morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Casa de Fenner

To: Casa de Fenner
Miles today: 0.0

After a leisurely wake up and breakfast of poached eggs, toast, and scrapple, Shirley and I made plans to go into town to the store. She needed a couple of things, and I needed to resupply.After the store we stopped for lunch and split a cheese steak sandwich and onion rings. PA is know for their cheese steaks right? It had to be done. Then smear stopped by the AT in Wind Gap to scope it out. I pointed out the little stretch that went along the road and the white blazes and we chatted about how she could leave goodies for the hikers at the trail head there. It's kind of neat how subtle the AT can be. People drive past or along it all the time without realizing it!Back at the house I was getting ready to settle down with my Kindle when Dave out me on the gator to "go for a drive". I followed along behind him on the tractor out to one of their fields. He pointed to half of the field and told me to start digging holes, throw in som lime, fertilizer, water and pumpkin seeds then left me to it while he planted the other half with buckwheat! I was out there in my thin camp shoes and "town clothes"! To be fair, I had offered to help several times, and I love this kind of work. I just wasn't expecting it when it happened! But it was a lot of fun. I miss getting out and working the land. After the field was planted I drove around exploring the property for a bit before going in to shower.For dinner we had steamed muscles and clams with potatoes, fresh corn, watermelon, and all kinds of awesomeness! It's a rough life out here on the trail! We finished off the day with a nightcap of Bailey's. Yum!
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Casa de Fenner

To: Casa de Fenner
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This morning we had blueberry pancakes made with the wild blueberries I had picked and sausage. A package I had been waiting for arrived with my new set of guidebook pages and a new, smaller pair of shorts (I've lost about 30 pounds since starting the trail). Dave was headed into work, and Shirley left to get a workout in. I lounged about being lazy and ready pretty much all day. This afternoon Shirley went to the nursing home to help out with some events, so I continues to lounge and read. This evening we all headed out to a local state park where Shirley and I went on a monthly guided hike. It was lovely, though I'm glad I get to do most of my hiking alone these days. I can only listen to teenagers talk about Grey's Anatomy for so long...After the hike we went out for Chinese then headed back to the house to settle in for the evening. I'm on the back porch now watching the fireflies. They are awesome here. They stick to the trees, but go all the way up to the tree tops, and are much more frenetic than the fireflies I've been seeing in the trail. They blink fast and often, resembling blinking Christmas lights in the trees. Beautiful! I can just see my friend, Corinne (whose parents I'm staying with) out here as a little girl running around barefoot, catching them in jars!It has been a lovely stay here, Dave and Shirley have been amazing! What wonderful trail angels, opening their home to me and being flexible with my ever changing, seldom solidified plans. I might have threatened to move in... I wonder if I could get away with that?
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Wind Gap

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: few clouds

Shirley dropped me off at Wind Gap this morning, and I started out with a nice little 500 ft climb out of the gap. It was a typical rocky day in PA! Along the way I met Flannel and Stardust, and War Turtle. Came over Wolf Rocks, what is hoped to be the last of the PA "gauntlet". Ran into a couple of townies at a road crossing about a half mile from the shelter. They were carrying their coolers and oversized sleeping bags with plans to hike a gravel road to the shelter. I was a bit weary, but Flannel and Stardust had said they were staying at the shelter as well, so I wasn't worried. Back on the strain I met Blade and Bad Apple. They were at the shelter when I got there which was nice because apparently Flannel and Stardust had decided to hike on. They hung out long enough for me to be comfortable with the Townies, Jim and Dave. These guys were obviously planning a late night, so I set up my hammock, then went back down to the shelter to hang out. They shared a couple of beers with the promise to pack out the cans. About 930 we spotted Firestarter coming up with her head lamp. We all continued to hang out for a bit before Firestarter and I headed up to bed.
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel in DWG
Miles today: 6.3

