morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Palmertown

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early to meet our 6:15 ride. Cantaloupe Tink, Vogue, and Apple Pie were going out too. The first climb out was really steep with a climb over boulders. Sure felt good to come up over the edge and catch the breeze from the other side of the mountain. Glad I did that climb in the early morning. Once on top it was a ridge walk through a desolate mountain top polluted from previous years. The day was hot and the path was very rocky. We took a break at a vista and then moved on. When we got to the shelter I knew I was moving on so kept going. We had to carry enough water for 20 miles because the springs were dry. So the pack was heavy too. Walked with Vogue from the shelter to the gap. She was meeting friends for the night. I got a motel room nearby and settled in. It felt so good to get a shower and rest after such a long rocky day of walking. My feet are holding up but have to tape my heels everyday. Can't wait to get new boots that are really good when I'm hom!e.
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

Woke early so decided to pack up and go. Was out by 6:15 am. Because I was out early I saw 10 deer. The trail was so rocky again today and my feet got sore early. There was a big boulder field too that took some maneuvering. Really glad the rocks weren't wet. Just before I got to the Kirkridge shelter it started to rain, threw my pack cover on and hurried into the shelter. Once the rain stopped I took off again. Stopped for lunch at an overlook but couldn't see much through the mist.Once in town I went to the post office to pick up my map drop. Then it was to the hostel at the Presbyterian church. Once we dropped our packs there Apple Pie and I went to the cafe for lunch. It was sort of a health food place and the food was really good. Back at the hostel I just tried to rest until it was time to go to dinner.We went down the street and had only a beer because the food was so expensive. Then went to the pizza place for food. When we got our food delivered she spilled the boiling hot food on Swinger. He jumped up quick but still got burned on his leg and both feet. He may not be able to walk out tomorrow because of how his feet are doing. We are all sitting around at the hostel talking now.
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Hemlock Pond Trail
Miles today: 19.8

Had a restful nights sleep and got going around 6 am. Crossing the bridge at the Water Gap was quite an experience. The cars and trucks were wizzing passed me at 65 mph only 6 feet away. This is not normal in my world! Then the bridge was really shaking too so I felt a little uneasy. When I got up the hill to the backpacker campsite Apple Pie was just leaving. Talked and waled together for a while. We were headed to the Mochican Outdoor Center for some lunch. Got there in time and had the deli sandwich with chips and two drinks. Ug, Apple Pie and I answered questions from some camp kids who were there waiting to start a hike. After we finished lunch and filled our water bottles we were off again. Called home and got the latest info on the home front. Hiked with or saw Ug and Apple Pie off and on all day until they headed on for the shelter. Because I had come from town I was camping out instead of going the 25 miles to the shelter from the backpacker site. Found a nice spot overlooking Carter Lake and got camp set up. Dinner cooked and food bag hung I headed to my tent. Looked over maps and mileages for the next couple of weeks. There started to be a noise in the under brush to the left of my tent. I could tell something was coming up the hill towards me. It got louder and louder and I was peeking out to see what was coming. Of course there are lots of bears in New Jersey so that was my first concern especially with how loud it was and really rustling the bushes. All at once I saw it about 12 feet away, a whole flock of turkeys. My heart was racing but much relieved. They gobbled a little and kept on going. Who knew turkeys could be so loud. The sun is sinking fast and so am I. Oh, entered a new state today, 7 finished and 7 to go. Also today was my youngest 21 birthday. Happy birthday Rachel!! I'm sure getting excited about being only 10 days away from home, let the miles increase!
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Hemlock Pond Trail

