morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-25
From: William Penn Shelter

To: PA 183
Miles today: 13.4

I have decided that my feet now resemble a Hobbitt's - they are swollen and dirty and look as if I walk around barefoot on a daily basis. Basically they are plain disgusting. And they hurt. I can barely bend them they are so stiff. They are feeling a little better now that I am giving them a short break at the Deer Path Hostel, a terrific place run by Lucy "Roughneck" and Tim. They have provided a cozy cottage for hikers to relax and sleep in called "The Hovel" and open their house for us to shower, launder, and eat. Lucy herself is a long-distance hiker and knows exactly what we need when pulling off the trail for a break. One of the best parts about this offering is that it's donation only, completely not for profit. Seriously, if you're looking to find the kind-hearted, head out on the AT, they're everywhere.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: PA 183

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

"The Hovel" has sucked me in, cutting my mileage and offering me coziness for a second night. The plan was to hike twenty miles today ending up at a shelter, but Java made the mistake of asking what was on the menu for supper. Spinach casserole and lasagna were all it took to persuade us to stay for another night. Roughly six hours after she dropped us off on the trail, Lucy picked us up in Port Clinton, along with a southbounder named "Beast of Burden." Stories and laughter bounced across the dinner table and the night ended with a viewing of the offensive but insanely funny movie "Blazing Saddles."
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Filled my belly with pancakes, eggs, and fruit salad this morning before finally leaving "The Hovel" in the late morning. Hit the trail at 12:30p after spending some time at the local outfitter and post office and decided that 23 miles didn't sound like too much fun with such a late start. So, 15 miles it it. What motivation. It was fabulout though - Java and I were able to hike leisurely and spend some time climbing around "The Pinnacle," a rock outcropping that is the highest point on the AT in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, the day was clear enough for us to get good vies of the Lehigh Valley. The weather has remained wet and misty for such a large portion my hike through PA that I have seen very few views. As a matter of fact, because of this and the rocky trail, I haven't seen much of the state at all aside from the trail itself as I'm constantly staring at it to prevent a fall or simply because it's difficult to see through the rain.The weather has been a hot topic over the last few weeks. The sun has been hiding on us and the rain pelting us day in and day out. I've heard that last year at this time it was consistenly sunny and 80 degrees. This year we get consistent rain and 60 degrees. Totally hikable weather, though, and I'm still going strong. Good company and comforts like "The Hovel" attribute to that.
Date: 2003-05-28
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: moderate rain

A beautiful night with only a sprinkling of rain. It was a mixed day of sun and rain with a bit of rolling thunder thrown in for added drama. Boulder fields abounded and a slippery fall has left me more gingerly placing my next step.My tired feet are once again yelping at me but the trail awaits. In and out of Palmerton tomorrow for a quick resupply, then it's on to the nearly vertical cimb out of Lehigh Gap.
Date: 2003-05-29
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Lookout Rocks 
Miles today: 20.5

Not a single drop of rain today, but lots of ticks. The little buggers are starting to pop up all over the place & they¢re freaking me out. My gaiters have become one of my most important pieces of gear, as you can imagine.The quick resupply visit to Palmerton turned out to be a great success, thanks in large part to two friendly gentlemen who gave us rides into & out of the city, & Java & I soon found ourselves climbing with hands & feet out of Lehigh Gap. We stopped for dinner & a bit of relaxation at a shelter before moving on to a campsite at Lookout Rocks. The site is near a radio tower that makes some sort of noise resembling an air conditioner every ten minutes or so & the nearby din of traffic is audible. Nothin¢ like being out in the P.A. backcountry. Tonight, I don¢t find it too annoying since it means I¢m near Delaware Water Gap & that much closer to seeing my Mom, Grandma, & Aunt Sharon.
Date: 2003-05-30
From: Lookout Rocks 

