morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-18
From: Campsite

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.9

Another long day! So many things happened. Our beautiful tentside view was fogged in this morning and we all raced to pack up before the thunderstorm started. We were out in the open and up pretty high. I made it out just in time to see some lightning hit the top of the hill somewhere. I took my sweet time in the rain in my Crocs and it was actually really nice. Slowing down reminds me that there are so many things to look at that I often just cruise on by. There were mushrooms everywhere and I counted seven salamanders. I missed a few views coming down into Delaware Water Gap because of the weather but it cleared by the time I got into town which was nice. Six rocky miles in Crocs was too many. I hobbled into the outfitter and got new shoes. Oboz but I can't remember which ones. They feel good and fit my giant clown feet. I hope they work out. The rest of the day was incredibly hot but gorgeous. Entered New Jersey and passed the 1300 mile mark. Lounged by Sunfish Pond and watched a snake in the water for a bit. So graceful! At the Mohican Outdoor Center now. Bummed that their deli is temporarily closed but happy to have had a shower. Ready to embrace my second thunderstorm of the day. Goodnight, New Jersey!
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

The storm last night must have barely missed us. We saw lots of lightning but only got about five minutes of rain. Ran into Boomerang who said it poured in Delaware Water Gap. Talked briefly with a day hiker for a bit. He asked when I started and I suddenly realized it was four months ago to the day. Happy four month anniversary to me! I was so happy I skipped down the trail and wasn't paying attention. I came right up on a giant black snake. They're usually pussycats but I guess I scared it. It actually tried to strike but I flicked it with the end of my trekking pole. It rushed off into some brush and I'm sure it was fine but I felt awful about it. It was entirely my fault for not paying attention. Sorry! A couple fire towers but I opted out of both. I'm not a fan of rickety man made structures. No thanks! Awol's Guidebook listed a "swamp" which doesn't sound awesome but was actually pretty neat. There were water lilies? I'm not sure what they were but they were pretty. I saw at least two beaver dens, a dam, and tons of trees gnawed down. I stayed for a bit hoping to see a beaver but didn't have any luck. The climb around Crater Lake was steep but fun and a little scrambly. I wanted to take the side trail to Buttermilk Falls but couldn't bring myself to do the four miles round trip. Missed the sign for Brink Shelter probably because it was a blur as I ran by with a swarm of mosquitos hot on my trail. They were relentless for miles. I was happy when they gave up just before Culvers Gap. Went to Gyps Tavern with a few other hikers and settled into a nice lakeside food coma. But all good things must come to an end so I snapped myself out of it and sweated the last three miles to Gren Anderson Shelter. This is probably the fastest I've ever set my tent up. It's amazing how the prospect of a bloodsucker-free environment can light a fire under your ass.
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

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

Slept in a little this morning. It felt necessary. Once I got going I felt great. Took my first break at the Sunrise Mountain pavilion to chat with Boomerang and Warren for a bit. I was reminded that it was the place Jennifer Pharr Davis found a body hanging on her thru-hike. I've actually seen too many suicides to count since I used to work for a medical examiner but I can see how it's startling if you aren't expecting it. You can't be creeped out when you find out someone has died somewhere because someone has died just about everywhere. You just don't know about it. Nice views though! I took off from there and almost immediately came across a headless rattlesnake. It was covered in flies and being eaten by a group of vultures that scared the crap out of me when I came around the corner. I was a little bummed and then a little freaked out because the snake guy in Port Clinton said they can still bite when they're dead and you should bury the head. But the head was already missing! Where was it? It could be anywhere! The next mile was pretty slow. The mosquitos weren't too bad today and the trail wasn't too rocky. Stopped by the High Point State Park HQ for some postcards and they had free sodas for thru-hikers! Very awesome. I asked if I could mail the postcards from there and they said yes. What they didn't say was that they would lock the doors and close while I was outside writing them. Not awesome. I slid them under the door. I hope they find them. Took a side trail to the beach, stuffed my face with a double cheeseburger and chili cheese fries, and submerged my fully clothed body in the lake. You know when you give your dog a bath and the first thing they do is roll around in the dirt? That was me today. I came out of the lake all nice and hiker trash "clean" and decided I still had time to make the six miles to the Murray property. I did a somersault downhill. I really have no idea how I'm not hurt. Thanks, pack, for breaking my fall! Although I'm glad I'm not injured, I'm pretty annoyed that every single bit of dirt on the trail is now stuck to my still wet clothes. Boooo! But I did make it well before dark and this place is peaceful. It's quiet and grassy and there's well water and grazing deer and fireflies and Mr. Murray is wonderful for sharing this with us hikers. Plus, there's a shower to wash my somersault dirt off in the morning!
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Murray Property

