morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-07-05
From: The Pinnacle

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

I woke up to fireworks going off outside my hammock this morning. Damn hooligans. Friends of Shady thought it would be funny to wake us up in true American fashion. I couldn't be mad though because I could totally see myself doing the exact same thing to someone else. Jabberwocky had already left by the time I got going this morning so I hiked with Shady and his friends for a majority of the day. Today was hot. Super hot. I barely got a few miles in before I had succumbed to the heat. We all stopped at Eckville Shelter around noon for a lunch/get out of the heat break. This shelter is not your usual shelter. It is on a road, behind a caretaker's house. It comes complete with a grassy lawn, a cold shower, a flush toilet, and a spigot for drinking water. The shower was so cold it took my breath away, very literally. It felt amazing though. I hung out there for a while, drying my clothes and my body. Around three I packed up and left, no plans on where to stop. Since I left Port Clinton, the rocks have gotten worse. The entire trail is composed of numerous rocks, all at an angle that wants to break my ankle. The forest is peaceful despite this and helped to keep me at ease. The heat coupled with the rocks dealt a punishing blow to my body and had me tapping out before I could even walk thirteen miles. I pulled into Allentown Hiking Club Shelter and set up my hammock in a nice grassy clearing in the forest. The gnats and mosquitos were thick and I may have swallowed a few. So not only are we dealing with the heat, humidity, and rocks, but aggravating ass bugs now too. This state just gets better and better. I knew it was coming though. Just a matter of when, not if.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 18.0

Shady woke me up this morning and gave me a 100 Grand for my birthday, wrapped in a note telling me to enjoy the rocks and flesh eating bugs. I thanked him and went back to sleep for a bit. Once I finally rolled out of my hammock everyone had left the shelter already, and this was at seven in the morning. It was already hot too. I walked most of the day by myself, alone with my thoughts and the rocks. The occasional cloud of gnats joined me as I made my way down the trail. The highlight of today was the Knife Edge, a stretch of trail, aptly named, that traverses the rocky crest of a ridge line and affords great views on either side. I pulled in to Bake Oven Knob shelter for a quick break around noon. The shelter was old, tiny, and littered with wasp nests. I wasn't there for long. I pushed on to the next shelter where an ATC ridge runner walked up to check the shelter and to bring up a new shelter log. We chatted for a while, he thru hiked last year, and he started his way back down to the road. Before leaving, he offered me a ride into Palmerton, where there was a hostel I could stay at for the night. He took me into town from Lehigh Gap and dropped me off at the hostel. There I caught up with other hikers and we set off for the local Chinese restaurant. Chinese food is perfect because of the large quantity if food that you always receive. I was about to explode, again, but decided to have some frozen yogurt anyways. Getting miserable on food, the perfect birthday present to myself.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.1

It was too late by the time I left Palmerton this morning. By 8:30 it was already scorching hot out in the sun, and one of the steepest climbs since leaving Georgia awaited on the northern side of Lehigh Gap. Fortunately, it was only around 1000 feet. It was incredibly steep in places, requiring hand over foot climbing. Near the top I could turn around and look down to the gap below me. It was amazing how straight up this climb was. Once I reached the top it was a mostly level walk along the ridge line, Pennsylvania's signature move. Today was probably the hottest thus far. Add on to that a nearly fifteen mile stretch without water and you've got a rough day. I would persevere though, reaching Wind Gap around dinner time. The destination in Wind Gap was the Beer Stein, a local restaurant/bar that allows thru hikers to camp out back. It was only a mile away from the trail head so I walked, but with a thumb out. It wasn't five minutes before somebody hit their brakes and curbed their rim trying to pick up me and Shady and Jabberwocky who I had caught up with a couple of miles back. The driver was a young guy and asked us if he messed up his tire. I told him no but that he messed his rim up pretty bad. He didn't care, so we hopped in and rode a mile down the road. The Beer Stein was a great place, good food and even better prices. We camped out back under the stars on what was a surprisingly cool night.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 15.6

