morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Last night we were cozy in our tent but the towers near where we were tenting made a repetitive clicking noise. I wasn't sure I would be able to sleep but I did.Up at 5 and packing up to get our 17 miles down and see my sister.We hiked the first 7 quickly and into town for breakfast. Desolation recommended a bakery. As we passed by there was a sign advertising a hot dog and a piece of pie for 2.95. As tempting as that was we went to the diner and saw Brightside and Ghost! And met QB. I had an amazing breakfast of very berry pancakes: amix of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. And the waitress brought me a whole can of whipped cream. So after eating and visiting we headed out for the last 10 miles.Nice walk on "tourist trail" for a bit then it got rocky around Sunfish Pond. Lots of day hikers out and about and they look and smell so clean. We hiked up to the summit and the view was beautiful but also open and sunny and really hot.We got to the end of the trail and Bucky's family had left trail magic again We met up with my sister and she brought brownies, cookies, devil dogs, cherry tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries and sodas! We ate the whole way to the hotel and then ate with Brightside and Ghost.After showers we had dinner at the hotel and told Linda, my sister, all about our adventures. Good food, great company and HGTV to fall asleep to- life is good!
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good night's sleep and we slept in until 7- quite a treat. Had breakfast with Brightside, Ghost, QB and my sister. The waffle machine wasn't working correctly and the waffles were gooey inside.Then off to the outfitter to find me new pants (I need a smaller size) and Brightside needs new shoes. We struck out at the outfitter but found shoes at the running store. I will get pants next weekend when we are home.We all went to the Captain America: Civil War movie. Ghost smuggled in pats of butter for my popcorn- one of the things he's learned about is I like real butter on my popcorn. But I prefer it melted. It was a good movie but I missed having my girls who can explain parts that I don't quite get. Brightside and Ghost were impressed that we knew to stay after the credits for a small extra bit.Cabot and Hobbes hiked in and Ghost's sister, Joan, flew in so we all went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Joan treated us all to dinner- so kind!Everyone is 10 miles behind us and hiking low miles for a bit. Brightside, Cabot and Hobbes are meeting with a friend of Brightside's and have 3 days to do 38 miles. Ghost and Joan are going to hike 10 miles and stay in town at night while she is here. We are trying to get 140 miles in before next Friday to get to CT before we take some days off to do some family things.Town days are fun but not always restful. We are going to bed soon because 20 mile days coming up with rocky terrain and 80-90 degree temps.It's been awesome visiting with my sister and I feel refreshed and ready to get back to hiking. Desolation and Lavender, two former thru hikers, have been very encouraging as I struggle with this section.Thanks to everyone who is following our adventure, sending us uplifting messages and praying for our safety. We appreciate it more than you could ever know.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Stayed up too late watching the Penguins win game 7. Up early to pack up and go get breakfast with Santa and my sister at Perkins and Ghost joined us. Right after we ordered, Brightside, Cabot and Hobbes came in and grabbed an adjacent table. Linda couldn't finish her breakfast so we passed it over to them and it was gobbled up. Joan, Ghost's sister, is not a morning person so the plan was to have a second breakfast at the hotel with her. We couldn't do that because we had miles to hike today. Santa drove us back to the Mohican Outdoor Center and we said goodbye to Linda and headed off. It was a quick goodbye because I wanted to jump in her air conditioned car and go home with her.Off we went. The rocks and terrain were reasonable today but it was sooo hot. We were ridge walking a lot so had no tree cover from the sun and the temps were in the high 80's. Santa was drenched, I was drenched- there wasn't a dry spot on us.We came to a road crossing at 5:30 and went .25 to a tavern for air conditioning, cold sodas and Santa had a pizza and pretzel and I had a cheeseburger. The kind bar tender filled our water bottles with cold water.Then off we went for the last three miles of the day. It was still hot and the bugs were awful. We got to the shelter, found a great tent spot and got our tent up quickly. Santa put our food in the bear box while I inflated our mattresses and got our tent all ready for a good nights sleep. Santa walked down to the stream to rinse off but I don't want to walk another .2 and deal with the bugs so I will just be sweaty and gross.Today the thing that was driving us both crazy were the inch worms and gypsy moth caterpillars. They would fall on us and get caught in our hair and all over our clothes. It was really disgusting.We didn't see many people today and we didn't hang out and chat with the people at the shelter because we are tired and grumpy and the bugs are bad.Santa did meet someone at the shelter on his way to clean up. She asked his trail name and when he said "Santa" she asked "like in Santa Monica?" He just shook his head and came back to the tent.Hoping for cooler weather and less bugs tomorrow. Thankful that the thunderstorms forecasted did not materialize.