morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-11
From: Brink Shelter 

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was a short day of hiking but was long, hot, humid and exhausting. I am finding that some of my shorter days are more demanding than my long ones. This section of the trail has designated camping areas and I decided the next shelter was more than I wanted today.We headed towards a place called Gypsy Tavern which is on Kittatiny Lake in the hopes of getting fuel, water and town food. After an invigorating 3.8 miles we came upon a road and met Jack who was offering trail magic from his car. Met other hikers for conversation and enjoyed an ice cold water. Jack also gave us a cn of fuel after we called the store and discovered they didn't care it. So generous and kind of him. It was only midmorning but we made our way to Gypsy and discovered a beautiful oasis on the trail in the firm of lakeside seating with chairs, tables and hammocks with on credible view and service. Gyps is hiker friendly and let us charge our phones inside as we ate outside. I had left over carrot cake for breakfat and my eyes are bigger than my stomach so I ordered a cold beer, media pizza and 8 chicken wings. It hit the spot and it was delicious, but I couldn't eat it all. I felt so great and energized that I decided to try my one minute plank with my pack on in the green grass gazing at the lake. It took more effort than I should have given it but I did it. Feeling very accomplished today!Finally we had to hike on. Not so easy after the full belly and plank. 91% again today. Need more water and gatorade on days like this and starting between 5:30 and 6:00am helps a lot physically and psychologically.We met Drifter, another woman hiker, at the shelter and she shared her homemade tofu jersey her husband had made for her. It was out of the world delicious! She also spotted a scarlet Tanager which I had never seen before. It is a gorgeous bird in brilliant red with jet black wings and tail that is hard to find because it likes to stay high in the trees. I managed to get a couple good photo I think. Jack also ended up camping at the shelter with us along with a few other interesting hikers. We capped the night of with a little bit of powdered apple cider and fireball that someone shared.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: High Point Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning greeted us with more birds singing at 4:30am. I love the sound of this music. I wake up so early sometimes I just have to lay there until it is not an undecent hour to get up. We arrived at Sunrise Mountain just in time for a beautiful sunrise seen from a large stone Pavillion right on the trail. It w as close to a road so I imagine plenty of locals take advantage of this spot. I know I would. We passed two shelters today before we stopped at the third during a 13 mile hike. This was unusual in that they were so close together. We met Grasshopper, the ridge runner at one of the shelters. He was friendly and full of information. He was interested in our choice of flip flopping instead of the traditional north to south thru-hike. We all talked about avoiding the crowds and less impact on the trail with this version. I am very happy with the choice I made. A lot of hikers comment on how many flip floppers there are this year and so many were not aware this was an option. I tried doing a reclining pigeon pose on the bench part of the picnic table while talking to Grasshopper and rolled right off and landed on my hand. It looks like I've got a bump or bruise on it now and I can't press down on it. Better than being injured on the jagged rocks. New Jersey is feeling a lot like Pennsylvania at times.Towards the end of the day we cane to High Point State Park and rested for a good hour and a half. Nice restrooms and large space inside with lots of outlets to charge phones and look at exhibits on black bears and wildlife. The kind folks even gave hikers a free soda after signing the hiker log. I sat outside on the big grassy lawn and conversed with other thru-hikers passing through. There was a concession stand and swimming area half a mile off the trail and I really wanted to stop and swim on this very hot day, but I passed this opportunity just to get to the shelter earlier and rest my achy feet. What is happening to me? Out of character for me to pass up a chance to swim. Have I become a thru-hiker who marches from shelter to shelter or destination to destination? Something to think about as I hike all day. These shelters are such a nice reward at the end of the day and offer an opportunity for some interesting conversations.
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Pochuck Shelter 

To: Wawayanda Shelter 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a good day, a really good day. There were a lot of uphill and downhills which I prefer over continuous rocks. The mosquitoes are starting to get pretty bad especially when the same one doesn't leave you alone for a mile or two and finally dives into the corner of your eye and gers stuck. I've started putting on 100% feet which I don't like, but my 30% feet wasn't even phasing them. I've bought a bug net which I am carrying for when it gets really bad. We stopped to have lunch on the side of a road in the grass and planned to skip the ice cream shop that we knew was nearby. We were resting up for a climb that we were told was "brutal" and known as "stairway to heaven." Across the street was a deaf deer that smelled foul. We talked ourselves into checking out the ice cream store, and I sure am glad we did. It was right around a bend and is appropriately named Heaven Hill Farms. A beautiful spot with picnic tables and flowers for sale everywhere. The view from our table on the porch revealed the mountain we would soon be climbing. Our short break turned into a longer break as we enjoyed fresh fruit and a bottle of wine from their winery which we carried with us. Absolutely gorgeous spot with great music as well.The climb was steep and long and rocky and crowded with day hikers in fresh clean clothes and perfectly styled hair. I admit I was a little jealous because I could smell myself and I had a peek in the mirror at the farm. It's been about 5 days since I've showered and washed my hair. We came to a spring on the upclimb and scooped dirty water with our cut up water bottles as little cups. We finally made it to the top with all the other day hikers. So worth the hike and I understand why it is so popular. Love seeing all the families with their children and dogs enjoying all this beauty. We could see the boardwalk we had hiked on earlier this morning and the road we crossed and even cooler was being able to see Heavenly Hill Farms where we just ate. Spectacular views and great pictures I hope. I hiked on in a great mood after this and was happy that I had pigged out on fresh fruit instead of ice cream. I had my eye on a homemade pie but learned my lesson from the cinnamon bun I had yesterday.I met Caboose and a couple other hikers who are tenting tonight despite the rain. There was no water at the shelter but it was an easy half mile hike to a water spigot at a park headquarters. It was a great day and now I am enjoying some of the wine we carried. My feet are not quite as sore now. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: NY 17A

