morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-29
From: PA 72

To: Hertline Campsite 
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Sitting in tent after breakfast. Started to modify yesterday's message because itwas so negative. I have decided not to because that is life out here. Up days and down days but one must go forward. I had a very slow leisurely breakfast after sleeping in. I have decided to only do 8 miles and get to the next shelter. Set up gear to dry out,make a fire and relax. I was trying to be Port Clinton for a food pickup but I think I have one more meal to make it breakfast Friday. The trail continues to teach. I am down to 8 weeks to go. I have been doing this for 13 weeks. It will be over too soon. While brushing teeth realized part of displeasure is due to stress from over planning. Need to let it go. Went to book and found shelter is 8 miles out. Will get there and decide what to do. At shelter, boots and socks off and relaxing. Already here 30 minutes eating a nice slow lunch and listening to the birds. Next step is 501 shelter since it is 12:00 and sun has just burned off the fog. No dry place yet to set up gear to dry so do anther 2 hours, stop for a snack and decide what is next. This feels better already (and Sun is out which helps). At 501 and a campsite is 5 out. Can be there at 4:00 set up gear to dry, leisurely dinner. At camp and exactly as wanted - 6:30, had dinner, gear dry and about to start fire. Will then do post cards. The world is better. Looked and will 10 to shelter tomorrow for lunch and then go from there. Lesson is to go where I am led and quit trying to lead an be in charge all of the time.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Hertline Campsite 

To: Campsite on trail
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early but have only planned 10miles to lunch at Eagles Nest Shelter. Thinking about yesterday's bible reading. It was about the feeding of the multitude with 7 loaves and then about them getting into a boat, someone forgetting the bread and being worried about food. Jesus says have you not learned yet. That hit me hard. He has taken care of me to here. Have I not learned yet? Going to continue to working on trusting more and planning less. At Eagles Nest by 11:15. Thirty minute lunch and head to Port Clinton for food. Should be there by 4:00 unless terrain is terrible. May get bite to eat there as well. In Port Clinton by 3:00. Lousy day. Boots have blown out but will manage. Food drop was too large for back pack so had to get rid of some food. Hot in afternoon and had 1000 ft climb out of city in a very heavy pack. Only able to do,three miles to a campground. Heat is wearing on me as are the rocky trails. Need to see blessing in food drop. My daughter put in great scriptures for me to read.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Campsite on trail

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tough day and was only able to do 19 miles after 11 hours of hiking. Averaging 1.6 MPH vs, a normal 2.5 MPH. Got started early 6:00 AM to avoid heat of day and so only doing journal at end of day. Today the state earned its nickname rockaylvania. The rocks were tough all day. I have attached a picture of one of the boulder fields and we had about 15 to 20 of them today. When we were not in a boulder field we were on a trail with sharp rocks (stone bruises), tall rocks ( tripping hazard), and thin rocks on its sided (strew the arch). My feet hurt and I am resting them by coming into shelter at 4;00. It has also gotten hot so going thru 5 liters of water a day. Tough conditions so reducing miles per day to not over stress body. Now only planning 17 tomorrow because at 20 miles there is a 1000 foot climb with no shade and no water before, during or after climb for 12 miles. Will tackle that 12 mile stretch Sunday early. Slows down oveall pace but being careful. Pennsylvania is also tough because of the shortage of water. We hike the ridges but water is at the bottom. Sometimes must go over 1 mile to get water. Tough hiking.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 17.0

Heat wave continued and our early to make miles. I got to town after 17 miles and was exhausted. Decided with trudgen and Vegas to hike to Palmerton and stay in the hostel. Was exhausted but made it the two miles. Bank sign indicated it was 97 degrees and I felt it. Washed clothes, took a shower and had a Philly Cheese Steak with a milk shake. The other thing is it was cooler n the basement where we slept. The heat wave has made it hot even at 8:00 at night for sleeping. Nice of Palmerston to let us use one of their city building basements. We get to use restrooms and showers - nice town.
Date: 2013-06-02
From: Palmerton

