morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Rusty's house in Mt. Holly, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

After a shower and clean laundry at Rusty's, as well as a good night's sleep, we got dropped off to resume hiking from the AT office in Boiling Springs. The trail was flat and sunny in the 85 degree temps with multiple road crossings. We were on the alert for snakes, poison ivy and ripe raspberries.My ankle became increasingly painful- swollen and purple. After 7 miles of pain, we sat by mailboxes in the shade where I called and waited for a shuttle to Duncannon. GL took my water and high calorie pie and I took the food he didn't want. He continued hiking to the shelter and I sadly watched him disappear from sight in the rearview mirror.I went to the historic Doyle Hotel and made arrangements to fly back to Fairbanks on Monday from Newark. This is the right move for me, not just because of my damaged ankle. I am leaving by choice, after hiking over 1120 miles to return another year. GM plans to continue to Katahdin and the rest of this trail journal will be about him.Visit me at my blog at alaskamentorpat.blogspot.com for info and pictures about my life in Alaska.
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

In Duncannon, I took the shuttle to the grocery store and did some resupplying. Then I settled down to wait for GarageMan. He walked in about noon with Desert Fox. We're staying at the Doyle, right downtown and we spent some quality time on the shady comfy porch making decisions and relaxing.
Date: 2009-06-27
From: Duncannon

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The zero day in Duncannon was highlighted by a visit from our friends from Clark's Summit, Cathy and Al. We spent a leisurely afternoon visiting.The Billville Hiker Feed (hosted by Bag of Tricks and Trail Angel Mary) featured bacon explosion, scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes and fruit for breakfast and corn on the cob and roasted pig for lunch. We ate dinner at the Doyle, but there was more free food on the hill.The Doyle hotel has seen better days, but Vicky and Pat, the owners, were friendly and hospitable and we had a room with a view of the Susquehanna River.
Date: 2009-06-28
From: Duncannon

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

After breakfast at Goldy's, GM walked a short day to William Penn shelter. I hitched a ride with Cathy and Al into Clark's Summit to catch a bus to Newark and flight home.Garage Man:I saw two snakes on the trail, one black rat and a copper head. I finally identified poison ivy. Water at shelter was down a rock staircase with several hundred steps. Good water but the climb up took about 15 min.
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Peter's Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

GarageManGreat trail and weather in the high 70's and low humidity. Set up hammock over some rocks and about midnight the bottom hit one of the rocks and tore a hole and my weight made the hole bigger and out I slid onto the ground. I went and spent the rest of the night in the shelter.
Date: 2009-06-30
From: Rausch Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

GarageMan:I was caught in a thunderstorm this afternoon and took refuge under a tree for about 45 minutes. The thunder rolled over the top of me but I never saw any lightening strikes. At one point, it hailed and the rain just poured buckets. I got trail magic diet coke in a cooler near Swatara Gap Pa 72 road. Thanks to Engine man and Eddy Turn.The 501 shelter is quite lavish. I got to the shelter and the we called the owner of a resturant and he came and picked up me, Birch, Fidget, Mudslide and Pudgie Pie. It was ayce wings night.
Date: 2009-07-01
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton- Microtel
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Less than 1000 miles to go! Is the Nalgene half empty or half full?GarageMan:It was a rocky trail into Port Clinton but only one hill to speak of. No rain and cooler temps- much nicer for hiking.I bought a tent- a one person Big Agnes Fly Creek. With the rainfly and footprint it weighs about 2.5 lbs....nice and light. I was worried about not having a shelter with the holiday weekend coming up and good weather predicted.I'm sharing a hotel room with Birch and Star Trek so it works out to about $29 per person plus $1 each for a shared load of wash.   It was open mic night in the lounge and Birch and I could't wait to get our food and leave. The band was really bad.
Date: 2009-07-03
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: broken clouds

GarageMan:I had lunch at blue mountain summit b&b, French dip with fries and salad. I saw a bear walking down the trail towards me today, then met a guy watching two other bears. Too many rocks here in Penn. At the shelter tonight is Birch and Turtle.
Date: 2009-07-04
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

