morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-08-13
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Pine tree campsite
Miles today: 22.1

There are so many things I want to write about. We have been thru some crazy crazy rock sections today. The Knife's Edge which is full of giant boulders on an exposed ridgeline. And then a boulder scramble coming up out of Palmerton that overlooks Leighigh Gap. I bet if you Google them you can find some photos. Nothing you see will totally do it justice. I am super thankful that I had 2 people with me. Not that any of us physically helped each other thru those sections but it was nice to know that if something were to happen, we were there for each other.We dropped into Palmerton today. Got super luck with a hitch in and out. Had a really great bacon cheese burger and some fries. Subsequently, not really hungry when we set up camp tonight so I just ate a nutella covered pitas bread. I'm sure I'll be hungry in the morning.We also had to walk around a Superfund site after Palmerton. Water in this area is super scarce mostly due to that, I think. There was one source that we passed today but rumor is that it's pretty contaminated and you shouldn't drink it. And this time of year, even good sources sometimes dry up. So there have been a number of road crossings with water caches from Trail Angel's. The last one we had today also had Gatorade. And hopefully the one we kick off with tomorrow will still be stocked when we get to it as well. Carrying extra water is so heavy and we've all been loading up with 3ish Liters when we walk away from a water source because it's better to carry extra than go thirsty. So...needless to say, my legs are starting to get in really good shape. But oh man, if I could just bottle sweat and drink it again, I don't think I'd have to carry any water. Keeping up with these guys is a challenge and I have been pushing. I don't think I have been this sweaty since my basketball days.Anyway, camped at a really sweet site tonight with pine trees and pine needles covering the ground. Higher up than we have been so a nice breeze tonight. Hoping to keep going a little longer with these guys. I'm way ahead of schedule but making friends out here is also part of the adventure. I can slow down when I get to Harriman and take my time out there. (Anyone want to come hike some more reasonable days in a couple weekends?)Alright. Time to shut down and recharge for another adventure tomorrow!Ps medical update: feet are doing better. Blisters seem under control. Got better socks, haven't had to double. Still some small ones on my toes to deal with but not bad.Have stopped KT taping for now. Shins seem under control (fingers crossed).Hips are a little sore. Need to stretch more.Legs are fine.Back is fine.Would like a shower.
Date: 2019-08-14
From: Pine tree campsite

To: Kirkridge Shelter 
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was epic in so many ways.25.1 miles walked and so many of them full of more stupid stupid rocks.However, Luna and I had an adventure going just off trail to a run down motel (after 16 miles) where we got to fill our water bottles and take free showers. However, we also ended up witnessing a bit of an internal incredibly heated argument that may or may not have been fueled by some kind of substance abuse. We packed up quickly and hit the trail again. (We didn't fear for our safety we mostly just didn't want to be around for it. And there was an employee that was completely normal and helpful and apologetic)Back up another mile long climb and then 8 left until our stopping point. But here's the thing about all of today. The rocks here are not big enough to walk on and cruise across. They're not small enough to ignore. And half of them are pokey side up just waiting to either try and trip you or be very uncomfortable to your feet. So the miles we slow. And we got tired really fast. There came another giant boulder scramble but not as bad as the ones we've done before. After that, some flat land and a pile of blackberry bushes which we stopped to put in a ziplock for later (they were delicious). And then to the last road crossing!...only to find the water cashe there completely empty...and each of us with only about a liter for the night and nothing else on the map for 5 miles in the morning.So....we got a hitch from a nice guy about our age down the road to a gas station and he then came back and brought us back to the trail. And then another half a mile to meet back up with Skinny at the shelter. At 9pm. Long day. So tired. Tomorrow I actually slow down. We all go into Delaware Water Gap in the morning and then my plan is to stay the night. They will both likely hike on ahead to keep up their mileage. But there's apparently an awesome bakery and a hiker hostel that I'll stay at for sure. I had projected to get to DWG on Sunday. Tomorrow is Thursday. Time to slow back down...
Date: 2019-08-15
From: Kirkridge Shelter 

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel 
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: mist

A nice day of doing chores, resupplying, and hanging out with people in Delaware Water Gap.We ate some amazing food provided by the church parish tonight. Met a really cool ridge runner who patrols the last 45 miles we just went thru. That ridge runner introduced us to an awesome trail angel who has been supplying water to this section. And then we stayed after dinner talking with him until about 9p.We lost Skinny today. He decided to keep going after picking up a package at the post office. Luna and I are still here and have a new friend that will attempt to do miles with us tomorrow. A stop at the outfitter got me new insoles (Superfeet). After which, I pulled the ones out of my shoes and discovered they are SUPER flat. So hoping this helps to sort out some of the foot pain and maybe calm the shin splint that started to come back on the right side. Also new gaiters which are the brand that most thru hikers get. The joke now is that I am a thru-hiker under duress (aka they conned me into it). So...potentially a couple more big mile days. We'll see.
Date: 2019-08-16
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel 

