morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Eckville shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 20Found a new hiking partner "Laszlo", retired ex-military and now a minister. We got to Allentown shelter by noon, @ 7.4 mi., and decided to keep going to a B & B at PA 309, another 4 mi. Arrived @ 2 p.m. and stopped for a cold drink. "Jungle Crew" caught up with us and had to hitch into Allentown to get medical attention for "Gorilla in the Mist" poison ivy rash. "Laszlo" and I decided to push on another 6 mi. to Bake Oven Knob shelter @ 3 p.m. Hiking along the knife edge a precipice of boulders was scary & nerve-wracking as we were being hurried along by a threatening thunder storm. I'm having some great discussions with "Laszlo"!
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Bake Oven Knob shelter

To: Palmerton, P.A.
Miles today: 7.5

Day 21More boulder jumping but not as severe as yesterday. Worse is still to come. Reached PA 873 at 12:00 and it is hot! Hitched into Palmerton, 2 mi. west and checked into the Bourgh Town Hall basement. With Hurricane Arlene on the move, we want to make it to Delaware Water Gap--36.4 mi.-- by the 14th. I am learning so much from "Laszlo". I was having trouble keeping up, wishing I had a second trekking pole, and "Laszlo" points to the forest floor and says 'try that one'. I am now getting more adept at using two poles, and it certainly makes a difference when negotiating the boullder fields. I've also learned to use Body glide or Avon Anti-blister cream on my feet before putting on my socks. Several thru-hikers use it religiously to good effect.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Palmerton Bourgh Hall - Jail

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After a fitful night worried about the hot sun and the big climb ahead, we were on the road out of Palmerton by 07:00. Laszlo had trail maps and chose the winter trail up the mountain. The grade is less severe than the white blazed trail and facing west we did not have the hot sun. We made it to the top by 08:30. I must be getting fit! Just past the top, a rattlesnake was on the side of the trail, coiled with his head sticking up 15 cm above the coil, just like a cobra. I believe he was rather comatose, and still cold. The morning was still cool. Took pictures, but from 10 meters away! After a long day, near the end on the Wind Gap end, the AT takes a detour around a microwave tower. Needless to say, we lost the blazes and took a half hour to reacquire the trail. The old AT used to go right through the tower site, but it took a lot of labour to build that detour that added about a quarter mile to the trail. Go figure! Didn't reach Wind Gap until 21:00. At the motel, we found Raz & Foxy, Boston, Cubby, and Ole Yeller. Fortunately, we were able to get dinner before the Wind Gap Diner closed at 22:00.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 23It was a late start, as we had to wait for the post office to open to mail home needless extra weight. I am down to the bare essentials, I think! I reduced my pack weight by 1 kg! We shuttled back to the trail head, and surprise, the Pennsylvania Pod were lounging at the trail head getting the reserves to start the climb up the mountain. We hiked along with the Penn Pods to the Kirkridge Shelter some 9 miles until 14:00. The Penn Pods are less than half our age, and Laszlo was interested in philosophy dialog with these Mennonites. It was a fierce pace. After lunch, the Penn Pods left us in their wake! One more set of boulder jumping - the Wolf Rocks - and then it was a fairly easy walk to Delaware Water Gap by 18:30. There were spectacular views of the Gap and Delaware River during the descent. We checked into the Church of the Mountain Hostel, which provides showers, however, it was full inside and we were shown the outdoor shelter. It was cooler and less humid than the indoor facility. I think we had the better arrangement. Raz & Foxy, and Ole Yeller were also in the shelter. Supper was at the Water Gap Diner. Recommended.
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center - AMC
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Day 24Late start due to equipment problems. My hip belt buckle has been a problem since day 1. The Pack Shack had replacement buckles and were able to top up my fuel bottle. On the trail by 09:30. The Delaware Water Gap Interpretation Center was closed due to flooding by the Delaware River back in April of this year. The bridge crossing the Delaware River is also a turnpike and the wind and vibration of the bridge due to the transports was unsettling. Just before reaching the Mohican Outdoor Center, some trail magic. Cokes and cookies left on the trail. The MOC is the most southerly Appalachian Mountain Club facility. What a nice place! They have a lake, beach, boat house, sailboats, etc. I went swimming for the first time this season! The water was warm. The other hikers at the MOC were the usual - Raz & Foxy, Cubby, Boston, Ole Yeller, Skeeter Feeder and 5 others. One local went into town and returned with 2 gallons of ice cream It was a good night!
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Mohican Outdoor Center - AMC

