morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-01-09
To: Food
Miles today: 0.0

With hiking all day, we want to try to consume about 2000 calories each day, broken down into 15% protein, 60% carbs, and 25% fat. We plan to use dehydrated food (both purchased and dried ourselves) to help lighten the load. Here are our typical menu items:Breakfast:OatmealInstant gritsCereal with powdered whole milkLunches:Sandwiches (on pita or tortilla)   Salami and cheese   Peanut butter and jelly   Peanut butter and honeySnacksStrawberries*Banana chipsPineapple*Applesauce*Pears*Protein bars (Luna, Power Bars, etc)GORPDinnerSome starch   Ramen noodles   Lipton noodles   Lipton rice   Instant mashed potatoes   CouscousPlus some meat   Ground beef*   Meat balls*   Taco beef*   Chicken*   Tuna*Plus optionally Ragu sauce*OrMountain House pre-packaged meals.DrinksCoffeeHot ChocolateCold Brew TeaGatoraidCrystal LightWater, Water, Water*Food we have dehydrated ourselves.We plan to have our dehydrated food sent to us using drop boxes. These are typically sent to post offices for general delivery and other hiker-friendly locations that will accept packages. We will use 16 drop boxes, allowing us to carry only 7 to 10 days worth of dried food. The other food we will buy along the way, carrying about 3-5 days worth.
Date: 2006-03-19
To: Wilderness First Aid
Miles today: 0.0

One of the things we did to prepare for our hike was to take a wilderness first aid training. We just completed the two day class in Harrisburg, PA. We learned "what will kill them first" and how to keep that from happening. Just like any insurance, we hope we never have to use what we learned. We've updated our first aid kit as a result of the class. Still lots of other things to do before we leave.
Date: 2006-04-15
To: Shakedown hike
Miles today: 0.0

We just completed our "shakedown" hike, where we tried out all of our equipment to see if we are set. The pack weights weren't bad - 22 lbs for Suds, 33 for Una Mas. We hiked from Gathland State Park to the I-70 footbridge in Maryland. Suds decided two poles really are better than one, so there's at least one more purchase that needs to be made. The alcohol stove worked great, and the dehydrated chicken added to the Lipton's noodles was yummy. The missing link tent was easy to set up and worked well. It's a little tighter than we are used to, but when we loose weight it will be perfect. It was a cold night, even in the 20 degree bags.We camped with a thru hiker from last year - Stops alot. And he was kind enough to share the beer he hiked into town to buy. Overall, a great trip.The bad part about the hike is the impact it had on Suds' knee. She was in quite a bit of pain on the second day, and it hasn't improved much. She has an appointment on Monday with the specialist, so we are trying the "wait and see" approach. Keep your fingers crossed!
Date: 2006-04-18
To: Doctor visit results
Miles today: 0.0

Good news! Relatively, anyway. Suds has tendinitis in her IT Band, which runs along the outside of the knee. No structural damage, no cartilage issues. This means no delay in our departure. She will treat it with an anti-inflamamtory for a couple of weeks, and get a cortizone shot a week before we leave.What a relief.
Date: 2006-05-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I will miss Desi a whole bunch while we are gone. She is the sweetest dog, and the best hiker I know. It will be hard leaving tomorrow but she will be happy in her own home and backyard. I have some great people watching after her. Take notice of my shirt, signed by my students and given to me on my last day of work. They had a cookout for me and a great send-off. I will miss everyone from school as well.
Date: 2006-05-12
To: On our way!
Miles today: 0.0

