morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-11
From: 1394 Stealth 

To: Bear Mountain Recreation Area mile 1402.3
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 5 and skipped coffee. I started out at 6am and went straight up Black Mountain to the awesome view of the NYC Skyline way, way off in the distance. You can see it in the picture if you zoom in. I got to the Palisades Parkway and walked 0.4W to the visitor center. It was only 7 am and it was closed. I was just hoping for a vending machine and bathroom. Oh well, I threw trash away. Back to the trail and up West Mountain where I had nice views if the Hudson River at 1221' elevation. I also took a picture of Perkins Memorial Tower from this side knowing I would be going right to it. Next was Bear Mountain. I loved it up there. Got a Gatorade from a vending machine but the machine didn't give me my Pringles. Will call about that. I went up in the tower for great views. Lots of people here. It was a serious 2 mile hike down and tons of rock stairs. I just couldn't believe how many people were hiking up in the 90 degree heat. I finally arrived to the recreation area at Hessian Lake and it looked like 4th of July. Hundreds of people out barbecuing. The smells were overwhelming. I went to the restaurant upstairs for a great burger with arugula on it. I called Bear Mountain Bridge Motel and Doug picked me up. I got a great little room and Ingrid washed my clothes in her basement. I tried calling churches for two days and left many messages but did not get any return calls. This is my first Sunday not going to church on my hike. I did listen to Ultimate Gospel from Elvis this morning though. I walked 0.6 to a little store for resupply and got a pizza to go at Old Oak Inn Pizza. I hope I feel rested in the morning.
Date: 2017-06-12
From: Bear Mountain Recreation Area mile 1402.3

To: Clarence Fahnstock SP mile 1421.4
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

Me and Joker went to Perry's for a big breakfast sandwich and Doug took us to the trail. We were hiking by 7:45am. It was already hot. We went over the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge. So very cool! The Bounders were hiking south on the bridge. Arrived at US 9 and stopped at the 24 Appalachian Market. Jessy's Girl showed up. Sodas and a sandwich and picnic tables, how sweet it is. There was a TV on the wall in the bathroom on the weather channel. Joker and I hiked together all day in this severe heat. On a break at Old Albany Post Rd a lady named Cindy stopped and gave us cold water and breakfast bars. The rest of the day was just lots of ups and downs until we got to Clarence Fahnestock State Park. It smoothed out for the last couple of miles and that was nice. Nona gave me a ride to the campground and had to go back for Joker. Her Jeep was to packed to bring us both together. We set up our tents. I went and took a shower. That was the motivation for hiking this long day. I had pizza and some electrolytes for dinner. The mosquitoes are absolutely terrible and not much of a breeze tonight. I think tomorrow is suppose to rain and be a little cooler. I hope so. Water was easy to find today but I think we need rain.
Date: 2017-06-13
From: Clarence Fahnstock SP mile 1421.4

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up at 4:15am because of a man yelling very loud several times. I think there is a hiker with PTSD out here. It was weird and I couldn't go back to sleep.  I made coffee and ate and took off leaving Joker but knowing he will catch up. I stopped for better water than what the state park had. While there I met Hats. He hiked on and when I arrived at RPH Shelter he was sitting in a chair outside. Looked like he lived there. Funny. Joker caught up to me here. We hiked on together and when we got to NY 52 I went east to the store while he went west to the post office. Had a great lunch at the deli. Joker showed up but had a ride back to the trail by Dis. The car was full but I wanted ice cream anyway. I walked back the 0.4 miles to the trail and the weather was changing fast. I hiked faster and when I got up to Mt Egbert at 1329' elevation I could see and really hear the storm. I got to the shelter in time to get water before the skies dumped on us. Several of us were in the shelter very thankful because the hail came with the storm. It came down for a while and when it let up several hikers took off. The second round came down thirty minutes later even harder. I waited about an hour and went ahead and set up my tent. There are way too many people here tonight. So noisy. On a side note there is a couple here hiking with a cat. It is kind of cool. They are in a tent. The cat seems to love it. I added pics of the cat to photo list. Tomorrow is a short day cause I have some fun plans for the next couple of days. Will write about it after it happens.
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: NY 22
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked 10.9 to NY 22. Took an outdoor shower at the garden center and then a taxi to Pawling. Had great Mexican food then jumped on the train to New York City!!!!! I have never been there. Met my friend Ann at Grand Central Station. ZERO for a couple days!
Date: 2017-07-01
From: New York