GarageMan:There was trail magic at Little Gap today, soda, chips, and cookies. I caught up to Desert Fox, Firebug and Ace. The Water was almost 1/2 mile down a hill. We haven't had as much trouble getting water as we thought here in PA....I guess it's all that rain. It's not for nothing they call this Rocksylvania, though. The trail is rough and rocky, wearing out shoes. We heard firewoks but couldn't see them. We celebrated our independence by hiking.
Date: 2009-07-05
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap- Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

GarageManWow, less than 900 miles to go! (894.7)This is a great hostel. and the hot shower felt good. I went to the Village Farmer for dinner for a hot dog and pie for $1.49. Of course, I had two- One with chili. I also had apple and pumpkin pies. Desert Fox and I got a cab and went to Walmart for supplies. There are lots of people here.New Jersey is just .2 miles away and I expect to spend only 2 nights there. I understand there are bear poles- a good idea since I expect I'll see some. I've been staying in the shelters instead of my new tent because it's easier and there were not great tent sites in all the rocks. I know the rocks end at the border though, so hiking should be easier. I'm also entering Deli Alley- everyday lunch at an eating establishment. Light packs, more miles, more food, happier hiker.
Date: 2009-07-06
From: Delaware Water Gap- Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Blue Mountain Lakes Rd- Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec
Miles today: 17.8

GarageMan:I set up tent first time this evening after a day in NJ. I initiated a couple on how to become trail angels as I yogied some papaya from them. I also talked to "Crazy Lady" a trail maintainer. I thanked her for her hard work and took her picture, like we've done all along. We (me and Desert Fox) are camped by a lake tonight and the frogs are already loud and it isn't even dark.I had lunch at the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center. This is the start of the deli run where I can buy food just about every day. That should really cut my pack weight.Pound Hound:I will be finishing the hike next year! My friend, Susan has made a verbal commitment to hike with me for a month, so we'll start in May in Boiling Springs and go from there.
Date: 2009-07-07
From: Blue Mountain Lakes Rd- Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

GarageMan:There were thundershowers today, but mostly a light show from far away. I didn't even get wet, although I was wearing my Hefty Bag hiking skirt.Since getting to NJ, I have run into about a dozen groups from summer camps in the area. They are out for several nights in the woods. Most have about 12-15 hikers and some groups have as many as 20.I stopped at Culvers Gap for lunch as part of the deli run. We were greeted by the rudest people we have met on the trail. We went to a place to get some sandwiches and the owner was so rude to us about our packs that we went to another place down the road. When we asked for separate checks, I thought I was back teaching junior high. The eye rolling and body language she used when through was incredible. Later I'll edit this with a detailed account. I'll just say that I didn't leave a tip. They should rename the place "Rude Gap".Tomorrow I'm doing a 20 to get to Unionville, NY. The trail is still in NJ, but the town is in NY. The rocks of Pennsylvania have mostly subsided. The trail is fairly easy with just occasional rocky places- ankle twisters mostly.
Date: 2009-07-08
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Outhouse Hostel in Unionville, NY
Miles today: 20.1

GarageMan:It was a long hike today. This hostel is run by the former mayor, Dick and his friends, Bill and Butch. It's donations only, so it's a bargain and worth the extra mileage to get a shower and laundry.
Date: 2009-07-09
From: Outhouse Hostel in Unionville, NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