I would not be ready for this trek if it was not for Una Mas. She planned our route, organized the drop sites did the majority of the dehydrating and is carrying more of the equipment. Boy did I pick the best hiking partner! Looking forward to our great adventure together. I think I'm about to get sick!!!We had a great farewell party. Great fun was had by all especially when we got our heads shaved. Thank you to our family and friends for all the well wishes and support. We truly are lucky to have each one of you in our lives. Thanks, we love you guys!
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Una Mas: Our parents saw us off at the Delaware Water Gap Info Center, and wanted to walk a little ways with us. When it was time for Suds' parents to turn back, I stepped backwards out of the road and tripped over a blazed tree trunk. I got my first fall out of the way. My parents were forced to turn back shortly after entering the woods because the Dunnfield Bridge is out. We rock-hopped it, but they didn't have the gortex boots we had. It was a long climb up in the morning and we passed many day hikers. We had to keep moving because of the bugs. We found a spot along Sunfish Pond, the southern most glacial pond on the AT for lunch. While sitting there we saw a frog and two snakes. Don't worry John Wells - we didnt' bite them and they didn't bite us. The second half of the day was long for us tenderfoots. The storm clouds rolled in and we donned rain gear, but it held off until we reached the Mohican Outdoor Center. We are the only two in this 20 person lodge, which has showers, stove, microwave, and frigs. Yeah, we're roughing it tonight.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Fariview Lake clearing
Miles today: 6.6

The spin cycle works better than hand wringing. Our clothes that normally air dry overnight at home were still dripping wet. Nothing like wet, cold underwear to get you moving down the trail. We didn't see the sun at all today, but it didn't rain. We did see our first bear! Just as I got to the top of the mountain, I was looking out at the valley trying to determine what the weather would be. I looked down the hill and there it was, looking back. I started speaking very loudly to Suds to hurry up and get the camera. Hope the picture turns out, we were a safe distance away. As we left, Suds thought it best if I took the rear, in case it chased us. Suds' knee was very bad this morning, but fine after lunch. Hope that's a good omen. Camped in the middle of nowhere. Definitely hanging our food in a tree and we ate far from the tent. No bear snacks near our tent tonight.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Fariview Lake clearing

To: Culver's Gap
Miles today: 11.3

We woke to find everything as we left it. Wehad an easy .5 mile down to the water pump where we filled up the the day. Then it started raining and barely stopped all day. I don't know if it was the rain or the rocks or what, but we were really off our pace. I was looking for the shelter turnoff 2 miles too soon. Suds was really worn out, so I told her the next road after the shelter had groceries and hotel, but I didn't know how far the road was. We would check when we arrived at the shelter. It was another 3.6 miles. But the shelter was very disappointing. It was probably just because of the rain, but it seemed dark and dismal. So we decided to eat a power bar and go for the road. I don't know where either of us found the extra gear, but we make great time. I told everybody the lure of town was a good incentive. The motel was 2.5 miles from the trail, and after tried hitching for 10-15 minutes without luck, we decided to start walking in that direction. Shortly afterwards, a nice local hiker picked us up and deposited us at the Corbin Ridge Motel. Not much to look at, but it had hot showers and dry rooms. And it was right next door to a pizza joint. The O's were the Monday night game on ESPN, so pizza, beer, and the O's. Too bad they couldn't have done better. We had all our wet clothes spread out in the room with the heat on high. I now know what its like to sleep in a drier. At least the room wasn't spinning. We saw two colorful birds today. A yellow bird with black and white wings. And a dark red bird with black wings.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Culver's Gap

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: moderate rain

The manager from the hotel shuttled us back to the trail. It was still raining. But we had a very short day today, since we did some yesterday. We arrived at the shelter around 1:00. We were just hanging out when 3 southbound section hikers arrived. There was a Baltimore Oriole in the camp. It stopped raining for most of the afternoon but hail storm in the evening.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

