along with the most wild sound. The power of this storm right above us. Izzy turned to me and yelled, "Are we in a movie?!" We kept running. We came to a summit and an open crossing over rocky scrambles. The thunder had subsided and the storm was waxing but we weren't sure what to do. Gray skies above us. I crawled to the top of the scramble we were at and peered over. It was an open crossing for sure but it seemed like the time to go. We pushed across the open rock scrambles and slippery, slippery rocks. But we moved. Our minds told us it was important to get out of there. And we did. Back in the woods and off to the shelter. Eventually we made it. Soaked to the bone but in good spirits. We set up camp and relaxed for the night. Another day ahead of us tomorrow.
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Stealth Camp before Island Pond
Miles today: 10.9

Nice leisurely day. Stopped at a waterfall for a late breakfast and hung out. Hot as hell and no water for miles. Thankfully trail angles were dropping off water jugs at road junctions. Really saved us. Whenever we needed water, there it was. We were going to push and do 14 but just didn't make the miles in time. So we crested the last hill for the day and found a sweet stealth campsite. Made dinner on some rocks and watched the sun set. Getting comfortable and really starting to find our groove even when things don't go as planned. I think we also realized, there really is no plan. In the river, you go with the flow.
Date: 2017-06-15
From: Stealth Camp before Island Pond

To: West Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day of hiking. Met some new friends, Matador, Dirty Harry the Australian and Tinman. Spent the day hiking on and off with them. At one point, we came to a view and in the far off distance we could see NYC. Took a moment to reflect. Tell you what though, Nee York water stinks. It's all yellow or red and smells bad and tastes bad. Love the climbs (lots of ups and downs and some serious scrambles) but look forward to better water. Camped at a really sweet shelter and spent time with our new friends and some old. It's really amazing how you speed up or slow down on the trail and end up hiking with different folk. And then randomly, you'll see someone you haven't seen in a week or even a month. There really is a beautiful community out here on the trail and we're all enjoying every little bit of it.
Date: 2017-06-16
From: West Mountain Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed Bear Mountain today. Lots of stairs but beautifully done. From the ridge before we got there, we could see it fully and it is a gorgeous mountain. Up and down we went. Then we met High Life (the champagne of hikers as he proclaimed himself) and we walked together a while. He was walking the AT for the third time. Interesting dude and from MA. We hitched a ride into town together and grabbed some breakfast sandwiches. After that, we parted ways and made our way back towards the trail and towards a food mart to resupply. Then we met Joe. He walked towards us as we came down the street and asked if we were hiking. Of course we said yeah and explained we were in town to get food for the next few days. We told him we were heading to the food mart and he said that was a shame. So he offered to drive us to a grocery nearby. We obviously accepted. Got to the grocery store and he came in and shopped with us. Talking the whole time. He was seriously a swell guy, like the kind of dude you actually want to be like. From the grocery store, he brought us to a pie store (Ishmael was in heaven) and then gave us a full tour of West Point Academy, where he was employed as a Chaplin. After the tour, he drove us back to the trail and we pack our food up and started hiking again, now in the rain. It's a wild feeling to get your gear together and start walking up a mountain in a rainstorm. It's empowering knowing most people would be walking the other direction. I hope I remember that feeling and carry it with me always. Take the road (or trail) less traveled.
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Canopus Lake Beach
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: moderate rain

So we're in it and feeling it. Trying to get to bigger miles but also still remembering to pace ourselves. Decent day today. Probably taking a lighter one tomorrow. Came down through a nice spot near a lake and got off trail. Ended up in a campground that lets hikers hike for free. Thumbs up on that. Also, took a spot that wasn't a free spot but they didn't seem to mind. Have some campground friends nearby, father and son. We're really into us doing the AT. Even made us marshmallows. Always a treat.
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Canopus Lake Beach

