morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-06-06
From: unionville ny

To: Wawayside shelter
Miles today: 15.7

I lucked into a ride to the trailhead with the first guy I met at the general store. I was given a good luck token by the shuttle driver. Maybe he knew something I didn't. After several boardwalks, (NJ is known for them, all shapes and sizes) through very boggy land there were a few climbs. A lunch break at the farmers market, where I met a family that bought me fruit, (thanks for the trail magic!), led to the biggest climb of the day up the stairway to heaven. It was a bit warmer today than I expected so I didnt get as far as I hoped. Onto NYS tomorrow. MetRaven, Baltimore3d, powatan, vahttps://photos.app.goo.gl/zGmD...
Date: 2019-06-07
From: Wawayside shelter

To: little dam lake
Miles today: 19.1

Lots of rock in NY it turns out! Even a rebar ladder to help in a tough spot. Lots of ups and downs of course but it sure does feel familiar since I grew up in the area. It was made all better by having a Banana split at the creamery near lake Henderson. At dinner on the lake I camped at, a heron called and it sounded so primeval. It flew right past me too. I decided to camp here based on a conversation I had at a road crossing with some random guy wo was sitting in his truck having lunch. Trail magic.MetTrainer, drugrunner (pharmacist) from CT https://photos.app.goo.gl/fhJs...
Date: 2019-06-08
From: little dam lake

To: west mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I fell asleep last night listening to the swamp frogs. In the distance I believe I could faintly hear the nys thruway as well. Lots of road crossings in NY. Thw. Hiking highlight was a place called the lemon squeeze, a narrow slot in the rock that had to be done with tippy off. Lots of other hikers here, everyone willing to give a hand. I was helped up a steep pitch that would have taken some time otherwise. Many ups and downs in this section as well.Late in the day was the first NYC view. An amazing sight you don't often see hiking. An island on the horizon with millions of people. Well, except for the crowd at the shelter this beautiful June night.Met macgyver Chicago, ffRabbit, greyhound, ff who have heard of me (it's the kilt), $ for ms alabama, see video of him eating a frogFreebirdCap, trevorhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/759S...
Date: 2019-06-09
From: west mountain shelter

To: us9/ny403
Miles today: 12.8

Beautiful views of NYC from the trail and the shelter area. I got an early start to cover alot of ground and meet my friend Mary Ann.Along the way I visited the tower on Bear mountain, stopped at inn, and visited the zoo to see the lowest point on the trail, near the bear enclosure. (At the zoo, at the zoo)While waiting for the zoo to open, I talked with the men servicing the vending equipment. They were interested in the trek and provided some much needed trail magic. Thanks guys!I spent a great afternoon with Mary Ann and her family. They listened to all my stories, helped me take care of some trail housekeeping, and enjoyed some meals. Thanks to all for a great visit.https://photos.app.goo.gl/ky8J...
Date: 2019-06-10
From: us9/ny403

To: fahnestock state park
Miles today: 14.4

Smallpox station in the woods for general Washington's army. Lots of stonework around. I guess the men needed something to do while waiting their turn. GW was definitely a man ahead of his time. (See pics).MetFamily from CA. Mom finished in 1999. 4 girls. Plan to be done mid July for school. Started end of Feb.Shortstep...cook, from germanyhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/91XE...
Date: 2019-06-11
From: fahnestock state park

To: taconic state pkwy
Miles today: 5.0

Ralph's peak hikers cabin was crowded last night. Good thing I was able to hold up at fahnestock family rr to earn my thru hiker cred while it poured rain (only 3 on the floor there).Short hike to meet my cousins for some r&r. Big thanks to John and Deb! Great visit though too short. So much trail magic!MetWe're on topBilly goatSwitchback/Gail, trainerCouple from Michiganhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/vqHa...
Date: 2019-06-12
From: taconic state pkwy

To: telephone pioneer shelter
Miles today: 16.5

A catchy tune...maybe too catchy.Rolling terrain and moving towards CT. Had some extra trail food from John and Deb to help move me along. Only saw 2 other hikers today, though we had 4 at the shelter. All new to me.MetCheetah, started Feb 6, 3 wks nycFoundation, Atlanta, did cdthttps://photos.app.goo.gl/n4nn...
Date: 2019-06-13
From: telephone pioneer shelter

