morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Eckville shelter

To: Lehigh Furnance Gap
Miles today: 19.8

Well, happy Independence Day! It was a scorcher! And, water was hard to come by today. It cooled off nicely last night but there was no breeze and I got some condensation in the inside of my tent roof. The Canadian Geese, who tented nearby, got up really early and headed out. I got up at my normal 7am and was walking in the woods by 8am. I started out with just over three liters of water and I knew it would be scarce today. I stopped briefly at Dan's Pulpit, enjoying the cooling breeze. Then I arrived at the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter, where I found the Canadian Geese. They informed me that the restaurant at the crossing of PA 309, was closed for the holiday. So, I had lunch at the shelter instead. Not exactly what I had planned! I moved on and when I got there I met two other hikers. CLOSED ON JULY 4. Arggggh! Just my luck. I filled my water bottles there and rested while talking to the other hikers.I took off on the rocky trail, heading north. I walked over the Knife Edge, a jumble of huge boulders on edge. Negotiating over them was quite an exercise in balance and patience. I finally made it past them without injuring myself, but just barely. I knew there was no water for 12 miles past the closed restaurant so I was conserving what I had. In fact, my plan was to stop for the night before the next water source. As I crossed over Bake Oven Knob Road, I noticed some cars in the lot and an awning beside one. Hmmm, could it be trail magic, I thought? Sure enough, as I approached, Knitting Bull asked if I was in too much of a hurry to stop for something to eat. Hurry? I'm in no hurry whatsoever, I replied. I sat down IN A CHAIR! and ate two hotdogs with mustard, chips, three soft drinks, pasta salad, watermelon, and a cupcake. Along came the Canadian Geese and joined me. I stuffed myself! And it felt good. I must have stayed there talking with Knitting Bull and her husband for an hour or more. She has hiked most of the AT from Northern Virginia to New Hampshire. They also refilled my water bottles! Thanks, I needed that lift!Then it was back on the trail over yet more rocks. I made it to Bake Oven Knob Shelter, a dirty old shelter situated down depression. No breeze either. Even though it was past 7pm, there was no way I was going to stay there. I got moving again and eventually turned on my headlamp and finally found a suitable campsite. Unfortunately, it¢s near a dirt road and there are people here hiking in to get a view of the fireworks in the valley. We'll see how long this goes on.
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Kirkridge shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up early today in order to make it into Delaware Water Gap in time for the 10am shuttle to Stroudsburg. I hadn't walked two miles when I came to a clearing. I Hung back in the shaded woods while I checked my trail guide. As I started into the clearing, I saw a huge black bear on the trail entering the clearing from the opposite direction. I beat my hiking poles together to send it running off into the woods. The bear just stopped and looked at me. I yelled, "Hey, bear," and barked like a dog. The bear looked at me again as if to say, "You wanna a piece of me?" Finally, it just sauntered off into the wild blueberry bushes and I made my escape. I tried taking a photo, but I was shooting directly into the morning sun and it didn't turn out. I needed to do laundry (desperately) and resupply my food and Delaware Water Gap has neither a laundromat nor a grocery store. I ended making it with time to spare. I got dropped off at the laundromat and needed to change out of my stinking hiking clothes into my "sleeping" clothes. Of course, the restroom was locked with an "out of order" sign on the door. I explained my dilemma to the attendant, who couldn't have been less helpful. First unfriendly person I've met in Pennsylvania. Seriously. So, I changed clothes in the middle of the laundromat. Ha! Once the clothes were in the wash, I headed the three blocks to the grocery store in100 degree heat carrying my pack and wearing a pair of shorts and my rain jacket. That made me sweat even more. Then it was back to the laundromat with my fresh food to finish my laundry. After I caught the shuttle back to DWG, I checked into the hostel where I will tent, took a cool shower and tried to stay cool in the hostel. Not possible. All in all, a good day. Got resupplied, washed clothes, showered and had two good meals. I feel good. And tomorrow I will walk out of Rockslvania into New Jersey. Yey! Pennsylvania: nicest people, worst trail.
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Well, I finally got a good night's sleep last night. I tented on the church hostel lawn, and even though it was wicked hot, I managed to sleep well. I lay in my tent until about 7am this morning. After I got up and got organized, I headed down to the diner with Boomer and Tour Guide for breakfast. Since I only intended to walk 10 miles today, I was in no hurry to leave town. When I got back from breakfast, I went through my food bag and decided to send some of my food up the trail since I had more than enough to get me through the next several days. Friends ShortKut, Krash, and Greg are meeting me in two days to hike with me for a few days. That should be fun. I left the hostel at about 11am, and walked the bridge across the Delaware River into New Jersey - my 8th state. As I walked along a road toward the trail, I noticed a van pulled onto the shoulder of the road with its hazard lights on. I saw the driver outside the van pacing back and forth along the shoulder. I asked him if he needed any help or a cell phone, and he replied that he was just waiting to meet someone. I continued my road walk and about 5 minutes later, he drove up and stopped alongside me. I hadn't noticed the sign on the side of his van earlier - Glacier Water. He handed me several bottles, apologizing for them not being cold. I thanked him and then proceeded to drink them all down right there. Now, my assessment of the AT in "Rocksylvania" - the nicest people: the worst section of the trail so far. Some of that is attributed to the rocks, about which not much can be done. But that doesn't mean I liked them! Also, trail maintenance was the worst, so far. Much of the footpath is heavily overgrown, especially with poison ivy. So - now I'm in "New Bearsey" as hikers are calling it. Lots of bears here. Guess what? Lots of rocks, too. But I hear they disappear in about 10 more miles. Yea! Also, deli's! I'll let you know how the deli's are but I'm expecting great things. I made it to the Mohican Outdoor Center, where I'm tenting tonight. Just before I entered the grounds, I spotted a three foot long timber rattlesnake crossing the road. Just as I approached him, he rattled, letting me know he saw me. Kind of like chambering a round into a shotgun: even though you may never have heard the sound before, instant respect!Also looking forward to my friends joining me this weekend. Should make for some good journal entries.
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Branchville, NJ
Miles today: 17.9

