morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

I was on the trail at 0600 this morning. In the cool long shadows. There's a promise of a hot day in the air. It was three hours or more before other hiker activity ahead cleared the spider webs. NJ seems more open. Trees are not as tight together. There are more views. It's a pleasure to walk along. My feet feel normal. Life is good on a sunny day. Three miles from this shelter the trail crosses US206 in Culvers Gap. Just off the trail is Gyps Tavern. I included a picture of the sign that specifically asks hikers to go around back. They want us to stay outside on the patio. Must be because hikers smell. But I'd rather be out there. The tavern is right next to a pond. I sat in the plastic adirondack chair with a cold beer and totally enjoyed the setting. A bacon double cheeseburger was next. And another beer. Could life get any better?Big Dog and Indiana Jones showed up. Then out of the blue I see First A and Tentmaker. Last time I had seen them was on day four in Georgia. So great to be seeing them again. First A kept telling me how much healthier I looked. She's so right. I was a good 35 pounds heavier then. And so pale from the Saskatchewan winter. The two of them are going SOBO now, so chances are I won't see them again. They should run into Runaway and Grasshopper tomorrow. We all met at the same time in Georgia. The AT is magical like that. Then I did the three miles to this shelter. On a beautiful afternoon. Hot, but so pretty. The forest was starting to turn golden when I arrived at the shelter and found a spot for my tent. 20.6 miles and my feet just hurt normally. I am so relieved. The thought that something might be seriously wrong had been weighing heavy. Today was an outstanding day.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 10.0

It began raining before dawn. Cooler too. I felt snug in my tent, listening to the rain. And the rain didn't look like it was going to stop any time soon. So by 630 I got up and packed in the rain. Only four miles to the NJ/NY border. Another state. New Jersey went by fast. I liked NJ. Now the trail is becoming a series of ups and downs. There's some rock scrambles up the exposed bed rock ridge tops. Before leaving NJ there's even a ladder in one place for getting up the rock. On a wet morning these rocks are slippery. I only fell once. It's slow going. Ten miles in and I decided to get out of the wet. Time for a hotel with showers and laundry. I made the call and I'm soon shuttled into Greenwood Lake. The lake is long and narrow. Between two ridges. Beautiful. The town is small and pleasant, sitting on the narrow ground between ridge and lake. It's a good break from the trail. The shower alone feels incredible. Then clean clothes. And of course town food. Meanwhile the weather is clearing and cooler. Less humidity. Big Dog and Indiana Jones are at the same hotel. Also a father and two daughters doing a multi week section. I run across Poker Face and two other thru hikers in town. Once again proof that even though you're a stranger in town the trail family means you're not alone. So now I'm clean and dry. I've got lots of bug bites. There's a couple patches of poison ivy. But I feel great. I'm primed and ready to get back on the AT in the morning.
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't expect New York to be challenging. Nor as beautiful. At this shelter we're just below a ridge line. The ridge shows massive sections of the bed rock. The rest is grass and ferns. Trees are spaced far apart, so the forest is open. Very very nice. The trail went up and down steep rock ridges most of the day. Some of them took a lot of time. Disaster was just one slip away. But it was beautiful. And the weather was almost perfect. And there were four water caches during the day, before and after the trickiest sections. Someone loves us. I also got semi lost now and then. With the open forest and all the rock surfaces the trail would split apart, leaving me looking around for another white blaze. I developed a system. When the trail seems to scatter and you don't know where to go, look for the most difficult direction. Like that rock face ahead. Sure enough, there'd be a white blaze up there. Another scramble up another ridge of rock. The geology is definitely molded by glaciers now. The rocks are rounded, like they've been through a tumbler. The bare bed rock on the ridge tops. And the occasional glacial erratic sitting alone among the trees. I feel like I'm back in my old neighborhood. As I prepared to set up my tent I realized I had left my tent pegs back at Wawayanda Shelter. In my hurry to get packed in the rain I left them. After almost 1400 miles I had lost something. Bummer. But it's strange how the trail provides. Less than 10 feet away I found a couple tent pegs in the grass. Grease Spot found three more in the shelter. Between these orphans and one of my trekking poles I was able to sort of put my tent up. It's not right, but it will do. It's good that I'm going home in a while, so I can get my gear squared away for the final third if the trail. Like my bent trekking poles. Or my holey T-shirt. And now my tent pegs and the spacer I used, and lost, to elevate my trekking pole/tent pole to the best height. We had a small group around the shelter. Grease Spot, Sharp Knife, Hiccup, and the father and two daughters I met yesterday...Rerun, Bear, and Radio. The day turned into a beautiful evening. Even the mosquitoes were semi-polite as the day cooled. It's good to be out on the AT. Back in March, New York seemed a long long way away.
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 17.6

