morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-21
From: unionville. 

To: 1356.3 (Vernon, NJ - Church Hostel)
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is day 89, Tuesday. I am currently in Vernon, NJ at mile marker 1356.3. I did 10.7 miles today. Yes, still hiking and literally taking it one day at a time. That is all my little mind can handle right now. I do know I will hike tomorrow.... and that is all I know at this point. I do appreciate all the e-mails and calls regarding my hike. I know this is my decision and I hate being in such a flux ...not knowing what the hell I am doing (staying or going). And for those of you who know me.... I am usually quick to make decisions and then "go with it"... so, maybe this is one of my lessons on the trail. Sometimes decisions are TOUGH and there is such a push pull in what to do. I know...I'll know when it is time. Yesterday...it was time - - at that moment. But, then when I ran across Little Kiss and Snake...they lifted my spirits and invited me to walk with them the next few days. So, I decided to accept that invitation and get it a go. Trust me I am not the only hiker out here trying to figure out what the right decision is. We are at a point that....we are all very tired, the heat is upon us, the logistics get VERY OLD, eating spam, etc...all gets very old. With all that being said: Today's hike was a nice one. Short and full of NJ board walks. Just two climbs that were not very hard. I understand that NY (which I will be in tomorrow) has some hand over fist climbing... So, the easy board walks today felt good. Today was hike naked day. Snake decided to take part in that tradition. He is too funny. He informed me that he was the first kid in his high school that streaked ....so I guess it was all very familiar to him. It definitely made me laugh. We made it to the Chruch Hostel at noon. We had to hitchhike into town. The 3 of us were picked up by a local lady who said she like to, "help out the hikers." We are in the basement of a church that has a washer and dryer, shower and floor space. The donation is $10. The grocery store is a 5 minute walk away. I have my sleeping bag set out on the floor...claiming my space for the night. We have a taxi coming at 7 a.m. for a ride back to the trailhead tomorrow. We plan on a 17 mile day. Might be a bit much due to the climbs but that is where the first shelter is located. Thanks again for those of you following along. I will continue to walk until I fell as though I am "done" (thanks Chris C.). I would not look at it as quitting... I would simply be "done" with this journey. Wherever that is.... it will be just fine. I'm walking tomorrow.I have added a few pictures to the photo section....
Date: 2016-06-22
From: 1356.3 (Vernon, NJ - Church Hostel)

To: wildcat shelter. 1373.4
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 90, Wednesday. I am currently at mile marker 1373.4 (wildcat shelter). I covered 17.1 miles today. After an OK night at the hostel ( just did not sleep well.. Everything else was great) I walked to Dunkin Donuts at 5 for coffee and bagels and donuts . I also ordered a sandwich to go so I could have that for lunch. Snake (S), Little Kiss (LK) and I left the hostel at 7 and we were walking by 7:15. It was a pleasant day with a nice breeze.   The highlight of the day was making it out of NJ and into NY. That makes 8 states are completed. The next big highlight was seeing... From Prospect Rock.. A very faint outline of NYC. Now let's talk about really big highlight... We walked an extra .2 mile to go to a creamery. I had an outstanding vanilla shake. I think she put at least 6 scoops of ice cream in it. I could barely finish it!! I had that and then we walked our last two miles to the shelter. So far just the 3 of us here. But, I know there will be more as there is a chance of rain. Someone asked me a good question::: why do I journal and maybe I might want to think about only updating every now and then. Here is my answer. For those of you who don't really know me... I am quite the private person. So doing the journal and sharing as much as I do.. Is NOT the norm for me. But, prior to doing this trail I followed several thru hikers (via their journals)   I learned so much from their honesty and willingness to share. So, I wanted to do the same... And give back to the hiking community... And to allow those who dont hike... A look into the life of someone on the trail. And I will always be honest with my emotions, feelings, struggles, challenges, etc... It is important for people who are thinking of doing the trail to see all sides of what to expect. I also keep the journal for myself... So I can look back at my journey. Shout out to Trotter... Hoping she is feeling better. Today I enjoyed hiking with S and LK... I just stay I the back and walk with them. I kept my mind blank... And just went with the flow. Nice. Ok ... Chores and supper... Then bed. One more hiker has arrived. A woman from Japan ... Tomorrow I'll hike.
Date: 2016-06-23
From: wildcat shelter. 1373.4

