morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-10-19
From: Shenandoah tenting

To: On top of hill after Appalachian market
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Another cold, sunny and beautiful hiking day though very rocky ankle rolling terrain about half the day.  I did not fall so not that bad but my ankles are both sore now.  We walked over a 911 tribute which was a flag painted on the rocks overlooking NY countryside. It really was beautiful with the sun shining on it.  We also walked on a ridge with a beautiful lake to one side and the woods on the other. Rusty met a turtle there too. First he walked over it but when I stop to take a pic he noticed it. He gently sniffed it but then started barking. I quickly got him to move on.  We stopped at Appalachian market which is right on the trail for a Reuben, chips and a Sam Adams, no NY microbrews here, and meatballs for Rusty. I also got a raisin bagel, cream cheese and Nutella for breakfast tomorrow. On the AT NY is appreciated for the closeness of delis. Hiker hunger is incredible.It was 5 when we left the deli and we both were tired so we climbed the first hill and took the first stealth spot. It¢s a really pretty spot though the trees block most of the view. We can see the pretty pink sky though.I did make Rusty some of his freeze dried food but he didn¢t eat. I made tea for myself and picked more ticks off Rusty. Ug! He is on the tick medicine though so they should die soon after they bite him. I hate seeing them though. Also once again I hear the trains and traffic from here.
Date: 2018-10-20
From: On top of hill after Appalachian market

To: William Brien memorial shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

It rained last night but was just misting this morning. Disappointed my always sunny in NY ended but the day did get beautiful and was warmer so the mist was fine. Today was a surprisingly beautiful hike. I had no idea NY AT was this pretty!We started with a hike through woods in the mist but then the sun came out. We walked on the Bear Mt bridge over Hudson River which was beautiful. Then the AT goes right through a small zoo though Rusty was not allowed so we took the bypass path. Both lead to the Bear Mt recreation area on Hessian Lake. We got a coffee, a blonde brownie and cheese for Rusty and enjoyed watching people walking, running and setting up picnics. It was such a nice diverse group and everyone was happy and friendly - perfect place to spend a beautiful Sat! We climbed the beautiful maintained path to the top of Bear Mt where we had great views of the NY countryside. We ate lunch there with brother and sister flipfloppers Buddha and Budapest. They are finishing their hike in PA.  Buddha retired in Jan and decided he needed to do something completely new and different so now is hiking the AT.  He plans to do something new and different every year which really is a great idea for me too.  Budapest didn¢t want to be left out so quit her job and sold her house so she could join him.  Very impressive!Then we climbed West Mt where we had great views of NYC skyline. We got to our shelter nice and early and set up our tent. We both are tired and needed a shorter day. It was great because someone had already started a fire so we joined them.  He was an interesting guy too. I mentioned that I go to my tent early because Rusty needs more sleep so usually read at night but finished my book yesterday. He gave me a book he was reading. I asked if he wanted mine but he already had it. So happy!  Also met another fun section hiker.  He lives in a house of estrogen with a wife and 2 daughters.  He needs some weekends to get away from that so is enjoying slowly sectioning the AT.  He did tell funny stories that showed how much he loves his family!  He also saw me cleaning my pot with my spoon and gave me a great cleaning tool that fits right in my pot.The shelter ended up crowded but fun. Two other dogs were here too that enjoyed playing but Rusty went to bed.  About 7 I joined him because it was getting too cold. It is suppose to start raining soon and last till tomorrow morning. Hopefully it will clear up like today.
Date: 2018-10-21
From: William Brien memorial shelter

