morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-10
From: Vernon, NJ....Church Hostel

To: Camp on field
Miles today: 0.0

Uncomfortable night at the hostel. It was extremely hot and I changed locations twice, moving from chair to floor then back to the chair. In the morning we all got a big breakfast at the local diner which is always a town must. Chilled around the hostel played some wiffleball, basketball, watched a couple movies, and resupplied. I was also able to get in touch with EMS to get them to send my new pack to Fort Montgomery,NY. The only problem is Fort Montgomery is only 42 miles away and they said it should be there either Wednesday or Thursday. It's going to be a slow couple of days. Around 7pm that night just as we all getting situated for dinner a large crowd shows up. DD&t, Sparkplug, Shaka, Agame, marathon, and couple others. It was nice seeing everyone however the church hostel only allows 12 hikers per night and zeros are not allowed. The excuse given by the caretaker is that their toilet can't handle anymore people. Oh well. Last was uncomfortable for all of us so Pigeon, Cote, Stacey, Rawdog, and I decided to hike out to make room. We didn't get a hitch this time and had walk back to the trail. After about .3 miles up the trail we came to an open field that looked to be an amazing place to camp. It was however private property and the owner was there but let us tent and even called in a fire permit so we could have a camp fire. An amazing turn of events. A very fun night by the fire, a great sky full of stars, and a much more comfortable nights sleep.
Date: 2011-07-11
From: Camp on field

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: few clouds

After a great nights sleep and only being a few tenths of a mile from the road we hiked down to farm stand to get coffee and muffins. Great start to the morning then finally decided it time to hike on around 10. It was an extremely hot day and miles went by slow as the heat beat down on us. Energy was low with a tough thousand foot climb right off the bat. I jimmy-rigged my pack with an ace bandage to keep it together. Working so far.Terrain was very nice with only a few quick climbs and some fun rock scrambles. Then we entered another state, New York. New York is famous for being the deli stretch. A place where hungry hikers can get real food everyday only a short walk off trail. Only in New York does the wilderness disappear. Just before the shelter their was an ice cream stand only .2 miles from off the road. Yup we definitely went there. Another chill night at shelter with Pigeon, Sparkplug, Shaka, Agame, and Marathon.
Date: 2011-07-12
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Early start. Nice being on trail during the cool hours of the morning to crank out some good miles. After only 4 miles on trail I took a nap on top of a mountain and then made my morning coffee. A nice little break but then the heat of the day caught up to me. Another hot day on trail causing the miles to go by slow. A lot of PUDS (pointless up and downs) and MUDS (mindless up and downs). It was a very tiring day on trail with the continuous steep ups and downs. The heat just takes all the energy.Then the great trail of New York takes us through the lemon squeezer. A pointless walk between two giant boulders hikers need to maneuver through. Just pointless. After we made it through the lemon squeezer we all took a nice long break down by the lake. A great place to swim to beat the heat and their were also vending machines. I can't believe how excited I was to see a vending machine and also how willing I was to pay $2 for a soda. It was a great break and a nice place to cook dinner. Hiked out at 6:45 in the cool hours of the evening. Tough day on trail.
Date: 2011-07-13
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymore Spiritual Center
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Lazy start to the morning felt very groggy. Couple of good climbs along the way with nice views looking down into the valley. Then a great climb up Bear Mountain with some extremely impressive rock steps. At the top we could just make out the NYC skyline only 35 miles away. Very strange being in the woods and now being this close to the city.Last time I was here I took the wrong trail down. This time I knew where to go and followed the official white blazes down to the zoo. Quickly meandered through the zoo. Caged animals don't seem the same when I get to see them on trail acting naturally.After the zoo I walked into Fort Montgomery to the post office with a sick feeling my pack wouldn't be there. When I asked the representative if their was a package for Riese she said no. FUCK! Then she said wait a minute let me check the new arrivals and yes their is was. Nice pack from osprey but I'm going to have to get use to packing it.The heat start beating down on my as I crossed the Hudson River. Started feeling sick and dehydrated even though I just drank 3 liters of water in town. Finally made it to the Appalachian Market and drank some more water. A women showed up a few minutes later as Sparkplug, Marathon, and I were hanging out and asked if anyone needed to go to the pharmacy. She felt someone here wasn't feeling well. Weird. I would have gone but didn't know what I would get. Still a very strange occurrence. After eating dinner at the deli it was less than 1 miles to the Graymore center. Strange being back here but a great place with good company. Hobo styled it on a picnic table. Strangely comfortable night
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Graymore Spiritual Center