To: Campsite just outside of Wind Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Much cooler today and felt much better . Not sure if it was good food, good sleep in the basement of the city cooler temperatures or all of the above. Awake at 5:15 AM and out at 6:00. On trail and felt good. It was still 70 degrees at 6:15 so will be a hot day. Saw big bear in evening hike
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Campsite just outside of Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Monday June 3 campsites to Deleware Water Gap HostelIn rain all night so at 5:00 got a break in the rain so got up and got food down from the tree. Ate a cold breakfast sitting in the tent. Took time to read devotional from daughter and it was about showing my light to the world. Something I need to continue to work on. Rain let up and so I got out, packed gear and moved out. Ran into Dirty Bird on the trail so we hiked together. Just past Wind Gap ran into biscuits and Gravy and Gummi bear. Everyone going to Hostel in Delaware Water Gap. Made lunch in shelter just as figured about 11:00. Making good time. Heat wave has broken. High today of 75. In to hostel at 3:00 so set up tent to dry and went to get a milkshake. Then got shower and felt great. Out to dinner with Mott and Punkin Pie at pizza place and then cards. A very relaxing nice evening. Now done with Pennsylvania and into New Jersy. Glad to have PA in the rear view mirror.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Delaware Water Gap Hostel

To: Brinkmanship Road Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Tuesday June 4 Deleware Water Gap Hostel to Brinksmanship Road ShelterA fantastic morning. It was cool, 45 degrees and had a slight uphill hike in beginning to keep me warm. Saw deer, squirrels, a pair of red head wood peckers, doves, robins and more. Trail was nice, trees were high so could see off into forest look around and enjoy the world. This is why I hike. Now in 6 miles and having a snack. Beautiful site by Sunfish Pond so sitting in sun, soaking it up and relaxing. Second morning break on a lookout and view was very nice after seeing so few views in Pennsylvania. Again just relaxing in the sun, eating a snack and realizing how blessed I am. Lunch at Catfish Firetower. Sitting with a Biscuits & Gravy, Sconie and Dirty Bird. Beautiful sunshine, cool breeze good company. Decided to go to campsite with water for night. It is about 8 miles out. Got to afternoon break and a group of kids were at the water source. They were fascinated we were living on the trail and had walked 1300 miles. A number of questions and fun to talk to. In campsite at 4:30 and felt so good decided to push to Brinksmanship Road Shelter (another 2.6 miles). In and had hiker who was carrying ukulele and and a section hiker that played and sang. He did a couple of songs and it was great. In tent feeling god and ready for bed.
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Brinkmanship Road Shelter

To: Warner Cabin (Secret Shelter)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Listened to a warbler last night and it was beutiful. Cold morning so back into winter gear (unbelievable). Hot breakfast, journal update, did stretching and did scripture. Got it all this morning. Getting priorities right. Hiking down trail thought about why i think it is necessary to plan lunch for my day. Take it as it comes. 8:00 and beutifulview of rather lake. Early for a break but so what, sit eat a snack, type, drink some water, relax and then go on. Enjoy the moments. Getting water at Stony Brook Stream. Again animals are out, head is up and enjoying nature. Cool weather, nice trail and nice views make for a great hike. Make it a lunch at Sunrise Mountain. Had a pavilion, chairs, and more. After lunch laid on hot stones in the sun and just relaxed. Hiked to high point shelter. Started to go on but turned back to go to beach at the lake for a break. I deserve it. Two hot dogs, a power aide and 30 minutes just relaxing. Life is good. Had to hike hard to make it to the cabin before dark. Ran into a mama bear and two cubs. Heart went putter patter when first saw cubs. Long story about bears so not share here but it was fascinating to watch and learn. Made it to cabin and it was very nice. Take what The Lord give you and enjoy the moments.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Warner Cabin (Secret Shelter)

