morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Port Clinton, Pa.

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

I was awake very early as I was too cold to sleep. The temp got down to 42 degrees. I finally climbed out of my tent and talked Pez into heading over for some breakfast at the diner. After breakfast we headed the other direction and stopped at the post office. Pez had two big boxes of food. We sorted through our stuff and hit the trail about 9:30 under beautiful blue skies. It was so nice out that the climb out of town didn't bother us. We found a nice sunny lawn near Windsor Furnace and took a long snack break. Then we climbed to Pulpit Rock. The view was spectacular - with about four days of hiking visable. We took another nice break and then headed to the Pinnacle. The going was very rocky. Pez, Scuba and I relaxed at the Pinnacle for a short while before heading on. Because of the low humidity, the views were great. On the blue blaze trail from the Pinnacle I rolled my ankle and went down in pain. My left hand was punctured by thorns and my ankle (in spite of the heavy boots) was screaming out in pain. I carefully took a few steps and found I had a tendancy to continue to roll the ankle. Obviously I did a little damage and would have to be very careful for a while. I tightened my boots to cut down on any possible swelling and took some vitimin I. Then I hobbled the next few miles to the shelter. I'll have to see how it feels in the mornig. A little rest, compression, and elevation and maybe I'll be good to go. Anyway, at the shelter we ordered some Italian food which was delivered right to the door. That made me feel a little better. Another bummer today - I left my Nalgene up at Pinnacle Rocks. Another hiker said he saw it there but didn't bring it with him. Oh well. Maybe things will be better after a good nights sleep. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up this morning anxious to try putting some weight on my sore ankle. I did and it seemed to hold up ok - at least it felt good enough for me to try hiking on it. So after breakfast we hit the trail about 7:30. The day started out hot and humid but before we reached Dan's Pulpit that all changed. It started pouring out with lightning and thunder. We were hiking on slippery wet rocks. Early on my right foot slipped and all my weight slammed on my left foot - causing instant pain. I was very sore the rest of the day. The saying goes "no rain, no pain, no Maine". Well I had enough rain and pain today - so where's Maine? After a short stop at the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter we pushed on. In the rain we hiked over the Knife Edge, Bear Rocks, and Bake Oven Knob. These are trecherous rock scrambles that would be tough in nice weather. Today they were miserable. Especially Bake Oven with all the thunder, rain, and fog. It was impossible to follow the blazes. I feel there should really be a foul weather trail around the rocks. Anyway, it was still raining when we arrived at the shelter. I was expecting to find it full but there was plenty of room in spite of the small size. Pez headed to the spring and brought back water for both of us while I took a load off my ankle. We will probably head into town tomorrow for some showers and rest. And I could use a cold beer to mask the soreness. I am counting the days left till I get out of PA. I can't wait! The rocks have not been kind and having to climb hand over hand on slippery rocks is not what I consider hiking. A hiking trail should be a hiking trail. Rock climbers and mountain climbers should have their own organization. The ATC should stick to trails. Just my humble opinion. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-23
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Lehigh Gap (Palmerton Pa.)
Miles today: 7.7

