morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-23
From: Fayetville

To: .5 past pole Steeple trail
Miles today: 22.4

Was awakened in the middle of the night by pounding rain and fierce winds, thunder booming and lighting flashing. I thought my door was going to blow in! Was glad not to be in my tent! In the morning it was still raining and Anil (owner of the hotel) wanted to know if I was sure I wanted to get back on the trail. I said yes and so he dutifully dropped me off. In the beginning (isn't this always the case!) I was glad to have a break from the HOT weather, like yesterday was in the 90's. But before long I was cold, one step away from full-blown raynoids syndrome. As a result, I took few breaks and basically just booked through the woods, tying to keep warm. Hit the official half way point in the afternoon!!! Can't believe I have actually walked this far! Over 1000 miles! Who would have thunk it?? I stopped at around 6:30 at the Furnace Grove Store--did not do the famed "half gallon ice cream challenge" that everyone has been writing in the journals about for days. I did get an ice cream sandwich and some needed bandaids, then was off. By then it had stopped raining and I figured I could get in a few more miles before bedtime. Once in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park I ran into a woman walking her dog--Sara. It was the oddest thing because we had so much in common and I loved walking and talking with her. We talked about her work and my work and nature and her dog, we stopped and ate blueberries. Aughhh! What a joy! It was such a treat, especially since I had not talked to anyone for most of the day. Just before dark she turned back and I was on my way alone again. I quickly found a suitable place to set up my tent, hung the bear bag in the fading light and after trying unsuccessfully to make a phone call, I gave up and went to sleep.
Date: 2008-07-26
From: stream

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

So not very many miles today. And I could just go into town, resupply and leave, but I will stay, take some time to update my journals and relax. Am staying at the only hotel in town--The Doyle Hotel. My mom would love it! All things considered, I would rather be in the woods, in my tent. Surrounded by quiet. Fresh, smoke-free air. Will head out early tomorrow morning.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: Hamburg 

To: no where!!!! 
Miles today: 0.0

Ahhhh!!!! I slept in, woke and lay in bed, so not wanting to go back to the trail. I debated about it, whether or not I should take a zero or get back on the trail as planned. After much talk I decided to SEIZE THE DAY!!! And take a zero. So I did. And it was fabulous! After my required chores (laundry, grocery shop, trip to the outfitters for some insoles for my boots) I spent it eating good food, relaxing and talking with friends. A 10 day. I need more of these!!Back to hiking tomorrow. Sigh.
Date: 2008-08-01
From: spring

To: The cliffs
Miles today: 15.7

I LOATHE Pennsylvania, am counting down the days until I am free of this pathetic state. Picture a truckload of rocks, boulders, stones, of every shape and size. ... Oh, wait, did I say every shape? I meant every shape but FLAT AND SMOOTH. Or, if there are a few flat ones, well they will be standing up on edge, not lying flat. So picture the truck full of rocks, especially sharp and pointy ones. Then picture HUNDREDS of these truckloads, littering the rocks on every square inch of ground. Now imagine a "trail" through the rocks. Over the rocks really. Today is my least favorite day yet--has been nothing but rocks rocks and more rocks. Rocks are the most difficult condition, eliminating any possiblility of looking around, enjoying the scenery. One false step and I could dislocate a knee, twist an ankle, fall and break a bone. Add the fact that it rained earlier today, making the rocks wet and slippery, and it's a sure recipe for disaster. Some rocks are giant slabs, tilted downwards and the trail goes down the rock face. Just like that. Fine if you have no pack and can bend and slide down. Or if it's dry. But wet?? This is not recreational! It has about as much appeal as shoveling sh!t at a pig farm or cleaning toilets at a bar.
Date: 2008-08-02
From: the cliffs

