morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-26
From: Sunk Hill Rd.

To: Camped Behind Mountain Market Deli
Miles today: 14.6

Daily mileage: 14.6Start: Sunk Hill RdFinish: Camped Behind Mountain Market DeliWhere to begin...my alarm went off at 6am because I had all the intentions in the world to get up and out. However, even though I had over 8 hours of sleep I felt exhausted and unrested. I dozed off and on again until 8am when I had had it! With no frustration or no sadness I began plotting how I was getting to a road so I could start my journey back to Texas. I was done. I laid in my tent for a while thinking about how I was getting back to my car which is in MD and then driving back to TX. My body is failing me and I need to go home. I've turned into a Negative Nancy and I'm not getting what I want from this trail anymore. Four months away from the world has taught me a lot. I'm ready for the next step and something new.As I began to pack up a thought occurred to me. Just give it one more shot. Why not? What message am I sending if I quit? Quitting for medical reasons is one thing but just because I want to is another. I'm no quitter. Yes, times are tough for me but I will get through them. So no quitting for me and the funniest thing happened today. I had a very peaceful walk. I walked with a smile on my face. Seriously, I did. Did all my suffering go away? Nope. I still was very exhausted and I still had to drink filtered pond water. I went really slow. I'm not going to even try to catch my friends. Once I let that go I was able to walk MY walk. I wish I could do the 20-25 miles a day but for some reason my body won't let me right now. So I got to the Mountain Market Deli at 5pm with the intentions of getting a sandwich and moving on. As I sat there eating a huge wave of exhaustion hit me. I couldn't move on. I sat at the picnic table contemplating my options. I went into the deli and asked the girl working if there was anywhere I could stay. She said behind the store I could set up my tent. So here I am. After 14.6 miles I am in my tent before the sun is down...totally exhausted. No clue as to why either. Early start tomorrow? That's it. I'm still on the trail. Was it the best day ever? No, not really. Just another day of hiking...which is a huge blessing. I'm very lucky to be doing this. God has given me this opportunity. I would never make it through this without Him. He will never forsake me.
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Mountain Market Delie

To: Native Landscaping
Miles today: 14.8

Daily mileage: 14.8Start: Mountain Market DeliFinish: Native Landscaping (camped)Here I am. Blessed to have another day on the AT. Another low mileage day of 14.8 miles but you know what? I'm still on the trail. I woke up around 630am with full intentions on leaving but I just couldn't. I didn't feel right. No I wasn't ill or anything I was just still very tired. I fell asleep at around 9pm and didn't leave to hike until 10am. That means I laid around for a few hours after waking up. I was just that tired. Maybe my body is getting back at me for all the mornings I was at the gym at 445am. I did that for a year. Now, I can't get up to save my life.Oh well. Ill be better rested before you know it. I felt pretty good today until about mile 10. Then exhaustion and soreness set in. I still felt really good though. Most importantly, I feel a lot better emotionally. Today marked the third straight day of hiking alone. No one to converse with. I think I need this. I've spent the entire trip hiking with people and sleeping in crowded areas. Now, its me time. I still have a lot of stuff I need to sort out. Tonight, I am camped along the train tracks right next to a business called Native Landscaping. Within 10 feet of me, separated by bushes, is NY 22 (a busy road). So basically I'm between a highway and train tracks. For dinner a local who goes by the name of Sasquatch drove some other hikers and I to a pizzeria in Pawling, NY. It was quite delicious.Tomorrow's plan is to wake up early, hike into Kent, CT, get my box which contains my computer and upload videos etc. I have no idea where I'm staying but I want to do laundry and stuff. Lastly, thanks to everyone who has commented on my blog. I usually read your responses on top of some mountain so its hard for me to respond. But I read every single one of them and I really appreciate them. The last few days were tough but it was a lot easier when I knew people are cheering me on. Thanks guys.Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps
Date: 2010-07-29
From: Kent Laundromat

