morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-27
From: eckville shelter

To: jail house hostel
Miles today: 25.1

Woke this morning feeling all bubbly and energized. Being on the receiving end of such kindness and generosity from M&M and Pootz has some long lasting effects...well, all the magic I have received has made such a huge difference. Its a wonderful feeling knowing there are folks out there following my journey and the encouragement and support from my followers, family and friends keeps my motivation and momentum going. Its so refreshing to feel so much positive energy. No time for negativity out here!So with renewed energy and enthusiasm I got an early start to get a big day in....was on the trail just before 7! Maybe it was the VIA or having my heavy pack back or perhaps that it was overcast and cool...but I felt like a rockstar on the trail this morning! In my heart though I know I was still on a high from yesterday. As promised the rocks are proving to be a nuisance. There are many stretches where the footing is good but there are several stretches that just crush my feet and torture my ankles. Turned my good ankle just once and almost fell a dozen or so times when the rocks moved under my feet. I broke a tip off one of my trekking poles and lost the basket so that makes things interesting as well....never know when the pole will slip or when half of it will disappear into the ground. Its all good though. Ran into Hoosier who was heading south....as we approached he said "hey MEB". Back home everyone calls me MEB so it was weird to hear. We had met last winter on the Starr King Trail. Just never know when you might run into people! Small world.Went over a mini knife edge today and had some nice views down into the valleys....lots of farm land in PA. Did some leap frogging with Bumper and Breeze...very nice folks as well. As the miles slipped away my feet became more and more tender. At the shelter before town I met up with Red Hat, Marty and Wrongway. We were treated to a beer from a fellow day hiker....beer never tasted so good! Red Hat and I decided to head to town to stay at the Jail House Hostel. Had a nice dinner at Berts and then went to the grocery store to get a pint of ice cream. Yum yum!! Life is good today and will be even better tomorrow!Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-28
From: jail house hostel

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today I enjoyed a delicious cup of Starbucks Via and then I enjoyed a delicious breakfast of blueberry pancakes at Bert's with Red Hat and Icabod. Said farewell to Red Hat but I know I will see her later on down the trail.Today I did the climb out of Lehigh Gap. It was short, steep, sweet and sweaty! Seriously it had to be at least 90 degrees in the sweltering sun....got slimy so fast! It reminded me of some of the climbs in NH. I was actually able to keep up with Icabod until the trail turned back into sharp pointy rocks.Today I got chafed. First time it has happened on the trail.Today I got rained on. How wonderful it felt to have big, wet raindrops soaking me and my clothes. What a welcome relief from the sweltering heat...that is until it interfered with the chafing. Chafe, salty sweat and wet clothes is a miserable combination.Today two deer watched me pee. I did not know they were so close....they watched me with their big brown eyes and ears perked forward and then continued feeding.Today I encountered more painful rocks and walked more miles than I had planned. As Fynious would say my wheels are falling off....but I will not let the trail get me down. I called home and talked with my sister.....I always feel better when I talk with her.Today I was tired and tonight I will sleep in a real bed.Tomorrow will be a new day and I am looking forward to what it may bring.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Wind Gap

To: camping
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Goodbye Pennsylvania, hello New Jersey! I survived the rocks!! Although I am sure there will be plenty more in the miles to come.Today was another long one and I'm tuckered out...and yes, feet are sore as usual. Got some kind of rash on my legs...not sure if its from the heat but it doesn't itch or anything...just red and gross looking.The decent into Delaware Water Gap was beautiful and I got new tips and baskets for my poles while in town. Stopped at the bakery and got a wicked awesome cream puff!!The climb out of the gap was nice and I am happy to be done for the day. Starving and tired.Jibitz
Date: 2010-06-30
From: camping

