morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 16.5

Lust for LifeSo let's not talk about the billions of rocks and boulders that I had to clamber over today.Woody Allen once said: "Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering-and it's all over much too soon." Today as I walked, I pondered the question: what makes us want to keep going? With the day to day trials and tribulation, why do we yearn for tomorrow? Under the current circumstances, it would make more sense for us all to head for the nearest precipice like a herd of lemmings to seek the Great Beyond. Is is merely survival instinct, or is it something more complex? Perhaps it is to fulfill a dream: bag that trophy buck, make that hole in one, marry that trophy wife. And more specifically, what motivates me to greet each sunrise? (answer will appear at the bottom of tomorrow's entry) As I walked and stumbled, I realized that walking the trail and life on this planet in general bear some similarities. I have already walked over 1200 miles of this trail, yet continue to want to walk further. I guess, in simple terms, I want to see what is over the next hill and around the next bend. There always seems to be something waiting for me: a new scene, a new experience, or a chance meeting. Today, I was awakened from thought by a sudden sliding sound followed by a sharp rattle. A large beautiful green and black timber rattlesnake was moving ahead of me up the trail. It coiled in a defensive posture as I neared. I had the opportunity to observe this wonder of nature as the standoff ensued. Events like this one are my motivation to walk the next mile. I believe there is a similar drive that makes us want to live each day: to see what is waiting for us around the next bend. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. -Benjamin Franklin
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

Blueberries!Water is definitely a rare resource on the Pennsylvania A.T. I hiked down the mountain from the shelter for nearly a half a mile to the spring. This is not a welcome chore after hiking a long day in the heat. I carry at least three liters as water stops along the way are rare and I tend to drink more in the hot weather.Early in the day, I was slowed by the rocks. The trail included a section called Knife Edge which is a pile of upwardly sloping flat boulders stacked at the top of the ridge. Later in the day, my progress was slowed by bushes of sweet blueberries that lined the trail for a mile or two before the shelter. It is better to be held up by blueberries.The shelter had a robust piped spring nearby which was a great luxury. However, it was perched on a rocky slope and lacked tent sites and privy. I had an early bedtime as it is best to attack the climb out of Lehigh Gap before the sun starts to bake the rocks.(Answer to yesterday's question: A draught Yuengling Lager served up in a frosted mug)A place for everything, everything in its place. -Benjamin Franklin
Date: 2010-06-25
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The WastelandPennsylvania's answer to the grassy balds of the south are starkly barren mountaintop superfund sites. I had the opportunity to walk through one today.The ascent out of Lehigh Gap included some of the most precarious and exposed rock climbing to date. At one point, I took one of the blazes literally and started climbing up a ten foot vertical rock column which would leave me at risk for tumbling hundreds of feet down a cliff once at the top. Thankfully, I realized that the handholds were not secure enough, particularly with the weight of my pack, and sought out an alternative route, which proved to be an order of magnitude safer.Once I crested the hill, I had several miles of walking through a sun-exposed wasteland created by the zinc smelting plant in the valley to the north. The twisted grey remnants of trees sprouting from bare rock had a surreal appearance. I felt as if I were in a Salvador Dali painting and kept looking for the drooping timepieces. In some areas, grasslands were sprouting up and included an array of beautiful wildflowers and huge thistle blossoms. This gave me confidence in nature that she could recover from almost any insult and that life and living things would carry on long after mankind had extinguished itself from the face of the planet.There was an abundance of blueberries bushes sprinkled throughout the superfund site. I was told that it probably wasn't a good idea to eat them here. They tasted good, so I consumed many handfuls of this sweet succulent treat. Carpe diem!Excuse me while I kiss the sky.-Jimi Hendrix
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Reunion at the GapI camped in a grassy tent area above the shelter last night. I arose early and was on the trail by 6:50 as I had a twenty miler today. My motivation was meeting Ground Control at the Delaware Water Gap.The trail was particularly rugged until a bit after Wolfe Rocks. My feet suffered from the constant pounding. I took a late break at the Kirkridge Shelter and called Ground Control to give her an estimate of my arrival time. I also wanted to keep tabs on the USA v. Ghana World Cup match.That evening, we crossed the bridge and dined at Charlie Browns in Hackettstown for a great prime rib dinner. We were joined by two of my childhood friends from Livingston, New Jersey, Mark and Art.Tomorrow, I will take a zero day to recover further.If I¢m free, it¢s because I¢m always running.-Jimi Hendrix
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

