morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-09
From: Kay Wood Shelter, MA.

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin, MA.
Miles today: 17.6

I was up early and hiking by 6:15. I had my camera ready and I was hoping I would see a moose, but I didn't. At one point I heard a lot of noise from something running through he woods but it sounded more like a deer.I ran into more aggressive dogs today. One owner had to pick up his dog and hold on to him until I passed. I then realized that it's the weekend and the locals are out in the woods with their dogs. The dogs do not listen to their masters and are a nuisance on the trail. They should always be on a leash because they are a menace to the hiker. Better yet, leave the dog at home. Thru hiking dogs are much more obedient.What is better than two cokes, four hard boiled eggs, a Klondike Ice Cream Bar, two cookies, and hand picked blueberries? Nothing.I arrived at the Cookie Lady's residence, which was about 100 yards off trail, at about 11 am. She wasn't home, but The Cookie Man, pictured above, was there. He said the record for eating hard boiled eggs was 17. I could have eaten eight or ten.The Cookie Lady is a famous Appalachian Trail, Trail Angel. She also offers water, and with permission, you can camp on the property. You are allowed to pick blueberries too, and they are very tasty. Thank you Cookie Lady and Cookie Man. You make hiking the AT so much more enjoyable. It was a great lunch.I am at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin in my tent. There was plenty of room in the bunkhouse but it's another nice night for tenting.The cabin is fully enclosed and this place looks more like a hostel than a shelter. They supply fresh spring water and in the morning the caretakers cook a pancake breakfast. They don't start cooking till about 8 am, but I hope to be up at 5 and hiking by 6:15 so I will skip the breakfast. It's late and time for bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-08-10
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin, MA.

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter, MA.
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

By nightfall last night there were many people tenting in close proximity to one another, so I slept a little longer so as not to make too much noise too early. I packed up my tent and my belongings and took my food to the kitchen area for cooking. This place is a favorite of the locals and there are far more weekenders here than thru hikers. It's also popular with hikers because it's the only place in the area where you're allowed to camp.For lunch I stopped at The Shaker's Campsite. The mosquitoes seem to be a bit worse the farther south I go, so the first thing I do when I stop is to put on more mosquito repellent. I then take off my socks and shoes. There was an older lady hiker there who was very talkative and she kept me company while I ate.It has been unusually nice weather for about three days now. Perfect hiking weather.I am in my tent again tonight. It's better to tent when the bugs are so bad. The tent protects me from the mosquitoes. In the shelter you would have to wear a head net or pull the sleeping bag up over your head and that would get hot.It's time for bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-08-11
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter, MA.

To: Great Barrington, MA.
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The days are getting shorter but I am still trying to get the most out of the day by getting up at 5 am to break camp and start hiking. It's getting harder to get up because it's so dark now at that hour. But I am going to keep at it until this adventure is over. After all I was a shift worker, and I did get used to being active at odd hours. Speaking of shift workers, A BIG HELLO TO ALL THE FOLKS I WORKED WITH AT EM. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT.Another nice hiking day except for one thing. The mosquitoes have ratcheted up their assault on the folks in the woods of Massachusetts. They are big and there are a lot of them. You have to keep moving or they will swarm you in a second. These mosquitoes eat Deet! I will probably revert to long pants, long shirts, and a head net. This will be extra hot. I wonder if this mosquito problem extends all the way to Pennsylvania? I hiked to MA US RT 7 and got a ride into Great Barrington for general town duties. This is a cultural resort town.It is the birthplace of W.E.B. DuBois, known for his Civil Rights activity; a sociologist and a historian.Smithsonian Magazine ranked this town no 1 of 20 best small towns in America. The town has a theater that has become the center for year round musical and cultural events in this area. Another town my wife would love.Good night.
Date: 2014-08-12
From: Great Barrington, MA.

