morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Silver Spring, Maryland

To: Silver Spring, Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

Had planned on leaving for Front Royal (to resume hike) this evening (after Trail Boss gets home from work). Instead, due to bad weather, we will leave here very early tomorrow (Tuesday) morning and I'll be hiking by 8am or so.Just saw on the news that the individual who killed two AT hikers back in 1981 (he spent only 14 years in prison - how can that be?) apparently shot two hunters on the same portion of the AT - near Pearisburg. He was caught and, for reasons unknown, died in his jail cell two days ago. If there is such a thing as hell, he needs to be enroute. The hunters are hopefully going to be okay after they recover. And what happened to our justice system? Fourteen years for two killings? Plea bargain or prison over-crowding - still no excuse.The interesting thing to me is that the authorities closed down a 23-mile portion of the AT south of Pearisburg. It was only for (I think) 48 hours, but I wonder how that worked. Were the majority of NOBOs already past that point? Was everyone pretty cooperative?
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Silver Spring, Maryland

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: clear sky

Well, I was driving Trail Boss and myself to the entrance at Skyline Drive in Front Royal. Somehow we got turned around and went down the wrong road. Does "getting lost" seem to be my moniker now?!Anyway, I was at mile 14 of the Skyline Drive (where I took my earlier break) by 9am and began hiking. I was a bit worried because I had already thrown away my back country Shenandoah pass. What if some ranger stopped me during the 14-odd miles I would still be in the park? As it turned out I never even saw someone resembling any kind of park official.The main feature of today's hike were all of the streams which were running much faster and much higher than normal. This was due to the heavy rains the entire area has gotten over the past few days. Portions of the Trail, itself, were underwater because of all the water. At first I tried taking off my boots and socks and wearing my crocs to ford a stream. But eventually, there were so many flooded areas that I just left my boots on. I have a feeling that tomorrow I will find the same, flooded conditions.Weather today was nice, though. Sunny and in the low 70's. Tomorrow is supposed to be the same.I wanted to hammock for the night but the underbrush was so thick that it didn't make much sense to set it up. I pushed on for Dick's Dome Shelter. Got there around 7:15pm. Wouldn't you know it: you had to cross a flooded section just to get to the shelter. Already at the shelter was a couple. About 30 minutes later another couple arrived. So there were five of us. We barely fit in the shelter because of the STUPID geodesic dome shape of the structure. Whoever dreamed up that shape had no idea about shelter space to sleep in. Okay, enough griping. I checked my mileage for the day and was pleased to see I'd hiked 24.5 miles. That makes for my longest daily mileage thus far on my thru-hike (I previously did 24 miles). Okay, I know a half mile is not that much more - but it is still a half mile. Next goal is another half mile to make 25 miles in a day. I sense a "momentous" day coming before too long!
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Harpers Ferry (then home in Silver Spring, MD)

To: Silver Spring, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the day pretty much going over my gear and figuring out what can or cannot be reduced at this time.Here is what I'm currently carrying:Go-Lite Breeze pack (12 ounces) (I may have mis-identfied this as the Gust before).Hennessy Hammock (2 lbs).Marmot Precip rain top and bottom (debated leaving bottom at home - but will keep for now).Food bag with food (basically 1.75 lbs food per day times days carried).32-degree Mountain Hardware down bag (24 ounces)Misc clothes (1.5 pounds)Ditty bag with misc items (1.5 pounds)Full-length z-rest (little under a pound).Mountain Hardware synthetic jacket (around 1 lb).Misc water, pee bottles; I-Phone (serves as phone, camera, web browser, MP3 player (12 ounces with recharger).So, overall, I'm carrying around 18 pounds with a liter of water and 3 days of food. When it gets a bit warmer I can send home the z-rest (used currently for hammock insulation) and jacket.Still going stoveless.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Silver Spring, MD