To: Culvers Gap
Miles today: 8.6

Sleeping out overnight went well but I woke up very early. Decided to get going even though I wouldn't meet Rachel until noon. The miles went quickly and I was soon at the road. Called Rachel to let her know I would wait for her at Gyp's Tavern.Several other hikers had come in and were headed there too. Met Chuckles and Gotta Go for the first time. Chuckles scraped his arm on a nail and cut it up pretty bad. The lady in the bar gave him some compresses to put on it. Ordered a cheese sandwich, fries and a beer. Sat out by the lake in the shade and enjoyed my meal.When Rachel came we ran down to the store so Chuckles could get some bandages. Then it was time to head home. Was headed home for Kinsey and Todd's Jack and Jill shower. It was so great to get home. Was great to see my dog too. Cleaned up and made a trip to my old job and then to the mall for new shoes again. Ate dinner out and then we headed home.
Date: 2005-07-16
From: Culvers Gap

To: Culvers Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Enjoyed doing things around home and even took a nap in the afternoon. Kinsey and Todd's party started at 3 and we had tons of food. Just what a hungry hiker could use. Had a great time meeting people and enjoying all the events. Got home and started to pull the last of my stuff together.
Date: 2005-07-17
From: Culvers Gap

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Got up early and packed my things up then went down and jumped in the pool. Had been dreaming about that during all the hot days. Stopped for Dunkin Donuts coffee and a bagel before heading out of town. Got back to the trail around 9:15 with the threat of rain in the air. It was hard to say goodbye. The miles seemed to go quickly because the day was split up between places to see and shelters. Ran into Sunshine whom I hadn't seen since Bear's Den Hostel. Later I also saw Gypsy Lulu and Touk again, too. Most everyone I hiked around today was headed to the secret shelter tonight. I had gotten back on trail too late to do that many miles. Saw the monument they built to mark the high point in New Jersey. It was raining so didn't take the time to go up there. Got to the shelter before I was completely soaked. Only Crazy Legs was there but later Professor Nutmeg, Ox, Noodle and Newheart came in. It's still raining off and on.
Date: 2005-07-18
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Woke early and because I had 19+ miles to do, got going at 6:00. Even early it was so humid that I was dripping wet very soon. The day was pretty boring, just a bunch of ups and downs. Over a swampy area there was a raised boardwalk which really sped things up. Got to the road to Vernon and went up to the little fruit stand for a soda and some fruit. Got a hitch into town and found the church right away that has a hostel. Did the shower wash clothes thing and then just relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. The hostel will only let 12 people stay so 6 had to go to the pavillion. There was a discrepancy as to who came in when but I was definitely within the first 12 so I had a spot for the night. Found out I lost my Wingfoot book somewhere in my shuffling around in and out of cars I guess. Now I've lost my email and phone number list too. Getting dark better turn in.
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Vernon

