morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Campsite

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 16.2

Campsite to Church Hostel in Vernon, NJ"Oh Lord, please drive me in a Mercedes Benz"Having not been bailed with the hay last night I woke up relieved.  Though waking up was a bit difficult for I was deep in dreams that wanted to hang on to my consciousness and were loathe to give in to the demands of the morning.  The new day did finally win and we were walking by 8, an improvement from yesterday's start.The first break came early, just 2.6 miles in, at the "Secret Shelter."  This "shelter" is on private property and maintained by a generous private individual.  I was a little disappointed that we didn't make it there last night.  The shelter is situated on a large, hilly swath of farmland, surrounded by mowed green grass and large trees.  The shelter itself is more of a cabin with two (hot!) showers; an outdoor and an indoor.  Inside there is a large sink and counter type area for cooking and cleaning up.  The sleeping area is a large loft with real windows to look outside.  Although the timing didn't work out to stay in this pastoral haven it was a nice place for a long morning break.The trend towards more hills continued today, but there was also beautiful walking through low grass and wetlands.  One remarkable area boasted over a mile of raised board walk through open grass and swamp land.  Though very pretty, the sun was strong and draining in those long open areas.  I am still feeling lethargic and was very happy with a plan modification that brought us to town today.  The trail crosses NJ94 where there is a farm, produce and garden center just down the road.  We were delighted to find that the place also had ICE CREAM!  What a tasty indulgence after coming though miles under the searing sun in 85+ degree heat!A nice young local turned around to pick us up and drove us right to the church hostel.  Unfortunately due to an absence of signage, (and brainage) we didn't know we were at out target location.  So we walked up the road to the Dunkin Donuts to ask directions.  A nice middle aged man said he thought he knew where the hostel was but wasn't sure, so he'd be happy to drive us in his pristine leather interior Mercedes, despite our all day sweating in the sun funk.  We got a full tour of Vernon, NJ only to return right back where we had started out.I must admit that I was a little uncertain about the Mercedes man's ride at first.  He was friendly but seemed just the slightest bit off.  Away from town I started to feel a little uneasy.  Was this guy taking us to some abandoned warehouse to do with us as he would?  I caught myself thinking "Tom and I could totally take this guy."  Then he pulled up to the church he had in mind, realized it wasn't it, and generously drove us all around town until we found our destination.  Boy, the sun sure can do crazy things to a girl's imaginationDanger
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Hostel in Vernon, NJ to Wildcat Shelter"What the Hell Was THAT!?!?!?"It was s fun day of hiking today, despite temperatures in the mid 90's. The morning did start out as the past few days have been: slow and unenthusiastic. We were able to get the early start that we'd hoped in an effort to minimize our exposure to the sweltering heat we'd heard predicted for today (and the next several). We were up and out of the hostel by 6:30 and on the trail by 7:40 after breakfast and a fast hitch.The trail greeted us with a larger climb first thing, but I was happy to be doing it in the morning. Breakfast fueled us enough to get a nice 8 miles in before our first break. At this point the heat was making it's appearance but it was still comfortable in the shade of the deep forest. We flirted with the edge of open swampy areas where the sun ruled.The rolling of the past couple of days became more aggressive putting us up over rocks and short scrambles. The terrain was making a distinct change. Shortly after topping out on an open rocky ridge we came to the boundary of one more milestone: the NJ/NY state line. We'd finished one more state! Crossing that line had the affect of lifting the gauzy shroud that's been covering my spirits the past few days. I was suddenly light and energized. The last gap from our 2001 hike had been closed and suddenly I was completely free from the weight and emotion still holding on from having to end that hike prematurely. Up on that ridge I felt born anew.With a new spring in my step we traversed the open rocky ridges, spry even under the pounding sun. We were traversing some rocks approaching a climb when I heard Gravity exclaim from behind "What the hell is that?!?!?!?" I quickly looked up to see 2 downy Turkey Vulture chicks scudding back into their nest between some boulders. The chicks were unaware of our presence long enough to get a good look at them. Turkey Vulture babies are HUGE! We had one more sighting a bit later of the poultry type when we came upon a family of wild turkeys. They erupted in a large flapping commotion when we came upon them by surprise.Unfortunately the excitement of another state done didn't manage to outlast the heat. We were up on those exposed ridges for miles before we finally came down. The sun drained and dehydrated me. With the extraordinary heat we'd decided to hitch in at the road crossing for cold drinks and maybe some dinner. When we reached the road we saw a sign indicating an ice cream stand .1 down the road. Perfect!The ice cream stand was just what I needed! We took a long break eating our treats in the A/C of the creamery. It gave me the sustenance and strength for the last 2 miles to Wildcat Shelter. All in all, a challenging but fun and exciting day. We had some spectacular views and enjoyed the ridges even though the sun was menacing. The wildlife viewing was especially good too. It feels so good to have one more state complete; 8 down, 6 to go!Danger
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Wildcat Shelter to campsite"You know it's hot when the black tops melting"What was fun terrain yesterday became infuriating today.  The trail has made a distinct change since crossing the state line into NY.  Switchbacks, logical blazing, even clear trail have become a thing of the past.  The day can be summed up rather succinctly:  straight up rather rocky, boulder strewn bump, walk along exposed rock faces in relentless sun, straight down rocky, boulder strewn hill to swamp.  Fight man eating swarms of bugs.  Repeat in entirety for 17 miles.  The primary variation in the pattern was the temperature climbed higher with each step and the bugs got worse.  The quality of the trail also managed to find ever new lows.Ice pops and cold juice mid-way through the day offered a minute reprieve.  A swim at an extremely crowded public beach/lake offered a more substantial but fleeting relief.NY is not winning any popularity contest with me thus far.  96 degree heat is ludicrous to hike in. I think that my brain has baked into a nice frontal lobe pudding.  Perhaps it's better that way, higher reasoning isn't really all it's cracked up to be.  And, I still have opposable thumbs.  Don't need a functioning frontal lobe to put those to good use.  Though in this heat breathing is excruciatingly exhausting...Danger
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Campsite