I was so over this short day today! Was happy to find blueberries and blackberries along the trail. I passed a large family day hiking and spent some time chatting with them.Some great views of the Delaware River coming down into Delaware Water Gap, but I was so ready to be done! My last day hiking in PA!!! So excited to put these rocks behind me!! I got caught in a bit of a deluge for a while. It was a short storm, but enough to get me pretty soaked. The gear is dry though! I finally made it into DWG and the Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel. This place is pretty great. Bunkhouse, high pressure shower, shelter in the back, lots of renting room. I got permission to hang my hammock under the deck, and it ended up being a pretty good spot!After getting set up and taking a shower, I visited Massage Bob who comes out on Thursdays to do free massages for the hikers. It was amazing! The Church of the Mountain also does a big hiker feed on Thursdays. The hitch members all being dishes, and they were celebrating the 40th anniversary of the hostel. They must have fed about 40 hikers! The Crow is here with me tonight, haven't seen him in a few days. In fact, most of the hikers that I have seen the last couple of days are here... Flannel and Stardust, Firestarter, Blade and Bade Apple, Wanderer, Tree, The Sheppard, and lots of new folks too. We ended up having to do some optimization under the deck to fit four hammocks as Fern, Daddy Long Legs, and Scorpion needed a place to hang as well. We all got a good giggle when scorpion's knot failed and she landed flat out on the ground. Fern helped her get it secure after that. Lots of time this evening spent hanging out, playing the guitar, etc around the hostel, then we headed to the Deer Head Inn next door to get some drinks and listen to some jazz. Had a bourbon on the rocks to celebrate the rocks of PA and our successful passage over them!Back at the hostel there was lots of giggling under the deck before we managed to settle down and get some sleep.
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel in DWG

To: Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel in DWG
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The Crow and I decided yesterday to zero in this cute little town (I'm never going to get anywhere if I don't stop doing this). Several of us went back to the Deer Head Inn this morning for breakfast followed by a trip to the local outfitter. I had been considering new trekking poles and new insoles, but I'm just going to go with what I have for now.About 1pm I went a block down to the ice cream shop with Fern, Pending and Daddy Long Legs. After waiting out the rain that started right after we got there, we went to the post office, then to a local Farmers Market/BBQ place for an awesome pulled pork lunch where we ran into Bear Chaser, Lady McGyver, and their pup Sugar. Back to the hostel for a while where people continued to show up. I had already claimed my spot in the 8 person bunkhouse. I chatted with the area ridge runner, Kevin, and his opinion is that the rocks are mostly over in about 6 miles (we are a .3 mile road walk from NJ!). You get so much conflicting info. Some say the rocks end just a few miles into NJ, some say 40 miles in, and I've also hear 80 miles in. We'll see!More hanging out followed by a trip for pizza and beer, then to a local bar. Time to get back on the trail tomorrow, but we will get some breakfast in town before we head out.
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel in DWG

