morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Awake at 0545 and up at 0600, on the trail at 0700. Cloudy and cool with rain threatening. Making good time over rocks. Met a south bound section hiker named Rickety. He is hiking from Mt Graylock Mass to Harpers Ferry. Not any views today because of low clouds. Finally started raining and rained about one hour. Cold an wet for remainder of walk to shelter. Got to the shelter at 1430. Mistress and Gonzales are here. Started a fire to dry out my clothes. Got firewood for later, clothes are drying slow. Fixed supper of rice and wheat thins. Gaul came in, so now it's Mistress, Gonzales, Gaul and me. This may be all for tonight. Took a picture of all of us. Mistress and gonzales are brother and sister. tryed to call lab rat but the signal is too weak. 1900 and turning in.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: moderate rain

Awoke at 0555, on the trail at 0700. Cool, cloudy and raining- rained all day. No views, just walking over rocks in a cloud with rain. Made good time, called Lab Rat about 0830 to let her know where I was and that I was doing okay. Continued to make good time and arrrived at the shelter at 1410. Put on dry clothes. A couple of section hikers were here, but they left for town. Gaul came in and he said he saw Mistress and Gonzales at I-81. Fixed me some Ramen noodles for a late lunch to warm me up inside. Called Lab Rat but she was still at work. I'll call again later. Michelle came in. I built a fire trying to dry my clothes. It started raining again so I'll just have to put on wet clothes in the morning. Fixed some instant mashed potaotes for supper with coffee. That helped warm me up. 1922, about bedtime. Will calll Lab Rat again and go to bed.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Awake at 0530. Stayed in the sack until 0550. Got up and got dressed (in wet cold clothes) and was on the trail at 0650. Earliest start yet. But I wanted to beat the afternoon T-storms. Very rocky walk today with not many views. Ready for a short day tomorrow. Arrived at Eagles Nest shelter at 1330 after stopping at the creek to filter water. Cleaned up some and put on dry clothes. Came a shower of rain soon after I got to the shelter. Built a fire to warm by. It's cool and getting cloudy again. Michelle came in about 1600, Gaul went on into town. He has a ride to Trail Days in Damascus. Fixed supper of mashed potatoes and tuna. Turning colder. Two more hikers came in. A father and his 31 year old son. They said Mistress and Gonzales were coming in. Father and Son think they are Laurel and Hardy ( I don't think they are that funny myself, as a matter of fact, I don't think they are funny at all). Their conversations were out of place in mixed company. Anyway, they have kept me awake past my bedtime.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: PA 61 Microtel Inn
Miles today: 9.5

Awoke at 0520 and laid there until 0550. got up, dressed, ate cereal bar and packed up. I apologized for waking everyone up, but said that made us even for keeping me awake last night! The 31 yera old son kept the fire going all night and Michelle, Mistress and Gonzales were complaining about smoke in the shelter all night. I left at 0638 and back on the AT at 0645. Ready to get to the hotel. While taking a break, Mistress and Gonzales came by. They said the Dad was still in his sleeping bag asleep when they left the shelter. Had a few views today, Gonzales took my photo at one and I took photos of him and Mistress. My foot feels better today. The trail is still very rocky. Got to PA 61 at 1030 and started hitching toward the Hamburg Microtel Inn. Caught a ride after walking almost a mile and was thankful to the gentleman (Tom) for picking me up. He rode around until he found the Inn. Checked in. The rate was $78 , not $60 as the hiker companion says. Got my room , started my laundry and took a shower. Called Lab Rat and told her I was here.Went to Burger King for a hamburger, fries, and shake. Back at the room, put foot on ice and took a short nap while watching Food Network. Lab Rat called and I was glad to hear from her. Walked two miles to the grocery store for supplies. Hitched part of the way back to the Cracker Barrel for supper- hamburger steak, mashed potatoes w/gravy, fried apples and strawberry short cake fro dessert. Back at the hotel room at 1945. Did my devotion and fixing to take another shower. Took a shower and called my brother Tony, mom and dad, and Lab Rat. Going to bed.
Date: 2006-05-18
From: PA 61 Microtel Inn