To: mt algo shelter
Miles today: 21.2

Rain was predicted so I broke camp in record time and shortly found theDover oak! If you recall, the Keffer Oak, largest oak tree on A.T. in the south, (Newport, VA) over 18' around, is over 300 yrs old. v Dover Oak along A.T. in NY is slightly larger.I've been noticing the trees in this section are rather large and have taken a few pics. I feel very comfortable in these woods, having grown up in this region. But I'm still amazed at the scenery especially given the proximity to the city.Since the rain abated after 3 hours of hiking, I extended my day in the sunshine and breeze that replaced it. Hard to pass up good hiking weather even with wet boots.The missing man has also been on my mind. See pic from the other day. I began to wonder if in some way we on the trail are all missing from somewhere. Perhaps that's the goal, to go missing for awhile, searching for adventure.MetMoss and starcrusher from wvaNoodle and turboMelinda and Mary kayhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/Sioq...
Date: 2019-06-14
To: west Cornwall road
Miles today: 16.2

I started the day, low on food, knowing I'd get a meal in town later. But to my surprise I met pants at the first road crossing and he provided a much needed pb&j. Thanks pants!Later in the day, trying to find a ride to Kent, Tom came to the rescue just at the right time. I happened upon him while walking by his house. Thanks Tom!MetPants pb&j in the a.m.Tom, ride to kentTurtle and pup, pic with statuehttps://photos.app.goo.gl/EwRo...
Date: 2019-06-16
From: west Cornwall road

To: belters campsite
Miles today: 6.1

On this father's day I think about my dad and being a dad myself. My dad, the son of immigrants, served in the marines in wwII in the pacific, earning the purple heart. After the war, he became a successful attorney, D.A., and state supreme court justice in NY. Along the way he raised a family of 5 children. To say he had little patience would be an understatement. He so loved the holidays, especially if you include his frequent use of the refrain "Jesus Christmas." He left home for many reasons when I was young, but I connected with him later in life. I don't fault him for his choices but miss the opportunities his leaving lost for us.Which brings me to my fatherhood. I became a father in my thirties. I remember his birth like it was yesterday. I do recall many fun adventures with my son and look for many more to come. I'd also like to think I didn't inherit my father's impatience but I'm sure others wouldn't agree, favorite expressions notwithstanding. I don't think I've done bad job in parenting especially when you see the good man he's become. He is also an artist. Shameless plug...Check him out at http://www.danieltorraca.comMisty walk after a super lunch in litchfield with sue. Rain returned as soon as tent was up.https://photos.app.goo.gl/M54N...
Date: 2019-06-17
From: belters campsite

To: race brook falls campsite
Miles today: 21.6

I made camp last night with Fargo, who I hadn't seen since daleville, va. All day I ran into more hikers I knew from a few weeks ago.Several milestones were achieved today as well;-past the 1500 mile mark, so less than 690 mi to go-summitted the highest point in ct, 2316' bear mtn. That's right, in ct.-entered ma. And summitted mt race 2365'And I got some trail magic at camp from a fellow camper, zatarains, and a bit of advice about maine.With:BoomerZiplockParisFargoThigh gap (australia)PorkchopStormtrooperDeadpoolhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/6B9p...
Date: 2019-06-18
From: race brook falls campsite

To: Tom Leonard shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Wet, hot day meets swamp! These bugs are everywhere. I'm sure its why Shay rebelled.Stopped for lunch in Great Barrington. Got a short ride from a shuttle driver. I think I drank too much tea at lunch though.MetShuttle driver, poppa joeG for Garrett from wyomingKipTaco moneyDairy freeze from margaritaville nyhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/RjTs...
Date: 2019-06-19
From: Tom Leonard shelter

To: upper goose pond cabin
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

What started as a rocky down climb quickly turned into a rooty one. But mostly the hot, muggy, cloudy day's trail turned quite nice, with long level stretches and real dirt! Not the muck we've been used to.We had a pleasant interlude at the AT stand, a self pay refreshment shed, near tyringham ma. See the YouTube video.To top off the day the bunk room at ugp cabin provided mattresses, clothes lines, and swimming in the spring of lake. My sore muscles and dirty legs sure appreciated it. And the caretaker is going to make pancakes in the a.m. All for no charge! Can't beat that.MetJoanne, caretaker and all around good egg.Orange pig and smoochiehttps://photos.app.goo.gl/BEzb...
Date: 2019-06-20
From: upper goose pond cabin

To: dalton ma
Miles today: 21.6

I had half a box of m&m's that reminded of the old jingle of today's title. All day, in the heat, I heard that sound. Thanks to Joanne for getting me on the trail early and for a restful night in the cabin.In Dalton I met up with Bear and he helped me resupply, show me the town, and get ice cream. Trail magic works it's wonders again. Thanks Bear (and Casey)!https://photos.app.goo.gl/vph5...
Date: 2019-06-21
From: dalton ma