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

I spent most of my first day in NJ hiking in a cloud. I wish I could say it was because I was on cloud 9. But that is not the case. The rocks have followed me from PA!!!After a not to early breakfast at the Deer Head Inn, I dawdled around the hostel packing up my stuff. I finally set out at 11 knowing I would be in PA in .3 miles!! I-80 took me across the Delaware River and into my next state!Not far into NJ I stapled at one of the visitor centers for Dleaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to get my passport stamped, then continued on the tackle my 1000ft climb to start the day. The climb was actually pretty nice over about 2.5 miles. Fairly easy, consistent grade as I hiked into the clouds.The fog was actually pretty cool. I'm sure Sunfish Pond is beautiful on a clear day, but not being able to see across it for the fog was really beat. It Kent an ethereal, mystical quality to the view. Still lots of rocks though. I know I passed what would have been some amazing views because that's what the guidebook tells me. Oh well, I enjoyed the look of this section in the clouds.So the rocks. Still. I knew they would extend into NJ a little ways, but I've been looking forward to getting to this state to get my joy back!! There wasn't a whole lot of joy on most of the trail today. However, with a few miles left to go I started singing out loud to myself, and this really helped the whole experience. I need to keep that up in the future if I'm not listening to proper music.I finally got to the Mohican Outdoor Center run by the Apoalachian Mountain Club (AMC), and decided to get a bunk. I was quite damp from walking through the cloud, and storms were in the forecast. I also got a club sandwich, chips and a coke.The Crow was here and was in the same bunkhouse as I am. I was told that if another female hiker came through she might be put in the room with me. Each of the rooms sleep 2-3 people. The hot shower was amazing, and it was great to enjoy the storm from the cover of the back porch or the coziness of the bunkhouse! As it got later I was sure they wouldn't be putting anyone else in the room with me. Good thing too because I have my stuff spread all over the teeny tiny room to dry and the room definitely smells!Also in the bunkhouse tonight we have thru hikers Sign Post, Blue Turtle, and Limey, as well as a French woman not much younger than myself and a couple with their 3-4 year old son. It's nice to be warm, clean, and dry and to have a lovely mattress to sleep on!
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Campsite

To: Stealth Site
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

Definitely wasn't feeling this whole hiking thing today. I'm getting rather bored with it. But, here's hoping that clears up soon!Late start this morning. Made it into Gyp's Tavern just off the trail at about 4:30 for a burger, fries and coke. Neat place right on Kittatinny Lake. To full to be bothered with the three miles to the next shelter, so stealth camping just a short ways down.
Date: 2016-07-14
From: Unionville NY Village Center Park

To: St Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel in Vernon NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Still go basically no sleep last night. People kept coming around playing Pokemon Go (really?!?), then at about 12:30 there was a very loud domestic dispute that took place in the street right in front of the park for at least a half hour. It was after 4am before I finally drifted off. Hanging on the swing set as I was, i could not get a tight tie on my rain fly, so I woke up at 6 and it was basically lying on me.I packed up my head and headed down to the general store for some breakfast. The Crow, who had camped at the park last night as well, showed up. I decided after two sleepless nights that hiking wouldn't be a good idea. But I wanted to make sure that I could get some decent rest tonight. We decided to hitch up to Vernon to go to a hostel there. Crow was happy to skip a few miles, and I just wanted to get some sleep!I talked to the village center, and they were trying to get the mayor on the phone to get approval to use the city bus to take us. Small towns! While we were waiting to head back, we spoke to a young man who was heading to work in Vernon in a couple of hours, and he said he would take us. So I cancelled the message for the mayor. The guy never showed! Eventually we arranged another ride. This woman was going to pick us up after she picked up her son. She at least came back to tell us that she couldn't give us a ride, she just wasn't comfortable with it.Just as we had given up and resigned to spending another night in the park, a woman called tones from across the street. She was out meeting up with her thru hiking husband, and her hotel was in Vernon, so we were able to get a ride from her.The hostel is pretty great. Single Sally was here when we arrived watching a movie. The evening was filled with movies (none of which I would have considered good), Chinese food, free laundry, and showers. I scored a spot on a futon, so hopefully sleep will come!
Date: 2016-07-15
From: St Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel in Vernon NJ

To: St Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel in Vernon NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Slept great! And slept most of the morning too! Crow kept bugging me about when we were leaving, but I didn't worry too much about that. That's why I hike solo! Single Salky and I decided to see what the deal was with this Pokemon Go fad. We walked to the grocery store and post office collecting Pokemon. Yeah, I still don't get it...Several more movies played today. Eventually when the stupid humor section of the video library was depleted we got in a couple of Disney flicks! I went back to the grocery store to resupply for the next few days, and I reckon I'll head out tomorrow morning.
Date: 2016-07-16
From: St Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel in Vernon NJ