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 21.75

Awoke at 0400 and couldn't go back to sleep. Up at 0600, had a shower and went down for the continental breakfast. Checked out of the hotel and tried to hitch a ride back to the trail. No luck. Had to walk the 1plus mile back to the AT. Was on the AT by 0800 and made good time the first 6 miles. Then the rocks came. The worst rocks yet. Couldn't make good time. Stopped for some photos in the morning but rain started around noon with thunderstorms, Rained hard at times making rocky areas more difficult to navigate. Really worked on my right foot. Another T-storm came about1500 with hail and rain. I took a hard fall in a boulder field. Finally got to the shelter at 1800. Changed into dry clothes and had supper. Called Lab Rat and talked to her awhile. Can't wait to see her in two weeks, I sure do miss her. In my sleeping bag now nice and warm. Think I'll go to sleep, hard day.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Allentown Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 0600 and walking by 0645. Another day of rocks and rain. A few views from the top of boulder fields. Some places I would have taken photos but was afraid to try and get my camera out and turn loose to take pictures. Right foot doing better today. Fixed some instant mashed potatoes when I got in to the shelter and ate them. I needed some hot food to warm me up and give my body some nutrition. Went down to filter some water, then put on some dry clothes. A couple of weekenders came in from Arlington VA and John from Harrisburg PA came in. Had a shower of rain. It's cold here and I'll be getting into my sleeping bag early tonight.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: George W. Outerbridge shelter

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke at 0530, up at 0550 and on the trail at 0645 with 21.5 miles of rocks ahead. John (a heart surgeon) had asked me if I knew anything about the steep climb out of Lieghigh Gap. I had not even noticed the climb on the map. When he showed it to me I saw it was steep, but I have had steep climbs in the past. When I got to Lieghigh Gap, I saw the mountain with nothing growing on it and could see it was a steep boulder field. I didn't know the trail went right over it. The climb was steep and dangerous. There was times when I had to climb hand over foot from one boulder to another. The climb was slow, but aftr about an hour or so I made it to the top. Then it was about three miles of walking the bare ridge of nothing but rocks. The climb took so much out of me that the rest of the day was slow going. The rocks continued but became smaller and harder to walk on without twisting an ankle or foot. Met some weekenders but didn't stop to talk, trying to get to Windgap before too late. Finally arrived at the road at 1645 ten hours after I started this morning. Averaged a little better than 2mph. Got to the Travel Inn about 1730. Called Lab Rat and took a shower. Went to a Pizza restaraunt and had spagetti with a salad. On the way back to the Inn I stopped and got some glazed doughnuts. Lab Rat called as I was checking my Companion for a place to catch a bus home next week. We talked a while before saying goodnight. 15 plus miles tomorrow into Delaware Water Gap and out of PA
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap church hostel
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Awake at 0530, got up and went to McDonalds for breakfast. Got a ride back to the trail at 0715 by the hotel mgr. More rocks, which slowed me down. I met a couple of southbound weekenders. No real good views, but took a few photos. Arrived at Delaware Water Gap at 1400 and got a room at the church hostel. Called Lab Rat, took a shower and went looking for fuel for my stove. Talked to Lab Rat again and went to eat supper. Another hiker from Washington is here. His wife met him last week with clothes. He sent some other clothes home. After his wife had left, Top realized that he had sent his wallet home in another pair of pants. She is sending his wallet for him to pick up at the PO tomorrow. I loaned him money for supper tonight, so we are eating together. Maria called me back about her and Robert picking me up from the trail for a meal. I may not be their in time to take them up on their offer. Got back to the hostel and called Lab Rat once more to say goodnight. I'm turning in, hard day tomorrow but I will be in New Jersey!
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Delaware Water Gap church hostel

To: Campsite at Blue Mountain road
Miles today: 19.0

Awoke at 0645 and got up. Went to Water Gap diner for breakfast. Pancakes, eggs and bacon. After breakfast, went by the PO and mailed my diary to Lab Rat. Back at the hostel, I strapped on my pack and hit the trail. About two miles of road walk and then the climb out of the gap. The trail was pleasant especially after 220plus miles of agony in PA. I made good time and had many good views. Took some photos and arrived at Mohican outdoor center at 1400. I had planned to stay there but after being told I must pay $12 for qa camp site, I decided to move on. I hiked an additional 7 miles and camped at a great spot overlooking a lake. I arrived here about 1630, put up my tent, had supper and called Lab Rat. Called Maria and Robert again to get exact location of road where they could pick me up. Going to bed now, long day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Campsite at Blue Mountain road