I packed up and started walking at about 7:45am this morning. I hadn't been on the trail 10 minutes when I spotted a bear about 100 feet away from me in the wild blueberry bushes. She didn't seem fazed by my presence and I snapped a couple pictures. I put the afterburners on to knock out my miles today and meet my friends in Branchville, NJ. Unfortunately, that may have been the cause of my TWO spills. I'm not really sure what caused the first one. It just happened and I went down. I picked myself up, dusted off, and headed out again, a little perturbed with myself. The second spill happened late in today's hike. In fact, I had just started my descent into Branchville. There had been some light showers during the afternoon, and I'm still hiking in a rocky area. I'm hiking in Vasque Breeze boots in this section, which have been great on dry rocks but very slippery on wet rocks. Well, I started to work my way down this rock slab and my feet just slipped out from under me. Down I went, landing on my butt and my left elbow. The elbow started bleeding heavily so I wiped it off with my bandana and tied the bandana tightly around it. I noticed that it was deeply cut but that seemed to stop the bleeding. I made it down off the mountain and met my friends. After I showered, my elbow started bleeding again. It continued bleeding during dinner, so ShortKut dressed and wrapped it tightly before we turned in for the night. We'll see how things go tonight, but I may need a few stitches in it tomorrow. I'm grateful my friends are here to help me out with this. And, that they'll be joining me on the AT for the next three days.
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Branchville, NJ

To: Rutherford shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: moderate rain

