morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-10
To: RATTLESNAKE MTN
Miles today: 22.6

Last night we went over to the Deer Head Inn a very old historical hotel to listen to a live jazz band. We started hiking this morning at 6:30 with Perk our hiking buddy. We started out by crossing the Deleware River on the bridge, about half way over we crossed into New Jersey. We then crossed under I80 and started climbing from 350ft to 1400ft. We entered the Dunnfield Creek Natural Area and as we climbed we had small waterfalls to our right. As we climbed we were hiking in fog and the wind was blowing rain off of the trees. After 5.4 miles we reached Sunfish Pond where Ratman would catch perch about every cast but didnt have his rod this time around. The trail was great with hardly any rocks until we started around the pond. We then had boulders to hop on and around for about .5 mile. We then climbed up to 1600ft but still had no views bc of the dense fog. We hiked thru some very muddy trail along the way but after 10.4 miles we came to a gravel road and the three of us decided to hike .3 up to the Mohican Outdoor Center, in 2012 we picked 3 gallon of blueberries here with Spirit. We ate breakfast with Perk, we had the hiker breakfast which was pancakes,eggs,sausage and toast with the best raspberry preserves we have ever had before. Plus we had unlimited coffee. The staff was very nice and catered to the hikers. We then left Perk there because we had sat there for 1.5 hrs and it was time to go. We had to climb up to the ridgeline then hiked on great flat easy trail for 4 miles until we came to a beaver pond and seen 2 water moccasins mating in a downed tree, we also seen some huge bullfrogs in the pond. We then 4 more miles on great level dirt paths until we reached crater lake and then passed the Hemlock Pond Trail. I told marcia at the next outcropping of rocks we would take a break and when i came to them i almost stepped on a rattlesnake sunnin by the rocks. But after inspecting the rattlesnake it never looked at us or rattled bc it was looking at a 7ft blacksnake sitting 10ft in front of him in the bushes. We thought maybe the blacksnake was going to kill him but after 30 minutes waiting the blacksnake crawled to a rock and went under the rock. We left a note warning hikers of the snake bc it was shedding also and never moved from its spot. We then hiked another mile before finding water and filling up for camp. We had to hike about 1 more mile before setting up for the night. We hiked 22.6 miles today. We want to thank Nemo for sending us new pads and their great customer service. Also want to thank Altra who makes our hiking shoes bc they are sending Marcia a new pair free of charge bc her toebox tore. They have great customer service and great shoes. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-11
To: Stealth 18 miles before vernon
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today we did 22.6 miles on trail but 24 total with extra hiking for water and breakfast. We started at 6 this morning to overcast skies and cool temps. For the first 2 miles we stayed on the ridgeline around 1450ft before reaching the Brink Shelter sign but we didnt stop, so we continued 1.5 with views of a lake to the East. We then hiked 2 more miles before descending down to Culvers Gap NJ. The AT deli was up for sale which was a disappointment but 2 guys said there was a market just around the bend so we walked and didnt find one but came to Jumboland diner so we had breakfast. They had a 3 egg omelette with potatoes and toast for 3.99. It actually was a lot of food but we didnt think it would be so we ordered 1 order of pancakes which were huge and we ended up packing 2 pancakes and half the toast in our backpacks. We hitched a ride with a nice man back to the trail. We climbed up in 2 miles to the Culver Fire Tower where Ratman climbed to the top and took some photos. We then hiked on mostly flat with some rock trail thru the woods just winding around and thru the forest. After about 4 miles we came to the Sunrise Pavillion where in Jennifer Pharr Davis book about her thru hike, when she arrived here a guy had just committed suicide, i couldnt imagine hiking upon a scene like that. We then hiked 3.8 on about the same kind of terrain until we reached the next shelter right on the trail. We sat and talked with a group of 4 weekend hikers from New Jersey, and while we were talking a 5ft bkack snake fell out of the shelter rafters right beside us in the shelter. We then 6 more miles just still winding thru the woods with little elevation change staying around 1300ft to 1600ft. It was a great weather day to hike with blue skies and a slight breeze. We reached the high point vistors center around 4:45 and we stopped to eat a snack before heading on to find camp. We headed out by climbing up to this Observation Platform in 1 mile where you can take pictures of New Jersey State high point. We then hiked 1.4 miles before finding a camp spot for the night. We want to ask that everyone pray for the hikers around Adkins Virginia where a hiker from what we have seen killed one thru hiker and sent one to the hospital. They captured the guy responsiable. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-05-12
To: UNIONVILLE
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning it was raining and the forecast was rain and temps in upper 40's. We really didnt want to hike but had to get going. After calling mom and wishing her a Happy Mothers Day we started hiking around 7. We had a .5 descent to a road crossing and then we were in the woods where the wind wasnt hitting us or the rain. But, we had fields to hike thru, road crossings and some woods. After 7.3 miles and the both of us cold,wet and tired bc of the muddy trail plus many boardwalks thru swampy areas we came to N.J 284 and at that moment a nice lady pulled over and asked if we needed anything. Then she said get in and go to church with me and we can get u warm and also some hot fresh coffee. We loaded up and went to church in Unionville. The pastor thru hiked in 2013 and one church member in this small world we live in attended Lee High School where our kids all graduated from. We had a great service on Mothers Day and then went to the pastors house for lunch. We then were picked up by Adriane and Mary Joe the lady who picked us up and we are staying with them tonight. We both prayed that the Lord would put someone at one of the road crossing and save us from the rain, HE DID see GOD does answer prayers. Happy Mothers Day to all mothers out there and GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-05-13
To: Vernon
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

