morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 414.0Total AT Miles Completed = 1437.4Percentage of AT Completed = 65.7%When I arrived at the state park yesterday afternoon there were about a dozen other hikers who also just hiked twenty plus difficult miles. We all knew there was a separate camping area, but it was a good half mile away. Too tired to go any further, we decided to set up our tents on the grass area next to the restroom building. At 4:00am this morning we got a surprise visit from the police.   They asked for id's then said AT hikers should be accommodated better, then let us go. I'm worn out today after yesterday's long day, so when I arrived at Morgan Stewart shelter I decided to stay put.   Interestingly the water source down the hill is a hand pump.
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 430.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1454.0Percentage of AT Completed = 66.4%The day was going fairly uneventful until I passed another hiker on the trail. We exchanged pleasantries then I pushed on ahead. Nature has a way of offering entertainment in the natural life cycle of her objects. Today a tree partially decayed had the look as though it were laughing, like something out of The Wizard of Oz. It was mostly sunny today except for the last mile of the 16.6 miles from Morgan Stewart, when the rain started falling.   Just as I plopped down in Wiley shelter the rain eased up.   After changing my clothes I felt chilled to the point of shaking violently. This is not uncommon after hiking hard.   The problem can be easily solved by eating dinner.   In the meantime I'll nap in my comfy 20 degree quilt. About an hour after I lay down, the hiker I met earlier came in.   As we began talking I learned he is from Fremont Ohio, the town next to my home in Port Clinton Ohio. He also hiked the state of Virginia last year the same time I did.   I don't remember seeing him though.
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Mt. Algo
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles this year = 443.0Total AT Miles Completed = 1466.4Percentage of AT Completed = 67.0%Today two thirds of the trail is complete. I now wish I had done the entire trail over a three year period instead of four. This third quarter will end just before the most difficult section, New Hampshire and Maine. Next year I will have to consider shorter mile days. I walked into Connecticut today, and the trail has a different feel already. There are more spruce fir forests, certainly more water available.   After the 12.4 miles I'd planned, I walked into Kent. This is a very manicured town.   A bright white sided country club with perfectly cut grass, the Kent school looks high profile, the shops downtown all have a New England look about them. I stopped at the Backcountry Outfitters to pick up my resupply box. Inside the store is an ice cream shop as well, so I couldn't pass up a milkshake.   Many of the shops in town have sidewalk tables where many folks enjoy a coffee or even dinner. I sit down at a table outside a restaurant and order a burger. At 3:00 I decide to walk back up to the trailhead. I try to decide if I want to hike north, or backtrack the 0.3 mile to the Mt. Algo shelter, which I did.   I'm to tired to go on today.
Date: 2016-06-10
From: Mt. Algo

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 460.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1483.7Percentage of AT Completed = 67.8%The beauty of Connecticut stands out in the freshness of the spruce forest, the needles under foot, the abundance of streams and water falls. It all looks so gentle.   I arrived at Pine Swamp Brook shelter to find a young lady named Magic. She is obviously in her 20's, but seems to have some defect which causes her to act likes young child. I am surprised she's been out on the trail for over thirty days.   She is worried she won't make the Falls Village Post Office before they close at noon on Saturday.   I assure her that if she gets up early with me in the morning she will have plenty of time.
Date: 2016-06-11
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Maria McCabe's - Salisbury CT. 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 475.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1499.2Percentage of AT Completed = 68.5%I started walking at my usual 5:00am time and watched the sun rise. Soon the sky was overcast.   By 11:00am it started raining, then the sky dumped buckets of rain for three hours.   I walked carefully up and down the rocky steps. The moment I stepped down on the road that leads into Salisbury, the rain stopped.   Maria McCabe's home was easy to find; the first house on her street.   Maria, 86, is a precious soul who loves hikers.   Her house is essentially a hostel. She's been doing this for 20 years.   . When I walked up she said, "Are you Mr. Hall, I've been waiting for you"?   There are three other hikers sitting on the porch and Maria wants to get me something to drink.   Due to the cold rain I said coffee. She made a pot just for me.   She showed me the shower-bath, the towels, and the sheets for my beds.   She said as soon ask shower, she would run us four hikers to the laundromat, and could eat at the restaurant next door.   She said when we're done to give her a call and she will pick us up.   It's as though her reason for living is to help hikers.
Date: 2016-06-12
From: Maria McCabe's - Salisbury CT. 

