morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Wawayanda Mountain

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 12.5

OMFG. That is all I can say about today. Too hot. Too humid. Rock hopping and knife edges all along the ridge line. The Trail was too hard. I did not eat properly. The second strap on my bag broke. So... I hit a wall, a rock wall, and a psychological wall at the top of a mountain. I resented myself for taking on a challenge bigger than me. I resented everyone who believed in me, because I would only disappoint all of them by quitting. I resented this challenge.I cannot quit.I won't quit.But man... it is all I can do to today to keep myself from quitting. So. I took the side trail into town and went to the nearest hotel. I had called from the top of the ridge line yesterday to speak with the hotel, but the number in the AT Guide went to voicemail, indicating that the manager was on vacation, so I called the next number and spoke with Wendy. She assured me I did not need to make a reservation.When I arrived today, I was given the last room, Room 6, by Wendy, where I showered and relaxed. Around 5:00 pm, I saw Wendy and a few friends take off from the hotel's doc on a boat to enjoy the lake. Soon thereafter, there was a knock at my door. Two hikers showed up, having been told by the manager (the guy on vacation) that a room would still be available after the office closed, and they should let themselves in to Room 6. I told them I had been assigned the room by Wendy, and they left.I thought about it for a moment, realizing that they probably did not have any other options for a room. I realized very quickly that the room was double-booked and I had simply arrived first. I stepped outside, where one of them was on the phone speaking to Wendy out on the boat. He was asking if there were any alternatives or options, then thanked her and hung up. I suggested that the three of us split the room... the two of them could pay me half (since I had enjoyed it for the afternoon and I was not going to share my bed), and they could split the other half of the room. They seemed genuinely surprised. So, we introduced ourselves and when they learned I was DirtyGirl, they cheered.Seems I have a following in the shelter register-reading community.The rest of the evening was spent chatting, comparing notes about the horrible trail, our aching bodies, and our frustrated minds, while drinking beers and looking out upon the water and up toward the moon.Not a bad way to make new friends.
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: New York City
Miles today: 0.0

Took the NJ Transit bus to New York City. Had a terrific lunch hosted by Kim Harris (a schoolmate from college and graduate school) at her office... while we have kept in touch through the miracle of Facebook, we have not seen one another in person in about 15 years. But it was so easy and natural to catch up with her and cover some big topics, while still laughing and joking about life in general.After lunch, I hopped in a cab and returned the broken pack to REI in SoHo. Luckily, their rather liberal return policy works in one's favor. I was also able to get a new pair of boots, as the tread on my old ones were scrubbed away by the rocks of Pennsylvania. At this point, it was getting close to 5:00 pm, so I took another cab and met up with Jeff Kagan, my friend from the LGBT sports community at his office at HBO. We walked to the NJ Transit train, commuting to his apartment in Edison, NJ, where his partner Joel made us a lovely, healthy dinner.Now, I am updating my Trail Journal, sitting on a couch and listening to the movie "Beginners" with Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer... very emotional film. I am lucky that I did not have to come out at age 75. But I do feel like I am starting over again at age 45.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: New York City

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 2.1
Weather: broken clouds

Spent last night with Jeff and Joel in Edison, NJ. Rode the train to Penn Station with Jeff, then we went to the Post Office to mail home my old boots. I also dropped thank you notes in the mail to my various NYC hosts.In Hell's Kitchen I ran into San Franciscan Saurabh Bajaj, who is in NYC on a month-long sabbatical from his position at SF's API Wellness Center. What a great way to take a break!I grabbed lunch in the City, then took the 1:30 NJTransit bus to Greenwood Lake. Unfortunately, due to the heat, the bus broke down, so we were delayed by about an hour.Upon arriving in Greenwood Lake, I resupplied at the CVS pharmacy's grocery, filled my water bladder, and started to hike up the hill to the Trail. Blessedly, a trail angel pulled over and offered a ride (it is illegal to hitch in NY). He recommended the ice cream stand at the top of the mountain, so I stopped in for "dinner".I hopped on the Trail, making it to the first shelter in no time (despite the rocks!) and to find Kindle Ninja making his dinner. We discussed recent Trail mishaps and close calls. I mentioned the AT books on my phone's Kindle app, and how all the authors get discouraged by this point. Kindle Ninja was glad to know he was not the only person feeling frustrated by fewer miles, hotter temperatures, and more bugs!But it was not too long before I retired to my tent to escape the mosquitoes. I'd rather hide in a mesh bubble than slather on DEET.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 15.5