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 22.75
Weather: few clouds

Awoke eraly and was cold all night. Wind blew strong and I did not rest good, being cold and my rain fly of my tent flapped all night. Packed up tent and packed my pack and on the tail at 0545. Stopped at road and got water from pump at a park there. Right foot bothered me all day and was tired from not sleeping. Didn't make good time. Had many good views and stopped for photos often. As I was walking along this morning, I saw a Japanese man coming down the trail heading south. As he got closer I recognized him from last year. I had met him as I was walking north last spring. He also recognized me and we took each others' photo. We couldn't understand each otheras we talked in our languages. We each knew that we had made friends last year! I met several school kids on a day hike carrying large packs? As I approached Sunrise Mtn. I saw an old stone pavillion on top of the mountain with benches facing east. I took photos of the view and the pavillion. Arrived at the shelter at 1730. It is about .5 miles off the trail. I am alone so I set up my tent inside the shelter to keep anything from getting into my sleeping bag with me. Fixed and ate supper. Am in the sack now where I am warm. Fixing to call Lab Rat and then sleep.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Hostel at Unionville NY
Miles today: 11.0

Slept good last night. Ate breakfast of ceral bar. On the trail at 0645. Foot still bothereing me so I took it easy and slow all day. Some good views and an interesting structure. The High Point monument is the highest point in NJ. It looked like the Washington monument. I took photos. Some from an observation platform on the AT. Continued to go slow, making only about 1.5mph and arrived at the Backtrack Inn at 1400, got a large burger with bacon and cheese with fries and a coke. It hit the spot since I have been feeling undernourished the past few days. Went to the grocery store for some food for tomorrow. Returned to the hostel and put on cleaned clothes. Rested and looked over maps for a while. Then I took a nap, awoke at 1730 and went looking for somewhere to eat supper. Had to eat a pizza at the Backtrack Inn. After supper I called Lab Rat and talked about 35 minutes and am now in my sleeping bag for the night.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Hostel at Unionville NY

To: Church Hostel at Vernon NJ
Miles today: 12.5

Awake at 0500, got up, dressed and packed up. Went down to diner for breakfast. Foot swollen a little this morning but feeling much better. Finished breakfast and headed .5 miles back to the trail. Good trail with the first mile or so smooth and flat. Didn't go fast, still taking it easy on my foot. Made pretty good time though. Stopped for a few photos, walked across at least 1-1.5 miles of nice boardwalks across a bog area. Met a school group on the board walk. A couple of small hills and across a few other bogs with not so nice bog walks. Arrived at NJ 94 at 1300 and started hitching into Vernon to the Hostel. Got a hitch and was at the hostel at1345. Got clothes started washing and me into a hot shower- first one since Sunday. First clothes wash since Wednesday of last week. The ones I wore each day for walking were beginning to smell bad? Called Lab Rat, read my Bible chapters and worked on my diary. Got my clothes out of the dryer and put on CLEAN DRY clothes for the first time in 8 days. Called and talked to my sister for a while. Called Granny and Papa and talked to them. Went to the grocery and to eat supper. Called Lab Rat and talked along while. We miss each other sooo much. Put ice on my foot, hoping this will help the swelling and pain. going to bed soon.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Church Hostel at Vernon NJ

To: NY 17 Maria and Roberts' house
Miles today: 15.5

Awake at 0500 up and got packed- ready for a long day. Had breakfst at the Mixing Bowl. Hitched back to the trail and was walking by 0715. Good trail with steep up to begin with. Made pretty good time. Foot still bothering me some. Started to rain about 1130 with a bad storm hitting about 1215. Violent lightning just as I arrived at the top of a mountain with a rocky ridge walk at hand. The toughest climb up and over many rocky places in the ridge for 1-1.5 miles. Raining hard and with me getting soaked. Called Maria and Robert to let them know I was in NY. They invited me to visit with them tonight. This was great news to me. Robert picked me up at NY17 at 1630 and carried me to their place by the lake. They put me up in one of their guest houses. Maria fixed the most delicious meal. We visited a while and then I came to my quarters for the night. Called Lab Rat and now am going to bed.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: NY 17 Maria and Roberts' house

