morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-29
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 13.5

DAY 115We were up pretty early and packed up as quietly as we could. The local bakery opened at 8, so once we were ready we headed there. We each ordered a hot tea and a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. Of course they also have cinnamon buns, so we each ordered one of those as well. We were certainly full as we put our packs on and headed back toward the trail.We were excited to get back on the trail today, because once we cross the Delaware we will be out of Pennsylvania. As we crossed the bridge, it would actually move as the big trucks drove along beside us.We were stopped at a rest area just after the bridge when Taylor hiked in. We crossed under I-80 and then headed back into the woods.It's about a three-and-a-half mile hike into Sunfish Pond, and we stopped to stretch just before the pond. When we were stopped stretching, some day hikers came along. We talked to them for a bit and learned that the younger girl had done a section of the AT in 2015. Her trail name was Derp. When she heard my trail name is Earl Grey we learned that's her favorite tea. And when Mary introduced herself as Purple Haze, she said that's a good beer.Deluxe, Murph, The Godfather, Flip, and Meatloaf came along just as we were finishing stretching.The Trail goes along the side of the pond for quite a while, and we saw several frogs as well as a water snake swimming in the pond. As we were standing by the pond looking at an exceptionally large tadpole a Ridge Runner named Sugar Magnolia came, she stopped to chat and we inquired what those large tadpoles were. She told us they were bullfrog tadpoles. As we hiked along the ridge, we enjoyed some blueberries as well as the views. When we came to the trail to the Mohican Outdoor Center, we decided we'd go in and enjoy cold drink and lunch. We each got a Peak iced tea and were happy to receive a cup of ice to go along with them. We brought our food bags in and made peanut butter and fluff sandwiches, and enjoyed some time relaxing on the couch.I inquired about the lake, and was told by one of the workers that he swims in the lake every morning. So, we decided to go down and enjoy a swim. The water was quite warm, and we were able to get right in. But it was still very refreshing.After enjoying our swim, we decided we better get back on the trail and get a few more miles in. We hope to get up early tomorrow and start hiking before the heat and humidity kicks in. When we got back to where the trail goes back into the woods, there was Butter sitting beside the trail. We talked to her for a few minutes and then headed on up the trail. Tonight we are camping at a nice site all by ourselves.So far New Jersey has been a Wildlife mecca. Today Mary almost stepped on one snake and then a little further down the trail she nearly put her pole down on a rattlesnake. Also, just as we came down off the ridge tonight we spotted a bear up on the rattlesnake trail. We also saw several bunnies today.
Date: 2018-06-30
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Gren Anderson Shelter 
Miles today: 17.9

DAY 116This morning we had the alarm clock set for 4:30. We wanted to get an early start to try to avoid the heat of the day. The forecast called for temps in the 90¢s, and high humidity.We got up had tea, and I enjoyed a bowl of cereal and Mary enjoyed her pop-tarts. We were on the trail by just after 6 a.m.We did about 6 miles before we took our first pack off break up on the ridge.We got to Mountain House Tavern around 2:45. The first thing we ordered was a glass of ice water for each of us. Then we ordered a Lagunitas IPA. Mary had a salad with steak on it and I enjoy the bacon burger and fries. We headed outside but it was so hot we decided to go back in and enjoy the air conditioning and some dessert. We split a piece of carrot cake.We couldn't put it off at any longer and headed back to the trail. It was hot, humid and extremely buggy. We made it to Gren Anderson Shelter and quickly set up our tent as the mosquitoes were vicious. We tried to quickly clean off with some water from the spring, and now we are laying in our tent as the mosquitoes buzz outside.
Date: 2018-07-01
From: Gren Anderson Shelter 