To: Stony Point Center
Miles today: 0.3
Weather: clear sky

Hanging around the hostel this morning, watching a couple of movies, contemplating getting out day started. Crow called a shuttle to inquire about a ride to the trail, and decided to ask about a ride up to the Hudson River. He's really ready to be done! We talked to Single Sally and Moose, and they were down for the yellow blaze, so we scheduled the shuttle up to Bear Mountain State Park, about 47 miles up the trail. It was a pretty drive. When we got there we discussed and decided to get a couple of rooms at the Stony Point Center, a nearby multicultural community and retreat. One of there volunteers, Amira, was at bear mountain when we were dropped off, so we scheduled our shuttle and headed into the zoo.The Appalachian Trail goes directly through the Bear Mountain Zoo, and the lowest elevation on the trail is at the bear encloser. We checked that out, his up the vending machines by the pool, and wondered around the rest of the small, donation based establishment. Back out waiting for the shuttle, we met up with (Momma) Jules who was headed to the center as well. A couple of random stopped by to hang out, I think Single Sally knew them. Once loaded in the van, three more hikers came running down the road, and we were joined by Avalon, Hawkeye, and David. Once checked into our rooms, I took a shower, then Single Sally and I headed out to explore before dinner. We walked through the labyrinth and wandered the meditation grounds.Durable showed up just before dinner which was a pleasing affair with an all you can eat buffet featuring many produce items grown there at the center. After dinner Linda, the reservation manager, sought me out to let me know they had found a guitar for us to play! We all spent the rest of the evening lounging around the grounds with Moose and I taking turns playing, singing, and just sharing a chill, companionable hang out.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Stony Point Center

To: Stony Point Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After all the time lately spent at the hostel, and people planning to kind of hike together, and me needing some quiet time, I decided to ask about doing a work for stay at Stony Point. I spoke with Paula, one of the codirectors, and she got me set up. I said my goodbyes to the group, then got to work weeding flower beds to pay for my room and meals. After about an hour, one of the volunteers, Asher, pulled me to help with the labyrinth. I spent the next couple of hours TRYING to pull up that black weed sheiks plastic from the beds around the labyrinth. It must have been there for years and was covered with about a foot of well established earth. I did make some progress though. Around noon I called it as being WAY to hot for that kind of work, and Asher told me to call it a day. I went to get cleaned up for lunch. I have never in my life been that dirty I think, and that's really saying something! After my shower I headed in to the dinning hall for lunch, then spend the rest of the day relaxing and reading. It was pretty great.
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Bear Mountain Zoo

