morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Clarks Creek

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: few clouds

Another dry day - hot and muggy but at least no rain. I left Clarks Creek at 7:30 this morning and made sure to fill my water bottles at the first good spring. The guide book and the map both indicated there were very few reliable springs, however, my caution was not necessary because the unreliable springs had good flow. For the morning much of the trail was on an old jeep trail that may have been used to supply a now non-existent fire watch tower. At the summit of Stony Mtn., the trail narrowed and became wetter but was still in good condition.The trail led through the defunct village of Yellow Springs and many open pit mines were evident. I don't know what they were mining but it did not appear to be coal. It was pleasant walking along the ridgeline and the descent to Rauch Gap was along an old railroad bed. This led to the remains of the abandoned village of Rauch Gap. There were a large number of abandoned open-pit coal mines and several huge hills of tailings. The village existed to mine coal and service the local railroad but the railroad was abandoned in the late 19th century and the mining of coal was uneconomical so the village was eventually abandoned.During the afternoon, I crossed under I-81 and climbed Blue Mtn. This was about a 1000' elevation change and little water was available. I had hoped to camp as soon as I reached the ridgeline but I did not want to do so without a water supply. Therefore, I was forced to continue on to the William Penn Shelter making this a very long day. I made it. I am content and will sleep well in my little tent.
Date: 2003-06-26
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

A hot day for hiking but the infamous Pennsylvania Rocks were not quite as bad as yesterday. I planned on sleeping a bit later today because I only wanted to reach the Eagles Nest Shelter today - about 19 miles. About 6:15, Walkabout woke me. He had been camping about 2 miles south and when he saw my tent near the trail, he called out a greeting. By the time I had finished breakfast and packed up, Walkabout was well on his way. I was not to se him again today.About 10 a.m., I met a couple from Alabama who were returning from a vacation in Maine and had wanted to see some of Pennsylvania on their way home. So they decided to take a hike. They were disappointed when I told them the first panaramic view was at least 6 miles away and they would have to walk over a trail that was very rough in places. We chatted for a while and they decided to continue south on the AT.The rest of the day was uneventful. I passed two southbound section hikers but most of the day I was alone. Around 4:00, I came accross Tuscon, Boogle, Strappy and Pez taking a break and refilling water bottles. I had not seen any of them for at least two weeks. I hiked with them and had a pleasant chat with Tuscon until we reached the trailhead to Eagles Nest. They were going on for another 5 miles to a spring where they expected to camp. This would allow them to get to Port Clinton early in the morning and be back on the trail by late afternoon. I, however, was beat and did not feel up to another 24 mile day, so I decided it was time to camp at Eagles Nest.Now that the weather is hot, the biting insects are active; not just active, voracious. Therefore, as long as the weather is not too bad, I expect to keep on tenting rather than feed the bugs in the shelters.I was surprised today to see so many Mountain Laurels still in flower. Is there a different variety in PA? All the plants have white flowers. Another good day. What more could I ask for?
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Eagles Nest

To: Pulpit Rock
Miles today: 16.3

Today was a hot day but not a bad one for hiking. The trail led over lots of rocky places and at times it was very slow going. The descent to the Schuylkill River and Port Clinton was very steep and hard on my knees. Port Clinton is a tiny place that had better days many years ago. It does, however, have a grand, well-preserved railroad station.When I arrived at the Port Clinton post office I met Tuscon and Boogle there. They were picking up mail and sorting through their food to see what they needed for the next segment of their journey. I found that with my food drop and the small offerings of the local outfitter, I was able to provide myself with 5 days of provisions. Boogle, however, decided that he would need to find a grocery store in Hamburg since Port Clinton had no food stores. We decided that the most important thing to do first was a visit to the Clinton Hotel because they have a pub that offers huge hamburgers and platters of French fries. Shopping and the trail could wait. At the pub, I found Pez and Strappy sorting through their food. They had hiked late into the evening to get to Port Clinton yesterday. They must have had a tough time coming down into the gap in the failing light.The hamburgers were stupendous - a great place. During the afternoon I started to leave Port Clinton and met Tree Hugger - a section hiker - preparing to hike another section of the AT. I had met her many weeks ago in North Carolina I believe.Since it was getting late I decided to try for a short day and stop at the Windsor Furnace Shelter. However, I was so focused on my feet tha I missed the trail to the shelter and continued up the trail to Pulpit Rock. Not until I was half way up the summit did I realize my mistake. At that point there was not enough daylight left to go back, nor was there time to go on to a designated campsite. So I had no choice but to stealth camp a short distance from Pulpit Rock. The wind was blowing and the sunset was spectacular and I was all alone.I don't like to break the rules but it was a wonderful place to camp.
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Pulpit Rock

