morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: few clouds

The early part of the day seems so long ago. I was cowboying (sleeping under the stars with no tarp) when the rain woke me. I thought I would set up the tarp and realized it was 515am, so I just got up and did my things. The night before I played some guitar with a 5th wheel camper. It's warming up but not yet bad. I called home from a wayside before I really got going. It's so nice to talk with Rita! I looked at the iron furnace for a while and read the plaque. It's strange to think of the wood it took to make iron. There are not many good views because of the leaves. Along the path I saw Ishmael who I met at Kincora in NC last month. He invited me and other hikers to his home for the night. His girl friend Rachael gave us shoulder massages. Thanks to them both! Ishmael has one regular shelter and a half done house shelter for the 7 hikers to sleep. It's the best of two worlds!
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Boiling Springs

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

The hikers talked with Ishmael as we had breakfast at Faye's in Carlisle. The pancakes were great! I mailed more clothes home and will get them back before NH. I started hiking at noon and made good progress although I was tired late in the afternoon. Skipping my nap was harder on me than I expected. I saw my first fox today.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up early and on the trail. For hours it was cool and then the heat came. I saw a deer and kept walking, but we were watching each other. She kept eating, but looked tense. There were several trail magic of candy and drinks. Thanks. I stopped at Cove mt shelter and saw some of Ishmael's timber construction. The shelter was a master piece. I'm on my way to the Doyle, the run down hotel of the Bush beer people. At Tom's gas and food store, I set up office on the shady side with a ham sandwich and powerade. One powerade is 1.89 and 2 are 2.00. I'll pack one for the road.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Duncannon, PA

To: view campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The Doyle is having its 100 anniversary and is in need of major repair. It was fun to stay there. I left at 711 and later called Rita from some church steps. I always enjoy talking with her and things at home are going well. Last night I had a pub 8 oz cheeseburger. After crossing some major bridges and going up a mt, I talked with Jake Schmidt about his son's work and their trips. It's great to meet these people. Where 225 crosses the AT, Newheart and Noodle had some church friends fix us some bbq chicken. It was great!! Thanks! It was hard to leave the comfort, but it was time to move. I was in the mood for a campsite and wanted to do a few more miles.
Date: 2005-06-26
From: view cs

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

I left early in search of water. It was further than the book said, but I found it soon enough. It was a good spring. Coming up the mt I saw 25 weekend hikers heading home. The heat was hard on me even though I had a 2 hour nap. The last 5 miles were filled with many breaks. I'm sitting around the shelter waiting to go to sleep. I hope I feel better tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Rausch Gap shelter

To: Wm Penn Shelter
Miles today: 13.3

The warm weather has gotten to me the last few days. It's been a while since I slept well. Last night some hikers came in at 1100 after a 28 mile and made a fair amount of noise. I've stayed at shelters with Red Blaze, Hairball, Snowbunny, Nomad, Eagle Eye. Today they're moving on to 501, but I'm staying here. So far it's just me, but it could change. Tomorrow I need to resupply and the 4 mile walk to 501 should put me there at a good time. I spent much of the day thinking about dehydration. I carried just enough water today, but the sky was cloudy. The last 2 days I was short. Last night I filled up, but it takes a while to get the body back. I sat in the knee deep river in the morning and daydreamed about other streams. The water was cool and refreshing.
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Wm Penn Shelter

To: Hertlein cs
Miles today: 9.7

I got an email from my sister Judy telling me that she and Carole are going hiking in the Trinity Alps in Northern CA. I know they'll have a good time! I went into Pine Grove with Rocky for resupply and lunch. The heat is tuff, but I'm feeling better. It may be more food, water and sleep..the big things in my life.
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Game Road campsite

To: Port Clinton Pavilion
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: light rain