The owner of the Beer Stein comes in at nine in the morning and opens up his kitchen to the hikers. He allowed us to come in and cook whatever we wanted and as much as we wanted. This was an awesome treat that we all took full advantage of. I stuck with a traditional breakfast of bacon, eggs, and a couple pieces of toast. I had to sit around a bit and let my stomach settle before hitting the trail. I only had around fifteen miles to get to Delaware Water Gap, but it took me a while to hike it. Yes, more rocks were waiting on me, forcing me to take multiple breaks. The mosquitos really stepped up their game today and were really driving me crazy. They chased me and Jabberwocky out of the woods and down into the Water Gap. This is a beautiful area right along the Delaware River and their is a lot of history here. The first stop was an old ice cream parlor called Zoe's, which has been around since 1906. They still do original fountain drinks and have delicious hot dogs and ice cream. It really was a step back in time. We were able to stay at a church hostel for the night and I would have a surprisingly great nights sleep on a couch, despite a snoring pug nearby. Julie is coming up on a twenty hour bus ride tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing her. She plans on hiking up to the Hudson River with me from here so we should have a good time. I'll be in my eighth state, New Jersey, as soon as I cross the Delaware River and I'm excited about that. I hear the bugs will be bad though. Sweet.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Julie arrived by bus around nine this morning after riding for more than twenty hours from Georgia. I didn't envy her in the slightest, but I would say that her journey here was a tad easier than mine. It is great to have her by my side again. She was awestruck by the sight of my beard; she has never seen me with more than a weeks worth of stubble. It would take her most of the day to get used to it. We had a great day here at the Water Gap and rested up in anticipation of hiking into the mosquito infested mountains of New Jersey tomorrow. I know it will be very hard for her, but she is more than capable of handling it. There is a reason why I limited what she could bring. "You're the one that's gonna have to carry it." That sentence was all it took.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Rattlesnake Spring
Miles today: 13.5

We left Delaware Water Gap around ten this morning, crossing the surprisingly clear Delaware River over into New Jersey, my eighth state. The trail crosses the river on the I-80 bridge. I could feel the bridge shaking beneath my feet as semi after semi passed us. It was slightly unnerving for me, Julie didn't seem to notice nor mind. I had to slow my pace quite a bit walking with her, which was a hard task for me to accomplish. She was steady though, walking up a thousand foot climb without exerting too much effort. We passed by Sunfish Pond on the trail today, a 41 acre glacial pond that is absolutely beautiful. Too bad there were no swimming signs everywhere. Around noon she told me to go on ahead and she would meet me at a stream not too far away. I found this to be acceptable and resumed my normal hiking pace. It wasn't two minutes later I heard her curse quite audibly, so I turned around and went back to see what was wrong. She was sitting on the ground, frustrated at the rocks covering the trail. As I stood beside here she said "what's that," asking about a rustling in the bushes behind her. I'll be damned if a black bear wasn't walking through the bushes not ten feet away from us. It was so close I could hear it breathing. I put my finger over my mouth signaling to her to be quiet and to not make a move. My eyes told her everything she needed to know. Without incident, the bear kept moving through the bushes. Once I could no longer hear it, I told her to quietly put on her pack and we moved out. Craziness! Her first day on the trail and she has an encounter with a bear, although she could not see it. I could barely see it as it walked past me. It's head gave it away, and the three hundred pounds or more of fur behind it startled me. To be honest, I was frightened. In hind sight, however, it was a very cool encounter. We caught a couple of great views from the ridge line today and I think she truly enjoyed them. We steadily made our way down the trail, which is still pretty rocky. We arrived at a fire tower around seven this evening, named Catfish Fire tower. Not quite sure what that means, but I climbed up the rickety metal structure as high as I could while Julie laid on a picnic table below me, pooped. The view from the top was incredible, but looking down was another story. I'm not the greatest fan of heights. Shortly after that we arrived at a nice campsite where Jabberwocky and a couple of other thru hikers were already setting up. I made her dinner and she was in her hammock shortly after that, worn out from the day. She had hiked over thirteen miles and I am proud of her for doing so. On a side note, the amount of ticks up here is unnerving. I found three on me today, one of which was burrowed into my neck, gross. Julie gained some valuable tick pulling experience with that one as I couldn't see it. I am more afraid of the ticks and the Lyme Disease that they carry than I am of bears, giardia, or snakes.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Rattlesnake Spring

To: Near Jacobs Ladder Trail
Miles today: 12.5

It got a little cool overnight which was a pleasant surprise considering the recent heat and humidity. We got started down the trail around nine on a cool, overcast morning. We passed by a swamp not long after we set off from camp, a strange sight when you think about New Jersey. It won't be the last swamp that the trail goes around in this state either. We took a lot of breaks today, which was good for Julie's morale and legs. She is coping well with the rocks and keeps and steady pace and she is hiking. We wouldn't have any encounters with bears today, a good thing. However, we would be inundated with mosquitos all day. They make hiking harder and stopping downright miserable depending on where you are. We had planned on stopping at Brink Road Shelter for the night after over eleven miles, plenty for Julie. We went down to fill up our water bottles and the mosquitos attacked. After she counted nineteen bites just on my back we decided to move on, despite her being worn out. We walked a half mile and, feeling bad for making her continue to hike, I found an impromptu camp site to stop at. The mosquitos were worse, swarming me within a minute. I put on my rain suit to help combat them while I made Julie dinner. Miserable, we had to continue hiking. I felt bad for her, and she for me because the bugs love me much more. We walked another mile before finding a good spot to stop by another trailhead, the Jacobs Ladder trail. The mosquitos weren't nearly as bad. At least here I could defend myself. We put up our hammocks and Julie quickly crawled inside. I cooked dinner and wasn't far behind her. I love the safety of my bug free zone. I felt sane again.
Date: 2013-07-12
From: Near Jacobs Ladder Trail

