morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-12
From: The Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: The Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

This was probably the most relaxing 0 day I've taken. I had things to do but DWG is small and all tasks were easy to accomplush which left me time to sit, relax and update my TJ.It was very warm last night. I attempted to sleep with all the flies open so I could catch any breeze. The tenting area is behind the church fellowship hall which has a light that shines all night. Nalso there is traffic noise from the hi-way. I did get some sleep. Also, we are moving more eastward so the sun rise is a bit earlier. I was awake around 5:17 thinking I'd slept late cause it was so bright. I was able to cover my eyes and doze for about another hour. A group was going to breakfast so I hopped up and joined them: pancakes, eggs and bacon. I came back to the hostel and hand washed all my clothes cause there are no laundry facilities in town. It turned out fine. I hung them all, was diligent about flipping them thru the day and I had clean dry clothes to put on after my shower for dinner.After laundry I walked down to Pack Shack as they were the outfitter to repair the Leki poles - she didn't have the part for mine and sent me to Edge of the Woods. They didn't open till Noon so in between, I went to the bKery ND had an apple turnover and a coffee then I went to the PO and picked up my food drop and back to the hostel to sort food. I still have so much I was able to send a box on to Unionville. I'll have food and my prescription there on Saturday.A bit after Noon I went to Edge, he fixed my pole and helped me with new shoes. I tried on at least 8 pair. I went with a lighter Vasque boot. I like them and am excited to give them a go tomorrow.I had lunch with Smiley at the bakery then went back to the PO to send the old who's back to the HF outfitter and to send my drop box. Then to the mini mart for a few snacks. The rest of the afternoon I updated my TJ, answered emails, downloaded 2 new books and just hung out with folks at the hostel. Late in the afternoon Buffalo and his gang and TinMan came in. Probably another full house tonight. I took another shower, put on clean clothes and went to dinner alone at Sycamore and a Napolean from the bakery for dessert.I'm very thankful for a calm day.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-14
From: Campsite after MOC

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a chilly night. The wind blew all night and kept the clouds moving. I was thankful for my sleeping bag even though, at times, it was too warm It's difficult to regulate the temp. I still managed to sleep well. It was a hard day for me yesterday , my feet were really hurting. Today was much better. My feet felt ok, cool tmps and decent walk. I had just started walking when Smiley, Buttons and Milo appeared; they camped at the spot I thought of stopping at, where the '55' was written on the big rocks. Anyway, I hiked with them till lunch time, they were going to Branchville for the afternoon. I was hungry and not interested in town and then a night hike out.There were a few steep climbs today; reminded me of VA - straight up to the Ricky part and PA cause it was very rocky. Again, so thankful for my new boots.Trail Magic early today - drinks to mark the 1300 mile mark. Cold drinks are always appreciated.Some pretty views today. That's goodness and reward for the climbs.I had lunch at the Brno Road Shelter. I was planning on chiling, reading my book and being alone. El Flacco and Catalyst showed up and soon after Fresh, a local guy who is with the Forestry Service. So much for quiet. It's ok. I enjoyed talking wih them. I left and the over two were shortly behind. They were going to Kevin's for lunch which turned out to be dinner. I walked over there when I got to the road looking for ice cream. Kevin's didn't open till 4 and there was no ice cream so I hiked on; got water and found this campsite about half mile past the shelter.I saw 2 deer this morning, lots of chipmunks and squirrels; a buck this afternoon with part of Shia antlers missing on one side. He was very calm about me watching him.The mosquitos are bad. I've gotten new bites even with the Avon spray.I'm thankful for my feet recovering. A few more days and I'll be good.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-15
From: Campsite

