morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-17
From: Rattlesnake Spring Campsite

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rain comes through during the night and it is still sprinkling in the morning, so I sleep in and leave camp late. I walk by a pond and the frogs are croaking in full swing. I walk along a ridgeline after that and see a deer cross the trail, it takes off once it sees me. I don't know how it didn't smell me first. I find more blueberries today. As I start to climb Rattlesnake Mtn it begins to thunder and rain. I walk through this for about an hour and a half. There are many rocks on the trail, they are a pain in the butt already but even worse now that they are wet and I fall three times today. Luckily I didn't get hurt.
Date: 2011-06-18
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Pochuck Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: clear sky

Got an early start this morning so I could do the miles in a decent time. As I was crossing a stream I saw movement to my right. It was a buck in velvet, he ran a few yards and turned to look at me, I was able to get some pictures. Had lunch at High Point State Park and ran into Blaze and Ulee. While I walked through Wallkill Preserve I saw geese and two deer in a swampy area. New Jersey is a lot swampier than I realized. Made it to the shelter, I am tired and my feet are hurting from the still somewhat new shoes.
Date: 2011-06-19
From: Pochuck Mtn Shelter

To: Cascade Brook
Miles today: 18.7

Left early this morning so I could get into Greenwood Lake, NY by a decent time. Walked on a boardwalk through a marsh for .6 miles, very neat. Decided to call the hotel in Greenwood Lake because I thought my book was saying it was only open from Thursday through Sunday, that's why I was pushing into town today. But come to find out they are open 7 days a week but they have a hiker special rate Sunday through Thursday. So I decide not to push into town today and wait and nero in tomorrow so I can take advantage of the day. When I cross NJ94 there is Heaven Hill Farm .1 miles to the west. I stop by and get soda, bananas, peach, watermelon and ice cream. After that I go to the shelter and take a break. A couple hours later I cross into New York, eight states down, six more to go. I walk across Prospect Rock, the highest point on the A.T. in NY and I get a view down to the town of Greenwood Lake, NY and the lake. It is packed, boats everywhere. I take a break for an hour in the sun then walk down to my campsite.
Date: 2011-06-20
From: Cascade Brook

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 2.8

Slept in this morning because I knew I was doing a nero day. I saw 5 or 6 deer on the hike down to Hwy 17A. Called the owner of Antons on the Lake and he picked me up. Got to the hotel, showered and did laundry. Got my new phone too. Ate lunch at Ashley's Pizza and resupplied at the CVS. Hung out at the hotel and went to dinner at The Inn at the Long Pond. Debating between taking a bus into New York City tomorrow. I will make up my mind tomorrow morning.
Date: 2011-06-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up this morning ready to leave and hit the trail. Then I heard the familiar sound of thunder and saw flashes of lightning. It started raining and didn't let up for about 4 or 5 hours. So once again I stayed at the hotel. I have never had triple zeroes before. I want to be back on the trail but im sure my body appreciates the time off. Tomorrow is just 30% chance of rain in the afternoon, so I will hopefully be setting out tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-24
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

I didn't leave town until around 10 this morning. It has been foggy all day today. Lots of ups and downs all day and a lot of wet rocks. Most of the trail was either a pond or a running creek, made hiking very interesting. I hit trail magic at Lakes Rd, cookies and donuts. Then jugs of water, which I needed, at West Mombasha Rd and East Mombasha Rd. I had to take my shoes of at a creek that was flooded and ford the river. The book said there was supposed to be a footbridge here, must of gotten washed away by a storm. Went through the Lemon Squeezer, a tight squeeze between two boulders, at an angle while stepping up. My pack was rubbing the sides. After that I came to a rock wall that I had to climb. At the shelter with Grasshopper and a local.
Date: 2011-06-25
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Stealth Camping on Bear Mtn
Miles today: 13.3

