morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Atkins

To: Ceres
Miles today: 12.2

June 13th 12.2 milesThe plan was to do this hike on Thursday. But as everyone knows, the best laid plans often go astray. Wednesday night a huge storm came through the campground where my husband and I were staying. Before we knew what was happening, the awning frame was bent in half and ripped from our travel trailer. So Thursday was a zero day to get it back on the trailer and move to our next campsite. That means my two day backpack will be over Father's Day when I had planned to zero.Friday the 13th started with threats of more storms. I had miles to make so I got an early start. The first mile or so was through hay fields. I entered the woods with my eyes already itching. The dampness in the woods had the gnats stirred up. I always thought they were "no-see-ems" because they are hard to see. Not so, you can see them just fine. But when they fly into your eyes, you can't see anything! Pretty soon the rains came. It was a gentle warm rain, just fine for hiking. Rhododendrons make pretty good umbrellas for lunch time. After lunch the path was all mud. Many places were very slippery. I ended up on my rear several times. I passed three sectioners going the opposite way. One called himself UPS (uphill struggle). I had to agree, I love everything but the ups.By late afternoon I realized that private land meant stiles. There are signs saying to keep on the trail. I know I climbed a dozen stiles. Near the end of te day, I retraced about a mile because I thought I had gone the wrong way. I hadn't. I felt great about today's hike. I survived!
Date: 2003-06-27
From: West Virginia

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Hello Folks, I'm back! We left our friends in West Virginia and headed east. We found a nice little campground at Brunswick, Md. It is right on the Chesapeake and Ohio Tow Path 6 miles from Harpers Ferry. So today I hiked the 6 miles up and back. To be honest only three miles each way were on the AT. I met more hikers. Blink-blink is a breath of fresh air hiking her way north since March. I really liked her immediately. Blaze and Face are a cute young couple also headed north. In town I met Treebeard and several others that I'm sorry I can't remember. I did enjoy visiting with 2/3 who was waiting in town for 1/3. She is a really nice lady and I am glad I ran into her. We talked about different hikers we had met. Then I headed over to the ATC and looked at the pictures for a while. So far 486 thru-hikers have come through Harpers Ferry. Of course, I did not have my picture taken as I am a day hiker now. But I did sign the register and left messages for my friends who will soon be coming through. For those of you unfamiliar with the C&O Towpath, it is really neat! It is a hiker/biker trail from Cumberland Md to Georgetown DC. It was used a century ago to pull boats up the canals along the Potomac River. Now it is used as a trail. It is beautiful country. At the ATC some hiker was complaining that the turnoff for the AT is not well marked, but it had a double blaze and an arrow pointing both North or South. He kept saying "I'm hiking with people who have hiked over 800 miles and we all missed the turn!" Duh- someone wasn't looking. I found it easily both ways, although I didn't turn. Harpers Ferry is celebrating 200 years of Lewis and Clark. This weekend both Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Lewis will be in town (as will plenty of tourists). This is a cute little historic town with lots of small shops. The outfitters is really neat, you even have to climb rock stairs to get in. Makes hikers feel right at home. For everyone who has been keeping up with me and was disappointed that I had stopped, I haven't stopped hiking. I am day hiking now. I won't finish my 450 mile goal, but I already have over 100 miles on the AT and will add more as we go. I plan to hike in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before the end of this vacation.
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Harper's Ferry

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've been thinking about several other things I wanted to tell everyone. First of all was about the sounds of the trail. Most of the time it is pretty quiet on the trail. Just you and your thoughts. But sometimes the sounds are amazing. In Virginia the cicadas were mating. This happens once every 14 years someone told me. The males sing for a mate. The sound is like a freight train when they all are singing together. It is quite loud. Automobiles are another sound you hear as you approach a road. There you are, thinking you are in the wilderness when you hear the roar of an engine racing by. Usually you can't see it, the roads are usually below us, but you hear the sounds.Trains are another sound, much like cars. You don't even know there is a rail near, but then you hear the roar, like thunder. Occasionally, if you are near a town, you will even hear a whistle. The sound I heard yesterday was different, it was the sound of bicycle bells. One rule of the C&O towpath is that pedestrians have the right of way. (Right!) Bicycles are supposed to let you know they are approaching by ringing their bells. Some do, most don't. Anyway, it's a different sound as you hike through the wilderness and hear a bicycle bell.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Nowhere for now