There was much lightning in the distance and a little rain on me. The bugs were not too bad and I felt better. Early in the night I had a heavy sweat. The walk to town with Rocky went well and we talked of the trip home from Port Clinton and a flip flop to Kathadin where weather is cooler. After getting to town, we had lunch at Cabela super store ..the largest in the world. The AYCE lunch was much needed and I almost had a hiker's helping. I'm glad to see the appetite. I bought a light weight tent and will try out a new life style...fewer bugs and bites. The Cabela one man 3.7 lb free standing model. I mailed some things home including tarp and bug netting, and needed my bounce box this time. I wish it had more good stuff, but am lazy about finding a grocery...several miles away. Since lunch I've seen Red Blaze, Leviathan, High Noon, Buttah, Proteus and LB. I don't know where we come from. The UCC church has a pavalion, they let hikers sleep in. I'll try out my new tent acrossthe street in the park.
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Port Clinton Pavilion

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

LB and I had dinner at the Union House last night. After 3 hours we got great food. Hermes said it was all home made and he started my spaghetti sauce when I ordered it. An older lady Ruth charged my cell phone for me. Thanks! I used my new tent and left the fly off because it was so hot and little chance of rain. It was nice! I was off at 0600 and the day was overcast. I called Rita from the ridge and did pocketmail. It would not work in Port Clinton. I saw 2 big turkeys and 8-10 small ones. It's amazing the bird can fly! At Pulpit Rock the view was white. At Pinnacle it was hazy. I saw a buzzard preening and many hawks soaring above and below. I got to the shelter around 4 and had a cool solar shower. My clothes and sleeping bag are on a clothes lines. I hope things dry and smell better. The summer ammonia smell is getting into some things so I'm washing more. The poly stuff smells bad in the summer.
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Eckville Shelter

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

After a good rain last night the temp has dropped. This June was PA hottest on record. I was up many times during the night, because of drinking much water yesterday. I packed early and went thru some undergrowth before the rocks started. I was waiting for this and am glad the weather is so nice. The rocks are in all sizes and the trail sometimes uses this. The Saturday joggers came by as I was daydreaming. I stop and watch and think of those ankles. I feel my feet. It's the nicest weather since I got back on the trail. It's time for a short nap. At Allentown shelter, I cooked lunch, got a lot of water, and napped. At 309, Lush, Gump, and Gang Buster (a thru hiker family) had trail magic...hot dogs and sodas..thanks! The cliffs and Bear rocks were some tuff climbs. There were rock minefields in between. At the shelter there was a long walk down for water. Spring #3 had good water and the first 2 were dry.
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: N Smith Gap cs
Miles today: 16.0

Good night sleep in the tent. I was thinking there might be less rocks; there were and then more. I resupplied at Walnutport and made the tuff climb...my poles were in my pack. The 10 mile zinc land looked like a war zone. I'm really tired again tonight.
Date: 2005-07-04
From: N Smith Gap cs

To: N of Wind Gap campsite
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Out early and heading for water, I walked the rocks. I saw a porcupine at breakfast and shooed him away. At Leroy Smith shelter spring #3, there was a gusher out of a 3 inch pipe. I had mac and cheese with tuna for lunch. I talked with the ridgerunner and the conspiracy guy....getting ready for a protest in DC. I saw a bear and cub along the trail after 5. At camp, 2 deer were grazing. This is the 4th and I'm missing the family dinner with the Deano fireworks show. This has been a long strange trip with many more miles to go. Some dreams take a long time.
Date: 2005-07-05
From: N of Wind Gap campsite

To: Delaware Water Gap Hostel
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night I was in bed early and I heard a baby cry. I thought it might be a bear and it kept getting louder. The mind made up more stories until finally I saw a couple with a real baby. At Kirkridge shelter during my nap, Redwing and Hopeful showed up, talked, and are making town plans. I got some good views when the fog lifted and then a little rain. In Delaware water gap, there were about 20 hikers..many I hadn't seen for a while. Leviathan, High Noon, Proteus, SamIam, Origami, Nomad, Jax, VisionQuest, Box of Fun, Angie, Big Foot, Gray Walrus, Pathfinder, Red, Patch, Hairball, Snowbunny. Thanks to Gena and Derek for tea! The church has a good setup for hikers...thanks!!
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Delaware Water Gap Hostel

To: Mohican Outdoor Center campsite
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: moderate rain