It rained off and on through the night and into the early morning. But the sun came out and I set my tent on a boulder so it could dry. Although this delayed my start this morning, I would rather fold up a dry tent then a wet one. A lot of ups and downs today, which slowed my pace. Everything is still wet and I took my time going downhill because of all the slippery rocks. Because of a late start and a slow pace I realized that I could still make it to my destination but I would have to bypass the Trailside Museum and Zoo because they close at 4:30. I do not want to do this. I feel that this is part of the trail, the trail litteraly runs through the zoo and the lowest point on the AT is in the zoo. So I decide to stop short today. So I am stealth camping on Bear Mtn and I can walk through the zoo tomorrow morning. On top of Bear Mtn, the book says you can see the New York City skyline, but I don't see it. But there are vending machines, which I take advantage of. I saw several deer today, the most I have seen in a single day. 11 doe, 2 fawns(which were with one of the does) and 3 bucks. 3 of the does and a buck walk by my campsite while I am cooking dinner. I get to watch the buck for several minutes while he stands on his hind legs to reach leaves on a taller bush. He finally realizes that I am here and he starts to blow and stomp his front legs. So I do my best to impersonate him and I blow back, we do this for several minutes and he finally runs off.
Date: 2011-06-26
From: Stealth Camping on Bear Mtn

To: Peekskill, NY
Miles today: 8.0

Walked down Bear Mtn and by Hessian Lake which is packed with people picnicking. Walked through the Trailside Museum and Zoo, which I thought was pretty good for being free. Walked in front of the bear cage and hit the lowest point on the AT, 124 ft. After that I walked across the Bear Mtn Bridge and crossed the Hudson River. I walked to the Appalachian Market right next to the trail as it crosses US9. I grabbed some snacks and after sitting for a while decided to go into Peekskill, NY and go to the hospital. I found 3 deer ticks in me back in PA and although I never got the "bullseye" I have been feeling off for the last week. I have aches in my hips and knees, its hard for me to wake up in the morning and get going. When I am hiking I want to stop and take a break constantly. I feel dizzy sometimes and I am struggling to do miles. I called a taxi and went to the hospital and they took blood work and said they would get the results in 2 to 3 days. But in the meantime the doctor said based on what I told her it sounds like symptoms of Lyme so she went ahead and prescribed me Doxycycline. So I went to Walgreen's and am at a hotel. I am ready to get back on the trail and hope I feel better. By the way, any other hikers coming through, avoid Peekskill. The taxi are expensive and so are the hotels.
Date: 2011-06-27
From: Peekskill, NY

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a later start because the taxi driver had to make a stop. After about ten minutes on the trail I am ready to take a break but make myself keep going. Had lunch at Dennytown Rd with Special Delivery and Low Key. Walked along Canopus Lake and made it to the shelter late. Once again another long day, hard to do the miles. When I got there River Rat had a nice cold beer that he offered me and I accepted. The shelter is by a road and I order a pizza. While I am waiting Bill( a 1999 thru hiker) his wife Amy and there two kids show up with a cooler full of pints of ice cream. After talking to me, River Rat, Whoop, Low Key and Special Delivery, they invite us to their house 3.6 miles up the trail in the morning for pancakes and waffles. Im pretty sure we are all going. The pizza arrives and I eat most of it, full from the ice cream and go to bed.
Date: 2011-06-28
From: RPH Shelter

To: Native Landscapes and Garden Center
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Felt sluggish again this morning and almost didn't make the breakfast. Not normal for a thru hiker to miss a free breakfast, but I find that I lack the energy to get up. Luckily River Rat yells my name and gets me motivated. Made it to Bill and Amy's and have some waffles. Hiked with River Rat the rest of the day. Made it to Nuclear Lake and went for a swim. The day was long but hiking with River Rat made it more enjoyable. Made it to the nursery which is right next to the train station that runs into NYC. It is nice, leather couches on the front porch and water in the back. Met Sasquatch, a trail angel/maintainer, and he gives us a lift to Tony's Deli and River Rat, Check List and me get sandwiches and snacks.
Date: 2011-06-29
From: Native Landscapes and Garden Center