To: Secret Shelter 
Miles today: 18.3

DAY 117The alarm went off at 4:30 again, this time we both got right up and got going. Neither of us got much sleep last night even though we tried rinsing off. We were both still sticky and hot all night long. The mosquitoes were vicious last night, we could hear buzzing outside the screening of our tent all night non-stop.We put our long sleeve shirts and pants on to keep from getting eaten alive as we packed up. We made it on trail even earlier this morning, around quarter of 6. Our plan was to make it to High Point State park as fast as we could so we could go swimming in the heat of the day. We made good time, but the bugs were still vicious and whatever we put on for bug spray didn't seem to repel them long. It was going to be hotter today and it heated up quickly, so by 9:30 it was oppressive and getting hard to breathe already. We made it to the park headquarters about noon where we met a couple of other thru-hikers, Pelican and Seagal. They too were struggling with the heat. We chatted for a bit then we headed for the beach. From the headquarters you have to cross the road to get to the trail again. We made it across the road and we were in the breakdown lane when a car passed a car that slowed down on the right and almost hit Mary. The cars around here seem to drive way too fast.Of course, with the weather being so hot the beach was packed, but we didn't care. As soon as we arrived we dropped our packs and in the water we went.  Boy did it feel good. We swam for a bit and lounged around trying to avoid the heat. Finally, after one more swim we packed up and headed out for another six and a half miles to what they call the secret shelter.We arrived to find nobody at the shelter yet.  The shelter is not an official shelter, but a small cabin and a couple of old out buildings set on a beautiful field.  It has a well with nice cold water, and an outdoor shower that is the perfect temp. We quickly got a nice grassy spot and set up our tent. Pretty soon the Godfather came in, a bit later Stoic came in as well as a couple of  hikers that we hadn't met yet. We took showers and then we cooked dinner. We calmed our thirst with cold, clean, well water. Lots of wildlife around tonight. So far we have seen a couple of groundhogs chasing each other, a skunk digging for grubs in the field, several deer, bunnies, and a whole litter of squirrels up on the roof of the shelter. The bugs aren't too bad so it should be a much better night than it was last night.
Date: 2018-07-02
From: Secret Shelter 

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.6

DAY 118Well leaving the fly off last night ended up being a bad idea. The dew was so heavy last night that the tent and most of the stuff inside were very damp.  We thought we could have a leisurely morning in camp, as today we only have 13 and a half miles to go before we get to Vernon, New Jersey. We plan on going in for a resupply and a motel stay. The problem is once again it was blistering hot and the humidity hasn¢t broken at all. Shortly after we left this morning we hiked down over some pastures then did a road walk all in the blazing sun. Next we entered the Wallkill Wildlife Preserve, which is basically a man-made swamp. The trail walks around three quarters of the swamp before reentering the woods. Most of that is in the beating sun. We put sunscreen on before we started, but by the time we got about half way around the sweat was running down our faces and the sunscreen was running right into our eyes. As soon as we finished with the preserve we started right up Pochuck  Mountain, another steep climb. By the time we got up over Pochuck Mountain we were already wishing we had gotten up earlier. The heat was really getting to us.The straw that broke the camel's back was the Pochuck boardwalk, which is a three-quarter mile boardwalk, out in the open winding through a swamp. When we were halfway done with the boardwalk we didn't dare stop, the sweat was pouring off us so bad we thought if he stopped we might not get going again. We finally made it off the boardwalk, but still had a mile and a half to go through some shaded forest, but also some open field and swampy areas. When we finally made the road we both were about ready to pass out, it was all we could do to make it up the street to the little Garden Center and market where they sold some cold drinks and sandwiches. We quickly downed two Gatorades then ordered a couple sandwiches as well as a bag of chips to go with them. As soon as we finished  eating we quickly called the motel and the owner came down to pick us up.  We were never so glad to get to an air conditioned room where we could finally cool off and recover. We sat in the AC to cool off, but once we were cool we realized we still had to resupply.  The owner sometimes gives rides into town, but he didn't offer a ride so I ended up walking down into Vernon, which is about a half mile away on a busy road. On the walk back I ended up ordering a pizza to have delivered because I didn't want to have to carry it back. We ate half of the pizza and put the other half in the refrigerator for carry out for lunch tomorrow. The heatwave is supposed to continue so we're going try to get going as early as we can tomorrow. Hopefully we can make some miles before we get overheated. There is a Creamery near where we hope to stop tomorrow where you can get ice cream and fill up on water, so that's our goal tomorrow.
Date: 2018-07-03
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter 
Miles today: 17.1

