morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

2. Report. Last night was very quite. We went out to watch a satellite pass but there was too much light pollution to see it. JP has been very good about telling ancient military history stories and I said there was a good movie on TV tonite he would enjoy: "300". I don't think JP lasted the first commercial until he was snoring awayToday was JPs planned exit day and he had worked logistics with MLM to pick him up. I was still limping a bit and wanted to goldblaze into Delaware Water Gap to give gimpy ankle another rest day. Besides, I also wanted to meet MLM. And then there was Jake, the wonder dog. So it was all agreed to. JP said I could ride in the back seat with Jake; but, MLM said Jake rode in front with herAnyways, they arrived at the hotel mid morning and I met MLM.  I don't see what she finds in JP, must be one of those uniform things.  She is way, way to good for JP.  Jake was like a big polar bear and really enjoys his dog biscuits. We went to PO for me to mail old footprint home.  We also noted mileage from motel to diner was 2.25 miles, one way direct.  Sooo, counting 2 RTs plus addons for sidetrips, i'll record 10 miles for my gold blaze day today.  We then drove to DWG. Had a lunch at the bakery and I then bid farewell to MLM, Jake And JPI hiked up to the Church on the Mountain hostel, signed in and settled down. Met with Pastor Karen, who has been here helping hikers there for over 23 years.  Went to the outfitters to top off my alcohol fuel bottle and saw Freeman just before leaving  He had been in hostel for two days and moved up to a tent site. On my return, I met up with Springbok and Fahmah. So, it's now the Over the Hill Gang of Five now Four, back together again. Met four NOBO at the hostel. Young guys and I'm sure they will be quickly outside my range in no time. Now we are chilling out at the pizza place enjoying dinner and adult beverages.  Milestone Day: less than 900 miles now to Katahdin - 894.7 precisely4 POD Its normally at this place where I would report JPs quote of day; but alas, no JP. So I'll recognize him with one of my rare POD honors. I've really enjoyed hiking with JP over these past several days. His sense of humor and timing is impeccable. I've really appreciated learning about PA plantlife and can't wait to order fiddleheads at my next big fancy restaurant.  His trail cooking is not all that bad either.  And we must not forget his sea stories.  I'll miss you my friend until we meet again!     6 Bakery at the Village Farmer (DWG). 2 spoons. Good sandwiches and even better looking pastries. Doughboy Pizza.(DWG). 2 spoons. Fine, handmade pizza and Italian foodstuffs Life is Great!
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brinks Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

1 CPR. Mea culpable x 3.  I intended to recognize a rare POD yesterday and I think my brain froze. So, belated Happy Mothers Day to all y'all Mothers. (ps - I sent flowers anhead early to my Mothers)2. It was very cold all day yesterday at the MOC. Their thermometer was showing 38 degrees and heading South, topped with a steady wind. DoingIt found the lodge thermostat and had it set at 80 deg. I shut it down once temp got up to 75. I got up early and fixed pancakes for breakfast. I had left my daily snacks out on the counter and noticed it was somewhat messy, then noticed the tell tale mouse droppings. The visitor had eaten thru 2 sacks and had enjoyed my trailmix. I started hiking early and was pleased the wx had seemed to warm up a bit.  my itenerary today included a hike on rattlesnake trail, around rattlesnake swamp and then over rattlesnake. So, guess what I was on the watch for?  I was hiling around the swamp when a large commotion broke out. Two yearling bear cubs had skinnied up a tree only about 10 yds off the trail. I immediately surveyed the situation: swamps to my left, heavy woods to my right, same behind me and a slight rise and apparent open area out in front. I was looking hard for Mother bear ( she wasn't included in my Mothers Day greetings) and didn't see anything. I took a couple of quick pix of the cubs in the tree, but they weren't very good. My "photo self" said I needed to get closer and on the other side for better lighting. Then my "hiking self" yelled to the photo self you're crazy, get out of there. I then decided to walk slowly up the hill. I had taken only 2steps when the bears started flying out the trees. They then ran more into the swamp and climbed the next available tree, which was only about another 5 yards. I had enough of this and mademy break for the opening. The bears decided to break also and came flying out of the trees again and back into the swamp. I  looked over my shoulder to assess the situation,eg, nothing was following me and proceeded at warp speed up the trail. After 50 yds, I came to a woods road and stopped to catch my breath. I then heard sounds of something large coming out of the swamp. I announced my presence and no response, the noise got louder. I was fixing to ditch my pack, extend and lock my hiking poles and prepare for some hand to hand combat with Mama bear. Only it was a photographer who had gone into the woods for a privy breakThe rest of the hike was rather enjoyable. The wx was cool and the trail. generally agreeable. There were a couple of places where NJ remixes us they had rocks also. It also reminded me exactly why my feet hurt so muchI got to the shelter around 1530, and was followed by Wool E Mammoth, Pax E, Outside Dog and now Muffin Mittens and Sis. We've eaten, watered up and planning the next couple of days hiking. Life is Great!
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Brinks Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

