morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Windy Gap

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the day getting organized for next phase. Also will be changing plans and doing a slack pack hike tomorrow - looks like Friday will be a washout up here in Pa so will take advantage of the boys generosity and knock out 16 more miles tomorrow and do a zero at home on Friday. Still plan to start up the DWG to Sunfish Pond on Saturday (and still have a transportation issue). Forgot to mention that my new boots (that I just got in Port Clinton less than a week ago) have begun to deteriorate at the same failure point (rubber on toes delaminating). Hi-Tec has agreed to replace these boots and switch me to a different style - the new boots are due to arrive in the DWG Post Office tomorrow. Just in case, I also tried on new boots at EMS today so can order and have them shipped if this next round does not pan out. I should mention that Racquet's Vasque boots seem to be holding up fine - much to her amusement. Need to update some pictures but will probably not get to that until Friday. Steps - 4300
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Windy Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 16.9

Up early so Ben could drop us off and still get to work in time. The day was overcast and we were walking in a misty cloud most of the morning. The trail from Wind Gap to Wolf Rocks was typical PA - but a long stretch without and smooth sections. Due to all the moisture the rocks were really slippery. Both of us had falls in the course of the day, fortunately without major injury. Wolf Rocks were treacherous and we were glad to be slack packing this section. The trail became much more forgiving for the 2nd half of the hike and was quite nice. We posted a picture of a little friend, a blaze orange newt - must be ready for hunting season. We saw maybe 7 or 8 of these right on the trail and they generally did not even move when you stepped over them - good thing they were so bright or they may have become part of just another slippery rock. Mt Minsi views were still hazy but the day was improving. The hike down Mt Minsi is nice and there are some nice groves of Mt Laurel that will be spectacular in 2 to 3 weeks and close to the bottom of the trail is a small water fall/creek called Eureka Creek that is particularly nice. This would be a great day hike on a couple of weeks. Since my boots were totally imploding Hi-Tec agreed to send me another pair in DWG. We made a side trip to the PO only to be told -"no package for a Pete Smith" but fortunately the Post Master was kind enough to hold a package that was addressed "Hold for AT Thru Hiker" and it was from Hi-Tec - I guess any hiker would do! All is good and I now have a new set of boots to break in but these are a different style. I hope the third time is a charm!. Jacob came to pick us up and we all had ice cream at Zoe's in DWG before Racquet and I walked the last mile over the bridge into NJ!! Steps about 41,000
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Home

To: Zero at Home
Miles today: 0.0

Rained most of the day and last night I noticed a drip in my basement ceiling (this was before the rain) - did some investigation and discovered some drips of water coming down from what appeared to be a leak from one of the pipes feeding the upstairs bathroom. Spent the morning with a plumber troubleshooting and repairing the leak. Guess it was a good thing I was home and made this discovery. Went to REI in the afternoon - my favorite store for the moment. Good opportunity to wear in my new boots. Old boots shipped back to Hi-tec for some troubleshooting! Steps 8400.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Appalachian Mountain Club - Camp Mohicon
Miles today: 9.3

Had a great time hiking with our friends and trail angles Steve and Carol who drove us back up to Delaware water Gap and hiked with us to Sunfish Pond. Quite wet after Friday's rain but we all were troopers. Saw a copper head swiming in the lake right next to where we all ate lunch. Steve learned the value of emptying his pack for a lighter hike back down the trail and offered us the snacks he had brought. We really had a great time. Steps - 25,500
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Appalachian Mountain Club - Camp Mohicon

To: Brink road shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Started the morning off with breakfast at the AMC center. Began hiking and soon came across our first fire tower on the trail. Fire watcher, Bob, was there and happily invited us up on the 65 foot tall tower. At the top views were fantastic since the weather was crystal clear. Headed off again for a long day. Passed a lovely group of ladies out for a day hike and arrived at the shelter about 6:30. A beautiful new shelter on the left was already staked out by 4 hikers so we got the shack in the back(the old shelter). 4 more hikers soon arrived but all pitched their tents. One guy was from Brazil and one was a thru hiker starting in GA trail named Ironman! He hiked the last 100 miles of PA in 3 days. Steps - 39,500
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Brink road shelter