To: Jim Murray Property
Miles today: 17.9

A screech owl woke me shortly after midnight. It took me a few times hearing it to identify what was making all that racket. I didn't go right back to sleep; I read for about 30 minutes. I started a new book a couple of nights ago, 'A Game of Throns: A Song of Fire and Ice'. I like it so far but I've been so tired I've not been reading like I had been in the past fee weeks.It was windy again last nigt and chilly. I used my bag as a blanket and was comfortable. Needs my jacket this morning. What amazes me is how vicious the NJ mosquitos are; it was chilly and windy and I still was bitten at least 6 time while packing up. I couldn't get the bug spray out quickly enough and some of them are so nasty they land andbite even with the spray.Ah, well, it was still a pretty morning. I got an early start and wa able to enjoy the woods coming awake. Not as much birdsong here. I wonder if it's the windy mornings.To celebrate 100 days on the Trail I touched the first 100 blazes I passed. On #12 I took a pic of me kissing the blaze and #23 I took a pic of the AT sign and blaze. It was something to do! I also took a couple of pics from the Pavilion - another place in NJ wih an almost 360 view. Pretty with he clouds stuck in the valley.So, I'm bopping along, trying to not be annoyed at how slow I'm moving because of the rocks and I get attacked by a swarm of mosquitos. In my effort to get away from them I ended up going down the wrong trail; at the intersection with the red trail I went that way. It was probably close to 2 miles in before I became conscience of my error. I was totally thinking of other things and not paying attention. Then nothing looked familiar when I turned around. I probably wasted at least an hour being lost. I stopped, took a deep breath and prayed. After a few minutes I continued down the Trail and things started to look familiar. I finally came to the intersection and realized how I made my mistake. All is well that ends well. I got back on course and hiked on.I had planned to go to the beach and concession stand for ice cream to celebrate 100 days. When I made the logistics error I figured it wod be too late but I hit the path shortly after 13:00 so I went down. Glad I did. Very nice people: let me charge my
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Jim Murray Property

To: Pochuck Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

I slept really well last night high up on Jim Murray's property with Flame. It was quiet and cool. Several folks showed up after I'd gone to sleep: Smiley, Milo, El Flacco, Buttons, Teflon (Glen). There was quite a bit of dew last night, I should have dried my tent today. I just got it andaid it over the picnic table, it can dry a bit.I headed out with Flame and Teflon for Unionville. It was about 2 miles so we made it early. Luckily the grocery was open. They had fresh pastries and made breakfast sandwiches. I had a chocolate donut and coffee as wel as egg muffin with cheese and bacon. Then shared orange juice and rounded it out with an apple turnover. Got my drop boxes from the PO; sorted food and prepared boxes to send out. Cheetah and DVD. Glad I finally got to meet DVD since I found her glasses. Pink Floyd, Just Steve and Handstand, from Germany, showed up. I was just hanging waiting for Libbet. She showed up about 12:15. So good to see her. She looks great. We sorted through her gear and food. Decided to get subs, set half for lunch and save the other half for dinner. It took us a few minutes to find the road we needed to start on - Quarry. We did and set out. LL got a great taste of the AT today. Lots of variety: hills, rocks, board walk, road walking, swamps, flat around the wildlife preserve and now a night at Pochuck Shelter.She did great. There is a very steep climb up to the shelter and she was a trooper.DVD and Cheetah showed up for a break at the shelter. They are trying to do 20 miles a day to finish by the end of August cause he has. Flight back to Amsterdam on 6 Sept. 9.6 miles tomorrow. Start with a climb that rolls for about 4 miles. Should be interesting. Nwe'll be fine.Tonight I'm grateful for friends and blessed to have LL with me.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Pochuck Shelter

To: The Scottish Inn, Milford, PA
Miles today: 9.6

Rippit and I are in for the night at the Scottish Inn in Milford, PA. Thanks LL for the room ND dinner!Neither of us slept well last night. I don't sleep well in shelters: the bugs are bad, I was hot, cold, blah, blah, blah and I had eaten a Snickers, the chocolate that late wasn't smart. LL was not use to sleeping outdoors, the bugs and noises kept her awake.Anyway, we were up early and hiking before 7. Good thing cause it took us the entire day to hike the 9.6 miles. There were some ups that would be difficult for anyone on their 2nd day. She did fine. A bit of whining at the end but we kept pushing on and made it. We finished up about 16:30. After a shower and a good dinner she was feeling better about it all.I'm exhausted and calling it a night.I'm thankful for the time with LL and her willingness to try new thingsHike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-18
From: The Scottish Inn, Milford, PA