To: spring
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Lots of rocks today, no surprise there.Late in the day I emerged from the woods, walked down a hill to a parking lot and major road. I crossed the river on the bridge with traffic whizzing by and then started up a steep slope, treeless and covered with... well with ROCKS of course! Thousands of rocks, possibly even millions. Rocks as far as the eye could see. At the top it was a most unsual landscape and thankfully, there was an old road that was the now the AT, and get this--flat and rockless. Yes, you read that right. It was a joy to be able to look around!!! I was loving it! It was rocks to the left and rocks to the right, but sandy and grassy in the middle. I was at the top of the ridge, which was pretty much treeless and devoid of anything other than a few low grasses and some wildflowers you would expect to find out west. Rattlesnake territory, and I did see one, stretched across the trail. In the distance I could see houses and roads and a storm to the west with grey clouds hovering, rain in the distance. I kept expecting it to move my way but it never did.A rainbow stretched across the sky when the sun broke out from the clouds! What beauty! I took lots of pictures, marveling over the way it spanned the sky, disappearing into no where. A moment worth capturing. I was glad to be there, on the top of that rocky mountain. In Pennsylvania. I never know what things I will see.
Date: 2008-08-04
From: weathering Knob

To: private road
Miles today: 17.6

This morning has been pleasant--some level sections with not so many rocks, ferns bordering the trail. What I have really enjoyed are all the webs. With light shining on them, they resemble works of art--each strand glowing white in the sun. I watched a spider weaving her web. Amazing! The way she slowly moves from piece to piece, a thin strand of silk coming from her spinnerets on her abdomen. She uses her inside legs to put the silk in place. I was not able to get it on film without a tripod but for today, it was enough to watch. A good moment on the trail .9:00pm Of course it wasn't a rock-free day! But thankfully, it was a green-veil free day, the first in weeks and for that I am happy. What a pleasure, being able to look around without seeing through that ridiculous veil of green. I had high hopes of staying in town--Wind Gap-tonight. At the road crossing I turned left and walked the .1 of a mile to the Gateway Hotel. Went in and asked about a room. $62 she says. I asked about any discounts and still, $62. So I say that's too much and walk out. A few seconds later she comes running out there, says, "the manager will give it to you for $58!"Wow! Call the neighbors, alert the press! This example of generousity is astounding, worthy of celebration. My gosh folks, think of the savings! Call the finincial planner, whatever will we do with the savings? It's almost too hard to believe. $4. I am speechless. Needless to say, I moved on. Hid my pack in the woods across the street and walked the mile into town. Resupplied at the nearest convenient store, then headed to the Italian restaurant across the street for a quick meal and walked back to the trailhead. My pack and poles were still there. I loaded up and hit the trail. It was only 6:00 so I could still get in a few miles. Lots of rocks on the trail. Rocks rocks rocks. Have I mentioned that I am tired of rocks?? I found a site in the woods just before 8:00. How nice to be set up this early. I even spent a few minutes reading before bed. After dark there were a handful of deer outside my tent. They were stomping and snorting and making some noise! It was like they couldn't figure out what they smelled, but they knew it was something out of place. They were so close, stomping and stomping. Snorting. I thought they were going to run me over! They carried on for nearly an hour. I am hearing katydids at night! They are so loud outside my thin tent walls. How nice. I love being serenaded by the katydids! What a nice way to go to sleep.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: private road

To: Dunfield Creek Footbridge
Miles today: 15.9

Am just in town to do my journal and shower. But must go now as this office is closing. I will hope to write more later this week and then, in the near future, put up more pictures. Can't wait for this!!! I have lots to add. Soon.Thanks again for everyone who has been signing the guest book. I so appreciate your support. I am officially done with Pennsylvania!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2008-08-08
From: Branchville, NJ

