morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-01
From: PA Rt 191

To: Delaware Water Gap 
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

This morning Kenny picked us up at the church and drove us slowly up the hill to Rt 191 so that we could finish up the last few miles of Pennsylvania. It turns out that today really wasn¢t very rocky. We¢ve gotten used to the rocks by now so hiking through a few sections of them is not a big deal.We had heard from so many hikers about all of the rocks here. ¢It¢s really bad¢ was the consensus. I even saw multiple entries in some of the shelter journals where hikers used bad language to describe their Pennsylvania experience. What we found was that most hikers embellish their stories a little bit to make it sound a little worse than it really is. Then I would worry about a tough section that was coming up and end up making it harder or rockier somehow in my head before getting there. The best advice I got was from my Dad who suggested thinking of it as a big challenge. This worked so much better than just hiking along hating the rocks. I actually learned to love.. well not love.. let¢s say I learned to appreciate the rocks. The best part is that we are done with Pennsylvania. In the morning we¢re going to hike across the Delaware river into New Jersey.Dr Fix-it noticed the animal track you can see in today¢s photo along the trail today. If you know what kind of animal made this track please send me a comment using my guest book. I¢ll let everyone know what it turns out to be.
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Delaware Water Gap 

To: Campsite at Mile 1302
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

This morning we packed up our tents behind the church Hostel parked the car in a safe parking lot and hiked through town then over the Delaware river bridge into New Jersey.My biggest surprise about New Jersey is that -at least along the Appalachian Trail - it's beautiful. The trees here are smaller and the undergrowth and bushes in the forest are growing vigorously. At times I have to push the bushes back just to make room for me to get by on the trail.Towards the end of our day we were hiking along a ridge and had planned on going a few miles further but were both tired and it was getting close to dark. So we found a place to camp along the ridge that looked out to the east over a beautiful body of water. I'll have to find out what it's called and update this at a later date. We found a couple of rocks to sit on while we made our dinners. I marveled at the ingenuity that doctor fix it had put into creating his own tiny little alcohol fuel stove, titanium pot, homemade cozy that keeps the food warm - all of which weighs next to nothing. He spent quite a while planning researchIng and getting ready for his hike. It shows when you take a close look at his gear. It's nice to be here in my tent although I appear to be on a slight sidehill tonight.Thanks so much for following my journey. I really appreciate your interest.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Campsite at Mile 1302

To: Campsite at mile 1315
Miles today: 11.7

We got up this morning hoping to see a nice sunrise coming in from the east over the water however it was foggy and misting a bit so no sunrise today.We decide to skip breakfast and hike the 1.5 miles down to the Mohican center where I had a delicious breakfast of pancakes eggs bacon and coffee. What a great way to start a day of hiking.We hiked along throughout the day occasionally hitting some rocky sections and some very smooth nice areas of trail. There were several places where I had to struggle clamoring up some rocks because the steps that were cut out were only big enough for a toehold. My left foot is not yet strong enough to be able to hold on just by the toe - I need to put half my foot on a step to use it as a place to push off of. We planned on hiking tonight down to a stream where we would have water to make dinner. However, about a mile and a half before we reached the stream Dr. fix-it realized that we were up higher along the ridge where there was a slight breeze and he thought there would be less mosquitoes. He explained that mosquitoes like to be around water, and they also tend to be more prevalent at lower elevations. I had never known this however the sound of less mosquitoes sounded perfect to me so we went ahead and camped up on the ridge.Dr. fix it had some extra water that he gave me so that I had was able to make my dinner of macaroni and cheese with some mashed potatoes mixed in. His prediction proved to be true as I have not seen a single mosquito here yet.I hope you have a great day and thank you very much for following along on my adventure.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Campsite at mile 1315

To: Culver Fire Tower
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike was focused on reaching the Appalachian Trail Deli in Branchville, NJ. It was a little over 7 miles to get there so we figured we'd have a late lunch, an early dinner, or maybe both. I stopped to rest and dry out some my gear in the morning sun and Dr Fix-it continued up the trail. He sent me a text 30 minutes later saying that he had slipped and fallen on some wet rocks. He said he was ok but warned me to be careful. By 2 pm I had caught up to the Dr and we made our way down the hill in anticipation of reaching the deli. When we got there the deli was out of beeswax. That's what I call a place that's gone out of business. I don't recall when or where I picked up this phrase but my kids all know what I mean when I use it. Anyway... no deli. We walked a little further to check out the steak house. Can you believe it? It's out of beeswax too. "All I know is that I'm getting something to drink at the gas station" said Dr Fix-it. Unfortunately when got there it actually sold gas and that's it. I can't remember the last time I saw a gas station without a convenience store. Oh well... We walked down a little further and found a bar called The Gap Tavern. They had signs up instructing hikers to walk around back rather than use the front door. At this point I was thrilled to find a place with food and drink that was open and still in business. I didn't mind that I was one of the stinky hikers who's asked to go around back. It turns out that about a dozen other hikers were sitting on the patio looking out over a gorgeous lake. We filled upon fries, a burger, and a pizza along with three refills of our drinks. To complete the day we hiked about a mile uphill and another mile along the ridge before arriving at the campsite you see here in today's photo. I used the picnic table here to make some hot chocolate while enjoying the view of blue ridges that are off to the west. This is my 12th day of hiking without taking a zero! This is a new world record for me. I think that Dr Fix-it helps keep me motivated and also helps to rein in any stupid ideas I may have such as trying to hike too far beyond my abilities in one day's time. By the way, that world record thing comes from growing up with three brothers. We ice skated on a rink our Dad made for us in the backyard, played field hockey, and ping pong. Most games turned highly competitive at some point and concluded in a "world championship" even though it was just the four of us. I can hear the rain starting to fall on my tent along with the last few bird calls of the day. Life is good.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: Culver Fire Tower