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early this morning and walked into Unionville for some coffee and a bacon, egg, and cheese roll. Technically New York but the border crossing isn't until tomorrow. Exciting! The garden state has been beautiful but rough on the feet. Making good time and pretty easy hiking but all the hard surfaces are taking their toll. Boardwalks and roads make the bottoms of my feet sore at the end of the day. The Wallkill Preserve was nice. I learned today that if you piss off a black rat snake enough (on accident of course) they will mimic a rattlesnake by shaking their tail in the leaf litter. It was a little confusing until I realized what was going on. Pretty clever! It sounds like a rattle but not quite. Took a break before Wawayanda Mnt and heard several people coming down warn about two black bears on the ridge. It started to rain and I ascended what they call the stairway to heaven in a thunderstorm. Probably not the smartest thing I've done but I knew the top was wooded and not open, and I'm tired of being afraid. So I went as fast as I could with wet rocks and a downpour which wasn't actually fast at all. I was just starting to doubt myself when I was startled by an enthusiastic "YEEHAW!" from behind me. Texas Poo whizzed by having the time of his life. Even though he scared the crap out of me, it was the best thing that could've happened. I couldn't stop laughing. It snapped me out of it and I killed that mountain. I laughed and threw my head back and I yelled right back at the thunder. Texans aren't afraid of storms. We hunker down for hurricanes! I don't think bears like the rain because I never saw any. I arrived at the shelter freezing cold and soaking wet but not nearly as insane with so many people around. Glacier Swiss saved me two slices of pizza that her amazing uncle brought up to their group and it made everything better yet again. Hikers really are the best.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I haven't had a zero in a week. I don't feel like I need one because I've had town food most days but I felt like I needed an easy day. I slept in. I tried to see if I could hike the entire day without sweating and was successful! It came with a hefty price of only a 12 mile day but I regret nothing. The weather was beautiful. There weren't any mosquitos until the very end of the day. I entered New York! I climbed a metal ladder on the trail. There were fun rocks to hop on and scramble up, and pretty views to be viewed. I stopped for some incredible homemade ice cream at Bellvale Farms. I haven't been here long but I'm pretty sure New York is my new best friend.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Saw a few familiar faces last night that I haven't seen in quite a while. Sad to learn that two of my favorite hikers have gone home. It's unfortunate when a person's mind has what it takes to finish but their body just won't get on board. More fun today with a few small scrambles and the lemon squeezer. More ice cream in the evening at Lake Tiorati Beach. I picked wineberries and put them in my lemonade. Harriman State Park was beautiful and grassy. The ups and downs are getting tougher than we've had in a while but the views are getting more and more worthwhile again. Tomorrow, my husband will be here! I've been struggling all day with the excitement of spending time with him and the nagging in the back of my mind that screams miles miles miles. I know that once I see him, nothing else will matter. Can't wait!
Date: 2015-07-24
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Bear Mountain Recreation Area
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

Got a few miles in and stopped to pick blueberries on top of Black Mountain. Looked up to see the New York City skyline on the horizon. It was an awesome way to start the day. Too bad my phone died in the morning and I couldn't take any pictures all day. After a mini heart attack crossing the fast moving Palisade Parkway, I ran into Krispy for the first time in months. We caught up with each other and I headed out again. It was another hot but beautiful day and I took my time because I only had nine miles until I met my husband at Bear Mountain Recreation Area. I hadn't seen him in two months! I got lost twice today but only briefly. The trail was a little hard to follow. I got a Snickers from a hiker who spends part of her summer every year hiking with extra food and drinks in her pack to give to thru-hikers. Very cool! Then I got distracted by vending machines on top of Bear Mountain. I passed the 1,400 mile mark at some point but I didn't know it was there until I realized it later. I was worried I might've been taking a little too long and my husband would be there before I was so I booked it down the mountain. I may have scared a few day hikers because I was going a little too fast. Sorry! It helped that the trail is super easy in that section because of all the rock steps. I made it just in time to eat some pizza before my husband arrived. We gave the leftovers to Wreck and headed to a hotel for laundry and my first shower in over a week.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: Bear Mountain Recreation Area

To: Wingdale, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Brought some trail magic out to RPH Shelter this afternoon and stayed through the evening to watch all the smiles. I completely forgot to take pictures. Oh well. I hope everyone was happy. They looked like it. I like this group that's around and I hope I get to see them again soon. I also got to see an RPH volunteer that I met at ALDHA's Gathering last year. It was a pretty cool surprise. Tomorrow, I hike with my husband! I can't wait to show him the trail I fall in love with more and more every day. I didn't hike today but I'm exhausted. It made me really appreciate trail magic even more.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Wingdale, NY

