morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Clarks Creek
Miles today: 17.2

After taking care of the normal morning town errands, I hit the trail a bit after noon. Despite the large number of hikers in town, I was still the first one out (with the exception of The Hobbits, who pulled in this morning and kept on going.) The hike was uneventful. With a rocky trail, I wasn't able to make the distance I wanted, but 17 miles is still respectable for such a late start. Finding water was a challenge - a situation that would only get worse in PA. This, despite the fact that there was a brief yet intense rainstorm in the afternoon. The storm cut the humidity for a bit, but also made the trail muddy and slippery. It was also enough to bring out every biting insect known to man - and several previously unknown species as well. As darkness approached, I'd had enough and found a nice camping area near a creek. It was something out of a horror movie, with mist rising off the water and floating over everything, rising about knee-high. I really didn't care. After setting up my tent, purifying water and making dinner, I was off to bed.It's time for me to make a pitch for trail magic from all of you living and/or working near the Appalachian Trail. Not for me, but for all those ahead who are now moving through NY, CT, MA, VT and beyond. If you happen to see someone with a grungy backpack, worn boots, a beard and large calf muscles crossing the Bear Mountain Bridge, or near the Rt. 52/82 junction in Fishkill, NY or crossing the Pallisades Parkway near the visitors center, they're probably a thru-hiker. Stop and ask if they need a ride, or better yet a shower and a couch. Get a cheap cooler, load it with ice, some soda, water fruit and/or beer, and set it on the trail near the most convenient roadway. You can even leave a small notebook and pen for hikers to write their comments. Thru-hikers are some of the nicest, most interesting people you'll ever meet, and I can't put into words how grateful they'll be for any offers of assistance or free food and drinks. I've been the recipient of loads of trail magic, and it really makes my day. It's a big part of the AT experience. Okay, end of pitch.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Clarks Creek

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained long and hard last night. Unusual for me, I slept in. I was just packing up around 9am when the Hobbits walked by. We would pass each other several times throughout the day.The weather was great - warm but with a cool breeze. The trail, however, sucked. Rocks, rocks and more rocks. All sections of the trail have rocky areas. This section is composed of only rocky areas, with very small patches of smooth, even ground. You can't get a good stride going. You're constantly concentrating on where to put your feet. You're tripping, stumbling, stubbing your toes. There is just nowhere flat to put your feet, going from one angled rock to one pointed rock and back again for hours at a time. This was my day.In the afternoon, I decided to introduce my face to the trail in a sudden and drastic fashion. One moment I'm hiking; the next, I'm sprawled face-first on the trail. Painfully, I undid my hip belt and struggled out of my pack. It took a few minutes to get up. At first, I thought I may have broken my left arm, but it was just stunned from the impact. Eventually, painfully, I managed to get up. My elbow was cut up, my forearm swollen, my thigh muscle bruised, and the palm of my hand throbbing and bruised. All-in-all I was lucky I didn't break anything, falling hard on those rocks. The score: Trail - 1 Politician - 0. Afterwards, the miles passed slowly. I came upon some great trail magic - a cooler with ice and soda. I iced my elbow, which helped, and continued on, getting to the shelter after dark. There were two weekend hikers there. One thru-hiked a decade ago, and another is planning to thru-hike after college in a year or two. I was offered some hot dogs, and ice-cold water brought from home (saving me a 1/4 mile walk to the "water source," a trickle that would take nearly an hour to fill my water bottles. After all of this kindness and a very long day, I was ready for sleep.P.S. I hit another major milestone today, one I'm even more excited about than passing the midway point. I now have less than 1,000 miles to go!!! I have 998.9 miles, to be exact. Making progress...
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Ah, a day with nothing to do. It's wonderful. Relaxing, running some errands, hanging out with my parents, what more could I ask for? Ok, how about a tour of the Yuengling Brewery? Perfect. Unfortunately, they're closed on Sundays. Well, my parents will enjoy that and a trip to a winery tomorrow while I'm hiking. I hope they'll remember to pick me up, and remember where I'll be.... They better bring me some samples!!!
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Hawk Mtn Road
Miles today: 15.2