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Today the trail led past the famous bird watching area called Hawk Mountain. This is an important area for migrating hawks because of the configuration of the maintain ranges the hawks tend to pass this way in large numbers especially in the fall migration. No hawks at Hawk Mtn. today but it was nice to visit this important area.Met lots of day hikers and weekenders today. The campsite is heavily populated with young kids. Hope they go to bed early. I'm beat.
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 16.7

Another warm sunny day - a good hiking day. On the trail by 7:30 a.m. today and I left behind many weekenders at the shelter area who were just starting to stir. Today the trail led to the top of Bake Oven Knob which was a pile of huge boulders and loose rocks which were difficult to walk on. There were many day hikers taking advantage of the nice day although many of the visitors were obscured by a heavy haze. I reached the road to Palmerton at 3:00 but was unable to get a ride so I walked the two miles to the town. At least a hundred cars went by while I stood with my thumb out - afraid of a grubby-looking old man?Palmerton is a town out of the 50's. The surrounding hills were polluted by a near-by zinc refining plant and many areas of the hills are barren or are covered by stunted trees. Hikers pass signs warning about the danger of drinking water from the springs and I was afraid to eat any of the ripening blueberries. I will be glad to get out of this area.
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Palmerton

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

A good day for hiking - a bit warm but an occasional breeze was refreshing. The climb out of Palmerton was tough over very big rocks and an area denuded by the toxins given off by aq nearby zinc refinery. The area is now called the Palmerton Zinc Superfund Site and attempts are being made to reforest the area. Not much progress as far as I can tell - many dead trees, the few that are alive are stunted, no vegetation for ground cover and much erosion. What a sad place to walk through, what destruction, what a loss. This is no longer a place in which it is safe to drink spring water.
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

The Delaware Water Gap! What a spectacular view. The upthrusting geological formation and the steep climb down to the town made it a very interesting end to a non-descript day. Camped behind the Presbyterian Church. Had a good meal and picked up a mail drop sent by Judy. All set for New Jersey. Hope the rocks in NJ are not as bad as Pennsylvania. Caught up with Dreamwalker and Kiwi today. Packman stayed in Wind Gap to have some tests done because he suspects he may have Lyme disease.
Date: 2003-07-02
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Woods Road Camp
Miles today: 16.2

Another clear day - a bit warm but good for hiking. I left the church hostel at 7:20 after a pancake breakfast at the local diner. It certainly filled me up more than the oatmeal I usually have.Today's journey started with several miles of road walking first through the town, across the I-81 bridge to the New Jersey side of the Delaware River, and then along park roads to Dunfield Creek.Whenever I come out of the woods, I am always startled by how jarring the roar of traffic can be and how fast cars and trucks fly by. During the day my pace is so slow and deliberate which makes the speed of cars seem so frantic and wreckless. When the trail comes to an interstate crossing, the effect is particularly disconcerting.The trail along Dunfield Creek is wonderfully graded and quiet. Once the sound of the highway dies, the happy music of the creek takes over. This trail was a pleasant surprise after the difficult rocks of Pennsylvania.After a few hours I reached Sunfish Pond - a large pond created by the last glacier. Around noontime, I walked an extra half mile to the Mohican Outdoor Center because I had heard that they have a good supply of ice cream and cold sodas.Back on the trail Kiwi and Dreamwalker encountered a very large black bear walking down the trail in their direction. When the bear looked up it slowly turned and ambled off into the woods. The whole incident lasted only a few minutes and we were on our way without a problem.Blueberries are ripening and hikers, bears, and deer are in competition for the fruit. I expect there will be more encounters with bears but I hope they do not become as commonplace as the deer. Deer always back off but I don't know about bears.Encountered a lot of day hikers today but I don't think that's too surprising since this is a national recreation area. Most stop to ask about thru hiking and I am getting tired of the same questions. I need to have a card printed with all the pertinent information. They mean well and I appreciate their good wishes.
Date: 2003-07-03
From: Woods Road Camp

