morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-10-01
From: Telephone Poineers Shelter

To: RPH shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

The rains from Nicole continued throughout the night and all day today. After the last two days, the dry creek beds are now raging torrents spilling over their banks and flooding the trails.I woke early this morning, but I was slow to get moving. Instead I stayed in the sleeping bag, dry, and listening to the pouring rain on the roof of the shelter. I kept hoping the rain would let up... it didn't. It was difficult getting started, but I finally got on the trail around 7:30am. The trail was flooded in many places and and the downpour continued so I was soon soaked from head to toe.The high point of the day came as I arrived at the RPH Shelter which I've learned stands for Ralph's Peak Hiking Shelter. The shelter is actually a small house fully enclosed with bunks. It was great getting inside and out of the wind and rain. I arrived at 3:30pm so I had a short hiking day. Normally, I would hike a few hours longer, but I didn't want to tent in this weather. I'm enjoying a night indoors and the rain seems to have stopped. The forecast for tomorrow is clearing and no rain.I'm about a third of the way through New York and I'm finding the trail and the terrain very nice. I'm looking forward to better weather the next few days. I'm told one can see the skyline of the city from the trail on a clear day. I'm hopeful.
Date: 2010-10-02
From: RPH shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Happy Birthday Les!I was pleased to wake early and find stars and clear skies. It felt really good to head out of camp without the rain gear.The hike today was over rolling hills with a number of view points along the way. The trail was rocky in places, but still a nice walk. I made good progress today and arrived at the campsite on the grounds of the monastary by 4:30pm. The sun was still shining on the ball field here so I was able to dry out the tent and gear in the afternoon sun.Don and Gill arrived about an hour later so we're all camped on the ball field of the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. The Friars have allowed hikers to camp here for free for several years. They have provided a pavilion, fresh water, a privy, and a "seasonal" shower. "Seasonal" meaning it is cold water only... not really seasonal for October :-)The clear sky this evening has led to a chilly night. It's 7:30pm and I've already snuggled in the tent.No TV, but I have my pocket radio tuned to NPR... an exciting evening :-)
Date: 2010-10-03
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: William Brien Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

It was a chilly morning at 40 degrees when I started packing up. I hurried to get going; number 1 to get warmed up, and number 2, I would be stopping for re-supply today. Fortunately, there is a small market at the trail crossing of Rt 9 near Peekskill which was only a mile from where I camped. It was a perfect stop for breakfast and a second cup of coffee. Although small, the market had most everything I needed. While at the market, I had an enjoyable chat with a lady whose husband is section hiking in the area. She is shuttling him to the trailheads so he can "slackpack". She had just dropped him off and will be meeting him this evening. She was very interested in my hike so we talked for quite a while.Gill and Don arrived shortly after me so we all got breakfast. Gill needed fuel which the market didn't have so Hazel offered to drive him to a nearby outfitter. She is a trail angel. Don and I finally hit the trail again around 8:30am.Five miles south on the trail we crossed the Bear Mountain Bridge over the Hudson River. At the south end of the bridge the trail goes through the Trailside Museum and Zoo. We enjoyed the walk through the zoo stopping briefly for a cold soda and ice cream from the vending machines.Just south of the zoo there was an Octoberfest Celebration so we stopped again... this time for lunch. We finally got going again around 1pm and began the climb up Bear Mountain. It was a strenuous walk to the summit, but the view made it worthwhile. It was a clear day so we could see the downtown skyline of New York about 35 miles away.After Bear Mountain we climbed West Mountain and Black Mountain before reaching the shelter this evening. The shelter is in really bad shape so I decided to sleep in my tent. There is a chance of rain tonight but I'd rather sleep in the tent than this shelter... it really is a dump, sorry.Enjoyable day today.
Date: 2010-10-04
From: William Brien Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

This was a long, long day in the pouring rain. I have to say that 10 hours hiking in the rain over wet, slick rocks made for a bad day and a low point for me on the trail. I fell five times; a record for one day and one I do not want to break. I wasn't hurt seriously, but I know I will be sore tomorrow.The terrain wasn't bad and I think it would be enjoyable on a dry day, but today wasn't it. There were a number of view points that I think would be nice on a clear day.Tonight, there are four of us huddled in the shelter and the rain continues. Don and I are here with Rambler and Fifteen. They are a couple heading southbound and hoping to finish by Christmas.I'm not crazy about shelters, but it's nice to be in here tonight listening to it pour outside.Unfortunately, the forecast for tomorrow is calling for more of the same.
Date: 2010-10-05
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: NJ Route 94, Vernon New Jersey
Miles today: 17.1