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Last night we tented because of the bugs and were happily in our tent at dark when some weekend hikers noisily came in with flashlights blazing to set up their tents and make dinner. I fell asleep despite the commotion but Santa said they were loud until 10. He was not a happy Santa.Up at 6 and on the trail at 6:30. Today was going to be an easy 18 mile day with some treats thrown in. The terrain was rocky and there were some ups and downs but we spent more time under tree cover so it didn't feel as hot as yesterday.At 12 we had covered 12 miles and went to the ranger station at High Point State Park where we could get cold water for our water bottles, use a flush toilet and wash our hands with warm running water and bonus! They give a cold Pepsi to thru hikers! We were chatting with a bike rider at the ranger station. He works on the NJ/NY border and told us to stop at his business to get water and use the bathroom. Really nice guy and his name is.....Kelly!Then off to the next treat. A 1.1 mile hike then .3 to a beach! We went swimming in our hiking clothes and got ourselves and our clothes a little less stinky! The water was cold but felt amazing. Then even better there was a concession stand! I had an ice cream sandwich, two hot dogs, French fries, a coke and an Italian ice.Unfortunately we still had 6 miles to hike but they weren't bad. A little rocky but mostly swampy which didn't help the bug situation.We are at the Murray Property tonight. Mr. Murray is a trail angel who lets hikers camp on his property. There is an outdoor shower, a well with cold water and a building to hang out. It's rustic but a lot of fun. We are here with a couple that is hiking for the weekend and they are very pleasant.The forecast is for thunderstorms tonight. We have the rain fly open to let some air flow happen but we can close it up quickly if we have to.A good day of hiking today.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Anton's on the lake
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night everyone put their tents up quickly and climbed in because the mosquitoes were so bad. It was disappointing because Mantis was at the shelter and we haven't seen him since the half gallon challenge. He is a wicked fast hiker but had to take time off for his sister's graduation and then later for business school orientation at UVA. He kindly collected people's water containers and walked the .4 to get water. We had filled up at the stream but appreciated his offer. We had to put the rain fly on because the forecast was for rain. Our tent was like a sauna. We kept the flaps open until we started to drift off then closed them. Good thing we did because it poured most of the night. We stayed dry and it's relaxing to listen to the rain on the tent.When we woke up it was still raining so we rolled over and went back to sleep. The rain tapered to sprinkles so Santa went to get our food bags and we ate breakfast in our tent while we waited for the rain to stop. It stopped and we packed up then took down the wet tent, shook it off, packed it up and headed out.We were warned by Large that this section was tough and it was. It was very much like hiking in NH. The rocks were wet and slippery and the mosquitoes were rabid. It's hard to swat mosquitoes when you are using both hands to pull yourself up a rock face. We met a flip flop hiker named Cookie and she was struggling. She had fallen twice and wasn't having a very good morning. She got her name because she went to culinary school and had dehydrated all her meals. We also met a man who was hiking to raise awareness for veterans with PTSD. At the top of the highest point in the AT in NY there was an American flag and we took a selfie. We were both wearing the hat and headband that Santa's sister, Colleen, gave us. They are decorated with American flags and she asked us to wear them on Memorial Day in memory of her husband who was killed in a Navy plane crash.We walked to a road crossing and up to a dairy farm ice cream store. We both got a large raspberry sorbet in a waffle cone. Santa got a soda and I got a water. Then we called Anton's for a ride to the motel. The room wasn't quite ready but we could drop off our packs and walk down for lunch. We are at Murphy's Pub- tasty nachos, Santa had an everything burger and I had a roast beef wrap. Then back to the motel for a nap and shower.We walked back into town for dinner and the local pizzeria was overwhelmed and it took over an hour to get our salad and pizza. We also got subs for lunch tomorrow. I walked to Cumberland Farms for cereal, milk, and Doritos.Back to the motel to grab our clean clothes (they were really stinky from sweating the last few days and the swim in the lake). Packing up our stuff and getting ready for a 20 mile day tomorrow.Done with NJ and hoping to finish NY this week. Almost to New England!