To: mark noepel shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

Rain ending late morning so a late start for the summer solstice.Could this really be the start of summer? I'm beginning to see fresh colored leaves on the ground.Ive also noted a change in the rocks. A few days ago, large white rocks began to appear on the footbed. Now I see from "The cobbles", a series of ledges made of marble that the ground itself has indeed changed.And my hiking poles are getting caught in the ground more. More roots? Or mud? Or wedges of rock? I'm not sure but its caught me by surprise and reminded me of when it happened in the smokies.The big cheese(see photos). I remember this story from history class? Or something I picked up along the way. In any event I was surprised to find this after the ice cream shop.MetKaroake! Staying at the same motel a room awayRebecca's, friend of stumbles doing a weekend hikeRosieDiane at the ice cream shop in Cheshire G, going off trail to get treated for lymehttps://photos.app.goo.gl/RSK1...
Date: 2019-06-22
From: mark noepel shelter

To: seth Warner shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Lots of milestones today!-summited Mt Greylock, highest point in MA-past the 1600 Mile mark-entered VT, and the Long Trail-ate out twice, lodge on mt Greylock breakfast, lunch at the trail house in Williamstown, both pricey but goodA passing thunderstorm kept me at the lunch spot longer than anticipated. But walked in dry weather afterwards.VT trails have a beautiful sign but really muddy tracks. Boardwalks would be nice. And kudos to MA for their signage!MetCandace, biker and end of the world enthusiast2 Scottish ladies and Australian couple living in Manhattan at lunchChristie, Long Trail hiker, green hair, black label buddyEmber, black labSeveral LT hikers nowhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/HtcA...
Date: 2019-06-23
From: seth Warner shelter

To: Goddard shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

After struggling to avoid the shoe sucking black mud I decided to walk straight through it. It was like walking on the beach...in your hiking boots...in wet sand...and wet feet. The few short boardwalks had their own surprises, 4 Garter snakes under the ferns. A little hiking pole nudging helped move them off.I met my friend Kevin walking south and we both walked back to his car. Fortunately there was a stream nearby we could wash the mud off ourselves and enjoy some trail magic. We also replenished in bennington at Madison's. Their chocolate peanut butter stout was perfect. We also visited the revolutionary war memorial in town. Once back on the trail I felt rejuvenated and pushed on go the second shelter. MetKJLeaf, editor of trailjournals site, awesome guyhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/MpH3...
Date: 2019-06-24
From: Goddard shelter

To: William Douglas shelter
Miles today: 24.2

A few days ago 2 fawns ran across the trail 3 feet from me, followed by a large doe, barking. I thought that was pretty cool. Mostly I've felt like Marlin Perkins, safe inside the studio. But this morning I got to experience wild nature, more like Jim Fowler out in the field, a bit too close for comfort.The night before I rolled into the shelter area at dusk. I set my tent up in a flat, grassy area near the shelter. I could see 4 other tents on the hill in the woods. The door of my tent faced them, uphill, away from the path. (This ended up being important).In the morning, as I got organized inside my tent, i heard Leaf call out from the shelter, "bear coming down the path, going to the fire ring after some trash". I thought I'm glad I'm not near the fire ring, but then i couldn't see anything because of the door direction.Then he called out, "highlander, are you up"?. I answered i was and quickly got out of tent to see what was going on. Wasn't I surprised to see a 300-400lb black bear 10 feet away picking a plastic bag out of the fire ring then sitting down to chew it. I was in awe if its size and composure. I took a picture. So did others. But then it was done eating the bag and started looking for something else.A general calamity soon followed. Two tenters were eating oatmeal. One put his bowl in the shelter. We all yelled, go away bear. One guy had an air horn. Nothing seemed to faze the thing. It meandered from the shelter to everyone's tent. It bluff charged me but I stood my ground near my tent. It took a taste of my tent then mosied up the hill. (Must be permethrin deters bears and ticks). It totally ignored my bear can, 10 feet away.While it was busy checking others out, including the inside of the shelter, I stuffed by pack, collapsed my tent, stuffed it in a plastic bag, and walked quickly up the trail. Once out of danger, I repacked everything.Later on, I found out the next shelter north, had a bear warning in the guide but also had bear boxes. A camper there said one of the boxes was filled with trash. Apparently this bear roams between the 2 shelters.There's a message in all of this; always pack out what you pack in, don't leave trash in the fire pit, and don't camp near the fire pit! Nature, up close can be fairly intimidating. Climbed Stratton mtn. Inspiration for Benton McKay to create the trail. MetThe bearAwesome, from PhoenixBilly goat and Red from ga. First met them at Fontana damThe entertainer I'm alivehttps://photos.app.goo.gl/Q1Cd...
Date: 2019-06-25
From: William Douglas shelter