To: Worthington Bakery, Culvers Gap
Miles today: 12.2

This entry written by Judy: Not sure why but Finch did not write an entry for today. He met me at Worthington Bakery at Culver Gap, NJ around 1:00. He was inside getting food as I drove by.I saw hikers sitting out front. "That looked like Kiwi and Dreamwalker. Could it be?" I thought. Will I finally get to meet them?Turning around and heading back I found Finch sitting with the other two Geezers "feeding". Was great to finally get to meet two who spent more time with my husband then I for nearly three months.We drove back to the Delaware Water Gap, took the trolley tour, bought some apple strudel at this fabulous bakery, and had dinner at the diner.
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Culvers Gap

To: Monument Trail at High Point
Miles today: 15.5

Judy left me off at Culver Gap today at 9:00. At the time we met Humble Harmon, Little Mermaid, and Don (Butcher) at the Worthington Bakery. Judy offered to help them slack pack and Humble and Don took her offer.The day was hot and there were few day hikers but hiking with only a day pack was a pleasure. Occasionally, there were a few good vistas. The best, however, came at the end of the day at the War Monument at High Point. The vista from the monument was 360 degrees, however, the haze limited the visibility to about 50 miles. It would have been neat to have seen the skyline of NYC but it was not be be today.One good thing about a gas pipeline is that they create vistas and sometimes small fields in the forest. Fields that are island of wildflowers in the forest. Several days while walking across a gas pipeline right-of-way, I stopped to watch dozens of while butterflies fluttering among the dasies and wild mustard plants. A few larger black butterflies joined the dance. The scene was quiet, peaceful and still and I thought about how lucky I was to be able to see this. Only about 15 to 20 people would pass this way today and we lucky few would briefly be a part of this place.PS from Judy: It was fun meeting and offering trail magic to Humble, Mermaid and Don today. Met them a couple of times during the day with a cold soda and got named Ma Finch by "my boys". Enjoyed meeting Amble, Dirty Harry, Bearbait, and others while visiting Finch on the trail. This is a wonderful traveling community and I wish them all "Happy Trails and God Speed".
Date: 2003-07-05
From: Monument Trail at High Point