To: RPH
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Fairly late start on trail but the after the 1st two miles, beer magic. It was past 10 so I didn't feel bad and well I could use the extra calories to get me through the day. A nice little treat. Good terrain through out the day. NY has had a little change of pace and we cruised into RPH shelter. The best part about the RPH shelter is the ability to order pizza here. However that became a huge hassle but Sparkplug was able to make it happen. They definitely raised the price of pizza on us and our total bill came to over $150 with only a $6 tip. Oh well. Hiker's are cheap.
Date: 2011-07-15
From: RPH

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 38.2

Surprise, Surprise another late start on trail. Hung around the shelter with big talks of a night hike into Kent, CT. It's also the full moon. Big Ben, Rawdog, Sparkplug, Marathon and I decided it was a great idea. Finally left shelter at 9 and after a quick 5 miles made it to yet another NY Deli just off the trail for 2nd breakfast.Terrain was very easy cruised the miles. Also just extremely excited for the night hike. Just seemed like today was just preparation for the main event, the night hike. Just before our 1st checkpoint to take a break we got beer magic from Agame and Shaka. A nice surprise as they were going to take a couple days off. Rolled into our 1st checkpoint 20 miles in to eat and rest up for another 18 into town. We'll be in Kent for breakfast.Lounged around and we were on trail by 12:15 with perfect conditions. A full moon, clear sky, and cool temps down in the 60s. For the first couple miles we didn't even need headlamps as we cruised through open fields. Once in the woods we needed to go under headlamp because the trees blocked out most of the light. Hiking at night is an extremely unique experience. It awesome as 6 headlamps walked in line through the darkness. The forest is extremely quiet too. Off to our right about a half dozen coyotes made their presence known as the howled just off trail. An amazing experience, it really gets your adrenaline going.At the first shelter 5 miles in Sparkplug and Ladypants decided to end their night hike and rest up. Around 3am Big Ben, Rawdog, Marathon and I crossed the Connecticut border. Nice being back in New England. Ten miles in Marathon decided to stop at the next shelter just as the sun was starting to rise. With the rising sun it seems like I got my second wind. Then with 6 miles left the tough part of the day, a thousand foot climb. That just kicked my ass and I the miles dragged on. I made into Kent though at 8:45 just in time for breakfast. Ate a big meal then passed out in the grass completely exhausted.
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Kent, CT

To: Stewart Hollow Brook 
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

After arriving in town and eating breakfast I just crashed for a few hours in the park. Chilled around town for most of the day. Kent, Ct sucks though. Worst town on trail. Not hiker friendly at all. However I did manage to get a couple free beers at the local bar which was nice.Finally hiked out at 6 in the cool hours of the evening. Slow lazy miles and even slower down the steep St John Ledges. Strolled into shelter at 8:45 and pitched tent to take advantage of cool weather and to keep the bugs off.
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Stewart Hollow Brook 

To: Toymaker's Cafe
Miles today: 18.2

Very comfortable nights sleep so I slept in and hit trail at 10. Very peaceful morning section which was completely flat as it followed the Housatonic river. After that a couple moderate climbs but nothing strenuous. Took a couple naps during the day to beat some of heat and just continued my stroll through the woods. Caught up with Marathon and Rawindy on trail and hiked with them for a few miles.At the road we found a vending machine close to the trail. I get so excited to see a vending machine now a days, it's amazing. I also got vending machine magic, 2 powerade's fell down for the price of 1. Awesome. Easy miles the rest of the day as we continued to follow the Housatonic River again. Marathon and I decided to head into Falls Village to camp at the Toymakers Cafe with the hopes of breakfast in the morning and maybe pizza tonight. After a short walk into town Falls Village has absolutely nothing. Everything was closed for the day and it was only 7 and the cafe only serves breakfast thursday - sunday. However we were able to order pizza.At Toymakers cafe I was surprised to find Rawdog here. He apparently got lost and ended up following the river until he saw a white blaze. Nice little side adventure. Very chill night.
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Toymaker's Cafe