To: Arden, NY (Harriman State Park)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is my 56th birthday. I wanted to spend it on the trail. I am in New Jersey visiting with my daughter, so we drove up to Harriman State Park. I got to be trail angel. We passed out sodas and fresh fruit. There were nine hikers who came through: Skywalker with his kilt, Goat, Cakalaki, Wanderer, Slow Ride, Nimble, Dreds, Zero, and Easy Does It. It was Nimble's birthday too and his parents were waiting to take him to lunch. We all sat and talked for a long time; it was awesome! The day was somewhat overcast, so it wasn't too hot. It was a perfect birthday and a connection to the trail that I miss. I'll be heading down to the Delaware Water Gap this week and doing a couple of day hikes. Can't wait!
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

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

Today was the last day of my section hike for this summer. Yesterday drove down to the Mohican Outdoor Center to find the road crossing for my hike. There I met Kodiak (of Sassy and Kodiak on Trailjournals). I gave him a ride up to the lodge. Then I met Lion King on the way back. Everyone there was talking about seeing bears in New Jersey. The bears usually run when they see people so pictures are difficult. I was really looking forward to the hike.I started at the Mohican Outdoor Center and headed southward. It was a beautiful day with cloudy skys anc comfortable temperatures. I crossed the bridge and headed up the mountain. Pretty soon I came upon two hikers about my age, Sassafras and Bump. They continued north and I south. After a while I passed a group of Boy Scouts with heavy packs struggling up the mountain. Then I came upon Stripe and Seabea. After a short rest stop, I continued on my journey. I lost the trail a couple of times in the rocks on the ridge, but easily found it again when I retraced my steps. I came upon a black snake who refused to moved. I just stepped over him since I knew he was harmless. Next I came to a couple of younger hikers who were too busy to stop. A little later Gazelle was more polite and stopped for a minute. (it is just courtesy to greet other hikers on the trail)I arrived at the sunfish pond early in the afternoon. Saw another snake, brown and yellow, which I couldnt identify so I went around it. There were a bunch of dayhikers swimming in the pond (which is 41acres!) So I decided to soak my feet for a while. We had a nice visit, then I moved on. Late in the afternoon I came upon a deer right in the trail. I took a photo and went on my way. Then I met Blaze and Face who I remembered from back at Harper's Ferry. They askd about the trail and I told them about swimming at sun fish pond. I was thinking about what a nice day it had been when I met Jackonthemountan2 talking to a black dayhiker. He was fascinated with the idea that anyone would walk so far! After a few pictures, we each went our way. I headed down to the gap and my ride. The day was a perfect end to my journey until next year.
Date: 2003-07-12
To: Getting Ready
Miles today: 0.0

My name is Nick Caratzas. I'm a financial analyst from Bridgeport, Connecticut.I'm taking several months off to travel and take pictures. It's a perfect time to go for a long walk, so the first trip is going to be a section hike of the AT. It's too late in the year to do the whole thing, so I'm backpacking from Bear Mountain, NY to Katadhin. I plan to be on top of Katadhin by the first week in October (allowing for a month or so of break-in time).Why do this? The hike will get me in shape, especially for skiing. I'll lose a bunch of weight. I'll see parts of the Northeast that are tough to get to any other way. I have an opportunity that I might not get again for many years. And it'll be challenging enough that when it's over there'll be the reward of completion.Well, that's it for now. I'll let you all know how it all turns out -- NC
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Bear Mountain, NY

