morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: moderate rain

Ok, wow. Where do I begin. Well, I'll give you the quick summary first for those of you in a rush, followed by the details of today's hike for the rest. Ready? Here it is: Today sucked.Woke up to a bit of a chill, not too bad though. So I ate and was hiking by 8:30am. I went about 1 mile and saw a sign for water, but it really ended up being a trail magic box. So I hung out there for a while, eating and what not, when it started to rain. It kept going and going and was picking up so I decided to pull out my poncho tarp.So I continued hiking. I came across some trail maintaners and they gave me some hot tea. So the rest of the day was misery, not miserable, it WAS misery. Every hour the rain would come down harder and harder. And it was so cold, so very cold. Next, fog would role in so visibility was low. And if things couldn't get any worse, there were lots of rocks I had to climb, lots of slippery, dangerous rocks. But that wasn't enough. No, no, the flood gates of heaven were not enough. Gale force winds joined in to the mix. At one point I counldn't take it any longer: the weather was terrible, I was soaked, my boots were filled with water from having to walk through water up to my shins due to the crazy rain, the wind was blowing everything around, my leg was killing me - and I just exploded. In an emotional outburst I cried out, "Why! Why!" at the top of my lungs. It was the kind of yell that hurts you. The last 2 days I had off the trail there was no rain, but as soon as I get back on it rains all day. There was not one second of my hike today that I wasn't getting rained on.But I tried to have a good attitude, I tried praying, or even thinking about different thoughts. It was a hard day. I eventually made it to the shelter. Groundhog was there. I hope tomorrow is a better day.donut holes---crunchy peanut butter, party mix---chili mac with beef - mountain house
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

I woke up extremely early today. I guess the guys I was sharing the shelter with like an early start. I was awake by 5:45am and I was hiking by 7:30am. And I'm glad I did get that early start because today was crazy.Up, down, up, down, all day long. There was a little rain but compared to yesterday it was nothing. I tried to go 14 miles to the first shelter for lunch but my body shut down 2 miles before. I had to stop and eat. I was in my poncho, wet from swet, trying to eat while it was raining. I got so cold. but I gathered my guts and moved on.Due to the rain yesterday everything was overflowing. The trail many times was a small creek. My feet went through another day of being soaked. There were 3 trail magic spots, all water, which was nice because it encouraged me to drink. I find that I don't drink enough when I'm cold.So I finally made it to my shelter and Restless was already there. He invited me to join him, 2 Shoes, and Mango to share a hotel room with them tomorrow. I'm gonna take that up for sure.Yesterday I crossed into New York and today I can now say that I have less than 800 miles to go. Feels good to say that.I miss Keri a lot. I've been praying a lot about us. That I would become the leader she needs and can show her Christ through my actions. She's so precious to me. I wish I could do more for her. I miss her terribly.donut holes---crunchy peanut butter, party mix---teriyaki rice, veggie protein
Date: 2006-06-09
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Peekskill Inn
Miles today: 14.7

Another day of waking up extremely early due to Restless waking up at the crack of dawn. I was hiking by 7:30am.Before Restless left the shelter he said he would wait for everyone down at the zoo. So he took off and 2 shoes left shortly after him, followed by myself and then Mango some time there after.The hiking wasn't too bad down to the zoo. But when I got there I didn't see Restless or 2 Shoes. I figured Restless got restless and so I moved on. So I got lost after Bear Mountain Bridge due to some terrible blazing back into the wood, but met up with Mango as a result and saved him from making the same mistake.We both weren't took happy that the other two took off without a note left behind. So we pushed on and finally made it to the road that we would hitch into Peekskill where we all are sharing a hotel room and resupplying. Well, they left a note at the road, a bit late but whatever.So we got a ride, found the hotel, and started relaxing. The hotel was the Peekskill Inn on the Hudson River which cost $120.00 a night! Insane! And it was the only hotel in town. It was a bearable expense with 4 of us, but dang. Things are obviously more expensive up North.So we did laundry, ate, Mango treated me to a beer, showered, resupplied and did all the town stuff. 2 Shoes and I stopped in to an Equadorian restaurant thinking it was a Mexican restaurant, so we ended up ordering only some Mango milkshakes - which was Mango and milk blended together.Some of the things that I've been learning is that when God calls He means it. When God called Jonah to go to Ninevah, Jonah ran in the opposite direction. Well, swallowed whole and then puked up later, God told him again to go, and finally Jonah went. When God calls there is no point in running or not doing what He says. God will get His way. But we are safe in His will. No matter how hard the circumstance, we must humble ourselves and do what He wants. But there is always joy in doing His will, and that is what I'm learning, no matter how hard it is.donut holes---crunchy peanut butter, party mix---nachos, mango milkshake
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Peekskill Inn