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Sleeping lastnight was horrible. Rain came through and the train passed several times, plus the noise from the highway made for a long night. River Rat and Check List got a ride into Kent, CT to go to the outfitter, so I hiked alone today. Crossed into Connecticut this morning, 9 states down, 5 more to go. Uphill really felt hard today. Made it to the shelter and shortly after River Rat showed up. He hung out in Kent for the day, he did not find a new pack because the outfitter didn't sell any, and packed out some beer to the shelter for the two of us, some good trail magic.
Date: 2011-06-30
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Sharon Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked with Check List into Kent, CT so I could resupply at the IGA. The town was small and qapuaint. It had many stores and restaurants. After town I walked the rest of the day by myself. The hikers seem to be thinned out. Walked along the Housatonic River for about 4 miles, which was very neat. Made it to the campsite, River Rat is here, just the two of us for the night.
Date: 2011-07-01
From: Sharon Mountain Campsite

To: Sages Ravine Campsite
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked with River Rat this morning and the time went quick. Made it to Falls Village, CT and hung out in town for a little bit. Hit the trail again and we were joined by Check List and the three of us hiked for a few hours until we hit Salisbury, CT. We went into town again and stopped at the grocery store to grab snacks. Another nice town, busy with all the residents getting ready for the holiday weekend. Hiked out of town and had good views at Lions Head and Bear Mtn. Then we crossed into Massachusetts. 10 states down, 4 more to go. Here with River Rat, Cayenne, Grandpa, Bum Knee, Booksmarts, Darvy and Mean Gene.
Date: 2011-07-02
From: Sages Ravine Campsite

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked with River Rat today and Check List off and on. Had really good views at Mt Race and Mt Everett. Made it to US 7 and stopped for the day with the intention of doing work for stay at an organic farm, but decided not too. So we are staying beside another nursery and a little store on the property, Dolls and Dwellings. Has a bathroom, shower and gallon jugs of water. Check List got off for the day to see his parents so me and River Rat went to the nearest restaurant, Bogie's Restaurant and Pub. Had a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, which was really good and some Guinness. Then we walked to Big Y Groceries and got some extra food for the trail and some hot dogs for a second dinner. Luckily we got a hitch back to the nursery and shortly after that, Cayenne, Bum Knee, Grandpa, Mean Gene and Darvy showed up. We are all staying here for the night. At about 9:00 the town has fireworks and I get to watch them from my tent before I go to sleep.
Date: 2011-07-03
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Walked alone this morning. I heard sirens from the nearby town and it started to sprinkle heavily. Made it to Tom Leonard Shelter to take a break and River Rat caught up. We hiked together the rest of the day, we got trail at a road crossing, soda and candy bars. Made it to Mt Wilcox South Shelter and took lunch. The rain began to pick up heavily but luckily we were protected in the shelter. A little bit later Twigg showed up and said he had been trying to catch hp to us since coming back on the trail from NYC. The rain stopped and the three of us hiked to the campsite. Twig made a fire with wet wood and it helped keep the bugs away.
Date: 2011-07-04
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Home of the Cookie Lady
Miles today: 20.8

Hiked with River Rat and the morning went by fast. Went to Upper Goose Pond Cabin for lunch and a swim. Twigg and Check List caught up with us and we all went swimming. The cabin was amazing and so was the lake. It was tempting to stay, but after doing just 10 miles we decided to push on to the home of the Cookie Lady. Had a lot of hiking on overgrown trail on the way. Made it to the Cookie Lady's and got some cookies, chocolate chip with bananas. Helped push mow around the blueberry bushes for about 30 minutes. Unfortunately they are not in bloom. Camping here for the night and listening to fireworks.
Date: 2011-07-05
From: Home of the Cookie Lady

To: Tom Levardi, Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Walked alone for most of the morning, which was a nice change. Saw some moose droppings today. River Rat caught up to me and we walked into Dalton, MA. We passed by Tom Levardis house and saw Twigg and stopped. We decided to go ahead and nero here for the day. Tom shaved my neck and let me take a shower and do laundry. Me, River Rat and Twigg went to Duff and Del for lunch. Then Tom drove us to EMS(Eastern Mountain Sports) and the grocery store. I got new shorts and t shirt, tips for my trekking poles, fuel cannister and socks. We went back to Toms and hung out for the rest of the day. Tom made us dinner and we all watched Tosh. O. Definitely one of the best nero days. Tom was a generous person and I would recommend staying at his place to any other hikers.
Date: 2011-07-06
From: Tom Levardi, Dalton, MA

