morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: DWG Presbyterian Church of the Mountain
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: few clouds

Almost finished with PA and I'm still in one piece, battered and bruised, crippled from the ankles down, but still in pretty good spirits, happy to be nearly out of one of the most challenging states on the AT. Do any of us really think the rocks will end when we cross the border into New Jersey? Or that water sources will be flowing across the trail? Or that ticks and poison ivy will cease to exist? Yeah, actually, some of us do, but by now, the game is more mental than physical anyways, so we tell ourselves what we need to get by. Honestly, I don't think the terrain in PA is as bad as we make it out to be, and we will certainly deal with rocks and ticks and heat from here northward. But the thru-hiker demeanor has changed at this point. We are tired, mentally and physically. The newness of the trail has worn off. We have lost momentum and motivation as we realize the hugeness of our undertaking. We are beat up. Instead of admitting to any mental weakness, we blame the terrain as the source of our discouragement, when in fact there are many other factors involved. Coming into Delaware Water Gap, 0.2 mile from the PA border, is cause for celebration, yet the mood is somber, our bodies and spirits exhausted and overcome. Most hikers take a zero here, and when I say zero, I mean we do absolutely nothing, except sleep and laze around for hours on end. I have not seen a group of hikers this beat anywhere along the trail. One of the best parts of the DWG is its free church hostel, two rooms in the basement of the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain solely for hiker use, providing a comfy and safe place for us weary thru-hikers. Pastor Karen spends one-third of her ministry visiting, welcoming and offering assistance to those who pass through. What kindness I have received in unexpected places along the trail. When my body is weak and my spirit weary, I remember these places as reason to carry on, for so much goodness can be found on the AT. miles remaining 894.8
Date: 2007-07-07
From: DWG Presbyterian Church of the Mountain

To: Delaware Water Gap...then home again
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

To the list of challenges of PA add getting sick; could be from the deer ticks, or glow-in-the-dark blueberries, or one lousy thru-hiker who started it and infected the rest of us, or most likely the consequence of exhaustion and fatigue. In my case, add the lower elevation and the resulting onslaught of seasonal allergies which didn't bother me up until this point. I thought I felt the beginnings of a sinus infection about two weeks ago, but so eager was I to get back on the trail that I decided to ignore the symptoms. I thought being in the woods again would make me feel not only mentally clearer but physically better as well. Or that I could still hike even while not feeling up to par. Or that a day of rest in the DWG would shake it out of my system. Wrong, wrong, and wrong again. I know that I can't hike with a sinus infection, that it won't clear up on its own without a good strong dose of antibiotics. I know I need to see a doctor, preferably my family physician who will hook me up with free meds, which means getting off the trail, again, for a few days to be treated. Fortunately, I am still close to home. Unfortunately, I haven't made it very far since I was rip-roaring ready to hike less than a week ago. I am frustrated, to put it mildly. Setbacks seem to have become part and parcel of the package of hiking from Georgia to Maine. During a mentally and physically taxing journey of five to six months, we are bound to encounter illness, injury, fatigue, and a host of other difficulties. How we handle them, how we choose to carry on, are tests of our resilience and character, or quite possibly our stupidity and craziness if we just keep coming back for more, although I prefer to believe the former over the latter, the "whatever doesn't kill me makes me stronger" line of reasoning. At the end of this, I'm going to be one strong woman. My timeline for finishing this hike has now changed a number of times, but, call me crazy, I still plan on going all the way to Maine. What I need and would appreciate more than care packages at this point are letters of support and encouragement. Check under "mail drops" for upcoming locations.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woo-hoo! I bid a fond farewell, not a moment too soon, to my home state, for PA is now behind me, each day a bit further in the distance. Long gone from PA and now far ahead of me, likely reaching Maine by this point, is the group of people I hiked with for the first 2 months of my journey, hikers I still consider among my best friends on the trail. Even if I never see them again, they will remain forever in my heart, which currently feels a loss without their presence. Because I'm a thru-hiker, I can fit in at any point along the trail, but because I've jumped around so much, I struggle momentarily to find where I currently belong, for the hikers I now encounter as new friends have known each other for months. Although I will never be alone on the trail, for I am surrounded by kindred spirits, today I feel a bit lonely as I miss the bonds I once shared. I wonder who I will be hiking with in the days to come, if I will again form bonds just as strong, who I am yet to meet. At the same time, I realize that this is my hike, that I have chosen to do it on my own, at my own pace, and for my own private journey. Even as I feel a bit of loneliness in my solitude, I feel profound peace and contentment as well, as God continues to speak to me at points along the trail. I am reminded of my favorite story of a man seeing only one set of footprints during the most difficult times of his life; the Lord says to him in explanation, "I will never leave you, for it was then that I carried you." I know that God has been with me every step of my journey as well, enabling my spirit, answering the prayers of so many of my family and friends to keep me safe and strong. With these thoughts, the trail enters a clearing atop a ridge, views of the lush green valleys to the west and numerous glacier-carved lakes to the east. It is such times in nature that I feel closest to God, like I can reach up and touch His hand, while he reaches down and touches my heart. As I enjoy His beautiful creation, I know there must be a God, for man alone could never create such a spectacular setting. As I enjoy the view, realizing the power of God all around me, the words of a secular song playing on my MP3 player further speak to me. "I want to feel you, I need to hear you, You are the light that's leading me, to the place where I find peace again." "You are the strength that keeps me walking.You are the hope that keeps me trusting.You are the light into my soul.You are my purpose, you're everything." "You calm the storms and you give me rest.You hold me in your hands.You won't let me fall.You still my heart and you take my breath away." "How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?" No, I am never alone, my faith uplifting me, as my spiritual journey continues.miles remaining 884.3
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: YMCA's Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec
Miles today: 7.3