To: Arden valley rd.
Miles today: 4.2

Had a rough night last night - something I ate did not agree with me and I was up half the night and it was pouring.  Very ugly!  I sat half in my tent with my raincoat on begging for it to end.  I was pretty far away from the shelter and other campers and it was pouring so I hope no one had to hear.  It ended around 4 so did get a couple hours a sleep.  When I woke up I decided to see if I could find a hotel just in case it was a bug not food.  I also needed a shower and clean clothes.  Fortunately there was a road with uber service in 4 miles and a pet friendly hotel fairly close.  I ate 2 bars and drank some water and everything seemed fine.  I packed up my wet tent and started hiking.  It was cold and windy and I felt shaky but after a mile I did start to feel better.  I think I just needed more calories.  The sun did come out but when I got to the road I decided I still wanted to take a break.  I reserved my room and got an Uber.  I checked in then went to the grocery store and got lots of food.  I got back to my hotel, ate, took a shower then started laundry.  I feel great now and am enjoying catching up with people, blogging and watching football.  What a way to end a game HTTR!!!
Date: 2018-10-22
From: Arden Valley rd

To: Wildcat shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up expecting to eat bars, yogurt and fruit for breakfast but last night noticed the donut place across the street so decided they were better than my normal cliff bars. Unfortunately they were no longer in business but went to the Quick Mart right beside it instead. I got a muffin, pumpkin bread and a pumpkin spiced coffee - much better breakfast!   I got an Uber back to the trail and started hiking around 9. It was cold and cloudy but nice to hike. Once again it was an rocky ankle twisting day but really nice views: over ridges, side of hills, waterfalls, lakes and streams. Also there were lots of deer, squirrels, chipmunks, woodpeckers and an owl. Rusty is really worn out from keeping them treed though he really enjoys it.  I got to the shelter area and set my tent up while Rusty played with his stick. I fed Rusty and got my dinner together to take up to the shelter to eat with Buddha and Budapest. I started heading up to the shelter and Rusty watched then crawled in the tent. Tired pup - usually he eats some of my dinner.Buddha and Budapest have a nice quick system going. One gets water while the other cooks. I got to the shelter area at least 30 mins before them. But by the time I went up to the shelter to make dinner, Buddha had already made dinner. Budapest came up, ate dinner and was headed back to her tent to sleep before I had finished eating. Buddha was sleeping in the shelter and was in his sleeping bag before I was done. They are both quick and efficient campers and really early sleepers - it was only 630. I cleaned my pot and then went back to my tent for a nice hot tea. Now it¢s 8:00 and I¢m cozy under my quilt. Also I feel great which is a relief too.
Date: 2018-10-23
From: Wildcat shelter

To: In NJ just past Heaven Hill Farm
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was another beautiful hike on top of hills looking over the NY countryside. It was surprising how tough a hike it was since the highest elevation was 1433ft. There were lots of little ups and downs though and one part is known as the stairway to heaven.  The fall colors were beautiful and we did go through a Rhododendron spot that I need to see in the spring when blooming.  Once again Rusty wore himself out chasing deer, squirrel and chipmunks.  These were grey squirrel though so he did not have to bark back like he does at the red squirrel.  We entered our 7th state New Jersey and got our first day time rain since CT though it only lasted about 30 mins and was not strong. My shoes stayed dry all through NY!At the end of the day we stopped at Heaven Hill Farm which is right beside the trail for Apple cider, an apple cider donut and an apple. All were quite tasty!  It was nice to see all the fall decorations. We also filled our water bottles so we did not have to worry about finding water and filtering. Then we stopped at the first spot we could find to set up our tent. It was around 5 so we had a nice relaxing dinner enjoying the weather and view.
Date: 2018-10-24
From: In NJ just past Heaven Hill Farm

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night we had a beautiful full moon that really lit up our campsite. When I got up to go to the bathroom I did not have to use my headlamp. I did take a picture but it really doesn¢t show how pretty it was.We had a nice, easy and enjoyable hike today. We walked over beautiful boardwalks and not so nice planks thrown over the swamp lands. I did get my shoes damp for the first time in awhile since some of the planks were partially submerged and there was no other way through the swamp. Damp is not a problem though.  Also we went through farms and a donkey heehawed loudly at us. It actually startled Rusty and he did not bark back he just growled softly.  Once again there were a ton of deer and squirrels that Rusty chased. Tomorrow we are just walking a couple miles to a hotel where we have a mail drop coming. It will be a nice rest for Rusty though we did just stop a couple days ago.  We got to our shelter around 4:30 which makes for a nice relaxing night. Plenty of time to set the tent up, filter water and make dinner before dark. No one is at the site either which makes it more relaxing.  As soon as it got dark though the wind picked up and I got really cold so I went into my tent around 6:30. I wrapped my quilt around us and enjoyed my tea in the tent again. I guess this will be an every night thing now if it stays this cold.  Rusty appreciates it! It is hard for me though because eventually I have to leave my cozy tent to brush my teeth and use the bathroom.  Brrr!
Date: 2018-10-25
From: High Point Shelter