To: NJ 23, High Point State Park
Miles today: 17.9

Left Brink shelter and headed out for the day. Stopped on 206 at Joe's for a breakfast sandwich after 3 miles. Hit the trail again for what we thought would be a long day but not too hard. Well, many ups and downs and very tough terrain proved to be really hard. Had a surprise of passing about 10 groups of St. Benedict's school boys from Newark, NJ. They are required to pass one week of wilderness adventures. We'll, after the long day, stayed in a motel for showers, laundry and an order of 3 Italian dinners. Leftovers will have to be breakfast! Steps 42,800.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: NJ 23, High Point State Park

To: Unionville NY
Miles today: 8.8

Just a short hike today to let us recover. Views at High Point were fantastic and we met some interesting thru hikers. This was by far the easiest hike we have had, nice terrain beautiful walk in the woods, lots of rock walls and a little bit of wildlife ( deer, wild turkey, chipmunks, snakes and squirrels). Ended in Unionville NY and plan to camp at the town park. Had some great food at the Wit's End Tavern. Steps 24,400.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Unionville NY

To: St Thomas Hostel, Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 11.8

Another good hiking day. Did not do too many miles so Racquet could rest her sore knee. We did cover the approx 12 miles in just over 5 hours. The board walk sections were really cool and we probably did about 1.5 miles on the wood. We saw some deer, lots of birds and even a beaver in the wetlands. We had to wait for about an hour for the ride to town so we walked up the road to a giant garden center to kill some time. Both had double scoop ice creams and I also got an apple. When our ride arrived we made our way to the St Thomas Episcopal Church Hiker Hostel. We were the first ones in but 5 others soon followed. Of course they are all young enough to be our kids, but is great to see they all having so much fun. Unfortunately my newest boots have started to idelaminate (left boot toe, just like the last time - different model but same outcome.) This time I called REI and have ordered a pair of Vasque boots (much like Racquet's but men's model of course), second call was to Hi Tec to ask for a refund. I think 3 pair of boots over 5 weeks and only 350 miles was enough. For my Merck buddies there is a lesson in here - even in times of austerity you get what you pay for and even with great customer service you have to have a good product of it is game over. Someone tell Mike Thien I also have some ideas for his next "walk in the woods strategy session". Steps 35,300.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: St Thomas Hostel, Vernon, NJ

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 13.0

After a breakfast at Dunkin Donuts we got a ride back to the trailhead. The day started with a steep incline of just under 1000ft In a little over a mile. Then the first thunderstorm came. We had to put the pack covers on and our rain jackets. This lasted just 40 min but made everything very wet. As we approached the NJ/NY state line we began to face hard ups and downs on mostly rock. Climbing up and down became treacherous. We were slipping all over the place. Racquet slipped twice and was left with a bloody knee and a sore bum. Once past the state line we were faced with an impossible decent on wet rocks. NoBigDeal went first holding on to a rock crevice with his fingertips and carefully moving his feet. He made it to a safe spot (kind of) and now it was Racquet't turn. Tossing her trekking polls first to NoBigDeal she grabbed on to the rock crevice with all her might. Sliding sideways on her stomach with her face inches from the rock she went as far as she could, the crevice ended, and was told to put her foot on a spot she could not reach. Hanging by her hands she trusted NoBigDeal and slid her foot where he said. Safely to that spot NoBigDeal continued but Racquet was too short so she slid on her behind on the wet rock until she could make the final move off the rock! Wow, that was scary and just 50 feet in front of us was another challenge. This went on for 3 and 1/2 miles and took us 3 and 1/2 hours to complete. Just as we were getting out of the rocks the 2nd thunderstorm started. We were exposed for a short while but the trail finally turned back into the woods. Moving as fast as we could we came to a decision point. Continue of the trail for 2.1 miles or take the vista trail .9 miles to town. Decided to head for town with lightning right over us. Hit the bottom and found a ball field bathroom to duck into and call the Motel for a pick up. They did get us thankfully and we arrived in our room soaking, muddy and beat up. Here's to a better day tomorrow. Steps 41,500
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: NY 17
Miles today: 14.1