Another rainy day and another day hiking through wet rocks. I recall last week, while in CT, I mentioned the dry conditions and lack of water. I suggested we all pray for rain. Well, you can stop now :-) We're floating down the trails at this point.Don and I hiked together most of the day along with Rambler and Fifteen. We finished New York and crossed over into New Jersey shortly noon. As the rain continued into the afternoon I began to think about a bakery and ice cream shop located by the trail in Vernon, NJ. As we got closer, I also began thinking about a dry bed and a hot shower in a motel which was also in Vernon. Last, but not least, there is a pizza shop in Vernon. Long story short, by the time I reached the road crossing, the plan was set.We headed for the bakery for some afternoon sweets and called the motel for a room. Twenty minutes later, I was at the motel getting a hot shower and getting into some dry clothes. Man, did that feel good.This evening Don and I went for pizza and shopped for re-supply for the next 3 days. I had a very relaxing evening and it feels great to be out of the rain tonight.Tomorrow's forecast is calling for a few scattered showers and clearing later in the day. That would be nice.
Date: 2010-10-06
From: NJ Route 94, Vernon New Jersey

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The forecast called for showers this morning so I prepared for the worst packing to leave the motel. It was raining as we rode to the trail with the motel owner, but it stopped just as we got to the trailhead. Within a few minutes blue sky started to appear snd the sun peeked through the clouds. What a wonderful start to the day!The day turned out to be quite nice with partly cloudy skies and no rain. The terrain was gentle and I really enjoyed the walk. I covered the 19 miles to the High Point shelter rather quickly and arrived at 4:30pm. I thought about continuing to the next shelter four miles further, but decided against it. Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day.
Date: 2010-10-07
From: High Point Shelter

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was a really nice day with sunny skies and warmer temperatures. I was up early and on the trail by 7am. Although the trail was rocky, it was an enjoyable walk along the ridgeline with some very nice views.We stopped for lunch at the pavillion on Sunrise Mountain for lunch. It is a beautiful spot and it felt wonderful up there today sitting in the sun. I almost forgot about this past week's cold and miserable weather as I sat there soaking in the warmth.From Sunshine Mountain we came down to Culvers Gap where we found a bar at the road crossing. This may be hard to believe, but we bought sodas; yes, sodas at the bar. We still had a few miles to go and a small mountain to climb so the sugar rush fueled us to the top.This evening I'm staying at the Brink Road Shelter with Don and two Southbound hikers who will be getting off the trail in Delaware Water Gap.A very nice day. All is well.
Date: 2010-10-08
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Camp Rd., Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the mid 70's. I hiked with Don again leaving the shelter at 7:30am. The terrain was fairly gentle and we went a short distance so today was an easy day. We're staying at the Mohican Outdoor Center this evening leaving about 10 miles to go to reach Delaware Water Gap and the PA state line tomorrow.Don will be leaving the trail tomorrow to return home to Knoxville. He's been out on a 10 day section covering Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. I've enjoyed hiking with him the past several days and I will definitely miss his company.I am really looking forward to tomorrow as Donna is driving up from Virginia so we can spend a couple days together. I plan to meet her tomorrow around noon at Delaware Water Gap. I will be off the trail tomorrow afternoon and Sunday for rest, relaxation, and our time together. I haven't seen her since we met in Rutland 3 weeks ago and I'm looking forward to it.The weekend is forecast for nice weather so I'm hopeful they are correct.
Date: 2010-10-09
From: Camp Rd., Mohican Outdoor Center

To: PA 611, Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Happy Birthday, Gary ! An easy day. We broke camp around 7am and began the short hike south toward Delaware Water Gap. The route was extremely rocky, an indication of the infamous rocks coming in Pennsylvania in the next several days. We stopped for a short break at Sunfish Pond. It was an absolutely stunning Fall day today so we encountered a very busy trail from Sunfish Pond down to the Gap. The parking lot on the New Jersey side of the river was packed today. We crossed the Delaware River via the pedestrian walkway adjacent to the traffic lane on the I-80 bridge... it was a little scary with the 18 wheelers whizzing by only a few feet away. Get me back in the mountains :-) We arrived in Delaware Water Gap on the PA side at noon where Donna was waiting for me. From there, Don headed south toward his home in Knoxville while Donna and I drove to Easton where we are staying tonight. This afternoon, we did my re-supply shopping and laundry. A lazy evening with a huge dinner topped off a near perfect day.
Date: 2010-10-10
From: PA 611, Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: PA 611, Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A nice, zero day around Delaware Water Gap. Donna and I took a scenic drive this morning in Northeast PA as we worked our way back up to DWG. I needed to go to the Outfitters in town for, yet another, new pair of hiking shoes. I was very disappointed yesterday to discover the soles had split and peeled from the pair I bought in Rutland only 3 weeks ago. I plan to contact the manufacturer as I'm hopeful they will replace them. However, I need the new ones immediately so I had to get them today. This afternoon we're relaxing at the DWG Country Club where we're staying tonight. I'm being lazy, staying off my feet, eating everything in sight, and really having a great day. Tomorrow, I will begin hiking the last remaining state. I have about 225 miles to go to finish and the weather looks promising for the first week of the trek. I'm thinkng it will take about 2 weeks to finish if all goes well. After all these weeks, I feel like it's about to come to an abrupt end. On the way to Blue Ridge Summit, PA...(Pictures have been posted from 9/18/10 until 10/09/10)
Date: 2010-10-11
From: PA 611, Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Leroy A Smith Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