To: Canal Road (Rt. 565)
Miles today: 18.5

In order to get to the trail at High Point we had to wait for the park to open at 8 a.m., consequently I had a late start this morning. The trail from the monument passes through woodland which was once farmed as evidenced by the extensive stone walls that weave accross the trail. Some of the walls were carefully constructed and were about five feet high. In a few places the walls had fallen, creating piles of rocks and in several places I could see the foundation remains of buildings.The trail was easy walking and I soon passed into pasture land and walked by several horses grazing peacefully in the hot sun. At one of the many road crossings I caught up with Amble and we rested a while when we found Judy handing out cold sodas to any thru hiker that passed. Today, probably for the tenth time, I met Cloud Watcher and Rustling Leaves. Each time we meet they are walking south and have "leap-frogged" north to start their day's trek. They are gradually progressing north by walking south - an unusual way to hike the Appalachian Trail. As the saying goes "hike your own hike".On Pochuck Mtn. I caught up with Little Mermaid who was resting and enjoying the view. I chatted with him for a while and tried to pick out landmarks in the distant haze. We could bearly see the High Point Monument some 16-17 miles away and Mermaid pointed out that we started walking from there this morning. "Well, good for us", he said.Saw several cherry tree saplings today that had been bent over because the cherries are ripe and the bears are hungry.After much searching along back country roads, Judy met me on Canal Road. She had been searching for a place for us to stay this evening but was discouraged because the motels were either filled or very expensive. Because of the expense, the heat, frustration and the fact that I had not had a rest day in two weeks, we decided to simply drive to our home in Maine. I could use a few days of R and R.Back in the "real world", I continue to be unsettled by the high speed and constant noise of our "civilized" life. The contrast between life on the AT and the way the rest of the country lives continues to startle me: From two miles an hour to 70 miles an hour, from cooking a meal in a single pot to ordering a big meal at a fast food store, from the commaraderie of hikers to the anonymity of crowds, from company of slim (skinny) hikers to a restaurant populated with many overweight customers.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Canal Road Rt 565

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: light rain

Judy left me off at the trail head on Canal Road at 3:00 p.m. While I was preparing to leave, Bag walked off the trail and we presented him with homemade chocolate-chip cookies and a coke. He seemed pleased. I then said my goodbyes to Judy and left her with Bag who was still eating.A three-day hiatus from the Trail is both a blessing and a curse. Good food and good love raised my spirits and put some much needed body fat on me, but it also reminded me of how much I have been missing and how much work is yet to be done on our home. So many things connected with our retirement and our move to Maine were left for Judy to take care of. I am very thankful that she has cheerfully done so much. I love her so much...I am a lucky man!After leaving Judy, I set a quick pace for the shelter because the occasional light shower that I was walking in sometimes threatened to turn into a downpour. I reached the shelter at 7 p.m. and found that I was the only one there. Since the only water source was 1/2 mile away, I immediately set off to the ranger station to fill my water bottles. While searching for a water faucet, I came accross a bear about 50 feet from me who was busy looking for mullberries that had fallen from a tree. He completely ignored me while I started looking for a place where I could hide. When I realized the bear had no interest in me, I filled my water bottles and returned to camp by making a wide detour around him.Earlier in the day, I came accross a mother bear and two cubs. I first spotted the mother bear when she was standing on her back legs about 20' from the trail staring at me. I made some noise with my trekking poles but she simply stood and stared at me...not a good sign. A moment later a cub fell about 10' from the tree beside her. Still she stood and stared at me. I looked around for another cub because I began to worry that I had gotten between her and one of her cubs...not a good place to be. Suddenly another cub jumped or fell from a nearby tree. Then the three bears very slowly rambled away. Every few steps Momma stopped to look back at me just to make sure I stayed in my place on the trail.Later this evening still another bear ambled by my campsite. It obviously had a specific destination in mind because it went in a straight path and never looked in my direction.You can be sure that tonight my food bag, trash bag and cooking utensils will be safely stored.Editors note: Finch sent the camera home with me so I don't have pictures to add to these journal entries. Hope I can talk him into taking the camera again when I see him next in Massachusetts.
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: West Mombasha Road
Miles today: 17.0

I had the shelter to myself last night and today, I saw no other thru hikers. Our numbers have thinned out and I seem to be between groups. I did see one pair of day hikers and a woman with young children at Fitzgerald Falls. Mostly a solitary walk. When I reached Wildcat Shelter at 1:30, I had lunch and considered tryng to reach Fingerboard Shelter some 14 miles further down the trail. After a good rest, I decided to give it a try, however, the terrain was tougher than I expected it to be so I ended up camping in a field by West Mombasha Road. I was simply too tired and my feet were hurting. The traffic is about 50' away but my tent is fairly well hidden behind tall grass and trees. It may be a noisy night but I'm tired enough to sleep well.
Date: 2003-07-11
From: West Mombasha Road