To: Maria McCabe's - Salisbury CT. 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 475.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1499.2Percentage of AT Completed = 68.5%Today is a zero day, after walking for hours in the cold rain yesterday, I badly need a day off. I could not have chosen a more welcoming place thanMaria McCabe's home.   I have stayed in many hostels up and down the trail, but Maria is truly the grandmother to hikers. Her guidebook entry says she offers a shower, linens, a trip to the laundromat, and breakfast. But beyond these things, she's offering the little personal touches that a mother would do.   I have dubbed her, "The Jewel of the Trail".   Recently a hiker lost his camera on the trail, and told Maria about that. Unknown to the hiker, Maria called her daughter-in-law to go check at several stores and the library to she if anyone turned in a camera.   Sure enough it was found at the library.   Maria presented the hiker with his camera. She goes out of the way for everyone.   She said to me this afternoon, if it's raining tomorrow morning, I could stay another day on her. My fear is however, that she will be able to continue for very long. At 86, she limits her trips upstairs, and asks hikers to help with certain chores. She frequently mentions her being tired and not feeling well.   When she finally does discontinue her hostel, it will be a tremendous loss.   P.S. Happy birthday to my son Chad!
Date: 2016-06-13
From: Maria McCabe's - Salisbury CT. 

To: Hemlock Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Miles this year = 489.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1512.7Percentage of AT Completed = 69.1%Maria doesn't get up until 9:00am, so I made myself breakfast of cinnamon raisin bread, juice and coffee.   Before I left I scribbled a note on a napkin thanking her once again for her hospitality. Two more milestones reached today, I crossed the 1500 mile mark on the AT, and I walked into Massachusetts. That makes ten states done and only four more to go! The last few days I feel somewhat underdressed as I hike, with the unusually cool and very windy weather.   I had already sent home my long sleeve shirt and vest. When I arrive at the Hemlock shelter at 1:00, I need to crawl under my bag and nap a couple hours to stop shivering. I've been out hiking now for 35 days, and I'm just now beginning to get trail legs. The big test today was Mt Everett, of which the south side was very steep.   I seemed to walk right up, even with a full resupply of food in my pack. Too bad ill have to start over again next spring when I start in New Hampshire. Today is uneventful and I am alone in the shelter, although it is peaceful.
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Hemlock Shelter

To: Mt. Wilcox South
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Miles this year = 508.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1532.3Percentage of AT Completed = 70.0%Left Hemlock shelter bound for Wilcox South shelter, 19.6 miles. Today was uneventful except for the four mature gentlemen I met as I headed up the trail just north of Homes Road at mile 1523.5. They are out for the day hiking for several miles. After exchanging names and my itinerary, one of the fellows said, "You're going southbound"?   "No, northbound".   He insisted I was going southbound.   Another of the group said, "Wait, let's check Guthook's App". "By golly we are southbound.   We must've got turned around at the top". We followed each other to the top, and indeed there is a very confusing turn.   They thanked me for saving their day.   The Wilcox S shelter is identical to the Hemlock and Tom Lenard shelters. It is a very nice design with two double bunks and a loft over the overhang.   This was a difficult day for me.   The last climb I had to rest after every three or four steps.
Date: 2016-06-15
From: Mt. Wilcox South