To: NJ 23
Miles today: 1.7
Weather: clear sky

We had a mail drop at High Point Country Inn so had a nice short hiking day.  Received lots of yummy treats that I wasn¢t expecting too.  My food bag is awesome but heavy and I love it!  I do feel bad about not hiking on such a beautiful day but really did enjoy a nice rest day.  However we¢ll probably take another day off Sat when it¢s suppose to storm all day.  Rain is OK when it¢s warm but definitely not for me when it¢s cold and raining.Woke up to a frigid beautiful morning.  By the time I packed up the sun had just come up and was shining brightly.  We walked up the tower at High Point State Park and it was extremely windy but pretty.  Then we walked down to the road and then an additional 1.3 miles to the hotel.  That was a nice walk too though a bit annoying since Rusty loves to lunge and bark at cars and trucks.  The hotel is really colorful and comfy.  We went to Shop Rite to get lots of food for the day.  They did not sell singles here which was a bummer but got a great beer Rake Breaker from Jersey Girl Brewing.Took a shower, did laundry and then packed my pack up.  Now time to just relax and enjoy and catch up with friends.
Date: 2018-10-27
From: High Point Mountain Motel

To: High Point Mountain Motel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Took a zero weekend because of the Nor¢easter that came through.  Spent the weekend lazying around, catching up with people, playing on my phone, eating, reading and watching TV.  Enjoyed the Clemson game and seeing our new qb play!  Ready to start hiking again though and so is Rusty.
Date: 2018-10-28
From: High Point Mountain Motel

To: Just past Brink Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up and it was still raining but by 8 it stopped. I got ready and asked for a ride back to the trail. The owner of High Point Mountain Motel gave me a ride. He has owned the motel for 26 years and is really great to hikers: shuttles, laundry and dog friendly. I really enjoyed my long weekend there. When we got to the trail head at High Point State Park, a group of day hikers was meeting for a group hike. Fortunately they were headed northbound since they had a guide with them and we dislike leash laws.  I was expecting a really messy path from the storm but there really was no damage just leaves and small branches. It was slippery though with wet leaves and rocks. It did stay cloudy pretty much all day but we did have some pretty views of the NJ countryside and Culver¢s Lake. Also we walked through a nice evergreen path with that great pine smell.Some how I missed the turnoff to Brink Shelter. By the time I checked the Guthook ap we were a mile past it. We were both ready to stop so, even though we really needed more water, we stopped right there. I had enough water to make dinner and fill Rusty¢s cup but that was it. There is a stream in a mile though so we¢ll get it tomorrow morning. I set the tent up and made dinner but then the rain started so we finished eating in the tent. Then I got ready for bed and got under my quilt.  Tonight I am enjoying a Jack Daniels miniature while writing my blog - thanks!
Date: 2018-10-29
From: Just past Brink Shelter