GarageMan:There were two big climbs today, but the trail is good and not too rocky.I had a great time at the outhouse hostel last night. The hostel run by the former mayor, was very homey. Bill, a retired Army cook, moved here from a retirement home to cook for hikers. We had fettucine with clam sauce, French bread, and cole slaw for dinner and he also made us breakfast. Dick was inspired by his wife who died of MS to welcome hikers into their home. We were asked to watch two inspirational videos- one about an AT hiker from last year and another one of a phone salesman who followed his dream of becoming an opera singer. That and a donation were a small price to pay for dinner, breakfast, shower, laundry, and good company. We pitched tents in the yard since the bunks were full.   We stopped at a fruit stand for lunch where NJ continues to assert itself as the rude state. There was a sign that said that hikers must use the picnic tables in back of the stand inspite of the perfectly comfortable and shady one in front. Also, Desert Fox was reprimanded for bringing his water bottle with him to the privy- he needed to use the outside spigot, doncha know. The grapes and oranges shared all around were great though.There was a bear sighting about 30 yds from the tents by the shelter, so we were diligent about using the bear box for all our stinkies- food, bug dope, sunscreen, etc. I hope we have an uninterrupted sleep. I set up tent due to mosquitos. Tomorrow we go into NY. Weather has been almost perfect. No rain and high temps in the 70's and low 80's. Humidity tolerable. The trail is less rocky now, less sharp rocks like Pa.
Date: 2009-07-10
From: Wawaynda Shelter

To: By West Mombasha Rd.
Miles today: 17.0

We are stealth camping tonight. I Got into NY today, the 9th state. We were greeted with lots of ups and downs and a 4 miles rock ridge walk. Mombasha High Point was suppose to deliver a view of the new York city skyline but it was not to be. I Had a banana split at a ice cream shop just off the trail. They were very hiker friendly and even had a hiker log book for us to sign. It was good to leave the rude, hiker unfriendly attitude of New Jersey behind.
Date: 2009-07-11
From: By West Mombasha Rd.

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

GarageMan:Today NY gave us several rock faces to climb up and over. One was called "Agony Grind" another was the "Lemon Squeezer" where I had to remove my pack and hold it over my head to get through. Right after that the trail went up a steep rock face. There was a blue blazed trail, "the easy way", but I ignored that and climbed up. We walked down to Lake Tiorati which was full of people, but there was only vending machines with pop, ice cream, and candy etc instead of a snack bar. Our yogi skills were not sucessful but other hikers scored big. Picnicers gave them pop, hot dogs, ribs, and chicken. When we arrived at the shelter, three guys were cooking pork chops over a fire. They took pity on us and shared some along with toasted flat bread. I also scored an air mattess on a bunk that some left behind in the shelter. It just started to rain but is suppose to end by midnight. It's nice to have made it to a shelter to have dinner before it starts to rain.I plan to resupply tomorrow in Bear Mountain or Fort Montgomery. I'm really jonesing for a big mac. We went under 800 miles to go, too- 794.7.
Date: 2009-07-12
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

GarageMan:I walked over Bear Mountain this morning and saw NYC from the monument atop the mountain. Lots of people were out enjoying the great weather on a Sunday. The trail passes through a zoo and there you reach the lowest point on the AT, 124 feet above sea level. The views of the Hudson River Valley were great. We walked to Ft. Montgomery and called for a cab to take us to the next town where there was a bigger grocery store and a McDonald's. After 2 Big Mac meals, we walked over to the store to buy food for the hike into Kent, CT, 65 miles north. A couple of guys gave us a ride back to the trail in their pick up. We hiked over the Hudson River and up to this camping site. The "we" in this entry refers to Desert Fox, Ace, Fire Bug and me. We have been walking together for a little over a week. We are definitely not in the wilderness since we can hear cars and the trains.
Date: 2009-07-13
From: Hemlock Springs Campsite

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 16.0

I went over 1400 miles today. Every new hundred is a milestone. Tonight we are at the state park which has free camping and free hot showers. I took my first hobo shower which means I kept my clothes on, soaped up and washed my clothes before taking them off to wash my body. I almost didn't come the mile down the road but I'm glad I did. I had a great dinner also, 1/2 beef stick(summer sausage), top ramen with a foil package of shrimp that I found at the last market, a candy bar, cheese slices,and a couple of drink mixes. Boone and Blaise walked down to the beach concession stand and brought us back some sodas. The great weather continues. A hiker, Dubs, that Pound Hound and I met before getting off the first time left a note here that he finished on the 4th of July. Congrats and thanks for your words of encouragement.
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: broken clouds

