morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Campsite at Stempa Spring trail

To: Campsite 0.3m N Kirkridge shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to find I had put my food bag up too close to another tree branch and a squirrel had been able to chew a hole in the bag. Luckily he only got into my last dinner (noodles so no great loss). Another day hiking Blue Mountain. Weather mostly cloudy for much of the day. Trail mostly rocky for much of the day. Worse section for me was the mile or so coming down into Wind Gap and not because of the rocks but the poison ivy. Very disturbed vegetation and very narrow trail so it was quite difficult not to come in contact with it. This is also a day of trail that is pretty dry so before Wind Gap I was faced with a choice of walking 0.5 miles to a spring or a little under a mile to the Beer Stein restaurant. The decision seemed an easy one. Had a club sandwich and three root beers and picked up a Mac and cheese dinner from the store across the street and then headed back up the road towards the trailhead. Hadn't gone far when Shades of Blue and Nightengale (thru hikers who are using a rental car to slackpack for a few days) picked me up and drove me the rest of the way. Thanks!!! Highlight of day was Wolf Rocks and long series of rock slabs the trail runs along for maybe 0.2 miles or so. Rocks large and stable so much of the crossing was just hopping from one rock to another. Got to the Kirkridge shelter and picked up some water from a neighbors outdoor spigot. Walked just a little further to this campsite with a nice view of the valley below. Nice chat with fellow campers and now it's time to hit the hay.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Campsite 0.3m N Kirkridge shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Half awake at 6 something and I heard a boom. Thunder? A minute later the second boom confirmed suspicions. Thunder. A quick check of the radar revealed a rather nasty looking line of dark green and yellow was almost on top of us plus a warning of frequent ground to cloud lightening. Too close for slow moving me to break camp so I rode it out. Good rain but not biblical and just a couple lightening strikes that sounded close. 30 minutes later it was past and I could go about the normal routine. A short day today into Delaware Water Gap for maintenance (shower, food,laundry, electronics charging). Great start of the day (they almost always are). Pretty woods. Got to a power line crossing and discovered a large patch of ripe blueberries. My favorite fruit! Picked for nearly 1/2 hour. Then it was down into the Delaware Water Gap. Cloudy skies so no really nice views. Got to this hostel run by the Presbyterian church about noon. It's a great place - hope the hikers appreciate it. A few inconsiderate folks can ruin it for all. I showered, walked to the Pocono Inn for laundry and have spent much of the rest of the day eating. Loved the Village Farmer - great baked goods, fresh fruits and veggies, ice cream, etc. I've had 4 peaches, corn on the cob, shepherds pie, a BLT, and two vanilla milkshakes (plus bought a loaf of raisin bread to take with me). Crowd of hikers here this afternoon but about 10 or so headed out about 6pm (they had stayed last night). Right now it's pretty mellow. I'm tenting out back (seemed stuffy and crowded inside). Plan is to get to bed early, up early, breakfast at the diner and get in full day tomorrow. Had a chance to look over AWOL's book and I'm excited to be turning north again .
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To:  Campsite near intersection Buttermilk Falls trail
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: few clouds

Hottest day of the trail for me. Had several storms last night but not much cooling effect. Woke up and headed to the Diner for breakfast. Suppose to open at 6am but was closed when I got there at 6:45am. Went back to the hostel and packed up my stuff, stretched, called Rebecca and when I went back that way again at 8am it was open. Had bacon and cheese omelette with hash browns. 3/1/2 stars. On the trail a little before 9am. First task was crossing the Delaware into New Jersey! Park Service visitor center was closed due to power outage. Lots of people on the trail today, both day hikers and weekend backpackers. Early in the day I passed Sunfish Pond, a 40+ acre glacial lake (they can call it a pond but at that size it was a lake to me). PA is behind me but the first half of the trail today was still quite rocky. I was quickly soaked today with the weather hot and sunny and the trail quite open. Stopped for a late lunch at the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center. A nice treat of the next several hundred miles is the number of eateries close to the trail. I plan to take advantage of them. Back on the trail and fortified by my ham and cheese sandwich plus a couple liters of Gatorade and weather seemed a little cooler (a little cloudier?). Lots of blueberries starting to ripe but today at least they were pretty small and it took awhile to pick. I had a few handfuls here and there. They were very good by eventually I had to ignore them if I ever wanted to get to my campsite. Got here about 8:30pm. Just time enough to set up tent and fix supper before dark. First day in New Jersey was nice. Walked the ridge top a lot with plenty of nice views of a surprisingly rural (wooded) landscape. A few nice rock climbs and ledges to walk as well. I'm interested to see what tomorrow will bring.
Date: 2015-07-20
From:  Campsite near intersection Buttermilk Falls trail