To: Observation platform
Miles today: 15.3

I allowed myself to sleep in, (6:15, instead of 5:45) and didn't jump out of bed the moment I opened my eyes. How nice! I had breakfast in town--back at the Warwick Diner. My waitress, Maureen, was the nicest woman and I so enjoyed talking with her! She was surprised to hear I was hiking alone. Maureen was flabbergasted that my brother would leave me! Said when he was done he might as well "take his mom up a cliff and push her off!" That leaving me was the equivalent. She wants to meet him! We talked about my trip and of her travel dreams. I promised to send a postcard after I reach Katahdin. She sent me off with a hug and good luck wishes, a wonderful way to start the day! (Will put our picture up here soon!)Now, at 11:40am, I am sitting at yet another fire tower. I just climbed it and enjoyed the view, then came down to lean against some rocks here in the sun, looking out at mountains. It is a beautiful day--breezy and warm with a cloud-filled sky.4:30pm I just saw a bear!!!! I was walking along, through dense brush at the top of the mountain, laurel, blueberry, huckleberry, ferns, oak when I heard the telltale crashing through the brush. I looked in that direction and saw the black butt of a bear running from me. He stopped and looked back. We eyed each other for several minutes, neither of us moving. Finally I took a few steps up the trail, trying to get a clear view for a picture. I managed to get a clearer view, but far from ideal. Then he walked off and disappeared.
Date: 2008-08-09
From: Observation platform

To: Pochuck Creek
Miles today: 18.0

Today's trail took me through a variety of terrains. My favorite came in the afternoon when I got to the Walkill National Wildlife Preserve. This consisted of a large wetland/lake surrounded by marsh. The trail circled the main body of water and though it was hot in the sun, I enjoyed the walk. What animals! So many great blue herons out in the water or marsh grasses, seemed like they were everywhere I looked. When I got close they would lift off with a squawk, then fold up their long legs and float gracefully to a spot further away from me. Do you know they have a six-foot wing span! And dragonflies! So many colors, darting all around, and grasshoppers, leaping into the grass with every step I took. I crossed the border into New York today! And just before that, by about an hour, when I was thinking, "humm? I wonder if I'll see any more bears in NJ," I saw one! This one booked away and I only saw it for a few seconds. It seemed big though and I was excited! Another bear. So now, only 6 more states!!!! I was aiming for 20 miles, but in the end, was in too much pain from my feet so I stopped and settled for 18, set up camp and went to sleep. One day closer.
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Pochuck Creek

To: stream
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

9:15am As I write I sit here on a slab of rock looking back where I've come--through the forest and beyond that, the road I crossed and the field and then more forest and the ridge beyond. It is always so amazing to look back, especially when I can recognize where I've been, can see the trail slicing through the green field. The trail took me through the most beautiful meadow ever this morning and I would have loved nothing more than to have my other camera, my tripod and a whole day to spend doing nothing but photography! My gosh, it was lovely, filled with the yellow of goldenrod and purple of aster and some loosestrife and yarrow. A brilliant mix of colors. All were decorated boldly with dew. Tiny drops of water cling to every leaf and stem and my favorite--the thin strands of silk in a spider's web. ! If you ever want to be awed by nature, visit a meadow some summer morning and prepare to look CLOSELY at the tiny wonders. People tend to focus on the big picture, the grand vistas and majestic mountains, the dazzling sunsets and painted skies, but there are just as amazing things, on a smaller scale in meadows. I love dewy mornings! They transform the world. It was so hard for me to get anywhere because I kept seeing moments worth capturing. Of course, without a tripod I can't really do it justice so today, I had to be content to look. And look I did! There are often insects coated with hundreds of tiny drops of water, stuck until the sun dries them. I saw bees clinging to the open blooms of goldenrod and searched for a dragonfly or butterfly. And oh, the sweet fragrance that was there in that field! I couldn't identify it but stood and savored the smell. Eventually I had to hike on of course and it was a hard day, filled with lots of steep ups and downs, and lots of rocks. Am I back in Pennsylvania, I wondered? In the morning I came to some wonderful trail magic! Just after a road crossing I came to a blue cooler sitting beside a tree. Lately, when I think I've found trail magic, it turns out to be an empty cooler, the treats long gone, sometimes filled with hiker's garbage. This is disappointing! So I have learned to be weary, to not get my hopes up. But this time it was gold! I opened it and found it full with soda and a giant bag of different kinds of granola bars. I sat down and drank a grape pop, enjoyed a couple of bars. It is so inspiring to find real trail magic! This one was from Tom and Kathleen and the best part was not the food but the encouraging words written inside the cooler. How wonderful to have total strangers rooting for me, helping me along on this long and arduous journey! (total strangers have offered more support than some of my own family!)
Date: 2008-08-11
From: stream