To: Silver Spring
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the day with Trail Boss - went to a movie (Son of Rambow) and had some Thai food. We also spent part of the day working in the townhome community doing some volunteer spring planting.Trail-wise, just got caught up on the other thru-hikers and how their hikes are going. I noticed Stumpknocker is talking about going stoveless, also. It's got to be pure hell for him to give up his daily Starbucks. In my case I just go ahead and drink my instant coffee cold. Not sure what he will do.I've also been looking at the resupply options available after getting through Mass. It seems like two years ago it wasn't that difficult getting through New Hampshire and Maine. Have to check about locations (like hostels and stores) that will accept mail drops in addition to the post offices. Also, there is a AMC shuttle bus that runs daily to all of the different White Mountain locations (those accessible by road). You can find the schedule on their web site. You do have to pay $16 - it isn't free. The shuttle does have a stop in Gorham. Also, Pinkham Notch (besides having a small store) will accept mail drops.Tomorrow Trail Boss drives me back to Wind Gap.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: 2 miles north of Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Pretty good hike today. The lighter weight on my back (18 pounds) really makes a big difference. Still some light rain but mostly sunny. Climbed on top of Mt. Minsi towards the end of the day. Saw two young deer just standing around. They didn't seem scared at all. Would have thought they would be "gun shy" in that area. Realized that deer will scratch themselves with their hoof/foot just like a dog will do.The climb down into DWG is steep. Southbounders have a good climb when they leave town. Dropped off my gear at the church hostel. Pastor Karen is gone until the weekend. Got my mail drop at the post office and then checked out the new outfitter. Decent selection but prices seemed a bit high. The other outfitter/canoe place has a more limited selection.Bought a couple of pastries at the place across from the pizza place. Try their "Napolean". Back to the hostel and met four other hikers staying for the night. If you pick a bunk make sure there isn't a hot steam pipe nearby - good way to burn flesh or gear. I excused myself around 8 pm to head to bed.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Sunrise Mountain Road (near Culver's Gap)
Miles today: 29.0

Well, today I almost had a 30-mile day. Still, 29 beets my prior record of 24 miles. A lot of the day was pretty flat. The one exception was the large rocks around Sunfish Pond. Those lasted for maybe a couple of miles.What did slow me down were a number of Outward Bound groups - each with 10-15 teens. The only choice when the approached was for me to stand aside and let them pass. Very polite and organized, though.Towards the end of the day it was starting to get dark. I checked my guide and saw I had gone 29 miles. Wanted to push for that last mile but there was a pretty steep climb. And I had already located my camping spot for the night. I'll get the 30-miles on another day.Still doing the stove-less thing. Still no problems. A section hiker asked me why in he'll I would eat my meals cold. I told him it was the same reason I chose to join the Marines instead of the army - for the challenge.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Sunrise Mountain Road (near Culver's Gap)

To: The Secret Shelter
Miles today: 21.0

Well, it's hard to believe but I started this hike four months ago today. Brings back some memories of ice, snow, and cold. After yesterday's 29 miles I didn't expect that many miles today. I've been trying to get to the post office in Unionville by noon on Saturday (tomorrow). I have a mail drop and post office will be closed until Tuesday Memorial Day weekend. After completing 21 miles today only have 3 miles to cover in the morning.Stopped for the night at the Secret Shelter. It's location is a closely guarded secret so I'm not allowed to say any more. But it is indeed a wonderful place - four walls, electricity, lights, running water, built in heaters (it's open all year round). Also has a hot water shower - not one of those solar things, real hot water. Don't pass up the chance to stay the night.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: The Secret Shelter

To: 1 mile north of Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today I saw my first black bear. In the woods towards the end of the day. Clanged my poles and he/she rain off. Did you hear the one about the two thru-hikers? The hiker leading saw what looked like poop on the ground. He told the other hiker to smell it. Second hiker said it smelled like shit. First hiker told the other guy to taste the item on the ground. Second hiker tasted it and said it tasted like shit. The first hiker then said: "Good thing we did not step in it!"Left the Secret Shelter at. 7:30 am and hiked into Unionville, NY. Got my food drop at the post office and headed over to the general store. Bought a bag of chips, French onion dip, hostess cupcakes, and two bottles of strawberry milk. Everything was eaten within 15 minutes. I paid the price. while hiking for the next hour.Planning on averaging 18 miles per day for next three days. Need to be at Bear Mountain post office by Tuesday morning. So far, so. good. Completed 20 miles today.Tonight I'm hammocking again. Weather is great - low tonight around 44 degrees. Hammock does fine when temp is 40 degrees or warmer. Got a great signal laying in my hammock and typing this out before falling to sleep.Trail Boss will be adding pictures I sent her.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: 1 mile north of Wawayanda Shelter

To: Little Dam Lake, New York
Miles today: 18.0

Began today by crossing into New York after an hour or so. I had been warned by other hikers that the blazes left a lot to be desired in NY. More about this later.The seem to like having you climb large rocks along this section. First of several days with temps in 80s and high humidity. Both my shirt and shorts were dripping wet. There were plenty of water sources - just had to drink a lot.Still, I knew this was not going to be a 20 mile day. I'd be lucky to do 18.Ran into "Boots" stopped at Wildcat shelter. He thought it might thunderstorm and was debating staying the day. Shortly after I moved on a large group of Boy Scouts asked where the shelter was-they planned on staying the night. What is with these large groups taking over the shelters? The shelters are ONLY intended for overnight use by backpackers on more than one night trips. If you don't buy that, call the ATC or local region.Fitzgerald Falls is pretty spectacular to see and climb up. Given it was Memorial Day weekend the local teenagers were out in force. Also saw Mombasha High Point. From here you can barely see the NYC skyscrapers in the distance.Got to Little Dam Lake and looked for a place to camp. Very pretty shoreline around the lake and I hammocked for the night.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Little Dam Lake, New York

