morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Windsor Furnace

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Well it never rained last night as we expected, it waited until I wason the trail hiking this morning.   But it wasn't bad. The main partof the storm missed us. I could hear the thunder in the distance.Then in an hour or two it turned into gorgeous weather for the rest ofthe day. This evening it has gotten very windy and cold, so I amspending another night in a shelter to avoid the impact of theweather.Really made good time today until the last 4.5 miles, when the trailbecame this incredible jumble of rock. Tore my feet up! They arevery tender from the beating. This is the rock Pennsylvania is famousfor. During this stretch I made a stop at Balanced Rock to rest myweary feet when I suddenly heard something moving behind me. It was areally big rattlesnake. He was moving around through the leaveslooking for something to eat. He would check one hole, then anotherlike he was looking for a chipmunk or something. This, unlike the oneI saw a couple of days ago, was mostly gold in color with some blackhighlights. He also had about 5 or 6 rattles on his tail so he hasbeen around for a while. I got some nice pictures and a video of himmoving around.Oh yeah, in the shelter last night there was a bird nest used by aFlycatcher. He kept flying in and out of the shelter. Also saw aPileated Woodpecker by the shelter. They really look like a closerelative of the dinosaur. Very cool. And today I saw my first deerof the week near The Pinnacle, which is considered the best overlookin Pennsylvania. I have been there many times but today it was kindof rainy so the view was not the best.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got down into the 30s last night. I put pretty much every piece ofclothing that I have with me on and I was then comfortably warm. Ibought a new down filled inner jacket and that was the difference. Assoon as I put it on I got really nice and warm. When morning came ittook some convincing to talk myself into getting out of my warmsleeping bag. Once I got moving it was better, and it was quite coolall day.This morning I had a nice easy 4 mile fire road walk over to Route309. A nice way to start the day after getting my feet mangled by therocks yesterday afternoon. At the road end there was the Blue Mountain SummitRestaurant, which I took full advantage of by getting a nice meal. Ihad to wait around though until 11:00 a.m. on their front porch for itto open, but it was definitely worth it.The remaining 6 miles into "Easy" Bake Oven Knob Shelter was tougher.Again, the rocks were everywhere, but I took it slow and my feet camethrough it okay. One section, called "Knife Edge" was just that, asharp edge of rocks that shot into the sky. Of course the trailfollowed this edge of rock for a while. I had to use both my feet andmy hands to cross this exposure. It was a little hairy with the windblowing and me carrying a pack. Generally it was slow going but I amfeeling like I might be able to handle a bigger day tomorrow. Rocksor no rocks.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Smith Gap Road

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up today with really sore feet and a new blister, so I took itreal easy and got into Wind Gap by around 1:00 p.m. The weather issuppose to be awful tonight, so I wanted to sleep under a roof tonightto stay dry. The next shelter was another 9.2 miles past Wind Gap soI decided to stay at a cheap motel. So, I have been resting allafternoon in my room at the Gateway Motel in Wind Gap and will get back on the trail tomorrow morning for the final hike into the Delaware Water Gap. I may have to start in the rain since I am 15 miles from the Gap and will need allday to get there. We shall see. Looking forward to seeing my familytomorrow. My wife Marie is picking me up at the Gap late in theafternoon and I will spend the next couple of days relaxing at home.
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Well, it did rain all night but the worst of it was over by morning. I left the hotel around 8:30 a.m. and it was cold and misting rain. The hike out of Wind Gap wasn't too bad. The climb actually warmed me up and I was able to stay comfortable all day long. Everything in the woods was soaking wet and the walking was a bit tricky at times due to the slippery rocks. But all and all the trail seemed to be a little less rocky today. There were actual stretches where I made really good time since the trail was pretty much rock free. First time I have seen that in a week. I encountered several good overlooks during the day but really couldn't see a thing because of the rain and fog. It was like walking through the clouds all day. The trees were all shadows in the forest. A totally different mood to the woods today than normal. It took all day but I finally got to the Delaware Water Gap and crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey around 5:00 p.m. For a couple of reasons, I was very happy to finally finish the A.T. in Pennsylvania. First and foremost was that it took me a part of last summer and this summer to get the job done. Having had to pull out at Duncannon last year due to my foot problem was frustrating and I had to wait a whole year to get back on the trail. Secondly, Pennsylvania is one of the longest states I have traversed so far. So that felt good. And finally, I was happy to leave all those nasty rocks behind. The trail is suppose to get a lot easier in New Jersey and New York. Most of the hikers out here do not have a kind word to say about their trail experience in Rocksylvania.Marie picked me up at the Delaware Water Gap Visitor Center and we got home around 8:00 p.m. I will spend the next couple of days resting and planning out the remaining sections of my hike to Maine. So far the plantar fasciitis in my left foot has not been a problem, so I will get back on the trail on Sunday May 16th to continue my hike north.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Rattlesnake Spring
Miles today: 12.3