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

Slept well at the hostel but still woke early and was out of there before 6. Headed down to the Dunkin Donuts before leaving town. Hazy Sonic, Spitfire and Livestrong were already there. They had stayed at the pavillion but didn't get much sleep because of some town sewer project that went on all night. They had a ride lined up at 6:30 so I joined them. When I got back to the trailhead I walked up to the fruit stand to see if my Wingfoot book was there. By the way my Wingfoot book is important because it has all the mileage, water and town info in it. I think I forgot to mention that when I said yesterday that I lost it. Looked around the tables where we sat and looked in there dumpster just in case they found it and threw it away. Well, no luck so I guess it's in the guys car who gave me a ride.Back at the trail I had a tough climb. Glad it was early because it was so humid and I was wet and sticky already. Once on top the terrain wasn't bad and I made good time. Stopped at the ranger station for some more water. Also called Mt. Rogers Outfitters to send me a new Wingfoot book. Ran into Tink who was there getting water too. Thought the rocks were all done but still had some rocky trail. Then the big rocks started as I approached the state line. Had my lunch at the NY/NJ line and took the stateline picture. It was off again with the thoughts of ice cream at Hwy17A, only 6 miles away. That's when the rock climbs started. Big rocks to climb over and walk on like rock sidewalks. There were two long sections of trail like this. But alas I was rewarded with ice cream. A sundae with two scoops and hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry. Hazy Sonic and Spitfire joined me and we sat and talked while we ate.It was only 2 more miles to the shelter but it was spitting rain and we had walked most of the afternoon to the sound of thunder. There was another big rock climb and the wind had picked up so it was a little scary up top. Made it in ok to the shelter without a big downpour. Decided to set up my tent because of the mosquitoes being so aggressive.Chuckles and Gotta Go were there, they had taken an early day off because of the heat. Tink came in a while later when we were making dinner. Someone else has come in but I don't recognize the voice. Laying here at 8:30 in my sleeping shorts and bra because it's so warm. Hope a nice breeze picks up overnight. Shorter day planned tomorrow, 14 miles because there are several hard climbs. Hope the water sources are better than they were today.
Date: 2005-07-20
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Slept real good even though the breeze never did come up. Slept in and left around 6:45 because I was only planning on doing 14 miles. As the day wore on I convinced myself to go the almost 20-mile day. It was a real tough day with hard climbs and big rocks. The saving thing was the lower humidity and a slight breeze most of the day. As I think back about the terrain today I'm actually surprised I made it this far. Put in a 12-hour day though. Saw several deer and about a dozen chipmunks and various squirrels. Stopped in at the lake and had a soda and an ice cream sandwich and picked up more water. I've been carrying almost 3 liters of water the past 2 days because of the lack of good water. Trail angels left us water at two different roads today, which was greatly appreciated. Ran into Che and Peanut near the Fingerboard shelter, hadn't seen them since way back in VA. When I reached the shelter 5 campers from a kids camp were here. No other thru hikers are here tonight, that hasn't happened in a long time. I guess we are starting to thin out some. Feet are real sore tonight but at least no blisters. Hope to get going early again tomorrow.
Date: 2005-07-21
From: William Brien Shelter

To: GrayMoor Friary
Miles today: 15.2

Up and out by 6 again. Knew there were 3 hard climbs so needed the extra time. They were hard climbs too, probably because I didn't feel real good and was kind of weak. Finally made it to Bear Mt and chugged a coke and a lemonade. So glad the humidity was lower today. On the way down Bear Mt. I found out why I hadn't been feeling to well. You guessed it, the runs. Boy did I ever run for a safe place in the woods. Sure glad I had my sleeping shorts to change into. When I got down to the lake by Bear Mt. Inn: It was the decision of whether to eat or not. I ate and all was good. It was another 6 miles to Graymoor Friary where they let us sleep at the ballfield and provide a hot dinner. You have to be in attendance at 4:30 to be counted for dinner. I decided I would take it easy and if I made it then good and if not that was OK. Turned out I was there by 3:30. Surprise, surprise when I reached the shelter Hairball and Snowbunny were there. They had been a solid week ahead but went home for 6 days and then zeroed a day after getting back. It was good to catch up with their lives and give them news of others. At 5 it was off to the dining hall. They had made pasta, sauce and meatballs with parmesan bread. They even brought us out some cannolis for dessert, not a regular offering. After dinner Father Leo gave us a tour of the chapels and explained what friars do and what their program is all about. Back at the ballfield we sat around and talked as more hikers came in. Apple Pie, Ug and Dandylion were here but moved on. Also here are Touk, Gypsy Lulu, Mouth, Tink, Livestrong, Hairball and Snowbunny, Ballyshag, Navigator, Caboose, two section hikers and Bear came in late. It's almost dark so will try and call home one more time.
Date: 2005-07-22
From: GrayMoor

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a sea of tents and hammocks. 18 people spent the night there. Got going early because I was meeting Randy at the RPH shelter at 6pm. The day was hot and humid from the very start. Thankfully the terrain wasn't too bad. Just buzzed along not paying much attention to anything. The blazes to mark the trail were a little confusing and I got turned around twice today. Didn't feel real well but kept well hydrated. Later learned I probably had some heat exhaustion. Don't want to do that again. Realized I was making good time so called and moved the pickup time to 5pm. Actually made it in by 4:30. Good to get home and clean up. Went to get new phones. We are on the family plan so had to do it all together. Hope this new phone works out ok. Home to relax and a good nights sleep.
Date: 2005-07-24
From: RPH Shelter