To: West Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Sprinkled last night and a very heavy mist with a light rain this morning. Camping in the field by West Mombasha Road was probably not a good idea. The traffic was noisier than I thought it would be and the occasional truck woke me late at night. Oh well, need to think about my surroundings more before deciding on a campsite.The trail from Mombasha was over many rocky outcrops and frustrating ups and downs. Much tougher than I thought it would be. The Lemon Squeezer is a passage between two enormous rocks that leave about two feet or less of space to squeeze past. I found it very difficult. I hate tight spaces and could not lift my left leg high enough to take a critical step. I managed by doing a chimney walk up the two cliffs until I could step up to a higher level. When I reached Brien Shelter at 4:00, I was quite tired. However, after a Snickers bar, I decided to push on to the West Mountain Shelter. It was only three more miles but required a steep 600' descent to cross the Palisades Parkway then a 600' ascent to reach the summit of West Mountain. At the summit, I learned that the shelter was .6 miles off the trail! Nothing to do but do it. Also there is NO water at the shelter and six more miles to the nearest water source. Misled by the hiking guide I have been using!
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Graymoor Friary

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike today brought me through some wonderful hemlock and oak forests that had not been disturbed for many years. Many of the trees were huge, obviously quite old and well spaced. There was little lower canopy growth and the area had the feel of a well cared for park. The upper canopy was strikingly dense and when the sun was behind a cloud, the forest was surprisingly dark. Shenandoah Mtn. was especially beautiful. It was a privilege to have been able to be there.Water supply is starting to be a problem. Not all the shelters and tenting areas have a potable water source and those that reportedly do have water are unreliable. Some of the streams have nasty-looking water and I am very reluctant to drink this water. There is only so much water that I can carry so I will need to keep watching for safe water sources.Walking in the woods is a meditative exercise that puts me in touch with myself, the forest that surrounds me and the spirit of all life that surrounds us.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I saw a massive oak tree today, at least five feet in diameter at shoulder height. Most of this forest is second growth on abandoned farm land. Our ancestors worked hard to make these hills productive farmland, but now their work is obvious only in the stone walls, stone piles and cellar holes that are found this area. Some stone walls are five feet high and five feet wide...massive piles of stones that, for the most part, have ben carefully put in place.I am enchanted by old stone walls and ancient rock piles.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 21.7

Last night the campsite was visited by a skunk. Several of us smelled it late at night but it did not seem to bother our things.The trail led to some lovely spots along the Ten Mile River and the Husotonic River. At one point, I walked through a "pink" forest of Red Pines. The bark of the trees and the needles on the ground had a definite red hue to them.Tonight, I will stay at the rec room of St. Andrews Episcopal Church thanks to the hospitality of Rev. Robert White.Time to resupply in the quaint town of Kent, CT.
Date: 2003-07-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Flowers I've seen on the Trail. Thanks, Chand.BloodrootStar ChickweedStarflowerDutchman's BreechesWood AnemoneFoam FlowerMayappleWild StonecropWhite-fringed PhaceliaLarge-flowered TrilliumLily of the ValleyPainted TrilliumFalse Soloman's SealGalaxFly PoisonRampsIndian PipeTrout LilyLoosewortPurple TrilliumBleeding HeartCatesby's TrilliumYellow Lady's SlipperFlame AzaleaSquawrootWild OatsWhorled LoosestrifeSpring BeautyPink AzaleaWild GeraniumShowy OrchisFire PinkColumbinePink lady's SlipperGaywingsCatawba RhododendronMountain LaurelDwarf IrisLuetsSpiderwortjack-in-the-Pulpit
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Kent, CT

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

I left Kent at 1:30 and walked the .5 miles to the trailhead. There I met a school group of kids (another wilderness school) preparing to take 3 days to hike 25 miles south on the AT.The trail led over some excellent vistas of the Housatonic River Valley and the hills in the distance were speckled with up-scale homes. Nice to have a house with a view...to bad to make the house part of the view.