morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.8

When we set out today, the skies were dark and spitting. According to the weather channel, it would clear up later in the day. According to the emergency text on my phone, Wind Gap was under a flash flood warning. The rains of last night were torrential. I slept through itFirst thing I noticed this morning was that I lost my P-Style. It must have fallen out of my pack at McDonalds when I put my flip flops on yesterday. Of everything I could lose, that is the worst. I have grown to love it as much as my iphone in just a few days. We called a taxi (there are LOTS out here) to take us back to the trail, but they were going to take too long so we hoofed it. We stopped at the laundromat and the McDonalds to see if anyone found my "water funnel" No luck. We stopped at the post office and I mailed about 1.25 pounds of clothes I don't use home. Then we headed out. My wish for a smoother trail went unheeded. It was very rocky and very annoying. The woods were very pretty, but who could look up. Not me, I trip every time I take my focus off of my feet. We had seen Easy Go and Log at the Red Carpet last night and we looked for them but never caught up to them, or vica versa. We looked for our friend Ted and didn't see him either. I think we will see him in Delaware Water Gap later. The skies spit on us a bit and they never cleared up. Around noon, I thought of texting my brother to see if there were any rewards rooms in Stroudsburg, only 3 miles from Delaware Water Gap. I was thinking hot tub for my aching feet. He texted back that they did have a room and he booked it for me. Yay! It is an unfair advantage that I get these great rooms for free, I think. But I love them! Thank you Tom!The trail got less rocky after the shelter and it was not as bad. We called a taxi about a mile out of Delaware Water Gap thinking it would take us about 20-25 minutes. It took us 30. We plan to hike to the Mohican Outdoor Center tomorrow. I had amazon send me new P-Style there, along with a carrying bag with a carabiner attached.When we got to the hotel. we hit the tail end of their evening meet and greet, complete with complimentary wine and beer, plus meatloaf.We all agreed that we need to increase our mileage, but glad we didn't push it on the rocks. Someone told me NJ has these rocks too. I hope not!
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Shenendoah Tenting area

To: top of mountain shy of shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

When the rain stopped, we hiked out. I loved my camping spot under the awning! The trail started smooth but soon we were stepping on and over rocks. The woods were pretty, wet from the rain that continued on and off.After half an hour , we passed two hikers heading south. It was the famous Warren Doyle and his hiking partner Boomerang. Warren Doyle is on his 17th thru hike. This one is assisted with a car parked any the north and south end of the hike. The rest of his crew hikes north and they camp where that car is parked while Warren and Boomerang drive the south car up. We asked if they were slack packing and Warren told us that in his day, slack meant lazy. Lazy they were not- they are on a series of highly disciplined day hikes that will get them to Katadihn on Sept. 17 between 9 and 11 am. Ok! I enjoyed talking to him and to Boomerang, very knowledgable guys and again- trail-ebrities!   (That's a Katwalk word)6 miles in we stopped at a deli and enjoyed some food in the form of sandwiches. We chatted with other hikers, C.Shell and D.No dried their tents.After we hiked out, something amazing happened. The trail became easy and smooth! I felt like I was flying. Beautiful multi colored leaves sprinkled the trail, and it looked like the result of a Mother Nature parade celebration. Just stunning with the sun streaming i through the break in the trees.At the top of a mountain and about a mile shy of the shelter. The sky got very dark and thunder cracked. We hustled into the woods and found flat spots and quickly set up our tents. I dove in just as the rain started falling. The wind blew, lightening and thunder was close. I texted my husband and told him I might die from either lightning or bear mauling since I didn't get my bear bag up. He told me he mowed the lawn. Another day on the AT!
Date: 2015-07-28
From: stealth in two mile NY stretch