Another hot and humid day... This has got to break at some point...Going into town to pick up package of resupply at Post Office.Stayed at small hotel. Slept well, good shower, but could have stayed at roomier Holiday Inn Express with bigger room, continental breakfast, and pool for a few dollars more. Live and learn...
Date: 2012-07-06
From: Fort Montgomery

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Got up early to get a ride to the Post Office from the hotel owner. Saved a mile walk in the heat. Kindle Ninja was there with his resupply. I shared my extra peanut butter packs with him, them put the extra food in the Hiker Box as "Trail Magic from DirtyGirl".The Trail runs through a zoo which rescues injured animals. Was looking forward to this opportunity, so I set aside some extra time today for the zoo. Got to see a fox, porcupines, coyotes, and an otter. The otter was the most fun of all, as he was putting on quite a show, banking off the edge of the pool like Michael Phelps, flipping over, and rolling about in the water as he swam.Thought there might be more to see, but my visit only took one hour, so I returned to the Trail earlier than expected.Hiked to the Appalachian Market for a late lunch and newspaper before climbing up to the monastery, which allows the use of the ballfield shelter by thru-hikers. Kindle Ninja, Mad Hat, and Semper Fi were there already, so we were able to visit and compare notes about the Trail.Had to let Joanie and John know I might not make it to Rutland VT, and the Amtrak station, in time to make it to the Quilt displayand Grove fundraiser in DC during the International AIDS Conference. John made me feel at ease, reminding me my main focus is the Trail.Was encouraged to see my Facebook post regarding 800 miles to go received over 30 Likes and 11 Comments!
Date: 2012-07-07
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Heat advisory >95°, taking day off the Trail to avoid heat exhaustion. Feels like I am wasting time, but I am sweating sitting still in the shade.Lots to think about while waiting around today. So glad I got in an hour-long phone call with my friend Bill last night. We had not spoken for two months. Since he is not on Facebook, he can only follow my hike on Trail Journals and I wanted to catch up with him, too. I mentioned my recent visits to NYC have made me think a great deal about relocating to the City. That is hard to say to a close friend who wants you to return to, and remain in, San Francisco. I hope I did not hurt his feelings by saying I wanted to move away, but I do not have a "career" job or a relationship holding me there.Went to the Appalachian Market about a mile away for snacks, air conditioning, and to grab five different newspapers to help kill time today. Did not want to nap and end up awake all night.
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

Started at 6:30 am.Got turned around, literally, and retraced my steps by accident, losing 20 minutes of progress. Thank goodness I caught the error quickly, before I descended completely and had to start over.Stopped at deli for lunch.Highway sounds were so loud in the forest today that I used my iPod Shuffle to drown out the noise for a few hours. Listening to music certainly sparked my imagination... day-dreamed about taking up puppetry as a hobby. Invented a character named "Ben Felt" who is a puppet by day and a drag queen puppet by night. He would perform all the standards like "I Will Survive" in puppet drag. Oh, did I tell you I was hot and dehydrated?Hard to find water today. Mad Hat had to push on tonight because he ran out of water, so we did not stay at the same shelter.
Date: 2012-07-10
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Met Poncho again. Ended up spending the day hiking with him. Interesting dude.Met Angry Bird, SoBo hiker, at Wiley Shelter.Ended up soaking my feet and wading in the Ten Mile River. Great way to relax for an hour.Camping tonight with Bigfoot and Mad Hat. Starting to rain at 8 pm.
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: few clouds