To: mile 1393
Miles today: 29.6

Today is day 91, Thursday. I am currently at mile marker 1393.0 (William Brien Memorial Shelter). Today I covered 19.6 miles. Last night my sleep in the shelter was not that good. I never could really settle my mind and the mosquitos were buzzing around my head all night. So, tonight even though we are at a shelter, I have opted to sleep in my tent. I usually sleep better in it anyway. Today we started hiking at 6 and did not finish until 5:40 pm. We had several rock scrambles and passed through the New York Lemon Squeezer. To pass through the Lemmon S most people have to take their pack off and carry it in front of them. Since I am built like a two by four (meaning no hips and no ass) I was able to keep my pack on... But I did have to lift my arms over my head to fit. We are having a very hard time finding water in NY. All of the creeks are dry. At several of our road crossing people have been very nice and placed gallons of water for the hikers. Without this trail magic we would be in trouble. We walked off trail to the Lake Tiorati beach because we could get water there and a free shower. So, at 3 we made it there.. I took a shower and put my stinky, wet, dirty clothes right back on after my shower. But guess what.... I still felt so much better after the shower. We all filled up with 3 liters of water and carried it 4 miles to our camp site. Adding that much water makes my pack feel like 40 lbs!! Especially at the end of the day. Yesterday I asked Cruise missle if she liked the hike so far. Her reply was, "I love it." It made me wonder because... I sure don't love it. A lot of the time I don't even like it. So, at lunch today I asked Snake and Little Kiss the same question. Both said... No, they don't love it. They like different aspects of it. But most of all they like the challenge. My thoughts are... I like some parts/// meeting people, trail Angels, seeing beautiful sights, hearing others stories... I don't like: being dirty all the time, eating what I have been eating, being away from home, my feet always hurting. Daily I think about what the trail has already taught me and I give thanks for that. I know this journey will end... Whenever... But I also realize that I will carry , with me, so many life lessons from being on this trail. Tomorrow we will pass through Bear mountain near Fort Montgomery, NY. We will pass through bear mountain zoo which is the lowest point on the AT (177 feet). We will cover 16.6 miles tomorrow and stay at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. Tenting is free at their ball field and there are showers. Sweet.Tomorrow I'll hike. Heck if I don't... I'll still be in the woods. So, I have to hike!! But, I also want to hike . BTW.. I think it is pretty amazing how often I can post from the middle of the woods. I think I should get a contract with Verizon... Just to give them props for such good, far reaching service.. While on the trail.
Date: 2016-06-24
From: mile 1393

To: 1409.6
Miles today: 16.6

Today is day 92, Friday. I am currently at mile marker 1409.6 (Graymoor Spiritual Life Center / baseball field). This is near Peekskill, NY. I covered 16.6 miles today. I slept well in my tent last night ... Much better then in the shelter the night before. We were packed and walking at 6:05 a.m. We are still having issues with finding water. So, when we do find it... We end up drinking like a camel and then loading up our bottles (heavy).   We made it to the Bear Mountain Inn at 9:55. We asked about buying breakfast but he said... Sorry we just closed and won't serve anything until lunch. But then he said... You guys go up to the restaurant. We did and there was still stuff from the breakfast buffet. He said... Help yourself. Don't say that to 3 hungry hikers. We filled our plates and ate... Quite well. And!!!! They gave it to us.... Free of charge!! How sweet is that. From there we walked through the bear mountain zoo. Then across the Hudson River. We walked another 7 miles to a road crossing that had a good quick stop... Deli and all!! Here we bought sandwiches for our supper and food for the next 3 days. We ran into several other thru hikers doing the same thing. From there we walked one more mile to the Graymoor Center where we pitched our tents and took... Very cold showers. The shower is at the ball field. Just cold water. But it felt great. I took my shower with all my clothes on.. So I could wash them. Gosh do they stink!!! Anyway I washed them and then I took my own shower. Now my clothes are hanging from the benches on the ball field. I already have all my food set up for the next three days. We will have a long 20 mile day tomorrow. Our next few days will be in the woods at shelters. We are slated to make it to Wingdale, NY on Monday. No other news. I miss Chrissy!!!
Date: 2016-06-25
From: 1409.6