What an event filled day. we had an easy hike to the first shelter where we had lunch. It had a very high-tech privy that looked more like a porta-pot. So we decided to hike another 3.3 miles to the next shelter since it would have water. I was sure the side trail went to the shelter even though there was no sign. So we went down a bit. It was supposed to be 4/10 down, so I hiked for 15 minutes which ususally equals a half mile and still no shelter. So we went back to the trail and continued on. In about 15 more minutes we found the labeled trail. I also fell twice today, once to the side and one on my butt. But the most exciting part came at dinner time. Suds had already eaten her dinner, so it was my turn (we share an alcohol stove). After adding the Lipton contents to the boiling water, it started boiling over, so I lifted the pot up away from the flame like I do at home. But I guess some spilled over anyway and there was a pop and a flame as high as my face. I jumped back and didn't get burned, but forgot I was at a picnic table, and stared falling backward, still holding onto the boiling noodles. Suds was behind me so I threw the pot between us and fell to the side. Then we had to put out all the little fires on the table. It burned the tent stuff sack, the bathroom bag, Suds' vest and jacket (little holes) I guess we need a bigger pot. The same meal worked yesterday, but we weren't using a wind screen, so I guess the flame was more intense tonight. Then we had to pick up all the noodles with our sporks and we hope we are not visited by a bear tonight. I had a Luna bar for dinner. We saw a hummingbird this evening at the shelter and a box turtle on the way here. Still hoping somebody picks up Suds' pack cover that slipped off her back and leaves it at the shelter turnoff.
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: few clouds

We woke to a sunny morning. The wasps were alittle less bothersome so early. But nothing like opening your eyes and seeing a tick in front of your face. Luckily it was outside the tent. We tested the stove and it seemed to work, so we made breakfast and tried to let the tent dry a little. We weren't in a hurry since we had a short mileage day. Three deer walked by camp. It was a tough walk today. The rocks really break your rythem. It took two hours to walk 2.5 miles. When we arrived at the High Point Ranger Station, there must have been 200 middle schoolers. Luckily they headed out just as we arrived. Got the drop box and a suprise letter from Rocky. Boy are packs are heavier now. We saw the High Point Monument from a distance. The AT doesn't go right up to it, but if I know for sure the consession stand would have been open, I would have hiked the extra for a soda. We are tenting again tonight. It started to rain as I was fixing my dinner, but now at 7 (in the tent) it seems to have stopped. I got a little sunburned today even though I put on block.You know the song, Head, shoulders, knees, and toes? That's what hurts. And everything in between! Suds has volunteered to cook from now on.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: High Point Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 7.0

Today brought a change of terrain. Instead of ridge walking along rocks we came down out of the mountains and walked through forrest, farm pastures (hello cows) and lots of boggy swamp. There were some places the maintainer had build a board walk, but many more places tried to suck the boots right off. We went around a pond that, by the felled and in progress trees, was home to at least one beaver. Oh, and it rained again. Another cold, soaking rain. We had just over 7 miles to do today. We stopped at the secret shelter for lunch. It's not so secret anymore, especially with the Internet. But now it's even in the guide book. A thru hiker from '78, Jim Murray, lets hikers use a hselter on his property. It is enclosed, has electricity, heat, and a shower. Very nice. The only sign for it is a sign to well water, 100 yds. It also had a scale so we got to weigh our packs. Mine (w/o water) was 33 lbs, Suds' was in the 20s. We made our PB&J and listened to the donkeys make a lot of noise. We weren't sure where we were going to stay once we got to Unionville, since there were two options. One was at a hostel at an Inn (bar) which was described as a narrow storage room with shelves acting a bunks. Draw back was only use of the bathroom when the restaurant was open, and it doesn't open until 12:00 the next day. Other option was pithing a tent at the twon park, with a port-a-pot. We signed up at the general store and were over to take a look when we were stopped by the town mayor. He invited us to stay at the park and chatted for a while. He even brought out the bocce ball set for us to play, but the courts were still too wet. The sun had come out for a while and we got to dry some things off. We went to Sara's Soda Shop for dinner, where the owner and cook had just married at the shop. It was quite the local hand out, at least for the adults. The hids prefer the park we are in. It has two gazebos, and we've taken over one. According to the mayor, they will clear out when the safety lights go on at 8:30. We have another hour to wait and see. Suds had her first fall today. One of these boards over the swamp was inclined and wet and covered with algae. I guess she didn't hear me say 'this is dangerous'. Whoosh, right on her rump! Her pole hit her in her head on the way down. Also, while we were setting up the tent, a little girl on her bike came over to inquire if we were camping. We told her the mayor said it was OK, and she rode her bike around singing 'The mayor is good!' Not much wildlife today in the rain, just more of the bright orange newts and a very large snapping turtle. Can't believe we've made it a week. Little bit at a time. The weather forcast described the unsettled pattern above us, and said the weather has been more like April than May. There's a reason we picked May to start! It has been very cold sleeping at night and putting on your clothes in the morning.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Unionville, NY

