morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-02
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 9.0

I left the shelter this morning next to last, headed for Port Clinton. The trail had several pleasent sections interrupted by rocks and boulder fields. I walked much of the way with Chafe, the first time I have really walked with anyone. He is Canadian. He didn't like the rocky trail either. As we desended into Port Clinton the trail became very steep and surface consisted of loose scree. It was scary. We arrived in Port Clinton where we discovered that all businesses were closed because it was Monday. A truck pulled up and Chafe talked with the driver for a minute or two and we had a ride to the Microtel in Hamburg. In due time Tic Toc arrived having also found a trail angel. I washed my clothes, charged my phone and headed to the restaurant for greasy high calorie food.
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Port Clinton

To: Zero day in Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I took my first zero today. I got up took another shower, ate breakfast, sat around he lobby and talked with hikers- Chafe, Tic Toc, and Wazo. Met three more hikers and a shuttle driver. I went to Walmart and have been updating this journal. So far this journey has been all that I expected. The trail has been much harder then I expected. The lack of big climbs has been made up for by the poor trail surface. And we are constantly told we haven't reached the rocky part yet. All the blogs, memoirs and books talk about the social aspect of the AT. There are a lot of hikers on the trail. So far they have been almost universally friendly, helpful, just nice folks. Each hiker takes care of themself, yet I sense folks are watching out for one another. As far as flip flopping as a way to do the hike goes, I have only heard of one full shelter so far. You usually walk for hours each day alone in the woods. The hikers from GA walk very fast and for amazing distances. The FFers are all waiting to get their trail legs. I was told more then 50 FFers started about when I did, I have been told only one has dropped out so far.
Date: 2016-05-04
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

I messed up my trail days on the last entry. So today is 18. I started at the hotel and returned to Port Clinton via the Schuylkill Trail. 2.7 bonus miles. As I climbed I returned to the cloud. Temperature was cool. I arrived at Windsor Furnace Shelter at 1230, too early to stop so on I walked to the Eckville Shelter. I had to pass through one boulder field but much of the trail was nice being along old roads. The shelter is an old garage just down the road from the trail.
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

I saw blue sky this morning, for about ten minutes! Back to cloudy. Climbed up to Dans Pulpit, was able to see something for the first time in several days. Texted with Toni and enjoyed the scene. The next four miles was Boulder field hell. It took 3 hours to go 4 miles. I arrived at the shelter with sore feet, tired and demoralized. After eating and seeing a weather forecast for more rain I decided to take a NERO at the shelter. Tenderfoot arrived and built a fire. When he found a stump to burn I explain the fine Georgia tradition of stump burning to him. It rained that night.
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: camp at Outerbridle Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today consisted of a lot of walking in the cold rain. It ended with disappointment regarding my new shelter life and some epic adventure. Today's hike included miles of pleasent walking along old woods roads plus miles of rocks and boulder fields. The Knife Edge was surely the most stupid thing I've done in many years. In the misty rain with 30 pounds strapped to my back, it was dangerous. I went slowly and traversed the section safely. Later on yet another rock outcrop I had a neat moment, standing on the top of the mountain looking out over the countryside below. I arrived at Bake Oven Shelter to find it sad. Old and in need of repair, I decided to move on. At Outerbridle Shelter the house was full so I tented nearby. The campsite not perfect and it was raining but I preferred it to the cramped shelter. I texted Toni and then tried to charge up my phone. It was doing strange things today losing its charge rapidly.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: camp at Outerbridle Shelter

To: campsite at Stempa Springs trail
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

Today began with breaking camp in a misty rain. Three more people cramed into the shelter overnight. In spite of the rain a had a better deal. After a short walk I arrived at Lehigh Gap. There i ran into Slow goin', and met Tortuga, Bert, and Bookworm. Slow goin' gave Bookworm and myself a stern lecture on climbing out of the gap before he left on the bypass trail. Shortly after starting up the hill, Bookworm passed me headed toward ME. I completed the climb without cussing. It was not as dangerous as the Knife Edge but very strenuous. I felt the climb in my legs the rest of the day. The Superfund Detour trail was a pleasent smooth trail with good views of Palmerton PA below. Back on the rocky AT I missed a blaze at 1261 and wandered off on a power line road. You can't get lost on the AT, but if you get off the trail then you could become lost I guess. I backtracked, ran into some more hikers who also missed the blaze and together we found the trail and continued northward. After lunch the sun finally came out. I also fell down. It was a "slo-mo" fall. I lost balance and my pack pulled me over. I fell on my pack and ended up like a turned over turtle. I had to undo my pack to get up. I was unhurt by the excitement. About 4p it dawned on me that I wasn't going to make the shelter so I took a 1.2 mile side trail to Stempa spring for water so I could camp. The spring was nice, the best water flow I've seen on the trail. I set up camp for the night. I saw stars for the first time in a while.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: campsite at Stempa Springs trail