I saw Rock Star and Roadie (by day) Groupie(by night) today. The last time we saw them was in February right before Helen, Georgia on a cold, cold night in a shelter. They were doing a south bound section. I couldn't believe it!The trail was very kind today. Lots of ups and downs but there were many switchbacks. As part of the deli run, we had lunch at the Mountain Top Market Deli. Great food and very friendly to the bunch of hikers that were there. When we got to our destination this afternoon, I decided to move on to the next shelter. So I'm going it alone for now.At the shelter tonight is Grits, Pop Tart, Icy Fingers, Simple Man, Catfish. Most are tenting. I want to get an early start tomorrow so I'm in the shelter. Another 20+ day tomorrow.
Date: 2009-07-16
To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

GarageMan:I was up early and into Kent, CT this morning. Nothing was open except the laundramat so I did my laundry first. At 8 am the PO opened so I could get my hiking poles that Pound Hound took home to get new tips on them. I can't believe how light mine are compared to Pound Hound's. Then off to the supermarket to get more food. My last stop was the outfitters to get some mosquito repellent and alcohol (for the stove, donja know).I was headed back to the trail at 10 am. Just as I got to the trail it started to rain. Lightly at first but as I climbed it got heavier. It didn't last too long, only enough time for my shirt to get soaking wet. My shorts were covered with my hiker's kilt. At the top of the hill, I called PH to get up to date on things at home. I stopped for the night 3 miles short of the shelter because I could hear thunder in the distance. The rain held off until I put up the tent and ate dinner. Just as I finished hanging the food bag it started to rain. So now as I'm writing this there is thunder and some lightning. The rain poured down drenching the area between my tent and the ground cloth. My sleeping bag stayed dry because I put it on the floating pad. I'm hoping for a good night's sleep.
Date: 2009-07-17
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Tenting near Limestone Spring Lean-To
Miles today: 15.7

I heard the race cars all day from the race track. I came up to a detour. I'd heard that you could still use the trail, but took the detour anyways. I needed a change of scenery and a stroll along a road seemed to fit the bill. I got to the shelter trail just as thunder started. The shelter is 5/10ths mile off the trail but since it was going to rain I thought the shelter would be nice. Then I got to the ravine with the blue blazes going down and I said "I ain't going down there", so I found a high spot under a pine tree and set up the tent. Now I'm waiting out the storm. I have to get some water and eat. But it can wait for the storm to pass.
Date: 2009-07-18
From: Tenting near Limestone Spring Lean-To

To: Glen Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 17.5

GarageMan:I had 3 big climbs today, Bear Mt., Race Mt., and Mt. Everett (not Everest). There were lots of day hikers out and I had maybe the best views of the hike. Another milestone: I crossed over into Massachusetts, the 11th state out of 14.
Date: 2009-07-19
From: Glen Brook Lean-To

To: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-To
Miles today: 19.6

GarageMan:The trail was much kinder today. I met 41 cents, a trail maintainer and another couple of day hikers, Cardiac and Arrest. When I got to the shelter, there was another so-called hiker there who was in the process of drinking an entire pint of scotch. I won't mention his trail name but there were some near miss accidents going up and down the stairs and a incident involving a large bag of m&m's which spilled all over the shelter floor. Bush Man kindly cleaned up the mess so that we weren't attacked by mice. Obviously there are no qualifications to be an AT hiker so the trail welcomes all kinds of people. Some get weeded out by survival of the fittest. It's just another part of the adventure.
Date: 2009-07-20
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-To

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

GarageMan:This is a great cabin on the shores of the pond. I went swimming and fear that the lake is now polluted since it had been a while since my last shower. There were about 20 hikers there; a mix of nobo's, section hikers and a sobo. They served blueberry pancakes in the morning but I couldn't wait around for it. It is run by the AMC.
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA- Birch's house
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: heavy intensity rain

