morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA Jail
Miles today: 7.7

I was up getting ready before 6AM this morning. I had spent the night in the cramped Bake Oven Knob Shelter(with KZ, Fenceman, and Dubbs) while BBH hung nearby in his hammock. After eating I went to locate him as he surprisingly was not ready to leave before me. He was having trouble putting any weight on his blistered foot. New shoes worn wet for two days and yesterdays rocks had taken its toll. I hiked on ahead and told him I'd wait at the next shelter. As usual it was foggy and raining off and on. The weather forecast was not promising - Chance of rain 90 percent, chance of wet rocks 100 percent. More rocks forecast for tomorrow and into the week. Clearing somewhat by the time we get well into NJ. I was at the shelter in about three hours - soaked with sweat and rain. BBH hobbled in about an hour and a half later. We decided not to bypass Palmerton. We checked for a motel room so we could zero tomorrow and BBH could heal his feet. No rooms were available so we hitched into town and signed in at the police station. The officer met us and let us in the 'jail' for the night. We were given a goody bag put together by the local girl scouts. Toothbrush, toilet paper, toothpaste, snack, etc. Incidentally, the hitch took us all of two minutes - about the fifth vehicle to come by. We were dropped off at the doorstep and the vehicle occupants pointed out exactly where we should go. I stated it in my '04 journal and will repeat it here. I think Palmerton is the friendliest town on the trail. It is a Mayberry like atmosphere where everyone says hello as you pass. It also happens to be a beautiful place with mountains in the background and a pretty park in the center of town. The rain seems less depressing here. We immediately took showers in the gym above the 'jail' and headed out to eat at Bert's steakhouse. After that it was time for the supermarket. We will be taking about five days food with us. On top of that I have a new bag of coffee. It will be a long, almost vertical climb of about a thousand feet tomorrow. It is a rock scramble all the way to the top. That is followed by another five hundred foot climb. With any luck the rain will have passed. We plan to arrive at the Delaware Water Gap on the 19th. The 20th we enter NJ. Right now we are sitting in the laundromat waiting for our clothes to dry. I may have time for one beer before hiker midnight. Godnight Ya'll,LwopP.S. Pa Kettle - yes that is the same Pez. I hiked with him from the Smokies till close to Pawling NY. I guess about a thousand miles.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Wind Gap, Pa.

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We were on our way at about 8AM. BBH felt his blisters were ok for a day of hiking. The rocks through this section were especially bad and my feet were still complaining about the long day yesterday. After hiking with BBH for about an hour I decided to shift to a higher gear so I could get to the Post Office before they closed for the day. Not that you could hike fast without chewing up your feet. At about 1PM I took a break at the Kirkridge Shelter. It was quite chilly once you stopped moving. Temps only reached the 50's with a stiff breeze. The sun was out most of the day so it was pretty much a perfect day for hiking. After about 14 miles the trail started to descend into the Delaware Water Gap. There were many nice views of the Delaware River and surrounding mountains. I arrived at the Post Office about 4PM and then signed in at the Hostel provided by the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain. It is a special place provided for long distance hikers. A heartfelt thank you to PasterKaren and the congregation members for their generousity. When I arrived I was greeted by BBH. He had yellow blazed again because of his blisters. After a wonderful shower we headed to the outfitter and to Doughboy's for an Italian dinner. We are up well past hiker midnight talking trail. Here at the hostel is Frijole, BBH, Four Pots Lite, and Lwop the tick killer. We intend to hike only about ten miles tomorrow so plan to get a late start. I would love to take a zero here but hate to waste the good weather. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Rattlesnake Swamp Trl-Mohican outdoor ctr.
Miles today: 11.3