To: Franciscan Way
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday I forgot to take pictures at our trail magic. Today Iforgot to take pictures of hiking with my husband! I'm pretty impressedwith him. He did 9.2 miles his first day on the A.T. It was a pretty easysection but still. Houstonians don't have the muscle requirements to doanything other than walk on flat land. We got tired of trying to find aride to do the 7.3 from Graymoor Spiritual Life Center to Bear MountainRecreation Area where he picked me up on Friday so we decided to hike asmuch as he could one way and then I'd run to the end by myself and justturn around. I ran down to the bridge and had a hard time following theblazes. Saw Oilcan who said he was lost which meant I was lost too. Wejoined forces and found the zoo together. This place rivaled Gatlinburg inthe number of people present and in the amount of times I feared I mighthave a panic attack. Luckily he appeared to be having similar feelingsbecause we zoomed straight through only stopping once to drink from a waterfountain. Also, seeing animals in cages after seeing them in the wild formonths on end was a little depressing. I was happy to get it over withquickly. I ran back up after crossing the Hudson again and made it back tothe Appalachian Market minutes after my husband did. We were going to stayat Graymoor for the night but decided at the last minute to take advantageof easily accessible luxuries. We drove in our luxurious car to ourluxurious hotel and laid our heads down on luxuriously fluffy pillows undera luxurious roof that kept the rain and lightning out. This girl is spoiled!
Date: 2015-07-27
From: Franciscan Way

To: Clarence Fahnestock SP
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

I couldn't get motivated today. My husband dropped me off thismorning and I set out after a teary-eyed goodbye. I thought I would be fineonce I started hiking but I wasn't. I went home for a weekend in May and Iwas sad to leave my family but also happy to get back on the trail. Today Iwas just sad. Since I started this trail I've had to say goodbye to himfour times and it's getting harder and harder. I don't think I can do itagain. It was hot and humid and I just spent three nights in an airconditioned hotel room with the man of my dreams. I wanted to turn aroundso badly. I wanted to call him and tell him to pick me up and take me home.I didn't. I walked. I cried. I just plain gave up after 13 miles. I stoppedat Fahnestock just because it was better than continuing. I didn't swim orbuy greasy food or even take a shower. I managed to put on a happy face forJoe who was at his campsite feeding hikers egg sandwiches. They weredelicious and I was grateful but my heart wasn't in it. I said thank youand pretty much went straight to bed. I texted Young Gun first. We'vehelped each other through tough times before and I needed someone to tellme how far I've come and how close I am. He did just that and we've gotplans to meet up tomorrow evening. I have a feeling I'll feel better in themorning but if not I know seeing a familiar face will do the trick.Although I was in a funk today, I did see the biggest beetle I've ever seenand it was pretty cool. It was as big as my thumb! Tomorrow will be better.
Date: 2015-07-28
From: Clarence Fahnestock SP

