morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Wind Gap

To: Mountain of Gods Hostel Del. Water Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 7. Obsidian left at 7:45 for the post office. I checked with different Enterprise car agencies to check on available and pick up. Got the car from Vernon since I could get unlimited mileage. Worked on my blisters and covered them with moleskin. I'm worried they will not improve by race time next week.Packed up and had my cold pizza. Obsidian returned about 9. Headed out and got back on the trail at 10. Again the morning started with a climb. It was gradual but still had some steep parts. Slow going on the rocky trail. Feet were sore and I just didn't have any energy. Obsidian was well ahead of me but we would met up later. Arrived at Wolf Rocks at 1:15 for my usual tuna salad lunch. The trail then became very rocky with boulders past Kirkridge Shelter. Obsidian went to Kirkridge for water and the spigot was working. We hiked together with the trail getting smooth and flat. We were able to go quicker. It looked like we would get to the Hostel at 6.Got to Mt Minsi and had a small rock scramble. The trail then started down and became rocky again. Obsidian was leading. We went thru a Rhodendrom tunnel then the trail became a road. We were doing well on the rock. Then we realized we hadn't seen a blaxe in a while plus we were still at elevation 1000' when we should have been at 800-900'. We headed back up the hill. We went a quarter mile and 20 mins and found a blaze on a rock. We then saw the blaze going down the hill. I checked where we went wrong. When we came out of the Rhodendrom tunnel the trail went left and we went straight.We then got on the correct trail which was rocky and steep. It also had started to rain but we had put our pack covers on. We finally got to the Hostel at 7 with wet shoes but it had stopped raining.The Hostel was full so we found good tent spots on the grass in back. At 7:45 Obsidian and I went to dinner. Stopped by the bakery to see what they had for resupply. Mainly just pastries and breads. Great looking pies and pastries. Went to the Water Gap Diner. We were seated in the large dining room. I had Braized Beef with pototoes and 2 chocolate milk shakes. Large portion and very good. And we good bread pudding for dessert.I was thinking about taking a zero to rest my feet but that would make hard to get to Vernon. So will be hiking out. Got back at 9:15 and visited with others - Affirmed, Bliss, Potato, Golly Green Giant and many more. I weighed myself and I had lost another 6 lbs. but Golly said the scale was off.In my tent at 9:45 before the rain started 1/2 hour later. Tent will be wet but I will be dry. Another hard day due to the trail, the late start, getting lost, and rain. Have caught up with about 20 hikers who we thought were 1-2 days ahead. Feet are hurting so I may get new socks tomorrow. The last 3-4 days have been hard due to the rocks.
Date: 2014-07-11
From: 1303 Campsite