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Had a nice relaxing day. Got up late, got out of the tent late. Had a nice long breakfast. All the sudden, this guy walks up (also named Joe) and says we can't be camped here. Then he smiles. Asks if he can make us breakfast and we're like sure! So he says to meet him at his campsite in a few. We relax a couple more minutes and then head over. He makes us coffee, egg sandwiches and even let's us have some pie, all the while just talking about the trail and life in general. But mostly trail. A lot of people that have always wanted to do this help those on the trail by doing little things like this. This Joe camps here one week on and then one off and just finds hikers and makes them breakfast or lunch. Amazing. Well, said goodbye to Joe and moved on. Took our time and I got some great recordings today. Heard a bird call I'd never heard before. Most beautiful melody. Stopped me dead in my tracks. I love listening to how things change as we get further north.
Date: 2017-06-19
From: West Dover Road

To: Gulf Station, Kent
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up and sorted through our things. Hanging with Crazy Tree is the best. Got our stuff aired out and trying to dry. Shoes in the sun. Decide to walk down the road and grab breakfast. At the deli, ordering breakfast sandwiches like there's no tomorrow. They are delicious. Grab some more snacks to help make it to our next destination. Get ourselves a ride from a super friendly dude who turns out to be a boy scout leader. Drops us off at the trail head and it's time to hike. Instead, we eat the other breakfast sandwich we had ordered. Mill around a bit and then head off. Make it to the first road crossing after singing our song on the boardwalk for Crazy Tree and seeing a couple snakes along the way. At the Garden Center, we stop again. Turns out to be a pretty lazy morning. Eat some more food and buy a few more snacks. Crazy Tree got a mail drop and sorts through his stuff. In the meantime, we meet Dance the Hiker and Pole Runner. Two younger dudes but very cool guys. After hanging a bit we all start hiking...till we see a food truck about 50 feet down the road and stop again. Lunch time. Waste another hour chilling and eating. Now we find out it's Dance's birthday. So we sing happy birthday and finish our food. Finally time to hike again. As we start our first mile, we (Izzy, Dance, Pole and I - Crazy Tree's pack is heavy from the resupply) decide to get to this gas station and crank out a few beers to celebrate. Problem is it's about 3:30 and the place closes at 7 and we have about 11 miles to go. Well, we go. Made it to the gas station by 6:45. Hiked faster than we have up until this point and even kept up with a couple of NOBO's. Turns out the guy running the Gulf is super friendly and says we can hang at the picnic table outside the store as long as we want. So we do. We sit there brown bagging beers till about 9pm, just talking and laughing and enjoying each other's company. Dance has a great time. We saunter across the street and find a nice place to camp right in town kind of out of sight and on a beautiful lawn. Set up tents talking gear now and getting ready for bed. First night I didn't store my food cause we were literally in a town. Enjoy our rest and look forward to what tomorrow may bring.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: RPH Shelter

To: West Dover Road
Miles today: 17.4

Got up super early, like around 5 am. Organized ourselves and hit the trail by 6:30. Wanted to push hard today and also knew that rain was coming. Made it five miles and to another New York Deli in no time. Had a great break with Crazy Tree, Kaleidoscope and Goliath. Breakfast sandwiches and Gatorade and coffee and rice crispy treats. Breakfast of champions. Headed back out and got a ride from a nice gentleman that Ishmael was chatting with. Saved us .4 back to the trail. Crazy Tree joined us as we cruised back. Back on trail, met up with Mafia and realized that the storm was about to hit. A little rain so we threw our pack covers on. But then nothing. We trudged along for another 20 minutes or so and then it hit. Buckets poured down on us again. After the last wild storm, we weren't too concerned. Lightning and thunder rumbled in the distance but there's always a chance that it could get closer. Made it to the first shelter of the day and took a break. We were all soaked. Another 10 miles or so to go, maybe it was 7. Mafia stayed back but the rest of us pushed on, knowing full well that we were about to head into more of the storm. For about an hour or so, nothing. The sun even came out. We teased the storm, asking if that was all it had. And then the rain came back. We had 5 miles left before we hit a road crossing and we had made a plan for all three of us to crash in a hotel room. This time, it really poured. We were drenched through and through. At one point, lightning struck within a mile of us. We all looked at each other in awe as we headed directly towards where the bolt had hit. There's really nothing like pushing through a thunder storm. You're soaked. You pack is heavier with all the weight. Every rock you crawl over is a slippery disaster. But you deal. You deal with the small pond in your shoes. You just deal. This is why I came out here. To toughen up. Well, ok. Let's get tough. Currently in a hotel room, showered and dry, writing this journal and thinking about the days to come. We hit Connecticut tomorrow. Another state in the books and more adventure on the way.
Date: 2017-06-21
From: West Dover Road