DAY 119The owner had agreed to take us back to the trailhead at 6:30 in the morning, so at 6:30 we were packed and ready to go. The first thing we hiked in the morning was what they call the Stairway to Heaven. This is a steep section of trail that they cut stone steps almost all the way up to the top of the ridge. It¢s really quite amazing the amount of work they put into it. It was a tough way to start the day because even though it wasn't super-hot yet it was extremely humid. Not only has it been hot and humid, the bugs have been really bad, the mosquitoes are out in droves and gnats seem to be everywhere. We joke that the gnats seem to commit suicide by eyelash.  Meaning they fly around your face until they finally divebomb your eyes. Then you blink and they get trapped in your eyelashes or worse under your eyelid. This happens multiple times a day. You then spend the next five minutes trying to blink them out.We trodded along  until we were ready for our first break, we thought Barrett Road would be an appropriate spot. We thought it would be fitting to find trail magic at Barrett Road, but when we got there, nothing. We stretched, had a snack,  and put on some more bug repellent and then started across the road. No sooner did we get to the other side of the road, when we spied a cooler, when we opened it it was full of ice cold drinks. This was the perfect trail magic as most of the water sources in the area have dried up, or are so low and gross that you don't dare drink out of them. We each grabbed a cold drink and with our spirits lifted we headed on. We hiked along the ridge that's the New Jersey/ New York border for quite some time. Finally, about lunch time we got to the official New Jersey /New York border. It's surprisingly tough terrain as you¢re climbing up and down ledgey ridges. The small ups in downs not only slow you down, but really take a toll on you, especially in this heat and humidity. The last couple miles we really struggled as it was a steep rocky downhill, and we were pretty much out of water. When we got to the Creamery we each drank a full bottle of water before we even thought of ordering any ice cream. We then each ordered a large ice cream and sat in the air conditioning enjoying it. The Creamery is very hiker friendly.  They have a water spigot outback to fill your water bottles, an outlet to charge your electronics, and an area for hikers to sit. Before we headed out to hike the last couple miles to the shelter we filled our bellies, our water bottles, and I even hiked an extra 2 liters of water up to the shelter. It's a good thing we hiked the water out, because the spring at the shelter was dry. It's so hot and humid, and the mosquitoes wouldn't leave us alone for a minute, so we had to get in the tent as soon as we set up. It's going to be a long night because we are a hot, sticky mess and it's not cooling down at all. I hope  tomorrow we can make it to the beach where we can go swimming and hopefully get cooled down, but it will be a big day.
Date: 2018-07-04
From: Wildcat Shelter 

To: NY 17 - Tuxedo Motel
Miles today: 9.9

DAY 120Neither of us slept too well last night as it was so hot and humid. The mosquitoes were so bad we didn¢t eat breakfast, we just put bug spray on and got moving. Both of us had trouble making any miles today, it seemed our strength was just zapped by the heat and humidity. Also, the trail just seemed to go up one rocky ridge only to go right back down. So every time we began to climb it really slowed us down. We knew our goal of making it to the park to swim in the middle of the day wasn't very realistic, and was going to be more like the end of the day. We had lunch up on one of the ridges and shortly after on the way down we met Pelican and Seagal slackpacking southbound. They also were struggling in the heat, and they didn't have fully loaded packs. They informed us that the terrain didn't get any better, but continued to go up and down rocky ridges. After we left we tried to stay positive about the miles we could make, but it became apparent after climbing one of the steeper ridges that we were about done for the day. We checked the guide and found  if we did one more climb and one more down we would come to a road crossing where we could get a motel room at one of the nearby towns. When we arrived at the road we decided to call it a day before one of us got hurt. We called a taxi and headed for the Tuxedo motel. Sadly, the cab ride cost half as much as the motel, and the ride was less than 4 miles. We  were disappointed that we made it only a little less than 10 miles, but with this heat and humidity we just can't hike big miles.As soon as we arrived we put the AC on high, took showers, and then a little later ordered  pizza for dinner. As we were waiting for the pizza to arrive, Mary pulled a small tick off my ankle. I noticed it in the shower and wasn't sure if that is what it was. Sure enough, it was a deer tick. It was right at the sock line. Fortunately I don't believe it was on there longer than 48 hours, so I'll keep an eye on that area. It kind of rumbled thunder most of the afternoon, and it actually rained in the evening, so hopefully we will get a little bit of relief from the heat. Tomorrow we will give it another go.
Date: 2018-07-06
From: Bear Mountain Bridge Motel 