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I was dropped back off at the trail mid morning and set out on my way across the Hudson. Then right into a 450 foot climb basically straight up. The first few miles was definitely a trudge, I was not feeling it! I was headed to Graymoor and expected to get there before the forecasted storms at 6. The hike was uneventful and uninspiring for most of the day.A little before 3 I ran into Herstory and a friend of hers who was doing a section with her, Juno. The atmosphere seemed to be changing so I checked the weather again and they had bumped the storm time up to 3:15! We were still about two miles out, so they made tracks while I stopped to put my pack cover on. I was going to end up hiking in the rain either way, so I wasn't in much of a rush. It started as the storms tend to do, with big heavy raindrops. Then the wind started with through horizontally. I was on top of the Ridgeline and decided just to push through, though I was trying to keep a close eye on what was going on around me. As the rain streaked and blurred my vision and trees started snapping in half around me I made the call to head off trail to take shelter behind some rocks. I found somewhere to hunker down like a turtle if I needed to and watched the storm. It looked like the susceptible trees nearby had already succumb, so I though it fairly safe. Keeping an eye on my weather app, which kindly told me several times that lightening had been detected 0 miles from my position, I soaked in the rain. After the worst had passed, I returned to the trail. Within the next tenth of a mile I came across three large blow downs blacking the trail. I think I made the right decision stopping to seek out shelter, it would have sucked to have been under one of those heaps of branches, leaves, and knarled trunks! I slogged through the river of a trail, completely soaked with my boots full of water off the ridgeline and down the hill to a road crossing where I reached the Appalachian Market. I chatted with John the Baptist, Shades and her group, and Herstory and Juno. After wringing out my socks and a dinner of egg salad sandwich, chips, and a coke, I hiked the last mile to Graymoor. I have my hammock set up in the backfield pavilion. There are several hikers here. We have five hammocks in the pavilion, a couple of people on the ground, and a couple of picnic tables, as well as a few tents in the field. This is a pretty neat place. Very peaceful, save for a few hikers who are harmless, though rather obnoxious. The porta potties are clean, and there's a water spigot. I continue to be impressed with the towns and communities that take hikers in.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wonderful, uneventful day. Some of the folks that I camped with last night were planning to head to what was to be my next destination, and I kind of wanted to distance myself from them, so I decided to stay at this lovely, peaceful place for the day. Besides, Junko was getting off trail today, so that gave me a chance to spend some time with her and Herstory.We ordered pizza for lunch, and I spent the day reading. Several new folks here tonight, including Uncle Spider and Reptar, Pineapple Express, and Good Talk. There was just one other person in the pavilion tonight, but I decided last minute that it was a great night and a great place to cowboy camp under the stars! So, I'm in my sleeping bag out in the middle of the baseball field enjoying the stars before the full moon crests the treetops and drowns them out. Come to think of it, there's s good chance the moon might keep me up!! But I can snuggle into my sleeping bag to block the light, or I can just go back to the pavilion where my hammock still hangs. :-)
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Springer Mountain

To: gooch mntn shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: moderate rain

Today was my first day on the trail. Duffy from the hostel I stayed in last nite dropped us off about a mile from Springer Mountain which is the starting point of the AT northbound. I started at 0930 and ended walking about 1615. Covered 16.8 miles. The terrain was heavily wooded with numerous streams throughout. Visibility was limited due to low clouds and some fog.' The temperature was perfect for hiking however and a little bit of drizzle and light wind made it even better.   Met "acorn", "hoodie", "K T" , "Bald Eagle" and lots of other friendly hikers. Am spending the nite in my tent but at the Gooch Mnt Shelter...must be 30 hikers here. Dinner was the best pasta primavera I have ever head out of a bag!Looking forward to tomorrow!
Date: 2016-03-15
From: gooch mntn shelter

To: mountain crossings hostel, Blood Mntn
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Started today from Gooch Mntn Shelter where about 30 other hikers spent the night. A little drizzle during the evening but nothing substantive. Sunny the whole day so you could see forever. If I loaded the picture correctly, this is what a lot of the day looked like. Experienced my first trail magic at Gooch Gap and Woody Gap...pancakes with chocolate chips and then Gatorade. Very kind. The pancakes were made by former thru-hiker "Sticks" and the Gatorade served up by a young couple from Florida. Writing this from Mntn Crossings hostel. $17 /'person with the coldest shower you could imagine. After 3 days without one, the temperature was secondary. Unloaded a little weight but still coming in at about 41 pounds. Hoping to figure out how to loose a bit more soon
Date: 2016-03-16
From: mountain crossings hostel, Blood Mntn

To: BlueMountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was another glorious day on the AT. Hiked 18.8 miles and am camping now outside of the Blue Mountain Shelter. Am taking advantage of the weather which has been spectacular. I know once it starts raining and turning colder, I'm gonna get my butt kicked. My body's holding up well except for my feet. Hiking the Ordway a building Stairs and the Claremont Canyon in Oaktown is not quite the same. Some parts of the trail have been wide open, some canopied, some very rooty and incredibly rocky, and some just soft decaying leaves...all in the same day.My next two days will be about 10 miles each and am planning to pick up a mail drop at the Top of Georgia Hostel on Friday.. From there, I will be 10 miles from North Carolina!