To: Pochuck Shelter
Miles today: 5.3

The kids did leave as soon as the safety lights came on, but the lights stayed on all night. And the church bell tolled the time each hour. But we went back to Sara's for breakfast and had wonderful egg sandwiches. The walk today was fairly easy. We went through the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge, where we saw several swans. Then climbed a big mountain, straight up, to arrive at this shelter. Since there was no water at the shelter, we filled up at an abandoned house at the base of the mountain, just to make sure our packs were really heavy for the climb. Two guys that have been section hiking the trail a couple of weeks a year for the past 17 years came into camp. A bit later another section hiker rolled in, and as we were doing intro's, it turned out his sister Gail taught with Suds at the same school, right next door! What a small, FREAKY world. He was carrying a cell phone (as many section hikers do) and called Gail from camp.We've been trying to keep our miles low until we get our trail legs. It makes for a long evening at camp, but we are usually in our sleeping bags by 7:00 and try to make it to 8:00 before sleeping.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Pochuck Shelter

To: Appalachian Motel, Vernon NJ
Miles today: 6.5

It was a cold night, maybe the coldest yet. We got out of camp quickly now that we are eating cold breakfasts. It was nice terrain. At one point we walked along a raised boardwalk, like what they had build along the water in Havre de Grace. It went over the Pochuck River and surrounding swamp. Just before we arrived at the road heading into the town of Vernon NJ, it started to rain again. But donning our rain gear may have actually made us smell a little better. The hotel was 1.8 miles from the trail, so we started walking while hitching. There wasn't much of a shoulder, but about 15 minutes later a truck stopped and picked us up. We quickly took hot showers and put our stinky clothes in our sleeping bag covers to carry to the laundry. The town proper was just a half mile further on, but it turned out the coin laundry was about 2 miles away. Down hill. It seemed like an industrial area and we almost gave up finding it just before spotting the sign. We passed Sirius satellte radio - that was cool. So, no luck getting a ride back to town, so we walked back up the hill. We stopped at the church hostel to update the journal but the modem wasn't working. It was only a 56k anyway. Then it was over to the A&P to resupply. We picked up some beer and a menu from the pizza joint then headed back to the hotel. For a short day, we did a lot of walking!
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Appalachian Motel, Vernon NJ

To: Wawayand Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: scattered clouds

No luck finding a ride back to the trail, so we walked the 1.8 before even starting the AT. Then we had to climb over 1000 feet in the first mile. That will get the heart pumping in the morning. From the top we could see the mountains we had left the days before. It was cold and windy all day. Don't think it broke 60 degrees. We pulled into this shelter around 2:00. There is no water at this shelter. We had to walk .4 miles to the ranger station and back. This may be our last sub-10 mile day. We'll see. At least the weather is supposed to improve and no rain until Friday night. We watched an oppossum climb a tree today. Law & Order came in as we were fixing dinner. They are twins from GA who were with the SBA before retiring. There's also a section hiker from Indiana, Catalyst, staying at the shelter. We are sleeping in the tent because it is so windy.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Wawayand Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a day of firsts. Our first 12-mile day, and we finished our first state. And what an introduction to NY. The first thing we had to do was cross a near vertical rock face. Suds shimmed across on her butt, and I tried to swing myself across. Then the trail took us over EVERY rock on the ridge. Again, we had to do a lot of relying on the traction of our boots. It made the long day even longer. We got out of camp at 8:00am and arrived here at 5:00pm. Other than short breaks and half hour for lunch, we were moving the whole time. We saw glimpses of the NY skyline from one of the summits. Same folks from last night are here, plus two thru's - Artful Dodger and Red Dane. We have another long day tomorrow - 10 miles. But at least there is a hotel at the end. We get to pick up another drop box.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Harriman, NY
Miles today: 11.0

