morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-02
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

Day #110 Flip Flop, Gator Woman and I were packed and on the trail by 5:30. It was only 8.6 miles into town and we all wanted a good breakfast, especially me after weeks of eating Pop Tarts. The thought of fresh coffee, pancakes and sausage, or eggs, home fries and bacon gave us incentive for the early push. Sort of like the carrot in front of the donkey. It sounded simple, but like everything else on the trail there is punishment before the reward. The hike started out very nice, good weather and clear trail. The trail followed the ridge line and about 1 1/2 miles outside of Port Clinton started the descent. I was expecting to see the typical switchbacks. Instead, the trail went straight down at a steep angle. Throw in some loose rocks and a few boulders and you have the recipe for sore ankle and knee muscles. I was glad it was not raining. I could picture the trail resembling a water flume ride with hikers on their butts speeding down with the water and mud. Talking with past thru-hikers, it has happened. In my opinion it was one of the steepest descents so far on the trail. Glad to report that everyone made it down safely. Breakfast at 3C's restaurant was exactly what everyone dreamed about. Hiker friendly and oh, sooo good! My selection was the pancakes and sausage with maple syrup. Port Clinton is a little community on the Little Schuylkill River. It was an actual port in the early 1800's used to transport coal from the mountains to the coastal cities. There are two places hikers hang out in Port Clinton, the pavilion and the Port Clinton Hotel. The pavilion is a large covered structure that the community lets the hikers use free. A volunteer caretaker, named Fred, looks after the place and does trail magic for the hikers. The Port Clinton Hotel is a two story building containing a good restaurant and bar on the first floor, and 8 rooms on the second story. The hotel saves one room for hikers. Meanderthal was the first one in line and needed someone to split the cost. I jumped in, glad to help a fellow hiker in need. I found the ultimate trail angel by the trail name of Bag of Tricks, or just Tricks. I met Tricks briefly at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon and did not realize this man's love for the hikers until today. He is a man that loves life and laughter. His eyes smile as he tells stories about the trail or when listening to a hiker tell their tale. Most of all, Tricks enjoys leaving trail magic along the trail. A hiker will know when trail magic is present by the posting of a red blaze. He will drive hikers any where they need to go. Trick's magic has been known to show up from Harper's Ferry all the way to Maine. I am sure I will see Trix again further up the trail.
Date: 2004-07-03
From: Port Clinton

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day #111 I woke up this morning mentally wanting to go on the trail but physically I needed the rest and I am listening to my body (sometimes it is not good practicing mind over matter). I know some of the toughest sections of the trail south of New Hampshire are ahead and I want to be in good condition for this part of the hike. I talked it over with Tricks and he agreed. Since I was going to zero, Tricks asked if I wanted to go with him to slackpack the Hobbitts (twin sisters thru-hiking) and do trail magic. I liked the idea of exploring and traveling through the mountains using a different mode of transportation besides foot power. It was amazing to be in a vehicle again, whizzing by landmarks at warp speed. We did trail magic for 11 hikers on a hot, humid day. It felt good to be on the other end of trail magic, handing out a cold drink to a sweaty, thirsty hiker. Now I know how Lady Kritter felt when she did trail magic during her visit in May. The eyes and expressions on each hiker's face as they grab the cold can and swallow the first gulp of liquid heaven is priceless. Each expression is different but the result is always the same, a thank you and a smile. We arrived back at the pavilion mid afternoon. Tricks asked Lint, Strange Love, and the Scouts (Name-less, Hermes and Willy Wonka) and I, if we wanted to go cliff jumping into the river. A chance for another adventure - you bet we went! Not far from Port Clinton we arrived to the local hangout, a trashy, rock beach. Spectators and sun bathers on the beach were watching large amounts of testosterone jumping off a 38 ft. overhang into the water. Our crew was quickly in the water, swimming across the river and climbing to the top of the rock cliff. One by one they jumped off for an exhilarating air ride into the water. Tricks and I stayed on the beach and took pictures with everyone's cameras. Taunted by their boyfriends or brothers, several local young ladies took the dare and jumped. One particular young female stood on the ledge, raised her arms into the air, then leaped up and executed a near perfect 1 1/2 somersault into the water. The "I Can't Believe What I Saw" look on the male faces was a sight to see. The other of pride from her friends - that ¢my friend is kicking butt!¢Bag of Tricks did his trail magic again by buying dinner consisting of four different types of pizza and liquid refreshments. Several of us offered him money or asked how much was the split. Tricks would not take the money even under the threat of a swift kick to his softer regions. And I thought the hospitality of trail magic was a myth North of the Mason/Dixie Line¢¦ Tricks, you are almost the top Trail Angel on the AT in my book. (Sorry, Lady Kritter is still tops.)
Date: 2004-07-04
From: Port Clinton -Zero Day