TouristsI enjoyed a zero day with my wife, Ground Control, today. We had lunch at the bakery at the Gap. I highly recommend the chicken pot pies.We enjoyed watching World Cup Football in the afternoon back at our motel room.As usual, our time together passed much too quickly. I will next see GC before summiting Mt. Katahdin in early September. It will be difficult to be apart for so long.When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.-Jimi Hendrix
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Trail Magic!I took a cab from the Budget Inn to the town of Delaware Water Gap to resume the odyssey. The motivation for hiking today was meeting Storm (A.T. NOBO Class of 2009). At my destination, she was bringing FOOD!Although this was a short mileage day, the heat and humidity added challenge. At one point, I felt dizzy and nauseous. I wondered whether I was coming down with something, but later realized when I rested and hydrated that it was likely the heat.The trail in New Jersey is quite beautiful. Some of the rocks of Pennsylvania seemed to carry over, but the trail does not seem as arduous. Sunfish Pond possessed tranquil beauty. Deer were feeding on blueberries next to the trail and did not move away as I approached. There were great views of the Delaware River Valley and the lakes to the south from the ridgeline.The Mohican Outdoor Center is a great place to stay. I took a bunk in one of the lodges as violent thunderstorms with strong winds were in the forecast.Shortly after I showered, Storm arrived with a tray of sausage, potatoes, peppers, and onions as a filling for hot sandwiches. Also on the menu were potato salad, watermelon, and a large cooler of soda and iced tea. Six members of the Class of 2010 sat down for a feast. It seems that former thru-hikers make the absolute best trail angels and deliver the most awesome trail magic. Thanks Trail Angel Storm!There was also great fellowship and conversation. The bonds between long distance hikers is special and unique. We speak a language that is all our own. It was great to catch up on the news on and off the trail. And, there was a saddness when we all had to go our separate ways.Happy trails to all...You have to go on and be crazy. Craziness is like heaven. -Jimi Hendrix
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It's a Wild, Wild LifeLast evening, we were treated to wildlife sightings from the Visitor¢s Center at the Mohican Outdoor Center. First, we saw a doe accompanied by her spotted fawn. Then a juvenile black bear ambled by. As it is currently mating season, the sows have sent their young (born last year) away to fend for themselves. The young bears who are out on their own, now, appear a bit confused without mom's guidance. I was startled by a sharp rattle about two miles before Rattlesnake Mountain. A four foot brown timber rattler moved off the trail just a few yards ahead of me. It was a beauty and quickly coiled into defensive posture as I approached with my camera.The trail in New Jersey remains quite beautiful with expansive vistas from the open ridges. There are plenty of rocks on the trail, but the walking is easier than it was in the state which will remain un-named. The focus here is clearly on aesthetics. The privies are without walls and offer commanding 360 degree views from the throne. I retreated early to my tent because of the mosquitoes. My site was about 15 feet from the shelter's picnic table. A couple of women hiked in at dusk and placed food bags on the table and then left to attend to other chores. A large black bear approached the picnic table noiselessly, but, was spotted by the hikers before getting to the food bags and thankfully, moved off after they clapped a few times. It is a good thing that most bears are afraid of people.Catch you down the trail...The silence of a falling starLights up a purple skyAnd as I wonder where you areI'm so lonesome I could cry-Hank Williams
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

High PointToday was great because I had second breakfast. I noted that there was a coffee shop at the first road crossing and stopped in for OJ, coffee, and a double meat breakfast sandwich on a sesame seed bagel which was superb. The proprietor and chef was a pleasant curmudgeonly fellow. The A.T. Guide mentioned that this place was not hiker-friendly. I disagree and recommend "Cup of Joe to Go" to all hikers passing through in the AM.It was a long rocky trail today. I made supper at the High Point Park office to break up the trip and get the meal over before the mosquitos got oppressive.The shelter was a couple miles further down the trail. On the way, I passed a buck with antlers as tall as his ears and had good views of the High Point Monument.I arrived at the shelter at dusk and set up my tent on a mound of moss. The night promised to be cool once again--good sleeping weather.Thanks for following along...If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.¢ Amy Tan
Date: 2010-07-01
From: High Point Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 7.1