To: campsite at 1283.2
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

I slept well through the night until the sound of rain hitting the tent woke me about 5a. After what might have been considered a bad start the day proceeded to be about as perfect a day as I could want. I was able to deal effectively with the challenges of the day, walked a long way and enjoyed the trip. If I had stayed in bed, the rain stopped by 7 and I could have broke camp In the clear. But I didn't but still was able to put up everything with minimal wetness. I hikedto the Smith Shelter, talked with 2 hikers from Boston at Smith Gap Road, and saw Slow goin' at the shelter. I ate breakfast at the shelter while the sun came out. I layed out all of my wet gear in the sun and dried it. I cleaned up and was back on the trail about 1130. The afternoon was beautiful. I took pictures and sent a couple to Toni. I hiked, ate, and had a great day. It was obvious to me that the gloomy weather of the last few days had gotten the best of me. To reach the next shelter would have taken an 18 which was too far so I planned on camping again. Found a spot and was settled by 730p. I thought about the rocks today, something I have no control over. Tomorrow I should arrive at Delaware Water Gap, the end of PA.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: campsite at 1283.2

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 9.8

Three hikers from GA arrived at the campsite about 7p. I got up early and left about 7a. I hiked to a spring and ate breakfast on the trail. I took a break at Kirkridge Shelter. I hiked along a ridge, much of the trail was pleasent woods road. The descent into DWG was rocky. I arrived at the church hostel. It was a full house with many hikers from GA. Chafe showed up. He is meeting his wife and daughter. His daughter will join him for several days on the trail. Tomorrow I will zero in DWG.
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I zeroed in DWG. Activities included eating, bathing, washing clothes, trip to Wal-Mart (TM by Chafe), voting, and updating this journal. I got to talk to Toni for a good while which was nice. Three other hikers also zeroed and two more neroed. DWG is a nice little town and the hostel is top notch. Tomorrow I enter New Jersey.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Campsite 1308.7
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

My first day in New Jersey was a long walk , similar to my last zero. My initial opinion of NJ is an improvement over PA. A total of 4 hikers left the hostel today. The other three have hiked from GA. I left at 7. About 10 the first 2 past me. They had left at 8. They were planning on a 24 mile day! Later the 2 kids (my name) came by. They are recent HS grads hiking from GA. Finally Bannas came by. She had left at 10. All were hiking 24 miles. I met 3 other section hikers. I planned on a ten hour day but ended up going a little long. You never see the campsite when you are ready to stop. I had to improvise a bear bag due to all the food I was carrying. I texted some with Toni. It was very clear today. I thought I could see tall buildings in the distance, New York? Flies were awful today.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Campsite 1293

To: Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a long haul. Lots of rocks and constant flies and gnats. Late in the day I fell again. I slipped on a rock, lost my balance, and my pack pulled me over. Landed on a rock. It was sore so I took an alieve. I arrived at the shelter in time to watch the mouse do an inspection. So I set up my tent. My pack was feeling heavy today. Some days it's heavier then others. It also usually gets heavier as the day progresses. Only saw 3 hikers today. Slo goin' arrived at the shelter tonight. I received an email from Grizz, he had to get off the trail. I still think I'm in the middle of the "FF bubble. ".
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Anderson Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The birds woke me up singing at 5. I got up about 530. Slo goin' and I had the same plan for today. I planned on stopping for lunch at a shelter but when I arrived at the turn off, Slo goin' suggested on continuing as it looked like rain was approaching. It didn't look like we could beat the rain but it seemed reasonable to reduce the time walking in the rain as much as possible. About a half hour into the two hour walk the rain began. Rain and rocks made for a long afternoon. I arrived at High Point Shelter, very nice. I got dried out, Slo goin' arrived right after Orange Crush showed up. Stayed in the shelter.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Today was an easy walk through a nice combination of woods and pasture. A couple of long stretchs on board walks. After a short but steep climb reached the Pochuck Mountain Shelter. I decided to tent. We wee set up early due to a forecast to TS. Never happened. Nice group of hikers.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: St Thomas Episcopal Hostel, Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up around 5 to a beautiful sunrise. A streak of blue lay under the orange/red. I couldn't get it on the camera. The hike was easy down to the highway. We got a ride to Vernon and the hostel. Forecast for tonight was low in the 30's. A warm place to sleep plus shower and laundry sounded good. Slo goin' and I were joined by John Henry, a section hiker from Utah. A very nice hostel.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: St Thomas Episcopal Hostel, Vernon, NJ