To: NY 17
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Robert from Anton's on the Lake dropped us off at the trail at 8am. Our goal was 16 miles today and we planned to be finished no later than 3:00 when the thunderstorms were expected. It was a beautiful morning and felt completely different with hardly any weight on my back. I felt more comfortable looking into the forest instead of my feet. Shortly into the hike we came to a spectacular waterfall surrounded by big and bigger rocks. This is the first wat er full I have seen and took some time to stop and take it all in. If it wasn't so early I would have soaked in the cool water. Instead I took the trail straight up on the stepping stones so nicely placed instead of the normal jumble of rocks I get stuck or turned around in. Shortly we passed Wildcat Shelter that we almost made it to last nightWe encountered another boardwalk and pond which have been commonplace the last few days. Love this because where there is marsh one can spot birds, turtles, deer and all kinds of beautiful creatures. We climbed up and over Buchanan mountain and I did some more butt blazing. Lots of ups and downs today. We crossed several roads today and at least three times encountered trail magic in which someone left about a dozen gallins of water and apples at one point. It always appears when needed and is greatly appreciated. Our speed slowed because of the rocks again and suddenly it didn't feel so easy even while slackpacking. The skies opened up just as scheduled and we were still on the trail. I decided not to put my rain jacket on because it was so hot. Big mistake, but I am still learning. We were in a down pour with loud thunder. The trail turned into a muddy river gushing towards us as we climbed up and gushing down as we climbed down with some sliding and falling thrown into the mix. It was so comical we had to laugh like crazy people. Even so I still didn't fall as much as I did yesterday so that was a good thing.Finally we only had four more ups and downs before we reached Highway 17, which we had decided would be a good stopping point today considering the weather. The last climb up is called Agony Grind and the name speaks for itself. It was challenging especially in the rain and quite scary for me. But I made it! Not sure how at certain moments, but I did. By the time I made it down Ardennes Mountain I was completely fatigued and shaking from the freezing rain again. Next time I will where my rain jacket. Lesson learned. Robert picked us up again within 20 minutes. What remarkable service! A hot shower and fried raviolli, tomatoes soup, pesto pizza with portobello mushrooms and the best shepherd's pie I've ever had from Murphy's made me feel brand new again.So nice to go to sleep in a real bed. I highly recommend a stay at Anton's. It really is a beautiful setting. I see why so many people choose to vacation here.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: NY 17

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up early this morning in anticipation of Robert driving us to where we left off yesterday and conquering another day on the trail. My feet and body told me otherwise. I felt like I didn't have an ounce of energy. This is the first time I have felt like this since I started. Being a crazy but wise hiker I decided it best to listen to my body. After finding many ways to justify this decision Little Prince decided it was a smart move as well.It was a perfectly sunny and gorgeous day of course unlike the last few days of hiking in the rain and storms. But, it was also a perfectly good day to paddle around the lake in the paddle boat Robert offered us to borrow. It also allowed for an opportunity to finally swim in a lake. More good food too of course.I am taking a bus to NYC tomorrow morning and meeting my daughter Breanna and grandbaby. We will spend the day there and plan to meet my niece Nastassja who is interning at a bank and my nephew who has a job interview. The bus station is conveniently only a 10 minute walk from Anton's. Next I will take a train to Connecticut to stay with my daughter for a few days. Isabelle is only 10 months old and I can't pass up an opportunity to visit being this close. Isabelle's grandfather Jim is a superb chef and he loves to prepare to large and tasty meals. I can't wait.Little Prince is going to visit family as well, and Robert has graciously offered to stow our backpacks for us until we return.
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Greenwood Lake