To: Culver Gap
Miles today: 19.8

Day 25Left the MOC by 06:30. Very nice scenic walk in the morning. Cool and some sporadic sprinkling. But by 15:00, it was a full thunderstorm! Along the top of the ridge, we were concerned about lightning, especially, when several trees on the ridge show evidence of being previously struck. Eventually, we made it down the mountain to Culver Gap by 16:30, cold and wet. It took some time to arrange a pickup. We stayed at the Forest Motel on the US 206. Across from the Motel is an Italian Restaurant - Fratelli's. Rack of Lamb, I am getting my AT appetite. After dinner, the table next to us, asked if we were hiking the AT. This led to a half hour conversation. The husband of one of the girls was currently on the AT @ Bear Mtn in New York. They offered to pick us up tomorrow to take us to breakfast and drop us off at the trail head!
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Culver Gap

To: High Point State Park
Miles today: 12.4

Day 26The Trail Angels who picked us up for Breakfast are the Malmstrom family. They were called last night by the girl's husband who had been drenched by the same storm front that hit us the previous evening. Dick Malmstrom is the owner of a nearby Tennis and Fitness facility. It was a good breakfast. They are Christian believers, and after a prayer at the trail head we were off by 08:00 Great views along the way - Sunrise Pavillion, firetowers etc. We kept encountering the same bubble of hikers along the way. Laszlo again set a fierce pace! But thats how you hike the AT. At your own pace! At the High Point State Pk we again called for a pickup by the High Point Country Inn. Ole Yeller had already checked in. His wife and one of his daughters were flying in to spend the weekend with him. The Inn is only a 12 unit motel, but has fantastic potential. We were taken on a hour tour of the property on a Polaris 6 X 6. Fantastic views. They want to make it into a dude ranch.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: High Point State Park

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 20.6

Day 27Breakfast at the Ellias Cole Restaurant, then off to the AT by 08:30. We have a long way to travel today. This is the last day, I will be hiking with Laszlo. There are along the way, excellent view of the High Point Monument. From an observation platform, we were able to see across the valley and over another ridge line just shy of Vernon. After several hours of further hiking, we were then able to look back and see the terrain we had covered and the High Point Monument in the distance. Incidentally, it looks like the Washington Monument. Dropping down into the valley, I saw the longest boardwalk that I've ever been on. The boardwalk crosses bogs and wildlife preservation areas. Finally by 18:30 and out of gas, the first truck we encountered on NJ 94 picked us up. The driver's mom happened to be in the congregation of the St Thomas Episcopal Church, where the hostel is located.Switching into sandals, to give my feet a chance to breath, we went to dinner at a Chinese Restaurant, then A&P for groceries, etc. My sandals gave me a blister on the ball of my left foot. I can only hobble. What an idiot! I now need to take a zero day to try and heal! I don't know what else to do!
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Day 28 - Zero dayWent to church and received communion. I am getting spiritual! After church the congregation had a meet and greet with refreshments and eats. Laszlo's family finally arrived and we went for a Father's Day buffet at the Jervis House. After pictures, it was time for tearful goodbyes.Still hobbling, I have dressed my blister with the new type blister bandaids. I need time! I don't know how I will feel in the morning. I do want to finish off New Jersey. I just don't know!!!!
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Vernon, NJ

To: New Jersey / New York Border
Miles today: 11.7

Set off today, very tentative. Can my feet handle the weight of my pack?Surprisingly, I was able to lace on my boots without flinching. With a good breakfast, I was off. Able to get a ride within 5 minutes after leaving the hostel. Went up the mountain very slowly, but without difficulty. The plan was to only hike to the first shelter - the Wayanwanda Shelter -only 5 miles away. Somehow, I missed the turnoff, and wasn't going to backtrack. Ended up past the New Jersey / New York border, and set up camp by a brook about 17:30.About 19:30, 'Ole Yeller' appears at the campsite, not realizing, I'm camped there. He in turn sets up his tent in the dwindling light.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: New Jersey / New York Border