To: Bear Mountain, NY
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Campsite to Bear Mountain, NYLousy day today, although it ended well.  Yesterday was hellish and a night of sleep didn't make me feel any better in the morning.  It must have been 80 degrees by 7am and just kept getting hotter as we walked.  I was exhausted from yesterday and the heat and crummy terrain sucked any remnants of energy I had left.It took forever to make the 4 miles to the spring just past the Pallisades Parkway.  We took a long break but as we sat there being eaten alive by mosquitoes, horse flies and no-see-ums I felt more and more sad.  The terrain has gotten so much more difficult so we're back down to a 2 mph pace.  The heat is relentless, have I mentioned that?  So sitting there, sweating and being a free AYCE for the blood suckers, I couldn't imagine how I could make 17 miles today.  And tomorrow.  And the next day.  It sounded not just unbearable but undoable.So I cried.  And cried.  And sobbed.  I couldn't stop.  I never felt this helpless and beaten down in the cold and snow.  I never before questioned what I am doing out here or if this really is what I wanted to be doing.  Today I did.  It all suddenly felt huge.  Inconceivably epic.  Ludicrous and insurmountable.  What kind of crazy idea was it to walk from Georgia to Maine anyway?  Is this what I was so excited about all that time we were dreaming, saving and planning?  I mean seriously, this is a hell that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.So, thank goodness and my lucky stars that I have a flexible and sensitive partner on this quest.  Gravity heroically pulled out the guide pages.  He says "let's splurge a little, we'll cut today short and get a nice air conditioned room at the lodge at the Bear Mountain State Park.  Then we'll do a half day tomorrow to the Greymoor Monastery and shorten the next 2 days."This new plan gave me some hope although it didn't revitalize me fully.  That didn't happen until I was clean and reclined,  chilled by the A/C with Italian delivery on it's way.  The main park lodge was closed for renovation so I was afraid our plan would be foiled.  Fortunately there is a second smaller lodge on the outskirts of the park where we were able to get a room.The shower and A/C were just what the doctor ordered.  When a big rain storm moved in later this evening I was doubly grateful for the change in plans.  At least now I am pretty sure I can face what tomorrow has to bring. I am grateful that we only have 7 miles planned though.Danger
Date: 2005-06-29
From: Greymoor Friary