To: fire lookout tower
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Affirmed left very early and Golly Green Giant left about 7:30. We were hoping to leave by 7 but Obsidian didn't get up till 7. I was up at 6:15. Broke down camp. Divided up my breakfast so I would have 3 days worth. Headed out at 7:50. Hiked to the road about 1/4 mile then the trail turned left then right into a parking lot. As I was approaching the parking lot a car pulled in to the lot quickly. It was members of the Hunterdon Hiking Club with trail magic. I arrived at 8:10. They had drinks, chips, as well as they were going to do burgers and hot dogs. Yesterday Nora V came by and left a note. I had a soda and took an apple, cookie and powerade for later. I also took some hamburger buns for lunch. I was about to leave when Obsidian arrived. So I stayed for a hamburger and 2 hot dogs. Nice treat to supplement breakfast. We finally left at 9:35.The trail remained rocky. I was wearing my nike shoes to let my feet take a rest and to dry out my socks. So my pace was slower and more cautious. Frankie the Sleeper caught up with us. He stayed at the Outdoor Center last night. We stopped at 1131 campsite at 12:30 to have lunch. Had cheese on my hamburger bun with peanut butter. Long break and did not leave until 2:30. Trail ran on the ridge line so it was still rocky with the vertical rocks. Arrived at the junction of Brink Road Shelter at 4. I had switched back to my shoes after lunch. After the shelter more rocky uphills but not bad on the feet. Got to Rt 206 Culver Gap at 5:45. We had 3 miles to get to the shelter. We noticed 2 restaurants just down the road. We decided to eat here and not have to cook so even if we got to the shelter at 8 or 8:30 all we had to do was put up our tents.Ate at the Steakhouse. Excellent service and very good pasta with veggies. A little pricey but good. Back on the trail at 7. We decided to at least make it to the lookout tower 2 miles away and see if there will be tenting options. The trail was smooth with some rocks. We had a gradual climb and arrived at the tower at 8. Found good tent spots and set up our tents. Waited for sunset. We took pictures of us then of the sunset. Bear bagged. The mosquitos were bad. In tent by 9:15. Called about my reservation dates in Winston Salem. I had the correct days. Checked the schedule. 14 miles tomorrow then 12 then 6 into Vernon where I will do laundry, shower, and go to the library. Then pick up the car and head out about 1 or 2 on Monday.Weather was good today with low humidity and 80-85 temps. Didn't start like we wanted to but since we got trail magic it was very good. Good dinner, Good campsite and great sunset. Did 17 miles which would be okay.The views in New Jersey are mostly forests with some lakes. Did see a major lake with a Power station below it. And the rocks keep coming.
Date: 2014-07-13
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon Church Hostel
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 6:45 packed up had breakfast and on the trail at 7:45. Trail was very forgiving - flat and smooth even the uphills were smooth. Was averaging 2.4 mph. Obsidian had left before I got up.Trail went from woods to fields to woods. Lots of road crossings. Got to Lott Road and had lunch from 11:15 to 11;45. Just cheese sandwich. Trail then became rocky but not bad. Did feel a little tired but took a 10 min rest ate some nuts and felt better. The trail then started into the Wakill Preserve. As you walked in the grass trail hundreds of grasshoppers hopped out of the way. Got water at a vacant house before climbing Pochuck Mt. Trail was boulders and rocks. Arrived at the Pochunk Mt Shelter trail at 1 but did not go in. Crossed 2 more roads then entered the swamp with boardwalks and bridges. Very interesting trail.A little warm and humid. Crossed a major suspension bridge then continued on the boardwalks. Arrived at NJ94 at 4. Crossed the road and was in the process of switching shoes, when a couple came off the trail and was crossing the road. Asked if they were going to Vernon and could I have a ride, they said yes. Trail MagicWent to the Episcipol Church to find the hostel. Found the church but did locate the hostel. I checked all the buildings on the property but no luck. Decide to go to the A&P to get some chocolate milk and gatorade. Ended up getting lemonade. As I was filling my bottles with the lemonade to carry it better, Obsidian drove up with a lady who had given him a ride from the trail. He couldn't find the Hostel either. He had taken a long lunch at the shelter while I passed by and then had difficulty getting a ride.We then went to the police station to ask where the hostel was. Initially the clerk had no idea but she got officer Scott. He took us to the church to find the hostel. We actually started at the church next door but when we walked to the Episcopol Church we saw some steps and a white blaze. The hostel was in the basement. I had walked to the right and the left when I was dropped off.Very nice hostel with a kitchen, laundry facility, shower, computer, TV, and couches. There were 2 hikers from MI and then Peaches arrived. Settled in at 5. Obsidian watched the last few minutes of the World Cup while I showered and did laundry. 7:45 we went to dinner at the Pizza place up the street. Very large portions of Chicken Marsala with Penna Pasta. Came back to the hostel and had some cheesecake and ice cream from the hiker frig.Check email and facebook will update my journal tomorrow before picking up the car.A good day. Humid and hot but trail was very good. Did the 19 miles in 8 hours. Met back up with Obsidian. Lucky with my ride into town. Tomorrow will pick up the car to head to Winston Salem, NC
Date: 2014-07-14
From: Vernon Church Hostel