To: Steward Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 7.0

This is the first half of today's journal entry. I have no idea when I'll get to the second half. I just wanted to update you on some news.First: I ended up sleeping on the back porch of the laundromat last night. Pete the Mayor figured I would be happier there than under the pavilion style tent he had in his yard...Yeah, I don't know about that but you can't really argue with a guy into letting you stay in his yard, you know? Anyways, I tried to sleep and I probably got around 4 hours but nothing to write home about. The bugs were bad for a while but I made due with what God provided for me. So now its 1215pm and I'm at the Kent Library. I plan on hiking for a while this afternoon. Where I go I know not but I'll be camped early tonight. Anyways, I'm not sure about Kent. Its definitely not a trail town thats for sure. The people are decent. They'll smile at you when you can lock eyes with them but no real conversations. You kind of get that "you poor thing" look from their eyes. How'd they know I'm a poor thing???? hahaha. So I've made a decision. I'm coming off of the trail on Saturday. Before you get all wound up and mad at me I want you to know I'll be back on in a few days. I am taking your advice...I'm taking "me" time. I plan on eating and sleeping. Recouperating. Not hiking, basically. If I keep going the way I am I wouldn't make it to Katahdin. Is this a good decision? I don't know yet. I'm sure my body will be happy with it. I've just reached my limit and I'm not in good health right now. When I return I hope to be rejuvanated. If not, well, we will cross the bridge when we come to it.Stux (Stucco) and Scratches (Scatters), I will catch you. It won't be this week but I will catch you Don't forget about everything we talked about even if I don't see you til the end. I miss you guys.SECOND HALF OF TODAY'S JOURNAL: Will be entered at a later date.2ND HALF: I left town at 230pm. I would have left an hour earlier but the post office is closed from 1-2pm. Bummer. I had to sit around to 2pm to mail my bounce box.Nothing too exciting happened. Before I left Kent I met my first SOBO (southbounder. I'm a NOBOer) thru hiker. Paps is his name and he started 6/1. Wow. I'm sure I'll be running into SOBOers more often now. Since I left late in the afternoon I only went 7 miles to Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to. I'm camped but I have it all to myself. Sweet. I didn't realize how many ups and downs there are in CT. It'll get us ready for NH right?I'm thinking that since I'm getting off the trail for a few days on Saturday that I'm going to try and do a lot of miles tomorrow. Not sure though. Ill see how I feel as I go. That's it for today. My God is mighty to save.
Date: 2010-07-30
From: Steward Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Belters Campsite
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Daily mileage: 15.2Start: Stewart Hollow Brook ShelterFinish: Belters CampsiteToday was a nice day for a 15.2 mile stroll. Not too hot and just an all around good day.I awoke from a 10 hour slumber after feeling the effects from the previous two nights. I thought I would be alone when I awoke but low and behold Powder, Russell (Powder's dog) and his buddy from home had slipped in during the night. Good to see Powder. I was also glad to see a familiar face. So I was on the trail at 930am. I walked pretty much with Powder and his buddy, who we dubbed Cookie Tosser, the entire day. We took lots of breaks and chatted. Again, its nice to be around familiar folks after several days alone.I strolled into Belters Campsite, today's destination, and was greeted by TC. Awesome. Another familiar face. So at dinner the four of us traded trail gossip via 18th century style. Most of it was weeks old but we all had good stuff to share about other hikers etc. Lots of it was like "did you hear what happened to so and so two weeks ago?" Good stuff. Even without Scatters I can keep up with trail gossip So as I was setting up my tent for bed in a large, picturesque, secluded spot a group of about 20 teenage girls between the ages of 13-15 and their leaders set up camp around me. They are part of a wilderness school for troubled teens and are out for twenty days. Today is day one. As I was putting my tent I heard one girl say to another "my probation officer doesn't think I'm gonna last." Good luck ladies! That's all for tonight. Getting off the trail tomorrow for a few days for some R & R. I'm getting back into the swing of things out here. Its a good feeling. He loves ALL!
Date: 2010-08-04
From: Belters Campsite