Back on the trail today after two zero days at home. Really feel alot better after the rest. The feet are in much better shape. Mariedrove me back up to the Water Gap and dropped me off at the trail headaround 9:15 this morning. Since it is Saturday, the parking lot was abeehive of activity. Lots of folks out for the day getting themselvesready for day hikes. I really saw a ton of people today. One BoyScout troop had about 30 kids out on the trail.The climb out of the Water Gap wasn't too bad. After a couple ofhours I arrived at Sunfish Pond, which according to the sign is one ofthe "Seven Natural Wonders of New Jersey". It is a really prettylake. I camped there 40 years ago on my first backpacking trip aspart of a summer camp I attended through the church. I wasn't a goodswimmer then so I did not pass the swim test necessary to go on acanoe trip on the Delaware River.   Me and a few of the swim flunkieshad to go on a backpacking trip instead. Looking back it turned outto be a good thing (though I didn't think so at the time) because itignited in me a life long love affair with backpacking. So it waspretty cool to come back to Sunfish Pond and see the campsite where we spentthe night. I still have memories of porcupines walking around oursleeping bags in the middle of the night.While at the Pond I spotted two more snakes. One was swimming out on thewater, and the other was short, black, and stubby and slipped quicklyacross the trail in front of me. Then, just some 50 yards past thepond I encountered another one, yes, another rattlesnake. He was sittingright next to the trail and gave me a sharp warning with his rattle asI approached.   He was about a 3 footer, mostly gold in color.The trail today was better than anything I experienced inPennsylvania. Not only was the trail less rocky, but it affordedoutstanding views to the east into northern New Jersey and to the westdown to the Delaware River and into Pennsylvania. Combined with thebeautiful weather today, it was a very entertaining hike.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Rattlesnake Spring

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a very early start this morning expecting that it would take allday to get here. And it did. But the walking was very nice. Again,the trail here in New Jersey provided plenty of variety and interest.Lots of views, fire towers, some mountain ponds, streams, etc. Reallyenjoying this section.For the first time this year, I saw a couple of deer hanging out bythe trail. I think the reason I never saw any deer in Pennsylvaniawas that much of the trail passes through state game lands. The deerthere are hunted in the fall, so they are a bit more careful aboutbeing seen.Got a big surprise today when I arrived at the shelter. I reallyhaven't met that many hikers out here this time. Mostly this is dueto the fact that any hiker this far north is hiking 20+ miles a dayand I frankly cannot keep up. But today I get to the shelter and findthat it is occupied by a hiker I met two years ago in the SmokeyMountains National Park. Steamer is from Illinois, and he was sectionhiking the park during my hike in 2008 of the southern half of theA.T. We spent some time together during our hikes and then stayed intouch afterward via a few emails. It was great to see him again, andto meet his son-in-law and brother. We are also joined this evening with ahiker from Norway, who goes by the name of Nomad.Tomorrow I will go on to High Point, which is about 13 miles fromhere. Word is a storm will pass through tomorrow night.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Jim Murray Property
Miles today: 18.3

Today was only suppose to be a 13 mile hike to High Point, but theweather was so good that I got to High Point by early afternoon. So Ipushed on another 5 miles so my hike tomorrow into Vernon for resupplywill be only 13.6 miles. The hike up to High Point was a bit rough. Arolling up and down trail with a lot of rocks made me work hard forthe miles. High Point is in the extreme northwest corner of NewJersey. Since the Delaware Water Gap, I have been hiking in anorthernly direction along the ridge of the Kittatinny Mountains. Butonce I got to High Point, the trail sharply turned to the east andcame down out of the Kittatinny and started to follow the New York and NewJersey border. That will continue for the next two days until I leaveNew Jersey for good and head into New York. The change was immediateonce out of the mountains. The trail was a lot easier and meanderedthrough forests and farms. To say the least, it was a nice change. Ithink I have left the rocks behind.I am staying tonight in a small cabin situated on a piece of landowned by Jim Murray. He is an avid A.T. hiker and did the whole trailin 1989. Shortly after completing the hike he bought this piece ofland which is adjacent to the trail. Nice open farmland with severalsmall cabins he built along with outdoor shower and a privy. He cameby and said hello when he noticed I was here. Spent a fair amount oftime talking to me. Real nice guy. Suppose to rain after midnighttonight so I am glad I have a roof over my head. Hikers taking care ofhikers. Some might call my fortune today trail magic.Tomorrow I will hike over to Vernon and resupply. I only need a fewthings to get me to Fort Montgomery, NY and the St. Thomas EpiscopalChurch has, from what I heard, a really nice hostel for hikers.Sounds good to me.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Jim Murray Property