To: Home in TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It has been a great couple of weeks off trail. NYC and then home in New Tazewell, TN. Great visit with The Karmout Family. I am soooo ready to get back on the trail! I fly back to NYC on Monday and hope to be hiking on Tuesday or Wednesday! See you soon my hiker friends and my Appalachian Trail!
Date: 2017-07-04
From: NY 22

To: NY-CT mile 1462.9
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

I walked Ann to work, packed up, and arrived at Grand Central at 9:00am. I sat at a table next to a man named Frankie. He was tattooed and drinking a beer. Told me he was sitting on the dead mans corner. I felt bad for him for some reason. We ended up having a lovely conversation about people, the trail, family, and God. He smiled as I said goodbye and I went to the train. I think he will be on the trail someday. Today was a wonderful day. The train dropped me right at the Appalachian crossing because it was a holiday. That was awesome. I had a soda and snack at the garden center and took off hiking. The first part of the trail was across a pasture, then it was in the gentle hills of the woods. A thru hiker named Lookout passed me. I arrived at Wiley Shelter and found super awesome trail magic. Chocolate pie and apple pie from 2012 AT thru hiker,  Superhip. So sweet to have apple pie on the 4th of July! Here at the shelter for a break are Lookout and Boo Boo. The only thru hikers out on the trail besides me. I ate, gave my thanks, and hiked on. Crossed in to Connecticut. The terrain was not difficult today and I really only had a couple of Mountains. Pretty view on the rock slab up at elevation 1227' after crossing back into NY. I found a sweet campspot by myself after crossing for the last time back in to CT. Sat at the stream with my feet in the cold water. Ate a burrito with a beef stick and cheese in it and had mango taffy for dessert. Listening to the fireworks. The weather is great tonight. I almost, just almost, can say I am slightly chilly, almost. Happy to be back on the trail. Will sleep very well tonight.
Date: 2017-07-05
From: NY-CT mile 1462.9

To: Stealth mile marker 1479
Miles today: 16.1

I slept great but woke up too early. Hiked out at 6:30am. Had a beautiful view at Indian Rocks right away. The mountain is called Staghticoke Mountain. I met thru hiker Moxie and her brother Tumbleweed today. They are wearing Amish clothing and started back in March. I have not seen the others I met yesterday. I stopped at Mt Algo Shelter for a break and found the cleanest and cutest privy yet on the entire trail. Leaving the shelter I found the road to Kent was only .3 miles but I had to walk 0.8 to the city. I wasn't planning to stop but the tortillas I had were stale so I went to town. Cute town. I ate breakfast at The Villager and just bought a couple of extra corn tortillas from the restaurant so I didn't stop at a store. I was back on the trail by 10:30. I also walked back. Today was harder than yesterday's terrain. The challenge of the day was the very steep stone steps down to the Housatonic River from St. John's Ledges. I had my sandals on already because my pinky toes were just killing me today so the steps down were even harder. Down at the bottom was a gravel road walk so I had to put my shoes back on since sandals just don't work for me on any roads. A lady named Sally stopped and talked and told me she was going to check on the eagle so I joined her. The nats are terrible and Sally didn't have a bug net for head. They're driving me crazy even with me headband covering my ears and my net on. We hiked a couple of miles on the trail and talked and then she pointed out the eagle with its nest. Very cool. She went back and I hiked just a little more and decided to jump in the river. Awwww. Good decision. Washed my clothes and my stinky self. I went about 3 more miles looking for a flat campsite. Well it was difficult but I managed. I think I found a spring. Not much water but it is cold and delicious. I heard a loud noise not far away and I think I caught a glance at the behind of a bear running away. Did a good job hanging that food bag and smelly stuff just in case. Oh and today I felt the bite of the tiniest tic I have ever seen in my life! Ugh. Self tic checks are so difficult. It is warmer tonight but still a slight breeze. Keeping my tent doors open tonight. Hope my toes feel better in the morning. No other hikers or anybody at all today. Very dark and quiet tonight
Date: 2017-07-06
From: Stealth mile marker 1479