To: RPH shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 93, Saturday. I am currently at mile marker 1428.4 . I covered 19.1 miles today. I am at RPH Shelter. Believe it or not, this shelter is near a road and the local Chinese restaurant delivers!!! So, Snake, Little Kiss, myself and two other hikers, Ounce and Gram ordered dinner!! Sweet. We left camp this morning at 6. All of us had heavier packs because our tents were wet from very heavy dew. The hike itself was not that bad. Not many climbs... That is always a bonus. We stopped around 2 at a state park.. Clarence Fahnestock. There we all downed extra fluids and took another cold shower and promptly put our stinky clothes back on. Oh well!! After the break we hiked another 7 miles to the shelter. And what a sweet shelter. It has 4 walls ... Only the second one I have seen like this. There are 3 bunks ... So place for 6 hikers. We were here first so all three of us have a bottom bunk. Wow... We are living large today. There is a pump out back for water so we all filled up the bucket and took turns soaking our feet in the cold water !! There were several volunteers here when we arrived and they were, rightfully so, very proud of their shelter. We spoke to them.. Heard their stories and thanked them so much for such a cool place. Again... A reminder ... The small things in life mean so much. I am very grateful!!Chrissy travels tomorrow to FL to be with her nephew for some medical issues. My thoughts are with them all. Prayers!! Good night.
Date: 2016-06-26
From: RPH shelter

To: Tonys Deli
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 94, Sunday. We did 19.9 miles today. And we are currently camping at 1448.3, in the side of Tony's Deli (near Wingdale, NY).   OMG... What a find !! $2 for tenting, the deli is open until midnight and then reopens at 3 a.m.   Sweet, sweet, sweet. There are 7 of us here... So far.. It will not be a quite night as we are next to Route 22....but who the heck cares. Not us... That's for sure.Here is the other great news. My niece, Jeanette who happens to live in CT right now is only 45 minutes away. She will pick the 3 of us up in the morning... Take us to Kent, CT where I will get new shoes and then she will take us to our hotel in Wingdale, NY. I know I have a big family ... And I do love that... But what are the odds that Jeannette and Jeff would be so close to my location. Thanks Jeanette!! The hike today was not anything special other then it was pretty flat!! The big issue continues to be the lack of water. It is a major concern We were actually only scheduled to do 16 miles today but since there was no water we kept walking so we could end up at the Deli. It was well worth the extra 3 miles. We all set up our tents... Moved the picnic table closer to our tents and promptly each had 2 beers. Oh my... Yes, I even feel those two beers. But, now I am having milk and cookies... After my burger and 2 lbs of fries!!! Also today, we crossed the railroad tracks that have a train station allowing you to take the train into NYC!! A few things: I have not washed clothes in a week and OMG do they stink!! My feet are killing me. I do hope new shoes and 2 days off help ease that pain. I have still been in my head quite a bit... Not a good place to be. I am still walking with little kiss and snake. Trotter is back on the trail/-/ go girl!!Cinderella and tickle (her dog) are here camping. I last saw them in VA. That's a treat... I love the puppy kisses (sorry Sammi). Last night I was talking to my Mom and I said.... Mama, I have worn the same shirt for the last 3 months !! Her response. Oh , no please don't !! For those of you who know my Mom... Always dressed to a T, make up, lipstick , hair perfect... I could hear the ... Oh no.. How could my daughter do that.. In her voice. But after I said... But Mom it is the only short I have ... She said. Well, ok then. And we both laughed. Ok. Good night. Looking forward to the next two days. Thanks again, Jeanette!!
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Tonys Deli