NOTE: For those in the Hudson Valley, NY area, I'll be chilling at Michael's bar and restaurant on Friday evening, 8/3 starting around 6:30 or 7:00 pm. Michael's is in the shopping center on Rt. 9 in Fishkill, near the intersection of Rt. 52. Feel free to join me for a drink or two that evening. I love slackpacking. After running some errands with my parents (such as applying for a passport - yes, my bearded face will be shown in that document for the next decade), I finally hit the trail around 10 or 11 am. Even though it was rocky, I was flying down the trail. Six miles in, I hit a shelter and ran into the Hobbits. We chatted for awhile, and I offered them the opportunity to slackpack tomorrow. Moving much faster than anticipated, I called my folks from the shelter, moving up my pick-up time by three hours. I was moving that fast. It was a fairly uneventful day. I took a break at The Pinnacle, a rock ridge and outcropping that is also a popular location for watching hawks and other raptors. Spending a bit too long there, I realized I still had five miles to hike in an hour and twenty minutes. Determined not to be late, and with the trail following an old park road, jogged the final distance. I arrived 15 minutes early, having hiked at a 4 1/2 mile/hour pace. Unfortunately, it took my parents some time to find me, navigating steep, winding roads in an RV that they couldn't get into low gear. Eventually I was picked up, and spent a nice, relaxing evening at an RV park. What a great day.
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Hawk Mtn Road

To: Lehigh Gap
Miles today: 25.1

On the way to getting dropped off for the days hike, we stopped to pick up some donuts for The Hobbits who were staying at the shelter near my starting point. When we arrived around 8am, only Pinball Wizard was there. The others decided not to slack, and had taken off earlier that morning. Pinball, however, had injured his ankle the day before and was eager to shed his pack. We moved at a quick pace, even though the rocks were worse than ever. Eleven miles in, we ran into the rest of the Hobbits and Yellow Snowman, waiting for us at a restaurant (that was closed.) As we continued down the trail, we stopped to munch on some apples growing along the trail, as well as blackberries. It's a nice change hiking with someone, making the day pass much faster. There wasn't a break in the conversation for several hours. That was particularly nice on this stretch, as there was little to break up the day other than rocks, rocks and more rocks. We still covered 25 miles in less than hours - impressive. We were both exhausted, but extremely happy with our progress. At the end of the day, we found my parents waiting with beer and soda - a perfect way to finish the hike.
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Wind Gap, PA33

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

You just have to love being in the right place at the right time. My parents were leaving today. It was a great visit - both seeing them and hanging out with them - and taking advantage of their vehicle and slackpacking. That came to an end today, or so I thought.They dropped me off to start my hike at the same place the Hobbits spent the night. It turns out that Gazelle, a thru-hiker who got off the trail, was visiting the Hobbits. As we were all heading to the same place that evening, she offered to take my gear to Delaware Water Gap and allow me to slackpack for one more day. Of course I was going to take her up on her offer!Once again, Pinball Wizard, Yellow Snowman and I were hiking with less than 10 lbs. on our backs. What a treat! The trail was rocky (what a surprise), but not too bad without a full pack. We hiked together for most of the day. Towards the end, there were great views looking down into the Delaware Water Gap. Unfortunately, I still didn't have batteries for my camera, so no pictures. I moved on ahead, as I needed to get to the post office for a food drop before it closed, getting into town around 4pm. Rolling into town was another huge milestone. I'm done with Pennsylvania! At a free hostel run by a local church, I discovered they host a "hiker-feed" every Thursday evening, with members of the congregation each bringing a dish to share. They've been doing this for over 20 years! Just my luck that it was Thursday. And what a spread! Homemade food, plenty of salad and veggies right from the garden, more than 10 different desserts. This was probably the best buffet I've had on the trail. And I took full advantage of it, eating more than I've ever eaten in my life in one sitting! After we digested, Yellow Snowman, Redwood and I went to the bar in the hotel next door to enjoy a drink or two and listen to some live jazz. Then it was back to the hostel to grab a few z's. What a great way to finish up PA.
Date: 2007-07-28
From: NY17A