To: Vernon
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

The rain last night was very light. By morning it had stopped, so Igot a very early start. But after about an hour it started up againand rained steady all day long. The only way to stay warm was to keepmoving. So that is what I did. I finally got to the road which leadsdown to Vernon drenched to the bone. Figuring there was no way anyonewould pick up a wet hiker in the rain for a ride to town, I startedmarching down the highway to Vernon. But then after a few minutes, akind gentleman pick me up and dropped me off at St. Thomas EpiscopalChurch. Father Bob operates a hostel in the church with all theamenities. It was so nice to get dry and cleaned up after perseveringall day in the mud, wet and cold. I will certainly sleep goodtonight.The hike again was very interesting. I went through a number of farmsand said hello to the cows. And, I went through two wildlife areas.One was the Wallkill River National Wildlife Area. The trail seemedto circle the Refuge and provided excellent viewing for bird watchers. Then I went through a swampy area where the trail was actually anelevated boardwalk approximately one mile long. A lot of work wentinto constructing the boardwalk, but it sure made the walking nice andeasy. It was full of birds and I spotted some bear prints. Funny,this area supposedly has a bear density of one per mile. Well, I haveyet to see one. I did see some deer last night and two wild turkeys.Hopefully the rain will clear this evening because I have a long daytomorrow to get to the next shelter. Time to rest up.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Jim Murray Property to Vernon

To: Vernon to Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's episode of "Survivor" featured a physical challenge firstthing after breakfast. The climb up Wawayanda Mountain from Route 94was steep, wet, and blocked by several trees which had blown down andwere now blocking the trail. What I noticed right away were the freshset of bear prints in the trail. It rained all night so I know theywere very new, and they were headed straight up the trail toward themountain. So I followed the bear tracks up the trail and kept alertas I made the climb. I did startle a few deer, but Mr. Bear kepthidden.The trail in New Jersey continued to be interesting as I passedseveral pretty ponds and streams. The weather was trying to clear upall day today but it never did. The sun was out for just a couple ofminutes. Otherwise it was just grey and cool.Heard a new term the other day.   I was called a "Lasher", for LongAss Section Hiker. People are constantly asking me if I am a"Thru-Hiker" or a "Section Hiker.". Thru-Hikers do the whole trail inone shot. And Section Hikers do the trail one small section afteranother. It usually takes them close to a lifetime to finish the job. So, since I am doing the trail in large chunks, Lasher seems to fit.Today's biggest event was the completion of the trail in New Jersey (atotal of 72 miles). I left New Jersey and entered New York aroundnoon, and then reached Prospect Rock where I could see the tops ofnumerous skyscrapers in New York City. Clusters of buildings fromlower Manhatten, mid-town, and up-town poked up behind the mountainsto the east. Very cool.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Vernon to Wildcat Shelter

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

The front finally moved out last night and I woke up to sunny skies.It was absolutely gorgeous weather out here. The hike though was verydifficult. Apparently, every year a number of thru-hikers make it allthe way up here from Georgia and then quit after walking the section Idid today. It was a constant up and down all day long (commonlyreferred to as PUDS, Pointless Ups and Downs). No flat sections atall. The hike really wore me out. I was ready myself to throw in thetowel.My spirits were brightened with a little trail magic after I arrivedat the shelter. Paddeo came by and dropped off some goodies for allthe hikers. I had a Mountain Dew and some chocolate chip cookies.All that sugar perked me right up and made the rest of the evening alot more enjoyable.Tomorrow I have another full day of hiking. The good news is thatwhen I arrive in Fort Montgomery, NY, I will meet and get a ride homefrom my son, Owen. I will take a zero day on Saturday, re-charge thebatteries, and then return on Sunday to take on the next section ofthe trail.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 14.2

I woke up this morning to the sound of coyotes howling in thedistance. The idea of spending the night in the tent was a good onesince the gnats were very annoying. The water here wasn't very goodso I had to make an early side trip off the trail down to Lake Tioratito "camel up" for water.Of course, I was very motivated today since my son Owen was going topick me up at Fort Montgomery and take me home for a zero day. So, Imade good time today and was able to hang out whenever I wanted. Itwas very hot by mid-day so I needed to occasionally catch some shade.The highlight today was Bear Mountain. It was a short but steep 700foot climb to the summit. I was pleased that after hiking about 11miles I was able to charge right up the mountain in the heat. Gee,maybe I am actually getting in shape! On top was a really cool tower,which I went in and climbed the steps to the observation deck. There was an awesome 360 view to include the skyline of New York City.Perfect day to be up there. On the way down I met up with a bunch ofvolunteer trail maintainers. They were completely re-working thetrail down to Fort Montgomery from Bear Mountain. Really nice jobthey are doing. All cinder base with built in stone steps. A lot ofwork went into that and I certainly really appreciated it. I got downoff the mountain in no time. The trail then passed right through theBear Mountain Zoo. Free admission for thru-hikers. After gettingsome ice cream, I said hello to the bears, river otter, and thecoyotes. Kind of a nice way to end the day. Owen picked me up notmore than a half hour later. Ah...nice to complete another section ofthe A.T. Tomorrow, rest and relaxation at home.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Fort Montgomery