To: Bascom Lodge, Mt Greylock
Miles today: 17.1

Ate at Duff and Del's for breakfast and told Tom goodbye. We hiked out of Dalton, MA and a few hours later the trail led us through Cheshire, MA. Went to Diane's Twist and got ice cream. Twigg and Check List caught up to River Rat and me and we all hiked together up to Mt Greylock, thee tallest point in MA and our first 2000+ft climb since VA. It is nice to finally be climbing some mountains again and having good views. On top of Mt Greylock there is the Veterans War Memorial Tower, which we climbed up to the top. We could see the Green, Taconic and Catskill Mans. Also, there is Bascom Lodge, where River Rat, Check List and me did work for stay, which worked out because a bad storm came through and we would have gotten soaked if we kept hiking. We did some landscaping work and a little bit of kitchen work in exchange for a free stay in a bunkroom, shower and breakfast.
Date: 2011-07-07
From: Bascom Lodge, Mt Greylock

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning and did some kitchen work and finished some of the landscaping work that we got rained out of yesterday. After that we drank coffee in the dining room in the lodge and looked out at all the mountain ranges. Breakfast was at 8 and it was really good. We left the lodge and started hiking down Mt Greylock and towards HWY 2. When we hit the highway River Rat and me walked towards Williamstown, MA and went to the grocery store and resupplied and ate lunch. While Check List went to the YMCA. We left town and 4 miles later crossed into Vermont, 11 states down, 3 more to go. Made it to the shelter and a little while later Check List showed up. The weather is starting to cool off now at night, now that we are above 2000 ft.
Date: 2011-07-08
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

Vermont has been renamed to Vermud. The trail is worse than Massachusetts and I am having to side step around the trail all day. Hiked alone for the day and time dragged on. Made it to Goddard Shelter and had lunch with River Rat and Check List, but then we all split up. Passed another beaver pond today and heard a beaver smack its tail against the water and saw the ripples. It started to thunder and sprinkling lightly and then pruning into a down pour. I had to walk through this for about 30 minutes and made it to the shelter. The rain eventually stopped and I was able to setup my tent.
Date: 2011-07-09
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Prospect Rock
Miles today: 16.3

It rained more lastnight so I had a late start this morning. Hiked up to Stratton Mtn which has a fire tower with amazing views. Also, it is where Benton MacKaye conceived the idea for the AT. Walked down to Stratton pond, amazing scenery. Made it to Prospect Rock which has a view overlooking Manchester Center, VT where we were going to resupply tomorrow. We heard a truck coming down the gravel road and he gave us a hitch into town. Went to EMS again, Manchester Pizza and Price Chopper for resupply. Got a hitch back to a parking area and had to walk back up to Prospect Rock, decided to camp there. Twigg caught up to River Rat and me and the three of us watched the sunset over Manchester Center and behind the mountains. I would rate it in my top 5 camping spots on the trail so far. Also, we are seeing a lot of hikers now, which is a change. But they are hiking the Long Trail. The AT and LT run together until Killington, VT and then the AT turns east towards NH and the LT keeps going to Canada.
Date: 2011-07-10
From: Prospect Rock

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning and the temp was 58. Felt really good compared to back home in Florida. Ate breakfast while overlooking Manchester Center. Hiked about 5 miles to VT11 and River Rat, Twigg and me decided to hitch back into town for a second breakfast. We went to Mrs Murphy's Donuts and Twigg and me split one dozen. Even after a big breakfast earlier I was able to eat the six donuts with no problem. Hitched back to the trail and climbed Bromley Mtn, which has a ski lift back down to town and another tower. Check List caught up to us after his stay in town. Made it to the shelter and are camping next to the river and having a fire. Also, I have been seeing a lot of moose poop, but no moose yet.
Date: 2011-07-11
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I was the first one to leave out of camp this morning and dwelt good bit after about 30 minutes I was tired and felt slow. A little later I got really hungry and ate the food I had for lunch. So once I hit VT 140 I hitched into Wallingford, VT and went to Sal's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. I had a large pizza with the works. Hitched back to the trail and made it to the shelter. River Rat and Check List are here so I decided to stop early. Twigg showed up later and also some southbound (SOBO) AT hikers. Starting to see more of them now.
Date: 2011-07-12
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 16.4