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and took outdoor shower at cabin. Warm water but felt good. On way to Unionville to pick up food. Did stretching, scripture, journal and morning prayer. I am working to get priorities right and getting a little better each day. In at lunch at Pochuck Mountain Shelter. Nice trip to town for food pickup. Just calm hiking and doing slow gentle miles. Lunch at a shelter and with everuone. Everyone else is going for hostel in Vernon but I am going to push to Wawayanda. Trying to get to resort by Saturday night to treat myself to a nice hotel, Internet and good food. PM was rain and at first was upset. Then thought about lesson of enjoying moment. Rain on trees sounded nice so just enjoyed it. Dinner at shelter with ridge runner, paranoid and long gone. Nice to be with people. Ran into Roswell and Chin Strap in Unionville. We are all out here and doing best we can. I do not believe we were made to be alone. Have others around is nice.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Greenwood Lakes 
Miles today: 10.0

Up late as it is raining and so no sunrise. Light enough at 6 to wake me. Did stretching and now journaling to remind me to enjoy the moments as I will be in the rain all day. Fairly flat so should be a nice day. Turned into a treacherous day as I was in the rain and bouldering all day. Did 10 miles and was caught by Long Gone. He mentioned a hotdog stand on the trail and asked if I was going to get lunch. Decided I needed the stop. Hot dog stand was closed but a vehicle was parked nearby so long gone asked if they knew a place for lunch. Informed that there was a deli down the road about 1 mile. Decided to hike there but 100 yards later there was an ice cream parlor. It opened at noon and it was 11:58. Doors opened and we asked if we could come in eat some lunch and then buy some ice cream. They said yes. Ate lunch while dripping in their shop and decided we were tired of hiking. Called a local motel and they had a room. Ate some ice cream and owner drove in. We asked her if she knew someone that could drive us to the motel and she agreed to do it. Hotel at 1:30, hot shower, wash clothes in eating, dry gear and good nights sleep. The Lord provides what we need and today it was down time. Had good discussion with Long Gone who is 18 and trying to decide wht to with life. Thinking about joining Marine Corps so good discussion. By the way left a nice tip at the ice cream shop for all of their hospitality. The trail is a magical place.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Greenwood Lakes 

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Saturday June 8 Greenwood Lakes NY to Fingerboard Shelter 16.4 milesBreakfast at a local diner for a treat and then walked two miles back to trail.. No plans for day. 10:00 at a beautiful waterfall and having a snack. They are building new stairs at the waterfall and neat engineering feat to run an overhead trolley system between trees to lift and move the very heavy stones for the steps (several hundred pounds each). Just enjoying the moments. Sun is out and it is wonderful. Lunch time so just stopped on top of a mountain. Cool breeze, beautiful scenery. Perfect unplanned day. Three shelters comng up so will stop when body says stop. Just taking what comes today and it is very relaxing. At first shelter and body is shot. A tough hike of 16 miles for some reason. There is a monastery about a day out from here so stopping for the night. Saw hurricane and taco today and it think they and long gone all went to the next shelter. I guess I am back to hiking alone. I really enjoy no plans and take what comes. Almost do not want to know what is coming except need to plan in water stops. Doing great!
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Graymore Spiritual Retreat Center
Miles today: 21.8

Up early for a long day stretched, journaled and morning prayers. Beautiful sunrise and the birds are chirping. Looked last night and food situation will be tight due to long distance to next food drop and me doing short miles. Will eat out tonight at Bear Mountain Inn (16 miles in) and if body is exhausted stay there for the night. Supposed to be rain again tomorrow but we will take what comes. Went by overlook of New York City and then walked across Palisades Parkway. Way a great way to see this country. No plans for lunch or snacks so just look for a nice place and go where the path may lead me. Stopped for snack at a comfortable rock. One mile later at first shelter, making good time. Lunch at Bear Mountain Inn and ordered a Ruben, a panini, a coke and some water. Waiter asked if it was to go and I said no. He asked if someone was going to join me and I said no I was just a thru hiker and needed lunch. Poor guy could not believe I could eat that with sides but it was good. Nice to reward oneself sometimes. In shelter at Monastery with So-far and Jelly. Peanut Butter is off trail. Lesson is we all need a reward sometimes and we probably deserve it! Also to enjoy the days. Trip could end at any time.
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Graymore Spiritual Retreat Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: moderate rain