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Went back to Joe's campsite this morning for coffee and another eggsandwich. He was also kind enough to let me get some water from him. Thepark's drinking water was super salty. We talked a little about hikingalone. He asked what I think about. I said, "Sometimes everything.Sometimes nothing." We both laughed. I can think about something in so muchdetail that I can break it down to its simplest parts or I can completelywipe my mind clear so that all that's left is the feel of the sun on myface, the breeze on my neck, and the mountains under my feet. The traillets me decide how much I want to think or not think and talking to Joehelped remind me of how much I love that. My plan was to hike just pastwhere Young Gun left off so he could catch up easily the next morning. Igot distracted by Waldo, who I haven't seen in forever. We both needed amental day so we went swimming with Magician and laid on the beach on ourTyveks until we were hot again and got back in the water. This went onuntil 2pm. Turned out Young Gun missed his bus and won't be back untiltomorrow. I want to hug the stuffing out of him but I can't wait aroundforever. So I hiked. There were nice views from Shenandoah Mountain andagain I was reminded why I'm here. Today was full of tiny toads,woodpeckers, and chipmunks who still refuse to play with me. I got to RPHShelter to find out that the soda I hid in the ladder under the bunks whilewe were there doing trail magic on Saturday was still there. Luckily, noother hikers were there to riot. I downed my Cherry Dr. Pepper and flew upthe trail. I made good time considering I didn't get started until the lateafternoon so I stopped to watch the sunset from Mt Egbert just before theshelter. I forgot what it was like to watch a sunset alone. It waspeaceful. I told you today would be better.
Date: 2015-07-29
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept terrible last night! Some jerkface left a bag of trash in the firepit and I was woken up all night long by animals digging in it. The mosquitos were out of control too! They swarmed under my rain fly and buzzed all night. Once I finally got going I could never seem to get above 2 miles an hour. It was hot and buggy all day which resulted in a half-assed attempt at a Dover Oak self timed photo. Biggest tree on the A.T. and I only had enough energy to hug it once. I did however stop long enough for the best trail magic banana ever. I was trying to hurry to Native Landscapes to say goodbye to Ghost but I just couldn't go fast. It didn't help that water was hard to find. He's going home for a week while he recovers from Lyme. The antibiotics are making him feel awful so there's no reason for him to suffer out here. I got there just in time to hug him before he got in a taxi. I drowned my sorrows in a meatball sub from the meatball truck down the street and headed off again. More bugs. I've enjoyed the company today but not so much the hiking. Can't wait to say hello to Connecticut tomorrow and take care of some business at the outfitter in Kent.
Date: 2015-07-30
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today was exhausting. I've been struggling mentally with everything. It took me 8 hours to do less than 13 miles. That's not good. My husband's visit was very much needed but he may have broken my brain. I used to hike because I loved it and now I feel like I'm hiking just so I can go home. It was so hot and buggy today that I actually got mad enough to wear my head net. If I got one more gnat in my eyes, I knew I would completely lose my shit. It wasn't all bad today though. I'm trying hard to focus on the positive so here goes. I really like water pumps which there have been quite a few of lately. Someone wrote in a shelter register that it makes them feel like a pioneer woman. I agree! I just wish they weren't all contaminated with bacteria. I am in Connecticut! I drove through last year on my way to ALDHA's Gathering and I am excited to get to see the trail here. I let Ten Mile River take some of the weight off my shoulders by floating on my back for as long as I could. Being suspended in water is the best way to clear my head out here. And it's sort of like doing laundry if you keep all your clothes on! I thought a thunderstorm this afternoon would help me pick up the pace by cooling me off but the rocks and roots were so slick that it slowed me down even more. It was nice to get a break from the bugs though. I got down to the road to Kent and tried for 15 minutes to hitch in before I gave up. I could've waited longer but I was muddy and soaking wet and figured I'd save someone the trouble. It was only .8 anyway. My plan was to go to the outfitter and get out as fast as I could. Not only did I not even go to the outfitter but I never made it out of town. I decided to reset my brain with pizza and pasta and fried pickles at the Kent Pizza Garden with Oil Can. It was soooo good. I ran into Binjali (sp?) and was surprised to see him with Coed. I'd heard he got off trail so I never thought I'd see him again. It was funny to talk about hiking into town in the rain while he talked about driving into town in the rain. I'm glad I got a chance to say goodbye this time. Now I'm camped in the backyard of the very awesome Country Clothes store after talking to my husband on the phone for half an hour. I'm in good company here and it's time I started appreciating it again instead of wishing I was someplace else. Sorry, husband, but you're gonna have to wait just a little bit longer.
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Kent, CT

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well, my friend tried to surprise me last night by doing some night hiking to catch up with me. He fell and hurt himself. I think he's okay but is really sore. I tried all morning to try to find a ride to him so we could at least hang out while he rested but didn't have any luck. I know it's not my fault but I felt bad. I ate ice cream for breakfast at Annie Bananie's while I waited for the outfitter to open. When I finally gave up trying I decided to zero to take care of some things I've been putting off. I got new insoles. The Dr. Scholls ones worked fine but didn't last very long. They've been duct taped for a while now. I also bought new socks. I got tired of sewing my Smartwool ones and just bought another pair of Darn Tough. I sewed up the holes in my new tights and got a good kick out of using pink thread to patch up Oil Can's shorts. We thought he should be more in touch with his feminine side. Patched a hole in my tent's mesh that isn't really big enough to let anything in but has been weirding me out a little because what if something gets in?! Ate ice cream for lunch while I debated on how far was too far to walk for laundry. Took too long deciding and it was dinner time so I ate a hot dog and ice cream for dinner instead of doing laundry. So productive today! Except for hiking. I did none of that. Planning a solid 17 minimum with Waldo in the morning though! My bets are on 15 but don't tell him that. Twelve if there's an ice cream truck at one of these road crossings.
Date: 2015-08-01
From: Kent, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Made a blood oath with Waldo to do a 17 mile minimum this morning. Okay, fine, we just talked about it. But he is nowhere to be found! Maybe he'll roll in after dark. It's okay because it gave me a goal and I met it. I'm pretty proud of myself. I've been in a funk since my husband left and I think a day off in Kent eating and being social with other hikers again was just what I needed to recharge. There were a couple of decent, if partially blocked views, and a nice flat rockless stroll along the Housatonic River this morning. It threatened to rain but only drizzled a few minutes at a time. The gnats were annoying but not too frustrating. The water sources are getting better. Sorry, New York, but your water sucked. I met a cool SOBO couple and we swapped info on places we liked or didn't like. The mosquitos at this shelter are out of control but I'm already safe in my tent. Today was a good day. If I feel this good tomorrow, I should hit 1,500. Exciting!