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 7.2

A great first day for a hike. Weather was fair and in the 70's. Karen dropped me off at Bear Mountain and then I hiked through the zoo, over the bridge and over the steep trail up Anthony's Nose. Saw 11 day-hikers near Bear Mountain and then nobody until Graymoor. Spent the night on the ballfield at the Graymoor Friary. Met Dejavue, Songbird and Red Rocket. Brother Leo came by at 4:30 to take a headcount for dinner and invited us up to eat at 5:15. Although I really didn't feel entitled yet, I took advantage of the bountiful spread they put out for us (Beef Enchiladas, Ham, Garlic Bread, Salsa, Minestrone, Salad and Jello for dessert). Everybody enjoyed dinner and then after a quick shower it was time for bed. Bag and Neil from Aberdeen came in after dinner. Slept fitfully but I felt okay after day one. No real blisters yet.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Graymoor Friary

To: Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 11.9

Overcast in the a.m., clearing in the afternoon. Temp in 70's. Got up and out by 8:00. Neil passed me about 5 miles up and then I saw 3 couples day-hiking in Fahnestock State Park. Got to the Fahnestock campground before 5. Saw Songbird, Dejavue and Red Rocket at the campground. Made dinner, took at (hot!) shower and went to bed. Despite the shower and rinsing out my clothes I am already starting to smell pretty bad. No major blisters to report. This was a rough day for me despite the relatively level terrain. 12 miles (plus another 1.4 to the campground) was a lot to cover but I wanted to do a longish (for me) day in the beginning just to see what would happen. I was definitely grateful to get to the campsite. I don't think I could have walked another mile. I was seriously considering calling the whole thing off but this was supposed to be my punishment day and after some rest I felt better. My boots (well-worn Vasque Clarions) are already starting to show wear and my feet were hitting the toe box on the downhill. I have two purple nails to show for it. New boots are on the list for this weekend's restocking trip. My body is in a bit of shock -- eating isn't that appealing yet and I was slightly nauseous when I woke up -- this will pass once I get going for real.I'm already looking to dump some pack weight.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather fair all day.Got going at 9:40 after another fitful night of sleep. Took my time getting ready to go (short day today). Just as I got on the trail my path was blocked by a HUGE snapping turtle (24" carapace top to bottom). He didn't respond well to my pleadings to let me by so I bushwhacked around him and then went around Canopus Lake and on to RPH. Got to shelter early and met a bunch of people there resting (including Bag) and for a while it looked like there might be a party going on that evening but it didn't pan out. Some kind soul left a watermelon at the shelter which was most welcome and dispatched with by the group in short order. The groundskeeper stopped by and we chatted for a while. I complimented him on the shelter -- the place is a palace (no shower yet but he's thinking about putting one in) -- and we spoke for a bit more. Alas, the privy was out of service but another trail maintainer stopped by afterwards to take some measurement so it would be together by the weekend. Bankrobber stopped in for the night. Slept better. Feeling a lot better. Getting a blister on the ball of my right toe that I put a couple of layers of moleskin on but I don't know if it'll do the job.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: RPH Shelter

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

A little drizzly today but overall pretty nice. Temp in 70's.Made my first "town" stop today -- actually the Mountain Top Deli about 0.4 miles off the Trail. Ate a big lunch and ran into Bankrobber again. I was a little disappointed at the limited stock the store had -- considering they make a big business catering to hikers, I would have expected them to have more hiker-friendly supplies (Lipton dinners, tuna packets, DEET, stove fuel, Propel were nowhere to be found). Still, they had a nice picnic table and free water so it was a worthwhile stop. Met up with Gazer about a mile south of Morgan Stewart and spent the night at the shelter with him and the two front-running southbounders (Wheel and a fellow whose name escaped me). Everybody except for me was using alcohol stoves and they've got me converted -- I'm dumping the heavy Svea this weekend and building a Photon. The blister is getting HUGE. More moleskin on it (4 layers now). Mileage again was light with a couple of scrambles and climbs but nothing huge. Still it was enough for me. We'll see what happens tomorrow. Slept pretty well.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The southbounders were on their way out by 6 as they had 34 miles to cover today (no wonder they're the front-runners). Made a short side trip off the trail down Rte. 55 to the site of the former Elite Hot Dog stand -- now run by a wonderful young woman who had no idea that when she took the spot that she would be getting business from hikers. We talked for a while about long-distance hiking and she asked for suggestions about what she should stock to cater to the smelly select. Had two great chili dogs, a Gatorade and a bag of chips for lunch. Met a day hiker at a lookout about a half-mile south of the shelter and then an unusual person (on her way out) at the shelter -- she seemed very functional but then started running on about how "they're turning off the water in the streams" and how she didn't feel comfortable staying in the shelters because of the "scroungers -- they're gray you know" -- and the negative hikers who are orange and sizzle. She also told me about how she got "stranded" at Sage's Ravine and couldn't breathe because of the "bad air" there -- had to call the police to get her out of there. She said the cop who pulled her out told her that next time she should use a flare to summon assistance?!? Obviously she has some kind of problem. I felt bad for her but not bad that she was leaving. Had the place to myself after that. Saw my first shelter mice and heard my first coyotes on the Trail. Major bee action in the privy so I did my business elsewhere. Another fitful night of sleep. On to Wiley and then home for the weekend tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-18
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: CT Rte. 55
Miles today: 10.8