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #112 I was up early and hoping the 3 C's restaurant was open. Bag of Tricks was walking about so I asked if he wanted to go. Sure enough when we got there it was just opening up. I wanted a good morning start so I had 3 pancakes and my luxury item, coffee. 7:20 and I am back on the trail feeling good. Stopped and had a snack at Windsor Furnace Shelter and then climbed to Pulpit Rock and started my day's walk over the rocks. I made a game of walking over the rocks today. I pictured myself as a mountain goat and tried to pick the rocks a goat would choose to walk on. It really became fun. Yes, let me repeat that. It was fun to walk over and on the rocks. I know - I had to read it twice to believe what I wrote. Had some great views of the farmland below from a rock overlook called the Pinnacle. Just before the overlook there is a large pyramid pile of assorted rocks. It is a local custom to throw a rock on top of the pile for good luck before going out to the overlook.I stopped at Eckville Shelter for my afternoon break before the next major climb up to Dan's Pulpit and overlook. On top of the mountain is a heavy gauge metal mailbox containing a registry. Don't know if I want to meet the person who backpacked that monster in. More rocks and boulder fields all the way to Allentown shelter. At the shelter tonight is Lint, Strange Love, Walking Stomach, (who I have not seen in over a month), and Pipesmoke. Hikers for the holiday weekend are here too.Speaking of holiday, today is our country's birthday, Independence Day. I was upset to read in some of the trail Registries negative comments about the United States. I wrote a short sermon in response that went like this. There are not many countries in the world today where an individual can freely walk a long distance trail and meet the people that we do. We do not live in a perfect world and our country is not perfect. Americans throughout the years have died for the freedom that allows you to speak in a positive or negative way about any subject. You may not agree with all the issues involving the United States, but it is the only country that we, as Americans, have. Be proud.
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Palmerton, Pa.

To: Wind Gap, Pa.
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day #114 Pipesmoke, Gator Woman, and I were up very early due to the anticipation of hiking on the bare boulders of Lehigh Gap. I got a quick hitch to the trailhead and began my assault on the gap's north face in the coolness of the morning air. The climb was arduous, at times hand over hand, pulling yourself up and over boulders only to be greeted by the next one. Towards the end of the climb I stopped to turn around and had a grand view of the valley. It almost felt as if I was flying like Peter Pan. My first thought was if I slipped and lost my hold on the boulders, my daymare was Peter Pan doesn't fly (without Tinker dust). I quickly turned around and went back to work finishing my climb. The top was finally crested with no significant incidents. The view was spectacular. You could see the devastation created by the furnaces even with the EPA attempts to clean up. The hike continued over rocks and boulders with stretches of good trail in between. Towards late afternoon my body was in hiking mode. I didn't want to stop so I continued into Wind Gap for a brief break. Near sundown I was north of Wind Gap, back on the ridgeline. I found a small tenting area among the rocks and boulders and set up camp. A huge deer came walking into my camp just as I was settling in. I was very still and watched the movements of the deer for a long time. The deer sensed something was not right and kept looking up at my direction. I didn¢t move a muscle, yet the deer detected something. I then realized most of the day I was wet from sweating and what was alerting the deer was hiker funk. The deer finally wandered off and the remainder of the night was a peaceful rest.
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Wind Gap, Pa.