To: Rutherford shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

So .... I like New Jersey ..... except for the bugs and heat. Today those were large exceptions! Nice campsite to myself last night. Up and gone by 8:30am. Unlike most mornings this never even started cool. There were some clouds and occasionally you felt some wind but overall it was another hot day in Jersey. Some nice views again today particularly from Rattlesnake Mountain and the Culver Fire Tower. Blueberries lass plentiful today. I pulled into Gyp's Tavern around noon for lunch. Broke down and got a hamburger with fries. This afternoon the heat really started to drain me (or was it the hamburger) and the bugs were bad. Knats and mosquitoes both annoying. Knats buzzing around your head and into eyes and mosquitoes being mosquitoes. One small trail section south of Mashipacong shelter was particularly bad. Thought I was back on Portsmouth Island!!! Had cloud of mosquitoes around me by the time I got the Deet out. Got to this shelter around 7pm. I'm tenting - no way I'm exposing myself to the bugs outside. One more hot day and then weather suppose to change for the good. Fingers crossed!
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Rutherford shelter

To: Pochuck Mtn shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Warm night. Mosquitoes pretty bad this morning. Had to "deet" up before stretching. Just before reaching highest point in NJ I took side trail to High Point State Park. Took a dip in their swimming lake which was super refreshing and had hot shower in bath house which was great too. Left feeling like a new man. The trail then dropped off the mountain and spent the rest of the day wandering over fields, through woods, and over lots of boardwalk trying to find another mountain. The morning swim, the ease of the terrain, and the somewhat less hot weather and bugs made it a pleasant walk. Stopped in Unionville, NY ( the trail straddles the NY/NJ line for awhile) this afternoon. Had a nice spaghetti plate and resupplied at the general store. Most of the food was typically "premium" priced but orange creamsicles were 35 cents. I ate 5 of them. Headed out of town and ran into some thunder but luckily no rain. Also ran into Key Chain and we walked the last few miles and up Pochuck Mountain (finally found a mountain) to this shelter. The mosquitoes are here but at least not in clouds. Weather starting to change as cold front comes in. I'm looking forward to that!
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Pochuck Mtn shelter

To: Wildcat shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: few clouds

Wow! This was a full day - consequently I'm bushed so I'll have to be brief with the telling. Woke to a beautiful morning of a beautiful day - blue skies, little breeze, high around 80 I guess. Everything is a little better with weather like today. Left camp around 7:30am. A couple steep hills left in NJ and then a beautiful long (0.8m) boardwalk through a wetlands followed by a suspension bridge over Pochuck Creek. Different then the usual AT experience. Stopped at the Heaven Hill Farm right at route 94 crossing and had a loaf of Apple sauce bread (day old/half price) and a bunch of cherries (99 cents/lb). Both were delicious. Left NJ and entered New York with no great fanfare. (White line drawn on rock with "NJ" on one side and "NY" on other side). New Jersey was nice except for the heat and bugs. Never did see a black bear although it is suppose to have a higher bear density than any other AT state (never saw a poisonous snake in PA either). So far New York has been great! Lots of walking along the top of rock outcrops. Nice views and challenging in a maze kind of way. Got to the intersection with NY17A about 7:30pm. There was a creamery right down the road 0.2 m. (This certainly isn't a wilderness part of the AT with so many road crossings and food options). I sped down the road and the place was packed. Got my vanilla milkshake and headed back to the trailhead. Was able to leave the empty cup with a nice couple, ran into Key Chain for the first time all day and we headed the last couple miles to this shelter with several more nice views from rock outcrops. There is a ton of folks here. Big group that I've run into several times since starting north. All nice folks but it's too crowded for me. Hopefully they will power by me tomorrow. For now though I'm ready to hit the hay.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Wildcat shelter