To: Chambersburg PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't sleep well last nite ended up in one of the chairs with the hassock. Up at 6 then went on the computer to work on my journal. I noted that Frankie the Sleeper is one shelter ahead and Draggin had to get off the trail at 1405 due to Lyme's Disease. Peaches left at 8. Obsidian went to the store for resupply. When he came back I checked on the subway lines and fares from Grand Central to his hotel. I also suggested a weekly subway pass to make it easier riding and to save money.Went to Burger King for breakfast of 2 egg sausage sandwiches and pancakes. Obsidian left at 9:15 to get back on the trail. I spent the rest of the morning updating my journal. Finished packing, did a small load of laundry and called Enterprise to get picked up. Back to Burger King for lunch of onion rings and 2 XL BBQ burgers. Enterprise arrived at 1:15. Headed to his agency to do the paperwork then to his other location for a smaller car. I had checked earlier about the taxi from Enterprise to the trail, it would be $15 but I'm suppose to call a day ahead to arrange pickup. May look at other options. Got the car and headed south at 2 PM.The route took me thru the small towns of northern NJ and eastern PA. Went thru Wind Gap so I figured I'd look for any hikers needing a ride. Unfortunately without a map I went south instead of north and spent 45 minutes to get to the trail. No one was there or walking into town. Very slow going due to the 2 lane roads. It started to rain off and on until 5 when the rain came down heavy. I was getting tired so I decided to stop at Dietrich's Meat Market to get some good cold cuts. Got soda, bread, cheese, bolonga. So I made a sandwich and rested.Continued on to Chambersburg, PA and stopped at the Quality Inn. Got directions to the Winston Salem Laquinta. Relaxed in the room until bedtime at 10:30.Tomorrow I will be in Winston Salem to rest up for my race.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Chambersburg PA

To: Winston Salem
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 6 for breakfast and on the road by 7. It has been interesting in the drive passing towns or areas we have just travel by. Such as Caledonia State Park, Hamburg, Pine Grove Furnace, Carlisle. I noticed after driving 2 hours I tended to get tired so I had to stop.Good weather and not a lot of traffic. Had another sandwich at a rest stop and got to Daleville, VA about 11:30. I figured I'd stop by the HOJO express to see if any hikers were needing rides etc. One guy needed a ride to the outfitters so I took him and then visited with the staff there who had brought us the egg mcmuffin. Went to the ATM for some cash then back to the hotel. The owner of 4 pines was dropping off 3 hikers, said hello and asked them if they need anything. I then met 2 other hikers and we chatted about the upcoming trail. While I was talking with them I saw a guy who looked familiar but there would be no logical reason why he is here. When I mentioned I was going to be doing a race, they said there is a guy they met who is doing a race also.I drove down to the other building and sure enough it was a race walk friend from NH. His reaction was the same - what am I doing here. He just stopped on the way to Winston Salem at this hotel. We talked about the trail and visited. I ended up leaving at 2 with only a 2 hour trip left. Unfortunately I did not have a map only directions. I ended up going to Greensboro and having to go west to Winston Salem 35 miles away.Checked in at 5. Did some online journalling then to dinner at the Golden Corral with heavy emphasis on meat products. Back at room just relaxed and bed by 11.
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Winston Salem

To: Winston Salem
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 6:30, fair nite sleep. Went to breakfast then to the computer for more updating. Drove to the NC DMV to renew my driver's license. Got there at 9 then waited an hour which wasn't bad. Had to explain to the examiner about my trying to get a temporary. But I got my renewal but my new license will be arriving in the mail.Back to the computer until my wife arrives. She arrived at 11:15. Made sandwiches unloaded the car of all my boxes for resupply. Our friends arrived at 3:30 but we couldn't get our race numbers until 4. Went to the track at 4 and saw my fellow racewalkers. Got our packet and numbers.Went to dinner at Macaroni Grill. I ended up have the the trio of lasanza, chicken parmagean, and cannoli. Lots of food before a race.It will be interesting how I feel tomorrow. The feet were sore the last 2 days so I did switch shoes I was walking it. I also tried my 8 1/2 shoes.
Date: 2014-07-17
From: Winston Salem