To: Campsite
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

Graymoor Friary to camp site.  Despite the good night last night I had a tough day today.  What we thought would be a passing thunderstorm turned into an all day soaking rain.  So we went from hot to hot and wet.  Nothing exciting and nothing to look for today.  Just wept sloppy slog.  Got into camp after missing a turn in the trail and Serendipitously finding a spring and nice camp site.  We set up in the rain.  Cooked and ate in the rain and are going to sleep early for lack of motivation to do anything else.  All clammy and wet.  Yuck.  Danger
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Campsite

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: haze

Campsite to Morgan Stewart shelter Woke up this morning feeling sticky and damp.  It poured and poured all night last night.  We stayed dry in the tent but our packs, food bags and shoes were soaked.  Put on wet clothes and put wet socked feet into drenched shoes.  Packed gear into sopping pack.  Cried.  The first 5 mi. to RPHC shelter where rough.  I cried a lot over that 2 1/2 hour.  I felt little better after eating something as I had very little for breakfast.  The sun was starting to come out a little.  That was good because up to now our stuff hadn't been begun to dry out The next 5 mi. went a little better and we did begin to dry out some.  Even better, the next break was at a deli .3 miles down the road.  We took a 2 hour break enjoying sub sandwiches and Snapple iced tea outside the little deli/market.  The owner was so nice to us and even had a hiker register for hikers to sign in.  Unfortunately, Gravity isn't doing so well.  In order to dry out his shoes faster and not have to put on sopping socks, he hiked the morning without socks on.  His poor wet feet ended up getting abraded and blistered - very painful.  Because of our sorry state today and the past few days, we decided to call a trail angel couple who contacted us from our online journal.  They live in the area and offered help should we need it when we got here.  Well, no question we both felt like we could use any help available to us right now.  So I called the number left in the e-mail with my fingers crossed that someone would answer.  Sure enough they did and we have arrangements to meet at a road crossing tomorrow afternoon.  I can't explain what a relief this is for me! I've been feeling so down and having such a hard time, even with the trail magic.  But I tell you, after solidifying arrangements for tomorrow, I felt like a new woman.  I have renewed motivation and an extra spring in my step.  We got to the shelter tonight a half-hour earlier than expected.  I can't wait for tomorrow afternoon!Danger
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: NY22
Miles today: 10.7

Morgan stork shelter to NY 22 Today marks four full months of being on the trail.  Pretty hard to believe.  A month ago I was cursing the decision to switch from our 10 degree winter bags to 40 degrees summer bag.  Now, we want to invent a mini-solar powered window air-conditioning unit for the tent.  Forget needing a sleeping bag! It is pretty amazing that we have come over 1,400 mi., almost two-thirds now but we still have over 700 miles to go.  I find myself ambivalent - torn between wanting to hurry up and get to Katahdin and not wanting the venture to end.  I guess that the trail presents many dichotomies though.  Depravation and indulgence, freedom and structure, constant change but doing the same thing every day.  In many instances  the dichotomy makes each end of the pole more palpable, more real, more brilliant.  The ice-cream so indescribably delicious after a week out under the hot sun and humidity eating crackers and ramen noodles;  the shower so much more refreshing and the bed so much softer.  Fortunately the miles came more easily today.  It helped that it was a shorter day.  The humidity was high and sun got strong, bugs were also out in force.  But, the terrain was more reasonable and I knew that a night of refuge was the ahead.  We reached the parking area where our trail angel's agreed to pick us up an hour early.  We were thrilled to discover a hot dog stand there! There was also a family on vacation pulled over picnicking who share their very delicious watermelon with us.  They had Russian cousins with them enjoyed a chance to meet and talk with genuine thruhikers.  Though still hot, are hunger was temporarily staved off as we reclined in the shade.  Kate arrived spot on time and whisked us away to her beautiful home in Connecticut.  We were welcomed with the warmest hospitality, showered, laundered and fed.  The angels had a neighbor family over for dinner and we had fun barbecuing, watching the kids swim and hiding from a thunderstorm.  Amazing that these generous people have opened their home and family to us like this.  Hopefully someday will be in a position to do something similar.  It may not be for AT hikers, but maybe we will find a way to share good fortune with CDT or CT hikers one day.  I'm feeling so much better now.  Thank goodness for the kindness and generosity of others. This hike continues to be an amazing experience changing my perspective and fuelling my faith in the world.  Danger
Date: 2005-07-02
From: NY22