Much better day. I think Racquet is back in the saddle! Today was a nice day and the hiking was fun. teraine We slack packed from NY 17 back to the vista trail that leads down to Greenwood Lake. About 15 miles but without the packs, it was an easy hike. One big up to start the day and it was still a little wet but the predicted thunder storms never materialized. We are back at Anton's on the Lake and Matt will take us back up to NY 17 after breakfast. Our day ended with the walk down the Vistas Trail - what a difference a day makes, today we could actually take in the vista view. Once back in town we hit Murphy's for Happy Hour. Steps 37,600.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: NY 17

To: West Mountain
Miles today: 12.8

Matt from Anton's on the Lake dropped us off at the trailhead this morning. Climbed up 500 ft to Island pond, very pretty. Came to a rock formation called the Lemon Squeezer! Barely able to fit thru with packs, had fun squeezing thru it. Day was full of ups and downs. A couple in front of us crossed a stream and then let us ahead of them. We went barreling ahead on the trail until NoBigDeal decides he hasn't seen a white blaze for a while. Pulled out the phone and checked gps. Way off trail! Had to backtrack about 10 min. Oh, the other couple followed us. Lesson for the day-don't walk more than 1min without seeing a white blaze. Rested a while at a shelter with some rainy weather passing. Decided to go another 3.5 miles to the next shelter. Almost there we were faced with a very steep climb of 600 ft. At top spotted a black cloud and before we could get to the shelter it started pouring. Trying to get rain jackets and pack covers on while getting poured on didn't work out too well. Soaking wet we pulled off trail to set up the tent. Rain let up, tent up but everything on us soaked to the bone! Dry clothes and bed were all we could do until morning. Steps 36,900.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: West Mountain

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 13.4

Finally saw a bear! But it was in a zoo. Actually we just missed seeing a wild bear the day before by about 3 minutes on the trail. In any case I am happy that we have not had to use the bear sprayAfter last night's washout we were a little slow this morning getting up and getting everything dry. We were actually lucky that it quit raining when it did. We definitely need to invest in better pack covers. The hike up Bear Mtn was steep but nice, the trails were really nicely groomed with gravel and granite rock steps. The tower at the top offered some great views, including the NYC skyline. The trail down was also nice but was about a 1200 ft drop - made for some tired legs and sore knees and heals. At the bottom was a park where we got food and drinks and sat a picnic table with our shoes off (real redneck move but we smelled enough even with them on that no one was coming near us anyway.) We probably sat too long, the rest of the day was hard even though we got to go through the Trailside Zoo and Museum (where we saw our first bear of the trip). We landed for the night at the Graymoor Friary, a Franciscan Monastery. They let hikers camp on their ball field. Steps 39,700.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 14.0

Woke up early so NoBigDeal could go to 7:15 daily mass at the Graymoor. Headed out by 8 and it was already hot. The hiking was tough and Racquet was suffering extra sore feet from the day before. This always means slower hiking and even more time on our feet, a cycle we keep repeating. As we neared the lake all signs pointed to the lake beach concession stand. We hiked straight there, the end was a green blazed trail to the lake( trail needs lots of work) and grabbed 3 ice cream treats and a Gatorade. One for each of us and one to share! Next headed to campground and found the free sites for AT hikers right by the road. Had cold showers, dinner and then collapsed in the tent. Racquet heard some noises outside of the tent and later said "whatever it is it just growled at me". I think it was a frog! All holiday weekend we saw lots of hikers and people just out enjoying the beautiful weather. Steps 42,600.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 13.8