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and on trail at 9am with no breakfast from the cafe. Oh well pop-tarts will have to do. Chilled up on top of a waterfall for a long time. Very peaceful up there. As the hike continued to got some nice views along the way into Salisbury, CT looking out at the country side. Met up with Rawdog and Marathon just outside of town and as we got to the road the dark clouds opened up and the rains came. Perfect. Oh well.When we walked the short .4 into town we just chilled outside the coffee shop in the rain. Haha right in the center of town. All locals just walked past and tried not to make eye contact with us. It was funny how they reacted to our presence. It was scattered storms all day and eventually we hiked out of town. Only 3 miles to the next shelter. At the top of climb out of town the sun came out. Nice to just sit and dry out most of the gear for a while.Arrived at shelter by 6 which offered a nice view, perfect for sunrise. A very chill night with Rawdog and Marathon. Thought Josh and Stacey would catch up to me here but they never showed. Not sure where they are. Excited to cross into Mass tomorrow morning.
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Riga Shelter

To: Hemlocks Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

An extremely restless night in shelter. The bugs were insane. I had battle with them most of night until at midnight I threw in the towel and set up my tent. They won this time. I slept right through sunrise and finally hit trail by 9.Quick climb up bear mountain, the tallest peak in CT. Then straight down into Sage's Ravine and the Massachusetts border. Nice being in my home state. Sage's ravine is beautiful. A magical green forest that follows a calming river through the forest. Just an amazing place.After passing through the ravine an extremely steep climb up Race Mountain followed by an exposed ridge walk with amazing views. It's nice to be up above 2000 ft for the 1st time since Virginia. After a quick decent another steep climb up Everette Mountain followed. Tough climb made tougher by the heat and humidity. Made into shelter at 2:30 to escape the heat. Big Ben, Rawdog, Marathon and I tried to complete a 1000 piece puzzle. We failed miserably.Pigeon showed up shortly after and I was able to get word on Josh and Stacey. He told they stopped at the shelter just before Salibury and expected them here tonight. However they didn't show. Hmmmm.Took a nap at 5pm and wake up again until 6am the next morning. I guess I was more exhausted than I thought.
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Hemlocks Shelter

To: East Mountain Retreat
Miles today: 16.4

I can't believe I slept for almost 13 hours. Up at 6am fully refreshed and on trail by 7am. I need to start doing this more often. Hiking in the cool hours of the morning is so much more comfortable.Another amazing ridge walk looking down in the valley with the early morning fog still in the valley. Just an amazing view. The Berkshires have been amazing. Mass has some great trail out here. After the rocky ridge walk the trail dipped back down into the valley of pine forests. What a great transfer of terrain.Pigeon and I met up with Big Ben, Rawdog, and Marathon at trail magic. It's always funny how hikes congregate near free food. We all stayed for 2 hours eating fruit and candy while drinking sodas and gatorade. A nice long break in the mid day heat.The humidty continues and the miles drag on slowly. We took a lot of breaks through out the day. After a couple nice climbs we some cool views looking back at Mt Rave and Everette.After a short discussion we decided to stay at the hostel at the next road crossing. The heat is just killing us. Plus I haven't showered or done laundry since New Jersey. I think its time. So Pigeon, Rawdog and I went down to hostel and surprise surprise we can order pizza. Great decision and a very chill night.
Date: 2011-07-21
From: East Mountain Retreat

