morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-08-29
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Among AT thru-hikers, Vermont is known for its manufacturing of....mud. Deep, dark, sticky, shoe-gobbling mud. Big swaths of it. During my first six days in Vermont, I had seen indications of this legendary mud, but hadn't yet gotten the full treatment. Until today. The thunderstorms that were forecasted for last night didn't bring rain in earnest to Spruce Peak Shelter, where I was staying. We did have a few passing showers, but, by morning, there was hardly any evidence. However, as I started hiking, I saw clear indications that other parts of the trail had seen a fair amount of rain. Under the morning's blue skies, I climbed up Stratton Mountain, enjoying the cooler, drier and breezier conditions brought in by last night's front. With a generous helping of switchbacks, the trail's grades were quite manageable, and my ascent of the 3,936 foot peak was fairly carefree. On top, I climbed the fire tower and was treated to tremendous views in all directions. While on the summit, I decided to eat lunch earlier than usual, and took out my tortillas and peanut butter. Noticing my gourmet meal, a young couple on a day hike asked if I'd like some raspberry preserves. With my mouth watering, I instantly accepted. After one hundred days of PB on tortillas, I luxuriated in the addition of the preserves. Nothing ever tasted better. After lunch, I headed down, destined for Story Spring Shelter. As the trail finished its descent from Stratton and flattened out, the mud stepped up its game and became more prevalent. Bobbing and weaving to avoid being sucked under, I assumed, of course, that the mud would dissipate once the trail started to climb again. Boy, was that a wrong assumption. As the trail turned up to gain elevation, the mud responded by covering larger and larger areas. Stepping on half-submerged sticks, rocks, logs and roots, I mostly stayed above the worst of it, but it took a concerted effort. Only after I climbed close to one thousand feet did the mud seem to lessen. By the end of the day, I had had my fill. Keep in mind that this summer in New England has been hot and dry. I can only imagine how much muddier it would be in a "normal" year. At the summit of Stratton, a plaque recognizes the mountain's role in the creation of the Appalachian Trail. Benton MacKaye, educated as a forester, imagined from its summit the possibility of a hiking trail running through the ridges and ranges of the Appalachian Mountains, from Maine to Georgia. In 1921, he published an article, An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning, putting forth the idea that such a trail would allow city dwellers up and down the east coast easy access to the considerable benefits of the wilderness. Enthusiastically received, work soon began, and, in 1937, after more than a decade of effort, the Appalachian Trail was born.
Date: 2016-08-30
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: VT Route 9 (Bennington)
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

My eighth day in Vermont was fairly uneventful, save for a number of encounters with NoBos I originally met down south. Two, in particular, of these chance meetings delighted me, as I so wished that the people involved were still on the trail, and I was losing hope. First, a young couple from Florida, Sunny and Boom Box, appeared at my campsite last night. We caught up for just a minute, and they both appeared happy and geared up for the Whites and Maine. I had seen them a few times at various places in the south, and always thought that they were just the nicest people. Then, today, I ran into Sprinter and Zing on the trail. They were part of that great group of hikers that I got to know in the Shenandoahs, sharing shelters while the Virginia rains persisted. We chatted for a good twenty minutes, sharing experiences and recommendations, and I was glad to see that they both were well. Another young couple, they seemed well-suited for each other, and for the trail. In addition to those two couples, I ran across Mama Bear and the crew of guys from Boston with whom she was hiking, and Slim, and heard that Twinkletoes was in Rutland when Alison and I were there. There are only a handful of people left that I haven't seen yet, Mother Theresa and Roulette chief among them. I guess there's a chance our paths will cross, but not a good one. With another perfect day for hiking, I climbed the 3,748 foot Glastenbury Mountain, and then scooted up the fire tower on its summit, which offered pretty much the same view as Stratton's fire tower did yesterday. Tonight, I'm in the charming town of Bennington, VT, picking up a few supplies for the next two days of hiking. Tomorrow, I will cross over into Massachusetts, leaving behind the northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. The weather continues to be absolutely stupendous, and the forecast seems rock solid for the next week.
Date: 2016-08-31
From: VT Route 9 (Bennington)