To: NY17/Arden Valley Road
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

OK, despite my starting location/ending location above, today was actually a zero day. The definition of a thru-hiker is hiking the entire Appalachian Trail in a 12-month period. If you'll recall, I hiked two small sections in New York in the early spring to try out my equipment. I'll be skipping over those two sections now, but I need to account for the miles to keep my "total miles hiked" accurate. That's why today is listed as a hiking day.In reality, I did absolutely nothing today, and it was wonderful. A soft bed, laundry, shower, food, and sitting like a zombie doing nothing. A perfect zero day!
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Culvers Gap, US206

To: Culver Fire Tower
Miles today: 1.9

What a tough day!!! After spending the afternoon and previous evening doing as little as possible, Ally and I drove back to NJ to drop me off at the trail. On the way, I decided to make the plunge and get my hair shaved off. I don't care about anyone else. I like it. Of course, it also looks like I just came from prison. No longer will I be accused of being a hippy. Now, it's more like inmate #642654 from Cell Block D. I started "hiking" around 11pm. At the trailhead I ran into some thru-hikers I knew, drinking a few beers and complaining about being kicked out of the bar down the street. Even though I had planned to head into the woods a few hundred yards, pitch my tent and go to sleep, I just didn't want to deal with drunk hikers. So I kept walking.In just under two miles I came upon a fire tower, and heard music, and voices I recognized. Sure enough, I ran into Team Ninja! They had picked up some small speakers for an iPod, and had packed in beer from the road. They were chilling on the fire tower, listening to music and having a beer or four. I joined them, we caught up on trail gossip, and slept on the metal landings of the tower. Pretty sweet!
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Culver Fire Tower

To: County Road 517
Miles today: 30.7

My first 30 mile day!!! I was up and hiking before anyone from Team Ninja was moving. The trail was nice and flat, mostly, and I was keeping a good pace. I was also hiking without a tent and some other gear to lighten my load. I didn't take many breaks, as the bugs would start their divebomb runs and swarm all over me. So I kept it moving. I was wondering how far I could hike in a 24 hour period. Could I get out of NJ and into NY by early the next morning and get picked up early to spend some additional zero days in NY? Only one way to find out.Stopping to make dinner at a shelter 26 miles into my hike, it was starting to get dark. I put on the headlamp and set out again. Unfortunately, I was getting extremely tired. In the darkness, I kept losing the trail, having to backtrack several times. Finally, I'd had enough. I found a flat spot, pulled out my sleeping bag, and crashed for the night. This was my biggest day yet.
Date: 2007-08-02
From: County Road 517

To: NY17A
Miles today: 17.5

Another hot day. New Jersey has been pretty flat, which is good. It tends to run through marshes and swamps, which is bad. Nothing like bugs to keep you company. After passing through a National Wildlife Refuge, walking along wooden planks and surrounded by tall reeds, ducks, swans and herons, the trail became much more difficult as it entered New York. In fact, the trail went out of its way to be difficult. If there was a hand-over-hand climb up some rocks, you could be confident the trail would be there. Even when you could easily go around a rock outcropping, or it was out of the way, the trail went up, over and down the exposed rock. At first it was fun. After 4 miles of this, with no shade, no break from the sun, it got old. Fast. Whoever says Pennsylvania is the only state with bad rocks clearly hasn't been to New York. The first 6 miles into New York were simply a pain in the %@$#^! On the plus side, there was an ice cream store at my destination, which I took advantage of. There was also an outdoor water hose. Rinsing off didn't get rid of my pungent odor, but it helped and it cooled me off. Ally picked me up, and it was off to Yonkers for some zero days. Done with NJ!!! Done w/everything thru the middle of Putnam County... 767.5 more miles to Mt. Katahdin and the end of my trek.
Date: 2007-08-06
From: NY301

