morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-08
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter (tenting)

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Day 99, June 8, 2014 Today started with a little down hill into Leigh Gap. Then a climb up out of Palmerton. It was fairly steep with a good bit of rock scrambling. But boy was it worth the climb. And as always the scrambles were fun and exciting. After reaching the top the rest of the day was fairly flat. But there were a few more boulder fields. We also entered the Palmerton Zinc Super Fund Site. They have been reintroduction vegetation for the last ten years. I thought it was looking pretty good. I took a couple of pictures. But if you are interested there are before pictures on the internet when it was barren. The other thing that was thriving in the Superfund site was tics!!! Raman Shaman and Cheese It said they took an 1 1/2 and picked over a 100 tics of Sheila. Coop had a butt load too. But he is easier to operate on. They are still picking tics off Sheila as I type this. I only found one tic on me. Just behind my ear. I took Coop and me 4 hours to do just about 5 miles!! The rest of the day we just had the little ones that are like an obstacle course. Water was also a big consideration this day. There was only 1 water source between the two shelters (almost 17 miles) and the guide book says emergency only high metallic content. So we all had a full compliment of water on our backs. Tomorrow looks like a little more of the same. all and all another great day of hiking. I meet a nice man who thru hiked in 1983 (also did the PCT in 88) and another gentleman who was looking at possible AT reroutes. Both fellas said the Whites in NH was there favorite place on the AT and both brought up the JMT and said I should hike it. The later guy also said the good thing about going NOBO was that the AT saves the best for last. Oh here is one last thing. Cheese It was walking the last couple miles alone and said she got freaked out because Sheila keep looking behind them like someone was there. No way! Cooper was doing the same thing and for about a mile. We still don't know why both dogs did this at the same point and for about the same distance. Aliens? Pennsylvania Rocks!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 16.7 Completed: 1269.4 Remaining: 915.9 Start Point: George W. Outerbridge End point: Leroy A. Smith Shelter (tenting) States Completed: 6 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), States Remaining: 8 PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (7 photos)
Date: 2014-06-12
From: US 206, Branchville, NJG BBC

To: High Point s Shelter (Sheltering)
Miles today: 16.0

Day 103, June 12, 2014Well, I felt like a million bucks today! Guess the pampering worked. Today I met a thru hiker named Chef. He was the first thru hiker I remember seeing since the Mohican Outdoor Center three days ago. In fact he was only the third hiker I've seen at all. It has been raining and foggy for three maybe four days. He said he was feeling off too. We are in our own little bubble. I didn't leave the motel until ten. They dropped me off at Joe to Go's. I got me some 100% Columbian Joe. And a breakfast sandwich. From there we made our way up to Sunrise Mountain. Sunrise Mountain Pavilion is where Tree Frog and Squirrel will be getting married next weekend and it looks like they should have nice weather. They are then going to flip flop and walk from Katahdin back to their home in NJ. I think that's a pretty cool way to do it. Walk on home!!!About three I ducked into the Mashipacong Shelter out of the rain. Chef showed up and we waited the worst of it out. Then walked about 7 miles to this shelter. It looks like a big rain storm is headed our way so we are both in the shelter. Just us tonight and Coop One cool thing about NJ is you walk up hills out of the threes on to little meadows full of grass, smalls bushes and cool rocks. The bad part in rain is the rocks are slippery and the bushes wet. But it is still pretty and brighter. Hiking, Tanning, Laundry (HTL), Cowgirl and The Little ManHiked today: 16.0 Completed: 1334.0 Remaining: 851.0 Start Point: US 206, Branchville, NJ End point: - High Point s Shelter (Sheltering)States Completed: 7 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6),States Remaining: 7 NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-06-13
From: High Point s Shelter (Sheltering)

To:  unnamed camp spot (tenting)
Miles today: 9.9

Day 104, June 13, 2014Well, about an hour after we, me and Chef, ate and set up camp last night Coop started limping. Really bad favoring his right front foot. So bad that when he tried to walk he fell over. Well, it had me jacked up. But this am no limp. Regardless it made me realize I need to double check my Coop extraction plan. I talked to my friend April about it and she has our back should it happen again. FYI all day he was fine. No loo limp. So today's hike was fantabulous. I think NJ might get missed in the fray. We walked in woods, through swamps, over planks, forged streams, went through meadows and saw milk cows. Probably one of the best days in days hiking wise. It was a short hiking day mostly due to rain. This morning it was pouring down. So Chef and I hunkered down in the shelter until about eleven. About ten a SOBO section hiker, Chief, came strolling in drenched to the bones. The good news he only had 1.7 more miles to hike and his brother was picking him up for a week off the trail. Chef and I hiked out. About two Raman Shaman texted me about more bad weather. Prudence being the better part of valor, I pulled off the trail. We ended up at the Witts End Tavern. Chef at 6'2", ginger, and with dreds stood out like a sore thumb. Every guy had a 0 to 3 Marine cut and Fox news was playing. He was about at his Witts end by the end of the night. LOL!! But we had fun and schooled the locals in some pool. There was no rooms available so we waited out the storms and hit the trail. Walked a couple miles and tented. I was thinking about how much I enjoyed the room the other night. I think I might dip into my coffers and get a room every four days or so for the next little while. Why not? There are a couple out here referred to as the Executive Hikers. They basically slack pack the trial and stay in towns. I don't have the dough to do that, don't know if I would if I did, but there are days I envy them for sure!!! Hiking, Tanning, Laundry (HTL), Cowgirl and The Little ManHiked today: 9.9 Completed: 1343.9 Remaining: 841.4 Start High Point Shelter End point: - unnamed camp spot (tenting)States Completed: 7 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6),States Remaining: 7 NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-06-14
From:  unnamed camp spot (tenting)