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 524.7Total AT Miles Completed = 1548.1Percentage of AT Completed = 70.7%I was a little apprehensive about walking the 0.5 mile off the trail to Upper Goose Pond Cabin, but it was the right decision.   The large red building is very welcoming, with a large front porch and picnic table. There are a dozen bunks with mattresses upstairs for hikers. There is no electricity, and the water is collected in gallon jugs from a spring. The cabin is staffed with a full time caretaker who cleans the cabin, welcomes hikers, and cooks a pancake breakfast every morning. Nancy is the volunteer caretaker for two weeks. She teaches school during the year, but this volunteer time helps her to unwind from her teaching job.   She offers us a cup of coffee or tea from a propane stove in the kitchenette. I'm seeing a lot of hikers I've met on the trail, including new ones. D squared, Ha Ha, and Tangerine are here, and I see from the trail register that Packs was here yesterday.
Date: 2016-06-16
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Miles this year = 542.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1565.7Percentage of AT Completed = 71.5%Nancy the cabin caretaker is in the kitchen early this morning; I can hear the pans banging across the stove.   Hikers are gathers on the front porch waiting for the breakfast bell. Everyone gets six pancakes and coffee, and the food disappears quickly.   I'm the first to finish and on the trail.   One of my goals today is to stop at The Cookie Lady's house. For years Marilyn Wiley has offered cookies, sodas to hikers from her home. It was sad to find no one home today. I rolled into Kay Wood shelter at 2:30, the first one here. Soon several others arrive and we have good conversations.
Date: 2016-06-17
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Bascomb Lodge - Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 562.5Total AT Miles Completed = 1585.9Percentage of AT Completed = 72.4%Being away from home for seven weeks does have its consequences. Not serious, but I do call Yvonne at least once a day, and makes my absence more tolerable and acceptable. That's true especially today, our 49th wedding anniversary.   Our sons already sent their well wishes early this morning and Yvonne called while I was sitting in the Juice and Java Restaurant.   I'm waiting for the post office to open next door at 8:30 to pickup my resupply box, so I'm killing time drinking coffee. After I load my pack down with food, I'll start up Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts highest peak at 3491 ft. Basically an uphill climb all day. I hope I can make it. I felt strong all day, and I attribute this to the hearty breakfast of four eggs, toast, juice, and an egg and cheese muffin.   That got me going out of Dalton, then in Cheshire the trail run by Dianna's Twist, where I had a couple hotdogs and a raspberry milkshake. The climb up Mt. Greylock was long but I was able to get there by 4:30. I saw two bears today, numbers eight and nine, just as I left Cheshire. Nothing unusual except this was the first time it didn't run away.   A mother and cub stood and glared at me even when I hollered, "Hey bear"!   I slowly moved along the trail.   The Bascomb Lodge on the summit of Greylock has an air of peacefulness and relaxation. A great place to spend an evening.
Date: 2016-06-18
From: Bascomb Lodge - Mt. Greylock

To: Seth Warner shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 570.4Total AT Miles Completed = 1593.8Percentage of AT Completed = 72.8%The trail is beginning to ascend and descend much more as we move further north, and hikers are really beginning to feel the effects.   Mt. Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts at 3491 ft., from where I left this morning. The trail drops to 600 ft. at Route 2 in North Adams then rises quickly to the Seth Warner shelter. We are now on Vermont's Long Trail as well as the AT. There are 20 people here at Seth Warner, six in the shelter, and the rest in tents and hammocks.   Several are just starting a hike on the LT.   I suppose the shelters in Vermont will host many hikers each night.
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Seth Warner shelter

To: Melville Nauheim shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 582.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1606.3Percentage of AT Completed = 73.4%Another milestone today.   I've reached the 1600 mile mark. Only 589 miles to Mt. Katahdin, but that will have to wait until next year, God willing.   As hikers arrive at Melville Nauheim shelter, all comment on the descent to VT route 9.   In New England the valley between mountains are called "notches" for good reason.   The sharp steepness of the mountains creates the notch.   In southern states, they're called gaps. Everyone is tired from the notch.
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Melville Nauheim shelter

To: Story Spring shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: moderate rain