To: Old Route 55
Miles today: 12.0

Today Randy came out to hike with me.We started early because it was going to be hot. Parked one car at 55 and then drove over to RPH. We enjoyed our hike and talked about all kinds of things while we walked. I so enjoy walking with Randy. Finished early and went to get the other car. Once we were there we decided to drop a car off where I would finish up tomorrow. That was up at Bull's Bridge, so wound our way through the hills to that location. On our way home from there we decided to BBQ. Stopped in New Milford and picked up some meat and things. Called Kinsey and Todd and Rachel to let them know we were BBQing. Everyone showed up for dinner and we had a nice evening.
Date: 2005-07-25
From: Old Route 55

To: Bulls Bridge
Miles today: 19.0

Randy dropped me off at 6:30 for a good start to the day. This was a section of trail I have done before so it wasn't too interesting. At least I knew what to expect. The terrain was not terribly difficult so I made good time. Stopped to reflect on the memories at both the Wiley and 10 Mile River shelters. As I crossed the footbridge at 10 mile river I tripped and my water bottle broke loose and rolled right off the decking into the river. There it was floating away! No, I couldn't loose it I had carried it since Damascus,VA almost a thousand miles. I ran ahead and missed it, then ran ahead again. As I popped out of the bushes I saw 4 guys just finishing swimming. Please, I need that water bottle as it was floating away again. One of the guys jumped in and swam for it. Yes, I have my water bottle back! I thanked and thanked him and I think he thought I was a little nuts. Made it to the car and then home by 4:30. Really great time for a 19 mile day. Enjoyed time with the family and a swim.
Date: 2005-07-28
From: Bulls Bridge

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Randy dropped me off early before he went to work. It was so hard to walk away. Thank you family for conversation, swims, BBQ, meals out, shuttles to the trail and pre wedding events. It was so good to be home. Stressful but good. I now understand why reentry after the hike will be such a challenge. Expectations about what is going to happen just doesn't and then it's frustrating. Hope I have learned a good lesson for the months to come.Enjoyed my hike today, I guess there's something to be said for being well rested. The temperature was in the 70s and low humidity too so that made for better hiking conditions. Ran into 9 southbound hikers today. They are still so enthusiastic. Have the campsite to myself tonight. A couple came in but the pump here isn't working so they moved on to get water. Tomorrow there are many hills so probably won't make as many miles. Will start early and see what happens.
Date: 2005-07-29
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Belters Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had trouble motivating myself to get going today. Didn't leave camp till almost 7. This was a day of many ups and downs. Nine big climbs and decents. It was foggy when I first started out and my glasses kept fogging up. Thought I would see more wildlife but not much was out stirring around. Ran into Newheart early in the day and saw him 2 or 3 more times. He hadn't seen any of the crowd that's behind. The others I had been hiking around are now a day or two ahead. Forgot to mention that yesterday I went over the 2/3 mark. With todays mileage I have 700.3 miles to go. Hope I can hang on, it's been real hard lately to stay motivated. Stopped for lunch and then called Randy. He will be going out on the boat tonight so not available for a sleep over. I have shortened my miles for today and will hopefully pick it up tomorrow. Not long after getting going from lunch I heard a rattle. Yes, a large rattlesnake next to the trail. Thankfully it gave me an eight foot warning distance. Sorry no pictures, went out into the woods to go around where it was laying. That was my first encounter with a rattler on this trip. I hope it's the last. The Lime Rock race track was below the last part of my hike. I guess people race or test cars there during the week. I think there's also some type of driver training too. It was very noisy until 5 o'clock and then it all stopped. I'm settled in at the campsite and have been resting and looking at my schedule. There's a nice spring near here with cold water, a real treat. May have this campsite all to myself again like last night. Those who came in last night didn't stay because there was no water and they weren't prepared for that. Note to any hiker, there's no water at the Silver Hill Campsite.
Date: 2005-07-30
From: Belters Campsite