Bad experience at laundromat. Good experience at Villager Caf© (two visits), gas station, bank, IGA (two visits), library, outfitter (two visits), and ice cream shop (Annie Bananie).Updated Facebook and Trail Journals (mileage only) at library.Camping for night with Poncho, Butcher, Great Dane, and Oak.
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: Belters Campsite
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Standard "Point A to Point B" kinda day, but woke up still upset about one bad experience in Kent.Mid-morning, I walked down to Cornwall Bridge, CT. Tiny little crossroads with a post office, outfitter, general store, and a few other businesses, including a wine/beer package store. AWOL had hinted that a visit to the package store to sign their hiker register would be "refreshing"... he was right, it included one free beer or soda! So, I had a Mike's Hard Lemonade at 10:00 am. Very refreshing!Them I walked over to the General Store for a sub, chips, and tea. While I was eating on the front steps, a local stopped by with his coffee and struck up a conversation. He wanted me to know about the free beer across the street (a sign of a good samaritan!), too.We chatted about his hiking experiences, while his spaniel hung out in the cab of his pickup truck nearby. Made me long for my own truck and the type of job that would allow me to hang out with Oscar.Lots of climbing today. Only completed 15 trail guide miles, but a detour was added, increasing the day (and the Trail) by one mile.Pulled out the iPod and got caught singing again... this time by section hiker Breezy. She will finish the AT next summer, after 8 years of section hiking. I told her I was going to finish the Trail on my 45th birthday, September 6th. Turns out, September 6th is her birthday too!In my tent after dark, the fireflies are dancing around the grove, but it looks like tiny paparazzi stalking me in the bushes. Ths MUST be what it feels like to be Britney. ("Leave DirtyGirl ALONE!!")
Date: 2012-07-14
From: Bearded Woods / Salisbury, CT

To: Bearded Woods / Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: moderate rain

Slack-packed with Breezy, Bigfoot, and Naranja... 17.1 trail miles in one day over 2602 and 2316 foot peaks. With slack-packing, you tend to get a shuttle ahead to a future point on the Trail, then hike "backwards" or south-bound to the last place you left the Trail (which, for us, was Salisbury and the grocery store!).As we hiked the big hills with our light packs, I felt guilty as other NoBo (northbound) thru-hikers passed us on the Trail... since I was not carrying a full pack like them, I felt like a "fraud". BUT, I was also paying extra money for the shuttle to/from the Trail, too, which made the experience feel / cost more like a luxury.When we made it back to Salisbury and the IGA, I was famished. I drank four quarts of iced tea and ate almost a pound of baby carrots and nearly an entire box of Triscuits, with two full bowl of Sabra hummus (I shared with Little Bear and Cinnamon Girl, but they had to move quickly to get at the snacks, since I was eating everything in sight).That night, Big Lu made a pot roast for the gang. Breezy joined us for the night, too, so her presence added to the entertaining conversation.
Date: 2012-07-15
From: Bearded Woods / Salisbury, CT