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 18.6

NY 22 to Kent, CTGreat day today! Feeling human again thanks to our trail angel the Mac's.  They agreed to slack pack us from NY 22 to Kent, CT and put us up again tonight.  Mrs. Mac treated us to a scrumptious breakfast of bacon, toast, juice and coffee and delivered us sans packs to the trailhead at 8a.m..  The weather turned spectacular overnight: the humidity vanished, high temps dropped and a cooling breeze picked up.  The first 12 mi. flew by and it actually felt good to hike.  We had one small surprise when Gravity stepped right on a largish dead furry creature having not seen it in the trail. He screamed which made me scream.  We looked back at the creature, laughing at ourselves and glad that it wasn't in any  further a state of decay.  If it was a further long, Gravity's foot would have sunk in up to the ankle - ewww! We took a lunch break on a rock before a big climb.  The bugs weren't nearly as bad thanks to the breeze.  A nice view was to be had from Indian Rocks Vista.  The descent from the mountain was about the PUD - iest one I've ever done.  It's seemed like we did more up and down to get down that mountain.  I still can't quite figure out how that was possible, but I swear I climbed the whole way down.  Our other wildlife encounter today was with a group of wild turkeys.  When we came upon them they scattered.  One flew one way, one ran down the mountain and 2 or 3 waddled away up then off the trail.  After doing some errands at the outfitter in Kent, we were retrieved.  Had a refreshing swim followed by a scrumptious dinner.  I'm feeling like a new woman, ready to go full charge ahead tomorrow! Tom's feet are healing up too and we're both feeling so much more positive and motivated.  Thank goodness and thanks to the Macs! Danger
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Kent, CT