After hiking over those rocks yesterday it was nice to wake up and see that the rain had passed. The sun was starting to burn away the early morning clouds. After my usual cup of Joe we saddled up and headed for the trail. I had heard a lot of good things about the town of Palmerton and even though we didn't need to resupply I wanted to visit the town anyway. We followed the ridge and often had some great views. The extention to the PA Turnpike passed inside a tunnel 800 feet below the AT. While on the ridge I was pleased to find a hugh meadow filled with blueberry plants - all filled with ripe fruit. I listened very carefully and I heard some of the berries saying "Hey Lwop, eat me". So I did. We would walk a little and again I would hear them call me. And again I would stop and pick a handfull. It turned out to be a very slow but very delicious 8 mile hike. It is hard to resist fresh blueberries especially when they keep calling your name.Anyway, we eventually made it to the Lehigh Gap and crossed the Lehigh River. Looking up at the rock scramble awaiting us we were very happy we were heading into town. We no sooner started to hitch a ride when a woman heading the other direction turned around and offered us a ride into town. She was the first of many delightful people I got to meet in Palmerton today. We stopped at the only hotel in town and they were booked. Not a problem though as the town allows hikers to stay on bunks in the basement of the town hall. They even have hot showers. And gave each hiker a goody bag prepared by local Girl Scouts. Inside was: toothpaste, toothbrush, TP, bandaides, a phone card, and other such items needed by hikers. I made a few stops around town - post office, drug store, sporting goods store and supermarket. I met and chatted with friendly people at each location. I had asked someone why there was no dirt or vegitation on the mountain I'll be hiking tomorrow (it looks like its only a mountain of rocks). A gentleman who overheard my question gave me a brief history lesson about the town and about the efforts to restore the surrounding area. I always enjoy such encounters and love to learn about places along the trail. Especially from people who take pride in their community. I can't say enough good things about the town and people of Palmerton. I am glad I stopped and visited and look forward to stopping by again someday. A few more things about the town - the streets were clean, they have a beautiful park in the center of town, vehicles stop to allow you to cross a street, and they have nice places to eat and or grab a cold drink. And the American Flag was flying proudly all over town. I should bang my sore ankle so I have an excuse to stay here a little longer. But I am a hiker and hike is what I do. After an early morning feed I will head back out and hit the rocks. Errr, I mean hit the trail. But first I must get some sleep. Goodnight, and thanks GS Troop 112,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Lehigh Gap (Palmerton Pa.)

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up at 6AM and headed over to Bert's Steak House for breakfast. Then back to the town hall hostel to pack up my gear. As Pez and I were heading out of the building getting ready to hitch a ride to the trail I heard someone in a passing truck yell "hey Lwop". It was Ashtray and he waved us over. He was heading to the trailhead and the driver invited us to go along. As I was getting into the truck Ashtray pulled my lost Gregory water bottle from his pack. He had carried it for a few days trying to catch up to me. Ah, a good start to the day. We started the climb up out of Lehigh Gap. It is a rock scramble climb of about a thousand feet. I actually enjoyed the climb and was delighted to see how nicely blazed and routed the trail was in this section - not the case back at Bake Oven Knob. When we got to the top of the ridge the damage caused by pollution was a real eye opener. The mountain had no vegitation and almost no soil. Years ago a zinc smelter in the area produced so much pollution that it killed off the vegitation. That enabled the rain water to erode most of the soil. All that is left is a mountain of rock that resembles something you would see in a southwestern desert. In spite of this it was actually a pleasant hike. As we hiked along the trail became more and more rocky. Between the heat and the rocks I was becomming very fatigued and somewhat dehydrated. I hiked down to Delp's Spring - .3 miles each way and a drop of about 250 feet. It was bone dry. I probably sweated out a liter of water on the hike back up. There are very limited water sources in this area. We lucked out when we arrived at Smith Gap Road as friends of Wicked Lobster were there with water, candy, and fruit. Nice trail magic and enough water to get me to the shelter. I arrived at the shelter pretty much exhausted but hiked the half mile down to the third spring for resupply. I didn't feel like cooking so I ate all I had that didn't require cooking. I doctored my first foot blister of the hike and climbed into the sack. I started to write my journal but fell asleep midway through. So I am completing this from the next shelter. But that's tomorrows story. Hope you had a good night,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept until after 7AM and didn't feel like getting out of my bag. I pulled myself together and had a strong cup of coffee. A good cup of coffee makes everything a little better. We hit the trail about 8:30 and ran into Bear Behind and Sunrise. They, Pez, and I hiked together all day discussing genetics, probabilities and statistics, and other such interrelated subjects. A short break at Hahn's Lookout produced a surprise load of rasberries. We enjoyed a few handfuls of the berries and then moved on. We stopped at a motel at Wind Gap and had a few cold soda's. The motel owners allow hikers to fill their water bottles - a very nice jesture in this area with few water sources. We continued our hike - over an extremely rocky section of trail. It was very tough on my sore feet and bad ankle. The conversation helped to pass time but with my sore ankle I had trouble keeping up with the other hikers. During a short break at Wolf Rocks we started to hear thunder in the distance. I pushed on as best I could to beat the rain and arrived at the shelter just as the rain started to fall. It was early enough to allow me some time to catch up on my journal and relax a bit. We built a fire and roasted some marshmellows provided by Grass. We then settled into our sleeping bags while Pez read aloud from a book about dragons. The smell of the fire and hearing a bedtime story is helping to lull me to sleep. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-26
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