Knew we had to hike hard since weather (thunder storms and hail predicted for 4:00). Weather was very hot and every uphill just made us pour sweat and bugs were relentless. However the trails were pretty nice. Slopes in NY seem to be more gradual, both up and down, and unlike PA we don't have to summit every peak (only those with views). On one such view we passed we met a young couple who had pitched their tent right on the smooth rock summit. They were eating a breakfast of fresh cooked pancakes and had a 12 inch air mattress inside their tent! On the trail we saw a huge oak tree but were told an even bigger one was to come the next day. Also spooked a wild turkey right next to the trail with her chick. She made a lot of noise and did her best to distract us from her chick that was just one foot away hiding in a bush. We did manage to make the shelter by 3:30 and managed to get spots in the shelter. As it normally happens hikers come out of the woodwork and converge on the shelters to get out of the rain. A few hikers had to tent outside. There were 2 father son pairs doing section hikes and a solo hiker named "crazy bear" who turned out to be a Methodist Minister from GA. The 7 of us had a good time, built a fire and sat around and talked until rain chased us all to bed. Crazy Bear literally took a shower with "Off", said he was attacked the night before. He was like having a human citronella candle in the shelter with us! Steps 37,000.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Applachian Trail RR Station
Miles today: 10.9

During the night the temp dropped dramatically. Woke up cold and damp. Started out hiking in the rain and never really saw any sunshine the whole day. Fairly easy terrain and came across a really cool beaver dam. Sitting for about 15 min we were able to see 3 beavers! Later that day we did find the largest oak tree on the AT. It is thought to be over 300 years old. Rolled into the Native Landscapes by the AT RR where we had new boots waiting for NoBigDeal and a drop box from home. We could have tented there but decided to grab a room at the local Motel to get inside and away from the cold and damp. Bill, the owner took good care of us by taking us to the post office in the afternoon and back to the trail in the morning. Side note- Racquet is still having lots of tough days battling her plantar fasciitis. Steps 28,000.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Applachian Trail RR Station

To: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 15.2

Good uphill started the day and a 3 mile walk thru a nature preserve was nice. Mid day walked along a beautiful creek for a while. It was 10 mile river and Bulls river. Even saw a Blue Heron! Crossed the covered bridge and stopped at the Country Market for ice cream! Seems we have switched from beer to ice cream(only out of necessity)! Ended the day hiking by a couple of nice views and even took time to watch a couple hawks playing in the thermals. Found campsite which is next to a waterfall, set up and dined on bagels with cream cheese (bought at market), with added tuna on one and salmon on the other. Pringles and rice krispy treat rounded out our dinner. A few answers to questions we have gotten:Yes, we saw more hikers over holiday weekend but back to just a few each dayGenerally the experience is about what NoBigDeal expected, Racquet is getting better but struggling with heal issuesMiles listed are trail miles only, no side trips to stores, getting water or finding privies are recorded. Steps for the day are all inclusive, and we are behind in listing those Crossed into CT today. Steps 42,200.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT 4
Miles today: 14.3

Awake at 6 and hiking by 7! Surprised to see 3 other tents up at campsite this morning. Hikers come in at all hours of the evening(we were in bed by 7). Beautiful day as we headed out this morning. The hike was harder than we expected. A 400 ft drop called St. John's Ledges was straight down! It took over 45 min to descend, every single step was calculated. The steep downs are extremely hard on the feet and knees. Later we had a peaceful 4 mile walk along the Housatonic River. Then had to haul it up 600 ft and back down again to meet our pick up ride at 3:45. Hudson (a thru hiker)picked us up, stopped at the post office for us and delivered us to his Bearded Woods Bunk and Dine. The lower level of his home is set up for hikers. Bunk rooms, 2 showers, family style dinner (thank you Big Lou for a wonderful meal), and breakfast yet to come. Looks like NoBigDeal is going to slack pack tomorrow while Racquet takes a break. Steps 38,900.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT 4

