morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

I didn't sleep well in the shelter. The bugs were ferocious and I was very hot. I ended up putting on my wet shirt just to cool off. In the AM it was totally dry. Today was a long day. We were up and hiking by 7. We had to go up and over Stratton Mtn. It was about 6 miles up and over. It wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. Mainly because it had lots of flat spots on the way up and down. We were bummed though because it was fogged in and we couldn't see anything.The rest of the day was made up of lots of ascents and descents. My feet were screaming. This part of Vermont is very, very rocky, rooty, and muddy. We saw some deer while climbing up Stratton and another deer across a pond. We passed by a lot of ponds today. The bugs were really bad again.It is so bad that I am in my tent and it is only about 7pm. I got the one tent spot at the shelter. Karen, Susan, and Melissa have set there tents up over at an old shelter that is condemed. And, Stops a Lot is hanging his hammock up over near them. We also have a couple from Texas (Fuzzy and Pickles) who are doing a section from the Whites down to NY. Last year they did from Katadin down to the Whites. Very interesting couple. They are young, but met while working in a orphanage in Rawanda. They will be going back soon as missionaries for 8 - 10 years.Again, no real bird activity. Just bugs.The last four miles were tough. We passed a couple of hikers who told us that we only had a half mile to the shelter. It seemed like a zillion miles. Everyone was wasted by the time we finally reached the shelter.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Finally had a good nights sleep. No bugs and my tent spot was sweet. On a little grassy knoll, so it was softer than normal. Again we were out on the trail by 7. The couple had already left around 6 and Stops a Lot was still sound asleep. It was a good hiking day. Today was the kind of day that makes you love the trail. As apposed to yesterday which was the kind of day that makes you hate the trail. The terrain was so much better than it has been. Not quite as much mud and rocks. We did have some climbs, but once we reached the top it was so worth it. We climbed to a place called Glastonbury Mtn that had a very tall tower on it. The views from the tower were phenominal. You could see 360 degrees around. You could see Mt Grelock as well as the Taconics and the Whites. Spectacular. Plus, we were above the tree canopy. I love being above the trees. Spruce for miles and miles. We could even see some wind turbines off in the distance. We made good time and pulled into camp around 2:30. The weather was great - cooler than yesterday. The sun was shining and the sky was a bright blue. And, best of all not nearly as much mud. A few birds today including a lot of nuthatches. Tomorrow is our last full day of hiking - about 13.1 miles to the last shelter in Vermont.We met a thru hiker at the water source. Lost - she started on March 19th and is making good time. She is a student at Colby and needs to be done by the beginning of Sept. She should have no problems making it to Katadin by then. She is very young and it showed. She didn't look any worse for the wear considering she has done over 1500 miles. Oh to be that young again.
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Seth Wariner
Miles today: 13.1

Again, we were on the trail by 7. The only real hard part of the day was going to be the climb down into Bennington and back up. And, it was. At least for me.The down was not too steep, but had lots of rock steps. Going down really puts a strain on my knees. The pain is right at the end of the bones going into the knee cap. The climb out was very tough. For me anyway. It was about .8 miles up of rock steps. And of course they are not nice uniform steps, but just rocks that are acting like steps. It was very strenuous. The climb down killed my knees and the climb up killed my feet. My feet were hurting pups afterward and continued to hurt for the rest of the day. Other than this one section (about 3.5 miles in total) the rest of the hike wasn't bad. We have some great views of the Bennington Monument from Harmond Hill. Pretty cool.We pulled into the shelter around 2:40. We passed a woman hiker (M&M) who knew all about us. She had stayed at another shelter the night before with Fuzzy and Pickles. It was funny to have someone know who we were. She thought it was great that we were all out there. She was going from Dalton up toward Killington.The shelter area ended up being packed. There has to be around 20 people in the area. 5 thru hikers, the 6 of us, Stops a Lot, 4 teachers doing the LT, and a whole lot more people from Montreal. It was tent city and almost like a party. I haven't seen this many people at the shelter since I was in Georgia. The thru hikers were pretty cool. One is carrying a mini banjo (5-string), and one a harmonica (Cheeze - he is from Wisconsin). They started in Springer. A first year college student from NJ (Jersey Girl)who joined with them in NJ. Another guy from the DC area (Big Guy) who did from Damascus to Harpers Ferry last year, but got hurt. Who is going from Harpers Ferry to Katadin and an Engineer (Earl Grey) who also is going from Harpers Ferry to Katadin.   Earl Grey worked out a theorem that he used to calculate how fast you had to walk to cool yourself off. It included wind speed and slope and a whole lot of other things that were way over my math challenged head. We built a fire and they sat around singing. It was really great. And, a treat for the last night on the trail.My last day on the trail is bitter sweet. I keep thinking that I wished I could have kept going, but days like today bring back the realities of my feet and knee troubles. It is so very, very difficult to give up a dream due to your physical limitations. I keep thinking that I should have just sucked it up and dealt with it. But, then I know that is stupid. Each time I get off the trail - I can barely walk. And, I can't imagine what it would have felt like once I stopped after doing the whole thing.   I hope at one point that my mind learns to accept the physical limitations. I just need to keep telling myself that it is just a different dream now - still hiking just not all at once. We have a short day tomorrow, about 7 miles into North Adams. Once I reach the VT/MA border it will be one more state completed.   Yippee.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Seth Wariner