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

Let's talk about food. Have I done that yet? The amount of calories you have to consume out here to be able to do average to big miles is kind of crazy. Not to mention that you really need at least some of it to be NOT sugary things that just make you crash. Yesterday, we ate so much food between the amazing bakery in town and the dinner we were served. Imagine eating Thanksgiving dinner, getting seconds, and just feeling a normal kind of full. That's kind of what that was like.Today however, we started the morning with some leftover baked goods - zucchini blueberry bread and an apple cider donut. 11 miles in (around noon), we stopped at the AMC Mohican Outfitter which runs a tiny kitchen and got bacon egg and cheese sandwiches (the size of which I would normally not feel great eating all of). We snacked a little throughout the afternoon - dried fruit, a Cliff bar. By the time we got to camp around 7:30 we were starving. We had packed out a loaf of bread from the bakery so we each had a big chunk of that with butter we snagged at lunch. While waiting for our water to boil for pasta dinners, we also devoured a small bag of homemade chips from the bakery. Then ate the pasta and mostly started to feel like we'd had enough.Eating out here does 2 things that are great: gives you energy and makes your pack lighter. Both make you capable of doing another day.I do have to say - I am starting to crave the things we can't get out here. And I look forward to eating sushi while I still have a hiker appetite.In other news - I may have to finally actually slow down. Have been developing soreness in my right foot on the outside. I think it started from repetitively stepping on rocks in the same place. It has started to have more pronounced moments when I step wrong. And today, it began to feel like tendon/ligament pain. So, I told Luna I might not be able to keep up starting tomorrow. There is no reason for me to get injured out here. And while it bums me out to think about going back to being on my own, the thru hikers are starting to feel the pressure to get up north before weather starts turning. The rocks of Pennsylvania are behind us. And they tell us they are only bad for another 20 miles here in New Jersey. So hopefully that will help sort this out. Regardless, time to push less and start listening to my body again.
Date: 2019-08-17
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Here's the thing about long distance hiking - it does take a decent amount of athleticism. Thru hikers talk alot about miles and food and pack weight and pain. Walking 20+ miles a day hurts and I can now attest to that. It sounds like no matter how many times you do it, after 20 miles out here, your feet just hurt. End of story.Section hikers don't normally do those kinds of miles. It takes time to build up the stamina of being able to even do 20ish miles a day. After these last 5 days, I know it's something I can do. Which is awesome. But I also know that next time, I need a few more days to build my feet up first. The pain on the outside of my foot has been getting worse. And it kind of feels like I've been walking on a bruise. We hiked into High Point State Park (NJ) today. Got a free soda for checking in at the rangers station. And then still had a climb up to the high point observation tower and down to a shelter. The rocks were BAD. I had 3 steps almost in a row that made me want to stop right there. And it takes quite a bit to make me stop. It starts to feel personal sometimes at that point. You just want to yell at the trail to let you have this thing that you want. But it's never going to let you go easy. So we got down to where the shelter turn off is and had to say goodbye. Luna is doing extra miles tonight. Hopefully we catch each other tomorrow. There are 2 different places to get into Warwick, NY and a drive in movie theater that let's hikers tent/hammock in their yard. So that's the plan. Here's hoping I can still do another 19 to do it.
Date: 2019-08-18
From: High Point Shelter

To: Warwick Motel
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a rollercoaster. I woke up and everything was a little bit damp. It had rained overnight and nothing really dries out in this humidity anyway. I knew the plan was to try to do 19.5 to get to the first entry to Warwick, NY. Luna was shooting to a further spot that would also get her to Warwick. We were hoping to meet up and camp at a drive in movie theater that has started catering to hikers. And be able to do a resupply at a real grocery store. So. I started the morning with 5 miles to a place called Secret Shelter - which is just someone's private property and he lets hikers camp there and use his outdoor shower. Those 5 miles sucked. There was nothing really remarkable about them. My foot just hurt. I couldn't get my stride. Every step felt like it was a bad idea. I probably almost stopped half a dozen times. But I really really really wanted to get to Warwick because we'd made this plan. I got to Secret Shelter and threw my pack down,starting to think about maybe just stopping for the day. I took my shoes and socks off. Located and used the incredibly glorious outdoor shower that was not freezing cold. And then sat for a long time trying to make a pros and cons list as to what I should do. Luna started texting me updates about what was coming next and it was a lot of flat, and boardwalks, and road walks. So...I decided to give it a shot. I took ibuprofen because I realized there is some swelling in my right foot. I took a CBD gummy to help me not think so much. And I put KT tape on my foot. I changed back to my Darn Tough socks because I think the Injinis I bought were actually exacerbating the pain.After that, I packed up, popped a root beer candy in my mouth and hit the dirt again. And it was ok. It wasn't great. But it was manageable. Between the tape and the flat spots that allowed me to think about how my foot was working and not letting it just slam into the ground, it started feeling closer to normal. So I got thru 5 more miles. And then another 3. And then tried to race my last 6.5 down to be able to be at a farmers market by 6pm. Well...that failed and I probably pushed too hard. But I made it to the trailhead. Luna has texted me her ETA and also that maybe there was weather rolling in and of I wanted to get a room somewhere we could split it. I threw my pack down, so glad I was done. And then looked behind me...and saw a giant dark cloud rolling in. Long story short, thunderstorms drove us into a motel. But we both made it. We both got our miles. And we have shuttle driver that will come get us in the morning and take us to resupply as well as back to our own separate trail heads.So. Tomorrow we really part ways. And tomorrow I either hike an easy 8 to the next shelter or I decide to go camp in town on my own and do a zero in an effort to let my foot calm down. We will see what the day brings...
Date: 2019-08-20
From: Warwick Drive In