To: Arden - NY #17
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Broke camp and on the trail by 08:00. Ole Yeller sets off in advance. I'm about 15 minutes behind. I meet him at the next shelter - Wild Cat - then again on top of Mombasha Mtn where he is eating lunch. His plan is to reach NY #17 to connect with an old work compatriot. Well here I am in Park Ridge, New Jersey - former stomping grounds of Richard Nixon and home of his friend. Life can not be better!!
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Arden / New York 17

To: West Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

Day 31On the trail by 09:30. A thunderstorm hit us @ 14:00 just as we reached the William Brien Memorial Shelter. We stayed at the shelter out of the rain and didn't get back on the trail until 15:30 after the lightning had stopped. Up Black's Mtn (1160') we had our first glimpse of the Hudson River! They say you can see New York City if the weather cooperates. WE continued to the West Mtn Shelter, plus another 0.6 miles off the trail. There we had a spectacular view of the Hudson. Ole Yeller had cousins from Peekskill, nearby, hike up and deliver us pastries and water! The shelter does not have a source of water or pastries on hand! The shelter, reportedly, has a resident rattlesnake, which we did not see! However during the night, we could see the lights of New York City.
Date: 2005-06-23
From: West Mtn Shelter

To: US #9 / NY 403
Miles today: 11.6

Day 32On the trail by 08:00. Bear Mountain (1305')was only 2 hours away. We missed some blazes and ended up walking the Auto road to the top. Ole Yeller was rather annoyed. (But he had a trail map.) After pictures we descended to the Hudson River. The AT passes through a Trail Side Zoo. Crossing over the Hudson River, we continued on to US#9/NY403 to Peekskill and to another fine supper and to sleep in a comfortable bed. Ole Yeller's cousin is a well known Artist (painter) in Peekskill.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: US #9 - Peekskill, NY

To: Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 12.4

After a good breakfast cooked by Trail Angel - Tim McCabe, Andrew his son took us back to the trail head. Andrew did the thru-hike last year under the trail name 'Megabyte-2004'. The trail was fairly easy, as this is the most established part of the AT. We appeared to be hiking on a old rock wall / dyke. This is certainly different to the rocks of Pennsylvania. Old Yeller and I hiked independently for the later half of the day. About 2 hours out of Fahnestock, I ran across 'Core Dump' who was communing with nature. He had taken a break from the summer heat. Leaving instructions with 'Core Dump', I proceeded onwards to Fahnestock and made it easily by 16:30. Right on schedule. I also was armed with a park map showing a snowshoe trail, that rejoined the AT on the north side of Canopus Lake. This would later save us a hour of backtracking the next day! Set up camp, took a shower and was eating supper when 'Old Yeller' finally caught up. A red necked camper with a huge knife strapped to his thigh insisted on talking to us. With the size of his weapon, we had to be tactful. The campground this close to New York City was full of red necks who had escaped from the Bronx.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Fahnestock State Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

On the trail by 07:30 to avoid the summer heat predicted for today. Again the trail appeared to be easy. We made NY #52 and Stormville (12.1m) by 12:30. The Mountain Top Deli was a good place to escape the heat. Excellent deli sandwiches, ice cream and pop! 'Core Dump' also appeared and demonstrated the technique of eating a half gallon of ice cream. 14:00 became 15:00 and it was still hot. Eventually, with effort we hit the trail again by 16:00. The Morgan Stewart shelter was reached easily by 18:30. Set up our tents in the shelter due to possibility of bugs. The Fahnestock State campground may have been noisy due to traffic and rednecks, but, the Morgan Stewart had rumbling of rock music drifting up from the valley below.
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Dover Rd - County #20 - Pawling, NY
Miles today: 8.3