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

Day #115I woke up ready to hit the last major rock fields in Pa. I was inside my tent packing everything up. When I finished I unzipped my tent fly and was greeted by total night darkness. This couldn't be - it¢s supposed to be dawn, a new day! I took out my watch and it read 4:00 in the morning. No sense unpacking and going back to sleep, I was awake. I was on the trail by 5:00, a record I think will stand for awhile. It worked out in the long run. I took my time over rock and boulder fields and got into Delaware Water Gap at a reasonable time. Trail magic, courtesy of Scholar, appeared at a perfect time on PA 191 at Fox Gap. I was exhausted from the rocks, and scrambling over boulders and huge rock formations. But there sat a cooler of cold drinks, salads, blueberry cake and fruits waiting for hikers at the Gap. (Scholar you are truly a trail angel as well as part of the 2004 AT family. Thanks!)Delaware Water Gap is a small community of old buildings at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. Across the Delaware River is New Jersey. Waiting for me at the post office was my lost bounce box from Montebello, sent June 1st, along with a mail drop from Lady Kritter and a special letter from a Goddess of Deland. The church hostel was still closed for renovations so Pipesmoke and I shared a room at the Ramada Hotel. Shortly after getting the room the skies opened up with monsoon rains. It sure was nice to sleep in air conditioning, in between sheets and under a roof as the rain nurtured Mother Nature.
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Back to Port Clinton - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Days #117 Zero day Friday back at Port Clinton for "The Feed". Bright and early in the morning, Garcia loads us up for the first stop towards Port Clinton, Delaware Water Gap. Lint, Flip Flop and I made arrangements at DWG to get a ride from Bag of Trix to Port Clinton. Arriving at the Pavilion in Port Clinton, it was evident hikers were already setting up camp for the weekend. The grounds surrounding the pavilion and the lawn across the street began to resemble a forest floor of colored mushrooms as hikers erected their tents. The area for the weekend is called Billville, in honor of Jester's first name, Bill. Jester is known as the Mayor of Billville. Miss Janet was there shuttling hikers from southern points in her van. Baltimore Jack was the cook of Billville and already at work cooking hot dogs. Bag of Trix was the Director of Affairs making sure everything was running smoothly.I saw trail friends I have not seen in over a month, Boo Boo, BeatBox, Rooster, Arms, Mad Scientist, Yoda and Lucy, Luna, Chef, Big Stick, Ski Bum, Coyote, Saltlick, Trail Angel Mary and Pegasus. I also met new friends, Fred the caretaker of the Pavilion, Gordy; the Chomps from Chomps Adventure in New Hampshire; Sunset and many others. The majority of thru-hikers that I have hiked with are behind me somewhere in the vicinity of Duncannon. Friday night was spent around a large campfire with the telling of tales of AT escapades.Note from Lady Kritter: There are many more photos of "The Feed" to entertain you. Krispy even included some closeups so all you friends, families, and TJ addicts will be able to put faces to names. Many other photos have been reserved for blackmail at a later date ...
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Back to Port Clinton - Zero Day