To: Stealth at Rands View mile 1495.6
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I arrived at the brook this morning about 7. It was my goal last night but I am very happy I stayed at the spring. The terrain is a little bit like Maine with no flat spots for tents. CT is gorgeous so far. There were lots of ups and downs all day and I had to hike in my sandals for most of it due to painful left pinky toe. I hardly saw anyone at all today. Lauren and her husband Tenderfoot who had started in Maine in June but before the Whites skipped forward because of Tenderfoot's tender feet. Hence the name. Also Lookout passed me. He is heading in to Salisbury tonight. I want to get there in the morning so I can nero. I may get some rain overnight though. I crossed over the Housatonic River again and viewed some small but pretty waterfalls. The hard part of the day was at the end climbing up Prospect Mountain at 1475' elevation. I had filtered some extra water at the spring so I could stealth camp somewhere up there. I found a spot at the field but in the woods. Not perfectly level and I may slide like I did last night but I hope to sleep as well. I almost forgot where I was and thought Tessa was in bed with me. Hmmm. I have been super hungry today and my feet really need some time off. Looking forward to tomorrow. I sent myself a package to Vanessa's house in Salisbury and will be staying there. I think there is only 6 more miles in CT!
Date: 2017-07-07
From: Stealth at Rands View mile 1495.6

To: 1499.2 
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: light rain

Beat the rain to town! Salisbury is so quaint! Had a great latte, quiche and cinnamon with cream cheese croissant at Sweet Williams Coffee Shop and Bakery. I walked just around the corner to Vanessa's house and was greeted by two great big pointer dogs. Had a great conversation with Ranger. He has been doing big sections for 3 years now and this year plans to summit Baxter Peak. He is hiking some with his nephew Burps. Also here are Pip the Wet Walker, Quick Start, Odysseus and his son ShooBear, and Moose who is just 17 years old. I ate lunch at The Lock Up Tavern and an hour later had a bit if a stomach ache. Didn't eat dinner had a ginger ale instead. Felt better by bed time. Tomorrow I will see Mt Everett. Hope these toes are better the morning.
Date: 2017-07-08
From: 1499.2 

To: Glen Brook Shelter mile 1513.1
Miles today: 13.9

didn't sleep great and it wasn't because of snoring. There wasn't any. It was my pinky toe throbbing. What is going on? I got up at 5:30 and chatted with the others who got up early and was on the trail at 7:30. It rained a bunch overnight and the rocks were dangerous. Kind of glad to go slow because of my toe anyway. The rain though sure made it super humid today. I hiked some with Moose. Several little mountains today. Lions Head at 1712', Bear Mountain at 1920', the highest peak on the AT in CT. Reached the CT-MA border today. Then went up Mt. Race elev. 2365' and walked a beautiful ridge line on rocks. Then the last Mountain of the day was straight up steep, Mt. Everett at elev. 2602'! Not a real big view but so beautiful with the looming rain storm. I made it down to a parking area and found Rob the trail angel I met in NC in 2015! Him and his nephew, Dominic, had amazing trail magic goodies! Thank you Rob. I sat in his van while the first major storm hit and as soon as it stopped I hiked to Glen Brook Shelter. I met Spider Woman at the creek. She is a journalist from NY doing a section hike. Then the second storm hit. I am staying in the shelter tonight. The Ridge Runner, Jacob, is here in the shelter also. Many others are out in their tents. MA is absolutely beautiful!
Date: 2017-07-09
From: Glen Brook Shelter mile 1513.1

To: Tom Leonard Shelter mike 1527.4
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

