morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Duncannon, PA

To: PA 325, Clarks Valley
Miles today: 17.9

June 27, 2010 ¢ Day 84 ¢ SundayIt was time to get back into the hiking mode. I will have to say it was good not to need think about finding water or where I was going to sleep. Towards the end of time away from the trail I couldn't wait to get back to the quite of the woods.Bag of Tricks came to visit me in Duncannon. He loves to do trail magic and offered to bring our packs up the trail and we would ¢slack pack¢ to him. He would meet us at a point 8 miles out and if we wanted he would take them another 9 miles. Steve, Jake and I took him up on his offer. It would help us break back into the hiking mode. The offer also allowed us to hike up and out of Duncannon without the load of a full pack.I left Duncannon after a hardy breakfast at Goodies. Sunday morning was quiet as I walked the streets of the city. Across the river¢s bridges and I was back in the woods. The green tunnel surrounded me as I hiked the ridge towards PA 225 where Tricks was waiting.I arrived at PA 225 and there was Tricks with his table of food set up, chairs to relax in and coolers of cold drinks. Tricks asked if I wanted my pack. "Hell, no!" I said. I was going to take full advantage of this opportunity and met Tricks further up the trail. Word of the trail magic reached hikers in the area. Tricks brought plenty and offered the same for everyone.Off I go back up to the ridge and to the poison ivy covering both sides of the trail. The famous PA rocks greeted me again this time slippery from the morning's rain; I was glad to be slack packing.I reached PA 325, Clarks Valley, and there was Bag of Tricks with his magic. A great campsite was located just below the parking area with a good flowing creek running by. There was no question for the hikers where camp was going to be. Everyone picked out their sites for their tents. Tricks stayed and fished the creek for trout. The sun was still high enough for me to jump in the creek and wash off the day's hike. Life was good and, thanks to Tricks, my first day back was fantastic.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-06-28
From: PA 325, Clarks Valley

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: overcast clouds

"We will either find a way, or make one."   ~ HannibalJune 28, 2010 ¢ Day 85 - MondayToday ¢s review: heat, humidity, rain, gnats and rocks. In other words it was not one of the better days for me, or anyone else hiking this section.It started 12:30 in the morning when a good thunder storm rolled in. The rain was heavy but its energy was diffused by the tree canopy. The tent was soaking wet by the time it was time to break camp. The humidity by sun-up was high. I was already sweating after breaking camp. The climb out of the valley was not hard, but with the humidity I was drenched. There were warnings posted in the valley that springs and water sources were drying up. It was important I stay hydrated. I am now carrying two liters of water.The rain started just as we (Steve, Jake and I) crossed PA 72 at Swatara Gap. By the time we passed the I-81 overpass the rain stopped and the sun came out. The vegetation was soaking wet and again with the climb, I was a soaking in sweat. The trail then ran the ridge through more rocks and overgrown poison ivy. This ivy had to be steroids - at times was shoulder high. Throughout the day the rocks were slippery, gnats flying around my head and every once in awhile a random gnat would dive bomb into my eye.I was one of the first hikers at the shelter. I could see the same fatigue I was experiencing on each hiker's face as they came in. I felt as if I could not drink enough water. It was a chore to eat dinner and I knew I had to. I setup my sleeping space in the shelter and tried to pass out. Almost did until the bugs found my exposed skin. I used my bandana over my head and finally went to sleep. This battle continued throughout the night every time I changed position.I did not have a day like this for quite some time. Just before I fell asleep I told myself today was in the book and could not be changed. However, tomorrow was a new day, and would be the complete opposite of today. I closed my eyes and fell asleep concentrating on positive energy for tomorrow.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-06-29
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