To: lost pond shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

2 bear bags were stuck in a tree at the morning shelter. The owners were nowhere to be found.Shared a taxi to town for resupply. Good breakfast at the place upstairs. Town has a Scottish store (ser pics), a decent outfitter, a price chopper, and a bagel store.Got back on the trail and hiked in the rain for a few hours. It made for a more muddy day. But got alot of miles in. Also I was screamed at by a grouse. Must have been a nest nearby.Towards the end of the day I was surprised to find a climb up Baker peak. Lots of slanted rock on top and lots of garter snakes hanging out. By then the sun was out and I caught some good views.MetWeebil and chrome from ga.Gloworm dallas and ponce de leon nycNate, Burlington 46er, ltCamped with karaoke and rebootNoodlehttps://photos.app.goo.gl/MFfH...
Date: 2019-06-26
From: lost pond shelter

To: governor Clement shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: mist

First stream crossing shoeless.Katahdin sign on tree, 500 miles!Dried out by the pond shelter some.Got to the shelter just as a light rain started. Set my tent up in a downpour. Camped with naturday.https://photos.app.goo.gl/tQxH...
Date: 2019-06-27
From: governor Clement shelter

To: killington
Miles today: 14.6

I started to say to the guy from Virginia I met in the trail with his wife. He finished the sentence with "prettier". Yes, in effect the trails here are a muddy mess. Were told the soil doesn't drain well. But this is the original long distance trail section. Shouldn't they have addressed this by now? It seems ok in places that are near town. Hmmm. Hard to notice the beauty in nature when your watching every step.And I see which it's the green mountain state as several summits afford no views. They could stand to take care of some downed trees on killington as well. But I'm not complaining. Just noticing some things I've not experienced in other places. Then again, my feet hurt from being wet so much. Now I'm sure folks from here take great pride on their mud much like we do in the adks across the lake. It is a beautiful state and I'm glad I'm nearly through it.MetNaturday at the shelterSnowcap from Korea via kentuckyhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/Yn6k...
Date: 2019-06-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

AddedNew socks, darn tough made in vtNew head wrap, due to longer hair and help with bugsLong sleeve shirt, upf and cooler weatherWinter cap, higher elevationsFrogg togs ponchoNew bite valve for water bladder, old one leaks and moldingNew shoeshttps://photos.app.goo.gl/Jq6A...
Date: 2019-07-01
From: River Rd

To: winturri shelter
Miles today: 14.3

Back at it. Heavy load, lots of hills. Thankfully the mud has taken a break. Took a side trip to see the private cabin hikers can use. Went up to the widows peak for the view, the only one of the day.MetSweet cheeks2 ladies section hiking from OntarioTurbo and cheetah2 guys, music teachers, section hikinghttps://photos.app.goo.gl/8JKU...
Date: 2019-07-02
From: winturri shelter

To: west Hartford vt
Miles today: 16.8

There was a small sign on a tree advertising some trail magic. 100 yards down pomfret road. It turns out it was on a couples back porch. Sauce and I enjoyed some snacks and good conversation with Firefly who had hiked the trail with her husband in 2016. Now they're providing trail magic!I saw my second bear this a.m. 2 miles from the shelter. It ran away, like bears are supposed to. My 3rd bear of the trip, .2 south of a shelter, ran up a tree next to the trail. I had to navigate through the woods to get around it. Fortunately I came out near the shelter trail intersection. There's been a concerning amount of folks with lyme. Though most have gotten bit in the CT/ma/VT area. The grass here is very tall and the trail is narrow. Tick checks are a must.Found linda and Randy's place by accident. Super nice folks offering donuts, coffee, and soda. A few of us stayed the night camped in their yard. We ordered pizza and Randy took a few of us bridge jumping. It was the perfect ending of a long trail day.Pics-beware the hungry trees!WithSauce (ember, Sparks)TurboGeodude, snooze Bros from 501CheetahMetFirefly, loon (from Plattsburgh) , henriLinda, Randy owner of barnIron willUltra, env scientist from Spain, sleeps with foodhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/9NAf...
Date: 2019-07-03
From: west Hartford vt