To: Kittatinny Mt
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Though it was only suppose to rain until 4am it continued till after 9. I waited until it stopped to pack up and start hiking. I was nice and warm in my tent but really was annoyed the rain continued. It was a cold wet start but I did warmup fairly quickly. It was rocky and slippery but the rain did help flatten the leaves so it was easier to see the rocks and avoid twisting ankles.  We had a coffee break with a great chocolate expresso bar overlooking Crater Lake which was beautiful. We could hear people playing down there though we could not see them. They were the first voices I heard today though I did end up talking to a hiker shortly after that. He was headed North and finishing a NJ section hike.  We continued on a ridge walk overlooking Crater Lake for a couple miles. Two labs, a yellow and a black, started hiking with us. I called the number on the tag and left a message to meet us at the next road crossing. They were so cute and would run ahead then wait for us before bounding on. When I got to the road I called again but still no answer. I sat to filter water and think about what I should do. Fortunately their owner pulled up and the dogs hopped right in. I would have hated to do it because I knew they were well taken care of, but I would have probably called animal control. Then I know their owner would get them back though would have to pay the fine. We walked about another a mile and found a great campsite on Kittatinny Mt overlooking a reservoir. It was around 5 so had time to set up the tent, make dinner and enjoy the setting sun. It was a really beautiful night. About 630 it got dark and cold so we went in the tent. I enjoyed a miniature Captain Morgan while under my quilt writing this blog.
Date: 2018-10-30
From: Kittatinny Mt

To: Just past Wolf Rock
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Started the day off with a beautiful sunrise. Saw the pink through my tent and open it up right away. The sky was just turning pink so I got dressed and started packing up. Rusty went outside to stretch, wander and chew his stick. I got great pics of him stretching and laying down while the sun was rising.  When we finally started hiking it took along time to warm up. I let myself get too cold enjoying the sunrise. We started climbing the rest of Kittatinny Mt and had good views on both sides. Then we descended to Sunfish pond. We got to a spot in the sun where the wind was blocked so we stopped right on the path for a nice, long, warm coffee break overlooking Sunfish pond.  We walked halfway around Sunfish pond right on the edge which was a beautiful hike. In one spot there were about 10 different cairns right on the water. There were also nice campsites right there.We walked over the Delaware River Bridge and into PA. Right on the bridge is the mark between NJ and PA. Rusty was a bit annoying barking piercingly at the many trucks on the bridge.   Not sure if his bark is worse or it¢s that I¢m not use to it anymore.  Sorry people that he offends!  After the bridge is Delaware Water Gap. We went to the Sycamore Grill which is .3 miles from the trail to have a cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, a beer and apple crumb pie and ice cream. Then we saw a sign for a bakery and got a maple nut muffin and pecan pie to go.  Next we climbed up Mt Minsi and had great views of the Delaware River. I was also pleasantly surprised at how nice the path was since I¢ve been warned how rocky it is. Then I found out the rocks start after the next road crossing. I¢m really not looking forward to that rocky 100 miles because I really dislike having to stare at my feet so I don¢t trip. I¢m terrible at it.  We met 2 flipfloppers. Ely was finishing tomorrow in 18 miles and Flash had about 600 left. Both got hurt on the hike and had to stop hiking to recover. Once they felt better they flipped to Katahdin. They were stopping at the next shelter so I decided to join them. Unfortunately the only tent sites near the shelter were beside a road. I really do not like camping beside roads and did not want to sleep in the shelter so decided to keep going. I got water from the pump and realized I left one of my 2 water bottles at the Sycamore Grill. In PA there is limited water spots so I planned to fill it up there and forgot. Really will be inconvenient but will be in town again Sat so will get another one then.We then came to Wolfs Rocks which was a fun short boulder climb then a pretty boulder walk overlooking the PA countryside. We stopped at the campsite right after that around 5 for a nice relaxing night. The pecan pie with a Bourbon miniature (my fav) was my dessert. The pecan pie was good but not as good as my mom¢s - she really makes the best pies. By 630 we were cuddled in the tent. We
Date: 2018-10-31
From: Just past Wolf Rock