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm in my tent at the Wildcat Shelter and we are getting light sprinkles of rain. It's hot and humid. I was already drenched in sweat so it's difficult to cool off and dry off, too.Good day. I slept till 7 am! That cool, dark room wih a comfy bed was like heVen. Nonce I woke I did a few TJ updates, thT was nice. I finally decided I needed to get my stuff together and started doing that. Ripper was awake then so we quickly got packed up and out. Went to the Milford Diner for breakfast. I had my usual: pancakes, eggs and ham.'mshe took me back to New Milford, Narrett Road, and I started hiking.Of course I got teary saying good-bye. I really was thankful and touched in m heart that she came and spent two days with me. I'm also grateful for dinner, the room and breakfast. She is definitely my Trail Angel.I officially crossed the NJ/NY border. It was actually marked so I was able to get a pic taken by Brother of the awing.I liked today's hiking. Lots of walking on the big flat boulders and some hand over hand climbs. One section had an actual ladder. I did some interesting maneuvering to get up/down some of those rocks but I made it and that's all that matters.Went to Bellvale Creamery. The best ice cream I've had on the Trail. I had 4 flavors: Bellvale Blob with Pralines and Cream; the , Coconut with Great White Road. The coconut had chocolTe covered almonds and the Blob was dark chocolate with brownie pie Ed. White road was white chocolate pieces and raspberry swirl. Yes - 4 scoops! Totally yummy!!Life after the AT, when I can't eat this way, will suck big time...LOLBOTW was at the Creamery. We talked to a nice local family; the Dad wants to hike someday. We walked to the shelter together.Tonight I give thanks for LL!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Campsite near Arden Valley Road
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

I'm in for the night at a stealth campsite about .5 m from Arden Valley Road. On AVR is access to Lake Tiorati which offers showers wih soap! and vending machines. After sweating today like I've never sweat before I went there for a shower. Took my clothes off, rinsed them out, cleaned my body and put on the wet clothes. It felt great. I had a bag of peAnut M&Ms and a ginger ale so I was good to hike the .3m back up the hill to the AT and find a campsite with Guardian, Trolley Stop and BB. Nice evening. Cooler than last night and no rain in the forecast.It didn't rain long last night but hard and long enough to have a wet tent that needed to be dried today. Wasn't a problem. I found a good sunny spot for lunch and dried it out.There were some steep, rocky climbs today. I had been told his was a difficult section starting at Wild at. I believe it. The humidity was so high, too, I felt like every step was weighty. The TrIl thru Harriman Park is beautiful: high canopy trees with long range views and the lake. Steep climbs all thru the park. My feet are tired. By lunch time I felt deposted - really needed to eat to get energy. Water was an issue, too. Fortunately 2 groups provided water Trail MGic: Tuxedo Club and John and Susan - thanks so much!My plan was to stop at Fingerboard Shelter; it as too early and there was no water; going to the lake solved that problem as they had a spigot. It was an easy hike to a campsite after.Tonight I'm grateful for cooler temps and again for the H2O TM!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Campsite near Arden Valley Road

To: Holiday Inn - Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 14.1

About all I can remember from today is an uphill that seemed like it was going to take me all the way to heaven. West Mountain - steep and long. I've never sweat so much in my life. I feel like I am drinking gallons and still want moreMet two SoBos: Black Cat, started 1 June and Jason, started 16 June - he is flying! For the first time I about a week I saw deer today, 4. In NJ and now in NY it's squirrels and chipmunks. Very little birdsong.I slept well last night; it cooled down and was actually comfortable. Got a 6 am start. Nice to get some miles in before the heat set in on top of the humidity. According to the forecast it's suppose to be 100 in NY on Friday - yikes! Need to keep that in mind as I'm walking.I came into Fort Montgomery to do a bit of resupply. I had a liverwurst sandwich at the deli. Not much available for food resupply. Got some snacks and crackers and bagels from the local place. There's suppose to be a market in about 6 miles right at the Trailhead - maybe they will have some other stuff. I'm good for now. I've enjoyed my afternoon in the a/c. Had BBQ for dinner, not as good as Swallow.Oh, I saw a ribbon snake today.Tonight I'm grateful for a/c and clean clothes.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-21
From: Holiday Inn - Fort Montgomery