To: VT/MA border
Miles today: 2.8

Even though we are actually hiking 7 miles today, I am only counting 2.8 miles. I did from North Adams to the border and back last year.We left camp and were hiking by 6:20. The day was gorgeous. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and the trees were a vibrant green.   The trail was a little muddy in places but nothing compared to what we have already seen.The only tough part was a boulder field south of Eph's Lookout. Last year, Kiwi and I did it was not too bad. This year is wasn't too bad either because our packs were pretty lite. I think it would be difficult to manuever the rocks with a full pack. We passed a lot of hikers heading up the mountain.   Way too many to stop and talk to. Most seemed like section hikers.We got to Route 2 before 10. Pretty much a walk in the woods and a nice way to end the trip.I thought a lot about my mother on the way down today. Wondering what she would have thought about what I was doing. I think she would have been supportive, but I think she would think I was nuts. If I was, I am big ole can of salted almonds - not just plain old peanuts.
Date: 2007-07-03
To: Journey's End - for now anyways
Miles today: 0.0

For now, my journey is over. Hard to believe that I am done for this year. My time out on the trail has truly been an experience that I will not soon forget. The hiking was good, but it was not what it was all about. There is so much that I am sure that I will come to appreciate more and more aspects as I sit and ponder the experience.A couple of aspects stand out that I will never forget. One is the spectacular sights that I have seen. It is unbelievable that there are just so many beautiful spots in the eastern corridor. So, close to so many towns, but so beautiful at the same time. And, I have only seen a small portion, but it has been spectacular. Another is the people. Whether Hikers or Trail Angels or Town folks. All walks of life - young and old, male and female. I have met so many people that I will never forget. Each one has made an impact on my and all of the hikers are an inspiration. So many people who have taken up the challenge. Whether they succeed or not they have taken up the challenge.This is what I need to keep telling myself and accept in myself. A guy at work gave me a quote when I first got back to town. It says it all -"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat"   "Citizenship in a Republic" T. Roosevelt - speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910.Thanks Steve.I wasn't able to finish (for now), but I took the challenge and pushed myself and will come to appreciate that in the long run. And, I will finish.Good luck to all the Nobos, the Sobos, and the Section Hikers - may you all be successful with your journey however it ends.
Date: 2008-04-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