To: Back at Port Clinton - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #118Zero day Saturday - back at Port Clinton for "The Feed".Saturday morning Baltimore Jack is up cooking breakfast for everyone. Trips for the day were planned for Cabela's, the Yuengling Brewery - the oldest brewery in America in Pottsville, Pa. and to the cliff jump at the river. My headlamp busted so I went with Lint to Cabela's. I exchanged my headlamp for a new one and Lint got a new pair of shoes. About 20 hikers went on the brewery tour. I was impressed with the tour and the history. By the time we got back in the late afternoon several of us went to the cliffs to watch the first timers jump off a 38 ft. cliff into the Schuykill River, each providing their unique style to enter the water. A slapping sound was not good. It meant the jumper had exposed too much body hitting the water, usually the arms. Some entered at an angle or with legs slightly apart causing an instant enema. No, I did not jump. Another time I would, I just didn't want to risk ending my journey before Katahdin. Back at Billville, Baltimore Jack and Trix cooked supper of hamburgers, assorted salads, soup, sausage and desserts. Many of the town folks came out to help cook, brought food and mingled with the hikers. In the evening another round of campfire stories were shared over the flames. In all, over a hundred thru-hikers attended. I was glad to see familiar faces of fellow thru-hikers; we took care of one another, felt each others¢ pain and found a common bond. New faces included past thru-hikers sharing information on what to expect further up the trail or my sharing information on what I learned or experienced with hikers who were still behind me. I probably will not see them again as I start pushing north, concentrating on Maine.Tomorrow, for me, would be a hiking day, so I went to bed early and let the youngsters continue with campfire merriment.
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #119 After Sunday breakfast at "The Feed" I made the rounds saying good-bye to everyone and wished them good health on their way to Katahdin. All those present who started on March 15th got together for a photograph. We called ourselves the Fifteeners. Garcia was there on time and Lint, Flip Flop, the Hobbits and I left to go back to New Jersey. I¢d left the Mohican Outdoor Center at 1:15. Mid-afternoon I run into a group of young adults in bathing suits and carrying beach towels which meant only one thing - water and swimming. They gladly gave me directions. Within minutes I was swimming in Crater Lake, soothing muscles and cooling down my overheated body. I just passed Buttermilk Trail back on the trail when I see black movement. I freeze and focus my gaze. The black movement is slowly moving among ripe blueberry bushes. I knew this could only be a bear. My suspicions were confirmed when the animal entered a clearing and I could see the face of an adult bear. The bear was twenty yards away and moving in my direction. I was very still except for my slow movement towards my camera. During this whole time I was not afraid. The camera is out, I turn it on and the sound of the motorized lens can be heard through the still quite of the forest. The bear's ears stand straight up and he looks up at my direction. Suddenly the bear turns a 180 and in a flash is running down the slope away from me. Not enough time for a picture.Lint and Flip Flop were already at the shelter. Since there were so many hikers at the shelter, I elected to tent out. We all had comments about the rocks in various places, but overall we felt the trail in New Jersey was pleasant and a joy to walk.
Date: 2004-07-13
From: High Point Shelter, NJ

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 18.9

Day # 121Still refreshed from yesterday's matinee, I left the shelter at 6:45 in a light rain. Less than twenty minutes into the hike another magical moment occurs in the form of a comedy, I call, "A Comedy of Clowns".I am walking down the trail not far from the High Point Shelter when I see movement to my left. Frozen in my foot steps I see a turkey hen waddle across the trail with her head and neck bobbing forward in between foot steps. It reminded me of a Charlie Chaplin walk. Immediately following the hen was a baby chick, then another, and another, all in unison doing the same Charlie Chaplin walk. I lost count of how many because I was laughing so hard, I would guess between 6-8 chicks. When the mother turkey would turn in either direction so did the chicks. I watched this parade through the woods until the last chick disappeared down the hill. This portion of the New Jersey hike took me through its mountains, swamps and valleys. I was thankful for the light rain followed by overcast day. This section would have been a brutal sauna if the sun had been out with its heat providing even more humidity.Hitched a ride with Lint and Bucket into Vernon, New Jersey and stayed at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel. It was good to dry clothes and equipment and sleep indoors. This hostel is a great facility with laundry, kitchen, showers and lounge area. Stores for resupply are close by. Sharing the hostel was Lint, Walking Stomach, Flip Flop, Little Tree, Dimple Rock, Tapeworm, Bucket, Maja West and several section hikers.
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter, NY
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #122 "Ninety percent of this game is mental." ~ Yogi Berra Staying indoors was a luxury no one wanted to give up right away. I didn¢t leave the hostel until 9:30. The morning and early afternoon consisted of more rocks, boulders, rock formations, ridgelines, swamps and their boardwalks. The trail is easier to walk than Pennsylvania. Mid afternoon I come up to Lint and Joe Flamingo who are standing over a painted rock that says NJ/NY state line. In celebration we each took a swig from Lint's Yukon Jack. I have now completed 8 of the 14 states. New Jersey, in my opinion is the best kept secret on the AT. The views were great; mountain swamps a new challenge, a great trail to walk with very few complaints. The trail in New York, like New Jersey, consists of boulders and rocks and runs along the mountain tops¢ rocky ridgeline. If the rock surfaces are not wet, it¢s an easy walk. Wet means slippery and your feet can slide out from beneath you like stepping on a banana peel. The Hudson River can be seen to my right from the ridgeline and the trail will follow the river until Bear Mountain. I tried to beat the afternoon rain and lost. I was on Eastern Pinnacles, NY (1295 ft.) and Cat Rocks, NY (1050 ft.) when the rains came. I had to slow down because of the rock conditions which caused me to get to the shelter late. Walking Stomach, Lint, Flip Flop, Maja West and several other hikers in the shelter made enough room for me to squeeze in. Everybody was very close and dry as the evening rain came down. It was a long and restless night with so many people in the shelter.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter - NY