It's Hike Naked Day, the Summer Solstice. No, I didn't. Sharp Knife went several miles, with a bandana strategically positioned. Hiccup stayed well back, to the rear. Otherwise I'm sure she would have gone snow blind. My hat's off to Sharp Knife for going for it. I would have had I not been a solo old guy, on a Saturday, and in the busiest section of trail in NY. Even Sharp Knife had to bow to convention as he neared Bear Mountain. The day hikers were out in droves. He said he felt cheated. So we got to see the sky line of the Big Apple. The Bear Mountain section of the trail was incredible. Lots of stone steps, wide trail, and no rocks. Hundreds of day hikers. And it was a beautiful day. On the other side of Bear Mountain is a park and zoo. Thousands of people out for the day. The zoo's bear cage is the lowest elevation on the AT. In more ways than one. I couldn't look at the poor creatures. Big Dog, Indiana Jones, Sharp Knife, Hiccup, Rerun, Bear, Radio, and I took a "packs off" break by the geology exhibit. We talked to a park official about setting up a hiker display. People could gawk at thru hikers in front of a shelter. Only in this case they'd have to feed us. Then I hiked across the bridge over the Hudson. I had goose bumps. Can't believe I'm here. I dreamed about getting to this point but it was so far away. "Step by step" is one of those life lessons. I'm camped with Sharp Knife, Hiccup, Rerun, Bear, and Radio. Bear and Radio are now my trail grand daughters, 15 and 13. They call me grandpa. I'm honored. Tonight Sharp Knife built a camp fire, even though it was hot. It seems to help with the mosquitoes. And as dusk dawns, the fire becomes the center of attention. We sit around the circle in laughter and conversation as we prepare and eat supper. I am certain that, for me, this summer solstice is one of the best ever.
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park

To: Mile 1436.8
Miles today: 16.9

I left late this morning. I wanted to say goodbye to Rerun, Bear, and Radio. What a great dad Rerun is. He did the AT with his son in six years of sections. Now he's doing it again with his daughters. The trail is still relatively easy as it roams up and down on it's way to CT. Here and there I see stone walls running through the forest. The weather is warm and getting more humid, but still a fine day. Five miles up the trail I stop in at the RPH Shelter. Whoa. Nice. Four walls. Pizza delivery. Chairs. I sit in one of the plastic chairs, with a back. What luxury. Had I known... I spend an hour there, just enjoying the luxury of sitting in a chair. About 10 miles into the day there's a deli .4 mile east of the trail. I find the lure of a deli sandwich and a beer irresistible. And here I find Jason, reclined by the picnic table and reading. It's been a pleasure meeting Jason. I've been asking him about his completed thru hike. Lots of fun stories. Then back in the trail. I have to admit I'm getting fatigued. I seem to crawl up the hills. I'm a little alarmed. It's some interesting, and probably absurd, self talk as I walk along. Do I have Lymes? Truth is I'm probably worn out. And the day did get hot and humid. We'll see how tomorrow goes. I run into Jason again and we set up our tents beside the trail. Honestly, I'm pretty much done in and it's great to have some company. Meanwhile the sun sets in long shadows through the forest. It's incredibly beautiful. DEET is holding back the mosquitoes. Life is so good. I'm now looking forward to some time home, but the allure of life on the AT will draw me back quickly.
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Mile 1436.8