To: Dennytown Road Campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Week 16Flame's friend, Pigeon, came in to the hotel today to do slack packing for Flame and Trail Magic. She started with me by giving me a ride back to the Hudson River Bridge so I didn't need to walk almost 2 m just to start my day. That was a very good thing cUse I barely made it theist mile today. Mercy! It was so hot and humid. I know y'all are tired of reading that everyday but it is true. After walking across the bridge the Tra then went along the road, uphill. By the time I got 20' up in the woods I was sure of one thing - it was going to be brutal today. I took off my shirt, figured no reason to sweat it all up, and hiked in my sports top. It was cooler but my lower back is rubbed raw from the pack. Ouch. Not sure what I'll do about that tomorrow.Pigeon was at he first road crossing with TM - cold drinks, fruit and snacks. So nice. We hD other TM from Happy of cold drinks - they were heaven sent! And, hen Pigeon was at my last road crossing - bless her heart. A real Trail Angel. She was picking up Flame and they were spending the night at the Holiday Inn. I'm a bit envious cause it is hot tonight. No breeze yet, I'm hoping.The terrain today was not nearly as tough as yesterday. Still it took me all day to do 14 m. I didn't start til a bit after 8, took a break almost every hour and took a lunch break at the Appalachian Market on US 9 - great market, nice people and I had a really good sandwich: the Funky Chicken with Russian dressig, chicken, bacon, cheddar melted over with lettuce and tomato. I wanted ice cream but decided it might mKe me sick with the heat. Between water, Gatorade, lemonade ND 2 sodas I felt like I drank 2 gallons of fluids today.For most of the morning I could heR the artillery fire from Camp Smith, which is about 3 m from Fort Montgomery. Not pleasant and no birdsong. Sad.I did see a deer late this afternoon; always squirrels, a few chipmunks and a black snake. The snake count is getting on up there.The woods are pretty; mainly high canopy with little ground cover. Other places sparse trees and acres of mountain laurel and blueberry bushes.It's just so hot it really is difficult to enjoy much. Suppose to be 100 tomorrow with a heat index of 109 according to Pigeon. Lord help us.Tonight I'm grateful for the 14 m I did.Hike in!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Dennytown Road Campsite

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: few clouds

Last night was very hot; almost impossible to fall asleep. First night I've slept with all the flies completely up. It was so still I really thought I wod never fall asleep. I watched the stars which was really neat and I did fall asleep but kept waking up, drinking water and fanning myself. Around 3 am the temps dropped and I slept well till about 5:20 when it was so bright it felt like mid-day.When I was settling in, rather late, there was a bunch of commotion in the woods, sounded like locals out for a fun evening. This morning I found out it was El Flacco and the gang. They were howling and playing around....okGot about a 6:30 start. It was hot. I tried to take it easy, take breaks, drink lots of water. Overall I made good time. The walk was not difficult today until the last 4 m to the shelter. I met up with Pink Cloyd, Handstand and Larb at the Shenandoah campsite - very nice. I would highly recommend stopping at least for wTer. Pretty spot with great camping spots. Went on to the RPH Shelter, another nice spot, and had lunch there before heading to th deli market. Had a B&J ice cream, hung out with the guys then ordered a sandwich to go and hikes out to the Morgan Stewart Shelter - there were some tough climbs in those 4 m. I regretted saying it hadn't been a bad walk.Had TM from The Bishop and Hiker Mom, thanks for the sodas. Later there were ginger ales - under a bag of ice! at the Stormville Mountain Road and I 84 trailhead. I had to pick up that bag of ice to make certain it was real. And ginger ale is my favorite - thanks to whomever left those.It is cooler tonight. Still hot though. All my flies are open, I'm hoping to catch a breeze.I enjoyed my liverwurst sandwich. Didn't have room for my dessert, black and white cake. I'll sVe it for tomorrow.Today I'm grateful for the TM cold drinks and lots of cold water available from pumps and spigots.Met Spud and his dog Lucy and 2 section hikers from Manhattan Christian School in Kansas. Nice guys doing 70 days.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter Pump Campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