To: 0
Miles today: 0.0

Today is day 95, Monday. We slept on the side of Tony's Deli last night. The best part is... At 5 a.m. I woke up, walked 75 yards and bought a fresh cup of coffee. I sat and watched an old episode of Superman ( because that is what the local guy was watching). It was quit entertaining. And I was schooled on the history of superman ... All before 6 a.m. All 3 of us had breakfast, read the paper, dried our gear and packed our packs and then our trail angel, my niece, Jeanette, her two daughters arrived to shuttle us around. She brought us to Kent , CT so I could purchase shoes, then to the grocery, bank and ultimately back to our motel for the night. OMG... What a blessing she was. Oh and to boot... She cooked an awesome meal for all three of us. Can I tell you how good some Louisiana cooking taste !!! Think of your favorite thing... And that is what her meal was like !!! Both Snake and Little Kiss were blown away by get willingness to help us... And provide a meal for us!!! Thanks so much Jeanette. Family--- so important and sometimes not appreciated. I appreciate all, 20, of my nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Jeanette, today. Love her!!Now I am sitting in a motel... Feet up.. As they are extremely swollen and tired. We have had a change of plans. Tomorrow will not be a zero day. We will push on. And, we are actually 7 miles further north then I had recorded. That is even better. I had us at the wrong exit. Ok back to the hike... All is good. I have to admit that regardless of where this adventure is fulfilled and I am ready to go home... It has been such a rewarding time. Physically and mentally the toughest thing I have ever attempted.   People ask what is my favorite part... And by far it is the people I have met...mostly... Off the trail. The willingness to help total strangers just blows me away. And I love hearing their stories. It reminds me of watching the Sunday Morning Show that highlights ...good things (for the most part) in the US. Well, I could add to that show... All the wonderful people, with stories of their own, who want to help. Gosh.. What a special feeling that people who don't know you... Really care about you. I have included a picture of Wendy and her dog Lucy. She works at the motel... I sat with her for about an hour to hear her story. Lovely lady with nothing but good in her heart. And she shared how one of her jobs is to ride in horse trailers, with the million dollar horses, as they travel across the country. I would love that... So to hear her experience with that was a special treat to me. And her dog Lucy... When her owner passed away, Wendy took her in and gave her a loving home. That speaks volumes to me!!Oh another note... Chrissy's nephew had good news with his medical issue... That too makes me very happy!!Ok.... Tomorrow I will hike. Shout out to Conductor Blue... Hope to see you again. Keep me posted on your progress. I have added several pics to the photo section.
Date: 2016-06-28
From: hwy 55

To: stewart hollow shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is day 96, Tuesday. Currently at mile marker 1473.7. Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter. We covered 17.9 miles today. And, yes, we are in CT!!!! We decided NOT to zero today... I can't remember why... But regardless... We walked. CT has been nice so far but we did have a very very steep decent.   Which can sometimes be harder then a climb. Every thing was wet from the rain last last. Snake feel a record 3 times today. All were pretty bad but he kept going. Little kiss fell once but not a bad one. I was the lucky one who stayed on my feet. Trust me... My turn will come. We are staying in the shelter tonight as it is calling for big rain tonight. Rather listen to people snoring then pack a wet tent in the morning. There are two flip flop hikers here, at the shelter, who just started their hike 2 days ago. It is interesting listening to their conversations. I had the same conversations when I was in Georgia. Now I feel like I was rather naive. But... We all learn as we go. And these two hikers will do the same. But of course we are sharing with them... Our knowledge.. Hoping it will make their journey a bit easier. Today we lost a legend... Pat Summit. Wow what a trail blazer for so many. I am glad I was able to see her coach. Life is so dang short. With that in mind... Don't forget to tell those you love... How important they are to you. And remember how blessed we are to have people who care about us !! I thank and appreciate all of my family and friends. My new shoes were good today. But my right knee is not happy with me. I now wear tape and a brace. Hummmm... Ok. Off to eat my spam sandwich. But I also have a treat... Pretzels!!
Date: 2016-06-29
From: stewart hollow shelter