Chillin' at the MayorsI saw a young doe and her fawn feeding as I left the shelter today. The pair would move about 30 yards ahead of me as I walked the first quarter mile. The tread-way left the ridge and rambled through farms, wooded valleys, and bogs. There were long sections of elevated boardwalk to assist passage through the swamps. I met High Tech a mile or two before Unionville and walked into town with him. We stopped at the general store for refreshments,then headed for the Outhouse, the Mayor's hostel. The Mayor's is a great place to stay and caters to a hiker's every need.Vinchero!Here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment. There is no why. -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Unionville, NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

Still in New JerseyI feel restored in mind and body after staying at the Mayor's. Butch gathered the guests after supper and gave an inspirational speech followed by the viewing of a DVD about Paul Potts, a Welshman who sold cell phones for a living, turned international opera star following winning on Britain's Got Talent.I love being on this trail. Once again, the trail community is a model for how things should be in greater society. We help each other and we care about each other. Age, level of education, financial resources, gender, and religion do not represent barriers out here. And then there's the trail magic...Tomorrow, I head into my ninth state.I really wonder what gives us the right to wreck this poor planet of ours. -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Wawayanda Shelter

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

We All Love Ice CreamAs promised, I crossed into New York today. The trail resumed ridge-walk along the west side of Greenwood Lake and offered some sweeping views of the lake and off in the distance, the faint outline of the NYC skyline. The trail involved more rock climbing and progress slowed. This relatively low-mileage day felt substantially longer. I was looking forward to reaching Rt. 17A as a creamery was just 0.2 miles off the trail. As I approached this destination, I found a cooler full of soda and other hiker treats. There was more trail magic waiting at the road: Ichabod's parents had a hiker feed going. I helped myself to a burger, a beer, a soda, and a plum. Afterwards, I waddled to the creamery for dessert. Late in the afternoon, a crowd of thru-hikers accumulated there so I stayed a while longer and chased my root beer float with a banana split. At about 7 PM, Breeze, Bumper, Half Step, NP, Kentucky, Pacer, and I hiked the final 2.1 miles to the shelter. Another great day on the trail.I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different. -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Illegal Stealth Campsite (after Arden Valley Rd)
Miles today: 15.4

Independence DayI set out at 7:20 AM today as I wasn't sure where I would end up. The day was very hot, but I appeared to be doing well as I eclipsed several hikers who had set out earlier. Highlights of the trail today included the Lemon Squeezer and a precarious rock climb that followed shortly thereafter in which I threw my pack onto the ledge above as I could not perform the scramble up the vertical face otherwise.I was pleased to finally catch up to Cheese (from Wisconsin) in the early afternoon. She was planning on going to Tiorati Lake for a swim near the end of the day (there were vending machines there!). So we headed 0.3 miles down the road to a bustling recreation area. We met a trail angel named Nails who gave us watermelon and soda and invited us to a hiker feed that he was doing at Bear Mountain tomorrow. We were later joined by Skip and Rocket who shared the watermelon. Skip, Cheese, and I enjoyed swimming in the lake before we prepared supper. After some mealtime hiker fellowship, it was time to head back onto the trail. Cheese and I tented in an undesignated (illegal) spot within a mile of the road. After all, it was Independence Day. Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected. -George WashingtonHappy Birthday America!-iTrod
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Stealth Site Near Arden Road