To: Winston Salem
Miles today: 0.0

Race Day Up at 6, Breakfast of yogurt, banana, and oatmeal. Left at 7 for the track. Better directions than yesterday so we got there in 20 minutes. Warm day.Visited with many of my racing friends telling them about my trail adventures and answering questions. I am racing at 9:18 but the 1st event is the women's and older men 10000 meter race. That race ran late so the 1st race walk event was 20-30 mins delayed.Did some of my usual warmup although I had forgotten some of my pre race routine. Noticed my right hamstring was sore when I flexed my hip.Although there were 2 slow walkers, they started us about 20 past schedule. There were about 23 walkers in my heat. I didn't want to start out fast and I was only concerned with those in my age group. I had done a practice lap yesterday in 2'24 which would be a 30 min 5K. So I knew what my pace should be. I did the first 200 in 1'13 which was right on pace. I was able to stay with another walker which always helps. I knew I had one person in my age group who could beat me and I didn't know where he was for 3-4 laps. Then I realized he was 100 meters in front of me. Lots of laps and time to try to catch him. I just had to be steady. I felt good. It did get a little warm but I was feeling comfortable with no hamstring pain. On each lap I estimated the distance I was behind. It appeared I was gaining about 2 section a lap. So with 7 laps to go I should be able to catch him. I was holding my pace behind the other walker as we passed the slower walkers. With 5 laps to go I passed my competitor and continued on. With 3 laps to go I got a side stitch and I couldn't quite maintain my pace. I finished in 29 min 52 sec and won my age group. Not my fastest time but considering what I have been doing for the past 3+ months very good.Went to lunch with friends at IHOP chatting about the trail. Will be working on my resupply the rest of the day and tomorrow.One more race on Saturday - the 10k Road race. I now know what my time should be.
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Winston Salem

To: Winston Salem
Miles today: 0.0

Resting after yesterday's race. The hamstrings are sore from non use. Finished loading pictures. Returned some items at REI. Tried on new shoes 1/2 size bigger which should work.In general just took it easy. Have a 10K racewalk tomorrow at 6:30 AM then will be on the road.
Date: 2014-07-19
From: Winston Salem

To: New Market VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 4 to get ready for my 10K Racewalk at 6:30. My wife decided to sleep in and not go. Left at 4:45 and arrived at the race course at 5. No one arrived before 6. Changed parking lots. Checked in and got my timing chip. Did a minimal warmup since I have forgotten my usual routine. Warmed up on the course with its 4 speed bumps.6:30 the gun goes off and were off for 10 1k loops. The faster walker are already well ahead. I settle in at a reasonable pace. I am planning on doing the 10K in about 62 minutes which is 6'12 per lap. I'm in a group of 5 other walkers including Bill Reed who is in my age group. He is behind me. I'm feeling good without any leg soreness. First lap in 6:29, a little slow but that's okay. Better slow than too fast. Bill and I are together with a 3rd walker after we passed two others that were with us on the first lap. Second lap was quicker at 6:14. Bill and I are together for the 1st 5 laps. I did pick up the pace and was doing 6'08 or 6'09 a lap. 5K in 31'12. A little off pace but a good time.On the 6th lap I pulled away from Bill and gained about 5 seconds a lap on him. I was still on the same pace and actually did 1 lap in 6'04. I did slow down on the next to last lap but still ended up winning my age group in a time of 61'47. Second gold medal and another national championship.Not one of my fastest race but considering what I have been doing an excellent effort. I was pleased that my pace was even and I did negative splits (second half of the race faster than the first.)Back to the hotel to shower and pack up. Finish my work on the computer.Will be heading north to the trail today. Ended up leaving Winston Salem at 2 so I only made it the New Market, VA about 210 miles north. Took my time plus much the route was on 2 lane roads. Will be continuing on tomorrow and return the car Monday and be back on the trail
Date: 2014-07-20
From: New Market VA

To: Hamburg, NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 7 for breakfast bagel, cookies and tea. On the road at 8:30. Weather was clear. Not a lot of traffic. Decided to detour to Harpers Ferry to see where other hikers were. Got there at 10:15. Saw where Miracle and Hydro were 3 days behind me. But Plus 1 was not there. Did not see Mighty Blue or Sam. Visited with a couple of people inquiring about the trail. Left at 11:15Stopped for a milkshake and to have my sandwich at 12:30. At least I had a map so I didn't get lost. Travel by Gettysburg on Rt. 15 to Harrisburg. Decided to take I81 from Harrisburg instead of I78 to Allentown. This was probably a good choice because there was less traffic on I81. Stopped in Delaware Water Gap at the Hostel to give a donation but the hostel was locked.Minor traffic backup on I81 but not a long delay. Got off I81 to the back roads of New Jersey to Hamburg and Vernon. Arrived in Hamburg about 4 but decided to check out the Drive In Theatre which I thought was in Greenwood Lake but it was in Warwick. Did drive to Greenwood Lake to see what is available. There is a .7 trail to town and there are some places to eat in town. Also at the other road crossing there is an ice cream store about .2 from the trail.Returned to Vernon for dinner at the Italian Restaurant for take out. Stopped at the Church Hostel to check the register. Hydro and Plan B came thru last week. After getting dinner I attempted to get gas for the car and had to go back to Vernon. Checked in the Quality Inn which is almost across the street from the Car Rental office.Will be on the trail tomorrow hopefully early. Not sure of my destination.Thanks for the comments in the guest book and support of the Community Table, the charity I'm hiking for.
Date: 2014-07-21
From: Hamburg, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