Rained most of the day. Temp in the low 70's to high 60's.Left TPS around 8 to go to Wiley. A couple of good hills but mostly flat especially around Nuclear Lake (I am not glowing). Another great hot dog stand on NY 22 right off the trail (an everything dog for breakfast at 9:30 -- yum!) Went by the Sacred Heart Cemetery on the grounds of the old NYS hospital at Wingdale and it's sadly overgrown -- I couldn't make out any gravesites (and didn't do too much exploring for fear of ticks). Many thru-hikers complained that the trail was overgrown but it really wasn't that bad and given the amount of rain we've had in the area this year I can't say that it shouldn't have been expected. Stopped at Wiley around 2:30 for a long break and ran into a group of 4 girls heading northbound. Old Smokey Lonesome arrived later and started setting up for the night. He's planning on hitting Katadhin around the time I'll be there so maybe I'll run into him again on the trail. Met the shelter maintainer on my way out around 6 and complimented him on the excellent shelter (another palace). He claimed that there had been bear activity recently so we should keep aware but I haven't seen any traces of bears yet. Karen met me at CT 55 parking lot at 7:00 and made me drive so she could sit next to her one working window. I smelled that bad. Back to Bridgeport for the night and then resupplying and buying new boots (a new, bigger set of Clarions) over the weekend.I started this hike assuming it would give me a lot of time to think. It turns out I am thinking but rather than solving the world's problems I'm thinking about "how far to the top of this hill" and "how far to the next shelter" and "what am I going to eat?" Still, it was a good week and I look forward to getting back onto the trail for real on Wednesday.
Date: 2003-07-23
From: CT Rte. 55

To: 10-Mile River Lean-To
Miles today: 2.1

After a long break in Bridgeport to tie up some loose ends I'm back on the trail. My parents dropped my off at CT 55 about 4:30 p.m. and I hiked the 2.1 miles over 10-Mile Hill down to the 10-Mile River Lean-to for the evening.This shelter is next to the camp site where I had stayed about three weeks previously when doing some pre-trip shakedowns. It's noted for its brown water and ticks. Fortunately, my filter did a good job on the water (although there was still a slight taste of rust, the water was clear out of the filter) and I didn't pick up any ticks. Did see a mouse at the shelter and 3 turkeys on the way there.Spent the night with three other NBs (north-bounders), one of whom got lost on the way in and didn't show up until midnight. CT has this wonderful set of blue-blazed trails off the AT that enable hikers to plan side trips, loops, etc. of countless combinations. Unfortunately for our night-hiking friend, the shade of blue chosen for these blazes is almost indistinguishable from AT white by the light of an LED headlamp. He went up and down the hill (a steep and longish one at that) at least three times before finally finding the trail and then the shelter (which was off its own blue-blazed trail). Went to Bull's Bridge for a fine gas station dinner (2.8 miles flat round-trip). This didn't help my pack weight. I think I'm still carrying too much food and not eating it doesn't lighten the load.Performance is improving -- I did the whole 2.1 miles over the hill without stopping. Three weeks earlier, I had to stop several times going over the hill as I was still overpacing myself (and my heart's getting stronger to boot). Lungs are still taxed -- still breathing a lot -- but it isn't an unpleasant or difficult experience. No huffing and puffing here, just a lot of breathing.I picked up new boots over the weekend (two sizes bigger than my old ones) and the problem of my toes getting crushed against the front of the boot has gone away. My heels are picking up a little bit -- we'll see if that leads to any problems. The Mother of All Blisters on my right toe is still there and under some second skin pads but it isn't bothering me.
Date: 2003-07-24
From: 10-Mile River Lean-To