To: Brassie Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 14.8

I'm back baby! Yes siree Bob. Back on the trail after a 4 day layoff. I spent the 4 days in a hotel eating, sleeping, and watching the Red Sox on NESN. I miss New England. I even put on 5 pounds. I won't even mention the morning cups of coffee I was able to have or the many times I ate at Friendlys (New Englanders know what Friendlys is). I watched hour upon hour of TV. Stupendous!That all ended at 930am today when I started my hike again. How was I feeling? I was ready. I missed the trail while I was gone. So I started hiking. And guess what? That exhausted feeling came back. I had originally set my sights on at least a 16.9 mile day to the MA border but I couldn't make it. I was ok with that though. Ill be there tomorrow. No biggie. I'm not going to put undue pressure on myself. I've come back on this trail with a new attitude. I'm going to do what I can do each day. No worries. So yeah, I got exhausted quickly today. Prospect Mtn was tough but the 1000 ft elevation gain of the Lions Head really knocked me out. Even though I was tired I still really enjoyed it. I took breaks frequently and eventually made it 14.8 miles to Brassie Brook Lean-to. As long as I keep pushing onward Ill be good. So get this. I ran into 4 NOBO thru hikers today: Stud Muffin, Ghetto Sheep, and the Wolf Pack (husband and wife from Germany). I know all of them as I have hiked and stayed with them at some point on my journey. Tell me if this is coincidence..Stud Muffin has Lymes Disease, Ghetto Sheep is suffering from the same exhaustion I am, and the Wolf Pack both have diarrhea. Its weird how all the thru hikers I saw today have some kind of ailments. Are our bodies giving out?That's it for today. Its not looking like I'm passed my daily wall mileage yet (14). Oh well. Ill do what I can til Katahdin. His grace is bigger than we know.
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Brassie Brook Lean-to

To: Glen Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 8.9

It is 5pm and I'm curled up in my tent done for the day. Today's mileage? 8.9 killer miles. The good news is I started the day in CT and now I'm in MA. I've also eclipsed the 1500 mile mark. Yay milestones! So I climbed Bear Mtn, Race Mtn, and Mt Everett today...in the pouring rain. Boooo rain. I'm not sure if it was the rain, the mtns, or me but I was completely drained by the time I got to Glen Brook Lean-to. Once again, my drained body severely limited my hiking. I upped my vitamin and caloric intake but that does not seem to be it. Let me explain to you how I feel. Have you ever had the flu for several days? The first day you feel like you can get out of bed you go to the store or the mall. You know that drained sleepy feeling you get? That's what I feel like. I used to fly up hills but now I'm inching up them ever so slowly. Maybe its because my body knows I'm turning 30 in exactly a month. So here's my pledge...if I don't feel improvements within 5 days I'm going to the doctor! That's right I said it...goin to the dreaded doctor. This is something I can't afford but I'll make adjustments. This is only if I'm popping out amazing 8 mile days. There. I said the d-word that rhymes with mocter. I might go and I might not. Anyways, that's it for tonight. Goodnight boys and girls. All for Him.
Date: 2010-08-06
From: Glen Brook Lean-to