To: MA Route 2 (Williamstown)
Miles today: 18.4

I awoke to something that has been rare since leaving the White Mountains: an overcast sky. It was simply a cloudy day, rain never threatening, and I enjoyed hiking with the moderate temperature. Today was my last day in Vermont, as I crossed its shared border with Massachusetts mid-afternoon. In total, I spent ten days in Vermont, hiking for nine, and it only rained on my zero day, and for a bit one night. Now, that's good planning!Despite my earlier pronouncements to the contrary, I did run across three more NoBos today, Swiss Miss, Iron Butterfly and Frisky. To me, it's feeling awfully late for them, and I hope they are successful in completing their hikes. I arrived in Williamstown, MA, after a long 18.4 mile day and had to walk the two miles into town from the trailhead when my hitchhike attempt failed to attract a taker. The five days since Rutland had me quite tired, and the extra two miles into town seemed like ten. Tomorrow, I climb Mt. Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts. Alison is coming up to see me again, and she'll pick me up after the hike and bring me back to Williamstown for a much-needed zero on Friday. On Saturday, I resume hiking in the company of my good friend, Joe, a former co-worker from Corning.
Date: 2016-09-01
From: MA Route 2 (Williamstown)

To: MA Route 8 (Cheshire)
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: mist

With the turn of the calendar to September, I now finish my journey "next month." After eighteen months of planning and preparation, and over four months of hiking, that's a bit hard to comprehend. I expect that I will cycle through some very mixed emotions over the next six weeks.Today, I tackled the ascent of Mt. Greylock, at 3,491 feet, the highest mountain in Massachusetts. Coming out of Williamstown, the climb is fairly steep and certainly commands one's attention. Under a second straight morning of cloudy skies, I trudged upward, tired from my march through Vermont. When I reached the top, I realized that it would be the last time I would stand above 3,000 feet on my journey. From here on out, through Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and into West Virginia, the terrain beneath the AT flattens out, and I never hike another mountain of any significant height. Yes, there are still some steep climbs, out of river valleys and gaps, but the big ascents are over. Alison picked me up in sunshine (photo) after my descent off of Mt. Greylock, and we're now back in Williamstown. Being closer to Rhode Island comes with the advantage of seeing her more often, and we already have plans to meet in Connecticut.
Date: 2016-09-02
From: MA Route 8 (Cheshire)

To: Williamstown
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Back in late June, when I was still in Virginia, a good friend asked me, "What has been the biggest surprise of your venture on the AT?" Since then, I've been noodling on that question and, with 1,600 miles now behind me, I have four thoughts. First, being "hangry" (a contraction of hungry and angry), is a common occurrence among thru-hikers. When you're burning upwards of 5,000 calories a day, becoming irritable from a lack of food, or being just plain hungry all the time, is a fact of life on the trail. The surprise is that I've never suffered from being "hangry." I seemingly planned my food strategy well and have the benefit of Alison sending me resupply boxes. Second, in preparing for the AT, prospective thru-hikers are cautioned that they will have to deal with "bad" days, when the temptation to quit is strong. In fact, Badger, the publisher of the website, Appalachian Trials, counsels that hikers should write down, before they start, why they are hiking the trail, and the consequences of both succeeding and failing in their quest. That way, they have a reminder of what brought them to the trail, and, on those bad days, referring to it might keep them from quitting. The surprise for me is that I haven't had a bad day, I haven't faced an existential trail crisis, and the thought of quitting has literally never crossed my mind. Every morning, I've woken up, excited to hike. Third, I'm surprised at, well, the lack of surprises. I'm not sure it's a good thing, but very little of day-to-day trail existence has surprised me, suggesting that I was really well prepared, in all aspects, for my journey. Finally, with "progress" spinning this globe ever-faster, I'm very pleasantly surprised that the AT even exists. A simple concept, this Appalachian footpath, and, unfortunately, an anachronism in today's world. Imagine trying to create this 2,200 mile trail today. The roadblocks to its birth almost 100 years ago were probably no less significant. Yet, people rallied around the simple concept and found a way. And, today, people of like minds keep finding ways to protect the trail, to maintain it, to improve it and to educate hikers on its use. It's really an amazing thing, this simple concept, a throwback and teacher of so many things that we're in the process of losing. That the AT exists, vibrant and strong, is a surprise in and of itself.
Date: 2016-09-03
From: MA Route 8 (Cheshire)