To: kent
Miles today: 5.2

Today was either an epic fail day or a complete triumph- I can't decide which. The day started with us getting on the trail early. We had a 17 mile day planned. The trail was very nice for about two miles and then the rocky downhills started . It was tough. By 10am the temps were hot and humid. The climbs are also getting tougher. I passed Boomerang and Warren Doyle again. It was Boomerangs birthday, or as he prefers, his Natal Anniversary. He wore a glittery crown that said Happy Birthday. I told Warren Doyle about my growing paranoia about falling and he suggested a new height for my hiking poles. I adjusted them and I think it might help. Warren also said- welcome to New England- referring to the increasingly more difficult terrain. At some point, I smelled a delicious barbecue smell. I could not tell where it came from. I read once that the sense of smell is the most powerful nostalgia triggering sense, and I think that is true. When I breathed in the aroma, I saw my husband , stirring his artisan sauce, babysitting his smoked pork all day, cold beer in hand. I saw my Dad, swearing because he overcooked the streaks, even though they were perfectly cooked-as always. I miss barbecue at home. It is a culture in my family.We hiked about 5 miles total and walked 0.8 into Kent for resupply. Once there we want to the Village Restaurant and I had the most amazing breakfast I have had on this trail. It is a wonderful place- great food! D.No and C.Shell bumped into hikers they knew in the restaurant and I saw Tumbles and Scout! I got big stinky hugs, and they got the same back from me. I just love those kids- they are so positive and happy! They went off to get new shoes with a family friend and I headed to Annie Bananie- a local ice cream shop/post office/ outfitter. I had a scoop of delicious ice cream, mailed home my Outback Steakhouse gift cards my sister in law gave me, since I never see one on the trail, and sat outside in the mid 90s degree heat. Hikers started congregating at the ice cream shop, all hot and tired. Plans for night hiking were hatched; anything except hiking in this sauna weather. After just hanging around sloth like for several hours, we decided to tent in the backyard of the local hiker haven, behind Country Clothing. A cold shower is available, porta potties, charging stations, and a grassy flat yard. There are 11 tents here, most of them hikers that just came in to resupply, like we did. I enjoyed a burger and a couple of beers at the tavern across the street and calculated our required mileage to make it to our hotel on Friday. Looks like a long day into town, but the SOBO hikers tell me it's not too tough!So- epic fail mileage wise.Epic triumph enjoying a really wonderful little town and kicking back with other hikers.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Great Barrington

To: about 3 miles north of N.Wilcox Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked out of Great Barrington on fresh legs and full bellies. The road to the trail went through a busy downtown clotted with traffic due to road and sidewalk construction. Nice town- I made a mental note to come here with Mark someday.The trail was pretty, continuing a fairly smooth path matted with leaves in various stages of decomposition. We had a couple of tough climbs starting out, and one of them paid off with view. A few miles in, we ran in to Recalc, Tiger Mike and Scientist. We thought they would be way ahead because of our zero day, but they had taken a few short days also. They were hiking strong!We passed a pretty lake and a couple off ponds. One of the ponds had trees growing from the water, sprouting leafless branches, like tree skeletons. The water was so still, not a ripple was present. It was like looking at a gigantic mirror with jagged edges. Mirror mirror on the ground- show me where my strength is found...We walked on boards installed by trail maintainers, going over muddy bogs. In one muddy area, a smallish log, about the circumference of my upper arm, lay on the path. Mud was thick all around it. It started to roll when I walked across it and I put my poles in the mud to balance. My pole sank more than half of its height in the mud, and my body followed it down. Soon I was sitting in a squat on the little log. Mosquitos are grand opportunists and drained me of my blood while I was unable to swat them.My ankle hurts. My right knee also started twinging with pain, no doubt due to the over compensation of favoring my ankle. Oh no you don't! I said. I willed the knee pain away and focused on walking normally. I get my boots on Tuesday and I will lace them snug to support my ankle. I can't wait! I also ordered shin compression sleeves. I like the way C.Shell's loaned sleeve feels.We passed Warren again today, but closer to the end of our hike instead of the morning. They will be ahead tomorrow and we will have to work to catch them.Tomorrows elevation line looks pretty good- not too hairy. I hope the path continues smoothly until I make it to my boots!I am listening to Wild on Audible. I am reading White Oleander. I downloaded What Alice Forgot in GB- that's going to be next. Considering adding a few sit ups to my morning routine, or a plank. The abs don't get enough of a workout. Had a Katwalk Thai noodles for dinner.We were talking about leave no trace practices, alternate toilet paper materials. And digging catholes tonight after dinner. It is annoying that so many people don't bury their poop. D.No told a funny story about how he used some leaves as TP one day and they turned out to be stinging nettles. His description of this was so I hilarious that I almost shot tea out of my nose I laughed so hard! Another day on the AT!
Date: 2015-07-31
From: about 3 miles north of N.Wilcox Shelter