I awoke during the night in my motel room and noticed that my elbow was still bleeding - right on the bed sheets. All this despite the clotting compress ShortKut wrapped the wound in. After I discovered that I was still bleeding, I couldn't go back to sleep. I found an urgent care center about 11 miles away that would be open at 9am today - a Saturday. Once the others woke up, we met at the bakery across the street from the motel. I told them I thought I needed to see a doctor, so off we went. The doctor dressed the wound and said that I had lost some of the flesh around it. Surprisingly, he did not close it with stitches. I got a tetanus shot and a prescription for antibiotics and I was out of there. Once the prescription was filled and we got our gear together, we headed for the trail, arriving at about 11:30am. It had rained all night and most of the morning, so the trail was wet and the rocks were slippery. We took our time as we climbed out of the gap. Once we reached the ridge, there was a fire tower, so we all climbed that, too. We maintained a nice pace until we reached a pavilion built up on the ridge. It had a nice view to the east and the west, and a nice breeze, too. So, we stopped for lunch. We took our time and several breaks until we reached the side trail to Rutherford Shelter, our destination for the day. The shelter was down a steep descent and .4 miles off the AT. Thankfully, there was a spring with a slow flow, so we had plenty of water. Greg and I made the water run while ShortKut and Krash fired up their stoves for dinner. ShortKut shared his dinner with me; the first hot trail meal I've had since I sent my cook kit home about a month ago. Thanks, ShortKut! We all turned in early, and Greg decided to sleep on the picnic table rather than in the shelter to take advantage of any breeze that might stir during the night. I hope he doesn't get eaten up too bad by the mosquitoes.
Date: 2010-07-13
From: NJ 94, Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

After breakfast this morning, ShortKut and Krash dropped me back off on the trail. I headed north by myself for the first time in three days. It was nice having them and Greg join me. Lifted my spirits, but its difficult when they leave. Thanks for joining me, guys.The first order of business today was a steep climb up Wawayanda Mountain. I was feeling good after last nights dinner, so I made the climb easily. Then the trail turned good, and I made good time to the NJ - NY state line. One more state completed. That makes eight states completed? Works for me! Just as I took a break and started my lunch, it started raining. The trail also turned into an obstacle course, or more accurately, obstacal curse. It took us up, over, and down every rock formation the trail designer could find. It would have been fun had it been nice weather. In the rain - not so much. I was glad my friends had not stayed for this part of the trail. The granite slabs, or whatever kind of rock they were, were wet and very slippery. I slipped several times, and had two good falls. I cursed the rocks but it did no good.It was so warm, I didn't even put my rain jacket on and I was soaked. While I was walking, I decided that I deserved a hotel room that night. When I got to NY 17A, I walked .2 miles to Bellvale Farm Creamery and had some ice cream. Then I called Anton's on the Lake, a local resort that advertises that they will pick you up at the trailhead, if you book a room. They had a room available but no one to pick me up. Well, I certainly wasn't going to walk the 2 miles down the highway, so I headed for the Wildcat Shelter. Right now I'm set up in the shelter, but that may change if the bugs get too annoying. I think I'm about due for a true zero day. That may happen in a couple days in Bear Mountain, NY.
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Another tough day! It rained all last night and into the morning. I was in the shelter last night with Gaucha and Red, and all three of us stayed in our sleeping bags until the rain finally let up at about 9:30am. I packed up and got out of there just after 10am.We had more of the same we had yesterday. Up and down some steep mountain sides. With the rain, it made hiking on the rock slabs slippery and treacherous. I slipped several times and took two good falls. Plus, there was nowhere to get out of the rain and eat lunch, so I just kept going until I got to the shelter.Despite the rain, water was a concern again today. There was little flow in the creeks, and the springs were unreliable. Fortunately, someone placed a dozen one gallon jugs of water on the trail near several roads. It saved the day, so thanks to whoever is responsible!By the time I got to the shelter, the rain had stopped and the skies were starting to clear. That could only mean good things, and I hoped that tomorrow would be nice.The shelter was full of teens on a section hike, so I opted to tent with the other thru and section hikers: Perry, Gaucha, Red, Biscuits and Gravy, Lo-Rod, Tour Guide, and Squash. We were all jammed together on the one semi-level spot of ground. I strung a clothes line and we all hung out our wet clothes and gear on it.Hopefully, tomorrow will be a day to dry out!
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Fingerboard shelter

To: Bear Mountain, NY
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

I got an early start out of the shelter this morning and caught up with Perry shortly after leaving. We hiked together the short distance to Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park where there were conveniences like vending machines and restrooms with running water!! Yes! Eventually, we ended up with quite a crowd there including Tour Guide, Lorod, Gaucha, Biscuits and Gravy, and Red. Perry and I headed out first and walked together until we came to the Palisades Interstate Parkway, where Perry had to go off trail to find more drinking water. It was turning out to be another hot one. Then, Tour Guide and I started playing hiker tag; first, I was ahead and he passed me, then he was ahead and I passed him. This continued up to the peak of Bear Mountain, where our trail guidebook told us there may be a hand pump for water. We found a park employee who told us there hadn't been water up there for the past 18 years. Not only were we disappointed, we were thirsty! What he failed to tell us is that there were vending machines filled with sodas and water! I discovered them down a side path just as Tour Guide started heading down the mountain. I called him over and we quenched our thirst. As we headed down the north side of the mountain to the town of Bear Mountain, NY, I met brothers, Aphrain and Yehuda from Teaneck, NJ, out for a day hike. When we got down to the base of Bear Mountain, they offered me a ride to the hotel. Thanks, guys! You made my day!I checked in and exploded my pack inside my room. Then, I walked the 1.5 miles into Highland Falls, NY, bought dinner to take back to my room and resupplied on some of my food.Tomorrow will be my first zero day in awhile, and I must say, I'm looking forward to it.
Date: 2010-07-16
From: Bear Mountain, NY

To: Bear Mountain, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

I woke up early this morning and gathered up my clothes. I headed out to the Laundromat, 1.5 miles away from the motel. En route I got a telephone call from EUREKA! formerly known as Slinky, formerly known as Jerry from KY. Sadly, EUREKA! told me that he is getting off the trail in Connecticut due to bursitis in his knee. I know this had to be a difficult decision for him. Nobody has embraced the AT like he has, and his enthusiasm for the trail is contagious. He said he intends to finish the trail next year, and I know he will infect the 2011 thru hikers with his enthusiasm. So long, EUREKA! I enjoyed our time on the trail together, and I wish you a speedy and complete recovery!I got into town and started my laundry. While it was in, I walked across the street to the library to use their computer for awhile. When the laundry was finished, I stopped next door for some lunch before walking back to the motel. Then, I took it easy for the rest of my zero day: air conditioning blasting, television remote control in hand while stretched out on the bed. Yup! This is living!Later this evening, I'll order a pizza, eat half of it, and pack the rest of it out for lunch tomorrow on the trail. A great zero day - just what I needed!
Date: 2010-07-17
From: Bear Mountain, NY

To: Stealth Campsite MM 1412.0
Miles today: 19.5

I slept well last night in my room and woke up at 7:30am. I had a light breakfast and then walked about a mile to the drugstore to pick up a few items I'd need for the next several days. When I returned to my motel room, I packed up and made arrangements for a cab to pick me up and drive me back to the trail. I only planned to hike a few miles today but I met Spirit Walker, who was planning on going about 17 miles, so I figured I'd walk with him until I decided to stop. We ended up doing over 18 miles before we finally found a suitable tent site. We got here at about 7:30pm, so we quickly set up our tents and had dinner before it got dark. I still haven't taken a look at how far I'll go tomorrow, so I'll figure that out in the morning.
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Stealth tent site MM 1412.0

To: Morgan Stewart shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It was so hot in my tent last night that I had trouble sleeping. I woke up at about 5:30am, but lay in my tent until about 7am. Spirit Walker was already up and had eaten breakfast by the time I crawled out of my tent. I got my act together and left the tent site about 10 minutes after Spirit Walker departed. I caught up with him later that morning and we hiked together to the Shenandoah Tenting Area where we took a break and filled our water bottles from the well pump. Then, we walked to the RPH Shelter, where a section hiker and his girlfriend were camping and had done trail magic that morning and the previous evening; cooking dinners and breakfasts for all the long distance hikers. We crossed under the Taconic State Parkway and were greeted just inside the woods with more trail magic. Sodas and snacks! Yum! We had two of each. After moving on, we reached NY 52 SimBA filtering water at shelter
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Morgan Stewart shelter

To: Wiley shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

We had a nice breeze blowing through the shelter last night, which helped keep the bugs at bay. Even so, I didn't sleep that well. Warren Doyle, who is on his 16th thru hike, came into the shelter after we had turned in for the night. He quietly read the shelter register before heading back out on his night-hike.Water, or lack thereof, continues to be an issue. We are all planning our days based on where water is available. When we encounter southbound hikers we fill them in on availability and find out what's ahead of us. There have been several instances where people have left gallon jugs of water out for us hikers near road crossings. Very helpful and appreciated.Hiked today with Spirit Walker and SimBA today. Passed Nuclear Lake, which I understand was a superfund site. Supposedly, they water is suitable for swimming now. Nice looking lake, but I wasn't going to push my luck by going in. We also passed the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station. I'm not sure how often the train runs, but supposedly the engineer will stop if someone is on the platform. It goes into New York City from there.We heard thunder for the last two hours of our hike, so we hustled to Wiley Shelter, our destination for the night. So far, it hasn't rained, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm tenting tonight, so we'll see what happens.Spirit Walker at Nuclear Lake
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Wiley shelter

To: CT 341
Miles today: 12.7

Spirit Walker fired up his stove this morning and heated some water for my coffee. I've given up my stove during these warm months, so it was a real treat. Thanks, Spirit Walker! The two of us then put in about 2 miles to CT 55, where Spirit Walker's son, Funk, had staged one of their vehicles, so we took a quick drive into Gaylordsville, CT, to get a sandwich and fill up with water. We were briefly in Connecticut for the first time, but we passed back into New York again. Later today, we entered Connecticut for good. We're officially in New England now. Nine states down, and five to go!After our little road excursion, we climbed Schaghticoke Mountain. Steep climb, which was fine, but then, we seemed to circle the peak of the mountain climbing and descending, climbing and descending, repeatedly. We spent a lot of time there, and it was tougher than we anticipated. Spirit Walker is from this general area, and knows it well. It's really nice to have someone fill me in on the trail ahead and the resources.My brother, Bill, is coming up to visit me tomorrow, so I made it a short day and walked the .8 miles into Kent, CT. Nice little town with everything I need. I got a room and the Fife and Drum Inn, where my first order of business was a long, hot shower. Then, I went in search of some food.Tomorrow, I'll do a short hike while Bill is driving up from Virginia, and have him pick me up at the trail crossing near Cornwall Bridge, CT. Then, a zero day!
Date: 2010-07-21
From: CT 341

To: CT 4, Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 11.1

I got up and got an early start on a short day. My brother, Bill, was driving up from Virginia to meet me at Cornwall Bridge, so I didn't want to keep him waiting. I managed to finish the short hike in no time, and got a ride back to Kent from the Cornwall Bridge trail head from a day hiker. Bill called me from Cornwall Bridge just after I got back to the hotel, so I directed him back to Kent. Once he got there, we toured the town and drove down to the EMS store in Danbury. I wanted to find a replacement pair of hiking shorts. No luck. That night we had dinner at the local pasta/pizza joint.
Date: 2010-07-23
From: CT 4, Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 5.9

Okay, I don't like hiking in the rain, and it is raining today. Also, my brother, Bill, who drove up to visit me the last two days, left for home after dropping me off at the trailhead this morning. Between his departure and the rain, I'm in one of my funks. I started out the hike this morning with the intention of an ambitious 18 mile hike today. Then the rain started and my funk set in. So, I walked to the first shelter to sit out the rain. A.D. and Gaucha were already here, sitting out the rain. Gaucha eventually decided to give it a try and hiked out in the rain. Shortly after she left, Lorod and Charlie showed up. We'll see who ends up here tonight.