After sleeping in this morning I headed out to breakfast with BBH and Four Pots Lite. We ate well at the DWG Diner. After breakfast I headed to the Post Office to mail my bounce box to Kent CT. Back at the Church to pack up and clean things a bit. I hit the trail about 10:30. The A/T crosses the Delaware River on the I80 overpass. Each time a truck passed you can feel the bridge sway a few inches. It was very exciting to see mile marker "0". That meant I was finished with PA and am now starting my fourth state of this hike. Once in NJ I started a very gradual climb of about 1200 feet on some very nice trail. During this stretch I met two trail maintainers from PA who were just out for a hike. I asked if they were here looking for some rocks to bring back for their trail. They said "no, the NJ rocks aren't sharp enough. They are busy enough sharpening their own rocks. They also informed me that each spring they reposition the rocks so they are pointing slightly south and that come July they turn them around again to face north. They try to time it so they can get both the Nobo's and Sobo's. I am not making this up. It came from two people wearing AMC volunteer shirts. Anyway, I took a nice break at Sunfish Pond. It is the first glacier lake on our trek north. There have been other signs of the effect of the last ice age - rocks here tend to be more rounded than those of PA and you see rocks scattered about that don't match the other rocks from this area. The trail continued to climb leaving beautiful views of the Delaware, PA and NJ countryside. There were lots of deer and sorry to say lots of ticks. I picked three off me this evening - must be friends of Toc out for revenge. These three are also no longer feeling hunger...BBH and I arrived at the Mohican AMC center at about 4:30 and opted to get a bunk at the lodge. I didn't feel that I had hiked enough so I headed out to hike a 2 1/2 mile loop - including about one more mile of the A/T. It was such an absolutely perfect day for hiking. My feet are very sore but otherwise I am holding up very well. Still fat and out of shape though. Anyway, it is late and BBH will probably wake me to start early tomorrow. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Rattlesnake Swamp Trl-Mohican outdoor ctr.

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

The word for today is heat. It was well up into the 80's and after the recent cold snap, that woke up all the insects. I found six ticks on me today and the flying insects at this shelter are thick.I began the day with a climb up the Rattlesnake swamp trail. The first 35 minutes of hiking didn't count towards today's mileage. Once the Rattlesnake trail intersected the A/T I was rewarded with some beautiful views. Shortly into the hike I came upon the Catfish Fire Tower. The view from up top was fantastic and the breeze helped dry my clothes very quickly. Later we passed a beaver pond and dam and could see the lodge out in the pond. Just before arriving at Blue Mtn Lakes Road I came upon a large class of middle school children and their teachers. They spend one week each year on outdoor activities and today they did a three mile walk in the woods. One instructor asked if I would address the class and tell them about my hike and the Appalachian Trail. I hate to talk trail talk but did so anyway - and tried to keep it under four hours....When the last child feel asleep I continued on my journey. Actually the teachers seemed far more interested than the children. You just know that they wanted to know where we poop but were embarrassed to ask. The kids who were complaining that they still had a mile left to walk felt better after hearing that I still had 876.9 to go. After getting water from the pump there with the help of the enthusiastic children I was back on my way. The trail alternated between beautiful cake walk and dumpy rock scrambles. The rocks in NJ have a totally different personality then their cousins in PA. In PA all the rocks are out to get you all the time. In NJ they behave most of the time and then lull you into ignoring them. As soon as that happens they get you and you get to watch your ass fly over your head. If I remember correctly the rocks will improve in a couple of days. After bypassing the trail to Buttermilk Falls I came upon a bridge over a small stream. I took off my pack and stretchedout to wait for BBH. Within ten seconds I had three ticks attack me. They are no longer feeling hunger. I go out of my way to not kill anything out in the woods - with the exception of anything that tries to make a meal of me. By the time we I got to the shelter I was pretty beat and made a beeline for the spring. I was engulfed by mosquitos while trying to filter some water. They are still buzzing me now and if it keeps up I may have to go out and set up my tent. Frijole was here earlier but headed on as there is a tavern four miles up the trail - and they make pizza. I had to settle for mac and cheese. BBH and I may sleep in tomorrow and wait for them to open for lunch. He is low on food and we still have many miles till resupply in Unionville NY. Well, I'm going to try to get some sleep. Goodnight,Lwop P.S. Had to set up the tent. Too buggy and hot.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

This was not one of my better days of hiking. We took our time breaking camp because BBH was getting low on food. We planned to go to the tavern in Culvers Gap for something to eat and something to take on the trail with us. It was already getting warm when we set out at about 8AM. After about an hour we took a break on some rocks with a nice view. A few minutes after sitting there I noticed five or six ticks moving rapidly in my direction. I decided I'd rather wait at the tavern and headed out. I arrived in Culvers Gap and waited for BBH to come hobbling off the mountain. During lunch he decided to take about three days off for his feet to heal. He will continue from there. I picked up a sandwich to take on the trail and headed up Sunrise Mountain. By then the heat was making things tough. I climbed Culvers Fire Tower and quickly dried off in the brisk warm breeze. I somehow missed the turn to Gren Anderson Shelter and the spring there. That meant I would be rationing my wateruntil the next source listed at almost 9 miles away. I took a nice break atop Sunrise Mountain where there is a pavilion. On my '04 hike we had a nice group of thru hikers there. Today I had the pavilion to myself. Six long hot UGLY TRAIL miles later I came to the turnoff for the Rutherford Shelter. This section of trail needs some work. There were more blow downs than the Florida Trail after a hurricane. The trip down to the shelter was .4 miles almost straight down. I will pay for that in the morning. I quickly filtered some water and immediately downed two quarts. It felt like it must have reached 90 degrees today. After dinner I set up the tent inside the shelter to shield me from the millions of bugs buzzing inches from my head. Speaking of bugs - I counted the ticks I caught crawling on me today. Twenty five. Twenty four are no longer feeling hunger and one lucky one managed to get away. I wonder how many I missed. I may have to remove this beard to find out. Today'shike reminded me that the Northern half of the A/T can in no way be compared to the Southern half. The trail up here sucks in comparison. I am half tempted to turn around and hike back. Anyway, enough griping. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 11.4