Donna and I left the hotel at 7:30am this morning and she dropped me at the trail about 5 minutes later. We said our quick good-byes and I hit the trail... she hit the road on her drive back to VA. The weather today was great for hiking with cool temperatures this morning and clear skies all day. The hike, well that was a mixed bag. The terrain was very gentle with a short climb from the Gap to Mt. Minsi. From there, it was a ridge walk most of the day. The treadway, however was not gentle or easy at all. As expected, the rocks were plentiful and very difficult to walk on. It definitely slowed my progress and made for a tiring walk. I'm anticipating a rocky trail for the next 100 miles so I'm going to try not to complain about it every day... but I think it's going to be a pain :-)As today was Columbus Day, there were a number of day hikers on the trail. I chatted with a few section hikers along the way, but saw no thru hikers or flip flops.Tonight, I'm staying at the Leroy Smith Shelter. It is calling for showers tonight so I decided to sleep in the shelter vs the tent. So far, it's been a lightening show, but no rain. I'm hopeful the rain passes us over so the trail will be dry tomorrow. Only thing worse than a rocky trail is a wet, rocky trail. Oops, there I go again, whining about rocks.All is well.
Date: 2010-10-12
From: Leroy A Smith Shelter

To: Power line S of Ashfield RD
Miles today: 21.3

As I began the day a light rain was falling, but it cleared up by mid morning. I was all alone on the trail today and didn't meet a single hiker. The trail was in fair shape with fewer rocky areas than I experienced yesterday.The most difficult section today was a rocky, steep, descent down to Lehigh Gap. Prior to the Gap I walked along a stretch of deforested land on the ridge due to contamination left from zinc smelting which went on for nearly 100 years. It is now a superfund site. Seems to me a trail relocation should be a consideration...but what do I know :-)After leaving Lehigh Gap I had a steep climb back up to the ridge. I stopped for water from a great spring at the George Outerbridge Shelter, then continued south for another 5 miles where I am camped tonight.It is a clear night so I'm hopeful tomorrow will be a good weather day.
Date: 2010-10-13
From: Power line S of Ashfield RD

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

I broke 2000 miles today!If my calculations are correct, I have hiked 2013 miles and need to go 166 more to finish. The fact that I'm nearing the end has been occupying my mind the past few days. It's been a long journey, but it seems the end is coming fast. The trail was rather flat today with minor elevation change, but it was really rocky. I've been told the rocks begin to diminish as one travels south of Duncannon or slightly before. I'm looking forward to that! The weather forecast says heavy rain tomorrow with clearing on Friday. I'm planning to stay in Hamburg tomorrow night in a warm, dry, motel. Donna is coming up again so we will have the afternoon and evening together. It is nice getting closer to home so she can visit without driving great distances. Stay warm. It's chilly out here tonight.
Date: 2010-10-14
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: moderate rain

I enjoyed a dry night in the Eckville Shelter last night. It is a fully enclosed structure with a door and bunks¢¦ luxury items. This was an added bonus as it was a chilly night and I was expecting blowing rain. The rain forecast for this morning began around 11am; well after I completed the hike over the Pinnacle. Unfortunately, the clouds and fog prevented any views. As the rain grew in intensity I became convinced I¢d picked a great time for a shortened hiking day. By the time I reached Port Clinton it was downright nasty¢¦ cold, windy, and pouring. I arrived about 30 minutes before Donna so the timing was pretty good. We stopped for a late lunch at McDonald¢s in Hamburg, and then checked into the Microtel where we are staying this evening. Again, I¢ve managed to be in a warm, dry hotel on a stormy night. If I can keep this trend going for another week, I¢ll be golden :-) Seriously, it was great to take a break today and spend the rest of the day together. I plan to hit the trail early tomorrow¢¦151 miles to go.
Date: 2010-10-15
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Donna and I were up early this morning so I could get an early start. After breakfast at McDonald's, she dropped me off at the trail in Port Clinton just after 7 am. Rain had stopped overnight and the skies were clearing this morning. The only remnant of the tropical storm was the wind. It has been gusty all day.I had a very nice walk today as the trail followed the ridge line most of the way. There were some nice views along the way and the trail is becoming less rocky. It was very enjoyable.This evening I'm staying at the 501 Shelter just north of the PA 501 road crossing. It is another fully enclosed structure which is very nice on a windy night like tonight. The caretaker and his wife came up shortly after I arrived. They are a very nice couple and I enjoyed chatting with them. Of course, they are avid hikers and very knowledgeable about the area. Good news...they say I'm just about finished with the rocks and I can look forward to a smooth walk. We'll see. It feels great inside the shelter and I'm snug in the sleeping bag listening to the wind howl outside. All is well.
Date: 2010-10-16
From: 501 Shelter