OK, so I am back again.   My goal this year is to do a couple of sections. First section up this year will be the state of NJ. Seems like a good section. My criteria for picking a section is how far away it is. Since, I am back working full time and the fact that I can only get a week off at a time, I need to pick sections that do not take days to get to.So, first up for this year is NJ. Haven't figured out exactly how long it will take to get down there, but since it is only 6 hours to the Jersey shore from here - it shouldn't be too bad of a drive.The plan is to go South to North - starting @ Delaware Gap and ending either at the NY border or just into NY state. The decision now is exactly when. I already put in for vacation the Friday before Memorial day. Figuring to drive down on Friday and to start hiking on Saturday. Having the holiday in there meant I only had to take 5 days of vacation, but would get a good 10 days off from work.   Well, as it usually goes - have a very large project implementing right before the weekend with it going live on that weekend.   Wouldn't be a good career move to not be here just in case stuff hits the fan.   Don't expect it to, but you just never know.   So, now I am trying to figure out when to go.I hope to make the decision in the next few days.   The Supply Queen will be driving me down and picking me up. And, she keeps hounding me so I promised her that I would make the decision.   More to follow.
Date: 2008-04-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The big question of the day that I have been being asked is whether or not my feet and knee are any better than when I got off the trail last year.Well, not exactly. My ortho did tell me to give it up and start biking. But, that really isn't working for me.   My knee is really no better and no worse. It is what it is.   A constant pain in the %$# - well you know - knee. But, I decided that I can't worry about it.The feet - well I have pads to put in my boots that really do make a difference. It doesn't solve the problem, but makes a big difference.   I am also breaking in a pair of inserts that I am hoping will also help.   If not, I will just keep using the pads.Still no decision about when to go. Soon.
Date: 2008-05-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finally had a chance to really take a look at the Trail info for NJ. And, based off of the mileage and terrain - I think I can do it in 6 days. Sorta feels like "name that tune". With that in mind, I will move my departure date out to May 30th. The SQ and I will drive down on Friday and I should be ready to hike first thing on Saturday AM.Based off of my plan - I should be able to make it to NY17A by the following Friday. Well, that's the plan anyway.Still gotta do some research on how to get down to Delaware Water Gap and to the town(s) near NY17A.   The Supply Queen will kill me if I don't have specific directions for her to make it back to Mass on her own and to make it down to NY on her own.   She likes driving far distances about as much as she like to hike on ledges. NOT.She is somewhat exciting though because she will do a little birding down in DWG after we get there.   Birding is what she loves especially the kind where she gets to drag out the old spotting scope.Starting walking with my new superfeet this AM. It'll be interesting to see how they feel compared to my orthotics. Never really felt like the orthotics did much. Got new metatarsial pads to put in for tomorrow.   Exciting stuff.Took a road trip over to LL Bean in Albany and got a new rain jacket. The jacket I used last year was a little too big, so I got a smaller size.   The jacket is actually like the one I had that got stolen. In the fall of 06 - I took a road trip up to Freeport to Beane and got a whole lot of gear. We stayed over night in Portland. Had a great time, but woke up the next day and the car was broken into and all the gear was stolen.   Not pretty.   The cop told us it happens all the time - the theives check all the cars parked at hotels along I95 and break in when they can.   Lost a lot of brand new gear including the coat. Ended up getting one at EMS. I like it - it is just too big.Will get all my gear out this weekend and will start to go through it.   Can't wait.
Date: 2008-05-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Got about two weeks to go before I head out. I know that it is only for a week, but it is still exciting non the less. I ordered the maps today to get the supply queen both to DWG and to Bellvale NY. Could have did a mapquest, but since I have AAA thought I would use it to get real maps.I have been buying supplies. Mainly snack items, and food stuff. Haven't planned the menus specifically, but just getting the general ideas. Dinner and Breakfast are always easy. It's the lunch that always throws me.Still gotta find a place to stay in DWG. Hope to get that out of the way tonight.Gotta drag all my gear up from storage and go through it. If not this week then definitely this weekend.Got the newest AT Journal in the mail last week. It was pretty cool. It had the listing of everyone who said they finished the 2000 miles. It was great to see so many people that I hiked with last year complete their journey.   It was also a great issue because there were a couple of letters from people I hiked with a lot and there was an article about a guy who carried an instrument on his hike. I met him in Vermont in July. His name was 5-string. It was great to read his piece and it was even greater because I was able to enjoy his music while at the shelter. Him, Jersey Girl, and another guy were singing some blue grass.   It was really nice.Gotta go.
Date: 2008-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Got my maps in the mail today from AAA. Very exciting stuff.I have been planning my meals (in my head) and will begin to get the stuff together this weekend.My golf league was canceled tonight, so I have some free time and will be dragging out all my gear to go thru.   It's funny - how when you did it the first time it was all so new. Deciding what you needed to bring. I feel like I know what I need to bring, but I'm hoping I remember everything I knew last year.The one thing I haven't decided on is which sleeping bag to bring.   Last year - same week I did Conn. It was hotter then Hades and beautiful weather abounded.   This year, I am not so sure.   I live in Mass and there is still frost some mornings. I have yet to be able to turn my heat off and keep it off.   Just cold and wet this spring.   So, I just can't decide if I go with my 0 degree bag (synthetic) or my 40 degree bag (down).   Ugh. Decisions.Well off to gear check.
Date: 2008-05-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have pretty much gotten all of my gear ready.   My food is all set. But, I am rethinking it again. (as usual).Originally, I was thinking about only carrying 4 days of food.   And, stopping near Lott Road for the final couple of days.   I ended up packing the food for the entire trip.   Again, like I said though I am debating.   Because it does seem like there will be food available - not so much resupply type food, but concession stands.   Looks to have one stuff available at Mohican Outdoor Center and again at High Point St. Park.   I think I have too many snacks again.   Don't know how it will finally turn out.Decided to go with my 35 degree bag and liner. It is lighter and it looks like we may have turned a corner as far as the weather is concerned.I told my boss today that I will not be bringing my blackberry with me.   Besides the whole trail etiquette thing, I do not really want to be responsible for it while on the trail.   I have been known to fall while hiking and I don't want it to get smashed nor do I want it to hurt me.   So, I will spread the word that I will be unavailable.   We'll see how that turns out.The Supply Queen and I will be heading out fairly early on Friday.   If I had my druthers - I would get there an slack pack some on Friday.   And, then have her drop me off Saturday morning further up the trail.   I am not one of those people who have anything against slack packing.   To me if you walk the 2000 miles - you've done the trail.   I must say though - other than when I did Mass - I have pretty much carried my pack the entire time. Not that that is anything special or anything - just a fact.I really am looking forward to getting out on the trail again.   Nobody that I am close to can understand the pull of the trail. Prior to getting on the AT - it was just being out in nature. The sights, and smells. The textures and colors.   But, now it is like an obession.   I have to finish this. It is not like it really matters in the big scheme of things, but I just have to do it.I do wish though that my physical body would cooperate more.   My knee is as painful as ever. The way I see it is that I can deal with anything for a week.Just can't wait.
Date: 2008-05-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am pretty much ready to go. I went over my food again and did decide to not bring a couple of items. Nothing too drastic. I'm not worried about starving.I got everything all packed up. It is amazing how you forget about all the little things that you brought or had with you before. Not stuff you didn't use, but stuff you did. I had a hard time remembering exactly what clothes I had with me in Conn & VT. I did remember not feeling like I was missing anything the last time.   I wasn't too hot nor was I too cold. At this point, it is what it is.I weighed my pack and it wasn't bad. Could it be better - oh sure. If I could I would probably replace my pack. But, seeing that I live no where close to anything resembling a good gear store - it is not that easy to find a pack that fits. My pack (Gregory something or other) is heavier than I would like, but it fits and I don't have any problems with it at all.   The pack fully loaded except for water was around 30lbs. I'll take it.I broke the news about my blackberry to my boss. He seemed alright with it. I guess he will be until he tries to get a hold of me. I found a penny at lunch today - so maybe the good luck goddess will be looking out for me out on the trail and my team here at work.
Date: 2008-05-30
To: Heading Out
Miles today: 0.0