To: Ten Mile River Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Jason and two other hikers I've been running into are all on a break from the trail. I spend the day hiking without seeing hardly anyone. Just a couple day hikers. I seem to be in a void between thru hikers. Sharp Knife and Hiccup must have gone into NYC. Yesterday's fatigue comes and goes. I begin taking hills slower. Feeling better. I guess it stands to reason 1400 miles of hiking might wear on a body. I'm really looking forward to my trailcation now. But at day's end I go up and over 2 miles of a hill without issue. If I worry about anything it's that something would compromise the last third of my hike. Early in the day I stop for a snack beside Nuclear Lake. Three locals show up, pulling a boat on removable wheels. They tell me the lake is great fishing because it takes work to get a boat there and most people are put off by the name Nuclear. They tell me an experimental nuclear generating facility was built here after WWII. The lake was the cooling pond the government made. Everything was dismantled in the 50s. I can see no sign anything was here. Very interesting. The fishermen are a bit astounded that I'd walked there from Georgia. Later in the day I arrive at the Appalachian Trail Train Station. Some RR workers are painting the platform. One guy tells me Georgia is so far away he wouldn't even drive there. I really enjoy bantering with working men. Here there's also another deli. .6 mile east. Yup. I hike the 1.2 mile round trip for some Ben and Jerry's. And a deli sandwich for later. And hike out with a beer to enjoy along the trail later. Such luxury!And near the end if the day I'm in CT. Back in New England. The shelter journals are full of excited thru hiker comments by those from the NE area. We're home! A third of the trail remains, but we're here. I'm the only thru hiker at this shelter. There's six weekend hikers. Four guys have put their tent up inside the shelter. They don't know any better. They're also hauling a bear canister. They'll learn. They're out here experiencing the AT. That matters. Meanwhile I have an excellent tent site. The water is good here. And a river is the sound track, instead of traffic. It's a good ending to a fine day.
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Ten Mile River Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Relatively easy mileage today. 15.7. I took my time. I took breaks. I even had a nap during the day, laying on a cool rock, leaning against my pack. It was pretty nice. But don't think CT is a cake walk. There were some tough ups and downs. In some respects the downs were worse. The locals call one section "the ledges." Going down I realized that if I tripped or got tangle foot I'd end up in a hospital, if I was lucky. Kinda fun really, living on the edge. Relying on my trashed trekking poles. I took my time. I love my Exped trekking poles. But they're finished. The tip is gone from one of them. The other tip is ready to let go. The grip on one has come undone and slides on the tube aluminum. I have a new set waiting for me at home. They've been great poles. Light. Solid. Collapse real short. An AT thru hike is rough on gear. How many prongs into earth and rock did my poles make? I'll be excited to get my new Expeds, with grippy new tungsten tips, for the final third of the AT. Every other trekking pole I've handled seemed heavier. But that's just my interpretation. I'll go with what I know. My niece is picking me up tomorrow for my trailcation. It's going to be strange, being home. Back into the world. I've been out here nearly four months. I'll be missing the AT. But it will be good to renew my gear, put on a couple pounds, and give my feet a break. Meanwhile, my tent is up. I looks like rain is possible tonight. Last night I was tenting next to a meadow and the fireflies were amazing. Perhaps tonight there'll be a thunderstorm. Is it crazy that I like thunder storms from inside my tent? Something about being in a bubble in the forest, so close to the storm, but still dry. Union Jack, a Britt thru hiker, is here as well. The rest are doing sections. The Housatonic River is close by. It's a nice location. Tomorrow night I'll be sleeping in my own bed. I'm looking forward to the trailcation, but missing the AT at the same time.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Dawn Hill Road, CT
Miles today: 2.0