After a great evening with Mary Joe and Adrienne we were taken back to the trail at 9. The forecast was no more rain until 1. The trail has turned into a swamp in spots and really slows the hiking down. We hiked 2 miles around 400ft until we reached the Walikil National Wildlife Preserve. The trail hikes around 3/4th of the preserve, we seen baby Canadian Geese and other birds. On our other thrus we have seen differant species of snakes,deer,turtles and birds. We then boardwalked until we crossed Lake Walikill Road and started climbing up to 1200ft to the top of Pochuck Mtn. We then hiked 2.5 miles in the woods on muddy and swampy trail before crossing County Road 565. We then hiked .7 on a boardwalk with one break between the 2 sections before crossing the suspension bridge across Pochuck Swamp. We then hiked 2.1 miles in the rain until we reached N.J. 84, Vernon NJ. We hiked .2 down to the Heaven Hill Farm which is a garden center and baked goods. The rain cont to get harder and wasnt suppose to stop until 11 tonight so we called it a day after 10.8. We dont mind hiking in the rain when the temp is in the 70's but 47 its just to cold. We have to hike 25 a day the next 4 days to get to Kent CT. to get Marcias new shoes at the PO. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-05-14
To: NY 17
Miles today: 15.1

First want to thank Ceonia for the great trail magic last night. It was a great surprise, she ordered us pizza for dinner and had it delivered. When the driver knocked on the door he asked if we ordered pizza and we told him no and then about closed the door but he said i think u did and the bill has already been paid. This morning we caught a ride back to the trail and started hiking at 10. The first .4 was field walking then we started a .9 climb 900ft to the top of Wawayanda Mtn. We then just hiked thru the woods with a few small up and down along with crossing a few streams on footbridges. The trail continues to be flooded and rocky in places. After 8.8 miles we climbed up on these boulders and started hiking across them. In .3 we reached the New York line and after about 1 mile in NY it started raining pretty hard on us. We spent the next 3 to 4 miles hiking on,down,up,over and thru boulders and rocks. The rain continued and so did the boulders, it was dangerous bc we both need new shoes and with the rocks wet and our shoes having very little traction it was very slippery and slow hiking. We then came to some dirt path that was mostly under water and hiked 2 miles until we reached NY17 and are stealth camping tonight. We stopped short bc we were freezing and it had stopped raining long enough to set up our tent. Then after getting in the tent it has rained constantly. Its suppose to be 65 and sunny tomorrow, we pray thats true. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-15
To: 1 mile past Lake Tiorati
Miles today: 18.6