To: Great Barrington, MA.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero DayToday I was taking care of things a hiker has to do in town. I was able to connect with many of my children and wish my daughter and granddaughter happy birthday.My wife was driving in a very severe rain storm today and I see it's heading my way. It's supposed to be raining hard about the time when I should be heading back into the woods and continue to rain most of the day. I may have to wait this one out and stay another day here. I hope not, I want to get going.In the above picture, I was standing on the edge of a cliff looking down into a rock canyon. I am glad that I didn't have to hike in and out of it.Thanks for the data on the mosquitoes and water going south. I appreciate it.Have a safe and good day.
Date: 2014-08-13
From: Great Barrington, MA.

To: Great Barrington, MA.
Miles today: 0.0

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAUGHTER JACKI, AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER KAITLYNNE, MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BORN ON THE SAME DAY.Zero DayI decided to wait out the rain and the flooding instead of hiking in it so I purchased another hotel day.I also purchased an umbrella and walked two miles in the rain to St. Peter's Catholic Church. All the doors were locked as usual. It's sad that you can't walk into a Catholic Church any more at any time to sit and meditate and pray. It's even sadder when you can't find a Priest or his associate to unlock the door for you. I understand the need to protect the inside contents of the church, but not one time on this journey have I been able to find anyone who was willing to unlock the church to let me spend time in the presence of The Lord. It seems you can only enter at scheduled public times. It didn't used to be this way. It must be the world we live in. It's a good thing that The Lord resides not only inside the church, but also around me everywhere I go, and in every person I meet.I ate lunch across the street from the church and walked the two miles back in the rain to my hotel room. Along the way I bought some vanilla fudge at a candy store and this made things a little better, along with some prayer.The forest will be flooded, muddy, and wet tomorrow but I'll be ready for it. After a rain like yesterday's and today's, you get wet even if the sun is out from the brush, tall grass, mud, and streams.My shuttle will pick me up at 7 am tomorrow morning.Have a good day.
Date: 2014-08-14
From: Great Barrington, MA.

To: Brassie Brook Shelter, CT.
Miles today: 16.8

GOODBYE MASSACHUSETTS, HELLO CONNECTICUT. HAPPY TO BE HERE.I was shuttled back to the trail head and I was hiking by 7:30.Within two miles I passed a monument dedicated to Shay's Rebellion of 1787.Right around this monument I saw a fox.In short order I had summited Mt. Everett (2602). It was too cold to eat up there so I moved on.After I hiked to the top of Mt. Race (2365), I went over the mountain and down a little bit to a large rock where I ate my lunch overlooking great views of the valley floor.I entered Connecticut and the first order of business was to hike up Bear Mountain (2316). It's Connecticut's highest peak. I was happy to get this accomplished right away.I am in my tent, it's getting dark, and I'm tired.Good night.
Date: 2014-08-15
From: Brassie Brook Shelter, CT.

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter, CT.
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

When I put my tent up in the evening I always put the rain fly on. I unbuckle the back part of the rain fly and raise it up and keep the rain fly door open as well. This gives me good ventilation inside the tent.The rain woke me up and so I went outside the tent and latched the rain fly down and I closed the rain fly door. This keeps the rain out. It also starts to warm up the tent. Last night this was needed because it was so cold outside.As I passed through the small town of Falls Village CT, I stopped into the Toymaker's Cafe and purchased lunch.I am in the shelter tonight because when I arrived here it was about to rain and so I decided to use the shelter, however it hasn't rained yet.Time to plan tomorrow's itinerary.Good night.
Date: 2014-08-16
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter, CT.