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

Spent a liesurely morning in Vernon at the hostel. Great breakfast in town. Great coffee. After lunch loaded up got a ride back to the trail and headed up the stairway to heaven. Nice view but no angels. A short walk and we arrived at Wawayanda SP. We will stay in this park for the rest of the hike in NJ. Saw many hiker friends at the shelter, John Henry, Chafe, Rose (Chafe's daughter), Snipe, Bookworm, Lemon and a few more. Discovered I left my toiletries at the hostel.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

A good day of hiking. Entered New York. NJ was much nicer then PA. Today the trail passed through several boulder climbs. These are not fun. The gnats were bad most of the day. I ate a couple. I hiked all day with Slo goin', Chafe and Rose. Met Candle Maker (hiked from GA), and saw Bookworm and Lemon at camp. Many nice views today. If you check out my photos you will see the amazing views. They just keep coming day after day. A constant reminder of the remarkable beauty of this country. Tomorrow looks to be a long day. A high point of the day was the Creamery. I had a major Banana split.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

According to Slo goin', today was the hardest day of the trip so far. All day was constant climbs followed by descents followed by climbs. Many rock climbs including the famous lemon squeezer. Rose managed to hit herself in the face with her hiking pole (which led to her trail name Shiner). Chafe decided to go to a motel. Slo goin' and I pressed on to the shelter. Hard day.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: West Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

While today's hike was easy and short, it felt long and hard. My food was about gone but my pack still felt heavy. My plan calls for reaching the monestary tomorrow, 13 miles plus a side trip to town for resuppy. Staying at the shelter tonight with a view of NYC. Have been seeing the skyline for a couple of days now. This is the best. We are about 30 miles from the city. Several people have mentioned how amazing it is that we are so close to the city and yet "in the woods."
Date: 2016-05-20
From: West Mountain Shelter

To: Graymot
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

It's 945p and I just got into my tent after long and eventful day. I am camped on the ball field of a Franciscan Monastery near Peekskill, NY, Graymor. In addition to the trail mileage today I also walked 3.7 miles coming from the shelter and walking into Fort Montgomery for resuppy. The day began with sunrise over the New York skyline. I left at 7a headed for Fort Montgomery. As I walked down the mountain heavy weapons fire and helicopters could be heard nearby. I assumed the fireworks were related to the West Point graduation happenings. I entered New Yorks Bear Mountain Park. The trail was fantastic, the best tread way so far. It even had an ADA section. On the descent side were over 1,000 stone steps. At the bottom of the mountain I walked through the trail side zoo. It was the New York urban scene, a mindblower for me. I left the park and walked into Fort Montgonery. I got my mail drop, ate at a deli, bought a toothbrush and floss (had none since Vernon), and a great cup of coffee. I crossed the Hudson and climbed out of the valley and came across Slo goin'. We walked to the Appalachian Deli where we ate dinner and then proceeded to the monestary. Tomorrow I will zero there.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Graymor

To: Graymor
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day at Graymor. A relaxing day, planned the next section, made reservations at Bearded Woods hostel, took a cold shower (not relaxing), washed some clothes. The monestary now hosted a drug rehab center and we watched the patients play softball. Slo goin' walked back to the deli and purchased the fixings for a hot dog cookout. It was great. Chafe and Shiner arrived later in the day. Many other hikers were there. Christmas Tree, Rambler, Bookworm and Lemon, to name a few.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Beautiful day, great trail and beautiful forest. Pretty sure I saw the Green Mountains from one vista. Chafe and I talked some about the trip so far. 37 days to walk 400 miles. Maybe too slow? Right now I'm worn out from two 14 mile days in a row. Tomorrows hike is planned for 16.6 with a break in Pawling. We'll see what happens. Slept well last night with all the traffic noise. Don't know about that. I have a resuppy tomorrow but a pack full of food due to all the eating out lately. I need to figure that out. A little rain tonight. In my tent at 730p.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A day with two sides. The trail was good. We saw evidence of maintenance and good trail construction techniques. The trail passed through beautiful forests and pastures. The folks at Native Landscapes could not have been nicer. But my hiking mojo was not there. I often struggled during the hike, especially after the resuppy. I was troubled by several comments regarding my progress. Later that night a trail angel appeared at our camp and brought us some chocolate. He said he had thru hiked both the AT and the PCT. As he was leaving (walking off into the night) he said don't let anyone tell you you are going too slow. We said goodbye to Shiner today, her hiking time was over. I enjoyed meeting her and visiting with her.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Wiley Shelter

To: My Algo Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Entered Connecticut today. Found some great trail magic at the border. Nice trail, beautiful mountain river. Ten Mile River. Then a 700 foot climb. It was hot and I was faltering again. For the first time thoughts of quitting entered my mind. My legs felt like rubber as I climbed. I talked some with Slo goin' and realized my last zero had not been really beneficial. Next zero I'll stay in a motel.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: My Algo Shelter