To: gren anderson shelter
Miles today: 26.6
Weather: clear sky

The white blaze. It is my guide that will lead me to my destination, Mt Katahdin. It is a simple rectangle about six inches tall and two inches wide. The blaze is mostly on trees and when trees are scarce they are on the rocks. Sometimes they are on fence posts or wooden stakes. The white blaze also guides me through towns and they are found on telephone poles, street signs, sidewalks, bridges and buildings. They are sometimes hard to locate but with some searching they are found easily. I am thankful this wonderful footpath exists and I admire the people who had the vision and dedication to see their dream come true. I am also thankful for all the people who see to keeping it maintained. Today the blazes led me to some beautiful sights. The first was Sun Fish Pond which reminded of Stratton Pond in Vermont. It was a cool breezy morning and I sat on a sunny log to warm myself. The king fishers were flying about singing happily. The path then led me to a road and a took a short side trip to the Mohican Center. There I enjoyed a huge egg salad sandwich and some chips.The path is also used by many animals as is evident from the footprints I see and the droppings left behind. Today I walked within ten feet of a beautiful buck who was using the trail as well. His antlers were big and velvety and he stared at me with his big brown eyes for a bit and then swiftly disappeared into the woods. There were lots of beautiful views today and I also passed by two fire towers both which I did not dare to climb. The rocks were abundant and made my feet sore but they are nothing compared to those in PA.I am resting at the shelter now and debating if I should eat a second dinner. My friends are planning on staying at the last fire tower....I had wanted to but I was too tired to carry the necessary water. I will see them tomorrow.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-01
From: gren anderson shelter

To: the mayors hostel
Miles today: 20.1

Today I ate two cheese dogs. I have never had a cheese dog before. Another first for me out on the trail. I think my favorite first so far has been the beer in the shower. Another long day and I am loving NJ! Maybe its the weather or the views or the blueberries or just less mean rocks. My feet ache and throb still but that is because I have been pounding out the miles the past several days. I'd like to do a short day to Vernon tomorrow but if I did I will fall behind my hiking family. I will decide tomorrow what I will do and not worry about it now.Today the trail went through High Point State Park. There is a big monument on the top which was pretty cool...and the views were just fabulous! The trail than descended through some nice woods, across some beautiful fields and by a couple of ponds. When I got to Unionville I went to the store and bought a pint of ice cream and a tub of macaroni salad. I sat on the porch and gobbled it up in about five minutes!I am staying at The Mayors tonight. For $10 you get a place to sleep, laundry, a shower, dinner, breakfast, one soda and one beer. Total deal!Wicked tired and I think my feet are starting to smell really bad. Would love to take some time and get a pedicure!Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-02
From: the mayors hostel

To: wawaywanda shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

It felt so nice to do a short day! Woke up early and had a yummy breakfast...sausage, omelet, english muffin, home fries and coffee...what a way to start the day!Got an early start ands was walking by 7:15. The first few miles were on the road and than the trail went around a beautiful boggy wildlife sanctuary. Saw and heard lots of geese, ducks and red winged blackbirds....it reminded me of home. It was nice to be near water. The trail could use some blazing in this area as there were several confusing intersections. The trail also went through a huge wetland area today and the footpath was a beautiful boardwalk....a very popular place it is!Shared a taxi ride to Vernon with Bumper and Breeze. Received a surprise care package at the p.o. from TJ which was awesome!! Had lunch at the pizza place, did a resupply at the grocery and then got a ride back to the trailhead from Suzanne, a very nice local. Did the five miles to the shelter, had dinner and am now sipping wine from my care package. Life is good today.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-03
From: wawaywanda shelter