After getting rained on all night we woke to blue skies but temps around 40. We started hiking at 7 climbed 1.5 miles up to a huge boulder field that we had to hike over and then we came to Wildcat Shelter but didnt stop. We kept hiking for 2 more miles before reaching Lakes Road and stopping to get water. While filling up i bet 15 hikers went by with some saying they all stayed at the shelter, we havent seen but 3 hikers in 4 days and then bam 15 in ten minutes. We then hiked up to a rock outcropping 2.5 miles and dried our stuff. We then went by Fitzgerald Falls which was overflowing due to all the rain. Then we had to hike on a muddy trail for most of the day. We realized so far New York was like a roller coaster, just small up and downs with very muddy trail. We then reached Harriman State Park after 11 miles and also crossing I87. We then hiked up into the park finally reaching the Lemon Squeezer where these huge boulders are close together and you have to hike between them. It is very hard with a pack on then after that you rock climb up a rock facing for 20 or 30ft. Then after all that we made it to the turnoff for Lake Tiorati Beach but we kept hiking because it was getting late. We hiked about 1 mile and found a stream to get camp water and met a couple section hiking from Brevard NC. We then hiked .5 and set up camp.GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-16
To: Just past graymoor spiritual life center
Miles today: 20.0

We started hiking at 6 bc we were low on food and Bear Mtn was 12 miles away. We started by climbing up 200ft then the trail levelled out and we made good time for the first 3 miles. We then made it up to a view of the skyline of New York City. We then hiked 2 miles down and crossed the Palisade Interstate Parkway which is 34 miles from New York City. We have to cross 2 lanes of traffic twice as cars our flying by at 80 miles an hr. We then started climbing back up with views to the West of the surrounding mtns. After all the up and downs and 12.4 miles we reached the Bear Mtn Tower where we treated ourselves with a soda. While sitting there 4 Japanese visitors saw our backpacks and asked about the AT. After talking to them we hiked down 1288 rock steps until we reached the bottom where Bear Mtn Inn and park are located. We went into the Inn to charge our phones, its 149 and up to stay here. We then hiked thru the Bear Mtn Zoo then crossed the Bear Mtn Bridge over the Hudson River. We then climbed up for .8 on very steep terrain before it levelled. We hiked 4 more miles on mostly level terrain, actually the best terrain since reaching New York. We made it to Appalachian Deli on NY 22. We hike right in front of the deli so we had a huge pizza, then resupplied to get us to Kent. We met to theu hikers there who showed up after us and one guy from Indiana bought a half gallon ice cream and shared it with all of us. We then hiked 1.1 and found a nice spot to stop for the day. It was a great day weather wise and the trail is somewhat better. We have never seen the AT in this bad a shape. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-17
To: Mountain market deli
Miles today: 23.5

We started hiking at 6 this morning to sunny skies. Today was first day we could start out hiking in our tshirts with no long sleeve undershirt. The day started out like the rest of New York just short up and downs with no flat trail. We hiked 2.3 miles before crossing Chapman rd. Then we 1.7 before reaching Canopus rd. We stayed between 600ft and 900ft the first 4 miles. We then climbed to 1000ft at mile 6 and stopped for our first break. We then hiked 4 more miles on the same terrain before finally hiking on flat terrain for 1 mile and reaching NY 301. After crossing the road we entered Clarence Fahnestruck State Park. We took our second break after 11 miles and right after we started back in began to rain for 2hrs. We hiked in the rain for about 5 miles on the same terrain of up and downs but less rockyband swampy today. After 7 miles we reached the RPH Shelter where you can order pizza. This also is where all the other hikers where staying so we pushed on for 5.1 more miles. The first 3 miles was climbing on the side of the mtn. This mtn had many huge trees down from the hurricane that ripped through the East coast 2 yrs ago when New York City was flooded. We crossed a road then hiked 1.8 over to N.Y. 22 where we hiked east .4 down to the deli where they allow hikers to camp behind the store free. We were the only hikers that knew of this place so we are the only ones here. We ordered a small calizone but when we received it, it was huge. We had calizone, a lumberjack sandwhich and 2 bags of chips for dinner. 23.5 miles today. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-18
To: Hoyt road
Miles today: 21.7