To: Bear Mountain Bridge Motel 
Miles today: 0.0

DAY 122We woke pretty stiff and sore, and that kind of confirmed that we were going to zero. The forecast was for rain today anyways. We went down to Perry's for breakfast, which is a little cafe located underneath the Ducati motorcycle dealer. Allan the motel, owner recommended  this as a good place to eat, and it was. We each had a breakfast sandwich and a cup of tea. After breakfast we had to get organized, and then talked to Allan about getting downtown to do our resupply and run some errands. He called the local salon and I got an appointment to get my haircut at 12:30. He agreed to drop us off downtown then. We got dropped off downtown and I got my haircut. Next we ran over to the hardware store to get some velcro to fix Mary shoes so her gaiters would stay in place. Then we went to the library for a little bit to work on the journal. While we were doing our resupply we saw Allan was in the store. He had brought a couple other hikers into town, turns out it's Waterboy and Wicked. We haven't seen them for quite some time, and thought they were way ahead of us. Allan waited while we did our shopping, and we all road back to the motel together. When we got back to the room we finished our chores and later we went across the street to the barbecue place for dinner. We had agreed to meet Wicked and Waterboy at the restaurant, and we all enjoyed a good meal. After dinner we just relaxed back at our room.It is supposed to be a lot cooler tomorrow, so hiking should be much better. Allan's going to bring us back to the trail at 7:30, so we'll be up and ready then.
Date: 2018-07-07
From: Bear Mountain Bridge Motel 

To: Dennytown Road Campsite 
Miles today: 15.4

DAY 123We got up early and packed all of our stuff so we were ready to go. We headed down to Perry¢s again for breakfast before we left. Today promises to be a better day as it was so cool we needed our fleece tops when we went outside. After breakfast Allan dropped us back at the bottom of Bear Mountain, we couldn't hike through the zoo as it was too early, so we took the bypass around and then started over the Bear Mountain bridge. Bear Mountain bridge is a big old suspension bridge that crosses the Hudson River. Mary wasn't too fond of the walk across. Of course, as soon as we crossed the bridge we started a steep climb up what's known as Anthony's nose. Our packs are not as heavy as normal because even though we have 4 days before another resupply, we're going to try to rely more on several of the delis located in convenience stores we will come across on this section of our journey. Once we got up over Anthony's Nose we were on a ridge and made pretty good time. When we came down we went into our first deli where we had our lunch. As we were ordering Wicked and Waterboy came in, they were doing the same thing. While we were eating lunch Wicked mentioned the site they may tent at. She said there are grassy campsites, a spigot  for water, and was about the right distance away. It's still feeling warm, but the humidity is not nearly as bad, so we feel a lot better when we're hiking. We ate half a deli sub for lunch and then packed the other half out for dinner tonight. At one point up on a ridge today we were relaxing and both actually fell asleep. We got to the campsite fairly early, and just as we were getting water in comes Jackrabbit. We haven't seen him for 700 miles or so. He is moving on tonight, but he said he has to get off trail in a couple of days to deal with some family issues. At the camp tonight are Waterboy and Wicked. Also Kib, and Mad Max who are both flip-floppers, and Roundabout who's doing a long 7 week section. A lot nicer in camp tonight, the mosquitoes are starting to come out as it gets dark, but it's not nearly as hot.
Date: 2018-07-11
From: Stealth Campsite just outside of Kent