After a warm and damp night listening to quite a chorus of wild creatures I was up and ready to hike before 8AM. Before I even got to the A/T I was soaked with sweat. I had my share of ticks yesterday so today I doused myself with deet. I only found one tick but now I glow in the dark. I got to Park Headquarters (High Point SP) a few minutes before they opened, so took a short break and resupplied with water. The shelters in NJ so for the most part do not have privies so I didn't want to pass up one with porcelin. I also needed to clean up a bit and use their mirror to check for ticks. After that I continued to climb and reached a raised platform where I'm told you could see NY. I met a family from Long Island up there enjoying the view. They spoke my language - since I grew up on LI. The trail at that point turns in a more Easterly direction and gradually started to lose elevation. It crosses many swampy areas with unusual vegitation. The footing was considerably better and at times you could walk without looking at your feet. At one point next to a stream I noticed a large black figure to the left of the trail. It suddenly moved off to the right. I got my camera out and set and used a large tree to conceal my movements. It was a very large bear and it had climbed about five feet up a tree and was watching for me. It is hard to hide the smell of hiker when it is 90 degrees with no shower for a number of days. I snapped a picture with the camera on auto and the flash went off. That sent the bear off into the woods at a full gallop. I think I got a good picture and did see him for a while. He was huge and very healthy looking. Probably three times the size of Florida bears. After that I stopped at the Secret Shelter for a short break from the heat. It was sad to see a notice that the shelter is closed. I had fond memories of maybe ten or twelve hikers hanging out there in '04. Today it was deserted. Thru-hikers can camp there and get well water. I do need some cool fresh water and refilled my Nalgene for the last few miles. The sun and heat was brutal and no matter how much you drank your mouth felt dry. Just before Unionville NY there was a tough PUD so I arrived at the Market dripping wet about ten minutes behind my stench. I got a quart of Gatorade and a fantastic Boars Head hoagie. After consuming that I made a call for directions to the "Out House". Instead of directions I was told to sit tight and would be picked up in a couple of minutes by the Mayor. Once here I got a shower, washed my clothes, and had a fantastic meal. I do not want to say too much about this place as I feel that can spoil things for future hikers. I will say that the people here are very special and you will take many great memories with you when you leave. It is a small but very significant part of what makes hiking the Appalachian Trail so special. Thanks again Dick, Butch, and Bill, and to all a goodnight. Lwop
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Unionville, NY

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Today was the first true zero of this hike. I have a small rash from contact with my pack and being wet for so long. I figured a day without the pack would help it heal. Also Butch brought me to a store where I got some ointment to help the healing process. I also took my pack outside and hosed it off real good. I am resupplied with four days of food and ready to continue in the morning - after a stop at the market for a hoagie to go, I have decided to bypass the town of Vernon. I'll have two good climbs but also several cake miles tomorrow. The temp should be cooler than my last few days of hiking. The "Out House" aka the Mayors House is one of the best place's to zero on the whole trail. It was a much needed rest. Since I am tired of all the rest I had I'll just say goodnight. Lwop
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Unionville, NY