To: Sages Ravine Brook Campsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept better last night so felt better this morning. On my way out of camp I saw Cuppa Joe and we caught each other up on events. The first 3 miles were pretty easy so made good time. Then it was the start of a long uphill climb. The woods were beautiful this morning with streams of sunshine coming down through the branches to the forest floor. Lots of birds and even saw a few deer. Before I knew it I was up and over the hill and just cruising on the other side. Cuppa Joe caught up and said he was going into town too. He coud get a cup of coffee and send pocketmail. We walked the part of the road that was the AT and then crossed over to try and hitch. A lady pulled over half way to town and took us to the town square. I headed to the grocery store and saw Noodle and Newheart sitting out front. They said they would watch my pack for me while I shopped. Got supplies and a deli sandwich for later. Found where I could get water and filled up. Went and sent my pocketmail at the pay phone. Then I was on my way out of town. A guy and his son picked me up and dropped me at the trail.The first big climb was up to Lion's Head where I took a break and ate my sandwich. It was a great place for a break with a breeze and a good view. Then it was on to the Riga Shelter. I had planned to stay the night there but it was still very early so moved on. Made it to the summit of Bear Mt. (2316'), the highest point in Connecticut. The descent was very steep and rocky so it took longer than expected. There I was at the CT/MA border, only 4 states left!!! Wasn't much longer and I arrived at the campsite. It was hard to decide to stay or go another 2 miles. My feet won out and I set up camp. After settling in for the night with all my chores done I read my emails. Rory your mail couldn't have come at a better time. I've been so discouraged and close to quitting. When I read your email I cried. It was just the words I needed. Saved it so I could read it again when I'm having a bad day. Thanks so much!Well it's just about lights out as tomorrow will be another hard day and I need all the rest I can get.
Date: 2005-07-31
From: Sages Ravine Brook Campsite

To: Boardman Street
Miles today: 15.9

I didn't sleep well at all last night. Woke about every hour because I was cold. I would wrap everything close to me and try to just lay in one spot, nothing seemed to help. Getting moving sounded better than laying there cold so I got an early start. Two large mountains in a row to climb so was glad it was early.On top of Race Mt I called home and woke Randy up. He said he would bring me my warmer sleeping bag. I would call him when I was about 2 hours from pickup and he would leave then. Boy did I ever sweat climbing Race and Everett mts. Kept drinking water but it didn't seem to help. I was soaked everywhere with it running down my arms and face. What an icky feeling. The bugs thought it was great and hovered over, around and on me for miles. Finally called Randy from Jugs Head Mt that I thought I would be at the pickup point at 1:30. Down the steep rocky hill I went faster than expected. You see lunch was being offered to me when I'd be picked up. Sure enough I made it in record time and quite a bit early. No cell service so just waited. Randy showed up and we piled all my stuff in and headed to Great Barrington for late lunch. Got lunch and also stopped at the outfitters for Aqua Mira water purification solution. Got back on trail about 3:30 as it started to spit rain and the rumble of thunder in the distance. Walked 3 miles in just a little over an hour because I was afraid of the lighting. It was mostly all open fields and I was the tallest thing around. Made it to the woods and started up the hill, the rain began to intensify. I was madly scanning for a place to set up camp. There, not a good spot but it would do. Set up the tent as the rain got harder, threw my pack inside to keep dry before I was even done. Climbed in, changed into some dry clothes and waited out the heavy rain. Once the rain stopped I just decided to stay because it was already after 6 and there was no need to move on. Trying to look at this positively, at least I got in the number of miles I wanted to and saw my husband too. Will try to do at least 16 tomorrow so I can spend the afternoon and overnight the next day at Upper Goose Pond.