After a great evening eating calazones and huge sandwhiches we had to head out again. We had to walk .4 back to the trail and where hiking by 7. We started by climbing 400ft in 4 miles. New York has small up and downs so not much elevation. After reaching the Morgan Stewart Shelter for a break at 1285ft we started hiking faster on better terrain. Todays weather was the best since starting our hike. We crossed N.Y. 55 and in 1.4 miles we reached nuclear lake. This is where we were thrown out in 2010 bc you are not allowed to camp here and about 7 of us thru up tents after swimming. About 9 a lady drove up and thru us out bc you cant camp here. We just picked our tent up and carried it into the woods and went to bed. We talked with a guy and his granddaughters who were fishing before heading back out. We hiked 5 more miles before reaching County Road 20 where the largest Dover Oak is on the AT. We stopped for lunch and remarked on seeing a blacksnake ball where 3 snakes were all twisted around each other. We had seen 6 snakes today and 2 deer. We then field walked 1 mile and then 1 mile in the woods before reaching N.Y. 22 where you can catch a train into NY. We stopped at the Native Landscape and Garden Center for a coke before heading back out. We hiked 1 mile up to 1010ft before reaching the woods again. Then we hiked on fairly level trail after reaching the top at 1010. We hiked 5 miles more until we reached the Wiley Shelter where we planned to camp but there was a huge group of boy scouts so we filled up with water and hiked on. We hiked 1.5 more miles before stopping after 21.9 miles. We just crossed into Connecticut when we stopped. It was a great day of hiking and wildlife. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-05-19
To: KENT
Miles today: 11.5

We started out at 7 instead of 6 bc it was a short day. We had 11.5 miles to Kent where we will have to wait until morning for a maildrop. We had to climb up to 1000ft from 400ft starting out. We then descended to the Ten Mile River Shelter where we camped in 2010 on the night Lebron made the decision to go to Miami. While there we met a great group camping at the shelter who gave us laura bars and we told them about our hiking trip. We then crossed the Ten Mile River and hiked a mile until reaching Bulls Bridge Road where we started a climb that we always hate bc it never ends. We hiked on the side of Schaghticoke Mtn forever and finally reached some open ledges where you could look down on the Housatonic River. We met 4 guys section hiking from Ohio,Va and i cant remember the other state. We talked with them and hiked with them for a short bit until we came across a huge Black Timber Rattler which we videod and took photos for 15 minutes. We then left the guys so we could get into town. We had to still climb up on rocky terrain before finally reaching the top and starting down to the road. It was a rocky down until the last .7 and we finally made the road at 1:30. Perfect timing bc a nice couple had just finished hiking and offered to take us into Kent. We are doing laundry and resupplying before hiking back .9 to the trail to camp. We will have to hike back to the PO in the morning for package and then we have 40 miles until Mass. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-20
To: Pine swamp branch shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

After walking to the store and getting Blueberry coffee we walked .6 to the PO. We had to wait until 8 for everything to open. We received marcias new shoes and also got our homemade cookies with beef jerky from Sookie and Tom our friends from Minnesota. We then went to the CO-OP to get a new fuel canister, then walked 1.3 to the trail. We started hiking by 9 and had to climb from 350ft to 1160 up to Calebs Peak. We then hiked .7 to St. Johns Ledges where we had a rock scramble .5 down to the River Road. We then hiked 1 mile on gravel road beside the Housatonic River then a dirt path for 4 miles. This 5 mile section was completly flat and while near the river we seen a bald eagle. We then climbed up to 600ft to Silver Hill Campsite where we took a break. We like this campsite bc it has a covered table and a swing you can sit in with views of the mtns and valley below. The weather was great so far and after a break we headed on up the trail. In .5 we crossed CT 4 before we had to forde Guinea Brook. While fording Dormat which is a trail name caught up and said Good Samaritians wife was feeding us dinner at the next road crossing. We had 4 miles to go so we picked up the pace but about 1 mile later it rained on us for about 15 minutes before the sun came back out and dried us off. We then made the road with Doormat and had dinner of Steak Sandwhiches, potato salad, brownies, chips, veggies and dip. Thank you Good Samaritian and his wife who are from Indiana. We then hiked 1 mile up to the shelter and made camp by 6:30 with 6 or 7 other hikers. It was a good day for getting new shoes, a box from Sookie and Tom and then dinner before camp. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-21
To: Sages Ravine Campsite
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