A group of hikers had breakfast at the Trails End Restaurant. The eggs were great. After some shopping and a trip to the PO, I was on the trail. The pack is loaded with food and a banana nut loaf. Sunfish pond was a wonderful site for a nap. There was a light rain in the mid afternoon while I hiked. At the center, I had a sandwich and a snapple. Then I had a shower. After more talk, I had another sandwich..ham, egg salad, humus and the fixings. The center has free campsites for thru hikers.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Mohican Outdoor Center campsite

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

After a light rain last night, I slept a little late and walked thru the dew and the overcast. My shoes and socks got soaked and I squeezed out my socks many times. After lunch and a nap I saw my first NJ bear. He was running away. The blueberries were good. On the ridge, I heard many kids playing. When the fog lifted, I could see a lake or river with many camps. At the shelter, I saw a rattlesnake. There's talk that there may be 2 inches of rain tonight.
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Brink Road --- Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Last night, it rained and rained. In the am it was still raining. My tent and sleeping bag were so comfortable that I just slept. I went into the rain for some bodily functions. Later I had some breakfast and another nap. Then there was dinner and a nap. I went to the spring for water. Hairball and Snowbunny zeroed too, but others got off around noon. My body feels like it really needs this rest. Often in town, I'm busy doing errands, eating and sleeping in strange places. I'm off to bed early.
Date: 2005-07-09
From: Brink Road --- Zero Day

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Off early and into town for groceries. I had a nice talk with Rita and did my pocketmail. I'm really enjoying NJ with all its beauty. I was at the Sunset Pavillion during a short thunderstorm and enjoyed watching it from a dry place. Although I rested all yesterday, I still had a hard hike. I think the extra weight of groceries and a wet tent slowed me. So far I'm the only one in the shelter. Since it's .4 miles off the trail, I might stay alone.
Date: 2005-07-10
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 9.6

It was a lazy day and I felt tired. Last night some weekend hikers stayed at the shelter, while most thru hikers put in another 5 miles. Rodeo and I met up at the Murray property around lunch. I had a shower and planned to move on except the owner Jim stopped by and had a lengthy talk about hiking. He thru-hiked in 89 and then built this shelter. Jim said I needed to be eating more fat and need to keep my weight up. Rodeo and I went into Unionville, NY and got some food.. a mile walk. I got some butter and noodles and Paul Newman dressing for hiker pasta salad. You put the noodle and dressing in a bottle while you hike and it's ready for supper. I'll try it tomorrow.
Date: 2005-07-11
From: Murray Property

To: Pinwheel's Vista
Miles today: 14.9

I was up and out early. The butter in my oatmeal made me feel stronger. Last night the donkeys would bay at all hours waking me. The day was hot and I was slow. The pasta salad made me feel stronger, but late in the day I was weak. I had breakfast with some boy scouts. I talked with a trail maintainer and thanked him for the work. I had ice cream and two plums at a flower-gift shop near Vernon. Since I have plenty of food I decided to hike on. I called LL Bean about my shoes having the outer sole peeling off. They'll send me a new pair in Pawling, NY. That cell phone came in handy. Pin wheel vista is 1300 feet and lets me see where I've hiked. I've been looking for hikers, but I haven't seen any yet.
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Pinwheel's Vista

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

The view was great this am. The temp was good for hiking for a while, then it got hot. I met Warren Doyle on the trail and he gave me a one sheet guide on the mental part of the trail. I asked him about Thirstyboots, but he did not remember him. Maybe if he saw him, he would remember. Warren was amazed that I saw a mt lion. Later I saw a bear cub climb a tree. I'm in NY now and was climbing some rocks when I disturbed a turkey vulture family. Papa flew off to distract me and mama shooed the baby into a rock crag. The water looks light brown and has some foam, but I need it. I've put bleach in it and it tastes ok. I don't see any polluters at this elevation and think the color is from the tree duff. I hope I find a good spring soon. Fig says the brown is tannic acid from humus and won't hurt you. I had a milk shake and called home 2 miles before the shelter at a crossroad. There were some tuff rock climbs in NY. There might be a thunderstorm tonight.
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Island Pond campsite
Miles today: 11.5