'Core Dump' showed up again @ 06:30. Apparently, he had just stopped short of the Morgan Stewart shelter the previous night. We hit the trail by 07:15, again to beat the heat. At Nuclear Lake we encountered 'English Bob' & 'Biscuit' who were slack packing south. Nuclear Lake is a water reclamation site previously used by a nuclear processing establishment, hence the name. At Dover Road is reportedly the largest oak on the AT. It is estimated to be some 300 years old.'Old Yeller' and I did the photo ops and then it was time to embrace and bid farewell. My adventures on the AT for this year are complete. I was able to wrangle a ride to the Pawling train station from some Pawling hikers who had just emerged from the AT. It saved a long 3.1 miles of trudging on pavement.The ride into NYC took a long time ( ~ 2 hrs). It seemed strange, being around people. Bratty kids with IPODs and portable DVD players! The train took me to Grand Central and then I had to get to Penn Central to find out that the Amtrak to Toronto for the next two days was sold out! Then off to 42nd Street and the bus depot to book an overnight to Toronto. Then I had 3 hours to relax and see New York. Took photos of an AT hiker in Times Square. After a 11 hour bus ride to Toronto, then 1hr GO train to Whitby, I have now dumped out my back pack and started cleaning it out. I am already planning for next year's hike.
Date: 2004-08-09
To: finally...
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all,gazing out the window of my little cabin up here in Alaska and dreaming of my long hike. I have hiked this trail before.. in 89 and about 1500 miles in 94. WE fell hard for the Pct in 96, the steep colorado trail in 97 and the rowdy long trail in 2000. We hiked about 1000 miles of the Pct again in 2002. The very big difference between this hike and all the others is I won't be doing this with Dennis. That will be very strange ! Our marriage has come to an end ... but, lots of terrific memories. Words just can't begin to express it all. Anyhow, this hike.. hopefully starting in Cap Gaspe and finishing in Ga , will be done with a buddy. I hiked with him in 89. WOW, what an experience !...I am SO excited to step onto the trail again and feel that imaginery curtain close behind me.I miss that feeling so much ..) Lots to do between now and then. I have a great great dog.. named Lulu. She hiked in 2002. I am debating about her. She is getting a bit old. Lot gear to make decisions on and try and figure out how I am gonna get all the way to Quebec from this lonely little piece of Paradise.. 2 river alaska...) YAHOOOO.. is it 2005 yet ?
Date: 2004-08-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I bet you guys are wondering just exactly HOW I got my trail name.... Well, fact is ( so they tell me ) I like to talk alot ! My friend Rainman gave it to me somewhere on the Pct cuz I was asking too many questions about how he and his girlfriend were getting along. Hey, I was trying to be supportive ! I started out as Yippy...and he said one day. " Your'e not yippy your yappy ! " Well, I must say I was kinda hurt and promised not to talk with him for at least 10 minutes. He only laughed at me. How rude ! But ya know what ? Later that day he hiked down a steep ski lift to the store and brought me back a HUGE bag of doritos and a sweet cold diet coke. I must say, I promptly forgave him and preceeded to yack his ear off about the Pittsburgh Steelers. That guy was amazing. Where are you Rainman ?
Date: 2004-08-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I like the thought of going SOBO. Fact is, I like the peace and quiet. After the PCT in 2002...where we went South and hardly saw folks it was sorta cool. I enjoyed meeting the Nbers in Wash and seeing that giddy delight in thier eyes. They were almost done. The dream within thier grasp. I knew and understood that feeling. But ya know what ? I also enjoyed the fact that I still head a long and winding trip before me. I wasn't almost done and yippy for that ! I have learned alot about myself on these walks and each one gets harder to end. It is such a glorious way to live a life. I can't seem to get enough of it and that worries me a bit. I have a life up here in Alaska too. I have a tall green eyed man who will miss me. We haven't been together long and I think he thinks I am nuts for doing this ! He had never heard of thru hiking before he met me..I sometimes mention the CDT.. you know, just dreaming. he nods his head solenmly and asks innocently " How long is that ? ".. i just don't have the heart to tell him !