To: Green Pond Mountain
Miles today: 13.5

Awoke at 0500 this morning at the guest house of Robert and Maria. After getting dressed, I joined them and their son Allen for breakfst. Maria drove me back to the trail at 0900. I started hiking about 0915 after calling Lab Rat. The climbs were intense and over rock faces. Constant ups and downs. Sometimes hand over foot. it just went on and on all day. It wore me out. As I crossed East Mtn Road, some trail angel had left several jars of water for us hikers. I filled my bottles up. I had just decided to filter some at the next stream, I was sure glad not to have to. The intense climbs continued and I saw that I wouldn't get to a shelter tonight. As the trail crossed over the NY state thruway, Paddo ( a trail angel)called out to me and asked if I wanted a cold cola, YES PLEASE I said. I went over to his truck and he had hot dogs, drinks, cookies, a bag of chips, etc. What Trail Magic! I had 3 hot dogs, many cookies, a bag of chips and two root beers. After pigging out, I headed to find a camp site. Set up my tent just as darkness closed in Called Lab Rat and went to bed.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Green Pond Mountain

To: Bear Mountain
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Awoke lat this morning 0545, hurried and dressed. Packed up and ate two pop tarts for breakfast. Hiking at 0645. Stopped and called Lab Rat about 0800. Another hard day with many more rock climbs. Then there was the lemon squeeze. I had to remove my pack and drag it behind me. My hips were still very sore from being rubbed by my pack hip belt. This is caused by being wet so much. My feet were also sore today, I guess from being wet so much on Friday and Saturday.I took several breaks today, the heat was awful. I had to stop and filter water four times. I drank close to two gallons of water today. I arrived at a good camp site at 1800 and pitched my tent. Called Lab Rat to let her know I was okay and then ate supper. I called her again and went to sleep.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Bear Mountain

To: Graymoor Center
Miles today: 9.5

Awoke at 0500(that seems to be my usual wake time now) got up and ate a couple of pop tarts. Packed up and was off for a short day. Summited Bear mtn. in about 30 minutes or less. Then on to the park, museum and zoo. The museum and zoo were closed so I had to take the alternate AT route around US 9. A few ups and downs and I was at the road crossing with US 9. I hitched into Peekskill NY to do laundry. After doing laundry, I hitched back toward the trail crossing at US 9. The gentleman which picked me up could not speak English (he spoke Spanish) so I had a hard time explaning to him where I wanted to get off. He put me off at the Garymoore center which was about 4 miles from where the trail crossed US #9. I saw a car coming down from the Graymoore center so I flaged him down to ask if he knew where the trail crossed the highway. He didn't, but said he would give me a lift and find it. His name was Britt Owen and his little girl's name was Maya. He drove back toward Peekskill and stoped to ask at a station where the trail crossed. A gentleman told him and we were off to the trail crossing. When we got there, Britt put me out and gave me a half a sub. sandwitch and some bread Wow, this was great. I hadn't had any real food in a while. What a joy it is to meet someone like Britt (and I have met several who have helped me out in many ways) who is willing to take time to help hikers. After we said good-by, I headed on North through the woods. It was about 3:00 P.M. now and I was wanting to get to the Graymoore ball field to camp tonight. I arrived at the ball field about 4:00 and was able to stay under the shelter there. It got very crowded later with other hikers coming in. After a very cold shower, I ate supper and into my sleeping bag.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Graymoor Center

To: Home for a break in Holly Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0

Awoke at 0415 and waited until it was light enough to see how to pack up (0445)Got packed up and headed out of the ball park. Met a very nice gentleman named Micheal at the Graymoor center. When I explained to him that I was trying to get to US9 to hitch into to town and catch a train to NYC. He carried me from the center to Garrison where I caught a train into NYC. There I had to walk five blocks through Times Square to the NY Port Authority where I could catch a bus home. I ws on the bus at 0800 with a 14.5 hour bus ride ahead. After several bus stops I arrived at Raleigh at 2230 where I met Lab Rat. boy was I glad to see her when I got there.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Zero day at home