The miles don't look as tuff as they were. I started out late and made a birthday call to Rita. This was a good start. The rocks were often steep climbs with ridge walks. Several trail angels left water at road crosses. Proteus and I had a good talk after one steep climb and we both wanted a rest. I had a hard time believing my miles were so low. I met 10yearstodoat.com. He's doing the 10 year plan with his wife doing the driving between day hikes. I went into Tuxedo for early dinner and resupply. Thanks Fixit for the lift. Paddio gave me a v8 and told me about doing trail magic in memorial for Justin McPherson. His dad runs an engineering firm in Huntsville, AL. My sympathies for the loss of a son to an auto accident. Justin thru hiked in 2004. God bless.Rita often asks who I hiked with. Many of the hikers meet at shelters and go at their own pace. Sometimes hikers go together. Last night at the shelter, there was Rodeo( who I met in NC, Murray shelter,Erwin), Fig and Just Waitin(who I met at Murray and the crossroad ice cream place), SamIam and Origami (who I met in Duncannon,Delaware Water Gap,Murray), Proteus (who I met at Rustys, Delaware Water Gap) and Padre (who I just met). Some of these hikers I will see in the next week and others will be fast enough to move on. Town stops, vacations and resupplies reshuffle who stays where and when. My slow pace and naps often have me hiking partial days with people.
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Island Pond campsite

To: N of West Mt Shelter campsite
Miles today: 11.9

This was a picturebook campsite. The pond was formed in the ice age and is said to be 1000 feet deep. I got off around 7 and stopped to talk with some nearby local campers. Thanks for the food. I saw Warren again as he was starting a southbound section. I met Kevin and Yukon Jack who are going south. Kevin left Katahdin 2 months ago and was feeling ill. I hope the rest does him good. I'm at Wm Bien memorial shelter resting in the heat and cooking a potato someone left. It takes a while to cook, but this gives me more time to rest, cool down, and do pocketmail. I'm getting excited about dinner at the friary tomorrow. On Black Mt I saw NYC, which did not look like that much. This was a whole different view.
Date: 2005-07-15
From: N of West Mt Shelter campsite

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 11.4

The goal today was to get to the friary at 4pm for the dinner count. They feed hikers a good meal and let them camp in the ball field. I had a hard climb to Perkins Tower and got there at 0815. The place was locked, but the coke machine and portajohn were open. I was looking for water when the ranger showed up to unlock the tower. He and I had a long talk after I read the displays and looked at the views. I went down to Bear mt inn and park. On the weekend NYC comes out to the wilderness. I had a cheesesteak, ice cream, and m&ms. This helped out my calorie count. The park has a pool and a little zoo. I saw a bobcat, bear and otter. I crossed a long bridge over the Hudson River and had some short climbs. I made it to the friary for dinner. Brother Leo gave the hikers a tour of the monastery, which is really a retreat and a drug rehab. They are priests and brothers and not really monks. The friary has some beautiful gardens with many flowers...some extra long lilies. This is my 4month anniversary on the trail. Red and Jax are here and started with me in Springer.
Date: 2005-07-16
From: Graymoor Friary

To: Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 11.5

I slept late and charged the cell phone. I was on the trail at 0900. The day was overcast and hot. Red was talking about a 2 week break and may be finishing next year. Raindrop and SamIam were complaining about being sick. Jax and I hiked for a short time, then I fell back. Later I saw Warren going south again. At 1500 the weather cooled and my mood took a major change. I've been feeling sluggish because of the heat and this showed it. VisionQuest passed me late in the day. She's slacking with a friend. I decided to go to the FARNESTOCK STATE Park for a cheeseburger and to check it out. I was too late for the burger. It's strange to be in a car campground. The thru hiker sites are marginal and out of the way, but free . The mosquitoes were bad so I spent much time in my tent. In the morning I was up and out early to the beach. The snack bar opens at 1000 so I'm sitting around wondering what to do...make breakfast. Some young men were at the beach fishing and I look like authority! The place is not open yet, but the restrooms and coke machine are. Now that I'm rested I find the park interesting in a strange way. Is this NYC vision of the woods? What is my vision of NYC? Will I go? I doubt it. The culture shock and money are main reasons.
Date: 2005-07-17
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: View N of NY52 campsite
Miles today: 12.7