1CPR. Temperature inversion. I have a 3 liter water bladder that fits in a pouch in my pack. It has a 3 ft hose that passes thru the pack with a bite valva to drink water. Normally this bladder is filled with cool spring water, around 50-60 deg. This also helps keep the food in the lack cool. The water in the hose quickly adjusts to ambient temperature. And the normal drink has the first swallow or two at ambient temp before you start drawing the cool water from the bladder. Sunday was the opposite when ambient temp was about 37 deg and the bladder was filled with "warm" 60 deg water2  Report I had a terrible night and didn't sleep very well at all. I was up early and getting my gear ready to start hiking. It was cool and Outside Dog asked what the temperature was. I checked and reported 39 deg and then I was cold.  I hiked quickly into Culvers Gap and got an breakfast egg bagel and a turkey sub for lunch. Hiked thru some pretty easy trail and had soon passed two shelters. I stopped and had half the sub and contemplated my days plan. Originally I had hoped to Ake the third shelter, even though it has a long, steep trail off the AT. I was making a lot of ground and considered trying to push for the fourth shelter.  I got to the third shelter and didn't like advertised "sharp descent". Army Rangers could practice rappeling off that part of the trail.  I left a sign I was going to the 4th shelter and pressed on. I found a secret weapon when I started to fade - Jolly Ranchers. JP put me on to these and he probably swipes them from MLM. She buys and keeps them in a gallon jug and I wouldn't be surprised I'd JP doesn't help himself to these quite often. Anyways I ll pop a Jolly Rancher and be good to hike for another 1/2 mile or so. The last part of the hike  was a little more challenging (isn't it always this way!)  but I got in a little after 1800. I set up my night gear, got water, fixed dinner and hopefully get a good nights sleep toniteI didn't see another person on the trail todayMilestone day1. Longest hike this year. 19.8 miles2 One month on the trail. Hiked about 280 miles. Heels are much better now, but ankle is still sore. I don't feel that I've got my " trail legs" just yet but should do so in another week or soLife is Great!
Date: 2010-05-12
From: High Point Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 7.5

2. Report   It started to rain just as I was finishing dinner last night. It had been overcast all day and was dark much earlier than usual. I noticed the shelter had a new privy; but, didn¢t pay too much attention to the trail. When I made a privy call before bed, I started on what looked like a woods road but ended up a boulder field, arriving at the back of the privy. There was a clear trail at the front. However, retuning to the shelter, I zigged when I should have zagged I was able to return to the shelter but it sure didn¢t help my sore ankle. It rained pretty steady all night and seemed to clear up at dawn. I had a quick breakfast and started NOBO, thankful for the hikers rain. That lasted about 30 minutes when it started raining again. It would vary from a light mist to a steady pour throughout the day. The trail had several places where bog boards were in place. I arrived in Unionville before noon, got a breakfast sandwich bagel at the General Store and made my way to the ¢Outhouse¢.Now for the rest of the story¢¦   I was treated for a skin cancer in 2008 and noticed a few days ago a very similar spot on my forehead. I consulted with my primary care physician and was advised that it needed to be checked before I return home in the Fall. Cancer has not been very kind to my family and I was probably as close to medical treatment as I was going to be for the immediate future. So, I was determined to get it checked ASAP. I have an appt for tomorrow morning and hopefully all will be well after that.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