To: William Brien Memorial shelter 
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Another long but good day. Making hay while the sun shines and it was another beautiful day here in New York. Sunny, blue skies, low humidity, and temperatures again around 80 degrees. Up and away around 8am which was great considering yesterday's hike. Hadn't gone too far when I ran into Boomerang. As we had our morning summit all the folks who camped near the shelter last night (I'd guess at least 20 tents) went past us and I realized Bommerang has a new title "the pulse of the trail". Heading south every day gives him a unique perspective of whose on the trail and he knows more about EVERYONE then anyone else. I learn much from him. More rock outcrop walking today, some hand over hand climbing, this section here is like a mini-Whites or at least good preparation for the Whites. One climb just past the lemon squeezer (and it was really a squeeze for me) was as challenging as any I remember from the Whites. I took me about 5 minutes to figure out how to get up without killing myself! Some beautiful savanna like settings on top the ridges here. Despite the great weather I was definitely dragging a little especially this morning (combination of yesterday's workout and today's climbing). Lots of trail magic at road crossings. The water was appreciated as was the cucumber. Fresh veggies are much enjoyed. Didn't make the time I thought I was and, again, had to hasten to get to camp before dark. Today it was my other Yuengling partner, Homefry, whom I ran into a couple miles from camp and we hiked in by a little after 8pm. In New York they only want you camping in designated spots (shelters) but they don't seem to have enough shelters. One more ahead about 5 miles and then nothing for 30+ miles. In addition, this shelter is closed for renovation (tenting is okay) but no bear boxes/cables, and no privy. On the plus side lots of flat camping spots and pretty woods. I'm bushed again. Feels a little cooler outside. Good sleeping weather hopefully!!
Date: 2015-07-24
From: William Brien Memorial shelter 

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another beautiful day in NY. Up a little later and I think I was the last one out of camp about 8:30am. Great views early on looking back down the trail and a little later looking over the Hudson River valley with a hazy New York City skyline in the far distance. Best crop of blueberries yet at that last overlook. Picked handfuls but still left hungry. Then it was up Bear Mountain and down and down and through the zoo (literally the AT goes through the little trail side zoo they have there). Right before zoo ran into "Cindy Loopers" and her husband whose visiting from Texas. They provided Homefry and myself with pizza magic. Several minutes later we ran into "Cheesburger" who thruhiked last year and had a spread of chips, desserts, drinks, and strawberry shortcake. Thanks to all! Crossed the Hudson River and hiked a few more miles to this monastery that lets thru hikers camp on the ball field. There's a ton of folks here. I'm hoping most are taking train into NYC but we shall see. Did stop at market at last road intersection for dinner and partial resupply. Took cold shower at ball field so hopefully I'm ready to put a few more miles heading north.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Shenandoah tenting area
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

As I already mentioned, I'm in the middle of a huge bubble. Tons of tenters last night. Most gone before me (8:30am). Today we left the high rock outcrops of New York and spent much of the day walking through the woods. Still some rocky sections, some short but quite steep climbs and an occasional view but not like it was on the western side of the Hudson. Weather beautiful once again. We've had a great spell but I think that could be changing. Stopped this afternoon at Clarence Fahnestock SP. They had quite a crowd at the beach. A swim probably would have felt great but I wasn't sure of the time so settled for a hamburger, fries, and a soda at the concession stand. Hiked about 4 miles to this tenting area. Had nice conversation with Rigga along the way. Just a few here tonight although it's quite nice with good water from hand pump, privy, picnic tables, and mowed tenting area. The rest of the crowd is about a mile ahead at the shelter where you can get pizza delivered. I'm definitely content here and ready to hit the hay. Another day heading north tomorrow.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Shenandoah tenting area