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

After meeting up with my friend, Joe, we headed off on the trail in the direction of Dalton, MA. Joe and I would hike together for 8.3 miles, grab lunch in Dalton, and then I would continue on by myself another four miles before calling it a day at the Kay Wood Shelter. The weather was again perfect and the trail, after climbing one thousand feet in the first hour, planed off and then gently headed downward into Dalton. Joe and I, having eaten dinner the night before with our wives, continued to catch up while we hiked. We worked together for seven years at Corning, and remained friends after we each left the company. Alison and I count Joe and Keri among the nicest people we know, and we enjoy their company immensely. With my relatively short day today, I pulled into the shelter at 3:30. As the afternoon and early evening wore on, SoBos started pouring in, and there must be at least ten now in camp. Water is getting harder and harder to find, as the dry weather persists, but this shelter has a decent spring. I'm pretty sure that I will have to start carrying more with me, since many streams are no longer reliable water sources, and I don't want to be caught short. While hiking today, I passed through Mile 1,642, and have now finished three-quarters of the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2016-09-04
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Kay Wood Shelter, where I stayed last night, was just three miles outside of Dalton, MA, so some of my fellow campers took the opportunity to carry in beer and wine to celebrate Labor Day. Unfortunately, their party went until 11:00 pm, and I didn't fall asleep until way after that. Feeling a bit sluggish from lack of sleep, I was glad that the morning's hike was largely flat. Under another gorgeous day, I finished 17.6 miles to end at Upper Goose Pond Cabin. With a sandy beach, a nice porch with chairs, and a caretaker who makes pancakes in the morning, a stay here is almost mandatory. After pitching my tent quite a ways from the cabin to ensure that I would sleep well, I took a lovely swim in the pond to clean up and relax, and then joined Rolling on the porch and shot the breeze with Kevin and Tackle, the caretakers. Kevin made a few trays of nachos and also plied us with popcorn. I can't wait for his pancakes tomorrow morning, which he said he'd be happy to serve at 6:30 am to allow me to get on the trail by 7:00. Now, that's customer service!I found flowing water at one stream today; all other water sources were either dry or stagnant pools. From what I understand, tomorrow will not be much better. However, some trail angels have begun to leave gallon bottles of water at roadsides and trailheads, which they refill from time to time. Connecticut is reported to have better water, and I hope that is indeed the case. But that's three days away and I need to get through the remainder of Massachusetts first.
Date: 2016-09-05
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

After putting in some significant rack time in my tent, I awoke in the morning, packed up and headed for the cabin to see about those pancakes. Kevin and Tackle had been up for some time, manning the kitchen, for as I sat down, they brought out a plate of delicious pancakes. My first helping didn't last long and they were happy to oblige with a second. It was all as good as advertised. I had a long hike planned to reach Tom Leonard Shelter, and it helped tremendously that the day held the first hints of fall. Another beautiful blue sky day, it remained cool and breezy. The ferns had begun to lay down, with some of those still standing turning a nice yellow. Bushes had also begun to turn, with an odd tree following suit. During my 21.1 mile day, it was again difficult to find water. Leaving Upper Goose Pond Cabin fully loaded, I wasn't desperate enough to pull from stagnant pools when I started to run low. But as the day progressed, I began to get a bit worried. Then, while crossing a country lane, I happened across an adorable "trail" stand that offered water, soda, snacks and fresh eggs. Unmanned, it was run on the honor principle. I bought a soda and granola bar and filled up both water bottles. Later in the day, just as I was to begin the climb up to Tom Leonard Shelter, I came to a trailhead at a road crossing. There, trail angels has deposited at least a dozen gallon jugs of water for AT hikers. Having seen no water since the trail stand, and unsure whether there would be water at the shelter, I filled up. Without the thoughtfulness and generosity of these trail angels, I'm not sure what we hikers would do. Unless it starts to rain soon, I'll be dependent upon such acts of kindness for hundreds of more miles.
Date: 2016-09-07
From: Laurel Ridge Campsite