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to
Miles today: 14.3

Boys and girls, today was a great day. Finally, I had a good day hiking. Why? Well, for one I didn't get too exhausted. I still only did my wall mileage (remember what that is?) But I'll get to the reason why shortly. I loved today and I hope I have more to come. I started today late around 940am. I got 10 hours of glorious sleep which prolly played a ginormous part in today's success. The walking was flat and pretty easy. I came upon the marker for the last battle of Shays Rebellion. I know I don't need to explain what Shays Rebellion is because everyone love American history right? Anyways, upon reaching the monument I was in history euphoria. I love actually walking through a piece of the past. Yes, to answer your thoughts I'm a nerd and proud of it! Oh and don't act like you don't have a nerdy side hahaha. Anyways, I proceeded on until I got to Rt 7 to Great Barrington. I walked .1 down the road until I got to Dolls and Dwellings formerly the Corn Crib. There the lady was really nice and let me sit in the gazebo drinking coke. Red Stick, a nice Venezuelan NOBOer I've known since Port Clinton, PA, showed up. We sat for a few hours chatting and we cooked our grub. At 4pm I proceeded on to Tom Leonard Lean-to. After a 14.3 mile day I was done. It was nice hiking today. It was a gorgeous New England summer day. Nice and breezy with little humidity. It was awesomely relaxing to sit in the gazebo at a doll store and and enjoy the breeze. These are the days I'm going to remember for the rest of my life. But you know what else feeling good did for me today? It allowed me to think of other things while walking instead of pain and tiredness. And because I grew up in New England I thought a lot about my childhood in Concord, NH. It was really nice to reflect on where I grew up. I can't wait to get to NH. There you have it. A great day was had by yours truly. I hope that this is the start of many to come. None of this would be possible without God of course. I owe all to Him.
Date: 2010-08-07
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Today was, well, unique. As I was sleeping last night I kept waking up to what I thought was a moth or something in between my tent and my rain fly. I paid little attention to it. In fact, I put in my earplugs. Bad idea. When I awoke I found a few wrappers in millions of pieces and a hole had been chewed out the side of my tent. I guess it wasn't the brightest of ideas to sleep with my food bag in my tent. There weren't any bear boxes or suitable trees to hang my food so it was placed in my tent. Oh well. Its nothing a little duct tape can't fix. Got off to another late start today. 915am. I felt alright. Not horrible but not great. I met John and his family who were out doing a quickie day hike. I talked to them for awhile about the life of a thru hiker. They seemed very interested in thru hiking. I hope my unsightly appearance didn't scare them away. I ate lunch at the Mt Wilcox South Lean-to with Rewind and Fast Forward. They are a husband and wife team doing a section hike to Hanover, NH. They are fun to talk to so that was nice. A little later in the afternoon I met Mike with his two dogs. He had gotten lost and was on his way back to the nearby road. I stopped for some small chat. It was nice to talk about God when I told him about CCA and what I'm hiking for. He was a strong believer but messed up real bad. He said it was so bad that he didn't think God would forgive him. He took to drinking but later asked God for forgiveness. He is now back to devoting his life to God and the right way. He sang me a quick verse from the song "People Need the Lord." I'm glad I ran into him. I miss having conversations like that. Walking by myself doesn't give me many opportunities to talk about God. Oh well. Ill find a way.Living His way.
Date: 2010-08-11
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Glastonbury Mtn
Miles today: 21.9

For those that can see the daily mileage, you read right! Almost 22 hiking machine miles done by none other than me today. Mistake? We shall find out tomorrow when I awake. Finally, I'm back to my old hiking self again....at least for today.How did this happen? Well, after crossing into VT yesterday (that's right, another state) I decided to make some changes. "One Life, please tell us what those changes are or I won't be able to sleep tonight" I hear you say. Well, for starters, I got some new kicks (shoes). They are my 3rd pair and same as the last pair. I no longer have foot pain caused by worn out shoes. Then, I cut my Ibuprofen intake. I really think that was doing something to me so I only take two at night now. Then I decided that I need to cook my lunch from now on. Much needed energy carbs of pasta. Then, I decided I am going to have caffeine every morning. No more withdrawals. I am also upping my vitamin, minerals, calorie, and electrolyte intake. Then, I am going to be more disciplined and wake up early every morning so I can do more miles. Finally, I have started taking steroids so I can hit more homeruns. Wait....what? Ok, I'm kidding about the steroids but I was just seeing if you were paying attention.So, I did all of those things minus the roids and had a great 22 mile (technically 21.9) day. Walking through moose country is awesome. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 25 miles of Vermont.Speaking of Vermont, folks, the mud is real. I wasn't sure if the mud was only a wives tale or not but its real. Which brings up a point. As I'm walking, the mud pits are very deep. Generally, you rock hop or bushwhack around the muddy trail to avoid being knee deep in nature's chocolate pie. However, it never ceases to amaze me that there are always foot prints in every mud hole. Do people not care about their socks and shoes and plunge right in? I don't know. I know I care though. I will rock hop and bushwhack 50 feet til the cows come home before I go in the mud.Thats it for this fine night. Glory to God.
Date: 2010-08-12
From: Glastonbury Mtn