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't get much sleep last night. I went to bed at 12am and woke up with everyone else, initiated by Restless of course, at 5:30am.The hotel offered a continental breakfast which was pretty good. Next, we packed up, called a taxi and were soon on the trail by 7:15am. The weather was a bit chilly but I didn't care, just thank God for no rain. I mean it has been raining all over the place. It even raied yesterday three separate times. Luckily, I wasn't in it.So today was again all ups and downs. I'm getting pretty sick of them but ironically I'll take it over the rocks in PA. I got in to the shelter today at 3:30pm. Dang that's early. Felt real good to finish that early. We even got to order pizza from the shelter. So I got to talk to Keri a few times today, which is always good.Anyways, not really sure what I'm going to do tomorrow. Hope the ups are less than the downs.continental breakfast - Peekskill Inn---cheese, crunchy peanut butter, butterfinger---large pepperoni pizza - Nick's Pizza
Date: 2006-06-11
From: RPH Shelter

To: Mac's House
Miles today: 25.2

I gotta ditch these guys. Every morning I'm waking up earlier and earlier. I mean come on, I was hiking this morning by 6:45am. Old people don't even wake up before then, and here I am hiking at such a crazy hour. Oh well, it's probably good for me, somehow.Hiking seemed pretty quick early on today. Not much to it at all, not too hard either. I got to enjoy a nice breakfast, well second breakfast, at a local deli that is located near the A.T. After that, time flew by.My thoughts revolved around my highlites as a soccer player at Montreat, then it switched to my A.T shirt idea, and then finally I had a great idea: I would make a video when I get to Katadin. It would be the "What not to do when you get to Katadin" video. I have a ton of ideas for it already, now I just need the props and good quality video camera at the top and I'll be set.So I finally made it to the shelter that Restless and 2 Shoes were going to stay at and ate my lunch. Earlier I met a Southbounder and told him to ask 2 Shoes, who was behind me at the time, if he could lick his toes. You see, last night I told the group that I was going to start messing with section hikers and one way was by having them say something ridiculous to someone in the group, hence the toe licking question. Sure, I told the guy that he would get something, and he did, he got laughed at. It was all good fun.After lunch, Mango and I pushed on. We both have to go in to Kent tomorrow and wanted to be a bit closer to it so we could have more time there. Earlier, I called Mac from Mac & Cheese, people who left a note in my trailjournal, inviting me to come stay with them, and they were up for it.So Mango and I arrived at the road where we would get picked up. Mac came and got us and took us to his family's amazing house. From the moment we got there they were feeding us. Beer, chips, dip, salsa, dinner...it was glorious. We were the first people they had over this season. The family is so warm and welcoming.So we ate, showered, ate again, and then hit the sack. Tomorrow, who knows.cinnamin toast crunch---3 donuts, onion bagel, sobe energy drink---crunchy peanut butter, cheese, butterfinger---ravioli, salad, bread, brownies
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Mac's House

