morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Campsite along trail at AT mile 1240.3

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter at AT mile 1259.3
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Total miles today 20.2Trail miles today 19.0Start at campsite at AT mile 1240.3Finish at Leroy A. Smith Shelter at AT mile 1259.3Staying in tent   First off I got a message on Trail Journals from my buddy Blister Bill who I have not seen since GSMNP. Great to hear from you. Now send me your e-mail address so I can write back! LOL   Well it was another brutal day in the rocks for everyone. By 0930 it was hot and sunny heading up the big exposed rock mtn north out of Palmerton. I got it started for me by getting up early and racing the 3 miles down the mtn into town from the south and eating 3 times by 0900 (the people in the restaurant were just laughing at me...a couple were staring) and then back to the Trail. As I started up the hill Low Gear comes zipping up from behind (it seems like everyone goes faster than me) so I let him go ahead and managed to hang with him for about 200 yards before the sweat running in my eyes said "you better slow down or YOU WILL DIE". So I became slightly more rational and plodded up the hill. Oh buddy! It was in the low 80's when I left town but it felt like a 100. After about a 1000 feet of that I was glad to get on top. Great views all over which is rare for the AT. Course that was due to all the trees being dead as this mtn is an old zinc mine. The bare area went on for miles.    The whole day was helped tremendously by the trail magic folks. At EVERY road crossing there were either cokes, water or someone set up with a table, chairs and piles of food and drinks. This is especially welcome here as whom wants to drink water running off an old zinc mine! And it was Hot and lots of fluids were needed.   There seems to be a big group of thru's within a short distance of each other right now. One of the trail magic folks had seen 14 of us just this morning and there are 10 camped around me tonight. Some of this logjam here is that people are wearing out in the rocks. Almost half of the ones I am camped by intended to go further today but their feet hurt too much to go on. I was the same way. I wanted to go another 4 miles or so but it just hurt too much. This means that everyone is getting up real early tomorrow to head for DWG. Some as early as 0500. This is necessary as this next section is reputed to have the worst rocks of all and it is 20 miles to DWG. As most did not manage quite 20 today it means tomorrow is likely to get a little ugly. But we are committed at this point. Boy will I be glad to see the Delaware River.   Another inducement to arriving tomorrow is that the town puts on a hiker feast on 20 July. People would crawl into town for free food.WyomingWhich way is North?
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter at AT mile 1259.3

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Total miles today 21.4Trail miles today 20.2Start at Leroy Smith ShelterFinish at Delaware Water Gap at AT mile 1279.5staying in tent   Well it was a good feeling to walk off the last hill in Pa today. The last stretch of bad rocks was...bad. They lived up to their billing, but a little trail magic at road crossings and the lure of the big feast in DWG helped move the feet. It seemed like I was in rhythm today and there were sections of several miles where the rocks just flowed by and it seemed almost effortless. Then I would lose concentration a little and trip, stub my toes, twist an ankle, etc. It was tough to hold real focus of "where do I put my foot in the next split second that won't hurt too bad" for more than about an hour without a break. But I made it and that is what counts.    There were more hikers here tonight than I have ever seen before. At least 20. It was kind of interesting. Pretty much everyone is focused and dedicated to going all the way. It never used to be like that. I am much more comfortable with these types of hikers. The ones into partying and who just sort of aimlessly wander along don't interest me. Normally, I am the first one up and on the trail. Today I started at 0610 and a number of folks had already left camp and everyone I could see was getting up. I felt like this is the way it should be every day.   The feast at the church hostel was enormous and I ate a bunch. Got some resupply. An early breakfast with Joe Cro is planned (it only took me about 300 miles to catch back up with him), hit the PO and roll on into NJ. I will have half the states done by 0930 tomorrow.Wyoming   Which way is North?
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Campsite alongside trail at AT mile 1297.8
Miles today: 18.3

Total miles today 19.4Trail miles today 18.3Start at Delaware Water GapFinish at campsite alongside trail at AT mile 1297.8staying in tent   I had an early breakfast with Joe Cro this morning and then he took off up trail.   I hung around to get my mail drop from the PO. After sorting stuff out I shouldered my hump and off we went. Shortly thereafter I am on the I-80 bridge over the Delaware River and out of PA and in NJ. It was something walking across the bridge while 18 wheelers were zipping by. One could easily feel the bridge sag as they were even with you and then the bridge would rebound and it felt as if one was going to be tossed in the air.   I was flat in terms of energy today even though I had 2 breakfasts this morning and even more than that last night. The PA rocks obviously took a lot out of me. For a period of time, I walked with Black Snake who is from Ireland. While we were talking he took a really bad fall. Face first right into a trail full of rocks. Amazingly, he was not hurt bad. I could tell he was banged up even though he insisted he was fine. Not long after that we came to a park facility where you could get lodging. Black Snake immediately decided to spend the night even though it was only about 2pm. Makes me wonder how bad he felt.   This facility is where I caught up to Joe Cro and he and I decided to press on. We were being a little bold as it looked like rain and shelter was nearby. If you remember, Joe and I got absolutely pounded by rain in Shenandoah Park. Well, Mother Nature got us again and it started pouring about 1 hr later and it didn't stop for a couple of hours. We were soaked. But all is well. No lightening bolts hit closer than a quarter mile. I was even the big hero today. As we were walking through this torrent washing down what is supposed to be the trail, I spotted a little turtle being swept along and struggling to not get smashed on the rocks. So I reached down and plucked him from the water and set him on firm ground. Applause ...ahh¢¦thank you.   The feet are still very sore. But I make progress every day.WyomingWhich way is North?
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Campsite alongside trail at AT mile 1297.8