To: camping
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: clear sky

Long day but not as long as I had planned on. Even with an early start it still took all day to get my miles done. The profiles are sometimes deceiving and today proved to be slightly more difficult than I had expected. The first half of the day was nice and I was happy to have started while it was still cool. In between the views I was scrambling up, over and around the big rocks and ledges....some spots were downright frightening with my heavy pack. The going was slow but I enjoyed the change in terrain very much. The second half of the day was more challenging with lots of climbs. On top of one of the peaks I was resting and I heard someone coming up the trail and to my surprise it was Landfill! Haven't seen him since Harpers Ferry.As the day wore on and the miles passed by I was starting to get tired...on my way up one of the climbs I met a fellow thru hiker named Featherfoot who did the trail last year. He has been following my journal and came out to provide some trail magic! What an awesome surprise! I enjoyed some cold ice tea which tasted oh so good! Back at the road he gave me a deli sandwich and some pineapple both which I saved for later on. The last bit of magic was a slackpack over one of the narly bumps. What a treat and how great it was to do a tough section without my pack. Thank you Featherfoot!!Called the day early at a nice pond. Went for a swim and just finished dinner. Hoping the rest of the crew shows up later on. Tired and looking forward to sleep.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-04
From: camping

To: bear mountain
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Happy 4th of July! Forgot to mention a couple of things from yesterday....officially out of NJ and am now in NY....whoo-hoo!! Also a big thank you to all the trail angels who left water along the trail. Water has been extremely scarce the past few days....streams are dry and water is pretty much nonexistence. I really appreciate the water that has been provided....thank you!Woke at 2am to moonlight shining in my tent and the sound of a whipoorwill singing in the distance. Of course my stomach was empty and growling too despite having a big dinner. Big days mean big appetite! I enjoy the long tough days but I need to cut back just a bit so my feet and body have some more time to recover. A beautiful peaceful night....looking forward to hearing the loons sing when I get to Maine!I have to say NJ and NY have been more than I expected. Rougher terrain, steep climbs and descents and absolutely fabulous views! The weather has been exceptional which makes the walking even better. The past couple of days I have been hiking with Fynious, Marty McFly, Flow and Hustle. Just learned today Flow and Hustle are just doing a section and I will be sad when they leave the trail....maybe I can hike with them when they come through NH and ME. Ichabod is taking a few days off to spend some time with his folks. I love my hiking family and I am so happy to have met so many wonderful fellow hikers. No word from Heads Up...can only hope and pray he is doing well. Went through the Lemon Squeezer today and than did some vertical rock climbing! Ha....it was not that bad but had to take my pack off. Fun day! Took a short side trip to Lake Tiorati and had two ice creams from the vending machine. Enjoyed trail magic at the next shelter! Thank you!Long and hot afternoon. Last climb of the day was over Bear Mountain and we had great view of the NY city skyline! The way down was easier than expected....was hoping to get through the zoo today but we did not make it in time. At a hotel now enjoying beer, pizza, music and friends. What a great way to celebrate the holiday!Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-05
From: bear mountain

To: graymoor spiritual center
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Slept like a baby last night but was wide awake around 4am. Being a morning person is usually not a big deal but it makes for a long day when things don't get going until well into the afternoon. Its a good lesson in practicing patience.Rolled out of the motel sometime after 11 and got dropped off back at the park where we sat watching people for about two hours. It was unbearably hot today....95 degrees, humid, no clouds and not a breath of wind. Not ideal conditions for hiking but we did manage a few miles. The trail went through a zoo and then along the bridge that crosses the Hudson. After that it was a big climb straight up a hill. Everyone was soaked in sweat within minutes. After the second climb we took a break and waited for Fynious....and waited and waited. Finally Flow decided to go back and look for him....he was found and had been napping trailside. The rest of the day we just took our time. This is going to be the theme for the next few days....forecast is calling for extreme heat and no rain. No rain means no water and no big miles.Camping out tonight at the Graymoor Spiritual Center in the baseball field. Will try and get up early to get some miles in before the heat settles in. Heard from Heads Up and he is back on the trail! Life is good! Should be in Connecticut by the weekend! Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-06
From: graymoor spiritual center