To: Mt. Algo Lean-to
Miles today: 12.8

That's it, I can't take it anymore. Every single day that I've been with Mango, 2 Shoes, and/or Restless I have woken up earlier than the day before. Today, it was 5am. Are you kidding me? Ridiculous. Ugh.So we ate breakfast and then left the house at 6am for the trail. We were hiking by 6:20am. Again, most old people are still sleeping at that time, no one needs to be hiking. And I only got 6 hours of sleep because I talked to Keri last night as well. But that was so worth it.So the hiking today was probably the worst it's been in a while. A lot of high ups and low downs. On top of that, I felt pretty sick this morning. I think the combo of not enough sleep, eating too much, hiking, and the heat just didn't do me right. (Aunt Eva, don't read on if you don't want to hear about poop) I had to crap three times before 9am. It wasn't pretty.Had a couple run ins with snakes today. First was when I was setting up my camera for the morning picture. Imoved a rock into better position and found 2 snakes curled up under it. Second was while Mango and I were hiking. I was behind Mango and had my MP3 player on and all of the sudden Mango starts backing up, so fast that he rams into me and falls down, almost bringing me with him. Turns out it was a good size rattle snake 4 feet off the trial that let Mango know he was there.Anyways, we finally finished hiking and hitched into town. Today is when I finally get my down feather vest. Wrong. Instead I got a $400.00 dollar Arc'Terx Gore-Tex rain jacket. Now tell me it wasn't tempting to hold on to that jacket and just sell it on ebay. I could have made some much needed cash. But it wouldn't have been right. So I called them up at Hermit's Hut Outfitters and told them. They were shocked. So I sent it back to them, hopefully I'll get my vest in another 4 days.Next, I called Granite Gear. The Vapor Trail that I currently have just wasn't working for me. It was sliding, drooping, and heavy on the shoulders. I talked to Melody there and she was so nice. They are sending me a new pack that is a bit larger. And if that doesn't work then I'm going to get the Nimbus Ozone. But all day long before I made that call I was thinking how to go about explaning my problem. I didn't want to pay anymore and was almost scheming to what to say in order to get what I wanted. Should I be mad, or overly nice, sad or friendly. It was all crap. If I acted like that then I wasn't trusting that God would take care of my needs. So I ended up just being honest with her and they took great care of me.God has blessed me recently. Our stay with Mac and his family was amazing, and now a new pack, and also a letter from T-Lar today with an awesome gift. God is good.life cereal, coffee - Mac's house------mac & cheese x2
Date: 2006-06-15
From: The White Hart Inn

To: The Hemlocks Lean-to
Miles today: 13.4

I stayed up late last night and watched the Oilers win in overtime against the Hurricanes. I was happy because now there will be another chance I get to watch some more hockey.This morning Restless and Mango woke up early to go to breakfast but I wanted to sleep in. When I finally did get up I ate and watched some TV while laying in bed. I cannot begin to describe how wonderful that was. It's my new favorite thing.So I went to the post office and wrote Keri a letter and then went and got lunch from the grocery store, then headed back to the room. By then the other two guys had left and already started hiking, but since we were only doing about 14 miles today I decided to sit in bed and watch some more TV. Again, it was heaven. Sportscenter is just so wonderful, I think I'm going to cry.Finally, I pried myself away from the room and started hiking, the time was 11am. Wasn't too bad to start off. I got to climb the highest peak in Conn. today. It actually had a pretty neat view up there. Got to meet a ridgerunner name Marlisa. She made fun of me for how much clothing I'm carrying, which isn't a lot at all. I was kind of annoyed at that. But I knew she was just ignorant. She hadn't done as much hiking as a through hiker has done, so what does she know. But I did enjoy the company of her and four other guys. They all asked me why I was doing this hike so I got to explain to them my purposes and be a witness to them so that was really cool.Later on I went down into Sage's Ravine and then crossed the border into Mass. I am now into the final four states. That sounds pretty darn cool. But I must remain humble. I know for a fact that it was God and all the prayers for me that got me this far. I did nothing, besides whine, which I can do pretty well.I don't have much time left out here, and that is soooooo wonderful. But part of me is a bit scared. Part of me feels that I haven't grown enough while I've been out here. Like sometimes I get to thinking, "What if I would have done this, or read more, or slowed down." It could be a ploy of satan, he could be trying to make me feel like I squandered my time out here so I would then nullify the whole hike. But I am still learning, and it won't stop when I get to Katahdin.1/2lb tuna salad---onion roles x4, pesto sauce, canoli, arizon herbal energy - grocery store---salami and swiss cheese on wheat tortilla - from guy on Mass. peak---teriyaki chicken ramen noodles x2
Date: 2006-06-16
From: The Hemlocks Lean-to