For the first time out on the trail I sleep in until after 0700. It did rain last night. Judging by the dirt splatter on my tent, it rained a lot. I did wake up in the storm, but it felt so cozy in my dry bubble that I fell back asleep. I'm already on trailcation it seems. Usually I'm up with the sun, excited to see what will unfold along the AT. Haiku had come in last night. I was surprised to see him. It's been since Duncannon. He took a trailcation in NY. Then, on my way to meeting my niece, I see G Walker. This is amazing. Last time I saw G Walker was in Gatlinburg, months ago. The AT is like that. So I'm home now. It's good to take a break, see family, and rest up. I expect the final third of my NOBO thruhike to be the most difficult, the most scenic, and the most rewarding of the entire hike. With this break my mind is refreshed, cleared to appreciate what is ahead. It's a recess to renew mind, spirit, and eyes. A little over 700 miles remain. I am so excited to hike New England, to take on the rugged White Mountains, and experience the remote beauty of Maine in the cooling month of September. It is going to be awesome!
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Dawn Hill Road, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Good to be back on the trail. Two neros and three zeros. It was quite a trailcation, and not something I originally intended to do. Now I'm glad I did. I feel recharged. There was lots of company at home. My niece and nephew in law put on a pool party and pig roast with the extended family, who had not been to their wedding. It was wonderful and I'm including a picture of a guest of honor. It was great to meet new people and see everyone have so much fun. And, there was lots of food. So the trail finds me now with my teeth fixed, my gear renewed, and I'm taking antibiotics for any potential tick vector disease. I'm ready for the final third of the AT. The best is yet to come. My sister drove me back to the trail. As we got closer to NW Connecticut the hills closed in, the forest became unbroken, and I felt like I was where I was supposed to be. I was back on the AT around noon. After dropping me off my sister became a trail angel. She picked up a pair of thru hikers and was able to shuttle them. Even better, she was able to write an antibiotic prescription for one of them who was displaying the same fatigue symptoms I had spoken to her about. I can only imagine their joy to be both shuttled and saved the hassle of a hospital stop to counter suspected Lymes. My sister was thrilled to contribute to the AT Class of 2014. Thank you Sis. I only hiked 8 miles on my first day back. But I felt good. The day was hot and muggy, with steady bugs. The trail is beautiful here in CT. I know I say that about pretty much all of the trail. It's true. A mile before the shelter I ran into Critter. Good to see him. I saw him last in Duncannon, PA, weeks ago. At the shelter there was Late Start. I hadn't seen him since Damascus, VA, months ago. Wrong Leg, Half Moon, Kristo, and Shivers (among others) are just a few miles ahead. So I've popped back onto the AT among trail family. Nice! Critter, Late Start, and I decided to stay in the shelter. Lots of room. But I won't be doing that again until after the bug season. It was too warm to wrap up in my sleeping bag. The mosquitoes had a feast. I'll be returning to my tent. It's so good to be back on the AT.
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Brassie Brook Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I doubt I'll ever know if I had Lymes. I'm taking my antibiotics until they're done. What I do know is I feel much better. No more stopping in the middle of an easy grade with legs feeling like rubber. Maybe my trailcation was all I needed, and a tick bite was not a factor. The important thing is I'm back to normal. Personally, I think I was infected. I'll never know for sure. Connecticut is beautiful. I realize I say this about every state. It's still true. The AT manages to traverse wonderful habitats consistently. Some say the "green tunnel" is boring and the views are few on the AT. That may be true. But I'm not bored at all. This hilly part of CT has been a joy to see. The trail was nice today. Hiking felt more like the AT further south. The ups seem to be getting longer, like we're starting to leave the choppy foothills. There were also some road walks, which get me to thinking about the ATC and how they continue to try and improve the wilderness experience. It must be difficult to find a protected corridor through the populated parts of the country. I didn't intend to do a 20 mile day. I pretty much swore off 20 miles. It just happened. But I do feel better. And it was great to stop at 1500.3 miles from Springer Mt. So I broke a 20 and broke 1500 miles at the same time. Feels good. Massachusetts is just a couple of miles away. It's my home state. Of course I'm aware of where it is. I've been dreaming of hiking the AT to MA. Four months ago that seemed incredibly far. I really couldn't think about it. Mt Greylock, highest point in MA, is where I did my most strenuous prehike. "I can do it" I told myself. But that 10.5 hike up and down Greylock about killed me. Tonight I'm knocking on the door of Massachusetts. I'm not thinking of home. I'm thinking of Mt Greylock. And changes. Greylock kicked my butt. Hard. I'm coming at you from the south. AT thru hiker, maybe.
Date: 2014-07-02
From: Brassie Brook Shelter