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

Get up and get going. Head back to the Gulf Station for breakfast. Eating some junk food and drinking coffee, the owner tells us that if we highlight the gas station in the AT app she'll give us some beers. So we do and we get some free beers. Head out on the trail and crack open a morning trail soda. Well, we weren't going to keep up with these dudes very long today. The push from the day before left is a little tired. Soon, they are off and ahead and Ish and I are hiking alone again. Make it to the first shelter of the day and Izzy takes a nap while I prepare some Mac n' Chz. Take a nice long lunch and head off again. Low and behold, High Life is trucking along as we hit the trail. Get down to the road and he starts thumbing for a ride into town while we set off to tackle a few more miles. Suddenly, he highlights the storm that seems to appear from nowhere. Problem is we have to hit a ridge for about 5 miles and then descend a pretty nasty rock section. Well, we hit it again, practically sprinting at points to make it across this ridge before we and the rocks get soaked. Storm never hits but we get to the summit and enjoy a moment of rest while we meet Prometheus and Funky Duck. Seem like nice dudes and turns out they are also Flip-floppers. Say goodbye to them and descend one of the trickier parts of the trail so far. Some serious rock stairs and honestly a few pretty wild scrambles. Definitely thankful it's all dry. Get to camp finally and who's there but Crazy Tree and some other cats. And literally a cat. A trail couple has a very cool kittie with them. Have some dinner and enjoy some conversation and then hit the sack. Long tiring days lately. And more to come.
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: CT 4
Miles today: 5.1

Five miles today. And that's it. Getting off trail to see an old friend I haven't seen in 12 years. And excited. Take our time getting going. Make some oatmeal. Enjoy said oatmeal. Hike maybe 3 miles along a river and there's a nice place to relax right by the river and soak our feet. So we do. Enjoy some snacks and let our toes be massaged by the gentle water. It's great on the days when I don't feel the need to rush. It's just a little walk through the woods and really time to reflect and enjoy. Hit the trail again and all that's between us and a little rest is a hill. Up and down we go and catch a hitch down the road to the little market in Cornwall. Man, the sandwiches there are so good! Slam a couple and head over to the package store across the street. Rumor is that if you sign the hiker's register, free beer. Rumors are true! A little afternoon soda and Mandy had arrived with her husband and her son Liam. We throw our bags in their van and off we go. It's like the years between us never existed. Seeing old friends is simply a beautiful thing and her family is the best. Her husband is a stellar individual and a teacher. Immediately realize he's a superb human being. Her son Liam is the coolest. 8 year old dude and we talk minecraft and Harry Potter. Really enjoy his company and enthusiasm. And her daughter is the cutest! Pretends to play shy for about 3 minutes and then yells at us saying, "Guys!! Come here!" Next thing we know we are checking out her doll collection. Out for a delicious dinner and some great convo and just in general catching up. When I get home from all this, I need to remember to make time for people because sharing time with others is the best. Now for some rest and a lazy morning. And then breakfast!!
Date: 2017-06-23
To: Mandy's Place
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Spent the whole day with our trail angels. They give us a tour of the school grounds where they live and work. It is an incredible place. We run some chores around town, get haircuts, food. Exchange a fleece blanket at Bed, Bath and Beyond for a larger and lighter one. Constantly evaluating our current gear and systems. Trying new things and trying to find what really works for us. We talk late into the night. Larking comes up, all about our trip, all about their lives and what's happened in recent years. At one point, her husband Matt asks if we will return after the trip and speak to the school. We agree to do it instantly and it started to hit me what this is all about. It's about learning something for myself but it's really about sharing what we've learned for the rest of our lives. Of a different place where you really are yourself and where most things make sense. Maybe there's a way for this to all work together. If not, it's cool to be a nice person more often than not.
Date: 2017-06-24
From: CT 4