To: Salisbury CT
Miles today: 21.4

Racquet's heals will not allow her to continue on the trail in the immediate future so she has announced her semi retirement from the trail and a return home to heal. Hudson and Big Lou at the Bearded Woods have been incredibly supportive and are helping with the logistics. I decided to slack pack for the day and the Racquet and I will move tomorrow to a smaller B&B in Salisbury CT for a zero day and our last night before she returns home. My plan was to hike somewhere between 14 and 21 miles depending on my speed, I needed to hit the 14 mile mark by 2:00 to shoot for the 21. Big Lou made me a chicken florentine and pasta sandwich for my day pack and Hudson took me back to the trail. First decision was how to cross the first creek. There was a high water walk around but that would require an extra mile road walk. After looking up and down river for rock steps I settled for a "log shimmy" approach (no pack helps in this case!). Once across I was off to the races. At the top of one Mtn was a mini lemon Squeezer but again, not much of a challenge without the pack. About 6 miles into the hike I came across 3 of the hikers we had met back in NY (they were just back from a side trip into NYC), and they were also hiking to Salisbury (my 21 mile target). They assured my if I stuck with them we would get there by 4:30 (of course they had packs, so I figured I would give it a shot). We hiked hard and steady and it gave me a chance to ask "forget me not" all sorts of trail advice. Much of the hike we could hear the Falls Village race track and from the mountain could occasionally catch a glimpse of the race. The time went quick and at about the half way point I ate the sandwich Big Lou sent and it made me feel like superman. The second half of the hike was easier and included some flat walks along the river, through some nice flower patches, paths through the dark fern covered forest floor and even a mountain meadow walk. I stopped and took some pictures of the Falls Village Great Falls - very nice area. Made great time and made Salisbury by 4:00. Big Lou and Racquet came and got me for a return to the hostel. Turns out the ladies went out for a wine tasting event earlier in the day, so everyone was in good spirits. As usual Big Lou made a great dinner and we had a great time and some good conversation with the 3 new hikers that arrived for the night. Two of the hikers we had previously met back in NY. Steps 47,700.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Salisbury CT

To: Salisbury CT
Miles today: 0.0

Slept in (7:00) then went up for one of Big Lou's breakfast feasts. Packed up and Hudson took us into Salisbury but not before showing Racquet the Great Falls. We have spent the day wandering the small town. We ate lunch at Chaiwalla a "Tea House" and will walk back downtown for dinner. Our accommodations at Maria McCabes are quite nice and Maria is wonderful. We are both a little sad as Racquet will return home tomorrow. I'll miss my Racquet!
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Salisbury CT

To: Glen Brook Shelter and campimg area
Miles today: 13.5

Slept in, fixed breakfast then walked to town to forward a food box to Dalton. Racquet then walked me to the trail head ( a half mile in the opposite direction from town ). We shared some tears and hugs then I slowly trodded off. Racquet got a lift to the train to NYC then transferred to the local bus that goes to Doylestown. The hike was tough, I was not motivated, and my new boots have irritated my little toe on my right foot ( the price you pay when breaking in new boots. I have to hand it to Racquet, she endured much more pain and did it with grace. Had to summit 4 mountains today each with slightly higher elevation (1700 - 2300 - 2400 - 2700) fortunately once above 1500 we stayed there or higher. Views were nice but the downhills killed my toe. Coming down Bear mountain was one of the hardest descents to date. I decided to tent tonight but will shoot for a shelter tomorrow as rain is expected. I'm sitting by a small fire but light is fading and so am I. Today I finished Conn and crossed into Mass.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Glen Brook Shelter and campimg area

To: Wilcox shelter
Miles today: 19.6

Pushed some miles today, not used to doing this much with a full pack. Just got to the shelter before a giant thunder storm rolled in. Emerg broadcast warning of flash flooding. I did get wet when I went out to get water for dinner. Nice shelter, new and sleeps 10. I have the penthouse to myself at least for the moment.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Wilcox shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was a beautiful day for hiking. I am getting up earlier in the morning, up with the sun, and starting my hiking around 7. Today was filled with several mountain climbs and beautiful views. Beavers are amazing with what they can build and Beaver Condos are even more amazing. The walk around the pond was peaceful, then the path turns and 15 to 20 steps later poof it is gone and you are off to find the next inspiring view. As good as the I- phone camera is it just cannot do justice to what you see. The 1 1/2 mile 1000 ft climb today was a challenge but I arrived at the Cabin early, about 3, and decided to take a plunge into the lake fully clothed! This was my shower for the day and everything dried except my wool socks. Looking forward to the caretaker's breakfast in the morning and a good night's sleep.