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: broken clouds

After a day at home re-charging the batteries, Marie drove me back upto the trail this morning. We got to the west side of Bear MountainBridge around 12:30 p.m. The first order of business was to cross thebridge. The Bear Mountain Bridge crosses over the Hudson River. Itis a very dramatic gorge with mountains on both sides of the river.The Hudson River itself was also very impressive. Even this far northof New York City, the Hudson is very wide and busy with boat traffic.As I walked across, recreational boats were speeding by and acommercial ferry boat was making its way down the river. Trains werealso running up the river along the tracks on the eastern shore.After crossing the river, the trail climbed back up to the ridge andthen pretty much stayed up there for the next 5 miles to camp. I amstaying at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, a Franciscan monastery.They have a picnic area at their ball fields which they open tohikers. Water, toilets, and a shower. Very nice and comfortable witha roof over your head.
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today was an overcast day that was very humid, so I was glad the suntook the day off. And the trail was as nice as I have seen in weeks.Very smooth with minor ups and downs. It is obvious that the folkswho take care of this section of the A.T. know what they are doing.Unlike earlier in the week, the trail now takes you around the mostdifficult parts and tries to minimize the ups and downs.Consequently, I was able to knock out some miles today with the bettertrail conditions.I am passing by some really nice state parks, but I am a week earlysince they don't open until this coming Memorial Day weekend. Today Ipassed Clarence Fahnestock State Park, which is centered aroundCanopus Lake just off the Taconic State Parkway. The large lake isreally nice and completely surrounded by forested mountains.I saw a Scarlet Tanager today. The bird is a striking red with jetblack wings. They really get your attention when they fly by. Alsosaw another black snake today. However, this one was easily 6 feetlong.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: RPH Shelter

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was Deli Day on the Appalachian Trail. This section of thetrail crosses a number of roads, and many of them are close totraditional New York style delicatessens. So, in short, my whole daywas structured around getting my lunch at the Mountain Top Market andDeli. I also got a sandwich to go for dinner. Having options likethis on the trail is very unusual, but great for us because if youplan for it, which I did, you don't need to carry as much food. Justbuy as you go. Great way to keep the pack weight down.I saw a red tailed fox this morning only 30 minutes into my hike. Hewas walking swiftly down the trail straight towards me. Then, when herealized we were on a collision course he quickly circled to the rightand suddenly started running full bore back across the trail offto my left. I was thinking...wow, strange reaction, I must havereally startled him. But off to my right came a Siberian Huskierunning after the fox. The dog had no shot in catching the fox. Thefox was running incredibly fast and was out of sight in just a fewseconds. Wow, I have never seen an animal move that fast.Today was very hot and humid. Tomorrow is suppose to be more of thesame, so I am going to get up early and try to knock out as many milesas I can before it gets too hot.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

I got up very early this morning knowing I wanted to get as many milesdone as possible before the heat set in. And boy, did it get hot. Ispotted a thermometer and it read 86 degrees in the shade. I alsowalked across some pastures this afternoon that were just brutal. Icould feel the intense heat rising up from the grass. Despite allthat it really worked out well. I had 11.5 miles in the bag by 11:00a.m. Of course, I was highly motivated knowing that a hot dog standwas waiting for me at the road. I think that my appetite has gonethrough the roof. It usually happens to all thru-hikers after awhile. My body has become convinced that I am going to hike and workout hard every day and is screaming for more calories. So, I amtrying to eat more.The trail today, despite the heat, was pretty easy. The coolest thingI saw today was the Dover Oak. It is reportedly the largest oak treeon the A.T. Its girth four feet from the ground is more than 20 feet,4 inches, and it is estimated to be more than 300 years old. Just amonster of a tree. Bet that tree has seen some things and could tellsome tales.Tomorrow I will complete the A.T. in New York and enter Connecticut.Yee Haa! I also plan to spend the night in Kent, Connecticut. I justwant to get cleaned up and refreshed after enduring all this heat. Thebugs are starting to get a bit intense too. Connecticut is famous fortheir bugs. So a night out of the woods will be nice.