To: Belters Campsite
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Upon leaving Laurel Ridge Campsite, I quickly crossed over into Connecticut, where I was greeted by a 30 minute rain shower. A little more rain wouldn't be a bad thing. Since arriving in New England on July 15, I've had an incredible run of weather. I saw just a few hours of rain in each of Maine and Vermont, and, in Massachusetts, I didn't see a drop. In New Hampshire, it rained quite a bit in the White Mountains, but was beautiful for my time in the rest of the state. Today, as I expected might happen, I wasn't exactly feeling my oats. I was tired from yesterday's sugar and caffeine-fueled climb of the southern Massachusetts mountains. Still, I summited Bear Mountain, Connecticut's highest peak, and managed to put in a total of 18.7 miles. Around noon, I ducked into Salisbury for lunch and to pick up a few resupply items. While I know that I smell badly after five days of hiking, I was surprised by the fact that not one person, aside from my lunch server, said hello to me or showed any interest in my hike. The towns of northwest Connecticut are not known to be particularly hiker-friendly, and I'll be interested to see what happens in Cornwall Bridge and Kent. Regardless, I had a terrific lunch outside on a patio, and I sense that Salisbury is a lovey little town. Tomorrow, after I hike 13 miles, I meet up with Alison in Cornwall Bridge, where a dear childhood friend of hers lives. I'll zero on Friday to allow us more time with Margie, and to rest up.
Date: 2016-09-08
From: Belters Campsite

To: River Road, Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 12.9

On a very hot and humid day, I headed toward Cornwall Bridge, CT, to meet Alison. Connecticut has not been as flat as some have suggested it would be. In fact, there have been some very steep up and downs, but nothing that lasts very long. I finished my 12.9 mile hike to River Road around 1:15 pm, and proceeded to clean up in the Housatonic River. After six days of hiking, much in hot weather, I knew I was in major need of a shower, but that would have to wait. The best I could do in the short term was a quick rinse. Alison appeared shortly thereafter, and we headed off to lunch. It was such a treat to see her again, and I am looking forward to my zero with her. After lunch, we found our way to meet up with Margie, a friend of Alison's from way back. I had not seen her in years, and it was great to reconnect. Margie is a passionate conservationist and naturalist, and is always interesting to talk with. We are spending the next two nights at her place. Tomorrow, we'll slip in a few good meals, get some of my trail chores out of the way, and have Margie show us around northwestern Connecticut.
Date: 2016-09-10
From: River Road, Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Ten Mile River Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: scattered clouds

The very hot and humid weather continued, making today's hike another sweat-fest. Supposedly, a front is coming through tonight, promising drier and cooler conditions, but right now, at 7:00 pm, it is still hot and very sticky. Starting out this morning from River Road, beside the Housatonic, I had to immediately deal with the steepest climb I've had to negotiate since New Hampshire. Fortunately, it was only 600 feet of elevation gain and lasted less than half an hour. Still, it got my heart rate up and worked off breakfast. After I finished the climb, some rain set in, but only made it feel more humid and oppressive. That promised front can't come soon enough. The rest of the day featured a number of ups and downs from the trail, nothing too significant. The bigger issue continues to be the lack of water. Trail Angels have saved the day a number of times, and I only hope they continue to be so attentive. Tonight, I've decided to stay in the shelter at Ten Mile River, given the thunderstorms forecasted to accompany the front moving in. I'm not terribly excited by the prospect of being away from my tent. Hopefully, by morning, I will find that it was a good decision. One great thing about this shelter: its water source is a well, accessed by an old-fashioned hand pump. The water is cool, clear and plentiful. Tomorrow morning, I cross the border into New York, leaving Connecticut behind. I feel I am making progress!
Date: 2016-09-11
From: Ten Mile River Shelter