To: moose mountain shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

In Hanover NH, home of Dartmouth University, a guy comes up to me on the street and says, "where'd you start and where will you end"?I said "Georgia, Mar 6, Maine".He says "how many miles do you have left, and how many have you done"?I said "about 450 to go, the trail is 2100".He says "oh, so 1500 or 1600. That's pretty good".I figured he must have gone to Yale.Ate at:Dan and whits in Norwich, vtAnd Lou's in Hanover nh (free pastry just for being a thru hiker) they sure like their donuts here.Pics-vt/nh border sign on bridge. Putting rock to good use!430 miles to go!https://photos.app.goo.gl/qLJS...
Date: 2019-07-04
From: moose mountain shelter

To: hexacuba shelter
Miles today: 17.7

Started out strong but got really tired. I could have stayed on smarts mountain, 3216', at the ranger cabin but wanted to make tomorrow a shorter day. Instead went to cube shelter, .3 uphill from AT. Water on AT. Ugh. I came here to hike! On the way up smarts mountain I saw a very colorful snake (pic). And I met Stacey, a great trail angel. She gave me a plum and offered to take my trash out. She was awesome and was there at just the right time. Thanks Stacey! Note, lots of butterflies at Jacobs Creek bridge. Beware!MetStacey, trail angelBuzz, with guy who lost his phone with great pics in the woods off trailGirl who hikes fast and took my pic on the approach to smarts Guys section hiking sobo. One guy broke his ankle previous year in pa. Gave me lots of advice on huts in the whites.https://photos.app.goo.gl/1ymE...
Date: 2019-07-05
From: hexacuba shelter

To: nh 25, welcome hiker hostel
Miles today: 14.8

Scared up another bear today and a snake who looked as afraid as I was.Had a beautiful morning on top of cube mountain but a long climb, 1.6 mi in 1 hr 20 min.Ended at a nice hostel, welcome hiker.MetPrometheus and shared some trail magic from the water gods (re new Belgium).Trader Josephine tj soboWill slack tomorrowWith star cruncher and moss and mojohttps://photos.app.goo.gl/1GUQ...
Date: 2019-07-06
From: nh 112

To: NH 25 welcome hiker hostel
Miles today: 9.7

Today I did my second sobo slack pack (all others were nobo). The forecast called for thunderstorms all day but other than a cloudy summit there was no rain.But is it hot. The bugs are out making the woods sound like they're buzzing. And the steep sobo climb had me soaked through. It reminded me of the words of an intrepid explorer used in today's title. Since I hiked back to the hostel I got a treat of another shower and the chance to do laundry again.Hiked withStar crusher and mossMojoMet Prometheus going nobo (lucky guy got trail magic at the shelter) and older guy (72) from Saratoga Wyoming(?) Going nobo section hikinghttps://photos.app.goo.gl/6NcW...
Date: 2019-07-07
From: nh 112

To: franconia notch
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: few clouds

Saw our first moose of the trip this morning on the drive to the trailhead to start our slackpack today. The stately animal waited for our car to stop, then trotted across the road. That's when one of the passengers asked about the drool. (And I thought I drooled alot.)The day was filled with long, rocky, steep climbs. Lots more people on this section. One woman I passed asked "so what's under the kilt?" It was the first time I didn't mind the question.Two girls from Cincinnati were section hiking. One was asking about the thru hike. When I said I left GA as number 603, the other asked, "wait, you weighed how much?".On a ledge of Kinsman mountain with an incredible view, several folks had dogs, all lose in this little area. One girl kept after her dog calling, "Emma, Emma", like she was a two year old child. It was annoying yet fun to watch as well.MetWildlifeInspectorRiverRunning bear (Bernard)Smokey41Ally2 Russians from nj, she gave me some power blockshttps://photos.app.goo.gl/pnLU...
Date: 2019-07-08
From: franconia notch

To: garfield ridge shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Mountains are definitely bigger now. Flowers are alpine. Trees are coniferous. Ridge walks remind me of Colorado and the sierras. Heavier pack means a slower pace too, to take it all in.Met2 quebecersNatalie, spice girl camp host2 local woman, 1 girl first time to do a 5000', older woman gave me an orangeBethany and clover from wolf mtn/Cincinnati https://photos.app.goo.gl/P641...
Date: 2019-07-09
From: garfield ridge shelter

To: Ethan pond
Miles today: 14.5

No camping and no landing drones the signs now say. What will they say in 20 years?Crowded campsite platforms last night. Wore my winter cap and long sleeve shirt this morning. Feels good to be chilly again.MetAsher, cook at Zealand falls hut, ty for the ziti!Work crew at campground https://photos.app.goo.gl/adfy...