To: RPH shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Long hot day again. Even at six this morning I could feel the heat of the day starting to build. Like yesterday there was not a cloud in the sky for most of the day but unlike yesterday there was some wind which provided some relief. The air is hot, dry and dusty and my throat burned with each breath. Nasty hiking conditions! There was so much sweat on me that even the flies drowned within seconds of trying to bite me. All but one stream was dry and thankfully there was a water spigot on Dennycamp Town Rd. I normally do not complain or let the weather get to me....but today it got to me. Maybe it would not have been so bad had there been more water.About half way through the day I came to a road crossing and to my surprise there was a lake! It smelled so nice and was so inviting! It was more like bath water but refreshing anyway.I am at the shelter now and its still stifling hot! Even sweating just sitting here. Hopefully the heat wave will end soon.Should be in Kent on Friday! Looking forward to spending time with some friends!Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-07
From: RPH shelter

To: pawling, ny
Miles today: 17.5

Once again I am overwhelmed, amazed and overjoyed by the generosity and kindness of a friend. Lately it seems like when I am about to hit a low point a trail angel appears....today my angel was Nancy. I can't begin to describe how much I appreciated all you did for me and my fellow hiking family. It was above and beyond....thank you so much! The day started with a hot cup of Starbucks, bagels, muffins, watermelon, cherries and lots of nice cold beverages! When we finally got our fill we loaded up a couple of packs with snacks and water and began walking. It was such a treat to be packless for a day! Flow, Hustle and I shared the duty of carrying one pack throughout the day. Nancy was kind and left us water about five miles down the trail and than she met us at another road crossing loaded with more cold beverages and lots of snacks. She was also there at the end of the day to pick us up and drive us into town...thank you so much! A fellow hiker by the name Sasquatch was at the end point and he treated us all to a couple of nice cold beers. Lately the long days and heat have taken a toll on me....I have been waking up around two or so in the morning for the past week or so from aching joints and sore muscles. I am long overdue for a few days off....and my mini vacation from walking starts tonight! Fynios is taking us all to his place in NYC!! An off trail adventure it will be! Flow and Hustle were only out for a section so it will be nice to celebrate one last night with them before saying farewell. They will be back next year and I hope I get to hike with them on their next section.Just finished a yummy dinner with Nancy and the crew....sitting and waiting for the train now. Life is good!Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-08
From: pawling, ny

To: pawling, ny
Miles today: 0.0

So nice to take a day off! Spent the day in NYC with Fynios, Marty McFly, Flow and Hustle. Spent some time in Central Park and most of the afternoon in the museum of natural history. Later on we went to Ground Zero and than dinner. Another super hot day. Feet are enjoying a day off even though we did a lot of walking. Fun day. Thank you Marty and Fynios for making this a memorable and enjoyable day!Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-09
From: pawling, ny

To: pawling, ny
Miles today: 0.0

Had a great time in NYC! I will have to go back when I have more time. Most fascinated by the footwear....seriously, I have never seen so many different shoes!Took the train back to Pawling with Marty McFly where we met my friends Kmac and Marcia! Its so nice to see you two and thank you for everything! Dinner was fabulous and I love my new jibitz....they blink! I will have no trouble finding my way around at night now. Staying with Kmac and will take one more rest day before heading back out. Zero days are good especially when I get to spend them with my friends.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-10
From: pawling, ny

To: pawling, ny
Miles today: 0.0

My own room. My own bed. Two plush pillows. German pancakes, fresh fruit and coffee. Full body massage. Resupply. Coffee. Lunch. Pedicure. Friends, food and beer. Awesome dinner. Homemade chocolate cake and whip cream. Giggles and reminiscing. Future hiking plans and places to visit. Angels do exist. I am in heaven. Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-11
From: pawling, ny

To: kent, ct
Miles today: 20.7

Got back on the trail this morning after having three well needed days off. Karen and Marcia....I can't thank you enough for everything you did....it was above and beyond. Lendawg...so nice of you to make the drive over Saturday....glad you brought the moose.The weather seems to be cooling off some but its still hot. Karen, Marcia and Dave joined Marty McFly and me for the first ten miles. Lots of giggling and talking. I miss girl talk and I got my fill of it over the past few days...thank you Marty for putting up with us!At the half way point Marty and I continued on...lots of ups and downs and it took longer than expected to get to Kent where Karen and Marcia were waiting for us with our fat packs. I am a big fan of slack packing! Along the way we encountered two rattlesnakes that were in the middle of a courtship dance.I am officially out of NY now and will be in CT for a few days. Its nice to be back in New England.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-12
From: kent, ct