We started hiking by 6:30 and could tell it was a great day for hiking. We started by crossing Mt. Easter Rd in the first mile at 1150ft. Then in .3 we crossed the summit of Mt. Easter at 1350ft. We then skirted the ridgeline for about 3 miles before finally reaching U.S. 7 and then hiking 2 miles in fields, roads and woods on flat terrain before reaching Falls Village. We were surprised sitting at a picnic table was Good Samaritans hiking group having breakfast. They asked us over and we had Mcdonalds bisquits, muffins,chips and sodas. That was great to get after 8 miles of hiking. We then went into Falls Villiage to pick up a package from Walking man and his wife, thank you guys. Also Falls Villiage is where Lizzie Borden lived and killed her parent with 100 whacks from an ax. The Toymakers Cafe is famous here for all the famous people that have eaten there. We ate there in 2012 but it wasnt open today. We then started hiking to get over the mtn into Salisbury CT. We had to cross the bridge and then start climbing up to Prospect Mtn summit at 1475. Then we came to Giants Thumb which is a huge rock formation on Raccoon Hill. In the next 3 miles we made our way down to CT 41 heading into Salisbury. We road walked .3 then made a right and road walked another .3 or .4 before turning into the woods for about .4 then crossed the road to a parking lot where Good Samaritians Wife was set up to feed us again before heading up the mtn. We ate for an 1hr before we started our climb from 800ft to 2315 in 5 miles with some steep climbs but also some flat terrain. When we reached Bear Mtn summit and rock observation tower sits there and looking to the East you can see a lake where Meryl Street and Rip Torn both owned homes. We then had a .5 rock scramble which was steep to get down into Massachusetts. We then hiked .2 to Sages Ravine after 22.1 miles we set up camp. Here they have tent platforms to set up on and have a caretaker. This is my favorite campsite bc it has waterfalls, swimming holes, sits in a valley with huge trees and everything is so peaceful. A place where you could imagine fairies or elves living. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-22
To: Boardman Strret and then Seekers house
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: few clouds

Today started out great after a night in Sages Ravine. We hiked .7 by many waterfalls before crossing the stream and leaving Connecticut behind and entering Massachusetts. We then climbed up to Race Mountain Summit over many rock scrambles in 2.7 miles. As we started down Ratman took a hard fall bc he had his poles in one hand and food in the other and when he creeled his ankle bad he fell in the rocks on his left side. He had a swollen left knee and a swollen elbow. We then made our way up to the summit of Mt. Everett at 2600ft before making our way down to Guilder Pond Picnic Area, this is where we stealth camped in 2015 when we did our SOBO thru hike. Then the trail levelled off for about 2 miles before we spent a couple miles on rock ledges before heading down to 890ft. We then crossed Jug End Road and hiked thru a field before crossing MA. 41 and then we hiked thru mosquito woods. We always run thru this area bc these mosquitos are huge and nasty. We finally made it Sheffield-Egremont Road where Shays Rebellion Monument sits. We then field and woods hiked until we reached U.S. 7. We then hiked 1.3 miles by the river before reaching Boardman Street where seeker picked us up after 16 miles. We are taking a day off. We have hiked 1037.3 and have 1154.7 to go. By strave we have hiked 1145 miles with 203,000ft of elevation. We have seen 15 grouse,118 deer, 29 snake, 1 raccoon, 4 turkey, 1 bear, 18 ticks, 1 yellow jackets nest, 4 Quail, 1 porcupine, 2 bald eagles, and have had 81 trail magics. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-05-23
To: SEEKERS HOME 
Miles today: 0.0

Today we are taking a zero day to rest before hiking the last 667 miles to Katahdin. Todays post will reflect on our 4 thru hikes in the section from Pa line to the Mass line. In 2010 coming thru Pa we remember Nanner slackpacking us from Port Clinton to Deleware Water Gap. A rattlesnake struck from the ferns and bit ratmans boot. Also Labrat laying across the trail with 2 bottles of water that a stranger gave him and he didnt offer us any on a dry hot no water to be found day. Hiking with Spirit and Y'sguy thru Pa was great with us and 10 hikers sitting on a mtn watching all the towns shooting off fireworks. Also staying with our great friend Diane in 2012 and this yr. Hiking out of Duncannon in the worst storm we have ever hiked in. Seeing our first porcupine in the wild. Staying in Deleware Water Gap at the church hostel was always great. This yr staying in Unionville and getting to go to church. The great ice cream place called Belleville in NY. Also hiking thru Bear Mtn on the 4th of July with all the New York City residents there cooking out. We have had great times in each state and have met some of the greatest people hiking this trail along the way. Again thank u to all who have hiked with us, gave us a ride, put us up, fed us, or just talked with us thru these 4 thru hikes you guys are apart of this final journey up the AT. GOD BLESS