Those who know, and undoubtedly love, me realize that I am highly organized, a planner, type-A personality to the max. Through travel, living in Bolivia, and now hiking, I have learned to be more spontaneous and flexible as many situations demand. But I still push myself to my physical and mental limits, many times overdoing it, often not giving myself time to just relax and enjoy. It is my stated goal, with all of you as my witnesses, during the second part of the trail, to slow down, force myself to relax a bit more, hang out a lot and laugh easily, be less worried about the miles each day and rather savor the sunshine or the breeze or the swimming or the company of those around me, just enjoy what I have been given. Today may have been my first test, and I believe I succeeded royally. I had planned to hike about twice as far today, but a sign in the woods beckoned, "swim in our cool clear lake, free water and place to stay, Internet, dinner at 5pm." Chuckles, formerly known as Bear Bait because he awoke in his hammock to a bear licking his behind thinking it to be a giant hanging food bag - sorry to tell the story yet again for that's why he changed his name, anyways I digress...he and I stood in front of this sign in the woods for about 15 minutes just staring at it, stealing glances at each other, silently checking our watches, wordlessly wondering if we should allow ourselves such indulgence the day after leaving town. Oh yeah, let's go. The reformed version of the once-mile-anal Snack Break; Chuckles formerly known as Bear Bait; and Splendora, a splendid female, as are all the women I meet out here, arrived to the YMCA's Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec mid-afternoon with nothing to do but laze the remainder of the day away awaiting our free dinner. We swam, in the deep part only after passing the swim test, laid on the dock, dried in the sun, rolled over and laid around some more, read and journaled, dreamed of food, remarked how much the AT has to offer even off the trail if we only allow ourselves the time to enjoy it. Dinner was plates, and I do mean that in the plural form, piled high with noodles and Swedish meatballs, broccoli, rolls, salad with all the fixings, and cookies, the three of us so stuffed we all the left the table afterwards waddling and holding our stomachs, Splendora laughing from her food high. It felt good to be full, though we knew the feeling wouldn't last, even if we only hiked 7 miles and maybe didn't deserve such gluttony. But we worked hard to get to this point, and still have many miles to go. And so we eat when we are able, and as much as we possibly can. So what if we hiked only a measly 7 miles today? So what if today was a lazy hiking day? So what if I am currently weeks behind my original schedule? I present the new me; I hope it lasts.miles remaining 877
Date: 2007-07-15
From: YMCA's Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Something extraordinary happened today on the trail, likely to never again repeat itself, likely never before occurring on the male-dominated AT: three women, independently traveling on their own, not yet hitched to a member of the opposite sex on the trail yet still going strong, encountered one another with glee in their hearts, eager for some female companionship. I will admit, with a bit of embarrassment, that I had somehow got turned around and was actually heading in the wrong direction on the trail, the first time this trip I swear, when I heard voices discussing their own where-abouts, indeed headed north as I should have been, but on a non-blazed path running parallel to the AT. Three bold, empowered, we-pee-standing-up-with-our-packs-on, solo women, we thoroughly enjoyed our day together, once we got our bearing. Thru-hikers are happy enough to see one female on the trail, but 3 of us together may be too much for many of them to handle. Other wildlife abounds in Jersey as well, with the biggest flies I've ever seen, lots of deer as usual, supposed reintroduction of rattlesnakes to kill the resident rats, and the largest bear population outside of the Smokies. Although I haven't seen any here yet, bears are extremely active and apparently not afraid of humans in this area, something like one bear per square mile in the counties where they roam. Bill Bryson was certainly overzealous in his description of bear attacks, for they seem to set their sights on food and not humans. A youth group recently reported a bear going through packs left beside the trail, but the bear took only food and respectfully shoved the sleeping bags back in their stuff sacks where they belonged. Notes to self while in Jersey: avoid sleeping with food bag in tent as has become my custom, do not wipe chocolate-covered hands on shorts, place food bag at top of pack during the day for easy access (by bears), eat my favorite foods first before the bears get at them. Other animals may pose more of a threat, as Bear Bait, maybe now Raccoon Bait, found out the hard way last evening when we returned from dinner to find the masked avenger ripping apart his food bag. The entire 370-calorie muscle bar the varmint ate must have given him enough energy to continue his rampage throughout the night, first on trash found in the shelter area, then on B vitamins and Viagra out of a neighboring thru-hiker bunkhouse. By the morning, the raccoon must have been one jacked up little guy, enough to give any bear a run for his money. Note to self: avoid following Bear/Raccoon Bait's example in securing food and stay away from sex-deprived raccoons. miles remaining 863.4
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Secret Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