To: NY55
Miles today: 19.3

Ah, back on the trail, with a full pack and everything. My brother Eric, on his way from NYC to Albany, NY, stopped by Yonkers to give me a lift to the trail. After several days off, it was tough getting back in the swing of things. There were plenty of ups, downs and rocks, but soon the rocks eased up, making it a much more enjoyable hike. I was tired, though. Unfortunately, I had left my hiking poles at the ice cream shop on 17A. It's amazing how much you come to rely on them. The hills were much harder without the poles. Going down was more difficult without the poles for balance. I miss my trekking poles, and won't get them back until I reach Massachusetts. Hanging out with friends, drinking, and not sleeping enough also takes its toll. Oh well. Back to hiking. After a slow 12 miles, I headed to a deli near the trail crossing at Rt.52, and enjoyed a pint of Ben & Jerry ice cream. I also made plans for an unexpected treat. It seems that Ally wanted to see a movie - Bourne Ultimatum - and decided to pick me up at the end of the day, catch the movie, and get a hotel that evening in Poughkeepsie. Well, twist my arm. I may be hiking again, but I'm not sure I'm "roughing it." Soon enough.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: NY55

To: 10 Mile River Lean-To
Miles today: 17.0

Ally dropped me off and I was hiking by 10am. Hearing the announcements of a heat advisory on the radio, I knew it was going to be a hot and sticky day. I wasn't disappointed.Within 2 miles I came upon a beautiful lake - except for the name: Nuclear Lake. Apparently there had been some nuclear research done in the area in the 50's, and the name stuck. As inviting as it was, I didn't go for a swim. I wanted to get some miles in first.It was a nice trail, but the constant ups and downs, the heat, no trekking poles, and being off the trail for 3 days all took their toll. I was moving slow. Whenever I found good shade, I took a break. This continued throughout the day. I finally came to Ten Mile River around 7:30. It's a broad, shallow river - perfect for sitting in and letting the cool water flow by you - which is exactly what I did. At the shelter with Moonpie, Marshall, Aristotle, Billy the Kid and a few others, I made my dinner and went to sleep.I almost forgot to mention - I'm now in Connecticut. One more state down. As written by Bill the Pony, "We'll miss you NY, with your rolling hills and plentiful water." Please insert sarcasm. Nine states down, five to go.
Date: 2007-08-08
From: 10 Mile River Lean-To

To: Pine Knob Loop Trail
Miles today: 21.9

A great day, though not one I planned. I was up and out by 8am, and dripping sweat by 8:10. It is just hot, hot, hot, humid, humid, humid. Plus, the terrain is getting more and more difficult. Flat sections are a thing of the past. Now, if you're not going up, you're going down.Hiking slower than I'm used to, I took a half-mile detour into Kent, CT for lunch. I soon discovered that the trail parallels US7 into MA. I know what trees look like, and I've seen vistas of valleys a thousand times before. So I decided for a change of scenery and road walked for awhile. I traded difficult terrain for a smooth highway. Unfortunately, walking the road turned high 80's on the trail into 100 degrees plus on pavement. Passing up two offers for rides, I came across a state park, Kent Falls, where I took a break. Standing out among summer camp groups, retirees and high school kids, I climbed up the falls and found a small swimming hole to submerge myself in. Refreshed, I continued on and eventually came into Cornwall, CT. At the general store, I met Blackfoot and three other thru-hikers enjoying a late lunch. We also learned that the local liquor store offers a free beer to thru-hikers. We'd hate to refuse their hospitality. That would just be rude. Fast-forward three hours. We're still sitting outside the liquor store, chatting with one of the employees, feeling no pain and noticing it's getting dark.   Time to move on. The others were going back to the trail to camp - a 2 1/2 mile uphill climb. I decided to continue with the road walk. State land and camping were available in 4 miles. After about 2 miles, I found a trailhead leading to a creek used for trout fishing. I've gone far enough. Welcome to "stealth camping" - camping in a no-camping area. Just off the road, I found a level spot, put down my ground cloth, pad and sleeping bag, made dinner, and relaxed. That's where I am now. Writing by headlamp, I'm a human buffet line for the bugs. Bugs have been horrible lately, and I'm told it will only get worse. I think my dinner has cooled enough to eat; it's time to go.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Pine Knob Loop Trail