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: moderate rain

Hiked from our starting point at Jug End Road to Great Barrington, MA. Planned to take an afternoon to relax, use the computer, and see a movie in town.Unfortunately, Naranja is experiencing a great deal of fatigue (which slows him down). Bigfoot, Naranja, and I split a room on Sunday night at the Comfort Inn, so Naranja could go to a doctor on Monday morning.Great Barrington is a nifty little town... a weekend get-away for the folks from NYC. It is my understanding that my girl Rachel Maddow and her partner Susan Mikula live in "Western Massachusetts" (which I think is code for "We want to be left alone on the weekends, Ross!). But that did not stop me from trying to Google the heck out of Susan's name to see where her studio is located!After checking in, I hopped into the hot tub for a few minutes to soothe the achy body after yesterday's long and hilly climbs. I returned to the room to find Bigfoot and Naranja settling in, so as they headed to the pool, I ventured out to the movies. After seeing my first movie in FIVE MONTHS (yikes!), I got a banana split at SoCo Creamery and walked the mile back to the hotel in a light drizzling rain (NY Times Sunday edition tucked under my arm!).It was nice just hanging out with Bigfoot and Naranja... we grabbed some food at the grocery store and watched the new Sigourney Weaver show on USA before bed.
Date: 2012-07-16
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Spent the day in Great Barrington, MA. Bigfoot took off to hike the Trail after breakfast and Naranja went to the doctor's office to get some tests run to figure out what was causing his fatigue.Met a really nice guy (and probably the only gay man in Great Barrington) name Pete, too. After spending time visiting with Pete, I grabbed some lunch and worked on the computer in the hotel's business center.Mid-afternoon, I found a Development Manager position on Craigslist for an autism organization in New York City and sent in an electronic copy of my resume. The hiring manager was online at the time, so he returned my email, asked for some additional information, and set up an interview for 4:30 pm.After the phone interview, I was on Cloud 9, because I knew that (even if it was not THIS job) I had a set of marketable skills and was hire-able in non-profit fundraising. While I know I need to focus on the Trail for the next 7 weeks, I really really really need a job when I return to SF... otherwise, I cannot afford to live there anymore, it is just too expensive!
Date: 2012-07-17
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Left hotel this morning at 9:00 am. Naranja and I shared a taxi back to the trailhead (which is the best $7 I ever spent, because another hiker ended up having to walk four miles to the Trail when he could not find a hitch!). Even though he is experiencing fatigue, it did not take him long to pull ahead as he hiked quickly up the hill.I have to get over the sensation that this is a race, but it is frustrating for me when people pass me quickly. I wish I hiked faster, but at least I am not getting injured by only going two miles an hour. Many of the faster hikers have gotten shin splints, sprained ankles, or have had to quit the Trail entirely due to more serious conditions.Stayed at Mt. Wilcox South Shelter. Ended my day "earlier" at 5:30 pm, as rain was forecast for 7:00 pm. Also, water is in VERY short supply. Mt. Wilcox had a tiny spring, so I had to use my small silicone bowl to take water one cup at a time from the pool in order to fill my three liter bladder. Luckily, the water was clear and very cold (a good sign it is from a clean spring).Tented near a new hiker JayBird. Since I have taken a few days off the Trail, my old hiking friends have moved on ahead and I am meeting new hikers each day.
Date: 2012-07-18
From: Mt. Wilcox South Shelter

To: Becket, MA
Miles today: 17.8

Another long, hot day. Was anticipating rain for the past two days. Rain was supposed to break this heat wave and help replenish the water sources.Woke up in the middle of the night to relieve myself. As I was outside my tent, I could see heat lightning flickering overhead like a strobe light. No thunder, and no rain fell as I slept, either.As I hiked, rain threatened all day. Could hear thunder all afternoon, but no rain fell on me while I hiked.Staying at Berkshire Lakeside Lodge tonight. I am the only guest here in the tiny 8 room motel. Was hoping to use the hotel's computer (as advertised in the AT Guide) to check on the scheduling of my second phone interview). No updates yet, so maybe I will hear something next week.Tomorrow, I get to meet the Cookie Lady!
Date: 2012-07-19
From: Becket, MA

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Stayed at Berkshire Lakeside Lodge. Best night of sleep in ages... soft bed, cold room, full tummy, clean body... completely worth it.Ran into Bigfoot and Naranja at the Cookie Lady's house, which is beside her U-Pick blueberry farm (which is closed on Thursdays). I arrived to find the guys, along with Canadian hiker Mr. Noodles, hanging out in the back yard. Unfortunately, Mrs. Cookie Lady was not home! I knew that my mother would be disappointed, because she had read about her in the AT materials. I have to give her credit. She has baked cookies and provided free water for the hikers for thirty years. A wonderful tradition, no doubt. I also learned that they sell blueberries, raspberries, and boiled eggs from the farm, along with cold sodas and Klondike bars.Eventually, Mr. and Mrs. Cookie Lady returned home and we got some eggs, ice cream, sodas, and cookies from them. I must admit, the cookies were nothing to write home about (and speaking of home, my mother is still the reigning Cookie Lady in my life), but they were free and Mr. Cookie Lady was very nice.Bigfoot and Naranja were going to stay behind and tent on the grounds, so they grabbed some buckets to harvest blueberries for dinner. I decided to hike on ahead, so I could get in the "minimum" of 15 miles.Tented at Kay Wood Shelter. I do not know who Kay Wood was, but she must have been in Witness Protection, because her shelter was so far off the Trail and hidden from view, no-one could have found it! The shelter is just three miles outside of town. I did not arrive until 7:30 pm (due in part to my hour break with the guys outside Cookie Lady's house). Heading into town at this hour would not have gotten me in until 9:00 pm... and as you may remember from my posts, 9:00 pm is Hiker Midnight! Much too late to be out on the Trail.After I arrived, JayBird showed up too. I learned that he started his hike one week after me on March 18th. I have a feeling we will continue to run into one another. I learned that, even after 1561 miles, he is still so excited about his hike, as it is providing him with some wonderful experiences and motivation to return to college to study ornithology!
Date: 2012-07-20
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