I returned to the trail armed with a number of new strategies, for this is it - I'm not coming off again for more than a day or two at a time until I reach Katahdin. I've realized that just because something worked at the beginning of my hike doesn't guarantee that it will still work today, that success requires fine tuning my strategies as the variables, such as the weather and terrain, my mental outlook and what I want to get out of this hike, change. During colder months, I comfortably carried about 10 more pounds on my back with winter gear, a warmer sleeping bad, and heavier tent. Although I'm strong enough, now it's just too hot to carry that much weight, as I still try to reduce my pack weight even more. I switched to lighter camp shoes, saved a few ounces with a new jacket, no longer worry about warm clothing or rain gear, carry only a few days of food at a time. My pack, with food and water, now weighs about 30 pounds, a big improvement over the early days of this hike. But I'm also carrying some luxury items that I didn't even consider at the beginning. Wearing a dress in town and to do laundry helps to restore my lost femininity, and so I carry one in my pack. I didn't think I would need to take allergy medication, but will do so until the trail again stays at over 3000, better safe than sorry. Although I used to believe that hikers who need to listen to music had no business being in the woods, I have decided to now carry an MP3 player with my choice of nearly 500 songs, helping monotonous days to pass more quickly. Each day in planning my daily mileage and proposed evening accommodation, I now also research options for breaks during the afternoon, giving me something to look forward to in addition to the hiking. New Jersey offers lakes in abundance, so refreshing on a hot afternoon, as well as the start of the deli-to-deli hiking style. Yesterday, Gyp's Tavern provided a much-needed hiker respite.   Tomorrow we'll pass through Vernon to check Internet and stay at a popular church hostel. Today, Splendora and I swam and lounged in the sun for a few hours at High Point State Park before finishing our daily mileage. Wandering around a cow pasture searching for white blazes was not on today's agenda, although it did provide a bit of a break from the trail. Such excursions, I now believe, will help keep me motivated, rested and relaxed enough to make it to Maine. The biggest change in my hiking strategy is the pace I wish to maintain during this second part of my thru-hike. I am forcing myself and my type-A personality to slow down, savor the experience, and just enjoy. No more the mileage Nazi, I want the opportunity of a lifetime, hiking the AT, to last as long as possible. The trail's not going anywhere, and if I were in a hurry, I wouldn't be walking. What began as a 5-month journey has already become six is now approaching seven. I intend to hike the AT only once, and so I want to do it right the first, and only, time. miles remaining 845.1
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Secret Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 1.8

I could tell you where I stayed last night and tonight, but it's a secret. The Secret Shelter is marked only by a tiny "well water" sign, but thru-hikers know it is so much more, an oasis on 85 acres of land, including a bunkhouse with electricity and warm shower, serene environment, a pair of male donkeys which quite literally make asses of themselves each evening, climbing on top of one another with moves and sounds that would make a porn star blush. But enough about the evening entertainment. It is no secret that this setting is one of the best along the trail, with heartfelt thanks to former thru-hiker Jim Murray who makes it all possible. So relaxing is the place that we decided to take a zero here, to refresh and re-energize, a girls' day that scared off all the boys this morning until the arrival of two of our favorite geezers, and I use the word as a term of sincere endearment, referring only to biological age and not spirit or vitality or ability to walk big miles, arrived mid-morning. Jim gave us a ride to Unionville, NY just across the NJ border, where the entire town made us feel welcome, from breakfast at the bagel shop, a ride back to the shelter paradise, an afternoon pizza and beer run, and an evening visit from the mayor, who actually invites thru-hikers into his home for showers and laundry. Although we passed on this offer - I've never been so clean during this hike as in New Jersey, where I have showered or swam every day - we decided not to refuse his breakfast in the morning. I asked the mayor why he does it, and he simply replied, "because it's the right thing to do." Chalk up Unionville as yet another of the friendliest towns along the trail.miles remaining 843.3
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Unionville, NY