To: Delps Trail campsite
Miles today: 17.2

Woke up early but had a slow start. I found about 10 more ticks on Rusty. Everyday I¢ve been finding a couple but this morning was bad. He is on the medicine so most are dead but they are still attached to him. Fortunately they do not seem to bother him though and I still have not found any on me.The rocks started today and are quite annoying. You have to really watch where you¢re walking which is no fun! We did see a lot of deer today though and 2 snakes and I think 2 turkeys. Rusty is not a hunter and does not notice critters unless they make noise. I included a pic of Rusty and snake and Rusty and deer. I tried to take a pic of the turkeys but they were too fast. They were drinking from the spring when we came up.Besides the critters there wasn¢t much to see. The one noted view Hahns lookout was of an industrial area in PA. The trail did lead around to the other side looking north though which did have a pretty view of the PA countryside through trees.  You could here traffic from both sides.One more negative thing about northern PA is lack of water. You really have to pay attention to where the water sources are. We had to go off the trail .4 miles to get to a spring. That is where we saw the turkey though and the water is ice cold and taste great. It¢s hard being down to one water bottle here so I can only get 2 liters at a time - 1 bottle and 1 unfilter liter.  We stopped at 5 again at Delp¢s campsite. Rusty was really tired today and went to bed as soon as he ate. Fortunately I get service tonight, so I ate and played on my phone. Once again I went in the tent about 630 when it started to get cold and dark.
Date: 2018-11-01
To: Bake Oven Knob shelter 
Miles today: 17.5

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise though this time waited to put warm clothes on before getting out of my tent. We had an excellent hike today. The rocks were bad in spots but fine in others. We had great countryside views though also industrial views. We walked through a pine tree tunnel and over a pretty spot where a wedding marker was which, amazingly, took place on the same date as 2 weddings of children of coworkers from my 6 person company. Popular wedding date! We also had a fun, pretty though scary hike down to Palmerton over the Zinc Pile Superfund site.  The rocks were a pretty color and there was some pretty graffiti too.It was a hot day and we were lacking in water bottles and food, so we ubered to Kmart to get a Gatorade, some more junk food and a book. Also I did get an additional day of food since it¢s suppose to rain all day tomorrow so we probably won¢t walk as far as planned, and it might take an additional day to get to our next hotel.We headed up to our shelter and met 2 day hikers who are planning to hike the AT when they retire. It was fun talking to them. She showed me her collection of tea berries which the area is known for.  They taste and smell like wintergreen.  I need to try some of the tea berry pastries when I get to town.There was one guy at the shelter and fortunately he is tenting so Rusty and I have the shelter to ourselves. I got Rusty some canned dog food which he enjoyed then crawled up in the shelter to sleep. He¢s really aware of wherever I put our mat is our sleeping spot. I ate and now am blogging then plan to read - a great day!
Date: 2018-11-02
From: Bake Oven Knob shelter 

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

As expected it was raining in the morning so we had a nice slow morning. I checked Rusty for ticks and brushed him with the Furminator. I read, ate lots of junk and had coffee. It was suppose to stop raining at 11 then start again at 5 so we planned just to hike to the next shelter which was 10 miles. It stopped right around 11 and we started hiking. It was cloudy all day but warm and we actually had a lot of nice views. The rocks are terrible in spots but not a constant.  The Knob was a great view both to the east and west. There were rock boulders on both sides where you could sit and enjoy the view. There was a lot of big rock climbing which I really like except today was a bit too slippery to really enjoy it though it was pretty.  We met great trail angels at the Bare Oven Knob parking lot Backbone, 2016 thruhiker, and Cassidy. They climbed up the Knob to see sunrise though it was too foggy to see. They gave me a danish and an awesome beer Pumpkin Ale from Iron Hill Brewery in Newark DE where they both worked. They also took my trash - they made my day even better!We made it to the shelter around 4 and no one was there. We sat on the picnic table and I fed Rusty, snacked and read my book for around an hour before making dinner. Right after dinner the rain started so we went in the shelter. The flipflopper from yesterday came then. He¢s actually slower than me. Since he slept in his tent, he did not even start packing up until the rain stopped. He does not like sleeping in shelters. To avoid getting the inside of his tent wet, he set his tent up in the shelter then moved it outside to a tent site - very smart. He is from France and has been hiking now for 8 months. He finishes in Harper¢s Ferry and then will go back to France.  The rain is suppose to continue till 9am tomorrow so I plan on another slow morning. I¢m getting lazier by the day but so much more enjoyable when not wet.