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 14.0

Another long hard day. In the morning from 7 to 12 it took five hours to hike 7 miles. Tough, steep rock climbs. After lunch I changed up the plan and cut the hike short at Caesar Brook campsite. I contacted Bearded Woods and changed my reservation. We head there tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Falls Village-Bearded Woods Hostel
Miles today: 11.4

Hot day. Arrived in Falls Village in the afternoon. Picked up mail drop at the PO. PO lady filled our bottles with ice cold water. Called in to Hudson at Bearded Woods and in short time he arrived with Snipe and carried us to the hostel. Great place. Two fine meals, shower, washed clothes, and a bed with a sheet. Hiked 11.4 miles
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Falls Village-Bearded Woods Hostel

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

Left Bearded Woods after a great stay. Hiked into Salsbury and stopped at the store. I ate a lot and bought a few things. Also drank some good coffee. After lunch we climbed the Lions Head, our first 1,000 foot climb. We climbed with Lemon and Bookworm for as long as he could stand our slow pace. Finally Bookworm just had to take off and up he went. We climbed on and eventually summited. The view was great. It was very hot all day and the camping at the Riga Shelter was crowded.
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Riga Shelter

To: Hemlocks Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Today we climbed three mountains, Bear, Mount Race, and Mount Everett. There were two difficult sections with steep rocks. Another very hot day. Entering Massachusetts we passed through Sages Ravine which was very nice, similar to the Smokey Mountains. On a side trail going for water at Race Brook campsite I took fall number three. Slipped on a wet rock.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Hemlocks Shelter

To: Lenard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Sorry about the delay in posting on TJ. It's very hard to post on the phone, especially without wifi. Another long hard day of hiking over rocks and boulders. The trail crossed a nice pasture then climbed a mountain. Climbing rocks gets tiring after many hours. It was somewhat hot. This shelter (which I nickname the Lenard Skynard Shelter) was infested by porcupines. We each selected a weapon to fight them with. They apparently enjoy eating the shelter. It began raining at 830p. Passed the 500 mark on the journey today.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Lenard Shelter

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 11.2

Today was an easy, pleasent hike. The trail led through several different kinds of woods. All were peaceful. Camping tonight on the site of a Shaker community. Glad to be reminded of them. Plans were made for the hike to Dalton, MA. Last night I made the mistake of leaving bar wrappers in the belt pouch of my pack. The shelter mice found them. You make mistakes when you get tired. I must continue to be extra careful when tired.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

Cold this morning. I put on my jacket for the first time in a while. Nice walk today. Arrived around 2p. A friend of Slo goin' joined us and offered to drive us to the Mall I need to go to to exchange my pack. Unfortunately when I called the store the pack had not arrived yet. The cabin was very nice and the caretaker prepared pancakes and real coffee for us In the morning. I soaked my feet in the pond for over an hour and talked with Toni on the phone. Very nice indeed!
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Long day but a good hike. Trail was ok and no big climbs. About 1145a I encountered a large black bear just off the trail. As I was hiking on the AT, I was looking down at the ground and so the bear saw me first. The bear made one of those bluff charges at me which got my attention. I raised up my sticks to appear bigger and let out a yell. The bear stopped and turned away into the woods. The bear was a good sized adult. My legs were shaking so bad I wasn't sure I could walk for a minute. The bear was seen later in the day by other hikers.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Dalton, Mass
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Nero into Dalton, MA. Short walk into town was later made up for by a long walk for pizza. Take a couple of hikers out of the woods and they immediately get lost. Checked into the Shamrock Village Inn. It was pretty expensive but the folks couldn't have been nicer. I was working with the EMS store at the mall on exchanging my pack. It's a long story about Osprey and their warranty. The store was trying to connect me with a trail angel but the cell service was so bad I finally gave up. A short time later Tom Lavardy showed up at the Shamrock and in due time I had a new pack. My next box had not arrived yet at the PO so I had to wait till the next day. I found a new sitting pad in the hiker box.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: Dalton, Mass

To: M. Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

Great hike today, only a few hikers on the trail. Overcast and misty. New pack felt good. Could have summited Mt Greylock but it began to rain heavily. I stopped at the shelter to see if it would stop raining. When it didn't I stayed for the night. With rain still pouring and nothing left to do, I went to bed at 7!
Date: 2016-06-06
From: M. Noepel Shelter

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up after rainy night to find all my gear damp. Left at 630a and completed my climb of Mt Greylock. The forest was neat, described as sub alpine. Tower was closed of course. Under construction. The Lodge was in pre-season mode. The views were great. Continued into town. Walked half mile into Williamston to shop. Too much food again. Needed a second food bag! Ate lunch , called Green Mountain House and made a reservation. Called Toni and had a great call. Got some comments on TJ due to my last posting. Camped at Sherman Brook, nice. Pete's spring was beautiful. Massachusetts , who would have thought!