Date: 2004-08-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have a terrific partner. he is one of the most generous and good hearted men I know.He also happens to be VERY VERY funny !! he came to North eastern Oregon in the Spring and we hiked about 90 miles in the outrageous snake river canyon. If anyone is looking for a remote , stunning and lonely trail the snake river trail is it. We didn't see anyone after the first couple of miles and had some of the best camp sites along the river that I have ever had. Yes, it is over grown can be snake ridden and tick infested .. but other than that.. ohlalaa.. We pulled, count em, 75 freaking ticks off my dog in 90 minutes ! I had about 50 crawling on me the night before that. GROSS !! We then went on to the Wenaha canyon and hiked about 30 miles... again very very beautiful. Anyhow, my good friend.. .slow slug.. is awesome !! I am really looking forward to another long hike with him for company.   I went to the outfitter yester day... just looking. Fairbanks has a awesome store. This is an outdoor town,, with lots of trails.. and yes, lots of bears. I have done several hundred miles thru the state and recommend highly . Anyhow,I just wanted to say.. " slow slug... you rock !..") Is it 2005 yet ??!!!... hurry hurry hurry.....
Date: 2004-08-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I keep forgetting to hit the logout button !!! Hey, I am 42,, have every right to forget stuff now and then. Anyhow, I have the coolest hiking partner. He grew up on St.Thomas.. like me.He is one of the best people I know and I couldn't have picked a better partner. He is a strong hiker but likes to stop and drink it in now and then. He came out to Joseph Oregon and we hiked about 90 miles this Spring. For anyone interested in a remote, wildly beautiful canyon hike the Snake river canyon is a great trip. The snake river is the deepest natural river gorge in the world. Yes, deeper than the grand Canyon and not a paved road in sight. It is still a sweet little secret in this country. So, don't tell anyone ok ?.. Anyhow, Slow Slug has already set us up with a ride to the IAT... which is very cool cuz we will be able to drop some things in some towns and leave about 6 boxes in Maine. I am not very concerned about maildrops on this trip. There are alot of stores on the AT. But, we have some food that we like that might be hard to find so will do some.    I went to the outfitter in Fairbanks yesterday. It is a good one. This town is outdoor minded.. that is for sure. I have hiked a few hundred miles here and recommend the state highly. So come on up and visit ! I still haven't figured out where I will be this winter.. Oregon or Alaska..??.... hmmm.. It is SO cold up here in the winter. It is a trip ! Is it 2005 yet ?? hurryyyyy....
Date: 2004-08-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi all, I am back from the east coast.. went to see my family etc. We did go to Harpers Ferry.. which was awesome !! I love that town and the ATC. There is a ton of good energy in that old building. It was terrific to yack with like-minded folks. My family just doesn't understand my connection with distance hiking. They worry that I might never actually STOP doing it !..) I did meet 2 older gentelmen that will be hiking next spring and ran into a sobo out this year. We talked for a bit on the on trail and a recognized that look he had in his eyes... he had one leg planted towards me and the other leaning longingly towards Hf and eggs and bacon. While being very polite his eyes kept returning up the trail and towards the amenities of town. I have experienced it so many times in my life that I recognized it immediately. He and I shared a knowing smile and I watched him stretch out his long hiker legs and head to town. I yearn for that feeling again !! To have that empty cave in my stomach..just can't hike fast enough to get to food... the way your back feels when you FINALLY rest your pack at the door, grinning like a kid as you walk in.. bombarded by all the good smells. Simply put, I can't wait to be hiking again. It is nice to back in Alaska though... man oh man... is she pretty.....
Date: 2004-08-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This journal will be hard to do sometimes. i don't think it will just be about the hiking. It will be what i am feeling with other stuff too. I will miss being with Dennis at times and may have a harder time then I think . I have seen him lately.. and we have sat together .. remembering.. our marriage .. and all the miles.. the early mornings.. the absolute quiet... shared snickers bars . I still hurt when I see him .. a wracking.. wincing loss. We have hiked about 6..7 thousand miles together. But, we just couldn't figure out how to be married. Strange huh ? Anyhow, i hope that folks reading this will understand .. that my writing will be very introspective...as i learn some things about myself this summer. i don't .. and won't have the energy to do 2 journals...so this one will be mine as well. My life has changed SO much these last 2 years and i am still not on steady ground. I have alot of confidence about my hiking strngths..... but it will be different this time. I will be different too. Anyhow, winter is coming to Alaska... days are getting shorter.. leaves have fallen.. and the arctic will soon begin its long rest. i haven't spent a full winter up here for a long time. It is an honor..to watch this lovely, brutal environment slip into winter. I expect to see Dennis quite a bit this next few months. I hope that we can be terrific friends and that he doesn't feel forgotten this summer. Cuz I will be thinking of him.. while i walk... remembering our own journey together. I think of the sweet smell of Spring in the southern Appalachians and I smile....