Left a little early this mornings I could get to the Inn at Long Trail at a decent time. I got trail magic at the first gravel road crossing, a cooler full of water. It was nice because it was really muggy and a ice cold water was great. Then I got trail magic again at the 500 mile mark, what's left for NOBO, a cooler full of soda. After that I had to climb the 2500 ft up Killington Mtn but I didn't take the side trail to the summit because it was foggy. Walked down to US4 and River Rat and me hitched a ride to the Inn. Twigg was already here and Check List showed up later, but then pushed on. River Rat, Twigg and me are staying here for the night. It is really neat place. The Irish pub and the restaurant are built around a boulder. Had pulled pork for a late lunch. Did some laundry and took a shower then went back down for Guinness beef stew ans shepherds pie. The food was really good and so was the Guinness.
Date: 2011-07-13
From: Inn at Long Trail

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 19.9

Had breakfast this morning, which was included with my room, with River Rat and Twigg. It was really good, coffee, orange juice, blueberry pancakes and bacon. Got a late start on the trail and hit Maine Junction, where the AT splits off from the LT and heads towards New Hampshire. Made it to Stony Brook Shelter for lunch. River Rat was there and Twigg showed up a couple of minutes later. We hiked together to a lookout tower and an old cabin. We debated on staying here for the night because the weather wasn't looking good. But we just cooked dinner and the storm moved on. So we pushed on to Winturri Shelter.
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Winturri Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Left early this morning. Got trail magic at a stream crossing, Coke. Then I started to hit areas with wild raspberrys, I ate a ton of them. Walked into West Hartford, VT and stopped by the general store and got some ice cream and soda. Then I went and jumped off the bridge into the White River, I had been hearing about this jump for about the last week and was looking forward to it. It was a lot of fun. River Rat and Twigg showed up a few minutes later and Twigg jumped into the river too. Went back to the general store and got a sandwich and soda. Then we pushed on to the shelter. Tomorrow we walk into Hanover, NH, our last city that the trail actually passes through. I am looking forward to it, we keep hearing from the SOBO that there is a free food at some of the restaurants for hikers.
Date: 2011-07-15
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Edge of town
Miles today: 6.5

Hiked into Norwich, VT and got trail magic at The Brains(a previous thru hiker) parents house, cookies and triscuits. River Rat, Twigg and me crossed the Connecticut River and into New Hampshire, 12 states down, 2 more to go. The trail leads us into Hanover, NH, an upscale town, home to Dartmouth College. We run into Check List at the Green, a huge grass area with trees and benches. The town is really busy with students and other locals walking around. I use the computer really quick at Dartmouth Outing Club and then we walk around town to collect all the free food we've heard about. We get free pastries at Lou's Bakery, head to Mountain Goat Outfitter for some supplies and get a free snickers. I went to the PO and got mail drops from Brittany, Dad and Heather. Thank you guys so much, I am set on food for a while. Headed over to Ramuntos Pizza and got a free slice of pizza. Twigg and me went to the outskirts of town and set our tents up in the woods and then headed to the rec center for a shower. We head back in town and find River Rat and Check List at the Green and find out that they have gotten the phone number of some locals that will take us to some swimming holes, so we take them up on their offer. We walk around town waiting and lose Check List somehow. So it ends up just being River Rat, Twigg and me that get picked up by Stephen and Katy. They take us back into Vermont and to some swimming holes with rope swings. We end up in the town of Quechee, VT jumping off of a cliff under a covered bridge while people at a restaurant watch us from the deck. When we leave a hot air balloon comes down and skims the basket along the river and then raises back up to clear the bridge, really neat to see. We hang out for the rest of the night and then get dropped off at our little tent city.