To: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7

So I've been having trouble sleeping recently due to the thinness of my sleeping pad so I took some advice of Firefly and bought myself one of those little dollar bottles of Jack Daniels and took a sip of it before I went to sleep. I don't know if it's a mental thing, but I do know I slept way better. My mom probably thinks I'm an achoholic.Woke up this morning to a blazing sun shining through the hemlocks that surrounded the shelter. It was so pretty, and got the blood pumping pretty quickly in me. So the morning hike wasn't that bad up to the road that had the corn crib, where Mango and I got some ice cream. Next I went to Great Barrington to go to the Post office to get my replacement backpack and my down vest. Got the backpack, no vest. Unbelievable.So while I was there a guy came up to me and told me he works at a farm down the road and is always looking for hikers to work for food. He said that Firefly and Feather have been there for about four days now. I was shocked, I finally caught up to them. I declined his offer but did get a ride back to the trail.Shortly after I started hiking again, I came across a mountain biker. We talked a bit about the trail and I told him how bad the mosquitos were this morning. At one point I was practically running, trying to get away from them. I could feel them deflect off my body as I would run away. But it all didn't work. My arms looked like a mosquito graveyard by the end of their gauntlet.So the man offered me some DEET and after a short trip to his house I was packin' some heat, err DEET. The rest of the hiking was very hard. My body is getting broken in again.I called Keri at the shelter where I ate lunch at to tell her I loved her. I called her earlier in the day too, yeah, I'm good. So I trudged in to the shelter, tired and beat up. Tomorrow is a 21 mile day - crap.cinnamin life, blueberry pop-tart---1 pint coffee ice cream - Corn Crib---oreo klondike bar, rootbeer, gatorade - Corn Crib---crunchy peanutbutter, cheddar cheese
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Guess what. I woke up early this morning. I'm starting not to mind it because I don't have to rush so much during the day. I can do like 20 miles and be done by 3pm.So the plan today was to hike 24 miles to the shelter. It was suppose to be a nice day, 80 degrees and beautiful. Well, I hope that weather man got fired because it was overcast and rainy. Unbelievable.so I pulled in to the AMC Upper Goose Pond shelter for a break before pushing on, but when I read the ledger and found that the caretaker does pancakes in the morning, I changed my plans and called it a day. It was nice have done 16 miles by 1pm.Cedar Moe was already there when I pulled in, enjoying some food that some local canoers gave him. I too was able to share in the gifts. Later, more people showed up and they too gave us and Mango food. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me. So we all hung around outside, waiting for the caretaker to show up and unlock the building. I did a lot of reading and praying which I greatly enjoyed.So it started getting real late and Mango and I were getting anxious. Mango found a windo that was unlocked and we devised a plan of sending one of the kids through to unlock the place - well the caretaker showed up right then. So we didn't have to break in.The rest of the night we enjoyed food and conversation with the Irvine family. They did some fishing earlier and caught about 20 blue gill so that was fun to eat.Tomorrow I might try a 28 mile day, but we'll see. I hate big days but I feel I'm already getting anxious to get done.cinnamin life, pop-tart---crunch peanutbutter, chicken salad with swiss cheese sandwhich---blue gill, banana chips, tortilla chips, mexican rice with beans - mountain house
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Tom's House
Miles today: 29.9