Miles this year = 597.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1620.7Percentage of AT Completed = 74.0%I remembered that today is my son's 13th wedding anniversary with his wife Erin.   I sent a text while I was on top of the fire tower on Glastenberry Mountain.   I am enjoying hiking the lower portion of Vermont because it is familiar to me having done this twice before. The first time was my northbound LT attempt in 2012. I was very green, not having the experience.   My pack was too heavy, I was overweight, my shoes were too light for the rocks, so I quit at route 4 by the Inn at the Long Trail.   The next year, 2013, I successfully completed a southbound end to end hike. Here I am again going north as an AT hike.   I suppose I could take credit for what I've already done, but I want this hike continuous.   I got to Story Spring shelter about 2:30 and set up my tent week. The bugs are very active, enough to drive me into my tent for an hour.   As usual, the mix of people at the picnic table lead to much conversation and laughter.
Date: 2016-06-21
From: Story Spring shelter

To: Stratton Pond shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Miles this year = 616.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1640.0Percentage of AT Completed = 74.9%Today is the first day of summer, but after the wild thunder storm last night, the temperature dropped to a comfortable 55 degrees, brisk winds and clear skies. My day began with the walk up Stratton Mountain. As I first viewed the caretaker's cabin I could see that the door was open. Jean and Hugh Joudry have been the caretakers for fifty years. Jean is a fascinating conversationalist.   She explained that the very rare Bicknell's Thrush make its home on top of Stratton.   I looked up the species on my iBird app, and played the bird's call.   We could then hear them calling through the trees. She said the audio for iBird was recorded here on Stratton.   I'm making today a short ten mile day to Stratton Pond shelter because I'm going into Manchester Center tomorrow.   This shelter is large enough for sixteen people, and a picnic table in the vestibule. I arrived early enough to dry out my tent from last night's storm and air out my sleeping bag. I am the only one here until June-e-moon and her companion arrived and then an older gentleman who likes to get out and hike short sections.
Date: 2016-06-22
From: Stratton Pond shelter

To: Manchester Center - Green Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 627.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1650.7Percentage of AT Completed = 75.4%Today I reached the three quarter mark of the trail, although there was no marker. It's amazing to me that I've spent months walking up and down mountains living on top of the world.   What's even more heartening is experiencing the goodness of people. There nothing more beautiful than to see people give of themselves when the benefit of their labor helps someone other than themselves.   I'm convinced the trail continues to be maintained only because people love.   In our world, that love is not easy to find, or at least not visible. I thumbed a ride from the trailhead at VT route 11 in the rain, thinking who wants to pick up a wet hiker. The fifth car stopped and the gentleman said, "looks like you need a ride".   He dropped me off at the EMS outfitter where I bought some shoe goo and had the tips replaced on my hiking poles. The rocks have really beat up my shoes. At Green Mountain Hostel, I was just handed a list of people who live near the Hanover New Hampshire area who offer to have hikers stay in their homes free of charge.   The upper New England lodging rates tend to be very expensive. I've hiked through the Manchester Center area twice before while doing the Long Trail, so this is my third time staying at the Green Mountain House Hostel. Jeff is a terrific host, and maintains the cleanest hostel on the entire trail. Tonight I'll shower and grill burgers for a real meal.
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Manchester Center - Green Mountain Hostel

To: Manchester Center - Green Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Miles this year = 627.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1650.7Percentage of AT Completed = 75.4%Today is a zero day. Gotta take these to recover once every couple weeks. Sad to say my hike is over in another three days.   I've been overly concerned about entering the White Mountains of New Hampshire next year, but I found a set of maps here at the hostel that really will help.   Bald Whistler, a 59 year old hiker was here yesterday, and told me his strategy of making reservations in the huts. That's certainly doable, but a very expensive option. Each of the huts charge over a hundred dollars each night. I'll work out some details over this winter. I don't know what my plan will be. I do know I won't hike over them with a full pack. Maybe slack packing?D Squared and General Lee came in today.   They are taking a zero day tomorrow while I get back on the trail.
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Manchester Center - Green Mountain Hostel