To: Finerty Pond 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was very chilly when we got up today! I headed out and forgot to take my long sleeve wool sleeping shirt off and within 2 minutes I was sweating and had to stop and stow it. I get so hot when I hike- sweat pours from me. The woods are getting more and more lush and beautiful. Ferns and pines, beautiful birch trees, it looks and feels rich and full. Trail maintainers had cut some pine branches away from the trail and for a few minutes it smelled like my living room the day we put up the Christmas tree - pine scent just saturating the air. The trail was covered with pine needles, giving each step a soft place to fall. There are a surprising number of birch trees that have fallen. They seem to be victim to some sort of sickness. I hope not, but there seem to be more than just a natural number on the ground.Trail went through a few meadows and crossed several roads today. All day the three of us debated going to Goose Pond Shelter. It had bunks with mattresses, swimming, and pancakes in the morning. Every hiker we know passed us and were making a beeline there. If we did, we would only get about 12 miles for the day, so we were not sure.At a road crossing, we met the dad of hiker Red Panda. I had hiked with her a couple of days and last time I saw her was in Fontana. I don't check too many hiker journals because it drains my battery so fast, but I like to check in on hers from time to time. She is a good writer. Her dad gave us Gatorade, granola bars, water. Super nice guy, very proud of his daughter.The trail was not easy today, it had some climbs, but it was kind. Smooth trail was the flavor of thee day and nobody was more grateful than BonBon with the shattered ankle. I have found that my spirits soar or flag with the physical pain I experience- opposite though. Pain soars, spirits flag, and vice versa.When we got to Goose Lake, D.no decided to take a swim. He splashed around in the lake as kayakers paddled by. It looked good, but the day had become cloudy and cool so I didn't join him.We hiked on and passed the trail to the famous pancake shelter. We crossed over a caged bridge to a 4 lane interstate and seized the moment- and concrete flat surface- to cook our dinners. Mine was a Katwalk Frijoles gourmet treat. As we packed up, it started raining. We had a fairly steep climb after that and started to look for a place to camp on the ridge. No luck. All of the terrain was steep and rocky or covered with little trees and foliage. Off the ridge we went, down a fairly rocky descent. We headed right to Finnerty Pond, a gorgeous lake- and came across a campsite just as dark was falling. We pitched our tents , dove in, and I was grateful for my little home. I read my book and fell asleep.
Date: 2015-08-02
From: Tom Lavardi's-Dalton