To: Telephone Pioneers shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke about 6am and it seemed darker than normal. A quick look at the radar showed rain on the way but it looked to be 10-15 minutes off. I quickly took stuff down and was just packing up when it started. Threw the rest of the stuff in and took cover under an old carport on site (very convenient). Waited out the rain with Dino, Seashell, and Bonbon. A little after 8am things had pretty much stopped so off I went. New York above the Hudson is different than below. Less rock outcrops more walking in the woods. Weather remained cloudy most of day but dry. Stopped at the Mountaintop Deli after 6 miles for an early lunch. Okay food but honestly I like Subway much better. Got into this shelter around 6pm. No water at shelter, poor tenting sites, no bear boxes/poles. About an hour after getting in we had good sized storm pass through. Collected water off shelter roof so I could cook dinner. Unfortunately tent sites on hill and my was drowned. Just a little wet inside and all contents good but I decided to sleep in shelter in case we have another storm later on. Just three folks in area (me and one other in shelter). I'm not sure where the bubble is but I know where it's not!
Date: 2015-07-27
From: Telephone Pioneers shelter

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Tired so I'm going to bullet this- left camp 7am- first several miles lots of Boardwalk. Tall grass really wet and leaning into trail. Result- like walking in rain- Native Landscape place, great friend of AT no longer allows camping. Some hiker really pissed them off. - into CT- walked through rainstorm this pm- got to shelter after 8pm. No picnic table, no bear stuff. Just few tenters
Date: 2015-07-28
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Brook shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

Up and into picturesque Kent for breakfast, a fuel canister and some new crocs (lost one the other day).   Kent is your typical nice New England town - clean, well planned, well maintained but a little pricey. Nice breakfast plus ice cream and Pepsi should have fueled me more than it did. Weather hot but I think humidity is what really drained me. Connecticut has no real mountains - highest point today was 1164 ft - but lots of hills and the hills tend to be quite steep. So lots of up, down, up, down. The exception today was a 5 mile walk essentially along the Housatonic River. After that it was a lot more ups and downs. Went through a southbound bubble today. 7 folks coming from Maine. Got into the shelter area after 8pm. Pine Swamp Brook was not exactly roaring to put it mildly. Found a large enough puddle to get some badly needed water and ended up cooking and eating in the dark. Mosquitoes bad. Thank goodness for Deet!
Date: 2015-07-29
From: Pine Swamp Brook shelter

To: Salusbury CT
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Up and out by 8am. Another humid one from the start. Still getting used to northbound hiking. I'm in a vacuum right now. Saw less than a handful of other hikers today - none going north. Really dragging first couple of miles but then aokay. Trail pretty easy today which helped. 3 mile detour around Falls Bridge due to the removal of the Iron Bridge. Got into Salisbury around 3:30pm and called Hudson at Bearded woods for ride. "No Pants" had recommended this hostel and I certainly agree. Very nice accommodations and great great dinner - barbacue chicken, corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake, etc. etc. Its going to be tough to leave in the morning!
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Salusbury CT

To: Glen Brook shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A good day. Up early for a nice quiche breakfast. Can't emphasize enough how good the food was at Bearded Woods. I even thought about taking a zero given a weather forecast of 80% thunderstorms with heavy rain but decided to get in some miles heading north. Got shuttled back into Salisbury - what a nice little town with great market - and by the time a was out of town I was already sweating up a storm (very humid). Finally found a mountain in Connecticut, Bear Mountain highest point in the state at 2316. Actually an easy hike up, but it did feel like a mountain (cool wind on top) and would of had some views if the weather had been better. Steep downhill from Bear reminded me how I don't look forward to all the downs of the Whites. Crossed into a new state, Massachusetts and a very pleasant walk through Sages Ravine. Had an older lady stop me and proudly tell me she had just been swimming in one of the number of swimming holes along the creek and I shouldn't miss it. By this time though it was cloudy and and cooling off so I declined. Up over Mt Race and appropriately I began to race an oncoming thunderstorm. Just got off the ridge line then the storm hit. Thunder, lightning and, yep, heavy rain. A couple more miles and the rain had stopped by the time I climbed Mt Everett. Stopped on top to talk with "Juice" whom I hadn't seen since the middle of PA and the rain started up again. Rained until I hit this shelter site. Actually two shelters within 0.1 miles of each other. About 10 folks at "other" shelter. I'm the only one tenting at this one. Weather seems to be clearing and it looks like we're in for an nice night. Short day today, got in before 5 pm. Weather suppose to be good tomorrow so I'm looking forward to my first full day in Massachusetts!
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Glen Brook shelter