To: NJ 23/High Point State Park at AT mile 1322.2
Miles today: 24.4

Total miles today 24.8Trail miles today 24.4Start at AT mile 1297.8Finish at NJ23/High Point State Park at AT mile 1322.2Staying in motel   It rained again today. Pretty hard. Jo and I pushed pretty hard today to get here so we could lay up at a motel. We were just tired of being wet and fighting the bugs. The bugs were real bad today. Again.    Looks like a good choice as the local weather says very heavy rains during the night. Seems like every time Jo and I walk together we run into heavy rain. I will be resupplying tomorrow in Port Jarvis, NY and currently plan on getting back on the trail. But the weather might change my mind if it is really bad.   My feet ache bad tonight. The rocks here in NJ have not been much better than those in PA. Jo's feet are hurting him bad as well.    Sorry to cut it short but I am too tired to write more.Wyoming Which way is North?
Date: 2006-07-23
From: NJ 23/High Point State Park at AT mile 1322.2

To: Campsite along trail at AT mile 1338.2
Miles today: 16.0

Total miles today 17.2Trail miles today 16.0Start at NJ23/High Point State ParkFinish at campsite along trail at AT mile 1338.2Staying in tent   Well, Jo is off for NYC. The motel guy took us into town for breakfast, resupply, and the train station for Jo.   I hit the trail late at about 9:50 so I never worried about making time. At about 1:30 I came to a road crossing for Unionville, NY. I cruised the .4 miles into town and had lunch at Sara's restaurant. It was great. I almost wanted to stay overnight so that I could have breakfast there (actually gave it some thought), but it was too early. So I moved on, but not real fast.    I am going to hitch into Vernon, NJ tomorrow morning to get breakfast and buy a little more food.    Today's walk through NJ was kind of nice, with lots of farm land and open areas. Some pretty boggy places as well. Lots of bugs in some areas and none in others.WyomingWhich way is North?
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Campsite along trail at AT mile 1338.2

To: Campsite at AT mile 1358.4 just North of NY17A
Miles today: 20.2

Total miles today 20.9Trail miles today 20.2Start at AT mile 1338.2Finish at campsite at AT mile 1358.4 just north of NY17AStaying in tent   New York! New York! I crossed the border this afternoon. There was actually a strip painted on a rock up on top of a mountain. I must admit that overall I kind of liked New Jersey. There was some open space for a change and a good view or two.   I met my first south bound thru hiker tonight. We are camped near each other. His name is Ive Only. He started on the 3rd of June. This means that his overall average is above 16 mpd. That is fast for this early in his hike. My overall average will never get that high. I will maybe get to 15 mpd averaged for all days out. He has about 816 miles done. I was not expecting to meet any southbounders for about another week.   And if he has 816 done that means that I have 816 to go. Charge!   New York started out with lots of rocks, only they were big ones. The trail went right along a mountain ridge for about 3 miles on either side of the border. It was hard on the feet. I already took my Motrin once tonight and expect to have to again to be able to get to sleep.   I had to take 2 last night and the night before. I have not broken down and taken any in the middle of the day yet. But I am getting closer to doing that. Pretty soon I will be just like Rush Limbaugh...another disgraced conservative.   Oh yeah: For any thru hikers who might be reading this. If you remember the "Murray property" with the secret shelter at mile 1329. Today I am sitting on the sidewalk leaning against the wall of the ice cream shop at the NY17A intersection eating a half gallon of strawberry ice cream and this red Porsche drives up with a older man and a seriously hot young woman in it. Now, I am trying not to stare as they walk in, just in case she is his daughter, because the young woman is wearing very thin and even tighter white pants and black panties. Now how do I know this? Well the back seam has split and she is showing them off. Just after they walk in the store he walks back out and comes over to me. Ooppps! I am thinking, but no, he wants to talk about the trail. He asks me if I stayed at his secret shelter. "You're Jim Murray aren't you", I say. He is quite pleased that I know him right off the bat. We talk a bit and it turns out he thru hiked in '89 and bought the property near the trail and built the secret shelter. If you have not been there it is special. Well water, shower, lights. He said that he would like to do it again and I said to go for it. He said it would be hard to do that these days. So I asked him what he did for a living and it turns out he is a professional photographer specializing in "dancers" and has a home and studio near the ice cream shop. I was all prepared to follow up on this interesting turn in the conversation, but the young woman showed up with their ice cream and ... another opportunity lost. But a pretty interesting story.WyomingWhich way is North?
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Campsite at AT mile 1358.4 just North of NY17A