To: NJ Route 23 hi point Park state headquarters
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

We left our wonderful campsite at the base of the Culver fire tower this morning and headed off into the morning mist.We hiked along for about three hours before coming to a large pavilion at the top of a mountain. We decided to rest for a moment and eat an early lunch. Just as we sat down the sky opened up and it poured down raining like crazy. We enjoyed staying dry while watching the rain continue to pour down while we ate our lunch. Within several minutes of finishing lunch the rain stopped and we joked about how perfect our timing was to be in under cover while it was raining." I sure wouldn't want to be caught out in a tremendous downpour like that", I said.We continued on hiking through the day working our way over a never ending series of ledge rock that the trail was routed upon. It was like walking along in gymnastics class from one balance beam to the next. At about 5:30 I commented to Dr. fix it saying "it seems to be getting dark early today, doesn't it?"Then we heard the sound of thunder. Within another few minutes just as we were starting to traverse down a series of small cliffs the skies opened up and the rain came down three times as hard as it was in the morning. I'm talking cats and dogs, frogs and toads, catfish and salmon!We got completely drenched as we worked our way down the face of the exposed cliffs. I was walking down the trail below the cliff and the water was rushing down the trail so furiously it washed right over everything including my hiking boots. I gave up trying to keep any semblance of staying dry and sloshed along through the middle of the mud puddles for the rest of the day.One bit of happiness occurred as we walked out of the woods 45 minutes early for our shuttle we noticed that Kenny, our incredibly responsible shuttle driver was just pulling into the lot. So we jumped in his car and waited anxiously while he slowly drove the hour and a half back to Delaware water gap where we had left my car four days earlier. We topped off the day by checking into a super eight hotel and hanging our gear up in all the positions you can see in today's photograph. Then we went out to Friendly's had milkshakes and a couple sandwiches before going to Walmart to resupply some of our food.I know that's quite a bit to have happen in one day but that's what life is like on the Appalachian Trail you never know when you're going to have a tremendously huge adventurous day or just a tiny little bit of adventure in a day.Thanks so much for reading this. You are very important to me because I know it's worth taking the time to carefully write out this journal to hopefully help create a lighter moment in your day.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: NJ Route 23 hi point Park state headquarters

To: Murray private shelter and camping area
Miles today: 7.1

We packed up all of our gear this morning at the super eight and headed out to a local Outfitter to get a new pair of hiking poles for Dr. fix it. His old pair had developed a strange clicking sound which even he was unable to fix despite much pounding with a rock on the side of the trail. It turns out that they had poles not for Dr. fix it but for me! I've been looking for a pole with a larger handle since I tend to put a large amount of my weight on my hands to help me make it down hills. The top of the new hiking pole looks sort of like a cane but other then not looking cool it seems to meet my needs exactly. Dr. Fix it is using my old Leki brand poles and offered to buy them from me. I told him they were worth more since they were already broken in. He said they weren't in too bad shape for being used. I'll probably just give them to him. Note to my beautiful wife: The new poles were only $20 each and might just keep my hands from being permanantly clenched. Well worth it even for a hiker who's on a modest budget : ) Next we went to a bank so I could get some cash to spend for expenses along the trail After that we found a place in the mall that could measure me for a tux. It turns out my oldest daughter is getting married on July 2 and I needed to be measured for the tux I will wear at her wedding in Colorado.Finally we went to a diner and had lunch since we are hungry hikers. It seems any hiker who is close to any type of restaurant will always go in and order at least one meal just in case they need extra calories for the trail.We finally headed up to High Point State Park and we're planning on leaving the car there and hiking north. However, we found a ridge runner, thats a guy who basically is paid to hike the trail and talk to Hikers and provide guidance or advice. The ridge runner was willing to shuttle me north about 30 miles so we could leave the car there and hike back to it over the next three days.While driving me back he told me a funny story about a time when a bear grabbed his backpack that was leaning up against the outside of his tent and ran off with it including everything in his pack and even his drivers license and credit cards.Because of all this running around this morning we finally started hiking at about 330 pm and we only did 7 miles. My oldest daughter will say Dad, only 7 miles, that's great. Well thank you honey I appreciate it. We stayed at the Jim Murray private shelter which is a little retreat right off the trail. There's a water spigot to refill your canteen, showers, and one of the nicest shelters I've seen anywhere on the trail. It even has electricity inside.We decided to stay in our tents even though the shelter looked really cool. So I'm in my tent now and I can hear a little bit of rain coming down. It really is beautiful here.
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Murray private shelter and camping area