To: Sunrise Mountain
Miles today: 7.8

We slept in for a bit this morning which was nice. It took me a little bit to get out of my hammock after first opening my eyes. The mosquitos were hovering outside of my bug net, waiting for me to come outside. Eventually, they would get their way. I quickly climbed into my rain suit so as to stay protected while packing up. We would finally leave the mosquito den a little before ten on our way to Branchville, NJ. There, the Jumboland Diner awaited. Once we got to the road we started walking with our thumbs out. I was content to walk, but would rather have a ride. It wasn't long before a fellow going the other way stopped and offered us a lift. We were appreciative, especially once we passed some other hikers who had walked the whole way. The looks on their faces were priceless. It must've been a good two mile walk. We spent two hours at the diner with Old Boy, The Hunger, and Jigsaw. It is amazing just how much food diner's have on their menus. It must've been a solid six pages worth of food, everything from eggs Benedict to gyros. After indulging ourselves me and Julie walked down the road to a market to get some food for one more day in the woods. Julie has decided that she has had enough fun hiking, so her cousin is going to come get us when we get to Port Jervis, NY tomorrow. We will hang out with her on Long Island for a few days before we part ways again. A nice pregnant lady gave us a ride back to the trail head, where we had a nice climb back up to the ridge line. There was another rickety fire tower at the top and Julie climbed this one with me. The wind up top felt amazing on our sweaty backs. From there we made our way another mile to a shelter to refill on water. There, in the spring, sat three cold Cokes. I took one and me and Julie shared it, much to our enjoyment. We knocked out two more miles before arriving at a nice stone pavilion on top of sunrise mountain. A surprisingly cool breeze blew through the pavilion where we set up our hammocks for the night. There was a great view on both sides of the ridge and, the best part, no mosquitos. It was raining, ever so slightly, and it was nice to be under a roof.
Date: 2013-10-07
To: 177 days, 2185.9 miles
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it only took 177 days, a good 30 of which were zeros, to walk to Maine. To say walk, or hike, would be selling it short of what it actually is. It is more like trudging. The trail was so difficult and yet so rewarding at the same time. I can still think back to my third day on the trail when, while passing a weekend warrior, I became engaged in a very brief conversation. "You headed to Maine?" he asked. "I'm gonna try" I replied. "You'll make it" he told me. I never forgot those three words. You'll make it - and make it I did. On September 27th, I finally reached the summit of Katahdin, almost six months after leaving Springer on April 4th. I quit my job, sold my truck, and left behind my loving, highly supportive wife to embark on the most challenging task of my short life. Was it worth it? You bet. Would I do it again if ever given the chance. You bet. It was such an awesome experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. It opened my eyes, giving me a glimpse of what life really is all about. It's not about things, but experiences. My mind is full of these experiences now, and I am grateful to those who had the foresight to establish such a beautiful trail and to those who maintain it today. It was hard returning home. I am fortunate that I had a devoted wife to return to, a caring network of family and friends waiting for me. I have learned to appreciate the little things in life. A roof over my head, a meal that isn't dehydrated, a hot shower, a change of clothes, running water, just to name a few. I am so glad that I went without for so long because now, I feel like a king in a castle. I can remember complaining about trivial things in the past. Now, I know better than to complain about something that, in the grand scheme of things, really doesn't matter. Walking (trudging) over mountains in the rain for days on end will do that to a person. I would like to say thanks to everyone who offered up words of encouragement while I was out hiking. I spent a great deal of time thinking about all of the people supporting me and it really helped me along, especially when I was down. If there is one bit of advice that I can offer to anyone looking to take on this monumental task, it would be to totally disregard anyone who says that a certain stretch of trail is easy. Sure, there are miles of trail that are easier than others, but not one mile is "easy." When you strap a pack on your back and carry it all day, for 100 plus days, nothing is easy. The AT will take its toll on mind and body, guaranteed. But, if you persevere, you will be rewarded with a lifetime of memories that no one can take from you. Oh, and take a hammock (Ground dwellers will give you grief, but they're really just jealous (they told me)). And a big tarp - because it will rain - a lot. Happy Trails!