As is usual when we are headed into town we were all up and ready to move early. I was out of my bag at 5:30 making coffee. Everything was pretty damp as it had rained most of the night and water was still dripping from the trees. There would normally be a nice view from the shelter but not today as everything was fogged in. The PA rocks are tough but when they are wet they are tougher. We picked our way slowly through the miles of rocks of all sizes. Many have joked about the PA maintainers coming out at night with a file to sharpen the rocks planted on end and pointing up at all angles. I now believe that is what really happens. For a few minutes the trail will follow an old road with a few rocks on it. Then it will make an abrupt right turn through a field of rocks - it gives the impression that someone didn't want us to miss any of them. Kind of like the AT not missing a climb in NC. But I'm sure that is not the reason and I tip my hat to those who maintain the trail in this area. Their's is not an easy task. Planting rocks deep enough that they don't pull out as their pointed tips penetrate a Vibram sole is no easy task. And these rocks are very hard - not easy to sharpen even with the best of files. And too how they manage to train those bugs to fly microns from your eyeballs and in one ear and out the other...Anyway, we made it to the end of PA. Me with a slight limp and a few blisters and new boots that look like they are a year old. after passing many views (fog and more fog) we arrived in Deleware Water Gap. Pez, Bear Behind, and I checked into the Ramada Inn after stopping at the Post Office. We decided to take a zero day on Sunday so I could send my bounce box out on Monday. We will probably tube down the Deleware tomorrow - a chance to relax and rest and sooth our aching feet. The rest of today was spent doing errands. BB (Bear Behind) and I hitched a ride and hit the Walmart, laundry, car wash (for our packs), and even got a haircut. I have received many reports of bad tick infestations in NJ so I went with a buzz cut (aka a Damascus #1). My scalp is now clearly visible all over my head so ticks will find it hard to hide. I've heard of hikers leaving the trail with Lyme or other tick borne illnesses. I am carrying three different kinds of insect repellant and will have to take precautions. We all check each others back for ticks and almost every day a few of us have one or two. I have been lucky lately - I glow in the dark from all the deet but have been tick free. I am ready to get some sleep as the bedtime story (Dragon Lance) is now complete. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Delaware Water Gap

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

Another nice hearty breakfast and some time to get my gear ready for tomorrow. Then seven of us headed to the outfitter for some tubing on the river. I was a bit concerned as the air temp was on the chilly side and I was not sure about the water temps. But a leisurely float down the river sounded like a nice change of pace. And I thought that chilling my sore feet in the river all day might do them some good. So we handed over some cash and loaded into the van - yellow and orange tubes tied to the roof. We were dropped off at the edge of the river and told to call for a shuttle when we got to the second bridge - two miles down river. The first step into the river had me wondering if I made the right choice but within a minute or two the water felt fine. It was one of those perfect cool and breezy days with occassional puffy white clouds. As we slowly started floating down river I enjoyed the spectacular views of the rock cliffs above. We drifted along for about four hours baking in the sun. It was a fantastic break from our usual routine and my feet appreciated the time to recover. After the tubing, Uncle Ben, Grass, Slim, and Biscuit headed back on the trail. Pez and I have to stop at the Post Office tomorrow so we will settle for another night in the Ramada Inn and another big breakfast. Tomorrow we will cross the Deleware River and be in NJ. Seven states completed - seven to go. Now I am going to take a nice long shower and then hit the sack. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Rattlesnake Swamp Trail
Miles today: 11.5