To: Warwick Turnpike
Miles today: 17.4

I was up in time for another wonderful breakfast and plenty of good hot coffee. I had my pack loaded and ready to go when the Mayor suggested I slack the day back to Unionville. I figured another day for the skin rash to heal without the pack rubbing sounded like a good idea. At 8:30 I was on the A/T heading south with just rain gear, hiking poles, and a one quart Nalgene. Before I get into the specifics of the days hike, I must eat some of my words from some of my recent journal entries. I had complained about the conditions of the trail in some parts of NJ. After meeting a gentleman in 90+ degree heat with long sleeves and heavy pants, hacking away at the blow downs with a bow saw it seems absurd that I should complain about having to work my way around these downed trees. I also found out that there had been a bad ice storm in this area. These volunteer maintainers also have their own jobs and careers and lawns to mow. I also unfairly compared the trail up north to the southern half of the A/T. Neither is better nor worse. They are just different. I guess I was just feeling the effects of the heat. Anyway, today's hike was great. The trail through this area is very varied. I started out on a roller coaster of ups and downs before descending from Wawayanda Mountain. It was warm and humid with no breeze. At NJ94 I stopped for a second breakfast at Heaven Hill Farm. After that the trail went over the Pochuck boardwalk and an impressive suspension bridge. It climbs gently over Pochuck Mountain where I started to hear the rumbling of thunder in the distance. I tried but didn't succeed in reaching the Pochuck shelter before all hell broke loose. Lightning, thunder, and pouring down rain as I scrambled as fast as I could over the wet slippery rocks. I got to the shelter just as things were quieting down. After descending Pochuck I hiked through a refuge area where I was hiking on a raised berm - Florida style hiking. There were about thirty swans and plenty of lightning and thunder to keep things interesting. Continuing on I started to climb and when my right foot landed on a wet muddy root, I took my first fall of this hike. Not bad - almost 350 miles till the first fall. I landed on my right side in the mud and even though I broke the fall with my right arm I had no pain. I'm still leary about landing too hard on the elbow I broke in November. I arrived back at the hostel, showered, had a good meal, and was surprised to see BBH with his hammock set up in the back yard. He is only one day behind me and I agreed to slow down the next few days so he could catch up. The hostel was packed so we had a good evening full of trail talk. Tomorrow I'll be heading out of Unionville and carrying the pack. Bummer. It was a nice break spent with some great people. goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Warwick Turnpike

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

After a hearty breakfast and some long goodbyes BBH and I loaded into the car for the shuttle to the trail. He headed south back to Unionville and I headed north. I figure to keep the mileage low for the next few days so BBH can catch me. The trail at first started through some swampy areas but as it approached the NY border it started to climb. I was soon on rocks doing some hand over hand climbing. I am now finished with NJ - four down, six to go. It was a beautiful sunny day with much of the hike overlooking Greenwood Lake. I took a number of breaks to enjoy chilling on the rocks soaking up some sun. There was enough exertion to get you soaked with sweat. When I reached NY17A I walked the short distance to the Bellvale Farms Creamery where I enjoyed a rootbeer float along with three bottles of rootbeer. I chatted with some local hikers and spent a couple of hours relaxing there. Not much need to hurry when you are only hiking 12 miles.The trail from that point only took about an hour but included some nice views. Just before arriving at the shelter I spotted some bear scat. I am glad there are bear boxes for our food storage. There are two others in the shelter with me and one camping close by. Tomorrow I plan to hike to the next shelter - and will pass over the NY Thruway. This is a nice well maintained shelter with a privy and also a water source. All the comforts of home. Goodnight, Lwop ------------------------------
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Wildcat Shelter

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

Wow, what a day. This was the toughest day of this hike in spite of having nearly perfect hiking weather most of the day. I had breakfast and headed out before anyone else even pulled their head out of their sleeping bags. It was quite chilly and I guess nobody wanted to get up. The day started cool and sunny with a stiff breeze. There were climbs and more climbs today. If there is a mountain or especially a huge pile of rocks the trail went over it. The NY trail maintainers have a rock fetish. There were few gentle climbs or descents - everything was straight up, over, and down the other side. In places the trail went down just so it could go up again. Major pudville. There were a few nice views though and I took a few breaks to allow myself to dry in the breeze. As the afternoon wore on the sky clouded up and I had some on and off drizzle. It was a slow race to the shelter as my legs were pretty much spent by the end of the day. When I got to the shelter I still had about a half mile to go for water. I hiked part of the day with Archimedes who I met at Wildcat shelter last night. We hiked through the Lemon Squeezer together so were able to get some photos. I almost lost a hiking pole as one slid down a hole into a small cave between the rocks. I was just able to fish it out. After setting up at the shelter the rain started at a steady pace. It is very cold and damp up here and I am having trouble typing - my fingers are cold and I am shivering. So far I have the shelter to myself as Archimedes has hiked on. Tomorrow should be a very short day. I will get close to Bear Mountain so I can get in to Fort Montgomery for resupply the next day. Right now I'm going to zip up my bag and try to warm up. I am exhausted but pleased with how I made out on this tough day. I did find a tick under my sock - he was feasting but now he is dead. I noticed I've worn some holes in my socks. I guess I'll visit the outfitter when I get to Kent, Ct. Till tomorrow, Goodnight,Lwop------------------------------