To: Upper Goose Cabin
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

We all got up at 6am planning to get an early start to they day in the cool hours of the morning. However, the sleeping conditions with a big fan and soft mattresses was too powerful and didn't get on trail until 9am.Another extremely hot day in the 90's again. Slow miles with a little climb and by 11 I had 3 miles behind me. Water became scarce again on trail but 10 miles in their was an amazing spring on trail. Sat their for over an hour and cameled up. The terrain leveled out and by 3pm the temps started to drop slightly with a nice breeze.Cruised into upper goose cabin by 6:15 claimed a bunk and headed down the pond to cool off. Took a very refreshing swim. Upper goose cabin one of the best shelters on trail. It has a caretaker who makes pancakes in the morning. What more can I ask for.Still not sure where Josh and Stacey are. No word from the trail. Planning to head into Dalton tomorrow. The temps are suppose to reach 96. Awesome. Planning to take a couple days off at the birdcage hostel. You must zero before you can beero. Hoping Josh and Stacey will catch me there.
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Upper Goose Cabin

To: Birdcage...Dalton,MA
Miles today: 20.6

After a great breakfast made up of pancakes and fresh coffee from the caretakers I got an early start on trail. Beautiful morning. Fun day on trail as Big Ben, Pigeon, Rawdog, Leap and I cruised together. The miles flew by. Made it to the cookie lady by 12:45 where we were able to beat the heat. We got free cookies and couple sodas. I decided to hike out at 2 and cruised the remaining flat terrain into Dalton. Another hot days but the miles were easy and it didn't phase me as much. Just before Dalton, trail magic, cold mountain dews. Perfect.Went down the Shell gas station and called Rob Bird who came down the picked me up. He also remembered me from my stay 2 years ago. The Birdcage is an amazing hostel. Great shower, laundry, and just an over all comfortable atmosphere. Pigeon, Rawdog, Big Ben, and Leap all showed up shortly after. When everyone had showered Rob drove us to the country buffet for an AYCE. Even one of the servers there remember me. Not sure what I did 2 years ago to get remembered. Kind of strange.Back at the Birdcage it was a fun night with the hikers. Beers and wedding crashers makes for a great ending to the day. Loving the AT.
Date: 2011-07-24
From: Birdcage...Zero

To: Birdcage...Beero
Miles today: 0.0

Before you can beero you must zero. Chill couple of days at the Birdcage with Pigeon, Big Ben, Rawdog and Cleanshave caught back up. He caught Lyme and is on doxy at the moment but still hiking. The birdcage was a good break to get out of the heat. I even did some work for stay and mowed the lawn because I was kind of bored sitting around.90 degree heat all week and its nice not to have to hike in it. Just an all around good time partying at the birdcage for a couple days. Rob Bird is the greatest trail angel on the AT. Amazing hospitality. Agame, Shaka, Sparkplug all showed up. No news about Josh and Stacey. They should have either passed them or maybe they passed through Dalton.
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Birdcage...Beero

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Late start out of town as usual. The birdcage is a very hard place to leave. An overcast start with cool temps make for very enjoyable hiking conditions however it's definitely going to rain on me. After a quick break in Cheshire for lunch I was back on the trail to start the climb up Greylock. Our biggest climb since Three ridges in central Virginia. Just as I started going up the rains poured down turning the trail into river. First heavy rain hiking in a long while and sloshed through the mud. I prefer hiking in the rain than to the heat any day.Took a couple of breaks under rock outcroppings so I could sit in a dry place. Then meandered on to the 1st shelter to get out of the rain. Planned to move on but mother natures fury made my decision for me as the rains didn't let up. Lazy time at the shelter trying to dry out as much of my gear as possible. Didn't work out to well. Chilly night at shelter. It's nice to be at elevation and actually need my sleeping bag for comfort.
Date: 2011-07-26
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Seth Warner
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Late start due to chilly morning fog. Not very inviting to hike climb out of the warmth of my sleeping bag and hike. But I must keep going north. After getting out bag and onto the trail was great. Still muddy but the temp was perfect for hiking. Climbed up Greylock, the highest point in Mass, and summitted around 10. Still in a thick cloud. Grabbed a cup of coffee and also a free muffin at Bascom Lodge and just chilled on the summit for almost an hour talking with the park ranger. Also seeing more and more SOBO's on trail. Don't like the weather just wait and that's what I did then the sun came out with clear blue skys and I was able to climb to the tower to get some great views. My last views in Massachusetts.After leaving the summit the trail descends steeping down into the town of North Adams where I was going to get some lunch and do a quick resupply. As I was walking to the grocery store I noticed the dark clouds forming pushing the blue sky away. The rain started about 3pm. More heavy rain and very dark storm clouds swirling around. After talking with a couple locals they said hail was being reported only 45 minutes away from here. Perfect. So I just sat there and waited the storm out. Around 5 the weather broke and I was able to hike on in a light rain. A couple miles later, Welcome to Vermont, 12th state on trail. I can't believe I'm already here. Amazing. Chill night at shelter however their was an annoying camp group from the Ukraine. Making a mess around shelter and noisy. But very entertaining watching them try and figure out how this backpacking thing works.
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Seth Warner