The trip down to DWG was pretty uneventful. The SQ and I got on the road about 8am. Traffic wasn't bad and we made really good time. We didn't even speed to conserve on gas. Got to East Stroudsburg around 11:30. We did end up getting a little lost trying to find the Water Gap Country Club. We went north on 611, but should have gone south.We finally did arrive. The place is a 18 hole golf/country club. The place was hopping. There was some kind of fundraiser tournament going on for ALS. So, we almost couldn't find a parking space. The room was pretty simple - bed, TV and not much else. But, that was ok because we really didn't care. We did end up bringing our golf clubs, so we set up a tee time for later in the day. We headed into the great town(s) of Stroudsburg and DWG. Not much happening in either place. A few stores and a couple of food places. We scoped out a place for dinner.   Got back to the course in plenty of time for our 2:30 tee time. The course was really one big hill and mighty, mighty slow. We were only scheduled to play 9 holes - good thing because we might still be out there waiting. There were 96 people in the tournament, plus whomever may have gotten off before it started.   We waited pretty much on every shot on every hole. Took over 3 hours for the 9 holes.   But, again it didn't matter because the weather was great and the course was in the mountains so it was very pretty. And, a slow round of golf is way better than being at work. The place is pretty neat. They have a scramble (type of play) every Friday night. So, again the place was hopping. They also have an outdoor bar that had a DJ going and they were serving $2 Corona. It was nice to sit and have a snack and relax. Pretty cool.We headed back to town for dinner. Found a great Turkish restaurant in downtown Stroudsburg. Authentic food. I had Donner Kebab which I hadn't really had since I was in Turkey a zillion years ago.   And, the best rice I've had since then also. Headed back and got everything ready for the AM. Less than 12 hours and I will be out hiking again.   Sweet.
Date: 2008-08-15
To: Next Up
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it has been a while since I have updated.   Haven't really had any time to do any hiking, but if all goes well that is about to change.My plan was to attempt to do one more section before fall.   And, working for a toy retailer - not much time after to hike as we get ready for Christmas. I was debating about going back down to Erwin and trying to finish up to Damascus or to do NY State.   Well, with time commitments and life in general I am not going to be able to go down to Erwin.   So, I will be doing NY State.I am going to take a week off in Sept to do it, but I would like to get some done before hand to cut down on the time it will take.Believe it or not I have talked the Supply Queen into doing a small section. I know - I may be crazy, but we'll see how it goes.   We are going to go back down to the Conn border and start were we left off last year.   Again, like last year I had hoped to be able to do an overnight with her, but it just isn't going to work out.   She doesn't have the right equipment and I don't wan t to take a chance that there wouldn't be any room in the shelters and I wouldn't want to take up some space that a thru might need.   We decided to slack the 20 mile section.   The plan makes it work pretty good.   We will bring two cars and work it that way. First day will be about 9.2 miles and the last day about 12+.   Very doable and she will be glad that all she will need is her day pack and stuff for the day. We plan on staying at a motel instead of trying to drive back home. I am psyched.   I will get 20+ miles done so that when I do do NY - I will have about 60 miles or less left.We will be doing our thing next weekend.   So, wish me well and based on the topo there shouldn't be any cliffs that will send the SQ over the edge. More to follow.