To: Arden valley Rd
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Remember how in Virginia there was a section of trail, 10 miles I think, that was called "the roller coaster?" Well, my gosh, it had NOTHING on today's hike through New York. Somehow I didn't think NY would be bad, that it would be a bit level and even. How wrong! NY is HARD. Today was among the MOST challenging days yet, filled with many steep ups, frequently on top of rocks and then many steep downs. I think in the whole day there was maybe 3 minutes of level walking, which came just before 6pm, taking us along a stream at the bottom of a deep ravine. I think the makers of this trail have it out for backpackers! That they for whatever reason, hate us and want us to work as hard as possible, "Let them try this!" they must say, as they veer the trail around to climb a mountain of boulders the size of small cars. What the hell! The trail hiked through two especially hard sections today--one called "The Lemon Squeezer" and the other was something like "Agony road" or something similar. How true! The lemon squeezer was two giant slabs of rock, the one on the right thin and tall, reaching at least 40 feet from the ground--a rock on its side. Then, just less that two feet away was another slab of rock, less tall, maybe 4 feet. The trail snaked between these rocks which may not sound all that challenging, but imagine doing it with a backpack on! My pack wouldn't quite fit if I stood straight up, so I had to lean left and scoot along, one slow step at a time. It was difficult! Then, the other section was a straight up climb, but over and up giant rocks. Some of the steps up were so high I had to set my poles down, find a handhold and pull myself up with every ounce of strength. I can't imagine how someone shorter could do such sections. And there's no way around! It's that way or nothing. Quitting isn't an option, one MUST find a way to make it over. The other day I ran into a father and his two kids, a girl about 7 and a boy, maybe 9. They were complaining about the tough climb when I rounded the bend. The boy sees me and says, "where are the others?" and I'm like "What others?" and he says, "the people you're hiking with!" I tell him I'm alone and he is silent, doesn't know what to make of this. I have gotten used to hiking alone, no longer explain when I meet someone that I started out with my brother. I just say, "Yes, I'm hiking alone" when they ask. People in general are amazed by this, especially women.
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Bear Mountain Bridge!!!!!

To: no where! 
Miles today: 0.0

My gosh, I have walked here from Georgia and I am darn well going to take a zero day! Had a wonderful one, a 10 day. Started this morning at the Putnam Diner (How fun! Talking with them and Danni the waitress) and then I went, of all places! to the mall to EMS for me to get some new hiking boots/trail shoes. I tried on practically every pair in the store, hoping to find ones that I will be 100% happy with. Cross your fingers for me! I will try them out tomorrow.
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Bear Mountain Bridge!!!!!

To: Rt 301
Miles today: 18.2

So I tried a new thing today. But before I get to that let me say this: For me in my regular life (as opposed to my hiking life) there are two things I do when I am feeling stressed. One is to put on some music, usually something I can sing along to loudly. Or two, I go sit outside somewhere, maybe in the woods or in a field and just do nothing other than BE. With either option, when I'm done I feel rejuvenated. When I was telling people about going on this trip some were like, "are you bringing music with you?" I thought that was the funniest question, one that didn't even deserve any thought. Of course I wasn't bringing music!! I want to be able to hear the sounds of nature and be aware of everything. But I am in nature every day, day in and day out. And while most of the time I love that fact, sometimes I need a change. So my new thing was an ipod shuffle, which is a little mp3 player, the size of a matchbox. I put almost 250 of my very favorite songs on it and took it with me today. My gosh! It was fabulous! Like when I work out and have music, how it energizes and motivates me. I was booking through the woods, singing along to all my songs and loving it. It's not something I will always listen to. But sometimes when I need a little pick me up, I can put it on and ta da!!! It's magic.
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Rt 301