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 11.2

Back out again. So glad to see Mandy and know she is doing so well. Had the greatest time with them. Was going to get an early start but sometimes things just don't go as planned. So...whatever. We knocked out 11 miles and we have many more to go before we meet up with Humus. Actually, about 100. Going to shoot to take that out in a week. Goal is somewhere around 20 tomorrow. We've taken our time and we've built up our stamina. First day in like 4 days that blister pain wasn't afflicting me with every step. Time to watch my footsteps and place each one with purpose.
Date: 2017-06-25
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Sage's Ravine Campsite
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We're back to Mass. It's crazy to know we flew down to West Virginia and walked back home. Granted, were on the other side of the state but we walked home. Tomorrow we hit 500 miles. My feet are blistered, my body is tired but my heart is full and alive. Almost a quarter through this glorious journey. Off to Neverland and back again. Climbed the highest mountain of the trip today and it ushered us back into Mass. When we got to camp, as the sun was setting, I was really happy.
Date: 2017-06-26
From: Sage's Ravine Campsite

To: Berkshire South Community Center
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Another day on trail but now we're on our home turf. And it's amazing out here! It's so beautiful. Started the day with a great stroll beside a stream with waterfall after waterfall. One of the best parts of the trail so far. Then up Mt. Race and the views!! Could see Greylock in the distance. Had to stop every few feet because it was just breathtaking. Made it up Everett and that was a climb. Over 1,000 feet of elevation in a half mile. Crested the summit and came down the other side only to find trail magic. Water! We needed it. Sat down to hang with Mafia (who just so happened to be there) and our trail angel came along with cake too! So she joined us for a slice while we chatted about the trail and her experience with it. While talking, she mentioned a community center in town (Great Barrington) and mentioned they had a free dinner that night starting at 5 pm. It was 1 and we had 8.5 miles to go. Well, we went. Crushed the miles, got a hitch over and we were eating our meal at 5 pm. Took a shower, relaxed in the whirlpool and then went out for diner number 2. Ishmael had received some pretty rough family news, so we discussed it all over a bottle of wine, went back to the tent and fell asleep.
Date: 2017-06-27
From: Berkshire South Community Center

To: North Mt Wilcox Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

Woke up early and bought groceries for the next few days. Ate at Mickie D's. Nothing to brag about. But still...food. Made it back to the campsite. Take down camp with Ishmael. It's a somber morning. Lots of talk about Mark's death. Still hard to believe it's real. Losing people is the worst. Never easy. Pack up and walk down the street for breakfast, number two for me. After breakfast, we stand across the street and I pick up a hitch in about 5 minutes. Really nice girl who also hikes. She brings us down the road and we're back on trail. The forrest out here is beautiful and the views from these mountains are breathtaking. Our pace is much faster now and the miles seem to fly by. It's a hard day but we are out here reflecting on things and our bodies love being worked. Up and down these hills we go. Nothing can stop us. We do meet a girl along the way. As I tell her my trail name is Detour, I literally take us on a detour. Went the wrong way for about 200 yards. That was funny. After about 10 miles of hiking, a thunderstorm is imminent. What do we do, stop and eat caramel combos. We're getting used to this. Gotta say, while we didn't get much of the storm, as we reach higher elevations, we can see the aftermath. Branches everywhere and trees too. One tree is split right in half blocking the trail. I gained new respect for the power of a storm today. That will not be forgotten.