To: pine swamp brook 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

One would think I would have renewed energy after having three days off. Not the case. Not sure why I am so tired. Perhaps the long days and heat are finally catching up. Perhaps I am carrying too much weight. Going through me pack again and will send home some nonessentials. Had a nice walk today.....lots of short steep climbs and descents. Tiring on the legs and because water is scarce I am still carrying extra which means more weight on my back. I am still enjoying myself even though it sounds like I am complaining.Looking forward to sleep.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-13
From: pine swamp brook 

To: salisbury,ct
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

The skeeters have hatched! Little buggers are so annoying. Thank goodness I have my tent for nighttime. Slept fairly well last night but woke this morning with a nasty headache. Not sure if its from sleeping wrong, dehydration or exhaustion. Its finally starting to subside and I'm glad I did a short day. Need to get some air in my wheels!Today I walked with Seeker. We got an early start and made pretty good time. It was nice to have company...normally I like to talk but even talking has been tiring....can you imagine? Made it to Salisbury and did my chores...sent home some items to lighten my pack. Staying at a hostel in town run by Maria McCabe....very nice place and very accommodating. Weather is going to be bad tomorrow so maybe I will stay two nights! Its nice to be resting and not moving.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-14
From: salisbury,ct

To: the hemlocks shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: moderate rain

Overcome, adapt, adjust and conquer!My days of feeling dumpy are over! Overcome...I can not change the trail. There will always be climbs, slippery roots, mean rocks and tedious descents. So what can I do about this? Simple...adapt and adjust.....eat more, rest more, sleep more and cut back my miles some. Conquer...I will finish the trail! Life would be so boring if I was not faced with challenges everyday....maybe the trail has been too easy lately? So not the case. So many lessons to be learned out here. So much time to think. I will still have to face my problems when I am done with this adventure but I will be facing them with a better understanding of me.It was so nice to finish my day early yesterday and just rest. Got a great nights sleep and felt energized when I woke up. Met up with Seeker on the way up Lions Head and we walked together till the Hemlocks Shelter where we parted ways. It rained most of the morning and it was a welcome change. Everything was bright and shiny. Walked along Sages Ravine for quite some time...the trail followed a beautiful stream which had lots of cascades and swimming holes...too bad I was not here a few days ago!Went over Bear Mountain which is the highpoint in CT and than crossed the border into MA! Whoo-hoo! Another state done! Had two other big climbs over Race Mountain and Mt Everett.Got to the shelter early and it just started raining again. Its nice to be done early so I can rest.Jibitz
Date: 2010-07-15
From: the hemlocks shelter

To: mt wilcox south lean to
Miles today: 19.7

Got myself some silly bands today! They are shaped like dinosaurs and I am wearing one on each wrist. The lady who sold them to me said I could wear them on my ankles but if I did that no one would see them. She also told me about the silly band necklace....need to look into getting one of those!Yes...I did walk today and a nice one it was! I have been eating lots of nuts and other snacks loaded with fat and calories. I think its making a difference on how I feel during the day. Its nice not feeling so tired during the day. Water is still scarce out here and its still hot. Drinking frog water is not my first choice but lately that is the only option.My CT friend Marcia gave me a golf ball to use on the bottom of my feet...been massaging my feet with it for a few days now and what a difference it is making! Thank you Marcia for sharing this with me.I have been hiking in the Berkshires the past few days and it has been really nice. Pretty views and nice walking. Walked alone today which I enjoy because it gives me time to think about everything. The trail has given me the opportunity to be removed from my problems but at the same time it has given me a new perspective on them. Lots of challenges to endure both on and off the trail. Life is exciting and I look forward to a new adventure each morning I wake.Heading to Upper Goose Pond tomorrow and than Dalton on Saturday where I will meet a friend.Life is good.Jibitz