Up at 7. Finished packing. Checked out and returned the car to Enterprise and was on the trail by 8:45. Usual morning climb on a slightly rocky trail. Easy going. Weather in the 70s with low humidity. Trail then flatten and was smooth. Felt good and moving well even being off for 7 days. Pack felt heavy at times. Never saw the trail to the Wawayanda shelter.The trail then started to climb and got rocky with boulders. Some large boulder sections. Slow going over the flat boulders.Got to the NJ/NY Border at 1:15 and had lunch at Prospect Rock at 1:40 to 2:10. Just past where I had lunch was probably Prospect Rock because I encounter a huge group of kids. So many I had to wait to go down the trail which was very steep.The trail then turned challenging with major rock scrambles. Actually got to a place with a real ladder to climb up. I was getting low on water plus it was getting hotter. I was moving slowly. The trail from the Vista Trail to Rt 17A was flat and smooth. Went the 3/10 mile to the Creamery for sodas and ice cream. The hot dog stand was closed. Filled up my water. I only had 2 miles to the shelter so I was making good time. Then I got to another major rock scramble. Very technical and had to use my hands to climb up.Arrived at Wildcat shelter at 7:20. There were 5 others there. Set up my tent and had my tuna pasta dinner with an orange. Put my food in the bear box and in tent by 9.The day was rocky and technical but I did well for a week off.
Date: 2014-07-22
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Slept pretty well but it was cool in the AM. Slow getting up until 7. Packed up had my cereal and on the trail at 7:55. Trail was smooth with an some uphills. Mostly forest dirt trail so I was moving well. Had some technical climbs but nothing major until after Fitzgerald Falls. I then crossed the swamp on boardwalks.The water sources were poor but there was trail magic at the road crossing with jugs of water. But all were empty. Stopped at Buchanan Mt. at 11:30 for lunch of tuna salad and orange. Left at 12:30Weather was clear but sunny and the temperatures were going up. Crossed 2 more road crossings with empty water jugs. I was conserving water since the next source was 3 miles. More rock scrambles and steep rocky uphills.Got to Rt 17 at 4. Again there was trail magic of water and this time the jugs were full. Filled up my water and drank some also. There was a sign that there was trail magic .2 miles ahead. Crossed the road then crossed over the NY Thruway. The trail went into a field then to a parking lot. On a rock was 2 more jugs of water which I filled up my bottle with more water. Then a gentleman came around the corner and asked if I wanted some cold water. It was Pressure D, a 2013 hiker who set up trail magic with his wife. I had a ham and cheese sandwich, pasta salad and drink. Visited with them a while. They told me about their experiences on Kathadin. They said they have only seen 5-6 hikers today.Back on the trail at 5:35 for a 4 mile hike to the shelter. Got to the Lemon Squeezer. Started up the rocks but my pack wouldn't fit thru the crack. Didn't think of taking the pack off. I knew there was a blue blaze trail so I started along another trail then bushwacked up the hill. Found the trail then back tracked to the Lemon Squeezer. Did not attempt the technical rock climb but essential did the rest of this area.Got some water at a very slow source. Had another long climb and arrived at Fingerboard Shelter at 8. There were no good tent sites so I continued on the trail to the top of the ridge and found a good site. I also caught another good sunset. Kept the tent fly up with a mild breeze. Very comfortable night.Another hard 14 mile day with rock scrambles and rocky ups and down. Disappointed that so many jugs of water were empty. Still getting my trail legs back