Pez, Bear Behind, and I shared the room at the Ramada last night and after the float down the river followed by two beers I slept like a log. I was up about 6AM packing my gear and getting things ready to be mailed home and to be bounced. We had breakfast at the diner and then checked out of the motel. After a brief stop at the Post Office we headed up the trail. We crossed the Deleware River on the I80 overpass - just a few feet away from 18 wheelers blasting past us. It was unnerving to feel the bridge swaying as the big rigs passed by. In the middle of the bridge we passed a sign indicating 0 miles. I took that to mean the PA/NJ border and shot a photo of my right foot in NJ and my left in PA. Actually my left foot with the sprained ankle was more anxious to get out of PA but since it was sore it could not keep up with the right foot. If I'm not careful the right could get to far ahead and my butt would drag on the ground...Anyway, it was very exciting to enter NJ. I've now completed 7 states with 7 to go. And even though NJ has rocks I expect to be finish with the tough rocky sections within another day or two. After the I80 bridge we crossed under the interstate and began a gradual climb of about a thousand feet. We took a nice break at Sunfish Pond and enjoyed watching chipmonks and frogs going about their business. We continued on and managed to get lost for a short distance and hiked an extra half mile. We backtracked and got back on the AT and laughed at how we could have missed the bright white double blaze. We arrived at the Mohican Outdoor Center which is run by the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club). After I finished a soda and sandwich we decided to get a bunk and stay in one of the cabins. We claimed a spot and dropped off our packs. I came up with the idea to walk a two mile loop and finish the AT up to Rattlesnake Swamp Trail. We walked about two miles to do a mile of the AT. But, as should be obvious by now, I like to hike. And I got to see and photograph a very big and very pretty rattlesnake. It was rather unimpressed with me and didn't bother to even rattle. He just checked me out and watched as I took pictures from a safe distance. I returned to the cabin, showered, ate, and climbed into my bunk. And that is where I am now. Ready for sleep. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Rattlesnake Swamp Trail

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

We were all glad we stayed in a cabin last night as it rained with thunder and lightning last night. I slept well and didn't even hear the thunder. I was up early and as usual I enjoyed a cup of coffee with my breakfast. We were hiking a little after 7AM and rejoined the AT a short while later. The temp was unusually cool and the early morning clouds soon burned away. Cool weather with beautiful blue skies - perfect for hiking. I started the day with my ankle hurting - it was like that from the moment I got out of bed. All morning it bothered me so I took it slow and took a few extra breaks today. I climbed the Catfish Fire Tower and took some photos. There were a lot of other hikers on the trail today - including what looked like a large group of Boy Scouts. In the few minutes I was near them I think every kid asked the question "are we almost there yet". They didn't seem to be having fun. I passed a sign for Buttermilk Falls and that brought back memories of hikes taken in this area back when I lived on Long Island. When we got to Rattlesnake Mountain it was time for a packs off break. I laid back on a big rock and started snoring almost instantly. I didn't even notice as Pez placed rocks on my stomach. When I awoke almost an hour later Pez and Bear Behind were both asleep. True hiker trash at its best - why rush when you can nap in the sun on a beautiful day? We made a quick stop at Brink Road Shelter for water and to check the register. At Culvers Gap we headed over to a tavern and had a nice dinner and a cold drink. My hiker appetite is in full swing and eating is becomming a costly ordeal. One diner just won't do it for me. After eating we continued hiking and climbed the Culver Fire Tower. Another nice view but quite breezy at the top. We arrive at a full Gren Anderson Shelter and set up our tents. I reunited Biscuit with his journal and cell phone. Grass then read the next chapter from the Dragon Lance. I was glad to head over to my tent as the bugs are very bad. I am very tired and should sleep well tonight. Goodnight, Lwop
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Murray Trail
Miles today: 18.3