To: Kent, CT.
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

It never did rain. I warned all the folks in the shelter that I am an early riser but that I will be as quiet as possible when I get up. Turns out that I was their alarm clock and that they also wanted to get up at 5 am. There has been talk that Kent is the last good resupply town going south so they wanted to get up early and get into town and then back on the trail.It was a beautiful hiking day. I had to squeeze through a rock formation first thing this morning similar to the Lemon Squeezer in NY.Many local residents were out today enjoying their parks. I have seen a lot of little snakes over the last several days, but because of the cold the mosquitoes have not been too bad.I walked along the Housatonic River today for about five miles and stopped to watch the bird pictured above. I couldn't tell if he was fishing or sunbathing.I ate lunch at the Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter where a couple of local ladies were out strolling around and they approached me to ask questions about the shelters and how they work. One lady saw the sign for a Privy and asked me what that was? I pointed to the Privy and said," To best explain it you should go into it and shut the door." She did and said that she would never do that again. If she has to use the bathroom she will go in the woods.The steep climb up Caleb's Peak reminded me of some of the hand over hand climbs in Maine.As I approached CT 341 road, I had to decide whether to go to the shelter three tenths of a mile up a steep hill, or go into Kent for resupply.There were two AMC ridge runners getting ready to go into Kent who said they would take me the one mile if I wanted to get food. I asked them to drop me off at this hotel where I purchased a room for one night. After I ate I went shopping for food and I believe that my pack is now heavier than it has ever been. I did this just in case the rumors are true about how hard it is to find resupply in NY. In AWOL's book there is a note that hikers are not welcome to use the laundromat, but I went over and talked to the lady and she allowed me to wash and dry my clothes.I will be walking back to the trail head in the morning after breakfast.Good night.
Date: 2014-08-17
From: Kent, CT.

To: Wiley Shelter, NY.
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

GOOD BYE CONNECTICUT. IT WAS A PLEASURE HIKING THROUGH YOUR FOREST. HELLO NEW YORK, HAPPY TO BE HERE.The restaurant in town opened at 7 am. As I went in the door I heard someone call out, "Here is our first customer." After a big breakfast, I walked the mile back to the AT trailhead with a food laden pack.It was another beautiful day for hiking. Much of my hiking through Connecticut has been pleasurable due to the mostly mild temperatures, breezy air, and sunlight that came down through the trees and lit up the forest. Because of the cool temperatures the mosquitoes and bugs were minimal.As usual after eating a big meal and carrying a pack that was ten pounds heavier than before, I took my time going up the hills, stopping often to take in the scenery. I always give my body time to adjust to the new stress I place on it and before long I find myself at normal cadence.I stopped for lunch at The Ten Mile River Shelter. This is another shelter that is easily accessible by the local citizens, so I answered questions from several people about my hike. I removed my socks and shoes and for the first time on this journey, I cooked soup. At home I have soup often.I think New York will be exciting for me. I am looking forward to the Zoo and I understand there are many opportunities to go off trail and eat. It reminds me of the Shenandoah National Park where I ate like a king at the Wayside Inns. I have also heard there are some tough climbs up ahead.I am on a tent platform in the tenting section of the shelter. I was all alone and then all of a sudden a group of about eight hikers came in (the local young adult citizens) and then three back packers, but I am far enough away that I won't bother them in the morning.Good night.
Date: 2014-08-18
From: Wiley Shelter, NY.

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter, NY.
Miles today: 16.6

At different times this morning, I saw three deer.After hiking to NY 22, I went off trail six tenths of a mile to a deli and purchased brunch. While eating, I sat and talked to three other hikers; two south bounders and one north bounder. The north bounders are cutting it close now to get to Katahdin on time before they close the park. Someone did say they may keep it open till November 1.Just in case you wanted to go into New York City, there is a train that stops on the A.T.I passed the largest Oak Tree on the A.T. today whose girth is more than 20 feet. It's thought to be 300 years old so maybe George Washington sat under it.Also, I came into some trail magic today; water left by a trail angel. I have to stay alert and make sure I am able to get water when I can because it is becoming scarce. Thanks trail angel.As I was crossing a railroad track this afternoon, a big black snake slithered away in front of me. He retreated to the underside of a railroad tie.Nice hiking today but I hear that rain is coming.I am in my tent tonight and there are two people in the shelter.Good night.
Date: 2014-08-19
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter, NY.