2  Report. Troop 146 from Hewitt NJ behaved admirationaat night. It was alarge unit with about 2 dozen campers,anyOn their first night out. And what was most impresive was the wa the older Scouts led and directed the younger ScoutsWe were up early and I was first out. It was good to get back on a more Northerly heading. This stretch of NJ is more Southernly and it was really messing upy inertial nav system. I was taking a short rest break when Wool E came by, but he didn't want to stop until the NJ NY state line. Which was only about 100 yds futher.NY welcomed me to the infamous PUDS - pointless ups n downs. It has been reported that since there are not very high hills on the AT in NY, the trail designers have 50-100 drop offs about every 1/4 mile. I can't argue with this report.  Early pm WEM, OD and I met at the Bellvale Creamery for some of their hade ice cream. Excellent stop. We hiked a little further to the Wildcat Shelter and found Freeman there. Fixed gear for the night, dinner and now getting ready for bed a long day tomorrowMilestone day: NJ is now in the rear view mirrorNew Joisey - I (Heart) NJ .  I couldn¢t ever imagine saying this!  I had visited NJ in the mid-80s with Libra Lady and T2  We stopped at some fast food place for breakfast.  The meals were cold, as was the coffee and the orange juice was frozen  And the counter staff was rude, crude and vulgar.  A common stereotypical view of a Northerner from a Southerner perspective?  Anyways, I vowed to avoid NJ in the future at all costs.  And the AT hike has been my first return  (in an aside, the purpose of  our visit was to see the UT football team play a ¢home¢ game against Penn State in the Meadowsland.  T2 was a little intimidated because there was of a lot more of them-ons then there were of us-ons.  It was a good game and we got to see Terry Orr, I think,  catch a long TD pass just in front of us.  The good guys prevailed in a stunning victory and all was well.  I had carried my cowbell into the stadium, which T2 rung long and loud, all the way out  to our car in the parking lot)Getting back to  NJ, it is beautiful and nothing like the stereotype I was expecting.  I saw bear, deer, beaver dams and birds, amazing vistas, ponds and marshlands, even beech, birch and Aspen trees. And I have taken more photographs than I ever expected and I bet most would never guess these were in NJ.  The trails were most accommodating . And the hospitality provided by the former Mayor of Unionville has been nothing less than outstanding. (yes, I know Unionville is actually in NY)  To me, this is one of the best kept secrets in America.  So, lets keep it that way for all the hikers and promote more of ¢Jersey Shores¢I (heart) NJ! Life is Great
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

2. Report. Last night started out pretty quiet. Freeman and I were I'm the shelter, WEM and OD were tenting and three college kids had set up tents next to the bear box that practically covered the blue blaze trail to the shelter. Muffin Mittens showed up around 1900. He had taken Ginger Minger into NYC to fly home. Around 2100 two loud hikers showed upmat the shelter  I was pretty much asleep but got filled in later by Freeman. The young one was carrying a 95 lb pack with an iguana and was ecstatic that he hiked 10 miles today.  Later a local showed up with some trailmagic but most were already in bedIt was a long hard hike today to Fingerboard Shelter. The first 2/3 was more of the puds. The last 1/3 was literally a wall in the park except for two exceptions. One was the Lemon Squueze , followed shortly by some pretty steep rocks. I think it's asinine that the trail designers intentionally have you hike thru areas that can not physically be traversed with a pack or is exceptionay dangerous with a pack, particularly when there are suitable alternates ( there was a blue blaze bypass around the steep section). I filled up with water at not one of the vest sources a d arrived at the shelter around 1900. OD arrived later. He had met the local at the park parking lot and helped himself to 3 hotdogs.  We hung our gear on my best bear line yet now getting ready for bedMilestones:1. Wool E Mammoth completed his At thru hike at E Mombasha Road2. My journal log indicates I've passed the 1000 mile mark ( I think that may be a little generous)3. Less than 800 miles to KatahdinLife is Great!
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: West Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