Nice stay at monastery with water on tap, a covered pavilion, a shower and trash cans. Lightened my load and ready for a new day. No plans but see what God has planned. Feel really good. Stopped for snack and making great time but starting to feel light rain. Stopped for lunch beside lake. Sign for concession stand by lake but rain coming and do not know distance so moving out to get out of rain. Hard rain on way in so at RPH by 3:00 and stopping for the night. I could do more but came to me I am not here to do AT but to get closer to family and friends. I have not written home in two weeks. Going to stop, write an e-mail and try to send Thursday or Friday from Salisbury Ct. I think The Lord is reminding me why I am here. I am not sure I will finish the whole trail but that was not my goal.. One day at a time and see what comes.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: RPH Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter 
Miles today: 25.6

Nice day today. Was out quickly expecting to do a long day. Today was great because I was focused on why I needed to do miles- to send e-mail to friends and family, to update trail journals and to call family. It is not to get to Katahdin. It was easy hiking to do the 26 miles. I learned that one must get the right goal and then keep that goal at the forefront. The trail became tough when I was focusing on getting to the summit. Now that it is again about family and friends it is again easier and more fun. A great lesson for me.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Wiley Shelter 

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 26.0

Up early and going. Did stretching, journaling and prayer. Realized today I had quit singing the song that Hoosier, Sparks and I used to sing - This is the day The Lord has made puts us rejoice and be glad in it. Sang it and felt better. Getting priorities right. Made reservations in Salsbury and know The Lord will get me there. Will make time to write e-mails even if delays getting out. Keep number 1 - number 1. At morning break beside Ten Mile River. Hear rapids in background and nice and relaxing. Tough day with a lot of ups and downs. The mountains are coming back.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Salisbury CT ( Maria McCabe's house)
Miles today: 20.0

Up early to get to town as quickly as possible to do laundry etc. woke up at 5:00 AM to find Jelly had come in during the night and was also going to Salisbury. Hard rain all day and cold. Just put on rain gear and slowly hiked in. Needed to quit worrying about it all and enjoy the moments. Had to laugh at end as water was so deep it was over the top of my hiking boots. Made it to Maria's who is 84 and been doing this for 15 years. She is an angel! A great sense of humor, loves to talk and just loves hikers. An amazing woman. Showered, laundry, pizza and called home. A perfect day despite the weather. Lesson is to take what comes. It will all be okay in the long run.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Salisbury CT ( Maria McCabe's house)

To: highway 41 back to Salisbury- slack packing
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Jelly and I slack packed today from Highway 41 back to town for another good evening with Maria. Trail covered in water up to 10 inches deep so a wet mess. Had a stream crossing that was exciting with 12 inches of water over the rocks and flowing hard. Made it in by 3:00 and then downtown. Found postcards to write home, mailed package to sister (blown out boot), bought fuel and did wireless till it got cool. Also want to store for M&M's and Snickers to treat myself. Back to Maria's house, fixed dinner (chili pie from my cousin that was great) and then we all talked. This is what the trail is all about. Talked that night to other hikers after Maria went to bed. Just perfect. Lesson is the world is about relationships. I need to remember and work on that.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Highway 41 