This was the best hiking weather yet.Sunny and cool but not windy. We had a lot of ups and downs today. The only problem was the lack of water. By the time we got to the last mountain to cross we were both rationing. And this mountain just did not want to quit. As we arrived at the summit we ran into a day hiker named "Paddy-O" who escorted us downhill that was very rocky and treacherous. He then provided our first trail magic of drinks and a ride to the hotel. Looks like a zero day tomorrow to rest ours dogs and get stuff done.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Harriman, NY

To: Harriman
Miles today: 0.0

We walked to Walmart to get pictures developed and resupply on food. Una Mas bought a paperback, Suds decided not to carry extra weight. We called a cab to take us to the post office and library. We really lucked out at the library because our 15 min internet access turned into 2 hrs. We had lunch with beer and caught a cab back to the hotel. Suds walked to the coin laundry to refresh clothing, Una Mas started the DaVinci Code. No luck at Modells for a pack cover.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Harriman

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike started out warm but the passing afternoon thundershower came early and stayed most of the day. There is a family camping here for the night. We had heard there was a bear in camp last night, so we hung our food and are staying in the tent. This is the first shelter with bunks usually we just sleep on a wooden floor. Today we saw deer, owl, turkey, toads, frogs, and many woodpeckers.We went throught the "lemon squeezer" today. Suds managed to get through with her pack on. Una Mas had to drag her pack through and we think that is how she punctured her therma rest.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Bear Mountain Bridge
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: light rain

We crossed Bear Mountain today. A couple of big ups and downs before the real thing. Suds almost stepped on a snake but we managed by without harm. At the base of Bear Mountain is a recreation area with paddle boats, picnic tables, CONSESSION STAND (We had a hot dog and an ice cream cone) and a zoo. It was very surreal to see so many people as we came out of the woods and to see all the animals in cages after seeing them in their natural habitat. The hotels where we had hoped to stay were all booked. Not only is it Memorial Day weekend, it is West Point's Graduation (with the president speaking). Right now we are hanging in a grassy area by the bridge over the Hudson River we will cross tomorrow if nobody makes us move on tonight. We are going to sleep out in the open with the toll booth to our left, the zoo to our right, and the Hudson below.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Bear Mountain Bridge

To: Graymoor
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We were awoken by three police cars at midnight shining their flashlights. We thought they had spotted us but it turned out to be a sobriety check point. They checked a couple of drivers never seeming to notice us, all of a sudden there was a loud crash off to the west. One car left to investigate and soonthe other two followed. We were set for the rest of the night. We didn't press our luck and left very early the next morning.We arrived at the Monastary early so we watched soccer matches al afternoon at the ballfield. They allow hikers to stay at the picnic shelter. Looks like we will be adjusting the schedule over the next couple of days, not yet ready for 16 miles days.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Graymoor

To: Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 12.0

Bother Leo stopped by in the morning with his dog Buddy. We wished for warmer weather and boy did we get it. It means drinking more water, which means carrying and filtering more water along the way. We saw a lot of section hikers out for the long weekend. Yet again food is a powerful motivator. We arrivedatcamping option 1 at1:45 and decided to push on to the state park where the consession stand was rumored to be opened until 5:00. It wastight making that schedule. We arrived at the road to the park at 4. The park office was a mile away uphill and we had no luck hitching. The campground was a 1/4 mile uphill and the stand down the road at the beach area. We managed to get hot dogs although the grill was off and tented at a site. At least the campground has hot showers even though we get to put on stinky sweaty clothes in the morning. Not much wildlife today just toads, snakes, and chipmunks.