"If you're out and about, and you see something strange and unusual, stop...and enjoy it, while you can." ~   Stuart SmithJune 29, 2010 ¢ Day 86 - TuesdayI woke up refreshed and ready for a great day. The air was cool and for the first time in several days the humidity was low. The trail was relatively flat with many rocky segments. I am finding thatmy footing has been improving and I feel like my stride is now hitting a rhythm.Today was a pleasure to hike. Water is still getting scarce. I am always topping off my water bottles to be safe. In the late afternoon Steve, Jake and I stopped to get water just before shelter. I was going down the blue blaze trail for the water and shelter and saw Two Rings setting up camp in a beautiful forest. The trees were tall with low vegetation on the forest floor. The late afternoon sun lit up the forest in a golden glow. I could not go on. A breeze was blowing through the trees taunting me to stay. Steve and Jake wanted to hike another 3 miles to be closer to Port Clinton. I told them I would meet them there, I was staying in my paradise for today. This is why I hike, for days like today.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

June 30, 2010 ¢ Day 87 - WednesdayMy goal today was to hike into Port Clinton, resupply, acquire water and move on to the next shelter. The hike from Eagles Nest was uneventful until just before arriving in Port Clinton. There is a steep descent into the town with slick rocks and roots. The weather changed for the better for us. The daytime temperatures were only going into the high 70's with a low at night in the low 50's. Now that is my kind of hiking weather. The weather reports talked about even lower temperatures for the next several days.By mid afternoon I was walking out of town. I went by the fire station and noticed many cars surrounding the building. I went over to investigate and discovered the fire department had a private social club with a bar. I went in, told them I was a retired firefighter and a thru hiker and asked if they had anything cold to drink. The next thing I know people are coming up to me shaking my hand and offering me a beer. I'm signed in as someone's guest and the questions began. I told them I was hiking with several other hikers and asked if they could come in. No problem. I called Steve and told him of my good fortune. Within 15 minutes Steve, Jake, Tsmone and Tour Guide were inside, signed up and drinking beer. We spent the night playing pool, darts, talking to the members and drinking beer. It was too late to go to the shelter so the hikers headed back to the town's pavilion where other hikers had set up camp. All the hikers from the fire station visit decided to cowboy camp on the lawn of the pavilion. I choose to be above the ground and cowboy¢ed on the picnic table. I finally drifted off to sleep while reviewing my day of constant change, adapting to new rules of engagements and taking a day of what I thought would be a day of long distance hiking and making a nero out of it.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA.
Miles today: 4.1

"Weeping may endure for a night. But joy cometh in the morning." Psalms 30:5July 2, 2010 ¢ Day 89 - FridayThere will be a discrepancy in my total mileage hiked and miles hiked today due to an injury. I left Allentown shelter in a good mood ready to tackle the ankle twisting Pa rocks to Palmerton, PA. Just before PA 309 I came to an intersection of the AT and a blue blaze. I was thinking this could be the blue blaze to the Blue Mountain Summit B&B to get water behind the building. The problem started when I saw both the white blaze for the AT and the blue blaze. My feet wanted to go with the white blaze and my mind wanted to go with the blue blaze. My feet, not knowing in what direction to go in the midst of my indecisiveness, got tangled up and a rock that I stepped on twisted my right ankle outward and I felt instant pain. I tried to counteract to regain my balance and twisted my right knee as I fell hard to the ground. I landed on my back and felt a tug in my neck and lower back. I tried to roll over and get up and started laughing, imagining what I must have looked like, A turtle on his shell with front and back legs frantically trying to right itself. I finally got up and did a body check for damages. My right ankle was swollen and hurting. My left knee looked fine but was sore along with my neck and lower back. I was amazed I did not break or bruise my skin. I got to PA 309 and made a decision not to hike further for the day. I felt it would be a risk to continue the next 13 miles on the rocks and if I did further damage body parts would end my hike. I limped to the highway and hitched a ride into Palmerton.Spent most of the day off my feet at the city's hostel known as The Jail and iced my ankle and Tiger Balmed my neck and back.I fell asleep for several hours. I woke up refreshed and not hurting so much. The swelling went down on my ankle. I stood up and walked around the hostel testing knee and ankle. I think minimum damage occurred and I will be able to hobble out in the morning. As far as the 13 miles I missed, I will not be going back to do them. Even though I am on a thru-hike, I have said since the beginning, "that I am out for a long walk without a stop sign." However, a small stop sign can now be seen in the far distance that I try not to look at. I am 930 miles from Katahdin and 1248.4 miles from Springer Mountain (a lifetime ago).if not now then when, KrispyKritter GaMe
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Palmerton, PA.