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 16.8

What a day. It's been eventful. Today's hike started with an nice climb through blooming mountain laurel to the top of Bear Mountain, once thought to be the tallest point in CT. The air was heavy with humidity. Hot, even early in the day. The view from the Bear Mountain tower ruins was hazy. A good thunder storm might be building. Then down the mountain to the Massachusetts border. My state. The welcome mat is the beautiful Sages Ravine. Even in the cooler shade along the ravine's river the air is hot and heavy. And buggy. The mosquitoes aren't too bad as long as you keep moving. The pests are these little gnats who hover a couple inches in front of your face. They're harmless but very annoying. They've been around for weeks now. Usually a couple at a time. Today there's a flock in front of my face. I keep waving them away. They return immediately. In my eyes. Up my nose. Annoying. But Sages Ravine is outstanding. The trail leaves Sages and begins what is probably the longest sustained climb since Virginia. Welcome back to the Appalachian Trail. Up the scenic ledges of Mt Race. Then the steep climb up Mt Everett. Have I ever sweat so much in my life? Even my shorts are drenched, with sweat dripping off the leg hems. Maximum humidity. I'm thinking the hot air cannot hold any more moisture. I sit on Everett with Shivers and Solo, talking with a Boy Scout group. We're all drenched and hot. When's it going to start thundering?The thunder and lightning start as I'm hiking along the ridge line to Jug End, where the AT drops off the steep edge. Hiking along an exposed ridge in lightning is not fun. Are my trekking poles lightning rods? I make peace with my Maker and keep going, as the rain begins to make the footing slick. By Jug End it's a deluge. Water's running off the brim of my hat like a waterfall. I want very much to be off the ridge and into the trees. The AT turns into a creek. The way is a steep rock scramble. The only thing to do is to keep going. Carefully. Once down on the flat the rain starts to ease up. But thunder and lightning continue. By now I'm soaked and almost cold. What a day. I splash through the puddles. The trail is now flat and quick. I need to cover under five miles to Route 7 and get into Great Barrington. Shivers, Kristo, and I are sharing a motel room. I look like I've rolled in the forest leaf mold. I only fell down twice. I'm soaked and dirty. The shower was awesome. Laundry. Food. It was an exciting and dramatic day with an excellent ending. Welcome to Massachusetts.
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Mt Wilcox North Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Humid. Every inch of my clothing is saturated. I'd pull off the trail and doze on a cool rock, if the mosquitoes wouldn't drain me of my blood. I can't hardly take a picture with my iPhone because the sweat on my hands takes out the touch screen. It's so muggy out. The trail is great. Nice climbs. Lots of big rocks along the way. Then level wet sections of swamp and beaver ponds. "The Ledges" were especially beautiful, with high rock cliffs climbing out of the forest. The trees have gotten bigger. Then there's sections of big evergreens with open views and pine needles for a tread way. I didn't get out of town until late morning, after a lingering breakfast and thumbing a ride. I knew I was only going 13.5 miles. What I didn't know was when the humidity would turn into another thunderstorm. It was 5:30 when I got to the shelter. Put up the tent. Get water. Eat. Clean up. The thunder started around 7:00, and the storm lasted well into dark. It poured. I think it rained most of the night. But I was snug in my tent, enjoying the drama of the light show. So MA has greeted me with two thunderstorms in a row, humidity, and a boost in mosquitoes. But it has also begun to usher in the AT as a mountain trail again. The mid Atlantic states are no more. The trail is getting us ready for the final three states.