To: Clarence Fahnestock SP, NY.
Miles today: 14.0

I did not have to cook my breakfast this morning so I was hiking by 6 am. I have always enjoyed hiking early in the morning, it is usually so pleasant, calm, cool and with few bugs.Even in my tent I could hear the traffic on I-84 throughout the night from four miles away. As I approached I-84 and finally crossed over it, I felt sorry for all the residents in the area. The traffic was loud and there were houses just 100 yards off the Interstate. They probably get used to tuning it out, but as loud as the traffic noise was you would think that over the long term it would affect their hearing.I thought about our nice, quiet neighborhood and I could see myself standing at our back door watching the deer and sometimes a fox up on the hill. And then I thanked God for all He has given me.I seldom ever start my day without breakfast, and if I don't cook I will seek it out somewhere else.So when I got to NY 52 five miles after starting my hike, I went off trail for four tenths of a mile to the Mountaintop Market Deli to have my meal. I ordered breakfast and as I was paying, the nice Trail Angel lady said I could use their picnic table to eat on. Also, I could use the spigot to get water and an electrical outlet around the side of the building to charge my phone. There was a chair there for sitting while it charged. How could I not leave this trail Angel a tip.After talking with my wife and taking care of home business, I packed up and moved on to the trailhead.In another five miles I came to the RPH Shelter (Ralph's Peak Hiker Cabin) where I ordered out for lunch. They bring the food to the road one hundred yards away. This shelter has bunks, is totally enclosed, and has a door on each end that when opened provides nice cross ventilation. When I was finished eating I started hiking toward my final destination for the day.When I hiked to the top of Shenandoah Mountain (1282) I saw the large American Flag painted on the rock slab that is dedicated to the 911 Massacre.I am in the Clarence Fahnestock State Park. This park allows an A.T. thru hiker to stay one night free. The have a lake with a beach here, and hot showers that I took advantage of. There are large restrooms and water and I don't even have to use my own toilet paper, they provide it, along with trash cans. They have a restaurant but I won't be able to partake of the food because I will be leaving early in the morning. I did purchase ice cream when I first arrived.I am in my tent and it's time to say.... Good night09-04
Date: 2014-08-20
From: Clarence Fahnestock SP, NY.

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, NY.
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

My free stay at the State Park was a good one. This morning while it was still dark, I was on my way back to the trailhead about a mile away.It started out very overcast but eventually cleared into a nice sunny hiking day.There is hardly anyone on the trail around me now. Only a few stragglers mostly going north. Most of the south bound hikers are further south. A lot of the north bounders that I've passed know they won't make it to Katahdin on time. One guy told me yesterday he'll do what he can this year and finish next year. A lot of north bounders have either finished their hike or are about to.I hiked to The Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. They allow thru hikers to spend the night near their ball field shelter area. They provide a shower (cold) water, trash cans, and bathrooms. I am tenting near home plate.It will probably rain tomorrow. It looks like I'll be wet.Have a good night.09-05
Date: 2014-08-21
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, NY.

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter, NY.
Miles today: 16.5

I waited for the rain to die down before I got out of my tent this morning and I packed my tent away a little wet. Turns out I was the only guest last night. As I was leaving the Spiritual Center I was able to get a picture of a deer I saw in the woods.About a mile into the hike I ate breakfast on US 9 right at the trailhead.I got to the New York Zoo just a little after it opened , about 10 am. The Appalachian Trail goes right through the Zoo. I strolled around and looked at some of the exhibits and animals. At the bear cage was a sign that said," Lowest Point on the Appalachian Trail." In the vending machine area I had a soda and an ice cream bar.The climb up Bear Mountain wasn't as bad as I anticipated based on what I had been hearing. At least half way up there were steps. I ate lunch up there. This is a popular mountain with the local citizens because of the views of the New York skyline.I am at the William Brien Memorial Shelter. It's raining and I am in the shelter with three north bounders. I hung all my stuff out to dry from this morning but it didn't quite dry out before it started raining again. There is no water or privy here and it is more like a shack in the woods. I will get water two miles down the trail tomorrow. I hear tomorrow is going to be a tough hiking day for me.Good night09-04
Date: 2014-08-22
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter, NY.