To: Warwick Drive In
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Vortex - a place that is very hard to leave. Reasons vary depending on hiker.To be vortexed - a feeling that a place keeps sucking you back in.Warwick, NY is so far the best vortex for me. DWG had potential. And if we had let it,would have been a pretty fun vortex.However, Warwick is easily accessible via 3 road crossings on the AT. The southern most crossing is also home to a farm stand and a hot dog stand. The northern most is also home to a creamery. These two points are 15 miles apart. 15 miles is what many hikers would consider to be an acceptable amount of ground covered in one day. Toss in a free camping spot at a drive in movie theater with a grocery store next door. Add another farm and brew pub across the street. For good measure also mix in a very willing shuttle driver and so many helpful locals. You've got yourself a really great vortex for someone like me. I went to sleep last night thinking I could either do a very short day and hike up 5ish miles to the next shelter. Or do 17ish miles if I was feeling good, which was my hope. I woke up this morning still not feeling like I could walk normal steps and also wary of rocks climbs and long open ridgelines I had been hearing about. It was shaping up to be another hot and humid day. I packed up and decided to walk down to a bagel shop by the grocery to test out my foot. If it felt questionable, my plan was to call Mark (who was already planning to drive me back to the trail) and tell him I'd like to slack pack for the day. (This means to leave your full pack somewhere and just take a day pack out - and get picked back up again on the other side)I decided to slack it. And the number of times during the day that I was happy with that decision was....a lot. Started with a steep rocky climb and then the whole day was up and down, in and out of small rocks. Climbing over boulders that were more comfortable to use my hands to help brace than my poles. There is one tiny section where the trail maintainers put rebar into the rock to act as a ladder. And these long stretches of open ridgeline with no shade in the early afternoon. The plus to the past two days of rain is that all of the streams were flowing. So I was able to filter a full Gatorade bottles worth every 3 or 4 miles and not worry. And with ice cream calling me toward the finish line, it made for a pretty great day.What I decided during that walk however is a little bit sad, perhaps. I'm going to pull the emergency escape hatch on my trip tomorrow. I have 11 miles to get to a train station on the west side of Harriman State Park. I sectioned last year from that point up to where I started 2 years ago. So I'm all linked up. I don't NEED to cross the park this week but I was looking forward to a few more days out. My body however is telling me it's time to rest. So, I will do the adult thing and listen to it (finally).One more night though falling asleep to far off movie noise. It's strangely easier than the middle of nowhere noises sometimes. Easier to identify... but that's a thesis for another time.
Date: 2019-08-21
From: Warwick Drive In

To: Harriman Train Station
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The first half of today was amazing. It felt like the AT was trying to convince me to stay. The weather was overcast and not too hot, so I was able to carry less water. After about 5 miles, I hit a waterfall that was tiny but very cute. And it led to my favorite part of any day - pour water over your head time. It's the best. After that, I came around a corner and scared off two cranes so I got to watch them fly. Up on a rocky outcrop, I had a hawk circling low enough that I could hear it's wings beating. And then the absolute best thing - came around a corner and startled 2 bear cubs and their young mom. They were far enough away that the Mom and 1 cub just took off. But I stopped to watch the other cub scurry up a tiny tree. Then wait. Then climb back down very slowly and find the scent to go back home. So cute. Around lunch however, things started to turn. If the AT was trying to suck me back in, it must have realized that I was gunning for home for real. The small but mighty climbs kept coming with steep descents following them. The sky started to turn grey and then passed into more hot beating sunlight. And by the time I got to my 2 miles of side trail, all I wanted was to be out of the woods. When you think to yourself "It's only x more miles," that is when the AT will kick you in the shins. It doesn't give you anything for free. And the mile or 2 at the end of the day are almost always the worst.But now I'm on a Metro North train heading back into the big concrete jungle. I did my miles and I'm all connected up with my previous hike(s). I learned a lot about myself and have a list of things to think about for next time. My foot hurts and I'm ready to give it the time to heal. Fingers crossed that next year I can knock out an even bigger chunk. Until then...
Date: 2020-08-24
From: Rt 5