To: Mt Wilcox South shelters
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Great weather last night for sleeping. Beautiful blue sky and low humidity this morning. Had a little history thrown into today's hike. Went by the site of the last battle of Shay's Rebellion and also near the town of Great Barrington, birthplace of W.E.B. DuBois. Nice views of a rural mostly wooded western Massachusetts from several "mountains" today. Up on East Mountain I enjoyed the view with several nice day hikers who insisted I share their apples and cheese (a wonderful sharp cheddar). Thanks so much! I do miss my cheese on this trip. Seem to be picking up a few more NOBOers but still not the number I saw south of NYC. Got into camp around 7pm. I really enjoy Massachusetts so far. Of course, weather was great today which tints your viewpoint. Only negative are the bugs - little biting flies and mosquitoes are the worst. Occasional you find areas relatively bug free but only occasionally. Certainly NOT this camping area. Oh well, I'm thankful for my tent. They're on the outside and I'm comfy on the inside. Feels like another good sleeping night.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: Mt Wilcox South shelters

To: Upper Goose Pond cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Another fine day on the AT. Woke up a little early, took down the tent and packed most of my stuff. Talked to the only guy in the shelter last night (said the mosquitoes were pretty bad) and after he left I decided to do my stretching in the shelter. A few minutes later I heard pitter patter on the roof. Surprise rainstorm. Dashed back to my tent site and threw everything into my pack and got back under the shelter. Finished stretching, ate breakfast and the rain was over. On the trail about 8am. First maybe 5-6 miles were mostly downhill today. Forest smelled fresh after the rain, weather was pleasant. Had lunch on Cobble Hill. Later climbing Baldy Mountain the skies opened up again and we had a pretty good rain. After awhile I found a dense hemlock tree and took refuge under it. Trail stayed in good condition though and rain took bugs away. The forest has been changing since we hit PA but it's complete - I'm in New England. Lots of beech and birch (including yellow birch which has made a recent appearance), maple,hemlock, white pine, hobble bush, etc. Very nice. I definitely feel like I'm heading north! Got to this cabin around 4:30pm. I've heard lots of good stories about it and so far, it's been great. Comfortable bunk room upstairs. A couple folks hiked in "trail magic" in the form of hot dogs and chips which I helped cook (and eat - I had four). Went down to the pond which is beautiful. Pancakes tomorrow morning but right down, it's a cool night and, hopefully, good sleeping.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Upper Goose Pond cabin

To: Dalton MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Up to pancakes prepared by the cabin's caretaker of the week, Thumper - a super nice fun guy. Upper Goose Pond was a great stay and unlike some other AT spots I see that continuing for a long time. Good news!! Today was a big mileage day but pretty easy because of the lack of hills. Up Beckett and Walling Mountains early on and then just a nice walk in the woods. Weather was great. Had my fleece on before breakfast and never broke into major sweat all day. Forest beautiful - trillium, clintonia, hobble bush all with berries. Seeing some red spruce for the first time since the high country of Mt Rogers. Stopped at the Cookie lady's house but, unfortunately didn't get to meet her ( or her cookies). Did run into some great trail magic nearby provided by Rob Bird a retired former Dalton hostel owner now living in TN but up for a visit. Thanks Rob!!! Got into town a little before 6 pm. I'm camping behind Thomas Levardi's house. Great and generous guy but I take it his neighbors aren't happy (I don't think this setup will last). Tomorrow I need to shower, laundry, and resupply so I'm going to move to the local motel and zero. Then it's back on the trail headed north.