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

This was a disappointing day. I needed to complete at least 16 miles today to get me into the Bear Mountain post office by 10am tomorrow (they are only open from 8am to 10am). But I just didn't feel good physically. Think the heat and humidity was part of the problem. I could have gone on to the next shelter (West Mtn) but it was half a mile off the trail and has no water. I just wanted to crash for the night at a shelter (possible rain) so William Brien was it. Meet a lot of local hikers passing through on Memorial Day and a large group of Princeton students doing their orientation. They tented near the shelter. Their leader warned they would be making a lot of noise doing their practices. Seemed to last well into the night.Forgot to mention I passed through the "lemon squeezer" earlier in the day. The squeezer was not bad. It was the sheer rock face just after. I should have taken the blue-blaze, easier way. But I opted to climb the rock face white-blaze portion. Very little hand or footholds and the pack pulled me backwards. At one point I could not figure out how to go any further - no more handholds. My fingers began to slip before I did find something to grip on. A fall would have meant 10-15 feet onto the rocks below. I should not have tried the climb and was lucky to have made it up. I talked to other hikers later who had climbed that rock face and they had used a tree limb nearby to pull themselves up - something I obviously missed.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery Holiday Inn Express
Miles today: 10.0

This has been one of my most frustrating days on this entire hike. I'm still upset enough about it that I' not going into a lot of details right now - maybe later.I started the day with a slim but possible chance of getting to Bear Mountain post office by 10am (when they close). I hauled ass towards Bear Mountain getting on top with the chance of still getting my mail drop by 10. And then the white blazes just seemed to fade out coming down Bear Mountain. The trail just seemed to disappear. I had to bushwack all 1,000 feet down the steep slopes and rocks. Other hikers ahead of me and with me had the same complaints.Whoever manages this portion of the trail is doing a poor job.Long story made short - I was ticked off and needed some chill time. So I spent a night at the Holiday Inn Express at Fort Montgomery. It didn't help that this is graduation week at West Point and room prices were out the roof.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Fort Montgomery Holiday Inn Express

To: Trail. near Bear Mountain post office
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well today turned out a lot better than yesterday. Pigged out on the "all you can eat" Holiday Inn breakfast - ate everything I possibly could.I opted to look around the Revolutionary War fort and the zoo. Asked where the Bear Mountain post office was - most folks didn't have a clue. Eventually found it. Plan is to hammock just inside the woods tonight and get my mail drop in the morning (the one I missed yesterday). That box has four days a food to get me to Kent.So here I am laying in my hammock at 7pm. I can hear a musical group down at the lake playing some great songs from the 60's. A nice way to end the day and drift off to sleep.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Trail. near Bear Mountain post office

To: Graymoor Shelter
Miles today: 6.0

Picked up my mail drop at Bear Mountain post office. Although the post office hours are only 8am to 10am currently, starting in June the hours are extended to 8am to 2pm. I asked the clerk that works there - the post office is only being kept open (and has the longer, summer hours) due to the number of hikers who have mail drops there. Over the past two years the post office has debated closing this location.Zoo had not opened since I passed through today prior to 10am. I did cross over and look around the Fort Montgomery Revolutionary War ruins. Interesting visit.Then it was time to cross the Hudson and head towards Graymoor. The climb was relatively steep - at least more than I had remembered from the past. Only about 6 miles to Graymoor. There isn't really all that much to recommend staying there - unless it is raining and you want a good roof over your head. But in all fairness, they do have electric lights and electric receptacles for recharging your cell phone. Also porta-potties (with toilet paper) and running water. There is a shower in a small building - but the door was padlocked - not sure why. And you can order pizza for delivery if you have a cell phone. There is a menu in the shelter. You have to order a $10 minimum, pay a $1 delivery charge. Although the menu says the don't accept credit cards, they did for me. Also, they can only deliver until 7 pm because the Friars lock a chain across the entrance road and the pizza driver can't get through after that.Really nice weather tonight - no need to sleep under the shelter roof. There were about six of us there for the night. Everyone else tented in the field and I strung up my hammock between the soccer goal posts nearby. Great sleep.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Graymoor Shelter