To: Arden Valley Road at AT mile 1375.5
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

Total miles today 17.6Trail miles today 17.1Start at AT mile 1358.4Finish at Arden Valley Road at AT mile 1375.5staying in tent   Well the trail kicked my butt today. I guess it was a combination of a very rugged section of trail, the heat/humidity and being generally worn out. It took me 10 hours to cover 17 miles. And it felt like a lot more than that.   I went through 8 liters of water today and was fighting a bad headache for a good part of the day. I ate and drank lots but I was just too hot I guess. The trail had lots of rocky ups and downs today. In a number of places climbing over the rocks was at class 4 climbing difficulty. One little 7 foot wall was minor grade 5. I am sure that most of the hikers walk around that one as it is fairly dangerous and exposed.   I met 2 more south bound thru's today. They were curious about how far ahead of them Ive Only is. I sort of sensed a budding competition to be the 1st SOBO for 2006.   I want to get up early to beat the heat tomorrow. I definitely need to avoid it as much as possible.   I am having trouble staying awake so I think this is about it.   I should reach the Hudson River tomorrow.WyomingWhich way is North?
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Arden Valley Road at AT mile 1375.5

To: Fort Montgomery at AT mile 1388.6
Miles today: 13.1

Total miles today 15.1Trail miles today 13.1Start at Arden Valley roadFinish at Fort Montgomery at AT mile 1388.6staying in motel Well I am in Fort Montgomery on the west bank of the Hudson River. This is just a couple of miles south of the West Point Military Academy. It is hot! All the hikers I have talked to are having trouble breathing on the up hills. It is very humid and the dew point must be high. It seems like not enough air is getting in my lungs. I am wondering if it is because of air pollution from NYC. There is likely to be very high ozone levels right now. The weather on the TV indicates about another week of hot weather.    Just as I was writing these 2 hikers that I know (Compass Rose and Dirt Diva) walked up to the motel. They left DWG one day behind me. They are very fast hikers. Compass has bad feet problems like me. She barely made it into DWG. She was taking Motrin all day long while hiking to take the pain. She has low top boot like shoes now with thick soles. It is amazing the number of hikers have run into who have had to switch out of trail runners because of foot problems.   Well it is off to gorge a few times. Oh, I already did that didn't I? Well 2 times never hurts.   Interesting animal story. I am just getting out of my tent at 0600 and hear a noise behind me. I turn around and there is a BIG black bear standing there about 25 yards away. And I mean big! A few days ago a guy in NJ was talking to Jo Cro and I and said that he and his buddy both got 400 pound black bears during hunting season. Now I was a little skeptical of this as I did not believe that Eastern black bears got that big. I have seen a lot of bears out east and never one that big. But I was wrong. This bear was every bit that big. About 4 1/2 to 5 feet long and his hips were about as high as my waist. I of course immediately dove back in my tent (no not to hide. to get my camera). Now Sir Bear decides that maybe I am not what he wants for breakfast and starts to amble off towards the lake. Not to be dissuaded from my picture I amble along with him trying to get him to slow down. This is not working well so I whistle at him and that does not work. Guess I am too small to be bothered with. So I holler at him to stop. This works..sort of. He gives me one of those stares that carry the message that he is about fed up with me, but I get my picture. He was not impressed with the flash. That seemed to scare him a little and off he went. Pretty cool.Wyoming   Which way is North?
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Fort Montgomery at AT mile 1388.6

To: Fort Montgomery at AT mile 1388.6
Miles today: 0.0

zeroing in Fort MontgomeryI was sore and tired when I woke up today, not that I am not always sore and tired, but today was enough to convince me that I should take a day off.   I have been running out of energy in the afternoon too much lately. Some of this is that I am having trouble handling the heat and humidity. I guess this is part of ageing and the gradual loss of the body¢s ability to regulate perspiration properly. From talking to younger hikers it appears that I am consuming about 50% more water a day than they are. This means that I have to carry more and thus more weight and my electrolytes get out of balance quicker. Even though I have not been getting dehydrated I have still been getting muscle cramps.   The weather channel says another week of high temps, humidity and thunderstorms in this region. So there is no relief for awhile. Off to get a haircut and hit the PO.Wyoming   Which way is North?
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Fort Montgomery at AT mile 1388.6