To: Campsite
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Saturday June 15th Salisbury CT to Shaker Campsite 21.2 milesAt Maria's but awake at 5:00 AM. Hot shower, bible reading, and now downtown in a beautiful sunrise journaling. I answered e-mails from last night and feel great. This is what it is all about! Talked to Jelly and Peanut Butter will be back on Monday. Mailed post cards home and do not know exactly when I will get on the trail this morning but it will be great. Next big stop is another kind lady known as the Cookie Lady. I should be there in a couple of days the good Lord willing. The Lord's timing is amazing! Left Maria's at 8:45 and ran into Yonder on the road as Maria was driving me and Jelly to place to start hiking so we picked him up. Maria will get him to post office, a shower and breakfast. Yonder and Maria are both from Germany and they were having a great time speaking German. She was so happy and it will be another great day for her. She loves hikers. I am now at Tom Leonard for lunch. Slow morning due to water. Had a fording in chest deep water with packs over our heads (see picture of another hiker going through). We also hiked for an hour in knee deep water - tough going. Will hike this afternoon and try to get half way to the Cookie Lady. If do not make it will stop when I can go no more. At campsite for night, best day f hiking since being with my son but absolutely exhausted. Why sucha good day on a wet hard day - good people I am with, no schedule, dry weather, sunshine, nice trail most of the day? That is all part of it but a major part I believe it was so good is because of doing e-mail, post cards and calls. All of my family and friends are on my mind as I hike and it makes it easy. I now know I will never long distance hike by myself . I will hike but with family and friends. I continue to learn how important others are in my life.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Campsite

To: Washington Mountain Road (cookie lady)
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

Yp at 6:00, stretching, praying, journaling and reading bible. Ready for a great day. Thinking about family and friends and being home soon wi them. I know how blessed I am. With a group of college kids last night. Good discussion with them about life sitting by a fire. A great evening. Now breakfast and onward. On top of Baldy for morning snack. A good morning with two good climbs. Feeling good! Weather forecast was rain in PM but it never developed. Going by several ponds and yesterday was at a pond and saw two beavers. Long gone explained they were slapping their tails on the water to define territory. Fascinating to watch. Attached photo of two beavers from yesterday. At home of the Cookie Lady by 5:00. A great day of hiking. Called and talked to kids. They were on my mind all day with it being Father's Day. Again, mind on right things makes day go easy. Doing great and will try to hike to. Cheshire tomorrow for a Hostel and food pick up.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Washington Mountain Road (cookie lady)

To: Chester MA
Miles today: 18.8

With Bernstein Bear yesterday and he pointed out we will go through Dalton the next day and they have a library with wireless. Plan to stop and do wireless there. On top of Warren Hill for first break. Beautiful view, nice sun. I think I do better when I take more breaks but need to be sure to sit down and take weight off of feet. Often stop and stand and that is not as good. Into Dalton at library and doing e-mail, trail journals etc. perfect hour and a half. Hiked to Cheshire and it was raining again. Into town about 5:00. Got to hostel and realized food was at post office and it was closed. Mad at myself for not picking it up. Next morning slept to 6:30 and it opened at 7:30. It cost me no time. Lesson is to let is go. It is all going to all be good. Out to dinner with Bernstein Bear, Chief and Gas Can. Perfect dinner and night. Big climb tomorrow and will stop as needed.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Chester MA

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Up at 6:30. Slept late think due to exhaustion. Will be out about 8:30 as taking it slow and easy. Tired all day. Hikes up to Greylock at 3400 feet so a 2500 foot climb. Not too bad but in rain (again) so slow. At Greylock about 2:00 but ran onto family so talked about AT for about an hour. Then into lodge and did wireless and had chili.only 12 miles but nice. Wrestling in my mnd going slow and enjoying (may np not make it to end) versus goading faster Nd finishing but not enjoying. A real critical time of this journey.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Wilbur Clearing Shelter

To: Mellville Nauman Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Overnight with Long Gone, Taco, Hurricane a pond NBC. Out at 6:45 for big down to town. Now in town and journaling. 8:30 and by brook and relaxing. Still anxious about miles. Have to work at relaxing all of this day. Came to a realization as walking down trail. Success out here is measured by miles done each day for many (that is even what is in trail journals.com). It is the wrong goal for me? I had been down about yesterday and only doing 12 miles. What about the family I talked to about the AT for an hour, what about the hour with the ranger. What about relaxing over the bowl of chili and doing e-mail. Just as in the world back home there are many things to strive for and it is easy to chase some things that may seem important. Are they really? Had lunch and moved out. 3:20 and by a creek. Wondering if I have time to soak feet. Better question do I have anything more important? No and now soaking feet and doing journal. I hope may get closer in the next five weeks but still have a long way to go. Life is a journey.