I thought it was coing off last night but it sort of stalled; no breeze and it was very hard to slep. Kept the flies open till I changed clothes this morning. No dew last night so my clothes were dry - that was different.It as a warm start. The walking was fairly easy. I was planning to to only 10 m to the landscape center so I got a later start. It sprinkled on/off for a few hours so I changed my mind about camping there. Also, had some great TM under the Dover tree: 2 retired IBMers who have been section hiking and want to do the AT in total. Mae had a great chat. Thanks for the Gatorade, carrots and chocolate cookies and water refill. Best of luck with your daughters wedding and your AT plans. Let me know if I can assist. I felt refreshed after that great break so I had a bratwurst at Tim's stand and hiked on....ugh! There were some steep climbs in the afternoon and it was wicked hot.Nuclear Lake this morning was pretty, Canadian Geeze swiIng in there. It looked very inviting.The AT RR stop, however, looked kind of run down and lonely - just a sign and a bench. Guess anything more would not be needed.Almost done with NY. I'll be in CT tomorrow. Looks like CT is bringing it on with a big climb at the state line and another just a couple mes later. We are gearing up for the big mountains again. Should be interesting to get back in that groove again. I'm ready.I'm in for the night at the pump, which isn't working, north of the Wiley Shelter. I couldn't see any reason to hike back to the shelter when a campsite was right there.Tonight I'm grateful for cool waterVery little birdsong; chipmunks, squirrels, butterflies; a few centipedes. Pretty woods with those open, long range views. It's been great NY; lots of TM and good peopleHike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Numeral Rock Trail Campsite

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: moderate rain

Hard to believe tomorrow I will have less than 700 miles to Kathadin. After today I'm definitely ready.It was cooler last night but still muggy. I pulled down the flies except the one over the door ND eventually closed that one as well. Didn't need my bag but I was chilly in the early AM hours.Not bright and sunny this morning, overcast with a nice breeze that dissipated when I got on the east side. Several rocky steep climbs today and an interesting walk along the Housatonic River. The river goes from wide to naroe; some wide places are shallow while others are deeper with rocks and ripples. Other wide spots have islands and some are deep with the water appearing to have a swift current. I enjoyed the water alongside.Not so much the water from above.Before mid-morning it started to rain and is still raining and suppose to continue till about 2 am. The steep ups ND downs were not fun in the rain with everything slippery. Nthe sods themselves are beautiful. Everything needed rain and it all looks clean and perky now.Much cooler. I put on dry clothes and I have on my rain jacket and am in my bag. So glad I didn't send it home. I would not have been happy tonight.Due to the rain I missed lunch. I ate my apple and a granola bar on the move as well as my Rolos. When I got settled I opened the Fritos then made. Peanut butter and honey sandwich....good stuff. Now I'm eating the dark chocolate with cranberries bark I bought yesterday. It's really yummy.I'm in for the night at the Pine Swamp Brook Shelter.Met Bacon Jam, a SoBo, he is here in the shelter. He did TM and got me wTwr when he went to fill his bladder...thanks!Today was tough. I was tired. My feet hurt and, although I was trying to have a good attitude, I was having a tough time. I fell twice which pissed me off. Once. A limb hooked the loop on my boot lace, jammed into my foot and down I went face first in the wet leaves. The second time I was crossing the creek right before West Cornwall Road; I was thinking, these rocks and limbs are slippery. Yes, they were. On my butt. I was eating my Rolos, I sat there and finished. Grrr! Another .7 to the shelter in more rain.Tonight I'm thankful for dry clothes.Hike on!Scribbles