To: Graymoor Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Basically, this turned into a zero day for me. More details a bit later. Wanted to knock this journal entry out while I have relatively good reception at the Monastery.One thing I forgot to mention yesterday - there is a new convenience store being built on Highway 9, just a half mile south of Graymoor. They have the store name up - Appalachian Mart. Once it opens it will be in an ideal place for hikers since the trail runs right in front of it. Sasquatch told me about it several days ago and I saw it as I passed by.As mentioned, I spoke with Sasquatch by phone several days ago. He had said for me to give him a call when I got in his neck of the woods - Pawling, New York. We had hoped to get together and do some resupply, get something to pig out on, etc. But he was getting ready to head out the next morning for a week-long section hike up near Dalton/Cheshire, Mass. Be he did do me a big favor and I really appreciated the kind gesture.Sasquatch also updated me on StormenNorm and Water Bear. They are at least a week ahead of me (probably close to Vermont?) and supposedly pushing pretty hard to get in the miles. Norm also celebrated his 25th birthday recently - I wish him the best.I saw where Snickers signed my journal guest book. He mentioned that he and his wife had seen me recently in New York on the trail. I hope I didn't offend them by passing by quickly and not stopping by to chat. I just didn't recognize them at the time. Sorry about that.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Discussion of Golite Breeze pack

To: Hike Status Update
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick update on where the job possibility stands. I completed the interview and everything went well (best I can tell). I got a sense that they are having a hard time finding a suitable person who will work overseas for a year. That brought up a good question: Since this position involves technical writing, why can't it be performed via the Internet or some type of secure VPN? Why can't the person physically remain where he/she resides? I got an answer to that question that makes sense. In addition, if there were no overseas assignment there would not be any equivalent increase in pay. At any rate, there will be one other interview with some additional folks. I asked a large number of questions and they responded in kind. So I feel pretty knowledgeable about the position, benefits, etc.There is one other aspect, a major one, affecting whether I work or I hike - what Trail Boss thinks and would like to see happen. I mean, you can't very well just up and leave your wife-to-be for a year without a serious discussion. Such a discussion is a private thing, but it has taken place.Should I return to the Trail, I've been spending my spare time going over some gear changes and figuring out upcoming re-supply locations. Before long the post offices will often be 3-5 miles off the trail. Same for a lot of the short-term or long-term grocery stores. In the past I would take advantage of hostel stays and their shuttles into towns. With the gas prices as they are, I wonder how many folks are willing to do shuttles (or how much they will charge).
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Hike Status Update

To: Additional News
Miles today: 0.0

Just found out that my second interview is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. We had a really nasty afternoon with thunderstorms, high winds and some tornados. So I'm glad the interview is tomorrow instead of today. Not sure who I will be meeting with or what will be discussed. I'd thought everything had been pretty well covered during the first interview.Regardless, I'm still using the free time to work on my resupply plans should the decision be made to continue hiking. I ran across Baltimore Jack's resupply articles on Whiteblaze. He has updated the content through 2007. There are resupply options he mentions that aren't even hinted at in Wingfoot's book. You should take a look at what he writes.Speaking of guide books, I went by Staples and got them to take my Wingfoot guide book and bind it with a metal, spiral binding. It only cost two dollars. Now I can keep the pages turned to where I want. I have a habit of keeping the guidebook in my pocket and referring to it throughout the hiking day. Trimming the top and bottom margins, it fits just right in a quart-sized zip-lock bag.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Additional News

To: Time For A Decision
Miles today: 0.0

Completed the interview. They made an offer. I think the interview primarily served the purpose of informing me of their decision and stressing the need to start the position as soon as possible. Not much else was covered. I told them I'd need to consider it and would give them a decision either tomorrow or Monday. So I guess it's time for me to review the pros and cons and figure out my best course of action. Kinda sounds like the same thing Hillary said during her Tuesday night speech - she would take some time to figure out how to proceed. The only difference is that I don't have that much time to decide. You would think that this company is putting a lot of deadline "pressure" for me to make a decision. I understand their need and I can always say "I'm not interested." But the truth is that I am interested, it is a good offer, and I have to decide accordingly.On the hiking front - if I return I've decided to switch back to using the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone pack. Also, to start using my stove again. I can picture some of you chuckling about my no longer going "stoveless". Okay, I said it was just an experiment. The cold breakfasts weren't really an issue. But the dinners just didn't make it eaten cold. So, out comes the JetBoil again.I've taken a look at the weather forecasts for next week, around Kent, CT and Dalton, MA. Appears that the highs will be in or close to the 90's. That's going to mean (for me) carrying an additional liter of water while hiking. It's not that there aren't many water sources. Just that I sweat like a pig while hiking. For me, I not only have to carry enough water; I also have to make sure I drink enough throughout the day.Along the same subject, in hot weather it's important to have a way to replace the salt you lose by perspiring. I carry beef boullion cubes and make a beef broth during dinner.Baltimore Jack says that the CT/MA section of the trail, during the summer, has a large amount of mosquitos, etc. I don't really remember that but don't forget to carry some type of repellent with you. I use Ben's 100% deet spray. Yes, I know it's not supposed to be good for you (?) but it sure works well.