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night could have gone better. I wish I had stayed in my tent, rather than opting for the shelter. With nighttime bringing no respite from the heat and stickiness, I found my sleeping bag, even opened as a quilt, much too hot. But, because of the gnats, I needed to cover myself to keep from being bitten. I finally chose to put back on my wet and smelly hiking shirt to benefit from its long sleeves. It also didn't help that my shelter companions decided to have a little party that lasted until 10:30 pm. I've now witnessed enough pot smoking to last a lifetime, and, in my opinion, it's too bad that partying in general has seemingly become an integral part of the AT experience for many hikers. I got maybe three hours' sleep all night, and wasn't too pleased when the forecasted storms held off until morning. Clearly, I would have been happier in my tent. When I set out hiking, relieved to be away from Ten Mile River Shelter, the heat and humidity were still very much present. Within minutes, I was sweating. Would the promised front ever get here?By 8:00 am, I had my answer. The sky grew dark, the winds picked up, and the rain started to fall. Quickly intensifying, the storm turned the trail river-like with run-off, since the ground was rock-hard and not accepting any penetration. The rain only lasted thirty minutes, much too short to have any appreciable impact on the water situation. But, as the front moved through, the temperatures dropped,the breeze remained, and, after a bit, one could feel drier air taking hold. By 10:00 am, it felt very much like fall and utterly fabulous conditions for hiking prevailed. Despite my lack of sleep, the changing weather put a spring in my step. The day's terrain was rolling, making for an enjoyable day, with a few good climbs, some nice pastures and fields, and plenty of New York forest. Already, the beech trees have begun to let loose their leaves, making the forest floor look more like October than September. The dry weather has stressed the trees, and, if the beech trees are any indication, I sense an early Autumn. After 20.6 miles, I ended the day at Morgan Stewart Shelter, which also has a well and hand pump. I could really get used to this!
Date: 2016-09-12
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Canopus Creek (Mile 769.0)
Miles today: 17.3

Since the shelter I stayed in last night had a well and hand-pump, I began the morning with full water bottles. After four hours of hiking, I came upon another shelter, it also having a well/hand-pump set-up as its water source, and so I filled up. And, towards the end of the day, I passed Canopus Lake, and filled up for the evening in its outlet stream. I had planned my day of hiking around these particular water sources, and I'm glad I did. While I did see a stream or two during my hike that might have yielded some water, you clearly cannot plan on any water source that depends upon rainfall and run-off. I did not pass any Trail Angel water in jugs today, but hope that continues to be an option. Looking ahead, it appears that I've passed the last of the wells and hand-pumps, and I'll have to be very diligent in planning for water from here on out. Today offered up some more superb hiking weather: blue skies, drier air and temperatures in the high seventies. Last night, it dipped into the high forties, but I think the next week's worth of nights will be warmer. The trail today was a bit more rugged than the last few days, making it a little harder than its topographic profile would suggest. I stopped after 17.3 miles and pitched my tent alongside Canopus Creek. Tomorrow afternoon, I cross the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge to arrive at Fort Montgomery, NY. The AT passes through the Trailside Zoo at Bear Mountain, and, while there, dips to its lowest elevation of just 160 feet above sea level. I plan to spend tomorrow night in Fort Montgomery, taking the opportunity to do my laundry, recharge my electronics, and get some dinner. I also have a resupply box from Alison awaiting me there.