To: cheshire
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early, right after 6, and got out of my tent around 6:30. Recalc, Tiger Mike, Soda and I walked down to a diner for breakfast. Those guys are so much fun- we drank coffee and shot the breeze, laughing over stories and experiences we can all relate to. Breakfast at a diner with hikers is like finding your mothership.Walking back, I stopped by the Post Office, but it didn't open until 8:30. I returned to Levardis and packed up all of my stuff. D.No and C.Shell went to Cumberlands for a breakfast of probably honey buns- their favorite- and I met them there. We walked to the post office to pick up my boots, which were guaranteed by the day before. The lady at the post office handed me a box from Amazon with my shin compression sleeves, but no REI package with my boots. I told them they were sent overnight. She said they already had their delivery so if they were not in now, it would be the next day. They did have a UPS delivery at noon though- so I assumed the package would be on that truck. D.No and C.Shell decided to take a bus to Cheshire and hit up the Walmart while I waited and they left their packs with me. I called REI and they tracked the boots and said they would be there by 3- sent express mail and already a day late. They said when they did a post office general delivery they did not use UPS. I went BACK in the post office, spoke to a different person, and I used the word "express" instead of "overnight". He said the express delivery came in at 3. Apparently post office vernacular is VERY specific.My hiking partners returned and I told them to hike on without me and I would catch them. But they booked a room at the Shamrock. We threw our packs in, took the bus to Cheshire and slack packed the 8 miles back. I love my hiking partners. The hike was pretty easy- the air was cool. The path was muddy is spots and there were a ton of day and section hikers out. Also passed another parade of SOBO hikers. The hike itself- not including the $1.75 bus ride - took less than 4 hours. We were sad about such a low mileage day but I was thrilled to not have to take an unplanned zero.When we got back I went to the post office and my boots were there.My phone is acting funny. I believe it got wet. I will try to dry it out and hope for the best. Tomorrow we take a bus BACK to Cheshire and hike about 14 miles to North Adams. We will climb the highest point in MA - Mt.Greylock- and I will break my new boots in on that hill
Date: 2015-08-04
From: North Adams

To: Seth Warnwr Shelter
Miles today: 6.9

We missed the bus we wanted, thinking it was at 20 after the hour and it was really at 20 until the hour. We waited for the next one and when it arrived, Tiger Mike flew out of the door. "Can't talk! In a hurry! I've got a story for you!" We hopped on and the bus went around the block and through the downtown before looping back. Tiger Mike hopped back on the bus at the last stop in town. He had forgotten his phone somewhere and went back to look for it. He found it and made it back on the same bus! We rode to the Price Chopper for resupply. D.No and C.Shell decided to send their stoves home as well, so we were all buying for cold meals. We saw a bunch of hikers in the store, and I decided to go and eat Chinese buffet with Soda, Recalc, Scientist, and Tiger Mike. We had a great time and this buffet had really good ice cream. I hiked out with the guys, about a 10 minute walk back to the trail.It was already close to 2 pm so we hoped to make the shelter, about 7 miles, mostly climbing. Have I mentioned we are definitely back in the mountains? My legs and butt burned as I climbed. My feet felt great though. I went up a big rocky incline that reminded me of PA. I was sweating profusely and I tied my headscarf on to keep the sweat from dripping in my eyes. On the descents I became more and more confident as my boots did their job and kept my ankles stable. I started feeling bold, taking bigger steps instead of mincing timid steps I had tended to do in my low cut boots. It felt good and I felt free in away you can't feel when you are intimidated by the terrain. I have to thank my husband for encouraging me to get the boots.I crossed into Vermont about 4 miles in and took a selfie with the sign. Then another hiker came along and we took each other's pictures.I am amazed that I have made it to Vermont. I look back on my journal sometimes and think it is a big whine fest. My ankles hurt, I fell down, I'm lonely, I miss my family. But those things all happened and are true. And I am in Vermont. Thinking about the hike so far filled my head as I hiked the last 3 miles to the shelter. It feels like yesterday and also a very long time ago that I started. I'm still not willing to say I can finish. I look at pictures of myself from the beginning and I look like a different person. Sometimes it feels like I am in a twilight zone episode. My mind runs over every detail of my kid's faces. They want me to finish.At the shelter I caught up to D.No and c.shell. We chatted with Long Trail hikers, are out cold dinners and hit the tent. I missed my sleepy time tea.
Date: 2015-08-08
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Stealth spot south of the summit of Little Pons Mt
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked out early today, anxious to get some miles in and finish earlier. I like having time to shoot the breeze and relax instead of setting the tent up in the near dark and diving in. I started out hiking the wrong way, but the Recalc Gang saved me and sent me in the right direction.The trail reminded me SO MUCH of Georgia today, except that leaves were completely blotting the sky instead of the naked branches of winter in Georgia. The trail was smooth, then rocky, it went up and down with steep inclines and descents. Maybe I felt a little like iIdid in Georgia too- my legs burned a little as I re-acclimated to the elevation changes. We had some long smooth downs today as well, and as my feet recover from shoes that were not quite right for me, I get faster and more confident. My bootw were rubbing a little here and there, a couple of hot spots bugged me and the grip around the ankle bothered me too, but I stopped for a shoes off break and changed my sockas and that helpd a lot. Shoes off breaks are so important. It feels like you are burning time that you should be hiking, but I can actually go further and more comfortably if I respect the feet.The views were at the powerline intersections today- lots of climbing, not many views. The water, however, was great. Clear and crisp.The last climb brought us past the most gorgeous little campsite, on the climb to Pocupine ridge. The recalc/Tiger Mike/Scientist/soda gang was already there, so we had to hike on. What a view they had! Scientist- a science teacher in his early 20's and super nice guy- had his hammock strung so the view would hit him in the face, complete with a breathtaking sunrise in the morning. We were jealous. We hiked on another mile or so and found a great spot with enough room for two tents. Little critters seemed to circle my tent all night, making an unholy ruckus. I usually appreciate the wildlife but every once in a while I don't. A few weeks ago, we were just falling asleep when a whippoorwill started its screeching; WHIPPOORWILL WHIPPOORWILL it shrieked. SHUT UP! I yelled from my tent. then another whippoorwhil joined in and the two of them serenaded us. I dont' scream at the residents anymore. They get even.
Date: 2015-08-10
From: Stratton/Arlington Rd campsite