To: Vernon, NJ (Motel)
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 105, June 14, 2014This morning Chef got up and headed out before me. I wasn't sure if I would see him again as he is much stronger and faster then me. But he had stopped at a shelter. I told him I needed dog food and some resupply. Also, all our stuff was wet. So we went into Vernon, NJ and got a room. I know it hasn't been four days, but hey sue me The Raman Shaman and Cheese It were right behind us and they joined us. So I am surrounded tonight by my trail family and super happy about it. I am glad I met Chef, he's like a long lost little brother!!We only hiked 9 miles today. It's funny to me that only goes in front of nine now. Anyway, we have enough food for the week now. I want to say again how much I am enjoying NJ. It has been so diverse and pretty. Today's highlight was a two mile walk through another swamp on a board walk. I would recommend it as a day hike for sure. Oh and the sun shone today. That was good for the soul. It looks like we will have much better weather all week. So this has been a week of me losing things. I lost my knife and a pant leg. I don't like hiking in shorts. But it looks like that is they way it will be until I can get to an outfitter. Hiking, Tanning, Laundry (HTL), Cowgirl and The Little ManHiked today: 9.0 Completed: 1352.9 Remaining: 832.4 Start High: unnamed camp spot End point: - Vernon, NJ (Motel)States Completed: 7 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6),States Remaining: 7 NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Vernon, NJ (Motel)

To: Wildcat Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 106, June 15, 2014 Today we said goodbye to that little gem of the AT in New Jersey and said hello to New York. Right when we got to the trail head Rocketman, Princess and Professor T showed up. Always great to see them. Just a couple miles into the day I ran into Pint Size's Boss. Super great to see her. She reckoned we had not seen each other since Fontana Dam. I didn't get to see Pint Size though, as she hiked past my camping location. I had heard in the past that the first part of NY throws a few rocks at you. And she did. They were big rocks on the ridge lines with numerous scrambles. My legs saw a work out like they have not seen in some time!!! The weather was sunny and warm today so after our scrambles up we were usually rewarded with a nice view. One rock scramble was up to a place called Prospect Rock. Way out in the distance you could make out the top of New York Cities skyline. You couldn't really get a picture of that, but I took one of it anyway. Trust me when I say it was pretty neat and sci-fi'ish. This is also the highest point in NY at an elevation of 1433 feet. From there I made my way over about three more rock fields and down to the shelter. Paddy'O, a 2000, thru hiker was there passing out trail magic and telling great stories. I got a yummy cold bottle of Gatorade. Today was another great day on the trail. I am feeling super relaxed and looking forward to a good nights sleep. Hike Strong, Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 17.1 Completed: 1370.0 Remaining: 815.3 Start High: Vernon, NJ End point: - Wildcat Shelter (tenting) States Completed: 8 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), States Remaining: 6 NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (6 photos)
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Wildcat Shelter (tenting)