I washed some clothes in the beach bathroom and used the blow dryer. I did email and called Rita. I charged my cell phone next to the Pepsi machine. When it started to rain I put my cell phone in a plastic bag. I got some medical tape to fix my boots, but it only lasted 20 minutes. The store opened and I had an ice cream and 2eggs, cheese, and bacon rolls...so good. The rain let up so I left. After about 5 miles I realized I had left my cell phone. I pondered the problem and decided to call Rita from some where and have the park ranger mail it to me in Kent, CT. I met Rodeo on the trial, but he didn't have a cell phone. I met a jogger trail maintainer and told him about my phone. He said there were some houses near Horton Road. When I got to Horton Road I wondered what to do and saw a lady drive by and pull into a nearby driveway. I walked over and asked to use her phone. She was cordial and let me call. I left Rita a message while she listened. Later she said she would drive me 10 minutes to get my phone. The trail maintainer came by and said he would drive me. When it rains, it pours.The trail maintainer drove me over to the beach and my phone was still charging. Thanks to both of you! It's a relief to have my phone. I called Rita and told her the story. Then it was more walking.
Date: 2005-07-18
From: View N of NY52 campsite

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

Last night I found a depressed area near the trail. If it rained the area might flood, but it had a good level spot for sleeping. I set up camp early and got into the tent to escape the bugs. Later I heard some snorting and stomping. A doe is checking me out with a fawn nearby. The doe figured I wasn't moving so they moved on. I guess it's first come. In the morning I left quickly to escape the bugs and got to a deli for breakfast..a .3 mile trip. Although the trail is good the heat still hits me. I was trying to get to Pawling for my new shoes at the PO. I was slow, it looked like rain, and I'm at a shelter near town. I'll get into town early and do errands...PO, laundry, groceries, outfitter?, ATM.
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

I was ready to get to Pawling, but did not leave too early. I got to the road about 0730 and caught a quick ride to town. I ate at the deli and did my laundry before going to the PO. My shoes were at the PO and the exchange went well. There was a post paid label addressed for the return. I went to the outfitter for socks and nalgene bottles for pasta and butter. I did email and called home and started hitching back. After an hour I began walking and then got a ride. About 1200, I was hiking on the trail. After a while, I went to a deli a half mile down a road for lunch and ice cream. Then came the hot afternoon..someone said 95. I got to the shelter about 1800 and there are about 10 hikers here. The stories and gossip are flowing.
Date: 2005-07-20
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Caleb's Peak Campsite
Miles today: 15.0

I was off early and thought I would get to Kent before noon...wrong. It did not take long to get to CT. Bye bye NY, the rock climbing school. The walk near the Housatonic River was beautiful. It's another hot day, but not as hot as yesterday. I saw my first CT deer and bear. I walked into Kent with Chubster and Free. In town, I saw Pathfinder from GA, NC,Damascus,& Delaware Water gap. He filled me in on who's where on the trail. I had a chef salad and turkey sandwich for a late lunch. Leaving town, I saw McGiver and JustPassinThru, who hurt his back and is now slack packing. Thanks for the ride back to the trail!! I thought 1730 would be cool for walking, but it's really 1830. It's amazing what that hour does.
Date: 2005-07-21
From: Caleb's Peak Campsite

To: Pine Swamp Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5

It is bright and sunny and hot. In the early morning the valley was in a cloud. I met McGiver and JustPassinThru on my way down the mountain. Part of the trail was steep rock steps, often with some monster steps. Then there was the river walk, which was soft and level. Later the heat increased and the mountains came. Much of nature is resting during the heat. I walked slow after a long afternoon break. LB and family, SamIam, Origami, Jax, Chubster, Train, Raindrop, Free are at the campsite.