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: few clouds

The weekend reunion has begun! Java & I arrived in Delaware Water Gap an hour & a half before our scheduled meeting with my mom, grandma, & aunt, so we decided to hit the bakery for some beverages & good eats followed by an early surprise ¢hello¢ at the hotel my mom booked. I asked the receptionist to call the room requesting my mom to come down to the lobby to sign some missed papers, but after waiting roughly 15 minutes for my mom to get her butt in gear, I decided to head over to the room. Just as Java & I started out, I saw the ladies driving away en route to our predetermined meeting point. I ran outside to flag them down, just in time.We¢ve spent the night catching up & introducing Java to three generations of Navoy/Buddenborg women. After a bit of pampering consisting of a bath gel shower & delicious dinner, I¢m ready for my zero day with my family. It¢s a wonderful treat to have them visit me on the trail. It¢s been nearly three months since I last saw them.
Date: 2003-05-31
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Oh yea, the ladies brought along bubble bath for me. I could have sat in that bath tub for hours! But, I had to get my toenails painted too. Ha! What a terribly funny contrast to have callused toes & heels, hairy legs & then pink toenails. I¢m starting to feel way too civilized, especially with the clothes my mom brought me. How will I ever get myself back on the trail?Dinner at the Deer Head Inn with live jazz music made for a fun night. The whole day consisted of good times, even the hours spent at the Laundromat waiting for my sleeping bag to dry. It was just nice to spend time with my family. It¢s always hilarious to hang out with the ladies. I wish their visit were more than a mere two days.
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

The 1st day of June, my 3-month anniversary on the trail, & the morning of my mom, grandma, & aunt¢s departure. The weekend flew by in a flash, of course. Saying goodbye was tough, but I¢ll be seeing them again in no time, hopefully in exactly two months. Thanks you lovely ladies for such a fabulous visit. What a luscious time we had! So luscious that I find it extremely difficult to get my arse back on the trail. Ten & a half short miles later I find myself at the Mohican Outdoor Center, an Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) run center that offers free tenting to through-hikers & access to their cozy lodge. The night is chilly with high winds & the lodge has become our hangout for the night. Listening to bluegrass & reuniting with Poptart has highlighted my night.
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Culver's Gap
Miles today: 17.9

So much has happened in this one day to last a couple weeks on the trail. Unbelievable. I¢m not sure where to begin. I suppose I¢ll attack this chronologically.First, I should say that the sun made an appearance the length of the entire day, something I have not witnessed in a good deal of time. Perhaps the sun gave rise to all the good things that happened today.Early in the day¢s hike, I ran into two female day-hikers eager to hear about my trip & feed me. They seem to have thought that I was starving since I¢m a thru-hiker & thrust a package of cinnamon graham crackers into my hands, which I readily accepted. A short while later, I met a couple (Gucci & Pooch) who thru-hiked last year & they too offered me food that was left over from their hike. Now I¢m fortified with dehydrated broccoli, onions & tomato paste as well as stuffing & couscous. The day was further highlighted with two snake sightings, one of which rattled at me, scaring the crap out of me. It was laying smack in the middle of the trail & I patiently waited until the sucker decided to move, then bolted down the trail away from the action.I figured all of this excitement should be rewarded with some sweets & so treated myself to the such at the Worthington Bakery alongside the A.T. As if all of this wasn¢t enough, a local couple invited Java, Poptart, & I back to their house on Lake Owassa for the night & spoiled us with a pontoon boat ride, a dip in the hot tub, dinner, & breakfast. Talk about trial magic. Thanks Brad, Beth, & Eric!
Date: 2003-06-03
From: Culver's Gap

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I found out in Delaware Water Gap that Eggman has pulled off the trail, what a bummer. For such a long time I hadn¢t heard of anyone dropping off & then in Harper¢s Ferry Three Socks & Thin Mint left, now Eggman. And I heard that Foxtrot & Latch returned to their respective homes from Delaware Water Gap. I¢ve heard of the ¢Virginia Blues,¢ but perhaps the ¢Pennsylvania Pits¢ claim more trail victims. Y¢all will be missed!
Date: 2003-06-04
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, N.J.
Miles today: 18.9