I slept well in the shelter and only saw one mouse. My stuff was fine in the morning. I left the shelter at 7:30 and during a break,                brother and sister twins, Yogi and Clover caught up to me. They started in Harpers Ferry on May 21st just 5 days after I did. I had to pass them. Their pace was a little slow for me. I fell once today going down Mt. Bushnell on the rocks that were slick just like the Maine rocks I had fallen on. I didn't get hurt, just a small skinned area on my hand. Big reminder, rocks are slick after rain! I arrived at US 7 and decided to hitch into Great Barrington for lunch. Caught up to BooBoo and got a ride from Sergio who lives in town. We had lunch together at Fiesta Bar and Grill. Enjoyed his company. He is from Dallas! BooBoo stayed in town and I tried for 30 minutes to hitch back. Finally asked a couple leaving a parking lot if they would take some gas money for a ride. They were glad to take me and didn't want any money. Thank you so much Trail Angels, Benita and Jeff for the ride back to the trail! Back on the trail I went straight up June Mtn and East Mtn. Went from 720' elevation up to 1829' elevation in just 3 1/2 miles. Met day hikers Wendy and Andy. Love talking with day hikers about my hike. I decided to stay at Tom Leonard Shelter tonight. I needed water. I hiked the steep 0.2 down to water and decided to just camp down here too. It's noisy at the shelter with weekenders. I also saw QuickStart and Pipp up there setting up their tents. I like my spot way down in this ravine. Ate dinner real quick and hung the food bag tonight. There is a bear box up at the shelter but I will not be going up there tonight. I took a bit of a bath in the water and washed clothes but the water has a slight sulphur smell. I do like the gentle sound of the water nearby. Hope to sleep well. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, I passed 500 AT miles today! Woo hooo!
Date: 2017-07-10
From: Tom Leonard Shelter mile 1527.4

To: Spring Stealth Camp mile mark 1545
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep great because of the noises in the woods last night. I think a bear was prowling around. I was on the trail by 7 am. Today's trail was absolutely beautiful many times over. Lots of little mountains all day long but nothing to hard. I had to go hide behind a tree about 11 am. I took off my pack and was in a compromising position when a bear started walking towards me! I finished quickly and put my pack on to move away but it just looked at me and munched on some greens. I have never seen a bear not running away while hiking this AT. I was able to take several pictures of it. I would guess it to have been about 150 pounds. I watched it for about 20 minutes and hiked on. That was the highlight of the day for sure. When I got down from Mt. Wilcox and got to Jerusalem Road, there was a sign saying AT Sodas and Snacks. There was a house and a little shed by the street that was a pay honor system for goodies! Wow. I bought a root beer and Fritos and sat at the picnic table. How sweet. I hiked on through a cow pasture and then through a beautiful swamp area with boardwalks. I crossed the street and found an ice chest with watermelon in it and a jug of water next to it. Thank you Jon and Virginia! Then I hiked up, straight up, Baldy Mountain. 1000 feet elevation change in 1.6 miles. Tough at the end of the day but beautiful. I found the spring on the side trail and set up my tent before 6 pm tonight. I took a bath in the little spring! Very sweet day today. I didn't see many people. Four young thru hikers passed me up but I can't remember their names. And two young girls that just started yesterday out for a couple of weeks. Very quiet just the way I like it sometimes.
Date: 2017-07-11
From: Spring Stealth Camp mile mark 1545

To: US 20 Mile 1550.1
Miles today: 5.1

I woke up this morning at 4:30am to heavy rain and the inside of my tent at my feet wet. The rain splashed in at the corner. Ugh. Only the foot of my sleeping bag and under my pad were wet. I was able to wipe out all the water. The rain stopped about 5 and I went and got my food bag and made coffee and a burrito. I was packing up as the rain was coming down again. I waited for a lull in the rain and quickly took down my tent and hiked out. I called Berkshire Lakeside Lodge and got a room! I arrived at 11 am and the owner's husband gave me my room and told me to settle up when the worker Michelle arrived. Oh a shower! I had to wash clothes by hand again though. They really are in need of a washing machine. The day turned out to be beautiful. Had a pizza delivered and called Dave. The weather shows more rain tomorrow afternoon. It is 19 miles to Dalton. I may do it all tomorrow, we'll see.
Date: 2017-07-12
From: US 20 Mile 1550.1