GarageMan:It rained almost the entire day. The trail was muddy and very slippery, but there were three trail magic spots to compensate. The first one had soda and Little Debbie snacks. The second was "The Cookie Lady", a trail institution. She lives at a house near a road crossing and bakes cookies for hikers. They were great. At the last spot were two coolers filled with soda and two buckets full of snacks, courtesy of Birch with whom we are staying.When we arrived in Dalton, soaking wet, Ranger, Bush Man and I called Birch and she came and picked us up and took us back to her house in Pittsville, a nearby town. We all went to an ayce place for dinner. We met Birch in Virginia and she has become a wonderful friend. She and Pound Hound have plans to continue hiking together in NH and ME next year.
Date: 2009-07-22
From: Dalton, MA- Birch's house

To: Dalton, MA- Birch's house
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

GarageMan:I took a zero day at Birch's house, my first in 3.5 weeks. I got up in the morning and Birch made us sausage, eggs and toast. Then she drove us to CVS, EMS and a grocery store. At EMS they had my shoes on sale for 30% off but didn't have my size. The clerk called another store and the held a pair for me. Later Birch drove me over to pick them up. She then took us to a mom and pop convenience store that just happened to have a deli in the back. We all got grinders (subs) and went home to eat. Tomorrow morning she is going to make us pancakes before taking us back to the trail in Dalton. Birch is one of those special people that , if lucky, you meet on the trail. She is welcome to visit us in Fairbanks anytime. Thanks also to Sue for opening their house to us smelly hikers.Hopefully with the new boots I won't be falling as much. More on that subject later.
Date: 2009-07-23
From: Dalton, MA- Birch's house

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-To
Miles today: 20.3

GarageMan:I don't know what Birch put in the pancakes this morning, but I had a lot of energy today. I was supposed to stop at about 14 miles, but when I got there, it was early so I pushed on up and over Mt. Greylock. About a mile from the shelter, it started to rain and got my new hiking shoes wet.I'll be in Vermont tomorrow and I have less than 600 miles to go to Katahdin.
Date: 2009-07-24
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-To

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

GarageMan:I entered Vt today. I was going to reserve judgment but after only 10 miles, it is Vermud. I haven't fallen in the last two days so it must have been the old shoes. There was no rain today but overcast all day. I think I only saw the sun a few times for only a minute or two. I'm seeing a few south bounders maybe 10 so far. It's a good chance to exchange info on what is ahead.
Date: 2009-07-25
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail is much better today, still mud, but not as muddy. I stopped by Melville Nauheim shelter this morning. It was there 3 years ago that Pound Hound and I met our first thru-hiker and got the idea that maybe we could do a thru-hike, too. I went over 1600 miles today.
Date: 2009-07-26
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

GarageMan:Today's vermud-o-meter(5 scale) was a mixed bag. Mile 0-8 was a 5, as bad as it can get. Mile 9-15 was a .5 only because there was several mud holes close to the shelter that got my shoes muddy again. I'll be into Manchester Center tomorrow.
Date: 2009-07-27
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Green Mountain House Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

GarageMan:It was a fairly easy hike to the road. Bush Man and I hitched into town. A young man picked us up in a small sedan, a Chevy Cavalier, I think. It was full of empty plastic bottles, McDonalds sacks and paper back books. He was a man of few words and quickly took us to the mall where there was an EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) and a grocery store. We took care of business there and called the owner of the hostel to come and pick us up. He said over the phone, no drinking, no drugs, no smoking inside, showers and laundry was included for a $15 donation. I was thinking that this was an old shed with a bunch of bunks. When we arrivedm Jeff showed us into a house complete with a kitchen, TV, living room, computer, laundry, bathrooms and did I mention carpeting and the freezer full of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Jeff is super nice and is taking us back to town for breakfast or the trail tomorrow morning. This is a must stay place. It's back to the trail tomorrow.Note from Pound Hound: GarageMan and Bush Man are now following a 15 mile per day plan that is accessible on the AT website. If they can stick with it, they will be done by August 31 or thereabouts. It allows for some longer or shorter days depending on the terrain, but averaging 15 miles a day.