New Jersey has shown itself to be a beautiful state, with fantastic views & pristine glacial lakes. I will be leaving it behind tomorrow after a short visit, crossing the border into New York. New York ¢ already. I no longer look to see the total miles I¢ve covered, I look to see how many miles are left to reach Katahdin. The ¢flavor¢ of the trail has changed from pure adrenaline high during the first couple months to pure drive. I¢ve found it more difficult as of late to motivate myself in the mornings & am impatient to reach my daily destination, although I attribute much of this to the unrelenting poor weather. Today, for instance, June 4th mind you, I hiked with my fleece hat & vest for a good portion of the day. And of course it rained. Finding shelter at St Thomas Episcopal Church including shower & laundry does lift my spirits, however (no pun intended). Thank goodness we have such luxuries available to us.
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Vernon, N.J.

To: Wildcat Shelter 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello New York! Entered the state I¢ll be residing in for the next two years beginning this fall. I left a good-bye muddy arse print just before crossing the border on some slippery foot walkway. Can¢t even go one day without messing up my clean clothes. Dirtiness is inescapable for me.New York City in four days, my first visit ever. It should be a huge culture shock after being on the trail for so long, but will hopefully make me appreciate even more what the trail gives me, rain and all.
Date: 2003-06-07
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 15.2

The Trail oftentimes takes some silly turns and intersects interesting spots, and today was no exception. Not only do I get to see animals out in their natural habitats, but I get to see them in the Trailside Wildlife Center, which the trail directly bisects. I find that rather amusing. Still, it was a nice change of pace.The rain made for a quick zoo visit and the easy terrain made for a swift arrival to the Graymoor Friary, home of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and temporary shelter for A.T. thru-hikers. I was looking forward to getting out of the rain and was very dismayed to find the shelter full of Boy Scouts and leaders. We thru-hikers were huddling in our wet clothes awaiting available space. We ended up being fed by the large group and then decided to sleep in the picnic pavilion further up the hill, laying our sleeping bags on the picnic tables. We therefore saved ourselves from a rowdy night and I was able to explore the beautiful grounds at dusk. What a wonderfully peaceful place.
Date: 2003-06-08
From: Gaymoor Friary

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

What a rough day I had; I got lost twice, going roughly 3 12 miles out of my way, and fell twice, now sporting a lovely bruise on my left hip bone from slamming into a rock. And the mosquitoes were utterly annoying; I doused myself in bug repellant a couple times. All of these things combined made me wanting for the shelter. What a fabulous surprise to come upon this shelter that looks much more like a cabin, with a hand pump to boot. My spirits are lifted, and my excitement growing as tomorrow I¢ll be traveling by train into the city. Chugga-chugga-choo-choo!
Date: 2003-06-09
From: RPH Shelter

To: New York City
Miles today: 17.3

Picture this: two dirty, scruffy hikers shouldering equally dirty scruffy backpacks into a commuter train from Pawling, NY to New York City amongst a mass of urbanites. How great is that? I find it amusing to stick out like a sore thumb, especially in such a varied crowd as NYC provides.Rick, aka ¢Canyon,¢ a good friend of Java¢s dad and our resident tour guide, had no trouble picking us out of the crowd and quickly whisked us out of the beautiful Grand Central Station onto the streets of New York, leading us to the well-known Chelsea Hotel, where we¢ll be staying for the next three nights. This hotel is very unique, possessing a bohemian vibe, having served and still serving as a home and temporary place of stay for several famous artists, writers, and actors. So, you know, we fit right in.After shortly settling into the hotel room, the three of us took a short cab ride to Greenwich Village for Thai food and to amble along the peaceful tree-lined residential streets. The historic buildings are absolutely stunning and emanate such character. Tonight has been a fantastic introduction to the city and I can¢t wait to spend two whole days exploring it.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: New York City