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." AristotleJuly 3, 2010 ¢ Day 90 - SaturdayI had a pleasant night in jail. A good night sleep a few vitamin I's (ibuprofen) and woke up feeling half way descent. I had a good breakfast at the restaurant across from the hostel and was ready to tackle the day's hike out of Lehigh Gap. I decided to take the winter route up the rocky ridge which was a safer hike. I was amazed once on the ridge how big the trees were and how green everything looked. In fact, the terrain and vegetation reminded me of the High Sierras. All plant life on the surrounding ridges were destroyed from zinc smelting from 1898 - 1980. This area was the first site to use the Superfund to cleanup and reforest the ridges. I saw a bald eagle on a dead tree surveying his kingdom. There were butterflies jumping from flower to flower and grass growing where years ago only bare rock was visible. Mother Nature was coming back and it was really good to see a difference being made from my '04 hike and today.My ankle was letting me know to be careful on the rocks. All other body parts felt fine. I decided to do a low mileage day and only hike to the shelter 15 miles away. Water is a problem in this section due to the lack of rain. Springs are constantly drying up. I am back to carrying 2 - 1 liter bottles of water and topping off whenever I get the chance.A great surprise awaited me at Smith Gap. Jeff, his wife Jeannie and sons provided some of the best trail magic since Georgia. Once a hiker sat in a chair he or she was not allowed to get up. Hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks, brownies, muffins, fruit and water were brought to us. We were not allowed to leave hungry. I had three hamburgers and several cokes and brownies to satisfy Jeff before I could leave. The shelter was only 3.6 miles from the trail magic. I waddled over the rocks and landed at the shelter in a condition called "food coma" by Steve. I took off my pack, laid it on the shelter floor as a pillow and collapsed on the wooden floor.Tonite fireworks can be heard coming from Palmerton and Wind Gap. It sounds like WWIII going off. Can't see a thing but that is a good. Trees once dead in this area are now growing and blocking our view. What a great birthday gift, America.If not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap (DWG)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

July 5, 2010 ¢ Day 92 ¢ MondayWoke up in my tent at the Church of the Mountain hostel to the blast of an M-80. Steve was up early and decided to give me a wakeup call with fireworks. Steve and I went to the diner for an awesome breakfast. Next order of business was to go to the post office and finally retrieve my umbrella from Golite. The same umbrella that was lost between Front Royal, VA and Boiling Springs, PA. ¢ bless the post offices! I then went back to the hostel and met with Pastor Karen who informed us of the heat warnings for the area. Today is the second day of a long heat wave with temperatures in the mid 90's. After today the temperatures are expected to be at the 100 degree mark and higher. Pastor Karen also told us all the people camping and hiking the recreation area for the 4th of July holiday would be using the AT to-get back to their cars. Since I would be going northbound they would stop you wanting to talk about your hike, one after another. The final deciding factor to stay in DWG was to rest the bottom of my feet from the painful Pennsylvania rocks. I told Steve and Jake what I was going to do. They liked the plan and also decided to (stay) zero.The afternoon got super hot especially in the hostel which had no air conditioner. The three of us decided to hike across the Delaware River to the national park and swim in the river. It was just too hot to be outside even in the shade. Back at the hostel we watched hikers dragging in. I knew I made the right decision.if not now then when? KrispyKritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-06
From: Delaware Water Gap (DWG)