To: Campsite by pond
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

First day in the books! Made it to the site that I-think- was the plan. It's a little bit more difficult to tell on the PCT. There are no shelters like on the AT. But there are campsites that see a lot of use. But things don't necessarily have names. Just miles.Anyway. Very late start today...around 11:45 I think. Tom and I camped for the weekend near the trail and so we made a good breakfast and broke down camp and then had to find the trail. Etc etc etc. BUT still did all my miles which I take as a win. I wasn't sure if I could but a lot of southern Oregon is quite flat. So I was able to keep a pace a little bit faster than 2mph which meant I still got to camp around 5:30. Win!Legs feel tired but good. Everything is tired but good really. I've kept in shape a bit over this whole quarantine thing and did some bike rides and hikes in the last couple weeks to prepare. So this isn't awful. But putting 25ish pounds on my back is always an adjustment. Thankfully I only had to start with 3 days of food. I'll pick up a box end of day tomorrow that will be another 5 to carry me to Crater Lake. (I always carry 1 more day than I plan to need) So at least these first two days could be a little bit of a buffer up to a heavier load.Saw exactly 2 people (together) on traio today. Was starting to be worried that I was right to prepare for a very much more isolated journey. Pulled into the campsite and found 2 more pairs of people. All of us are headed north. 2 older ladies are hiking all of Oregon together so I have a suspicion that I will see them a bit more along these two weeks. I'm OK not seeing people during the day. It's weird but it's still kind of normal. But man I do like having people at the same camp spot as me. Nighttime is the time we don't really have control over. So I appreciate having at least one other human around. I think I sleep better that way.Speaking of sleeping...it's almost hiker midnight. And I want to try to actually get up on the early side tomorrow. Fingers crossed for another good day ahead!
Date: 2020-08-25
From: Campsite by pond

To: Hyatt Lake
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just dropping in quick to say day 2 is a little less good than day 1. As is standard with my first few days, on and off knee pain. Not freaking out about it yet. Have my knee brace but think it probably exacerbated the problem.Stopped by a lodge on the lake where I left a supply box. Had a BLT and some sweet potato fries...and 2 root beers...feels a little bit over the top for day 2 but oh well. Heavy pack to kick off the next 6 days. Crater Lake on the other side of this weight so hopefully that makes up for it. Not sure of service spots for the next days but I'm sure I'll snag something somewhere. Back out into the heat now. Hopefully camp in a couple hours with a couple of the ladies I saw last night. Onward!
Date: 2020-08-25
From: Campsite by pond

To: Hyatt Lake Horse Camp
Miles today: 14.3

From the future EDIT: you can skip this if you want. Mostly me lamenting my choices. But I promise things are ok!There are nights that wish that I was a tent camper. Tonight is one of those nights. I often find myself walking past flat spots on trail with no trees in sight and wondering what it must be like to have that kind of freedom. Don't get me wrong, I love my hammock and I doubt that my back would be so forgiving with the rest of my choices if I also threw in sleeping on the ground. However. I have not tried it in the modern sense - aka a very good sleep pad. Perhaps I will have to soon. Let me explain. Last night, I hung my hammock for the first time in a year and did a -terrible- job. I slept ok but was slanted so that I couldn't fully stretch out (bonus - I often sleep curled up in a ball). Tonight I got to a very nice spot by a lake, hung my hammock much better, and then had to wait for the wind to calm down to be able to put up my tarp. Why tarp you ask? Well first and foremost I find the thought of sleeping exposed very uncomfortable. While I don't expect rain so much it can happen. And more than anything I just like the bit of privacy it creates. Now the added layer to this is that this particular tarp is new (half the weight of the one I've had the last three years). I'm still figuring out how best to use it. And it is quite lightweight - a bit like a sail.Now, tonight in particular, I am frustrated. My knee hurts. The campground I was hoping for has weird Covid rules. The ladies I was hoping to camp with are not to be found. And so I made a choice instead of pushing further on trail to stop and stay here. It has been a longish day. The trees are wonderfully spaced and sometimes that has to be my win. But man...thinking about being able to pitch a spot in a short amount of time and have it just be 1 thing...maybe I just need to reinvestigate my setup. Projects for later.In other news, beautiful sunset and a lake FULL of geese that just flew across in tons of different groups while I ate dinner.I think I hear a couple PCT folks setting up nearby. Maybe not alone after all. Don't feel like exiting the cocoon (also more difficult thing to scout what's going on from the hammock). Maybe see them in the AM. Shooting for an early start.