To: New York City
Miles today: 0.0

A few errands were completed this morning and then off we went to get a feel for the city. People are dead on when they say this place exudes a sort of energy ¢ it¢s constantly alive all hours of the day. Midday on this weekday we saw hundreds of people soaking up the sun in Central Park and later on in the evening ate alongside score of people at 10 p.m. at a delicious restaurant in Greenwich Village (near Gwyneth Paltrow¢s NYC abode, as ¢Canyon¢ excitedly pointed out to us).We¢ve gotten the hang of the subway system and have been able to see a good portion of Manhattan and other uptown spots. Times Square just blew my senses to pieces and Fifth Avenue made me wanting for new, non-smelly clothes.Tomorrow entails a couple more errands and then the downtown sights around the Financial District, Chinatown, and Little Italy.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: New York City

To: New York City
Miles today: 0.0

It is simply fabulous to be able to sleep in in the morning on a cozy bed. Late nights seem to prevail here in the city and last night was no exception. There are just too many interesting places to explore.Today I traded my hiking shoes for a new pair of Merrell Ventilators as the soles of my old pair began falling off after a month on the trail and after having been repaired at a shoe shop began again to fall apart two days later. I¢m hoping this new pair will last me ¢til Katahdin.The afternoon led us downtown to the Financial District and to ¢Ground Zero,¢ a very solemn feeling seemingly suspended in the area. We then pushed on to Chinatown and Little Italy before returning to Chelsea to visit Rick¢s apartment and meet for another wonderful dinner. It is our last night in the city and what a great time I¢ve had. Rick has been incredibly gracious with his time and proved himself to be a fantastic guide and just a genuinely wonderful person. I¢ve been fortunate to meet him.
Date: 2003-06-12
From: New York City

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

Java and I ate one last meal at our favorite deli that we frequented daily during our visit, shopped at a great Whole Foods Market, and took our final subway ride on our way to Grand Central Station to jump on the train back to Pawling. We arrived at the trailhead in the early evening and made it to the empty shelter just as darkness began to fall. This is the first time I¢ve arrived to an empty shelter, a sign that the thru-hikers have thinned out. It¢s amazing how quickly I can transition back to trail life. Just this morning I was walking along the streets of New York City and now I¢m snug in my sleeping bag listening to the rainfall on the shelter roof. Even so, I¢m eager to make a return visit once I¢m in New York this fall.
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7

And I¢m in New England ¢ hello Connecticut! Incredible. I was greeted by rain as I crossed the state line, of course. Actually, the rain was more a deluge as I was soaked head to toe in a matter of seconds.Stopped in the town of Kent to pick up some mail, arriving mere minutes before they closed, and met Lion Cub who started from Springer a day after me. I heard from him that Shifty and ATV had gone on to the next shelter, which is where Java and I were headed, so we had a reunion of sorts tonight, I hadn¢t seen Shifty since before Waynesboro, VA. It¢s great to meet up with him again. I think another party mix tub is in order.
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0

A lazy morning led to a lazy day¢s hike but well worth it for the sights we took in along the Housatonic River and Guinea Brook. The day was warm and sunny and we found it difficult not to stop and soak up the sun that has been hiding on us for so long. Steep climb after steep climb didn¢t make it hard to do so. We are definitely once again in ¢real¢ mountains ¢ the elevation is rising and the views becoming more grandiose. I¢m excited to be in New England but admittedly scared of what lies ahead. I don¢t know what to expect.Shifty ready to swing into the Housatonic River
Date: 2003-06-15
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Riga Lean-to
Miles today: 19.8

I have been regenerated by the trail. Connecticut¢s beauty has reminded me of how much I love to be out in nature and the raw beauty of the night sky lit by a glowing full moon has solidified it. It¢s eleven o¢clock, well past my bedtime, but I don¢t want to close my eyes and miss any of this sight.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Riga Lean-to