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 17.5

I woke up this morning, alive, un-mauled by bears. It was cold last night! I hiked out with the first goal being Stratton Mountain, a 1706 foot elevation gain over 3.8 miles. It looked really steep on the elevation profile, but I found it fairly easy. A couple of steep climbs. The trail was so pretty, some well maintained and placed rock steps helped. I have said it before- I feel so taken care of by trail maintainers in every state, They are so good at their jobs, which they volunteer to do.At the top of Stratton Mountain was a small caretakers cottage, which appeared to be empty-unless the caretaker was sleeping in. Whoever lived there had little pots of veggies growing. It was quaint. There was a very tall observation tower at the summit. When I arived, the Tiger Mike gang was there. Tiger mike was very animated about something, and I soon doscovered that he had dropped his Go Pro from the next to top landing on the tower- which was VERY tall! It had plummeted several floors to the bottom landing and had filmed the WHOLE WAY down! He played the video and we were all yelling and cheering for the mighty little camera. Holy cow.I climbed to the top of the tower and I was literally overwhelmed by the beautiful view. Tears came to my eyes as I was hit with the gratitude that often holds hands with beauty. It is so odd- I prided myself on never crying before this trip and now I cry about everything. Happiness, sadness, frustration, anger. Warterworks on. It is a silly thing to be proud of hiding genuine emotion. I can see that now. Being in a state of of being stripped of my defenses is a learning experience, that is for sure.After Stratton, the trail was very easy all day. I listened to a book called What Alice Forgot. I am at the end of this book. It is about a woman who suffers a head injury and loses 10 years of memory- but what it is really about is how time and life erode us, like the seashore. The changes we go through as life throws everything it has at us, how we respond to it. It was the perfect book to listen to now- as I am in an erosion control point in my life.We passed beautiful ponds, streams, bridges. Walked through lots of gooey black oh-so-thick mud.I stink. Bad. We are going to Machester Center to resupply and since a huge storm is rolling in, we decided to stay at Sutton Place, a cute B&B in town. When we got to the road crossing, we caught a ride in the back of a pick up truck. On the 5.4 mile ride into town, we saw Recalc, Scientist, Soda, and Tiger Mike hitching in. We hollered at them and they waved their arms. The nice pick up truck driver pulled over and the guys ran up the street. We hummed the theme song to Chariots of Fire loudly as the guys seemed to run slow motion to the truck, joy on their faces.The guy that owned the B and B asked us to leave our packs and boots on the porch. Good move. Our room did not stink too bad after we were in it for a while. We met the gang for pizza. The rain will start tonight and continue tomorrow. We will make a decision about hiking out in the morning.