2. Report. Last night was quiet and peaceful. With a relative short hike today there was no sense in getting up and starting early.  A SOBO, Wandering Dot came by.  She had camped the nite on the ridge and was looking for water off the blue blaze.  It was a relative gentle hike to the Wm Brien Shelter. It is a very nice shelter but in some disrepair. It wouldn't take much to make this a 1st class shelter. I was taking a short break there when about 10 AMC day hikers arrived. They also took a short break and engaged in discussion once identifying me as a thru hiker, followed by the donations of foodstuffs. One lady asked if I wanted an apple and I quickly agreed. I mentioned that I planned to stay the nite at W Mtn Shelter and wanted to take a birthday picture with "big apple" with NYC in the background. They asked how old I was and I replied 1 year from Medicare, to which several started singing from the Beatles: When I'm 64. It was great. They left and I had brownies, 2 pkgs cheese crackers, my apple and a frozen juice bag. Outside Dog showed up as they were leaving and I offered to share some of the bounty. I then left on the trail which had a short steep climb just above the shelter. I stopped to take a photo on top and was positioning myself for a better composition. I looked down to see the Mother of all rat snakes and nearly jumped over the side. I hiked a bit further and caught up with the AMC hikers on a break. More goodies this time including oranges, water and a juice pack for OD. (I have heard several stories about AMC not being particularly friendly to thru hikers. But my experience at the Mohican Outdoor Center and today's hospitality have been outstanding. Thx AMC)OD and I had planned to hike to the shelter and then go down a yellow blaze past the shelter to fill up on water. I consulted with the AMC leader and was advised to tank up at the Beechy Bottom Brook before the shelter. I stopped there and filled my water bladder and was waiting for OD. I did thinkfor a minute about not telling OD about the extra food and eating it all myself. Afterall, did he bring me any of the hot dogs and hamburgers from the local trail angel?  I was getting ready to leave, left the orange slices and juice pack in the stream and l was writing a note for OD when he arrived. He then tanked up and we hiked to last 1.4 miles to the shelter. We got in early and can see the NYC skyline 35 miles away, although it is quite hazy. Phoned and made room reservations at Ft Montgomery. I'm lucky because it is graduation week at West Point. We'll take it easy the rest of the day and them try to take some pictures tonite and tomorrow earlyJP quote: " sometimes to go up you have to go down and sometimes to go down you have to go up" (Amen brother)Milestone. Happy Birthday to Me!Life is Great!
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Stream

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

2. This is another area where the shelters are some distance apart, 31 miles in this case. However, there are several ternates along the trail: the Graymoor Friary and Fahnestock State Park. My origan near term plan was to stay at each of these places. But, that became altered after the RON at Bear Mtn.  I made it to the Friary just after noon, was feeling great and decided to hike on. My next goal was a stretch to the Dennytown Group Campsite. It was getting late and I was still several miles short when I came upon an excellent campsite by a stream and decided to call it a day. Good thing, it was dark by the te I was prepared for bedI didnt sleep all that well Nast nite. My shoulder blade area was giving me some grief. I was up and hiking early. Today was my first to really be a spider web cruiser. Webs were everywhere. There were the 2-D symettricals,  birds nests and some spiders had even shot some web from about 8 ft inthe trees down to the ground. They mist have very ambitious plans. I had 2 minor jolts today. First was this large noise in the woods, moving quickly, approaching me, then seeing a large patch of black, then identified it as a black and tan bloodhound type dog running loose in the woods. Later it's owner hiked ny. The other jolt was a hello froma timber rattler, but no real threat as it slinked into the woods. It was a relative short day, fairly warm and a long hike for me. I arrived at the RPH Shelter around 1600 and shut it down. This is a unique structure as it once was a bldg. But to be used as a shelter, the back wall was torn out.Milestone. I'm on my last NJ-NY trail map. Back to being 64....  Several of the SHS class of '64 are meeting this weekend at Rancho Anderson. Sorry I can't be there but sure will try next timeLife is Great!
Date: 2010-05-21
From: RPH Shelter