To: Depot Hill Road
Miles today: 17.1

Another day of slack packing! I am so getting spoiled with this, it will be hard to shoulder the heavy pack again! Joyce--get the dynamite!What is most notable about today is that I crossed over Interstate 84, another place that I have seen and knew I would be crossing. Once, realizing I would be there, I was like, "hey, I'll be walking over that bridge one day too!" And now I have.The section in Fahnstock was nice--the trail actually stayed at the same elevation for more than 30 seconds! Yes, you read that right. The trail was level for more than 30 seconds. I loved that fact! It was a nice walk for maybe a mile.
Date: 2008-08-16
From: Depot Hill Road

To: Route 22
Miles today: 10.0

A nice day of hiking. Started out with a wet trail from the rain last night. I saw so many newts!! Actually I counted them, once I was seeing them every other minute--counted 116 for the day! I love to see them! They are so meek, their bright orange color a contradiction to their behavior. Some trail magic today! The Mule was with me when we saw the cooler in the woods, opened it to find lots of pop, some beer, some oranges, grapes and three cheeseburgers. I chose an orange--delicious!The trail took me by Nuclear Lake and then on past the oldest tree along the trail--the Dover Oak that is slightly larger than the Kieffer Oak that we saw back in VA. It is estimated at about 350 years old! If only trees could talk!Then on through some farmer's fields, over the mountain and down to the wet meadow on a series of wooden planks. A great day on the trail.
Date: 2008-08-19
To: no where!!
Miles today: 0.0

Likely my last zero day unless I am forced to take one for bad weather.  I went with friends to the Dutchess County fair. It was a fun day filled with lots of yummy food! One funny thing: at one point we were walking through one of the buildings and this older woman with two other women was walking next to us. She kept looking at me and looking at me. Finally, she leans over and says softly, "how do you survive without eating?' HAAAAAA! Oh, I had to laugh. If only she knew what I had consumed that day or the day before!!! She would have been flabbergasted. I eat more than most big guys now...That day I had already had two big breakfasts, eggs, potatoes, pancakes, toast, two smoothies, then a milkshake, cheeseburger, fries... the list is long! A great day. I will be sad to leave. Joyce, get the dynamite ready!
Date: 2008-08-20
From: River Road

To: Past Mohawk Trail
Miles today: 18.9

8:30pm I'm glad the day is done. It was a lot of ups and downs (nothing new there) with nothing notable in between. Except that the trail did take me along the Housatanic River for a while which was lovely. I so enjoyed the steady elevation and sound of the water flowing past. If only it had lasted a little longer. Around dinner time I crossed (again) over the Housatonic on a road bridge and saw a beaver swimming below. And a great blue heron standing on an island, his reflection a perfect mirror in the still river. Now I am camped on sand, a dry stream bed in the forest.The katydids will sing me to sleep. I am so happy to have my winter sleeping bag back! Oh, it is so luxurious! I see why it got its name--the cat's meow. Purrrrrr!
Date: 2008-08-21
From: Past Mohawk Trail

To: Race MT
Miles today: 19.0

I got up at 5:30 today knowing I had to beat the workers to the steel bridge and not knowing what time they started or exactly how far I had to hike A south bound thru-hiker gave me a heads up on a 3 mile detour on asphalt because they are working on the bridge. But he said it was ridiculous, that the bridge wasn't anything worse than the logs we balance on over the streams on the AT. He advised to skip the detour by getting to the bridge late or early in the day. So I took his word. I walked fast in the peace of the morning, hoping so much I did the right thing, as obviously, it would be a long way back. I arrived at the bridge before 7 and quickly ducked under the yellow caution tape and crossed. On the far side there were metal beams lined up, with space between them and river visible beneath. But no biggie! They were close together and I just balance across and was on my way. A good move for sure! Now I am sitting beside the river, by Great Falls, enjoying my breakfast as I listen to the river roll by. Later...I was walking along the trail, maybe 6:30 or so when I looked left and saw a big fat rattlesnake bearly 2 feet from the trail (and me!). I saw it as I was next to it, screamed, and then rushed off into the blueberry bushes. Yikes. That will infuse a bit of fear into even the most ardent snake lover! I hung out for a while and watched, to see what the snake would do. He eventually crawled onto the trail. But I walked on.