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

And I¢m in Massachusetts. The countdown is seriously on, only three states remaining after MA. And get this: Mother Nature has kindly bestowed upon us rain-weary hikers three whole days of sunshine. Incredible. Today was a day of rewards with oodles of trail magic. A kind soul left a couple dozen shining cans of pop in a cold stream for us to enjoy and the guy that gave us a hitch into Great Barrington, Blake, offered his home to Java, Shifty, ATV, and I for the night. He and his girlfriend, Jan, were wonderful hosts. Thank you both for your generosity!
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Wilcox North Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5

I don¢t know what to do with myself and this nice weather. I much prefer sitting around and enjoying it rather than hiking through it, hence another short mileage day. I stopped at the Benedict Pond for a lunch break and to wait for Java to catch up. My intentions were to leave after forty minutes but we ended up sitting on a rock jutting out into the pond for two hours. Hiking another three miles sounded much better than hiking another seven, so that¢s what we did.
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Wilcox North Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was the rain, I tell you, that caused me to once again cut my daily mileage from 23 to 14; really, I swear. Or is it just plain laziness? Whatever it is I have been led to a fabulous cabin run by a volunteer caretaker on Upper Goose Pond. Myself and a handful of other thru-kikers and section hikers are enjoying indoor bunks and actual electricity for the night on the trail. Joanne, the kind volunteer who runs this place, will be cooking up a pancake breakfast for us tomorrow morning. I can¢t wait.
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Joanne¢s delicious pancake breakfast fired me up for the hike into Dalton. Staying at Tom Levardi¢s house, located right on the trail along Depot Street, with our sleeping bags strewn all over the front porch. Shifty, ATV, Poptart, Java, and I were treated to his delicious ice cream Sundaes almost immediately upon arrival, a very welcome surprise after a long hike. Thanks for everything Tom!
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Dalton, MA

To: Thunderbolt Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Hiked out in the rain, hitting Cheshire, MA halfway through my hike, and ate my lunch in a playground while reading a book ¢ one of my most delightful lunch breaks. I met up with Java at the same spot and we started the ascent to Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. The climb itself wasn¢t much at all but the views from Bascom Lodge at the summit are magnificent.Staying at the emergency shelter on top of Mt. Greylock even though technically we¢re not supposed to, but Poptart got the OK from one of the park rangers, so here we are. On the walk over to the shelter, Java and I had a fantastic view of the war memorial tower lighting up the night sky.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Thunderbolt Shelter

To: Williamstown, MA 
Miles today: 6.3

I was awake extremely early in the morning again due to a sleepless night in my warm weather sleeping bag that has only kept me freezing cold, even on this summer solstice; however, it was worth it this time as I saw a great sunrise. Java and I had an early start to get to North Adams, MA where Java¢s friend, Kathy, picked us up for a visit and summer solstice celebration.After a two hour car ride that froze our poor hiker bodies, we arrived at Kathy and her boyfriend Ivan¢s restful cabin home situated alongside a quiet lake. We cleaned up and made our way to Earthlands, the organic farm community where Ivan and Kathy work and site of the summer solstice festivities.The celebration followed a New Age approach ending with a Maypole-like dance out in the rain. We then retreated into the main community building for some great vegetarian and vegan dishes and bongo drumming. The whole experience was extremely eye opening and the people fascinating. What an interesting side trip. Kathy and Ivan couldn¢t have been better hosts. Thanks guys!Kathy & Ivan
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Williamstown, MA 

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Here I am in the Green Mountains of Vermont. So far they have indeed proved themselves to be green with forests of pine, but they are also quite muddy and insect ridden, which I had not heard of.The skies cleared for a bit midday on this day after the summer solstice. Java and I arrived at the shelter with only a bit of time to spare before the next rain began to fall. A kindly hiker gave up his bunk for us as the shelter was nearly full and we in turn offered him fresh organic radishes that Kathy and Ivan had given us.It is amazing to still be running into full shelters this far north along the trail, though I suppose not too uncommon in these parts as the Long Trail follows some 90 miles of the A.T. The Long Trail is another long distance trail that begins in Vermont and winds approximately 270 miles north to Canada. But, really, who would have thought it could still be so dang crowed?