To: Norwich, Connecticut 
Miles today: 0.0

Don't they have restrooms in trains? It was very long 1 hour and 45 minutes. I met Breanna and Isabelle outside the train station because I couldn't find the hall with the big clock and became totally disoriented. So happy to see them! Isabelle has grown so much since I last saw her at Christmas. Such a happy baby and so much personality! We went to FAO Shwartz and found a humungous stuffed caterpillar from Eric Carle's book "A Very Hungry Caterpillar." This was my favorite children's other when my children were growing up and this book was a big hit whenever I was story mom and read to their classes. It seems like just yesterday but it was a long time ago. I didn't tell Breanna but it did make me think about all the caterpillars eating the leaves from the trees in the forest. What a mess they are making.NYC was over stimulating for me and too much walking for my sore feet. Too many people and confusion after being in the wods for so long. I felt like I was going to fall asleep and I couldn't even push Isabelle's stroller without running into people. Trey ended up getting the job with United Airlines so we were not able to meet him. Congratulations Trey! We also couldn't meet Nastassja after her job because the last train leaves at 4:30. We are now on our way to Norwich.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Norwich, Connecticut 

To: Norwich, Connecticut 
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a great day spent with my daughter and grandbaby, Paul and Jim. Isabelle has just started walking so this is a great time to share this milestone with her parents. Lots of delicious food to eat all day long. Thank you Jim for your hospitality again!Very surprised at how tired I am and how badly my feet hurt just standing up. I guess the timing was just right for a few days off. All I want to do is want to do is hold Isabelle, eat and sleep. Sorry Breanna. I wasn't too much fun today.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Norwich, Connecticut 

To: Norwich, Connecticut 
Miles today: 0.0

Today my daughter and Paul took me to the brand new Columbia Outlet store in the Foxwoods Casino next to where she works in search of a new hiking outfit. I have lost enough weight that my skirt turns sideways on me, and it doesn't have enough room when doing the serious climbing that requires crawling like a crab.I have been contemplating looking for a hiking dress instead because I don't like the irritation from my shirt under my pack if it gets bunched up. As soon as I walked into the store I saw the perfect hiking dress and made a beeline for it. Plenty of fabric for the rock climbing, built in sunscreen and water resistant. I'm told it dries instantly. This we shall see. I love bright colors and I found a perfect shade of purple. Can't wait to try it out. I also picked up a new shirt and smaller hiking skirt. It feels like Christmas! All this for only $56 including tax. What an amazing deal.Another great day spent with family!
Date: 2015-06-21
From: Norwich, Connecticut 

To: Norwich, Connecticut 
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Father's Day to all Dad's, but a special wish to Paul on his first Father's Day and to his father Jim. Isabelle is so lucky to be loved so much.Thank you so much for letting me stay with you again and opening up your home to me.I miss my Dad today. He was the biggest influence in my life and loved to hike as much as me even though he preferred the Colorado mountains. I feel him with me everyday as I journey along the trail.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Norwich, Connecticut 

To: Norwich, Connecticut 
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow morning I take a train and bus back to Greenwood,Connecticut and will be spending one more night at Anton's on the Lake before hiking Wednesday morning. Little prince will return the same day and we plan on continuing to hike togethet. Bear Biscuit has gone on ahead and is making great progress.I have continued this journal while off trail so that it continues to set the correct date each date. It's a feature I find very helpful and I don't even have to think what day it is.I have sprayed all my new clothes with permethrin to help prevent ticks and will continue to retreat everything.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Norwich, Connecticut 

To: Anton's on the Lake
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My journey through train, subway and bus was stressful to navigate and took over 6 hours because of all the comutes going to work. I am so grateful for my time with Isabelle and Breanna, but have been missing the trail and am anxious to resume my hike. I decided to go back to my Salomon trail runners even though Merrell said they would mail me another pair of Moab's. I realized on the bus that I had left my super feet insoles at my daughter's inside the Merrell's. I also left behind my camera charger. She is kind enough to overnight them to a post office in Fort Montgomery. I purchased a cheaper pair this afternoon at CVS to get me by for a couple days.Had a relaxing afternoon again at this great Lakeview oasis. More good food too!Can't wait for tomorrow morning.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: NY 17

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was a perfect day! A perfectly beautiful day. Lissette dropped us off at 17 where we left off days ago. My pack felt kind of foreign on my body after not having it on for several days but after a couple of hours the weight shifted into its proper places and I almost forgot I had it on at times. My feet felt pretty good despite forgetting my super feet insoles. The weather was gorgeous and the forest was open and full of views as we hiked through Harriman Park. My friend Kevin grew up in this area and I can understand why he enjoyed it so much. This beauty and terrain makes up for the difficult days I had in New York so far.We went through an area full of rocks noted as the Lemon Squeezer. The guidebook says to be prepared to take your pack off while squeezing through the narrow rocks. I was able to make it through with my large pack still on my back so I was feeling quite pleased with myself. A few minutes later I came to a rock face requiring hand over hand climbing. Despite my self doubt I managed to make it up without taking the easier blue blazed trail that went around the rock face. Victory!The trail continued through beautiful grassy fields and ferns were abundant. Perfect places for a picnic and nap so I had some more trail mix and a nap on my tyvec.To make my perfect day complete I saw a bear crossing the trail in front of me and I was able to take two photos before he sauntered off into the woods. This made up for the time in New Jersey when I couldn't get my camera out in time. Yay! The shelter tonight is made of stone and from a distance looked like it was part of the boulder piles on the edge of the trail. Pengine is here as well and it was nice to chat with her again. I love hiking in my new dress so far. It's cooler and dries quickly. A great first day back on the trail.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: North of Fort Montgomery Zoo
Miles today: 10.7