To: Blue Mountain Lakes Rd
Miles today: 17.8

July 6, 2010 ¢ Day 93 ¢ TuesdayThe news about the heat wave were talking about record levels. This was going to be the 4th day of over 90 degrees. The plan was simple: hike at 5:30 (sun up) to Mohican Outdoor Center (MOC), 10 miles away.Crossing the Delaware River Bridge I passed another milestone of my adventure, entering the 8th state -New Jersey. 5 miles into the hike I came to Sunfish Pond. Overheated and drenched with sweat it did not take me long to strip off my gear and jump into the spring fed pond. I could not believe the relief my body felt from the cool clean water. Refreshed I continued on to MOC and found bushes of ripe blueberries. Sweet and delicious, the blueberries are my favorite fruit on the trail.I reached MOC around 1:30 just as the hottest part of the day kicked in. The lodge had cold drinks and sandwiches. I immediately quenched my thirst by downing a coke and a Gatorade. I then entered the lodge, turned on the oscillating fans and ate lunch. After eating I lay on the wooden floor and fell asleep as the breezes from the two fans crisscrossed across my body. It is amazing how the heat can drain the energy from my body. This happened to everyone not just me. At 5:30 in the afternoon I was back on the ridge overlooking the Delaware River. Plant life was showing the effects of the hot sun also. Their leaves were wilting trying to protect the plant's fluid of life.My first New Jersey bear encounter occurred near the Catfish Fire Tower. I tripped over a rock (imagine that) which startled the bear in the woods. I yelled, "Hey Bear!" All I saw was the black end of the bear running away from me. Later that afternoon I ran across a second bear that was not afraid me near the Ken-Etowah-Pec YMCA youth camp. I had to throw rocks at it to stop it from approaching me. Steve and Jake showed up and saw the bear also. We decided to hike down to the youth camp where two screened-in shelters for hikers are located. We entered the deserted camp and noticed some of the buildings in disarray. The property and its buildings came right out of the Friday The 13th movies. The whole scene with the sun going down was creepy. The shelters were falling apart with holes in one roof and a tarp over the other. I would not recommend anyone staying here. We came back to the road and setup camp for the night.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Blue Mountain Lakes Rd

To: Branchville, NJ
Miles today: 10.6

"Don't judge yourself by what you don't do,...but, by what you do." Julie MurphyJuly 7, 2010 ¢ Day 94 - WednesdayI was awakened just after daybreak by a loud voice yelling, "HEY BEAR!" I rise up and see a black bear standing over Steve with Steve's backpack in his mouth. Steve suddenly sees the bear from his prone position, raises up and is face to face with the bear. As Steve recounts the event, "I must have looked at the bear with this dumb look, because I swear I could see this dumb bewildered look on his face as he (the bear) was backing up." By now all 4 hikers in camp are yelling and the bear drops the backpack and looks towards our direction. Steve is fumbling, and I might add for good reason, with a lighter trying to light a M-80 firecracker. Finally lit and thrown, the firecracker lands just behind the bear and explodes. The bear suddenly jerks in the direction away from the firecracker then goes into a trot heading for the next county.All four of us had taken the appropriate actions for being in active bear country. We cooked and ate our food away from the sleeping area; we hung our food high and slept close together in a circle, like wagon trains. We later heard from other hikers behind us that they saw more bears, a sow and three cubs, in the same area.Several of the hikers had the same strategy as Steve, Jake and I. Hike 10 miles to Culvers Gap before the afternoon sun and humidity baked us. Everyone heard about the air conditioned cold beer tavern named "Gyp's". The afternoon proved to be another close to a 100 degree day. Steve called a fellow thru hiker who was injured and had to get off the trail in Damascus. Stretch lived close by and came to the tavern. He asked if the 3 of us wanted to go to a lake for a swim. "Hell Yeaah!" We ended at Culver's Lake and after the swim Stretch took us to his house for showers and a barbeque. Stretch's parents offered us a night in AC and without blinking an eye all three of us said, "Hell Yeaah!"If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Branchville, NJ