To: Rattling Run
Miles today: 24.9

A beautiful fall day in October made for great hiking today. The wind was a little brisk on the ridge line, but it felt great. The trail was mostly flat today except the trip down and back up from Swatara Gap. With the gentle grade and only a few rocky sections, I made great time today. There were a surprising number of people on the trail today...a beautiful Saturday brought them all. I enjoyed chatting with a number of folks throughout the day. A few folks were out for the weekend, but most were day hikers. After the past several days of near solitude on the trail, I was glad to see so many people out here today.It is a pleasant evening with clear skies and I have a great camping spot by a small stream. I covered a lot of miles today so the bubbling brook is already beginning to lull me to sleep. It's only 8 o'clock :-)Tomorrow, I hope to make it to Duncannon, a great trail town.
Date: 2010-10-17
From: Rattling Run

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: few clouds

I woke early this morning and I was itching to go so I started the coffee at 5:30 and I was on the trail with my headlamp at 6:30. I've never hiked in the dark and I struggled a little following the blazes until things lightened up. Fortunately, the trail was smooth and easy for the first mile. It was light by about 6:50 so it wasn't bad. I had a long day so the early start helped.Today was another beautiful day so there were a lot of hikers out again. It's nice to see so many other people out here. The trail today had more rocky areas than I've experienced the past few days so it slowed the progress a little. However, I still had a pretty good day. I made it into Duncannon this afternoon and checked in at the Doyle Hotel. The Doyle is a hundred year old hotel and a hikers' favorite on the trail. I had a great dinner here tonight as well as a hot shower which was wonderful. I've made good progress the past few days and I'm now only 80 miles away from Blue Ridge Summit which will complete the trail. Barring injury, and with decent weather, I should finish the trail by Thursday or Friday of the coming week.NOTE: My email device has died. It no longer works at all so I won't be able to provide full updates unless I have access to the internet. This doesn't happen too often on the trail :-) I will phone in brief status updates to Kim over the next few days and provide more details later.
Date: 2010-10-18
From: Duncannon, PA

To: US 11, Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 17.7

After a huge pancake breakfast at Goodies Restaurant, I left Duncannon around 7am. It was a cool morning with temperatures in the low 40's. The first part of the day was a climb leaving Duncannon and climbing Cove Mountain. It was not a difficult or really long climb, however the rocky trail slowed my progress a little. After leaving Cove Mountain the trail descended to the Cumberland Valley. I walked about 8 miles of very level and easy terrain to arrive at the Rt 11 crossing near Carlisle. Although it was still early in the afternoon, I stopped here for the night. The next economical accomodations are 9 miles away and camping isn't allowed through this section so I had a good excuse for a short day :-)This evening I'm enjoying some rest and a dry motel during tonight's rain. I had a huge lasagna dinner at the Middlesex Diner across the street from the hotel so all is good. The weather is supposed to clear tomorow afternoon with good weather for the next few days. It looks as though my last days on the trail will be sunny with seasonal temperatures. I now have 62 miles left to finish and I plan to complete the journey on Thursday at the Rt 16 crossing near Blue Ridge Summit, PA. That is where I ended the northbound section on June 2nd.I'm ready, excited, and slightly saddened by the prospect.
Date: 2010-10-19
From: US 11, Carlisle, PA

To: Pole Steeple Trail Crossing
Miles today: 24.7

I'm still on schedule to finish mid-day on Thursday. 38 miles to go! Today was a very nice day in Southern PA. The rain ended before I left the hotel at 7am which was great. I had a very enjoyable walk through the Cumberland Valley. The sun came out, the trail was flat and smooth, and the scenery was great. I think it's one of the nicest walks I've had on the trail.I arrived in Boiling Springs mid morning and stopped in at the ATC mid-atlantic regional offices to sign the register and chat a few minutes with the staff. Boiling Springs is a charming little place and I really enjoyed the walk along the lake leaving town. Oh, almost forgot...also enjoyed a cold soda and few snacks at the "C" store on main street. Never want to pass up these opportunities. This afternnon I left the valley and hiked a number of small hills. The terrain remained rather gentle so I made good progress. I made several stops today taking my time along the way, yet I still ended the day with good mileage.