Slept pretty good last night. Today the idea was to go 30 miles into Cheshire and stay at the church there in town.Bambi, the caretaker, made everyone breakfast this morning, even us early birds. She kep pumping out the pancakes and we kept puttin' them away. They actually did me pretty well. I was able to hike pretty fast today due to those things. I did 18.2 miles by 1:30pm. Yeah, I surprised myself. But I am convinced that my ability to hike how I did today is in no way related to my physical condition, but rather God given strength, His blessing was evident throughout this day.I got three doses of trail magic by 10am and then a fourth when I got to the famed "Tom's house". He made me this huge ice cream sunday and told me he would pick me up in Cheshire when I finished hiking and bring me back to the house so I could crash there. Sounded good to me.But, those last 9 miles were so hard. Today the high was 95 degrees and the humidity was very thick. I barely made it. Got got me through it. So we came back to the house and I showered up and then we ate.Today is Father's Day. I tried calling Dad today, and did leave a message, but got no cell service at Tom's house when I tried again. I was thinking a lot about God the father today as well. It is interesting that is how we describe Him. Not God the owner, or God the business man, or God the guy in the sky, but rather as Father. I guess that is due to the relationship that He seeks. And because He is described as Father I can see the added pressure a earthly Father has. Because it is through him that his children will grasp their first view of whom God is. Wow. That's a lot to try to live up to. But paint that against the world we live in today and how many messed up relationships kids have with their fathers, it is understandable of why this generation of kids don't care much about a spiritual father, because they have no need for their earthly one nor really care much about him. And if they don't care about their earthly father that is close and tangable, what do they care about a spiritual father that seems far away and almost non-existant at times?pancakes x12---orange, pretzels, coke---crunchy peanutbutter, cheddar cheese---salad, pasta with sausage and meatballs
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Tom's House

To: Tom's House
Miles today: 14.0

Tom's couch was wonderful. So he made breakfast for me this morning and then drove me to Cheshire so I could hike up and over Mt. Greylock, and then he'd pick me up on the other side later in the day.Today was another extremely hot day. The first uphill was pretty steep, but after that is wasn't that bad. I met a couple of section hikers, very sweet girls named Ashley and, well, I can't remember the other one. But I know her name started with and "E". I ended up meeting them at the top of Mt. Greylock and ate lunch with them, along with a park ranger that worked around the lodge. He seemed to know a lot aobut the trail so I asked him if he'd hiked the AT but what I got for an answer was not a "no" response but rather a list of sections he has done, trying to make himself creditable still in our eyes. I don't know, maybe I was in a bad mood or thought that he was trying to impress the young ladies that were 15 years younger than himself or just maybe I easily get annoyed with people that talk about themselves, but he got on my nerves quickly. But we all ate lunch together.Later on, Dreamer came in and I got to see him again, I saw him earlier in the morning too when Tom dropped me off. I also finally got to meet Red Dane, a young lady with red hair who's from Holland. I was excited to meet her because she started a bit earlier than I. There's just something about meeting someone that's been on the trail for a long time. I also got to meet an older man that said he'd been travelling with her, but I forgot his name.So I said goodbye and finished my hike. That last section of Greylock sucked. It was a steep, relentless downhill that chewed up my knees. Tom was at the bottom waiting on me. After a run to the Post office, no down vest, a trip back to the house, and then a trip to the laundry mat, we then hi up dinner at an All-you-can-eat country food restaurant, Tom's treat! It was cool and we had a blast. Saw Cedar Moe there and he said that Ron who runs the "Bird Cage" hostel has been waiting to meet me. Oh well, guess I missed him.So we left and after a quick stop at the package store for some NHL Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 beer, we headed back to the house. The Hurricanes won. Tomorrow I meet up with Jenny.eggs, pop-tart, sausage, toast---tuna sandwhich, brownie - Mt. Greylock lodge---country food All-you-can-eat