To: Mt. Algo Lean-To.
Miles today: 8.4

Saw a deer and a couple of fat snakes today. I like seeing fat snakes, but skinny snakes might be better (if the snakes are getting enough to eat, that must mean there are plenty of mice). Still I'm rooting for the snakes in the battle against the rodents.Slept in waiting for the rain to break, which it finally did around 10 a.m. At least I beat the group of 10 kids and 2 counselors out the door. Then again, they only had 2 miles to cover today. The rest of the day was partly cloudy in the high 70's or low 80's and perfect for hiking. Today's hike was my first longer hike over a good rise (Schagticoke Mountain --~1000' in about 2 miles) and it wasn't much fun, especially in the steeper sections (500' in 1/2 mile). Another short but tough (for me) climb over north peak of "mountain" and then a steep, rocky descent over two miles with some steep sections. The NBs who've gone through PA say that the rocks were nothing but there was definitely a trick to keeping my balance -- I fell three times today and I have a good gash on my left knee to show for it. They say balance and falling will be less of an issue over time. Between the rocks and the climb my butt was roundly kicked today. I was really dragging for the last 3 miles. I think part of the problem is that I'm not staying hydrated enough nor am I eating enough. This will improve, I suppose, after my body gets beaten into acceptance. Good news -- the blister on my big toe is looking a lot better and no major foot problems. My hip was complaining the last mile or so. Ibuprofen helped that a bit, as did, adjusting the straps on the pack to put more weight on the left side. Me and 2 others in the shelter, 6 others in tents on site. All are LD hikers -- all save me and one other are thru-hiking. Most will be stopping in Kent, CT, at the bottom of the hill, for supplies/maildrops/beer/etc. Seeing as I'm overloaded as it is, I'm pushing through to the next shelter. Slept pretty well for a change.
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Mt. Algo Lean-To.

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a longer day for me but still very doable. Just one short climb (< 1 mile) up from Kent to a ridge and another short climb to the campsite. One hairy downhill at St. John's Ledges -- the guide said there'd be steps but these were more like steps for giants or really just random boulders -- a lot of jumping and sliding on my butt to get down. I pity the southbounders. Most of the day was over a long flat stretch by the Housatonic River, over which I made really good time. The last mile or so was pretty steep up to the camp site and I was pretty tired by the time I got there but after a short rest and setting up camp I did another 2 1/2 miles round-trip into Cornwall Bridge (got a hitch on the way back) to pick up some water and some food. I really need to start cooking dinner more often but I'm just not into it yet. The trail maintainers get major props on this section. Several sections that had been seriously overgrown about a month previously have now all been cut back. Got through this section without any poison ivy, brambles, nettles or other major scrapes.Silver Hill is a beautiful campsite. There had been a shelter here but it burned down a few years ago. Still, there is a (brown) water pump, a moldering privy, a deck overlooking the Housatonic valley, a kitchen pavilion and a chair swing (the kind you see in movies about teenagers "courting" in the 1950s southeast). Apparently a lot of people agree about it being a nice site -- it was a full house again tonight (about 10 of us).My feet are okay, though now my left arch is bugging me a little. Right hip is bugging me too but not a big deal. Stayed up pretty late with the crew -- in bed around 10:30. Up at 6:45 and out by 8:30 for 12-mile hike to Belter's Campsite.