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, a former Francisca
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day #124 Everyone at the shelter was up early for two reasons. First, there was no water at the shelter (the spring is dry). Second, we were 10 miles from the Bear Mountain Inn and Zoo and we wanted to get through the civilized world as quickly as possible. Crossed several small ridges and then climbed Black Mountain (1160 ft). The southern view overlooks the Hudson River and valley and on a clear day, from this vista, they say you can see New York City. It is very rare to have such an opportunity to view the city smog free. I did not get one of those rare days; the city was lost in the smog. Crossed over the Palisades Interstate Parkway and quickly got away from the noise. More mountain ridge running and finally a climb up Bear Mountain (1305 ft.) to view the Perkins stone observation tower. Coming off the mountain and descending into the Hudson Valley you could smell and hear mankind enjoying themselves around the Bear Mountain Inn and Zoo. Once on the grounds at the inn, the area was a sea of people and children involved in different activities. My stay was short and I continued on the AT that runs past the Inn, through a zoo, and then carries you across the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge. Back to the quite of the woods and off I go to my night's destination, the Graymoor Monastery. When I arrived at the monastery, I was directed to the ball field where Lint, Flip Flop, Tape Worm, Mad Hatter, Pilot, Polar, Rael had already setup their tents. Lint told me the monastery provided a free dinner if you were at the dining room at 5:30. Say no more, a thru-hiker and a free dinner, I was in. The dinner was a great tomato pasta dish with salad. Nobody left the table hungry. All the hikers got a tour of the monastery. The many chapels and grounds surrounding the property were beautiful. The main chapel reminded me of some of the old churches I saw in England. One of the friars, who has sectioned hike a lot of the trail in this area, offered a ride for resupply. Flip Flop and Tapeworm needed supplies, I went along for the ride. I wanted to see as much as possible of the area, since this was my parent¢s stomping grounds and where I lived as a young boy. Flip Flop comes out of the store with his supplies and a wiffle ball and bat. Home run derby was started the minute we got back on the ball field. Lint played catcher while Flip Flop, Tape Worm and I took turns batting and pitching. We played until dark thirty, then retired to our tents for the night due to the mosquitoes.
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, a former Francisca

To: Canopus Lake NY 301 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #125 I was looking forward to greeting this day. I had not seen or visited friends or relatives since I last saw Lady Kritter back in May. I made arrangements to visit my aunt and uncle in Poughkeepsie, NY and have them pick me up at NY 301 near Canopus Lake.During the night a light rain fell making the tent breakdown a soggy affair. I was packed and out of Graymoor by 6:00. The hike was pleasant with little ups and downs that made the hike interesting. Just before getting to NY 301 Lint caught up with me. Lint wanted to let me know he decided to push on so he would not miss meeting his girl friend in Massachusetts. We made arrangements to meet up sometime after his fun fest.I got to NY 301 a little after 1:00 and was greeted by my aunt, uncle and cousin. I tried to warn them before hugging me; too late, they got smeared with hiker funk. The things we put family through.   I was taken to a Greek diner and fed a hearty meal. Throughout the day and night I was treated like royalty.   My deepest gratitude to Estelle and Al for the A-1 treatment.