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Anton's on the lake

To: Tiorati Circle
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Woke up excited and a little guilty about our first slack pack. Santa is having some shoulder pain so I think it's a good move. Most hikers carry most of their pack weight in their legs but when Santa fastens his hip belt tightly it hurts, so he carries most of his pack right on his shoulders.The hike today should have been easier than it felt. There were lots of ups and downs but they weren't horrid, but both of us were feeling sluggish all day. We were very grateful that Cookie gave us her 100 percent DEET bug repellent. I felt like we were back in Jersey with all the mosquitoes flying around!Water is very scarce in this section and what water there is isn't very good. Trail Angels left water at two road crossings (one had chairs so we could sit and relax) and someone else left a cooler with drinks and snacks! Then we met a couple day hiking and they gave us apple pieces and pretzels. They offered us oranges too but we had subs and Doritos already for lunch. It's awesome how people support and encourage us and they don't even know us. We hiked to the beach, where we weren't allowed to swim, and called Anton's to come get us. While we waited we wandered over to the vending machines and got cold drinks and ice cream. When Anton came to get us he had the cutest puppy in the car- so ugly he was adorable. Even more importantly he had our resupply box and a package from Santa's colleagues. We got a box of devil dogs, candy bars, protein bars and 2 Gatorades. Plus they wrote us notes. Very kind and very sweet. Made our night!We were going to go back to Murphy's Pub, where we got lunch yesterday, but on the way I asked a lady hanging out in her backyard where we should go. She said Murphy's or Emerald Point Restaurant and to get the prime rib sandwich. So that's where we went and what we ordered and it was fabulous as were the fries and salad that came with it.We wandered back to our room and called home to wish our baby girl a very happy 21st birthday. We are excited to be able to celebrate with her this weekend.Long hiking day but beautiful scenery, tasty food and a loving family-life is good.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Tiorati Circle

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

Got to bed late last night and the alarm went off too early this morning. But off we went back to the trail and I got to cuddle with the adorable puppy again.Today's hike was cooler- temps in the 80's and much less buggy. We came to a shelter that was made of stone and built into a huge rock. Cool looking but dark and uncomfortable looking.As we were hiking along we met a young hiker who got on the trail in Carlisle, PA. His name is Warrior and he's going to hike until he runs out of money, his morale sinks or he runs out of time. He was camping with his brother last night, he is not hiking the trail, and they were visited by a bear. Warrior had a knife and his brother had a hatchet and they scared the bear off. He was really excited to see us because we were the first hikers he had seen and he really wanted to tell his story.We stopped for our pepperoni, cheese and cracker lunch and QB came by. She took a zero at a shelter so ended up behind us but quickly passed us by. We hiked up Bear Mountain after lunch. It was a challenging but fun hike. The trail club put a lot of effort into making it a reasonable hike. At the top we found vending machines! Santa had 3 Cokes and I had a can of lemonade and a bottle of cold water.After the climb we went down to the zoo and the lowest point on the AT. The zoo is small and old and the animals don't look too happy.Then we crossed Route 9 and went across the Bear Mountain Bridge. And up the Camp Smith Trail. It wasn't long but it was steep and not switch backed. After we got to the top we walked through gorgeous mountain laurel tunnels. They are one of my favorite flowers and they have been in bloom all over the trail.We had to cross Route 9 again and there was the Appalachian Deli. We stopped for dinner and had huge sandwiches and cold drinks and packed out some Cheetos.Then .6 to the Graymoor Spiritual Center. The Franciscan monks allow hikers to tent in their ball field. They also provide port-a-potties and a shower. And you can order pizza to be delivered. We were so full from dinner that we couldn't help finish the pizza.Easier day tomorrow and then a big day to see our girls. Can't wait!