To: Stream
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

2 Report bafter arriving at the RPH shelter, three SOBO section hikers came by the was Rockin' Robin as ground control, Tater Tot ( she thinks she's kin to Tater Salad, and Cosmo. They went to the front of the sheler and was getting their gear checked out. I had finished my daily report and had retired early to bed. I was reading a guest entry from Ford and dreaming about an adult BEvERage when I heard a Phssst!   Ans then another Phssst. This went on for over a hour when indecided enough was enough and went out to investigate. (thru hikers would call this Yogi-ing and they would probably be correct). Soon another NOBO, Sampson arrived and we were both offered a cold one. The Sobomprobably finished off a case and waited till almost 2000 before hiking 2 mi S Tina campground. Sounds like my kind of hikingI slept  in late. Sampson was full of vinegar and off for another long day. Along the hike today i saw 2 garter snakes and a pink flamingo statue. The trailToday included a highway crossing with nearby delinand pizzeria. I had the AT Hiker sandwich, bag of chips, carton of slaw and 24 oz beverage for lunch and got resupplies. Went to pizzeria for a calzone to go with another 24 oz. It was a short hike to next shelter. I gotthere before1600, tanked up, ate my supper and rested a bit there were a number of locals camping there ( they hiked all the way in from the deli) as well a SOBo, hiking astronomer. Inshoqwd locals howYouse HeavensAbove to do some satellite pass viewing and Mitch fixed me up with some homemade jerky and chicken. I'll have it tomorrow I'm beginning to feel like I'm getting my trail legs now. I've started to increase my mileage slightly now. My near termplans are a shot now. I've been getting to planned EOD shelters early in the after oon, feeling fine, and have decided to hike on after a short rest as there is so much daylight left.  This hiking feels like betting with house money. I personallyDon't know how this feels but some of my gamboling friends say it's great. I hike until i find a good campsite or start looking for anything reasonable once it starts really getting late into the day. I found another stream to camp by tonite. Unfortunately this one seems to be a little buggy now. Oh wellLife is Great
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

2. Report.  Didn't have cell coverage last nite and it now appears it's going to be spotty for awhile.  Last nite was uneventful for a change. I was up early and hiked into Kent and had breakfast at CaraLees.  Was told AT&T signal was weak across the street. Posted journal and couple of emails. Then went to PO to mail out some maps and SD cards.  Went to IGA store for some resupply and it was old home week. Saw Appleseed and Branch. They blew by me in NY but caught the train into the city.  Next I saw McIntyre and we then walked to the outfitters. He was hoping his son might be able to come meet him. And he had another option but as I learned earlier: what happens on the trail stays on the trail (even if it's in town). I got a late start out of town back onto the trail. There was an easy 800 ft climb as I was starting down I met a dayhiker coming up who was really beat. I soon discovered why - there was an extremely steep 500 drop, all on rock steps, most of which were covered with up to 2 inches of leaves. I made it down successfully with only one minor slip. This reminds of JPs quote one trail to the top for the governor and the other trail for the hikers. But it was great after that. About a mile on a gravel road and about 5 of the easiest, prettiest miles along a river. I should have really made some time but stopped quite often to take photos. It ended with an easy 600 ft climb to a campsite where Red Dragon and Grandpa were already set up. It's Dragons' first backpacking experience and he was quite helpful. I'm getting set up, ate ready to go to bedNow to the subject of posting photos. This is am intro to government procurement at it's finest, as articulated in the Federal Acquistion Regulations. I had initially made a sole source selection for a photo editor. However, a protest of the award had been made and upheld. A recompetition was held with 2 qualified offers. In the source selection evaluation each offer was rated highly qualified in technical, management and cost areas. Both were recognized for veterans preference. Biwever, only one was qualified as a woman owned business and per the FAR I was required to award the contract to this offer. So we will proceed thru a graceful transistion to the new photo editor and request your patience. ( Note: the proceeding was editorial satire and any correlation to any person or organization is unintended and protected by the first amendment rights)Life is Great!