To: Bear Mountain Bridge
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Song of the Open RoadAfoot and light-hearted, I take to the open road,Healthy, free, the world before me,The long brown path before me, leading wherever I choose.-Walt WhitmanBecause the mosquitoes were biting,we arose early and headed out soon after 6 AM. Cheese was ready first and started down the trail about fifteen minutes ahead of me. Today was a hot one--we had two substantial climbs: West Mountain and Bear Mountain. Sherlock and Saguaro had mentioned that the walk to the Hudson was not easy when we spoke a couple of days ago. I caught up with Cheese at the William Brien Memorial Shelter where she was chatting with a church group that she had met at the last shelter. I checked the shelter register and was pleased to discover an entry by Saguaro. The pull up West Mountain was difficult, but the ridgeline views were striking. From the east side, we could see the Bear Mountain Tower, our next destination. It is said that millions of people walk the A.T. each year. I would guess that the stretch through the park at Bear Mountain accounts for ninety-five percent of that number. At one point, our progress was blocked by a long line on the A.T. awaiting entrance to a swimming pool on this hot holiday weekend. Next, we passed through the Bear Mountain Zoo which contains an imposing statue of poet Walt Whitman. Several verses from "Song of the Open Road" were inscribed on a plaque near his feet. We were struck by these words as they resonated with our wilderness experience.We reached the western end of the Bear Mountain Bridge upon exiting the zoo and happened upon a group of hikers that included Jibitz, Marty McFly, and Phineas preparing to cross the Hudson. We obtained some useful information about Fort Montgomery before heading into town for the night. I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over.Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.-Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-06
From: Bear Mountain Bridge

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

Across the HudsonCheese and I needed a nero day so we slogged across the Hudson River in near 100 degree heat and scrambled up the mountain on the other side. Thankfully, the trail eventually leveled out and before long, we reached US 9 where we found a convenience store with cold beverages. A short while later, we arrived at Graymoor where we could tent on their soccer field. There was a cold water shower, a sink, and a pavillion with electrical outlets. We met NP (No Promises) there. She just graduated from college and was hiking north from Harpers Ferry. I really enjoyed chatting with her. Later, we were joined by a couple of guys from Texas: Gordito and Bumpin. They were a hoot. We enjoyed swapping lies until the mosquitoes chased us into our tents. Tomorrow, it is back to hiking full days.I was taught that the human brain was the crowning glory of evolution so far, but I think it's a very poor scheme for survival. -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area
Miles today: 17.5

WaterIn view of the record heat and humidity, I was rather incensed that there were no convenience stores where cold beverages could be procured at any of the road crossings. On hot days like this, finding water becomes a priority. With the lack of rain, virtually all the brooks and streams have dried up. This makes us more dependent on man-made sources. For the last hundred miles or so, gallon jugs of water have been left at several road crossings by local trail angels. I usually start out by carrying 2-3 liters of water which may carry me the distance. Today, there was a faucet on the side of a pump house about eight miles into the hike.The water was cold and tasted good, so I "cameled-up" by drinking a quart of water on the spot. I also ducked my head under the faucet in an effort to prevent my brain from melting in the hundred degree heat. I soaked my bandana and wiped the salt from my skin. On days like this, one really appreciates clear, cold water.Cheese got a fifty minute head start today, so I didn't catch up to her until the tenting site. I was happy to find a great water source here that could be accessed through a hand pump. The water was very cold, so I pumped it over my hot, burning feet and rinsed the dust and grime from my legs. Out here, simple pleasures go a long way. Maturity is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter could be said to remedy anything. -Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: Pioneer Telephone Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

SodaMy name is iTrod and I am a sodaholic. Specifically, I am addicted to high fructose corn syrup. For example, when I arrived at Tiorati Lake a few days ago and discovered vending machines, I consumed 60 ounces of Minutemaid lemonade in short order. And that was in addition to two cans of soda. It seems strange, but while I am hiking, my thoughts usually drift to cans of cold soda covered in beads of sweat. I guess this seems the perfect tonic as my body screams out for fluids, cold, and calories.This explains why I will walk nearly a mile off the trail to visit a gas station convenience store or deli. Today there was a deli located on NY 52, about six miles into the hike. I thought that this would be a good location to stage "second breakfast". So I took a right turn on highway blacktop in 90 degree heat and marched 0.4 miles up over a hill to visit The Mountaintop Deli. There, I consumed a ham, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich with a carton of orange juice and a bottle of chocolate milk. Afterwards, I still had a feeling of lack of bloatedness, so I went back for a 20 ounce Coke and a bag of salt and vinegar chips (or crisps as Sherlock would say). Mission accomplished, I felt bloated and ready to waddle back up the hill and onto the trail. I suspect that I am going to have to alter my dietary habits once this journey is concluded--I hope that I am able.The universe is a big place, perhaps the biggest. -Kurt Vonnegut