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

DAY 127We packed up and got moving quickly this morning as it was too buggy to linger. We didn't even take the time to eat breakfast until we were up on the ridge about a half mile away. I didn't take the time to make my cereal this morning, so we each had some almond biscuits Mary had packed out for breakfast. They claim to give you four hours of energy, but in truth we were lucky to get 40 minutes out of them. We were starving shortly after. Today's hike was mostly going up and down several ridges. Most notably was the ridge before going down St Johns ledges. St Johns ledge has a beautiful view, but then you have to scramble down a very steep section of boulders and steps, down to the Housatonic River. Once again Purple Haze was not impressed. Once we got to the bottom we had quite a long, flat walk along the Housatonic River. The walk should have been better, unfortunately our faces were swarmed with little gnats constantly getting into our eyes. We wanted to make the next shelter to eat lunch, so we hoofed it along. We were very hungry by the time we got there. We both downed our remaining calzones and had several snacks to boot. In the heat and with all the food on board we were feeling kind of lethargic again, so not too far down the trail we found a flat spot to sit down and actually ended up taking a quick nap again.Not really much exciting today. With the heat, bugs and the ups and downs today what we were really looking for was something cold to drink, but we never got a chance to get anything. We had to stop within a mile of the Pine Swamp Brook Shelter, we needed a couple snacks to get us up the remaining hill. Once we arrived we did the normal stuff; set up our tent, cooked dinner, got water, and quickly headed off to bed. We were surprised again today that we didn¢t see anyone we know on trail, and there are no hikers we know here at camp tonight, just a couple of flip flop hikers. We are excited that tomorrow there should be a good place for us to stop for lunch, so we're looking forward to it.
Date: 2018-07-14
From: Glen Brook Shelter 

To: JessTreat's - Sheffield 
Miles today: 7.9

It cooled down nicely last night, so we both slept pretty well. We  were up fairly early as we are excited because we're going into town. The map showed the trails would be pretty easy today. What that really meant was  it was pretty low elevation, but the trail went through some muddy, swampy areas with lots of bugs. As we neared town we came to the Shays Rebellion Memorial where we met a couple out walking their two dogs. As we walked through the field one dog was tuckered out and lagged behind. He kept falling in line behind us kind of hiking along with us even though they kept calling him. Eventually he did catch up and they finished their walk about a mile from where we were getting picked up to go to the hostel.As we were crossing a small road we heard people say ¢trail magic¢. A couple of local church groups got together and decided to do some trail magic.  They were grilling some hamburgers and had some cookies, bananas and watermelon. Ed and Elaine were there too as they were hiking just ahead of us. We chatted with them and with the people doing the trail magic for quite some time. Once again we enjoyed talking to Ed and Elaine. They hike at about the same pace as us. They have a deadline based on their visa and hope to be finished the last week of August or the first week of September. After enjoying trail magic we quickly made it to the US 7 road crossing and called Jess and she quickly picked us up. On the way into town we had mentioned we needed to resupply so she stopped at the Dollar General where we quickly got what we needed.Jess¢s hostel is her home where she rents out two bedrooms upstairs and another downstairs that is a porch converted into a bedroom. We ended up taking one of the upstairs bedrooms.  It was nice and pleasant, we got a chance to dry all of our stuff, get our laundry done and relax for the afternoon.In the evening we went down to the local cafe that Jess recommended. Each of us had a nice grilled sandwich and a local beer from a new brewery here in Sheffield. For dessert we had pecan pie that had chocolate in it.  It was delicious!Also staying at the hostel is Songbird, a section hiker that is finishing his last little section. He has been at the hostel for 4 days as he has been sick with bronchitis. There is also one other hiker named Monk who came in while we are eating, and by the time we got back he was already in his bedroom. Apparently he's going to try to do 29 miles tomorrow, so he's getting an early night's rest. It rained a little late this evening and it is supposed to rain tonight, so we're glad to be indoors once again.