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 11.8

Thru-hikers share a special bond, look out for one another, care after only a few hours, minutes even. Not only has Splendora proven to be a great gal pal on the trail, but she quite possibly saved my life today. Let me explain... I am allergic to just about everything outdoors - trees, grasses, pollens make my eyes red and puffy, my throat itch, my body achy and exhausted. Many may wonder what the heck I am doing hiking the AT. Well, despite the side effect, I love being outdoors, and seasonal allergies can be pretty much controlled with medication, so that I can still enjoy my favorite activities. I also suffer adverse reactions to bugs, but again, they can be controlled by bathing in DEET and taking antihistamines as needed. But bees, wasps and hornets are a different, much scarier, life-threatening risk. I carry an Epipen, but fortunately have never had to use it. I am especially cautious around these stinging annoyances, informing all my hiking partners of my severe allergy, letting them know how to inject me should the need arise. Buffalo Bobby was first down the trail past a huge swarming nest today; he took the brunt of the attack with five stings. Splendora was next, screaming in agony from her single sting, which she described like a gun shot to her leg. Putting her pain aside, her primary concern was for me coming soon behind. Without thinking she dropped her pack in the trail, bushwhacked back to where I was screaming my name and cautions to avoid the turn in the trail. After warning me, she led me through the trees, past the danger, and back to the white-blazed AT. So I skipped about 100 feet of the trail today - oh well, I guess I'm no longer a purist, but at least I avoided a potential serious threat, with the aid of a friend who showed she truly cares, even after knowing me but for a few days. Friendships like these, with such goddesses of the forest, last a lifetime. And I lived to tell the story.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

I hate to leave New Jersey, for I don't know if I'll ever again be as clean and fat as in this state during my hike. In addition to showering or swimming every day since I crossed the PA border, I have also eaten at my fair share of delis, ice cream stands, or youth camps at a number of road crossings - welcome to the more congested, but well-fed portion of the AT. True, I still carry plenty of food in my bag, although I'm no longer sure why. Even the most disciplined, hard-core thru-hiker has trouble resisting the draw of greasy fried food or fattening frozen delicacies or tantalizing beer - it's for the carbohydrates, I swear, or any food that requires refrigeration or any and all calorie-laden grub offered free of charge. I may have to go on a diet during upcoming states to avoid the new trail moniker of One Too Many Snack Breaks, or Girl, You Ought to Take Fewer Snack Breaks.So six nights in Jersey is more than enough - there's only 70-odd miles of AT in the state, and a few hardy hikers who've something to prove complete the NJ challenge by spending only one night in the garden state. Such thinking violates the new-me strategy.But alas, I crossed the border into New York today, and there's no turning back, no matter what Mother Nature decides to dish our way. As soon as Splendora and I crossed the line, the skies opened up with a resounding boom, proving it wasn't us who got the last laugh. A little rain on a humid day - and by humid I mean it was like walking through sticky soup - usually feels good, but a lot of rain made today's terrain downright treacherous. Huge rocks covered with green lichen became slick as ice, but harder on the way down to my knees or butts or elbows or face. We crouched, slid on our behinds, crab walked, threw packs and poles off some in efforts not to fall. Splendora succeeded; I did not, but luckily ended up with nothing more than surface abrasions, although I thought my hand could be broken for the first hour or so afterwards. Still raining as we approached the next road crossing, we were nearly attacked my wild dogs - and by wild I mean the owner adamantly refused to put them on leashes or hold them and allow us to pass. Rain, slippery rocks, and wild dogs do not a happy hiker make.When nothing seems to be going right on the trail, behold the wonders of ice cream. Pain and fear, frustration and fatigue all but vanish when presented with the prospect of more than 20 flavors from which to choose. When you simply can't decide, just get them both, or all three in the case of a thru-hiker appetite. I'll leave the diet until tomorrow...or not. I'll always have room for ice cream.