To: Bennington, Vt....the Vortex
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

On trail late again with another 9am start. Oh well the weather has been pretty nice now that we are at elevation again. Terrain was very gradual in the morning and climb up Harmon hill was not tough. Some great views at the top looking down into Bennington. Getting down to the road was another story. Very steep rocky steps for the last mile or so. When I got to the road I contemplated going into town. So I gave myself a half hour to try and hitch a ride then I'd hike on. I got a ride within 10 minutes. The woman who picked me up said she only picks up 1 hiker a year and I was this years hiker. Lucky me.In town I walked around got a soda and then wandered over to the vortex hostel to see if anyone I knew was there. Pigeon, Rawdog, and Cleanshave had arrived this morning. Well I got sucked into another town and another nero. Perfect the best way to hike to AT. The hostel run by Chris and Arla is another amazing place that should not be missed. I was also refereed too by Rob Bird. Similar to the birdcage a very comfortable place to hang out. They even have working bikes so we could bike around town. Pigeon and I cruised the streets of Bennington for a couple hours and even made a pit stop at taco bell.Another fun night with hikers just chilling at the hostel. Beers in the backyard. Loving the AT.
Date: 2011-07-28
From: Bennington, Vt....the Vortex

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Pigeon, Cleanshave, Rawdog and I went down to the local dinner for a big breakfast and surprise surprise another late start. Before leaving for the trail I got some sad news. Cote got merca staff and is on heavy antibiotics. He will be off trail for at least 10 days he says. Not sure if he will be able to catch me.After getting a quick hitch out of town we had a very steady climb right off the bat. A constant 10 mile climb up to Gastenbury Mountain. But this time we were rewarded with a great view from the fire tower up top. Great trail. Loving the Vermont water situation too. Nice cold springs are very frequent now.The second half of the trail was just as nice only more downhill and we cruised into shelter. Now time to contemplate my attack on Manchester Center. Hmmmm.
Date: 2011-07-29
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Another late start but again cool weather makes for comfortable hiking conditions. Feels like rain again though. Easy miles all day. One gradual climb up Stratton Mountain with a fire tower view that was completely fogged in. Oh well. Long lunch at the top with Pigeon and Rawdog. Always good times on trail when you have no worries about miles anymore. I can just chill wherever I want for however long I want. No rush to get to Maine.Cruised the rest of day. More easy miles. About 7 miles from shelter the sky finally opened up and poured on us. More heavy rains. The rains just make the Vermont nickname Vermud true. Trail is all slop. Oh well its all good now. Funny how my attitude has changed. I remember getting pissed at the trail in rainy conditions back in Virginia. Now I just hike on always smiling.Made into shelter by 5:45. A great shelter with a huge covered front porch, sliding door, and fireplace. No real need for the fireplace and the rain pretty much killed off the bugs so no need to close the door while the porch was a great place to dry wet gear. Also another great VT spring only 50 yards from shelter. Pigeon, Cleanshave and Rawdog all arrived shortly after and another SOBOr is at the shelter too. Heavy rains all night kept the temps low and another comfortable sleeping night.Made my decision on Manchester Center. I'm going to the Green Mountain House. I mean why not. I got no where to be. Everyone talks about it as one of greatest hostels on trail.