Arrived in Dalton... was advised to find Tom Levardi, a local trail angel, to try to tent in his yard. However, when I arrived at his home, he was not there. I walked into the small town, stopped off a local "7-11" type market to get some food, and then headed toward the library to use the computer and update my trail journal, as well as apply for a job in San Francisco.Trail angel "Miss Janet" warned me back in Nolichucky about spending too much time trying to update my Trail Journals and HikeRossHike.org, rather than focusing on my HIKE!BUT I feel I am doing this for all the folks who have supported my fundraising event and have been following my hike for the past four months. I hope everyone appreciates the effort, despite the infrequency of the posts!Checked into Shamrock Village Inn, which provided laundry and computer access (which I have been using for three hours). Will return to the Trail tomorrow to tackle Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts on the AT at 3491 feet!
Date: 2012-07-21
From: Dalton, MA

To: Mt. Greylock, Thunderbolt Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Terrific continental breakfast at hotel with bagels and tons of fresh berries. When I checked out, Laura, the owner, gave me a hug and wished me luck on my way.Got a little lost heading out of town, as the map did not exactly match the street layout.Realized I started the John Muir Trail one year ago today. What a year this has been!Met Dessert First at Diane's Twist ice cream shop in Cheshire. She said she has followed me on Trail Journals. She and her husband were slack packing Massachusetts with two of their grandchildren.Made it to the top of Mt. Greylock in time for the Lodge's dinner service.Met Irv and Marsha at Bascomb Lodge where we shared a table at dinner. Turned out that Irv was an avid hiker with his family and thinks very highly of thru-hikers! Irv even offered to run me to the store to resupply and give me a place to stay for the night if the shelter was full. I thanked him for the consideration but declined. I did not want another excuse to stay of the Trail. However, I got his address to send a postcard when I reach Maine.
Date: 2012-07-22
From: Mt. Greylock, Thunderbolt Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Went into North Adams to resupply. Had lunch at the "Oriental Buffet" (their words, not mine, but why am I being so sensitive about the word Oriental?) with ConnectFour.Had ice cream at Friendly's. When I inquired where I should place my backpack, the manager gestured to the space in the front foyer, indicating it couldn't be inside because of the "mites and ticks". Well, I never...! They seated me in the very back of the restaurant and wondered why I didn't order more. They weren't very Friendly when it came down to it.Met SoBo hiker Slippy.Met NoBo hikers Domino and Froth (they started on March 11th, too).Tenting at shelter with Domino, Froth, Video, and Kindle Ninja.
Date: 2012-07-23
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Nighttime rainstorms are perfect because you wake up to dry (well, drier) conditions and don't have to pack a tent in the rain.Lots of climbing and descending today. Very steep stone steps, my recurring nightmare (I'm not kidding). I have a dream where I'm descending huge steps and eventually they get so big I cannot step down, bit I cannot climb back up. Paging Dr. Freud...Sloped going into town. Third night straight in the woods. Starting to get really oily. Hostel in Manchester Center on Thursday!Tenting at shelter with Bigfoot, Naranja, Kindle, and "just Gene from Indy" (who needs a trail name like "jGindy").Just woken up by another midnight rainstorm. Love the sounds all around... Rolling thunder, rushing wind through the leaves and branches, patter of raindrops on my tent. Heaven! That is, until lightning his me or I am crushed by a dead branch. Okay, now I cannot sleep... Did not cover my tent entirely with my rain fly... Left two small vents in the mosquito netting and ended up getting a lot of unnecessary water inside the tent. D'oh!