To: Shenandoah Tent area at AT 1412.5
Miles today: 23.9

Total miles today 25.9Trail miles today 23.9Start at Fort MontgomeryFinish at Shenandoah Tent Area at AT 1412.5staying in tent   It was real strange this morning. I was really clumsy. I twisted my right ankle like 5 or 6 times before noon. It was starting to hurt pretty good so I really concentrated on my footwork for the rest of the day.    The gel pads seem to have helped with my feet during the day, but tonight the feet seem to hurt as much as ever.   Got rained on big time again today. My boots were full of water and my feet were fighting against getting blisters. Today was my 37 day with rain since Springer. Most likely will get more tomorrow. Very tired. Off to sleep.WyomingWhich way is North?
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Shenandoah Tent area at AT 1412.5

To: Corbin Hill at AT mile 1432.0
Miles today: 19.5

Total miles today 20.9Trail miles today 19.5Start at Shenandoah CampsiteFinish at Corbin Hill at AT mile 1432.0staying in tent   Another hot and muggy day, but, at lest, the air is easier to breathe again. I got an early start and then threw it all away on eating. I reached a road crossing that had a deli .4 miles up the road and that is where I spent some time. Being the multitasked that I am, while I was eating I spread some of my wet gear out on their parking lot to dry out. Asphalt is great for this since it absorbs so much heat.   It is interesting here in NY. People are not shy about asking you what you are doing. They all think it is amazing and wish me luck. I stopped at a hot dog stand along the road this afternoon and the guy who ran it has his own hiker registry for hikers to sign. Pretty amazing.   My feet seem to be hurting a little less with the extra pads in the boots. I tried them under and on top of the Superfeet and on top works best. Except for little toes which want to blister everything works well. I did not get pain in my bruised heels until late afternoon. The heels are much less tender. Progress.   No rain today (damn..10 mins after I write that it starts raining...38 days with rain now). Good water for drinking has been hard to find. Most streams here are just too nasty looking to take water from.   I plot my day around the water sources. I even carried 4 liters to this dry campsite I am at in order to ease tomorrows first leg. It cut the gap between water from 9 miles to 7.5. After that I am good for the rest of the day. But I will likely have to do the same thing tomorrow.WyomingWhich way is North?
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Corbin Hill at AT mile 1432.0

To: Macedonia Brook footbridge at AT mile 1452.2
Miles today: 20.2

Total miles today 22.6Trail miles today 20.2Start at Corbin HillFinish at Macedonia Brook footbridge at AT mile 1452.2staying in tent   Two milestones today. First; I am done with NY and am now in Connecticut. 9 states done and 5 to go. Second; I passed mile 1450 and thus I have over 2/3 of the AT completed. 722.4 miles to go. Chump change.   At least it would be if it were not for my feet. Lots of pain today. I had to take the gel inserts out. In this tremendous heat we are having they were overheating my feet. I got a blister on the top of my left arch that started bleeding. I don't even have to think about the Motrin anymore as I take one as soon as I stop walking. Still holding out on taking any during the day. But my resistance is weakening.   The heat wave the northeast is having is kicking my butt. I have no appetite during the day and have to force myself to eat. I am not getting enough calories in. I get very tired in the afternoon and feel weak. Just have to keep the nose down and the feet moving. I will hit the bigger mountains again eventually where it will be cooler. Also as I move north the heat should lessen. I hope.   Oh, where I am camped is about a half mile from Kent, Conn.Wyoming Which way is North?
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Macedonia Brook footbridge at AT mile 1452.2

To: Belter's Campsite at AT mile 1474.3
Miles today: 22.1

 Total miles today 22.5Trail miles today 22.1Start at Macedonia BrookFinish at Belter's Campsite at AT mile 1474.3staying in tentThis morning was not as hot as yesterday so I made good time. Around noon, however, it felt like someone opened the oven door. Whew! I slowed way down. I was originally planning on just a 17 mile day but a couple of hikers I talked to said the weather report indicated that the next 2 days were going to be much hotter with heat indexes as high as 115 degrees. Ouch. I don't think I can hike in those kind of temps. I am pretty much at my limit for heat tolerance. I don't think I could keep hydrated in such conditions. The other day when it was only about 90 with high humidity I drank 9 liters of liquids. So, I decided to tack on 5 more miles (I had to hike till dark) to get closer to Salisbury. This way it will only be about 11 miles to town vice 16. If I get a real early start I can get there before lunch and avoid the bad heat. Cold I can tough out, but age has caught up with me on the heat side of things. The body just dumps water instead of sweating just enough to keep me cool.Wyoming