Another beautiful day in New York and more gorgeous weather. Saw many virestaurants today of the Hudson River and even saw the NYC skyline through a haze. Signs said it was only 34 miles away. It looked less intimidating than it did walking on the streets of the city a few days ago. Today was great for many photo opportunities which also gave me an excuse for lots of small breaks. We hiked up and over Bear Mountain which did not disappoint with lots of ups and downs over rocks. This was challenging at times but does not compare to the jagged rocks of Pennsylvania that I still have nightmares about. After Bear Mountain we actually walked through a zoo in Fort Montgomery that I was looking forward to just because of the cool factor. It was actually sad to see animals in cages however even though a big brown bear looked like he was having a lot of fun playing with his toys in the water. I enjoyed a slice of pizza and some french fries from the concession stand. I would have loved to have spent some time relaxing by the water but I had to get to the Fort Montgomery post office before it closed.By this time my feet were seriously aching again and I am hiking even slower than before my break. The walk to the post office was one mile along a busy highway with construction. After picking up the package with my insoles and camera charger my daughter sent me and my food resupply from my friend Norma we say on the ground outside to repack and rest. Thank you Norma and Breanna! We were talking about our long walk back to the trail and the big climb up the mountain when I very kind man came up to us and offered to drive us to his home and feed us and let us spend the night. I was floored and could not believe the generosity of a stranger. We took up Moose's offer and had a thoroughly enjoyable evening with great food and liquid refreshments and great, great conversation that went on throughout the evening. His homemade beef stew was amzinh. Moose thr-hiked the AT 40 years ago and had so many great stories to share. Thank you so much Moose. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated and I will always remember this evening. The greatest moments are always unplanned.
Date: 2015-06-26
From: North of Fort Montgomery Zoo

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning to the smell of eggs and bacon cooking after a restful night of good sleep and good company at Moose's home. Moose lives in an old English home with a lot of history. He showed us the beautiful stained glass windows he has in his work that that was from 1850 and used to be West Point Academy. After drinking Scottish brwakfast tea and a mouthwatering omelet and broiled bacon we packed up to get back on the trail. But first Moose drove us through West Point for a tour since it was only a few miles away. It became easy for me to even remember that I am hiking. It was after noon before we were hiking over the bridge through Fort Montgomery and up the steep mountain we had expected to climb late yesterday. Meeting Moose and getting to know him was a pleasure indeed.My pack felt exceptionally heavy with the mail drop from Norma but not for long. The hike was up and down but short today and enjoyable. Saw a few flocks of wild turkeys with mommy's and babies. Our destination was the Graymoor Spirutual Center and it did not tske long to arrive. This is another popular place for thru-hikers to stay. The monks allow hikers to spend the night in an open grassy ballfield with a pavilion and cold shower and privy. I am sleeping in the open tonight since it is such a nice night and rain is not expected until tomorrow. I didn't even cook dinner tonight or have a chance to lighten my food bag as there was an Appalacian Deli right on the trail half a mile from Graymoor. My eggplant parmesan sub filled me up. Another beautiful day in another unexpected way.Happy Birthday to my Dad today. I love you and miss you.
Date: 2015-06-27
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center

To: Dennytown Road
Miles today: 8.1

Today was a very rainy day which really slows me down. There was a big storm expected so I had another short day. The plan was for more mileage today, but the storm was exactly on schedule and we were lucky to find a camp ground in a state park at the same time. We got our tents set up right before the rain started early afternoon. It was a good day to rest and catch up on sleep. We noticed the road near us was noisy with constant traffic so we went online and found a Texas BBQ place only 6 miles away. We called a cab and found ourselves at a friendly and old style BBQ joint with great food. I had fall off the bones ribs,french fries and fried okra. I couldn't even eat it all but I sure tried. We closed up the place and Jim the owner was kind enough to give us a ride back to our camping area. Another great town and people. I really wish I had more time to spend in these small towns that I normally would never see.The rain is coming down hard on my tent and is expected to last all night and until late morning and then again in the afternoon. I'm thankful the trail is not as difficult as it has been. Enjoying the last couple of days in New York.