To: Campsite at mile 1353
Miles today: 9.9

We slept in until 7:30 this morning and noticed that the four other tents of hikers were already on the trail. A quick two miles over easy trail took us into a road crossing near Unionville, NY. The trail crosses the NJ-NY border for the next few days but won't officially take us into NY until we cross the Hudson River. So at the road Dr Fixit says "Let's walk the 1/2 mile over to the deli"Now, I have to tell you that I hate bonus miles like this. I avoid them like the plague because they wear me out and especially because they don't count toward the 2,189 Appalachian Trail miles. Hiking with a partner requires concessions so I said "Fine, lets go. "So as we walk into Horlers Store and deli Dr Fixit starts saying hello and talking with the lady there. I like that about him because I can just be mostly quiet and then get to watch what happens. So he goes right into this story about a place where you could order off the menu or you could take the chefs challenge. "The chef had a pretty good pantry," he's explaining to this lady we just met 30 seconds ago, "and he'll make you anything at all you want for $75. In fact, if he can't make it he'll pay you $200. The waitress said. ""Ok, I'll have the elephant trunk roast with lettuce and tomatoe on rye." Says Dr Fixit, telling the story. " A minute later the waitress walks out and puts two hundred dollar bills on the table.""Couldn't do it, huh." Says the man"Nope, I was really surprised" replies the waitress. "This is the first time I've ever seen him out of rye bread. " So then everyone laughs and we ordered our food. As it turns out the food was really good and my leg didn't even mind the extra mile so it was worth it. The funny thing is that hiking along today I start to remember the story as if the deli we went to really did have elephant trunk roast. At about 5 pm the sky darkened and the wind picked up. I suggested putting our tents up to avoid getting wet in the rain. "OK," said Dr Fixit, "Here's a campsite right over here." At first I thought he was reacting too quickly but then I heard thunder and felt the first drops of rain. Both of us whipped our tents up in like 30 seconds. We were inside of them with just one pole up laughing at the situation but managing to stay dry. Within 15 or 20 minutes the storm had passed and we packed up to continue hiking. I told Dr Fixit that he had created too much funny material for my journal today and he promised to taper it down a bit in the future. It was a nice hike today which included getting water from an abandoned house near the trail. We are camped in an unofficial site and Dr Fixit just got his bear bag rope stuck way up in a tree. I'll have to tell you how he did it another day. By the way, my leg feels good tonight. The Appalachian Trail is healing me.
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Tenting at Wawayanda Shelter

To: NY Route 17
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

We started early again today when my alarm went off at 5:30 AM. We were actually able to get packed up quickly and were hiking by 6:20 this morning. We had hoped to cover the 10 miles over easy trail to get to the hotdog stand at Route 17 before it closed at 3 PM. However, we ran into 2 or 3 miles of rock ledges and various rock climbs including a climb up a ladder made out of rebar that slowed us down. The good news is that we crossed from New Jersey into New York today and climbed up on top of Prospect Rock where someone had put up a cool looking American flag. This is the highest point on the AT in the state of New York.It was after 4 o'clock by the time we got to Route 17 and the hotdog cart was unfortunately closed. We walked a little further to get to the Farm Creamery and enjoyed some great ice cream while trying to figure out what we were going to do next.Dr. fix it offered to get a hotel for us tonight and I told him I wmould not insist on sleeping in a dirty shelter rather than a nice hotel which he was willing to pay for. So now we're at the hotel trying to figure out where to eat dinner and how to wash our laundry since there isn't a washing machine for us to use here.I want to thank every one of you who've kindly sent cards, notes of encouragement, and even some of that delicious beef trail jerky that I love. Here's the next address that I'll be able to swing by in about a week if you wanted to send me something: AT Hiker Flash 52C/O Native landscapes and garden center991 Route 22Pawling, New York 12564Dr. Fix-it suggested that if you can't think of anything to send that money would be fine, he thought the larger bills might be less expensive for postage and would also weigh less for me to carry in my pack. That last bit about the money is a joke but sometimes it's hard to tell with some of the stories Dr Fix-it tells me as we're hiking along. For instance, a tree fell down last night by the shelter and the Dr told two women who were scared by this a story that made them feel better while also proving the existence of a legendary creature. Dr Fix-it is either insane or he's a genius, I just can't figure out which one. I'll share the amazing story he revealed today with you in a later post. Stay tuned.
Date: 2016-06-11
From: Campsite at mile 1383