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: thunderstorm with light rain

Today is day 97, Wednesday. I am currently at mile marker 1491.8. ( Falls Village, CT). We covered 18.1 miles today. It was a good thing we slept in the shelter last night. It rained so hard! All I kept thinking was... Thank goodness I dont have to pack a wet tent in the morning. Sleep was not that good but again I was very blessed to be dry! Even Lucky Dogs snoring was palatable . So we did our hike today... Which was uneventful and the path was not as slippery as yesterday (even with last nights rain). This was nice and no one fell today. I did speak to Ounce and Gram about yesterday's hike and they too said how slippery everything was. Ounce said she fell twice. We made it to Falls Village, CT where we are camping behind a local cafe (Toymakers Cafe). But, prior to our arrival we read there was an outdoor shower, for hikers use, at the local hydro plant. So, we walked there first and all three of us stripped down to our undies and took showers. All while the traffic drove by, the workers painted a wall... It was quite funny. At this point ... Anything goes. Tomorrow will be a short day. We will walk a little over 7 miles to Salisbury , CT where we will stay in a hostel. This stop is necessary as both Little Kiss and Snake will receive packages, from home. The place we are camping... It is quite funny. Hippie guy and gal .. Probably in their 60's. (Look at pics.. See their van parked in driveway ). Anyway, I spoke to them and they said... You must not leave until after breakfast tomorrow. We make the best sweet potato waffles. My response... Say no more -- I'm in!! Coffee, waffles and then a short hike. I wish every day was like that. She even said they get their batter from Louisiana. Ha.... Yet another sweet potato connection. As crazy as this sounds, I am looking forward to sleeping in my tent. It is my little home. I did walk to the package liquor store and met, Pat the owner. I told her I might be back later for a small bottle of wine. She said, "oh honey, pick it out now and I'll get it cold for you." Then she told me all about the village... Where I should order my food .. And that the library had wonderful computers that I could go use. She was a sweetheart. When I go back I'll take her picture and add it to the journal. She is also the tax collector for the town .
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Sallsbury, CT

To: Hemlock shelter 
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 99, Friday. I am currently at mile marker 1512.6. I covered 13.8 miles today. I am in MA!! I crossed the CT / MA border today. I have completed 10 states !! When I say that out loud...or even stop and think about it... I can't believe I have walked from Georgia to here!!!Last nights sleep, at the hostel, was very good. I was up and ready to go at 6. After coffee and cereal, Vanessa, the hostel owner, drove Snake, Little Kiss, Lucky Dog and myself back to the trail head. We knew we had two big climbs today and the weather was NOT going to be good in the afternoon. So, we started our hike pretty quickly but about an hour into it I received a text message from Snake, who had fallen behind. He indicated that he needed to rest a bit. We decided to stop and see if he could catch up to us. But, we received another text and he said he needed to turn around and go back to town. We then saw two south bound day hikers and we asked if they could check on him and maybe give him a ride back into town. Turns out they were both doctors. This fact made us feel batter. Fast forward : Snake went to the emergency room ... Test were run... Bottom line he was dehydrated. He sent a text an informed us that he was no longer mentally into the hike and he will head home tonight. Home is Florida for him... So he took a train to NY and will fly home on Saturday. He walked over 1500 miles!! He did an awesome job and we will miss him. Little Kiss, Lucky Dog and myself continued to hike... Quickly, as we could feel the weather changing. We made it to The Hemlock Shelter and now we are waiting for the storms. They are calling for sever weather with possible tornados. Yikes!!! I'm just glad to be in a shelter.