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

Kent, Conn. to Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to More motivated today after the past two wonderful days with the Mac's.  Nice leisurely Sunday morning - Mrs. Mac made apple pancakes and bacon for breakfast.  Easy conversation about all kinds of stuff.  Discovered that Mr. Mac may have been to the tiny island in Mexico where I spent a lot of time when I was a little girl.  Mrs. Mac took us in to resupply and we were given a tour of their lowly New England town.  Upon return we were able to help with some house chores although Gravity really put in more elbow grease than I did.  He did some weed whacking while I got off easy picking lettuce for lunch.  We were fed one last scrumptious homemade meal before talk of getting back on the trail began in earnest.  It was so hard to leave the comfortable serenity of the Mac's home, but there is a time for everything (as the song says) and we needed to get back out there.  Fortunately the beautiful weather is holding out for us still.  Although feeling more positive we are both still tired and have inertia working against us a little.  So, we decided to do a half day and just take it easy.  Fortunately time and therefore mileage pressure are off.  So, while we do have to keep moving, the pace can be pretty leisurely to make it early September.  One down note though - Gravity got a hole in his Thermarest and we have no patch kit.  We're going to dash into Cornwall Bridge tomorrow morning and will hopefully find one there.  The lumps in the ground really matter when you don't have an air mattress to hide them from your tired body.  We're very happy to be done with another state (NY as of yesterday) and now officially in New England.  We keep hearing that everything gets prettier in Vermont.  It has been rather suburban and close to development for a long time, so I'm really looking forward to returning to more wilderness experience than we've been having the past few hundred miles.  Also, while we still have one-third to go, I am just beginning to comprehend the likelihood of actually getting to Katahdin. That feel so good, but kinda scary too for some strange reason.  Danger
Date: 2005-07-04
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Belter's campsite
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to to Belter's campsite The visit to the town of Cornwall Bridge was successful.  The outfitter, though mostly a boating and fishing focus, had a patch kit and was very friendly.  The guys at Housatonic River Outfitters were helpful and good-natured telling us that we were especially fresh and clean for thru-hikers.  They told us to hang around as long as we wanted even offered tenting behind the store.  We had delicious deli sandwiches for lunch across the street at the general store.  We took a two hour break doing our errands, having lunch and patching Gravity's Thermarest. We caught a ride back to the trail after about 10 minutes of hitching with a very friendly local.  Shortly down the trail after our break we ran into a mom and daughter and it was the daughters' first backpacking trip. The mom said I was the first woman thru hiker she'd seen and told me I was an inspiration.  Then we ran into a group that I think was a "hoods in the woods" trip.  One counselor asked us where we'd come from and when we told him "Georgia", he shouted to the teens "hear that men, these guys have come 1500 miles!!" Then he told us that we are an inspiration. Despite all the inspiring of others (which did feel pretty good) our rediscovered motivation sputtered to a halt today.  We're chalking it up to the mid Atlantic blues, even though technically we're now in New England.  Since the outfitter guys said there would be fireworks tonight we decided to aim for the Hang Gliders Look-out at ~13 mi. to watch them.  When we got there around 7:00 p.m. (after another very long break at the lean-to 3 mi. back) it didn't look like anything was going to happen.  Since there wasn't any camping there like we hoped we would have to either go back or forward 2 miles to a real campsite.  We decided to take advantage of the last hour of light and give in two more miles.  Heard some fireworks go off when it got dark from the site here.  Glad we didn't stay to watch though because it sounded like a very short display.  Plus we have our very own display of hundreds of fireflies right in front of our tent.  We don't need no stinking fireworks! Hope to find our motivation that's been on the lamb.  Seems like we should be inspired and motivated having come so far.  I'm sure we'll get there, but I hope soon.  Danger
Date: 2005-07-05
From: Belter's campsite

To: Salisbury, Ct
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Belter's camp site to Salisbury, Ct. Humidity was higher again this morning, though not as bad as it was in New York.  But, I was happy to have a short day into town planned.  When looking at the pages last night Gravity discovered a breakfast place 1 mi. into our day so that was motivation this morning.  With a delicious breakfast at the Mountainside Cafe.  We were the first thru hikers the waitress had met and it was fun to answer all her questions and see her reaction.  They allowed us to fill our water bladders with ice and cold water then sent us off with good wishes.  The final 9 mi. we pounded out with a quick break at Great Falls.  The hydroelectric plant diverts most of the river here, but there's still some water flowing over the high rock ledges and it is impressive.  Salisbury was reached earlier than expected, about 2:00 p.m., which was a bonus.  We went by Maria McCabe's house (a local woman who lets rooms to hikers) to see if there was room for us.  There were only twin beds available so we had a soda (thanks Maria) and chatted for a while, then moved onto the Inn to get room.  We got sandwiches from the market for dinner and spent a cushy evening picnicking in our hotel room.  Salisbury is a quaint (and a little touristy) quintessential New England town.  There's no question now-we're definitely in the north! Feels good to have the big push behind us and to know that now we only have to average 12 mi. per day to make it to Katahdin by September 1st.  While it is a relief to have the pressure off, the challenge now is staying motivated.  Danger