Date: 2016-06-03
From: RPH Shelter

To: NY-22
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night the shelter was full and there were many tents up in the field. The shelters are spaced very far apart because we are passing through state parks and they don't have shelters or many tenting opportunities. Many of the hikers ordered pizza to be delivered to the shelter. We all get excited for these good opportunities.We are in our tent early because we are getting up early to get the miles in to see our girls. Unfortunately I was chatting with other hikers and forgot to take my Advil pm. So I got to bed late for a 5am alarm. This is the first time we have set an alarm in the tent. Usually we just get up with the sun but 20 miles before we get picked up.The weather forecast was for rain at 6am so up we got at 5 and started to pack up and it started to pour! We quickly packed up the tent and the rest of our stuff. We were totally drenched before we even started hiking. But we will be dry tonight!Right after we started hiking the rain stopped. The rocks were wet but we were careful and no falls today.5 miles in we hiked .3 off the trail and went to a deli for breakfast sandwiches and juice (and a soda for Santa). A kind trail angel named Andrea gave us a lift back to the trail. Her friend is 6 weeks into his thru hike.We hiked on to the first shelter and stopped for a snack and drink break. We met a hiker named Doc and hiked about 3 miles with her to a road crossing where she was meeting a friend. Someone left cans of Mountain Dew and Pepsi for trail magic. Santa drank one and took one for the road. I took one to drink later for lunch.Then we hiked hard to the next shelter where we stopped in for lunch. We saw Haz No Horse and had a chance to wish him a good time at the wedding he is attending.3 more miles until we are done! It was rocky for a little bit and then we were hiking through overgrown meadow. Grasses were running against us and my arms and pant legs were covered with pollen. Then we were crossing a swamp on wooden bridges. We could hear frogs croaking and insects whirring and then a really loud train whistle. We are meeting the girls at the Appalachian Trail train station so we were excited to see and hear a train.We left the trail to cross a road and saw a garden center and texted the girls so they could find us. They brought Gatorades and bags of chips for hikers! While they took them to the trail head Santa and I were able to shower at the garden center. Such a generous gift for stinky hikers and the people who are going to be in the car with them.Off to dinner and then the hotel for an early night. I am hoping to see someone about a rash I have on my legs and an interesting blistery type thing on my left foot tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: NY-22

To: NY-22
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awesome visit with the girls and we have adjoining rooms at our hotel so we can keep visiting.Up early to get my haircut, look at a house, look at two apartments, take the girls to lunch for Casey's birthday(at Friendlys), go to Verizon store to get Kristin and Casey phones for their birthdays, trip to REI for new pants for me and shoes for Santa, graduation at the high school, dinner and back to the hotel to watch the hockey game.We saw Tom and Karin at South Street Diner after I got my hair cut and I finished Kristin's breakfast. All three came with us to see the house, but it was too small for us. Kristin came along to look at two apartments; neither seemed right. We were parked on the side of the road looking at an "apartment for rent" sign when I saw my friend Mary running down the sidewalk. We looked like middle school girls hopping up and down, hugging and squealing.Lunch was fun with the girls and they were excited about their phones. I am interested to see what covers they buy... REI was semi-successful. I got new pants but Santa couldn't find shoes. He's hoping to try hiking in a pair of running shoes the girls brought him.Graduation was awesome. Santa's students were excited to see him and we saw friends that we haven't seen for a while. Chatted too long and were late to dinner. But the girls had ordered for us and the food came right after we sat down. Perfect timing! Back to the hotel to watch the Penguins game. I made it through the first period and then went to bed. They lost in overtime. Another fun but busy day tomorrow. This zero wasn't restful but I needed a family fix and this has been perfect.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: NY-22

To: NY-22
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We slept well Saturday night and slept until 7:30- the longest we have slept in a long time. We all got showers and went to McDonald's for breakfast and then to church. It was so nice to have our three daughters with us and to see our friends. Derek spoke about using our gifts to help others. He also gave a shout-out to Santa and other teachers in the sanctuary. His son struggled a bit junior and senior year and Santa helped him with math and with the college process. We spent a lot of time after the service talking to many people who are following our blog and praying for us.The girls went to Bertuccis to get us seats while we went to pick up a special little boy for lunch. He was surprised and happy to see us. He was also very well-behaved at lunch; maybe he's growing up. After we had lunch it was time to say goodbye to the girls. They were going to visit a friend who just had a baby and we were taking our little friend home then looking at another apartment. I didn't really like the two we looked at yesterday so we looked at a new complex. It's so new that we couldn't even see a model, but we committed to live there for a year. Fingers crossed we made the right choice.Then we went to a graduation party and to DQ. The party was for a daughter's friend. And the daughter had Santa for math and really enjoyed the experience. I had seen an ad for a funnel cake sundae so we had to go try it. It was so-so, but while we were there a car pulled in and Henry's family stopped to say hi to us. They follow our blog and send us candy. I had Henry last year in K and hope I get his sister Alice next year. Awesome family and not just because they send us sweets. Then we went to Kelly's brother's house for dinner and conversation. They were going to have a Sunday Sundae party but postponed to next week because it was pouring. This will be the first one we miss.We chatted for quite a bit, but Santa and I needed to go to bed. He fell right asleep and I worked on my school budget for next year. I made good progress and hope to get it done and mailed to our secretary by Friday. It's interesting trying to do it on the trail.Not looking forward to going back to the trail. Glad a friend is taking us back and not the girls. I will be more likely not to make a scene in front of a friend and her 13 year old daughter than if our kids brought us back.