To: Dalton mile 1569.1
Miles today: 19.0

I slept super well and got on the trail at 6:30. Today's terrain was lovely. It was uphill right away but that didn't last long. I was up Becket Mountain 2180' then Walling Mountain at 2215' in no time and down to a gravel road and took my first break. While at the road I was met by Bambi Magnet who is from Finland. He is hiking super fast and started May 7th at Springer Mountain. Wow! As I hiked on I counted at least 7 piles of bear scat in about a one mile area just before Washington Mountain Rd. Same bear? Or was it a herd? Yikes. I walked over to where the cookie lady lives but the place looked deserted except for the eggs for sale in an ice chest. When I got to Blotz Road I ran in to Rob the Trail Angel with the Casper van again. His nephew was not with him this time. He loves doing this trail magic thing. We talked some about what to do in Dalton. Great information. I hiked on listening to the storm brewing. I met Gas who is finishing up his section of hiking the AT over 12 years. He just started Friday and plans to summit Katahdin this year. We had one more little blip of a mountain before getting down to Dalton. I got to Woods Road and heard someone behind me yell "Ghosthiker". It was Moose! I thought he was long in front of me. We walked to the Shamrock together where I already had a room. He was able to get one also. Then Gas showed up for a room. I took a shower and called Tom Lavardi who was going to an AT meeting. The town has agreed to have somewhat of a Trail Days in August. He picked me up and took me to Walmart. I resupplied and then Tom picked me back up after his meeting. Sweet man. I tried to give him money but he wouldn't take it. The trail passes in front of his house and he lets hikers tent in his yard. He has been doing this for 37 years. After putting my food away I walked across the street to Jacob's Pub and had the best pork chop I have ever had. Went back to my room, polished my nails, and crashed.
Date: 2017-07-13
From: Dalton mile 1569.1

To: Mt. Greylock Mile 1586.3
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today was amazing. I left town at 8:30am and the time just flew by. I was in Cheshire, MA by 1 pm. I had a huge root beer float and the best turkey sandwich at Diane's Twist. A little deli shop right on the AT. I left there at 1:30pm and was at the sign to the shelter by 3:30 so I decided to go all the way up to Mount Greylock. It is the highest peak in MA and is a fairly steep climb. The hike up was breathtaking. I felt like I was in the Smokies! It started raining about 3:30 and it was mostly just drizzle but the fog was amazing. I arrived at the lodge about 5:30. It is so eerie and quiet. So happy it is a Thursday and rainy. I think these factors have kept tourist's away. There are just a few hikers here. Moose, Clover, Yogi, and Mountain Music. There is also a woman with her two kids and that is all. There are several empty rooms.  I got a private room. The showers are separate and the bathroom is at the end of the hall. The hiker bunk room has 6 bunk beds in it and only 4 hikers. Mountain Music had a couple of friends visiting from Vermont and I joined them. It was fun hearing his stories about the trail. I walked outside for a bit but there is no view at all. I hope it clears up for a morning view. It's 8:25pm.  I'm heading to bed.
Date: 2017-07-14
From: Mt. Greylock Mile 1586.3

To: Seth Warner Shelter mile marker 1599.5
Miles today: 13.2

I slept great but woke up at 4:30am. I wish I could sleep just a little longer when I am in a hotel. I went out for a walk around the war memorial. It is about 52 degrees out here. There was no view at all this morning. I made myself coffee in my room then sat in the great room and read. We could order breakfast at 8 am. I left the lodge at 9:30 am. There is a big threat of rain today. The trail was straight down to the town of North Adams. I didn't go to town. I decided that I would just hike to the first shelter out of town due to the coming storm. I was passed up by the twin brother and sister, Yogi and Clover. Then I caught up to them when they got to the MA-VT border. There is another hiker, Cory, out here today who is doing the Long Trail here in Vermont. Today is his first day. The AT and the LT are concurrent for 105 miles. Today wasn't too hard but there was one big climb up rock vomit. I don't think I ate enough today cause I have low energy. I feel great just very hungry. I got to the shelter and decided to set up my tent but leave my pack hanging in the shelter. I was going to stay in the shelter but I know well that I will not be able to sleep. I wasn't going to write this but the smell of Moose's feet stink very bad. I think he has a foot fungus. He couldn't believe that I wash my clothes and feet every single night. I can't imagine not washing your feet day after day and putting them in your sleeping bag! So down I went to a wonderful creek and washed my feet. Then I made some beef stroganoff and had Belvita cookies for dessert. I had a hard time finding a tree suitable to hang my food. There are weekenders out here that are not hanging their food so I moved away from them. I know, I know, I used to do that. I was just lucky back then. Qinti taught me how easy it is to be consistent with hanging it and I sleep much better too. I am a little concerned my bag isn't high enough. Say a little prayer. And also one that I set my tent up well because the rain is starting. There are several folks here in their tents and one other LT hiker named Bill. Moose is here also. I am going to bed before 8 pm