Date: 2013-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I guess it is time to start a journal. I hope to start the A.T approach trail six weeks from today or thereabouts and hike all the way to Mt. Katahdin. I have thought about this for years and have most of my gear but being a last minute type of person, I still have quite a bit to accomplish. I think it's all doable, but I tend to put things off until the last minute.I have read many journals over the years and have tried to keep up with fellow 2013 hikers. It appears the trail will be crowded in mid to late April. Over the years I have truly enjoyed others journals so I hope to keep one myself. Maybe others can enjoy my experience as I have enjoyed Big Red's, Stitch and Uplink's, Stumpknocker's, Mouse's, Hobbit's, Ned the Fed's and countless others over the years.I consider myself extremely fortunate to have this opportunity. I have the support of my family, my employer ( I hope) and finally the resources to take this time away from them to accomplish something I have thought about for years. The only reason I say I hope I have the support of my employer is that I will have to quit work rather than taking a leave of absence unless I want to pay full COBRA cost for insurance. Since I do not need the COBRA insurance and it is quite expensive, I will quit and hope to be rehired upon my return from trail life. But I think my chances are very good.
Date: 2013-02-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have enjoyed reading all the other journals, and a favorite entry is always about all the questions that have been asked. Here is my list of questions and answers.1.) Are you crazy? Well, yes I guess I am. It is a long walk.2.) Why are you doing it? I think most of us have a need for adventure. My grandmother grew up in a sod house on the prairies of South Dakota, my grandfather supposedly traveled throughout the west on a horse. My father traveled the world and fought a war at the same time. He had his fill of adventure flying in a B24. I have been responsible and worked for over 45 years. I need an adventure. I am not trying to find myself nor am I looking for answers to any great questions, I am simply looking to have fun, to meet new friends, to laugh a lot and to not worry about anything other than where will I sleep, what will I eat and how far can I walk. 3.) Are you taking a gun? NO, although if it were silnylon I might.4.) Are you at least taking bear spray? No, although I read one persons journal and he reported that he carried a can for 2000 miles and not once saw a bear so he thought it was surely an effective deterrent.5.) Will you bathe? Every chance I get.6.) Will you stink? Most likely.7.) How many pair of underwear will you take? Underwear?8.) How long will it take? I hope to finish within 6 months, but if the weather is good and my body cooperates, I hope to finish in 5 months.9.) How far will you walk per day? I will probably start out doing about 12 miles per day then work up to about 18 - 20 per day.10.) How heavy will your pack be? I hope to be fully packed with 5 days of food and 2 liters of water at less than 35 pounds.11.) Are you going alone? Yes but I am sure I will meet many new friends and hiking partners. 12.) Have you done anything like this before? No, I have done some overnight backpacking trips, but this will be my first extended hiking trip.
Date: 2013-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I really feel like this is going to happen and my start date is approaching all too quickly. I have finalized my itinerary for getting to the trail. I am booked on a flight to Atlanta on April 14th, and I have reservations for the Hiker Hostel for that night. So, I am set to start my journey on Monday April 15th. Speaking of April 15th, taxes are due and I was able to knock that off my to-do list today, taxes are filed and I am getting a refund! Further, I have acquired some cool new gear. After reading about rodents in the shelters, Margaret bought me a "ratsack," a bag made of stainless steel mesh that will serve as a food storage bag, it has a grommet attached so that it can be hung as a bear bag and is impossible for little critters to gnaw through while trying to get to that last snickers bar in the bag. As Elmer Fudd would say, "Take that you Wascally Wodents!" The last entry was about questions people have asked me, now I want to address questions I ask myself. It seems that self doubt and anxiety become more powerful as my start date nears. So these are my questions:1.) Are you crazy? Yeah, I think I am.2.) I have an absolutely wonderful life, why for 6 months do I want to leave people that I love and that love me, a job that I like, and many great friends? Answer - I do have a great life and the freedom to pursue this dream makes it even greater. My job will wait, my friends are still friends, and my family will still love me while I take this journey. 3.) Can I physically do this? Well, I have been going to the gym 4 days a week for the past 5 months and I am in as good of shape as I have been for the past 30 years. I won my age group in a Veterans Day 5K. And 2 years ago, I did a quick hike up and back on the Approach Trail and survived, although I was sore for several days and was not carrying a 30 pound pack. It's not like hiking in Texas.4.) Am I taking the right gear? I hope so, I have read other people's gear lists and read their advice, and there is only one way I can find out what is right for me. 5.) Will I be able to sleep? I've been having sleep problems as it is, how am I going to sleep in a tent on the ground? My guess is that after 3 or 4 days of hiking all day, I will be so exhausted that I will sleep great. Plus, that Neo-Air pad is pretty nice.6.) And finally, at some level, I must be worried about getting lost as I have had a crazy dream of losing the trail as I am hiking through a restaurant ( I said it was a crazy dream right?). Finally I want to thank the kind people that have already signed my guest book, I hope to meet you, Mamaw B, Grandbob and Cindy Mayo. How nice to encounter such friendliness through the magic of the trail, even before setting foot on Springer Mountain.