To: The Outhouse, Unionville, NY
Miles today: 23.1

"The question is, What puts a smile on my face at the end of the day?" ~ Mike HornJuly 8, 2010 ¢ Day 95 - ThursdayStretch cooked hamburgers and chicken on the grill. Awesome trail magic food with beer to wash it all down.Stretch's dad offered to take us back to the trailhead because Stretch had to work. First we had to stop Dales Market for a heart clogging, but delicious New Jersey Taylor Sandwich consisting of egg, cheese, hard roll and Taylor ham. Wicked good (a Yankee term meaning great).Two hours into the hike and the heat is really sapping my energy level. My ass is dragging and my stomach is doing flip flops. I asked Steve and Jake to keep an eye on me because of my condition. At my lowest point,   I took out my AT Guide by AWOL to look for an escape route. Eventually I began to feel better as I slowly drank water and ate more often. By noon I was feeling myself and abandoned plans to leave the trail.While getting water from one of the few flowing springs near Rutherford Shelter it started to rain. It has not rained in quite some time and it was soaking right into the ground. It has been so hot the blueberries still on the branches look like they have been in a dehydrator. The rain intensified to the point I grabbed my umbrella to get out of the rain. The I thought ¢dummy, let the rain cool down your core temperature.¢ The feeling was refreshing. An hour later the rain stopped, the sun came out and the heat level intensified.Relief came at the end of the day when we reached Horler's General store in Unionville NY. Throughout the last couple days I have been hearing how great the Mayor's House has been as a hostel. Steve, Jacob and I reached the hostel at 9pm and were greeted by Butch. We missed dinner but he was going to make us something to eat. There was a $10 donation to stay which included laundry, shower, a dinner, a breakfast and a beer. The accommodations was home-like and a great atmosphere. All the bunks were full so I pulled up my favorite place to sleep (outside my nest at home), the floor. The Mayor, who had been the mayor of Unionville for 12 years, is changing the name of the hostel to The Outhouse. I highly recommend a visit to this location.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-09
From: The Outhouse, Unionville, NY

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 11.8

"We need wilderness whether or not we ever set foot in it. We need a refuge even though we may never need to go there... We need the possibility of escape as surely as we need hope." ~ Edward AbbeyJuly 9, 2010 ¢ Day 96 - FridayThe breakfast at The Outhouse was outstanding. I left a little later than I wanted because of the meal. That meant dealing with another hot day of heat and drenching sweat.The tread of the trail has improved greatly with the rocks becoming fewer and fewer. The terrain for the most part is flat with a few short ups and downs.The day's heat started early. Many sections were in the open under a blazing sun. The day's hike ended crossing over a long boardwalk and a suspension bridge. Finally off the wooden path I reached NJ 94 in Vernon, NJ and went to a farmer's market for fruit and cold drinks. Steve called Stretch and his family who offered to take us in for a second night. The predicted weather for tonight and tomorrow is rain. An offer was made that we could not refuse. Once again the Lyons family went out of the way for us. Around dark thirty the predicted rain showed up and continued throughout the night.I had to sit down and figure out my next 7 days. This was one of the few times during this hike I had to think so far ahead. I made a promise to visit relatives in the area of New York where I was born. The one thing I knew for sure was I wanted to go back to Vernon and start off from the church hostel. After that I had at least seven options. One thing at a time. Let me get through tonight and let tomorrow figure itself out tomorrow.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." ~ Dolly PartonJuly 10, 2010 ¢ Day 97 - SaturdayWoke up at 5:30 to see sheets of rain coming down outside the kitchen window. I lay back down and went back to sleep hoping in a couple of hours the rain would stop. 8 am and the rain is still coming down. The radar map on the Weather Channel decided my day for me. Stretch's mother helped Stretch make breakfast for everyone. We sat around and visited the family then finally said goodbye and went to Vernon. The rain continued as we reached the hostel and I told Steve and Jake I was waiting out the weather at the hostel. And so, an unscheduled zero, but hey, I'm tired of being wet from either rain or sweat. Being dry is such a luxury.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe