morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-16
To: PA hwy 183
Miles today: 9.2

We started at PA 501 where I had to quit last year. News Flash!!! It did not rain on us today. It was misty at one point but never rained.Tom took us to the trail and we started hiking at 8:45. The trail was quite rocky in places but not much change in elevation. It was gray and gloomy.It felt really good to be on the trail and we moved along steadily hiking the 9.2 miles in 4 hr and 45 min with really only one stop for lunch. I feel good after day one. My arches feel tight and this is something I've been dealing with in my prehike workouts.The forecast is 90% chance of rain tomorrow. I do think we will get wet but hopefully the rain will not be continuous. Another day of slack packing and a warm shower and bed at the end of the day. Life is good!
Date: 2011-05-17
From: PA hwy 183

To: Hwy 61
Miles today: 15.2

On the trail at 7:40 this morning in a gentle rain. I wore my short gaiters and rain jacket but no rain pants. Walked in the gentle rain about 50% of the day. It was cool but not uncomfortable. Debbie (Landcruiser) and I have talked and laughed - a very enjoyable day.Stopped at 6+ miles at the Eagle's Nest Shelter 0.3 miles off the trail, for a lunch break. It felt good. Had a steep descent into Port Clinton and the Madigans picked us up there. It felt good to have a warm shower and clean clothes. Slack packing is certainly nice! One more day of this luxury.The trail was really rocky at times but at other times was quite nice. My body feel pretty good after doing 24+ miles in the past two days. Good beginning to this adventure.
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Hwy 61

To: Hawk Mtn Road
Miles today: 14.5

We are slack packing SOBO so the starting location and destination listed above are actually reversed but I think I would just confuse things so....We started our hike in a cloud and rain this morning. The trail initially was really nice walking with almost no rocks for the 1st 4 miles. It got warm; quit raining; and we were able to take off our rain gear. We then had some big, big rocks to manage and did a steep climb. It really turned out to be an OK day after it threatened to be really gray and gloomy. We even had a view when we got to Pinnacle Roacks which was totally unexpected.Neither Debbie nor I have fallen which is very exciting - at least for me.Special note: Landcruiser is keeping a journal on this site of the same hike. I'm sure we see things differently at time and have a different perspective. I have used the mileage from the AT Guide by Miller. Landcruiser has the official AT Data Book.Tomorrow is time to "get real" and shoulder the pack and be in the woods at night. The Madigans have been fantastic trail angels. They have been very gracious and welcoming.We have a 1000 ft climb in the morning but then it looks pretty level. We have 11.6 miles scheduled. Still no sun in the forecast. I'm wondering if the it will every shine on this hike. We've experienced a pretty good dose of the PA rocks but I'm thinking they may be going to get worse. We'll see.
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Hawk Mtn Road

To: Hwy 309 - Blue Mtn B&B
Miles today: 11.6

It was NOT raining when we started our hike today - not rain gear on and no pack cover. That is very big news. Today was the first day with the full pack and it didn't feel bad at all. I think I'm going to like my new ULA Ohm. It seemed to fit well and carry comfortable.We had a climb to start the day. Debbie set a steady pace and I could feel the work of the climb but it went very well. We then ran into very rocky trail with lots of big boulders. The rocks were very wet and slippery. It was quite slow going. We didn't stop for a break until we got to a shelter since it is so much more relaxing to stay dry and have a place to really relax. The rocks especially the boulders would have been much more fun and easier to manage if they hadn't been so wet. Made for a tricky hike.We got to the shelter a little before 1P. There was a young man there who quickly raised all kinds of concerns for both Debbie and I. He wanted to bum cigarettes (neither of us smoke) and said he was bi-polar and couldn't afford his medication. He had a tent set up in front of the shelter and he clearly wasn't hiking today. His stories about where he was headed and what he was doing did not at all hang together - "I'm waiting for the rain to pass" He had two machetes (no thru-hiker carries machetes!) He said he was going to walk to get cigarettes but was waiting for us to leave to to. We packed to leave and he said he knew a short cut then as we're walking down the trail, he came up behind us. He had me "creeped out". We slowed down and he passed us. Both of us were quite alert but never saw him again. When we got to the B&B the owner told us he had been in the shelter for 2 weeks. Wonder why he hadn't called the sheriff. I think he wanted to bum $$$ from us but couldn't quite figure out how. Maybe we looked like his mother?The sun came out while we were at the shelter but about 1 -2 miles before the B&B it started thundering and then raining quite heavily. We walked the final distance in the rain and cold wind.The B&B is a rather spartan, weird place but we are warm and dry. Their food is good. Had a rather tasty grilled salmon and bottle of wine. Is this roughing it?!Can we have some sunshine please?
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Hwy 309 - Blue Mtn B&B

To: George Outerbrook Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

Started our hike in the rain today. First 2-3 miles were OK then we encountered boulders - piles of them and had to start billy goat scrambling. Then knife edge was a huge pile of rocks that went on and on - pretty high and wouldn't have been bad except for the rain. We were super careful. Very slow going. I have to admit I liked the challenge. We would through two other very rocky areas: Bear Rocks and Bake Oven Knob.Stopped in for lunch at Bake Oven Knob Shelter. Had some periods of sun always followed by rain. It was a hard day mainly because of the rain and the terrain. We had red wine and peanuts for an appetizer after we got to the shelter. We're trying to get our stuff dry....a pretty hopeless task. Truthfully, the rain has not spoiled this hike for me! I've loved being out on the trail and I'm having a good time. We have a pretty good view from the shelter when we get breaks from the rain. What will tomorrow bring?
Date: 2011-05-21
From: George Outerbrook Shelter

To: Campsite 0.1 mile beyond Stempa Spring
Miles today: 12.4

It was an awesome day on the trail and a very tough challenge.We left the shelter and had a rocky trail to Leheigh gap. After crossing the Leheigh River we started UP - very steep trail that soon entered the waste land of boulders. We put away our hiking poles and went up, up, and around in a major boulder scramble. I really liked it but it was a lot of work! We were in the area of the EPA superfund devastation for a long time. There were dead trees, barren rocky soil, There were lots of up and down but mainly climbing. The trail the rest of the day would go from only scattered rocks to many sharp pointed embedded rocks. (Must be the infamous PA rocks!)Debbie's boot was bruising the top of her foot and my feet were macerated from wet boots and socks - especially my left foot developed blisters. There was so much unusual foot movement from the rock scrambles.It was a beautiful and sunny day - all day! Thank goodness. Debiie's water had leaked into her pack before we began the day and there was not water that we passed during the day. Debbie "yogi'd" some water right before the campsite. It was very welcome and very needed. I went on a blue-blazed trail down to the Delp Spring. It was supposedly 0.34 miles but felt like 1/2 mile. The trail was steep but I did get good water. Surely I burned some calories and that will be a good payoff. Our campsite is dry so at least we have water.Tomorrow we have have short day and will stop at a motel - showers and real food. It rained lightly after we were in our tents - enough that we will have wet tents to pack tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Campsite 0.1 mile beyond Stempa Spring

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I enjoyed my night in the tent last night. It felt cozy. I slept great. My feet are kind of a mess from yesterday's boulder scramble and rocky trails with wet boots and wet socks. I have some very sore feet and some blisters. I think I have them protected and hopefully the low miles will help them start to heal. I know Debbie is really having pain at the top of her foot. We have some pretty high mileage for the next three days.....We got a ride into Wind Gap with a man who lived in a mobile home right off the trail. Jim was our trail angel for today. The motel is a bit of a dive but it doesn't really bother me. We are close to food, laundry, and the shower felt great!Met Big Foot, a hiker who is going from Harper's Ferry to ME We'll eat dinner with him tonight. Also met a woman from NC who is hiking with a big dog. She's really in love with her dog! Tomorrow is our last day in PA as we're headed to Delaware Gap.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Rained all day today. Lots of rocks but we really moved along well. Our goal was Wolf Rocks at 7 miles. Got there in 3 hours and it was another boulder scramble. It would have been fun if it had been dry. My feet are sore and being wet again is not helping. We made it to Kirkridge Shelter at 9 miles for lunch. Nice to have a privy and get out of the rain.Found out from a man in the shelter that there had been a horrible tornado in Joplin, MO. I called Mike and he said the death toll was 89 and climbing. I am just shocked and wondering about all my friends - my home is about 16 miles from there! It is pouring there in Joplin. How sad!Rest of the trail was OK - we started our descent in Delaware Water Gap then the trail became treacherous with lots of stone steps that were wet and steep. The descent was long and as the last mile of the trail often is was endless! I fell hard - really stupid on my part. A day hiker we had met on the trail had agreed to take us into town and I was trying to keep up with him....why???Have a knot on my Right forehead but my right tricep really hurts. I had a sharp pain when I fell since I was hanging on to my trekking pole. I'm sure I have a contused tricep! I've been icing the area since we arrived at the motel.Trail angels for today:Sandy, drove us from the diner this AM to the trail. Frank, the day hiker who took us into town from the trail today and offered to come back and take us to the trail in the morning! How nice is that?We've got stuff drying off over the room. Will this rain ever end? The forecast is for rain and more rain. Maybe we should be building an ark instead of hiking!
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Frank picked us up at 7:30 AM and took us back to where we came off the trail yesterday. Very nice.Last night we ate at a local diner and both of us ordered Reuben sandwiches. They were so huge that we each saved half to take for lunch today. Sounds nice to think of real food for lunch.After walking through town and across the Delaware River we realize we have left PA behind. One more state completed. Now we're taking on NJ. We climbed steadily but at a very doable grade and initially were along a very beautiful Dunfield Creek. Very pretty and lush. It did not rain although we didn't have any sunshine until closer to noon. Even then it at times looked threatening. We got to Sunfish Pond about 11 AM. Very pretty and the trail went right along the edge of the lake so we had lots of rock hopping then we gradually climbed to a ridge. Today seemed hard for Debbie. We've talked about how nice it is to have each other to keep on course and balance - how for some reason, some days are just hard and it's nice to have a partner to keep you on track.Big decision of whether to go on to Rattlesnake Spring and tent camp or stay at the Mohican Outdoor Center. If we went on, we would have a 13+ miles day. If we stay at the Mohican Center, tomorrow will be an 18 mile day. The forecast is for rain tonight and Debbie really didn't want to deal with rain (me either but today was just not as hard for me. We did lots of agonizing over the decision then decided to go to the Mohican Center. we'll stay dry and just leave early and do our long day tomorrow. I'm cool with our decision. The elevation gain/loss is pretty mild. The real question will be the trail tread and the degree of rockiness.The sign at the center says 1277.2 miles from Springer Mtn - that means I've hiked 1377 miles of the AT! Feels good.The Mohican Center is very disappointing - expensive for a bunk type atmosphere that is not very clean....I didn't really like it at all. You are supposed to supply your own towels. One of the burners on the stove is totally off. Just didn't feel at all welcoming or comfortable.My fall seems to have not caused any major damage. I don't have any pain with my tricep except when I try to use my treking pole. It seems if I grip the pole and swing it, I feel it in my tricep. I'm getting this huge bruise that will probably gain me a lot sympathy but really not bother me.We're moving along and I'm pleased with our hike!I don't have a cell phone signal and can't check on Mike and the situation in Joplin. That situation is so horrible. I feel very far away and powerless to help!
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Culver's Gap
Miles today: 17.7

We were up super early and on the trail at 6 AM. We had to walk 0.3 to get to the trail so we will have an 18 mile day. It was a beautiful morning. Totally clear skies which is exceptional and makes us both very happy. Debbie set a steady pace and we climbed well.Today was OK for me. I'm really tired and feel fatigued but it wasn't too bad. I'm glad we don't plan to go this many miles in a day again this hike. The trail tread was variable. We had some very rocky areas but also had some smooth, old road trail which were smooth and easy to stride out. We had some great views from the top of the ridge. Very pretty. I really leaned on Debbie today who seemed to feel better and really kept us on track.Debbie's friends, Izzy and Donna, picked us up at the trail and took us to their home. They are so kind and gracious. Donna prepared an awesome meal of roasted potatoes, fresh broccoli and Izzy grilled some great steak. They are going to slack pack us tomorrow and we'll be in their home tomorrow night. It has been neat to get to know them.My cell phone signal is very intermittent from their house - frustrating. We've really had a lot of support on this hike and it's been nice!
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Culver's Gap

To: NJ hwy 23
Miles today: 14.5

Really doing a SOBO slack-pack so the destination and starting places listed above are reversed. Today is Debbie's birthday! Way to go girl. We spent the first part of the day talking about how weird it is to be aging - the "yucks" of it. I guess there are worse things than being the "mature" hiker but I'm not sure!The Padula's sleep late so we agree to have bkfst at 8 AM. It was weird to start hiking at almost 10 AM. I had to work to get my head in the right place. How rigid can I be? Time to get over that!Both Debbie and I seemed tired from our long hike yesterday but I think some of it is the day after the big day. We really stayed focused yesterday and today is somewhat a let down. Lots of ups and downs on the trail and lots of beautiful forest - a green tunnel effect. At times it was very walkable and at other times quite rocky.My feet continue to be sore. I think my blisters have pretty much healed but I'm wondering if my boots are just a snitch too short??? My pack has been comfortable and I know slack packing helped today but the pack weight hasn't seemed to be an issue. Saying that, tomorrow it may be. It's very hot so I'll be carrying 2 1/2 liters of water and food resupply. I have been sweating buckets!Great evening. I've appreciated Izzy and Donna as great trail angels!
Date: 2011-05-27
From: NJ hwy 23

To: Pochuck Shelter
Miles today: 14.1

Today was an interesting hike characterized by:*lots of beautiful rock walls*valley walks with mud and rocks*several miles of nearly level trail*lots of open field walking with grass from thigh to waist high*styles over fencesDebbie lead today and I was grateful. I can't say that I felt "dead" or like my legs were jelly. It was just a hard day.Tomorrow is less than 12 miles and the next way we go to Greenwood & a lodge. The shelter was at the end of a 500 ft climb. We went around the NWR - saw swans, turtles and lots of birds. As we got water before the climb from this house purchased by the AT for it's water? - someone had left two tomatoes from a farm visit. Delightful to have fresh tomato with dinner!Shelter is full and people are tenting - lots of nice conversations.My new ULA pack / stay poked through it's holder. I am upset. I called ULA and they are sending me a new pack and said it was a problem with a certain production. They gave me ideas on how to "fix" my old one until the new one comes. We'll see if it holds.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Pochuck Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

It did cool a little last night and I slept pretty well with my sleeping bag unzipped. Everyone in the groups were up early and we hit the trail at 7 !M.Quite a bit of climbing today. We did well. Had over a mile of board walk over a swamp area. Lots of birds. that area was breezy which was welcome since it was hot. The afternoon did not feel quite so muggy.We got to Heaven Hill Farms at about 10:30 or 11AM. It's a nursery/garden shop that also has bakery items plus some produce and ice cream. Weird combination but I enjoyed a yogurt; 1/2 of a very disappointing apple and a great cup of ice cream. The ice cream helped me get up a very bouldery, steep climb of about 1200 ft in a mile.I do feel tired. I'm ready for a 10 miles day into Greenwood, NY. The shower will be very welcome. I've seat so much the last two days and it's been very buggy.Got to the shelter and discovered a group of about 25 boy scou5ts and their leaders. They are very noisy! It could be a long night. They do not seem to be aware of "personal space" and anyone's need for it!My backpack "mending job" has held today. Got to talk to family and friends tonight which is nice.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: NY 17 A (Anton's on the Lake, Greenwood, NY
Miles today: 9.9

Long night last night. Couldn't get comfortable. Buggy, hot, and sticky. I'm sure I slept more than it felt like but I was glad to get up and get moving this morning.You know what it's like when you're anticipating an easy day that turns into this grind? Well, that describes today. The last miles of NJ were up and down - sort of like the trail was looking for ascents and descents plus lots of mosquitos. We left NJ and crossed into NY and came to Prospect Rock - the highest point on the AT in NY. That was the beginning of 4 very difficult miles. The rail was basically up and down along these huge granite slabs. I really don't know how a short person would be able to complete the trail. It was a stretch - often having to scramble like a goat and pull yourself up these incredible rocks. Major use of the quads and gluts! Neither of us anticipated the trail. (I later read AWOL of the AT's account and he said he thought it was the most difficult part of the AT after TN) -from the south not talking about NH or ME. The last two miles into NY 17A and Greenwood were the only easy trail tread of the day.Met Stopwatch and Optimist, a young NOBO thru-hiker couple. She had gotten so discouraged yesterday on this trail that she was going to quit the trail. They went into town; did some lightening of the psck; and she looked good and was continuing to ME. Someone told me tomorrow will be tough, too. We're going to slack pack 11.6 miles. At least we will be mentally prepared.
Date: 2011-05-30
From: NY 17 A (Anton's on the Lake, Greenwood, NY

To: NY 17
Miles today: 12.0

Awoke to thunder, lightening and a gentle rain. The prediction is for rain. It will surely make the rocks slick.Rain lasted until about 8 AM then quit. The motel brought us a basket for breakfast. Very good with a warm croissant, yogurt, dry cereal and juice. They shuttled us to the trail and we started at 9:15.The morning was overcast at first but quite nice. The trail tread was good and we strode right along. At about 1 1/2 miles we had 3 big rock out-croppings and had to do a lot of scrambling. The good trail then resumed. There was a lot of up and downing. The Fitzgerald falls were very pretty. It was very enjoyable hiking and the scenery was good. The last two miles of the day were a challenge. We went straight up Arden Mountain with most f the climb being rock hopping and scrambling. The book says the climb up Arden is Agony Grind. I say it's an AAA - Arden Agony Asskicking! I'm beginning to feel like a mountain goat. It got quite hot and we did have to take some "cool off" breaks. After the numerous rock scrambles, we had a very steep, treacherous descent over huge rocks. We were tired mainly from the intense concentration and care required.The shuttle dropped us at CVS and we got some supplies then we ate at Murphy's Pub. Very good. The laundry is being done next door. This is a weird place - a combination of very nice to very basic services....Saw an interesting snake today. Almost a diamond back coloration yet is tail was very pointed and his head was not triangular. He was rather thick. Wander if he was a hog nose snake.Today was a hard day but a very good day!
Date: 2011-05-31
From: NY 17

To: Beechy Bottom Brook
Miles today: 12.0

I slept great last night. I think Debbie had one of her insomnia nights. The day is clear - Yipee!. Had a good breakfast at Anton's on the Lake then they shuttled us to the trail.We started the day with a long climb and Debbie really had trouble. She was having calf muscle cramps. Both of us were carrying a lot of water so the packs felt heavy. We went through the lemon squeezer, a long skinny slot in the rocks. Liked it. Shortly after that the trail was better and we were able to pick up the pace a bit. Very pretty trail with us often on the mountain top with gently rolling terrain and lush grass. Quite a bit of steep up and downs often including rock scrambles.Toward the end of the day we climbed Black Mountain. We both really had to work at it. Lots of steep rock scrambles. At the top we had views of the Hudson river and metro areas but we could not see the NYC skyline because of the haze. The descent from the mountain was quite steep and quite hard on my toes. We crossed a busy 4 lane road - the Paliasades - sign said 34 miles to NYC.Saw a doe and her very young fawn. Very beautiful. Found a great tent site at Beechy Bottom Creek. Got water and set up camp then decided to "clean up" or swim in the creek....BRRRR but very refreshing.Nice to be in the tent tonight. The bugs can't get me and it's quite cozy. I don't have on my rain fly. I surely hope I don't have to scramble because of some unexpected shower!