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

Day 107, June 16, 2014 Well, today was arguably one of the toughest hiking days I can remember in some time, maybe even up there as one of the hardest days so far. The AT Guide warned me thusly!!! I am not complaining though because even though it was not easy it was very rewarding. What made it difficult was very steep ups and downs with plenty of rock scrambles. At a few points I would set my poles on the next ledge, lift Coop up and then pull myself to the ledge and repeat......the downs were not much easier. But I did get that sorely needed upper body workout Between the climbs I saw more swamps with lillypads, a lake, a waterfall and beautiful woods with grass and ferns. There were four places with trail magic. Mostly water. Which I was thankful for as I don't want to really drink the tan water even if its just weak tea from the leaves. There was also a first aid trail magic box. I finally made it to this shelter. A man named Quaker showed up a few minutes later. While I was fetching water Paddy'O showed up with more trail magic. Those two are a wealth of knowledge so I sat and listened to their stories. Right now I am in Harriman State Park. Paddy'O told us the story about how this land was given to the state. Harriman tried to give NY 90000 acres but they would only take like half of it. Eventually they ended up buying it all back for a lot of money. Quaker headed out to camp under the stars and Paddy'O headed home. So I find myself at the shelter alone. This is the first for me. Not camping alone, but having a shelter all to myself. I figured it might happen but fathomed it would be further North. Sheila was not feeling well this morning so Raman Shaman and Cheese It stayed back at Wildcat Shelter to let her rest. Sure hope she is better tomorrow. Chef is moving fast so he can catch the train to NYC Thursday to visit friends and see his favorite band. The shelter I am at is very cool. Paddy'O said it was built in 1927 before the AT and the CCC for local hikers from NYC. We are very close to the big city. I could have walked there today on the NY Long Trail. It was only 51 miles away I really miss my pant legs. The bugs and mosquitos are biting me and I have dirt all over my legs. Can't wait to get to the outfitter!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 14.3 Completed: 1384.3 Remaining: 801.1 Start High: Wildcat Shelter End point: Fingerboard Shelter States Completed: 8 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), States Remaining: 6 NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (15 photos)
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite (tenting)
Miles today: 17.6

Day 108, June 17, 2014 Thankfully I felt pretty good today considering the a$$ whooping that yesterday gave me. The trail was very pleasant today with a few climbs and minimal scrambling. Going up to Bear Mountain we actually started out on an old road with a gradual grade. There was more stone work; I am guessing more CCC work? Then up ahead I saw a bunch of rocks stairs. I knew I would get to climb them!!! For the most part the walk up and down Bear mountain was on a much higher then average maintained and groomed trail. Oh and there is vending machines at the summit. So I had a Power drink. You will not believe where the trail goes thru at the bottom of the hill....A ZOO!!! Unfortunately had to take a bypass route as dogs are not allowed So I made my way to the Bear Mountain Bridge. This bridge crosses the Hudson River. What a mighty bridge and River. It is something to think about all the action that river has seen over the years, from colonial battles to CPT Scully successfully setting a jetliner down. I crossed the bridge on the wrong side so once again I had to play real life frogger. This time at a busy three way intersection. I actually carried Coop for this maneuver. Then we had to continue on narrow NY 90 for another few minutes. Finally we made it back to woods. One more climb and I called it a day. A couple thru hikers passed me, but all in all another quiet day. Cheese It and Raman Shaman said Sheila is feeling better and they should be able to walk again tomorrow. So glad she is feeling better. Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 17.6 Completed: 1401.9 Remaining: 783.4 Start High: Fingerboard Shelter End point: Hemlock Springs Campsite (tenting) States Completed: 8 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), States Remaining: 6 NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (12 photos)
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Hammersly Ridge (tenting)

To: Bull Bridge Road (motel)
Miles today: 9.3

Day 111, June 20, 2014 I forgot to mention last night that I walked a bit past dark. Because of that I missed a picture of a wooden water tower. But what I gained was the most fantastic lightning bug show ever!!!! I was walking at the edge of a field and the trees looked like a mixture of Christmas and the 4th of July combined. I literally had to stop and just take it in a couple of times. So yesterday my Mom made mention that Coop did not looked impressed with the pink flamingos. This parlayed into my friend Michelle informing us that pink flamingos are not indigenous to NY. I thought it fitting to share Michelle's actual two cents: "Linda I am almost certain the flamingos are an introduced species in this area (NY). Don Featherstone of Massachusetts is the inventor of the pink plastic lawn flamingo, which has been gracing lawns since 1957. In 1996, Featherstone was awarded the 1996 Nobel Art Prize for his creation of the Pink Flamingo. You are welcome" Sooooo I am now on Connecticut!!! I think that puts me officially in "New England" The trail itself was uneventful. I did come across a woodland library. That is the type of stuff I love. But alas, I am not ready to read. The trail in CT took us over mostly flat ground with one small climb that dropped me to Bulls Run. I got off the trail to see a wooden covered bridge and get a drink. While I was there Raman Shaman called with good news about a rental. Long story short we are going to a wedding reception. The folks from Enterprise fetched me and then off I went. I got lost trying to find the motel. I had Google mapped Highland instead of Highland Falls. I did get to tour the Hudson valley and not on foot So Red and Canidida are staying with us too . They are having an official trail romance, so it does happen. They told us their story last night and it made me smile. Red had been very sick about a week ago. Go to the doctor sick. During this period they had some wicked trail magic. Canidida wrote about one episode in a logbook. I am attaching a picture of that for your reading enjoyment. That's about it for today. The last one to Katahdin wins!!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 9.3 Completed: 1455.8 Remaining: 729.5 Start Point: ~ Hammersly Ridge End point: Bull Bridge Road (motel) States Completed: 9 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), States Remaining: 5 CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (5 photos)
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Bull Bridge Road (motel)