To:  William Brien shelter 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

We packed up this morning and got on the trail early.We came upon an obstacle known as the lemon squeezer that you can see in today's photo. Right after the lemon squeezer we came across another another obstacle which looked to be quite dangerous.We were going to take the trail around it when another hike or came by and climbed up over thus showing us how to do it. I Took a deep breath and made my way up over it even though I was afraid to do so. Next doctor fix it took the challenge and successfully scaled the face of this big rock.We made our way to a shelter where a bunch of other people were camping out and a nice campfire greeted us as we came into the camping area.We made our dinners, set up our tents, and are now ready to go to bed. I just heard a hiker up at the shelter who sounds like he's gotten rather sick and is throwing up. I'm glad I'm not in the shelter tonight.Thanks for all of you Who've sent encouraging comments to me. I really appreciate it.
Date: 2016-06-12
From:  William Brien shelter 

To: Bear Mt Park
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

We started today by going right up a stone staircase over a ridge just north of the shelter. I looked over to the side to see the nice flat grassy area where the trail could have gone instead of going over another obstacle. Some hikers theorize that the maintainers are making the trail harder as a way to keep too many people from hiking. We spent the morning climbing up Bear Mountain. The entire area is long thin grasses and has a park like setting, actually it is a park so no surprise there. The top was jammed with people due to the road that provides access to the public. A vending machine charged me $20 for a soda and my credit card company caught the error. They insisted on cancelling my credit card which is a bit of a hassle. Going down were more steps, over a thousand of them. The zoo was closed by the time we got down so my prediction of seeing a bear today did not come true. We are staying at a nice spiritual center that has a piano I can play and went out for very good Italian food. Today was a good day.
Date: 2016-06-13
From: Bear Mt Park

To: Spiritual Center
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a rest day for us. Dr Fixit did his thing and sewed 4 or 5 things to repair them including making new hat flaps for me using a water cooling towel. We went to Walmart, GNC, the Verizon store and I played the piano for a few hours. It was nice to rest up today.
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Spiritual Center

To: 12 miles north of Hudson River
Miles today: 12.0

We left Bear Mt park and walked down to the zoo. Unfortunately it was closed again so we took the overgrown and obviously little used side trail around it. We crossed the Bear Mt bridge and hiked up the nice trail going up hill. Today was a really nice day with temps in the 70s. I'm so lucky to be able to hike the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2016-06-15
From: 12 miles north of Hudson River

To: RPH Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

We stayed at the spritual center again last night and left before the 8 am breakfast. To compensate for this we stopped for breakfast bagels and some muffins to bring with us today. The temperature climbed into the low 90s so I slowed down to a crawl during the hottest hours of the day from about 11:30 to 1:30. I have a hard time dealing with the heat and need to make sure it doesn't wear me out. I met a day hiker who had a jittery nervous dog named Jackson that I stopped to pet. He was a rescue dog that had been abused. The hiker gal gave me some dog treats and eventually Jackson slunk up, grabbed the treats, and raced off. I miss my dog, a Yorkie, who's being cared for by my wife while I'm hiking. We arrived at the RPH Shelter (the nicest shelter I've seen) and met a number of other hikers who were there for the night. I offered to use my car to drive to the convenience store and Dr Fix-it and I enjoyed some extra pizza that was given to us. After making a beer run we drove back to the spiritual center to spend another night there. I've gotten behind in my journal updates so I'm trying to get caught up by doing several each day.
Date: 2016-06-16
From: RPH Shelter 

To: NY Rt 55
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

We couldn't find someone who was able to shuttle us today so we did what's known as a key swap. I dropped Dr fix it off on the south end of the 12 miles we're hiking today and then I drove up to the north end. It's called a key swap because I would hand over the car keys to him when we crossed paths in the middle of the day. On my way back to the north end of our hike I stopped to get a few supplies at a gas station and noticed a vacuum at the side of the gas station. I decided to take a few minutes and vacuum out the car since it was getting fairly dirty from all of our hiking adventures. This slowed me down a bit and I didn't get start hiking until about 11:30 AM. It was just past 7:30 PM when I finally made it to the south end of our route where Dr. fix it was napping as he waited in the car for me to arrive. We were right near the RPH shelter again and decided to tent there for the night. We had to hunt around for a place to park the car since they had put up no parking signs near the shelter to discourage partying locals from parking there and using the shelter. We parked the car about a half-mile away and walked back in the dark to the shelter where we put up our tents and slept well for the night.