Headed out about 8AM under sunny skies. It was evident early on that today was going to be a warm day and that the humidity was building again. But the group I'm hiking with are all in good spirits - all happy to be in NJ and finished with PA. We've all noticed a gradual decrease in the amount of rocky terrain. Still a lot of rocks but slowly getting better - I even stepped on some dirt today. Anyway, after a short walk we arrived at the Sunrise Mountain Pavilion. It was strange to happen on such a large, beautiful pavilion in the middle of the trail. We took off our packs and chilled there for a while. Pez found a large black snake which was in the process of shedding its skin. We took turns holding it and took some pictures. Pez has some prior experience working with snakes and knows how to handle them properly. After placing it back where no other hiker would step on him, he came back to where we were sitting and crawled past going right under our legs. I think he enjoyed the attention. We continued on - stopping at Mashipacong Shelter for a short break and some snacks. It is a nice looking shelter with a new looking privy. Our next stop was at High Point State Park. We used the phone there but decided not to walk the extra mile to hit the concession stand. We climbed the observation platform but were not able to see NYC as it was very hazzy. We started hiking along the NY/NJ border and crossed several roads after we descended and left Kittatinny Mountain. We arrived at our destination for the day and I chose to set up my tent. This low lying area is heavily infested with mosquito's and other annoying insects. After dinner, a nice hot shower, and chilling with the other hikers we continued the Dragon Lance - read by Grass and Pez. Also present tonight - Unk Ben, Slim, Biscuit, Bear Behind, Phil, and a nasty looking tick that just crawled across the back of my hand as I was typing out this journal entry. I have been finding two to three of them on me each day. Not enough to make a decent meal out of so I just kill and burn them. I really don't like to find them alive inside my tent with me. I will have a tough time sleeping tonight. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Murray Trail

To: NJ94 (Vernon, NJ)
Miles today: 13.6

After knocking off almost 40 miles in the last two days I decided to take it a little easier today. That turned out to be a good choice as it was already warm when I awoke. Today turned out to be a humid scorcher. We didn't start hiking until about 9AM. Within two miles we detoured to Unionville NY and stopped at a local deli. Coffee, buttered roll (its been ages since I've had one of those) milk, and a candy bar. I also picked up an Italian sub and a soda to pack out with me for lunch. We continued on and managed to hike an extra half mile or more as we missed a turn near the Walkill National Wildlife Preserve. I enjoyed hiking around the preserve as it reminded me of hiking in Florida - out in the open sun on top of a dike, and very flat. It was a nice change of pace. We then climbed to the Pochuck Mountain Shelter and stopped there for lunch. Continuing on we came to Pochuck Creek where we walked across a raised walkway that must be a mile long and across a beautifully designed suspension bridge. I checked out how both were built - I'm always looking for ideas to bring back to the Florida Trail. We arrived at NJ94 just before 5PM and immediately hit Heaven Hill Farm for fresh fruit, soda, and some baked goods. Pez, Bear Behind, and I then hitched a ride into Vernon (First car stopped and picked us up). We are staying at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church where they have shower and laundry facilities for thru-hikers. They provide a really nice place for us and only request a $5.00 donation. I hope they know how much their hospitality is appreciated. After my shower and starting a load of laundry I headed over for a burger and some chicken and then stopped at the A&P for some supplies. It is getting late and I am exhausted. Even though we didn't do many miles today, the heat and lack of shade took its toll. Both Bear Behind and I have heat rash problems from contact with the backpacks. I still have a good size blister on my right heel - my first in over 2500 miles of hiking on the AT. Never, and I'll repeat that, NEVER break in new boots on the AT in PA. Tomorrow I will finish off NJ and will enter NY - the state in which I lived most of my life. I must add that I've enjoyed hiking thru NJ with its varied terrain and low lying areas and marshes. And its nce weather. For now, goodnight,LwopP.S. Have a great Fourth of July Weekend.