To: US7
Miles today: 41.6

Don't fall out of your chairs: the mileage for the day is correct. Sort of. I'll explain in a bit. But first thing first.The bugs kept me up most of the night. Around 2am I finally summoned the energy to get up and set up my tent. Much better.I woke around 7, hiking by 8. This is my second and final day of road walking. Within a few miles I came to West Cornwall, where I had breakfast at a small coffee shop on the Housatonic River. Good food, great coffee and the New York Times! I'm surprised I ever left. (Ok, someone else was monopolizing the rest of the paper, leaving me with nothing to read after the Metro section.)The next section of my hike was beautiful. discovering a dirt road paralleling the river, I followed it to the next town. On the way, wild flowers lined the road, a few fly fisherman were out in th river, and houses that could have been (and probably were) showcased in Country Living Magazine were scattered along the road. In to Falls Village for lunch, and back on the road.So I walked, and walked, and walked, and walked. Back on US7, my feet and ankles were taking a beating from the constant pounding on the pavement. In fact, I developed ANOTHER blister, this one in the middle of my foot. I've hiked 1,400 miles, and I'm still getting blisters. Great. The road got boring quickly. The only real excitement came from an older woman who became confused and drove onto the narrow shoulder directly at me, rather than driving closer to the center line and giving me a bit more room. My own version of Frogger. She must have been absent during the "don't drive over people" lecture at driving school. I kept walking after dark. As I was approaching the trail where it crosses US7, a section hiker and his son who live nearby stopped and offered me a ride. Just as I was about to say no, a thought occurred to me. There is a hiker hostel a few miles away, attached to a silent retreat center. With a ride, I could get there just before 10pm when they shut their gates. So here I am, showered, with a comfortable couch for a bed, inside and protected from the rain that will start any minute now. A good way to spend a very long day. So about the huge miles listed above. If I walked the trail from Pine Knob Loop to US7, it would have been 40+ miles. The road is much more direct, coming to the same destination in 30 miles. Even so, 30 miles is a long hike in a day. I don't feel bad missing this section of the trail. I'm still walking continuously from GA to ME, 98% of which has been on the AT. That's good enough for me. And how could I forget? One more state down. I'm in Massachusetts now. What's remaining? MA, VT, NH and ME. I'm 1,506.3 miles North of Springer Mountain in GA, with 667.7 miles to go. Left foot, right foot.
Date: 2007-08-10
From: US7

To: MA23
Miles today: 8.4

I woke up to a cold, steady rain. After enjoying the peace and quiet of the hostel, I wasn't looking forward to being soaked all day. Well, maybe it would stop in a bit.Buying time, I walked into Great Barrington, MA, where I managed to spend several hours at the library updating my journal, organizing photos, and staying dry. Finally, I couldn't find any more excuses not to hike, so I hitched back to Route 7 and started my slog up the trail. It was a short mile day, but it seemed to take forever. The trail was muddy, the rocks and roots slippery, and I had to take care not to slip and fall every other step. I wasn't cold unless I stopped for a break. More than 5 minutes and a chill would set in. That gave me that much more incentive to keep moving. As darkness was falling, I reached MA23 and decided to spend one more night at the retreat center. OK, it wasn't much of a decision. Get dry, take a shower, and enjoy a warm, comfortable couch, or set up my tent in the rain, shiver in my light sleeping bag, and have a miserable night. As I said, not much of a decision at all. Well, I'm toasty warm now, knowing I made the right decision.