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up feeling great. Glastonbury Mtn was probably one of my favorite camping spots on the entire AT so far. I loved waking up on the top of a mountain in the green state of Vermont. I camped with Doc, Stilts, Red Oak, and Buttercup. They were fun to have dinner with.Anyways, I woke up and was soon on my way loving life. I got to the Kid Gore Shelter and some Southbounders and informed me that Red Lobstah and company was up ahead. Yay, more motivation to speed up. The walking in VT has been awesome. I really enjoy the trail. Yes, there's mud and yes there are mountains but I have really enjoyed my hiking in this state.So, at about lunch time I was sitting at a picnic table at Story Shelter when the clouds rolled in. Oh crap, its going to rain and I've got to hike up Stratton Mtn. So, I packed everything up and was soon on my way for the rest of the ten miles I needed to get to Stratton Pond Shelter. About a mile before I got to Stratton Mtn the skies opened up on me and it rained. I nice chilling Vermont rain too. My first thought was of the Negative Nancy variety but then I soon found my hiking groove. I find that when it rains I am put into a deeper thought mode so before I knew it it had been two hours and I was halfway up Stratton. Awesome. I got to the top and although it was cloudy and such I very much enjoyed it with Doc. I hiked the last 3 miles to complete my nearly 22 mile day to the Stratton Pond Shelter.There you have it. I did another 20 plus mile day. I felt tired but otherwise pretty good when I was finished. I am feeling awesome, boys and girls. I have my hiking stride back. Look out Katahdin.Everything for Him.
Date: 2010-08-14
From: Manchester, VT

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today, boys and girls, I'm going to switch up my journal format. I've decided to do today's journal and its events in sequential order. Why? Cuz I want to and I remember time well (histry degree....I remember weird stuff like that).6:08am- Woke up at Green Mtn House Hostel8:31am- Received ride back to Manchester Center by hostel owner, Jeff8:42am- Grocery shopped9:03am- Ate at Friendlys resaurant. This was my 2nd time eatin there since arriving in town9:57am- Went to EMS Outfitters to finally put on the new tips for my poles. Sorry Kristi and Scott. I know you sent them to me a month ago but this is the first outfitter I have seen since then.10:15am- Picked up by a nice couple while hitch hiking and brought back to the trail10:34am- Began hiking11:15am- Discovered hand sanitizer had leaked all over my toiletry bag11:43am- Summitted Bromley Mtn with Eureka and Doc12:51pm- While sitting at Mad Tom Notch with Doc, Eureka was walking towards us when he completely tripped and fell flat on his face. Being a middle aged man Doc and I rushed over to see if he was OK. He was.6:02pm- Met Red Lobstah and London Joe at Lost Pond Shelter. They moved on while I camped completing a 14.8 mile day.6:38pm- Discovered a hole in my sleeping pad. Crap.9:07pm- Laying on my deflating sleeping pad after having tried to patch it up with band-aids (I have no duct tape).9:11pm- Glory to God. Good night, folks
Date: 2010-08-15
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

So, I lay here while my sleeping pad is quickly deflating listening to the pouring rain beat on my tent. Yippie. I didn't sleep a wink last night because I was basically sleeping on the ground...like I am tonight. Oh brother. I need sleep.Today was an overcast VT day in the mountains. I walked 18.6 miles so I did alright. However, today's terrain going up White Rocks Cliff and Bear Mtn was very reminiscent of Pennsylvania and her trusty rocks. Lots of rocks today. Then, later in the day, it was suddenly very steep. Very reminiscent of North Carolina and her knobs and steepness. Walking in VT is still very awesome though. I'm still really enjoying VT. Shhhhh don't tell anyone but I think VT is my favorite state so far.Nothing else spectacular to report. I forgot two things from yesterday. One, I had to say goodbye to a pair of socks that I've not only had the whole way but also on many other hiking trips. You know how I am about my socks....I get attached to them. Second, as I was walking to a suitable hitching spot I heard a dog barking from a parked car. I looked over and not twenty feet away a little Pug was leaning out the window and barking at me. Awwwwwww I miss my Pug Charlie.Well, thats it for tonight. Summitting Killington tomorrow. Gnite folks.All for Him.