To: Wildcat Shelter, NY.
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained throughout the night and while it was still dark I packed up and moved out. Two miles into my hike I went to a stream and cooked my breakfast on the stream's bank. After purifying some water I was on my way.Shortly thereafter trail magic came in the form of water. I drank my bottle of water and refilled it with the trail magic water. Not having enough water sources is definitely a problem here in this part of New York.I went through the Lemon Squeezer. I had to take my pack off, lower it down, and then go through without it.This was a very challenging hike today as AWOL said in his guide. Many ups and downs all day.I ate lunch on top of Arden Mountain (1180). Shortly thereafter I came upon trail magic again. I had orange juice, a banana, a blueberry muffin, and water. Thank you trail angels.I am in my tent. It started raining as I was putting it up but stopped soon after.Tomorrow I think I will pass into New Jersey. Have a ...Good night.09-02
Date: 2014-08-23
From: Wildcat Shelter, NY.

To: Wawayanda Shelter, NJ.
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

GOODBYE NEW YORK, YOU WERE A CHALLENGE TO ME. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. HELLO NEW JERSEY, MY WORK STATE, HAPPY TO BE HERE.I didn't feel like eating breakfast at all this morning, but I forced myself to eat half of what I normally do because I knew in one hour I would be very hungry, and I was.When I resupply I have to get a lot of snacks, because I eat one or two snacks between meals when I hike. I ate the snacks sooner to make up for not eating enough breakfast.A lot of ups and downs and rocks were in store for me today. New York was a workout for me especially because my pack was overloaded with food. I did not have to resupply at all while in New York. Eating in the Deli's in New York helped me to get through this state without resupplying.I ate lunch on New York's highest point on the AT. It is called Prospect Rock. Sitting on the rock slab I just took in the views, ate, and relaxed. After eating lunch, I started on my way.I met Redwood about one quarter mile into my hike after lunch. After the usual pleasantries it didn't take long for us to discover I was hiking in the wrong direction. I was heading back to Maine. So we both went back up to the rock where I ate lunch and Redwood prepared his lunch while I sat there trying to figure out how I got turned around if I did at all. At this point I still wasn't sure. I studied the rock formation and I saw where I made the mistake.I started hiking south and was sure because in short order I came to The American Flag blowing in the breeze on top of the mountain. And shortly after that I saw the sign for New Jersey and once again was confident I was heading home. Eventually, within a mile I would have figured out my backwards mistake on my own. But this is an example of how God watches out for me. Redwood was the only hiker I saw today and I met him within a quarter mile of my turn around. God was probably thinking, you poor fool let me help you here. And He did. Like I told you a long time ago in my Prep Journals, if I didn't already have a trail name I could be called "Gets Lost".I have not been dry through all of New York. If the rain doesn't get me wet then my sweating does.The lack of water is a serious problem here in this area of the trail. Streams are almost dry everywhere. This is another shelter that doesn't have any water. Luckily we are three tenths of a mile from the State Park. We are allowed to go to the Park Office and get water from their spigot. Many people help hikers through this waterless area by providing trail magic or just being kind and letting hikers use their spigots. I ask God to bless them all.I am in my tent and it's dark and time for bed.Good night.09-04
Date: 2014-08-24
From: Wawayanda Shelter, NJ.

To: Vernon, NJ.
Miles today: 5.0

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER SUMMER.I was up early as usual. I did not make myself any breakfast because my plan was to eat five miles away at The Heaven Hill Farm And Pitchfork Deli on NJ 94.I was also going to do a little resupply for food. After the five mile hike to get there I found out that the deli is not there anymore. And the resupply for the trail was not going to happen for me here. So I struck out. I had to stop hiking and go to Vernon, NJ to a hotel.The Appalachian Motel folks picked me up at the Country Store. I was able to get cleaned up and they did my laundry for me and then shuttled me to the grocery store. They are very nice folks. This was an unexpected stop and sometimes that happens.I will be back on the trail in the morning.Good night09-04