To: Bull Bridge Road (motel)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 112, June 12, 2014 Zero Day. We spent a better part of the day getting ready for Squirrel and Tree Frog's wedding reception and doing a little resupply. I had a blast just picking our outfits. It was so nice to feel normal again. Driving in a car, shopping at a non trail location and blending in. I have spoke often of how much I love the trail community but one downside has been how trail merchants and businesses treat us. The often know we are at their mercy for their services and sometimes treat us as second class citizens and/or nickle or dime us or both. It can be frustrating. The AT trail itself can seem very nonsensical sometimes. It is a trail that often goes nowhere but has a grand finale (Mount Katahdin in my case). It meanders aimlessly and I believe the trail and its planners take glee in going up to every peak possible. They also seem to hate logging roads. Even old ones that are in the woods. I can not tell you how Many times the AT has left a perfectly good old logging road with a good grade in the woods only to take us off the trail, wind us around the woods for 500 yards, only to dump us back on the logging road a 100 yards up!! LOL!! The AT also bypasses more interesting sights in order for us to walk up a hill. Again I am not complaining just stating my perception. I signed up to walk 2185 miles of the AT as it is, not what I or anyone else might think it should be. Also its nice just to wander around in the woods and climbing hills/mountains is good for my butt, legs, and mind, right? So we walked over a small hill towards the reception in slow motion with the wind blowing our hair back and your favorite song playing in background haha. We had a blast and I could not get enough of Squirrel and Tree Frog's happiness. Cheese It and Raman Shaman had the best wedding gift ever. They had found an old blaze on bark on the ground. WOWWIE!! They lacquered it up. Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Squirrel. Here is to many years of marriagale bliss. I am so glad I got to be part of your special day. That's about it for today. The last one to Katahdin wins!!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 1455.8 Remaining: 729.5 Start Point: ~ Hammersly Ridge End point: Bull Bridge Road (motel) States Completed: 9 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), States Remaining: 5 CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (19 photos)
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Bull Bridge Road (motel)

To: Bull Bridge Road (motel)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 113, June 22, 2014 Day 2 of our trailcation. We really had our lollygag on this morning. But finally we got moving and took Red and Canidida back to the trail. We headed towards Danbury, CT. This is where we are spending tonight at a La Quinta. Enroute there we stopped at an outfitter. I need pants and Raman Shaman needed shoes. I also looked again for a replacement pack for Coop. No luck. But I ordered one and sent it to Hoosick Falls. So Coop gets to slack pack for another 150 miles. Lucky dog Tonight we permethrined all our clothes. Other than that we are just chilling. The day just flew by!!! As always, as nice as this stop has been I am excited to be back on the trail tomorrow. So is Coop I think. Today when I picked up my pack to take it to the care he jumped right up and was super excited. That's about it for today. The last one to Katahdin wins!!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 1455.8 Remaining: 729.5 Start Point: ~ Hammersly Ridge End point: Bull Bridge Road (motel) States Completed: 9 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), States Remaining: 5 CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4) (4 photos)
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Bull Bridge Road (motel)

To: Mt. Algo Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 7.1

Day 114, June 23, 2014Before getting back on the trail we had to run a couple of errands. We left Danbury, CT and popped over to Kent so Raman Shaman and Cheese It could get some alcohol for their stove. Then we went to the Post Office to send a few things up the trail. We grabbed some lunch and then headed over to Enterprise to drop off the car. Ian, the Enterprise manager in New Milford, CT was just awesome. He got us, our dogs, and all our gear back to the trail. I highly recommend them. He made the whole experience of getting a car while on the trail hassle free. We hike 7 miles to the Mt. Algo shelter. We talked about moving on, but the next shelter was over 7 miles away with a steep down hill that would have put us in very late. This shelter has nice tenting spots and a close clean water source so we decided to call it a day. The hike today was nice. We had a couple of up hills and a couple of nice views. As we were setting up camp Geared Up, Re-Route, and Dora the Explorer showed up with a cooler, ice, and soda. How cool is that? I look forward to delivering trail magic one day They also invited us all to come to town for dinner and drinks. We passed. I didn't want a late night and even though I am always up for a BL, I declined. It will just taste that much better later. So I am to have pants again and happy with my purchase. I also end up buying a new pair of shoes. Two of my toes were numb. I had heard long distant hikers' feet often flatten out. We measured my feet and I ended up saying good bye to my Ariats and purchased a pair of Patagonia Drifter A/C 1/2 size bigger. The sole is more rugger and my toes felt much better today with circulation. That's about it for today. The last one to Katahdin wins!!!!Cowgirl and The Little ManHiked today: 7.1 Completed: 1462.9 Remaining: 722.4 Start Point: Bull Bridge Road End point: Mt. Algo Shelter (tenting)States Completed: 9 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4),States Remaining: 5 CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), ME (281.4)