To: Campsite 1 mile N of Sunk Mine road NY
Miles today: 10.25

Arrived in NYC by bus 0350 to see some sights that only NYC at 0350 in the morning could provide. NOTHING that I have seen from Springer mt GA to Mt. Katahdin ME scared me as badly as what I saw at that time of day in NYC. I had plenty of time to wait for the commuter train back to the Graymoor Center to take in all the sights. I guess the only thing that I had going for me was the fact that I had an appearance (being a hiker) that fit in rather well with the rest of the folks in Grand Central station at such a wee hour. I made it back to the Graymoor Center around 0800 and was back on the trail about0830. I met Firefly and Feather, a couple heading North from the Graymoor center also. As I headed north my mind was already on Gorham NH where I would complete my AT hike, meet my wife and head home to NC. As the trail got more rugged I had to concentrate on climbing hills and navigating over numerous boulders. As the day came to an end I crossed Sunk Mine road and began looking for a place to set up my tent for the night. After about a mile I came to a creek flowing full from recent heavy rains and saw that the only way across was a fallen tree. I was thankful for the tree because otherwise I would have had to ford it. I surveyed the situation and heard a voice from the other side of the creek encouraging me to come on across. It was a gentleman with his dog that lived nearby that had come out to walk and play with his dog, something he did often he said. I can't remember his name (I am having to recall the next few days of my journal because I mailed these pages home from Great Barrington MA and the US mail service failed to deliver them home for me) but I surely do remember him, his dog and his kindness to me. He showed me a place to set up and camp by the creek and gave me a new bottle of deet and some thing cold to drink. After visiting with him and eating supper of Ramen noodles and tuna, I turned in for the night, and called Kelly (Lab Rat). We talked of the day I would meet her in Gorham (Pinkham Notch) and never be separated again.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Campsite 1 mile N of Sunk Mine road NY

To: Morgan Steweart Shelter
Miles today: 17.75
Weather: few clouds

Awoke at 0500 to sprinkiling rain. Ate breakfast in the rain, packed up and was on the trail by 0615. Weather was partly cloudy for the rest of the day, decent walk to Morgan Stewart shelter, arrived late afternoon to an empty shelter, except for a few shelter mice. Firefly and Feather came in about an hour after me. I passed them earlier in the day. After supper, I called Kelly (Lab Rat) and turned in for the night while Firefly and Feather sat around the campfire.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Morgan Steweart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Awoke to clear skies at 0500. Was on the trail by 0630 with Firefly and Feather still in their tent (they tented outside the shelter). Good days walk with many good views. Met a guy about 1100 who was walking a section of the trail which he walked every day during his lunch hour. At that point he turned around and walked with me a ways back to West Dover rd where he had his car parked. He pointed out the biggest oak tree on the AT, girth four ft from the ground is 20ft 4 inches and is estimated to be over 300 yrs old. He took a picture of me with the tree.   As the day went on I came upon the AT RR-station and stopped at a hot dog stand. Had two hot dogs and a coke before moving on. When I crossed Leather Hill rd I came upon some trail magic- a cooler with little debbies and soft drinks. There was also some new rolls of toilet paper with a note attached saying "NOBO please carry to Wiley Shelter privy". So I did. Arrived at Wiley Shelter late afternoon and had a light supper (hot dogs earlier).Chilled out. Firefly and Feather arrived later after partaking of the trail magic. In bed early- good day.
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 12.25
Weather: moderate rain

Awoke to cold rain. Based on forecast that Kelly gave me the night before, this is what I expected. The whole day was forecast to be rain. I put on my rain suit and looked forward to crossing the NY-CN state line today. As I finally crossed the CN state line I climbed Schaghticoke mountain and as I approached the summit the winds picked up and became colder. I was feeling chilled. The rain and wind continued until I reached Mt Algo shelter. I arrived mid afternoon. No views or photos this day. I put on dry clothes and watched it rain until I fixed supper later on. Firefly and Feather came in.