To: Little Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Miles this year = 643.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1667.2Percentage of AT Completed = 76.2%A very long and uneventful day until I reach the parking lot that leads to Little Rock Pond. A family, whose son is thru hiking, drove from Ohio to meet their son and to set up a trail manic table.   They have hot dogs, chili sauce, baked beans, fruit, and a large tub of Gatorade. What a welcome sight. Little Rock Pond is another idyllic place similar to Stratton Pond. The shelter itself is inviting with a picnic table in the shelter. Sleep came fast tonight.
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Little Rock Pond Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 660.7Total AT Miles Completed = 1684.1Percentage of AT Completed = 76.9%Today is a repeat of yesterday. The terrain was difficult with much elevation change. When I reached the bridge at Clarendon Gorge, two young ladies had set up a trail magic tent serving burgers, hot dogs, chips, etc.   For hikers, these trail magic setups are appreciated beyond words.   I arrived at Governor Clement shelter with a feeling of sadness. Tomorrow will be my last sayid hiking the AT this year.   I will be out 48 days, and I think back when I started on May 10th, it seems so long ago.   The events that happened early this outing, seems like they're from another time. That said, I do miss my dear wife. We've been in contact every day thanks to cell phones.
Date: 2016-06-26
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Route 4 - Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Miles this year = 677.4Total AT Miles Completed = 1700.8Percentage of AT Completed = 77.7%I have mixed feelings today as I must end my hike for the year, as I had planned. The thru hikers I talk with don't seem to understand that there are other priorities in life other than hiking. I have to explain that the 4th of July is coming up and family commitments are important. I woke up relaxed this morning knowing I only needed to hike ten miles over Killington and resolved to cherish my few remaining hours.   Three quarters of the way up Killington I turned on my phone, and received a text from my neighbor back home. My wife Yvonne woke this morning with severe chest pains and called the emergency squad. She was taken to the Toledo hospital and is stable. Tests are being run to find the cause.   I did speak with her and she's sounds fine. I certainly did not expect this, and my train doesn't leave Rutland until Tuesday morning. I won't be home until Wednesday morning.   My immediate thought was don't enjoy the moment too much as it may get shot down by life's trials. An event like this certainly reminds me of life's important priorities of family. I exited the trail from the woods onto route 4 about noon, and the pavement was hot. I stowed my poles in my pack and immediately stuck my thumb out for a ride up the hill to the Inn at the Long Trail. This will be my third time staying here, as itis a relaxing and peaceful place to recover from the trail. I stayed in 2012 during my first Long Trail attempt, and again in 2013 during my SOBO LT end-to-end hike. My thanks to all who've followed this journal through these last two months. At this point I need to go home and start planning for next summer's walk through the White Mountains and Maine. I finish this year knowing there is only 489 miles left to Katahdin. This certainly isn't the end, rather a continuation of a dream. May all of you keep your dreams alive! Keep hiking.
Date: 2017-06-21
To: The Yellow Deli - Rutland
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 0Total AT Miles Completed = 1700.8Percentage of AT Completed = 77.7%The alarm jolted me awake at 2:30 this morning but this day is different.  I awoke with an adrenaline rush. In forty five minutes my ride will pull into my driveway and deliver me to the Amtrak station, 12 miles away in Sandusky Ohio.  I had planned on driving our car and just leaving it at the train station, then my wife Yvonne would have one of her friends take her during the day to pick it up.  Two of her friends, Carol and Alice, decided they would love to pick me up at home and take me in exchange for some insights on how to live on the trail. The chatting among us passed the time quickly.  As I boarded the train I turned and waved to them as they honked a fond farewell from their car. The rail car was quite empty save one or two others, which made the ride more enjoyable than usual.  The stops went by quickly, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, Rochester, and finally Schenectady New York.  Here I'll wait for the evening train headed north to Rutland Vermont.