morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-29
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

A little gap in the journaling here. On the 25th, I took a rest day at Millinocket Inn with my parents. We had breakfast at the Scootic In (yes, apparently that's with one "n"), which is very friendly to thru-hikers, giving them a free breakfast and posting their summit pictures. Then for dinner that night, a big bunch of us who summited yesterday and today got together for one last meal together. It was really a bittersweet occasion that I wanted to never end. We shared stories and laughter and camaraderie for one final time. Many hugs were given and a few tears were shed. It was hard to let everyone go, all those people that had meant so much to me over the past weeks or months, that I had endured so much with. The trail has been quite a bonding experience.The next day I hit the road with my parents, but not before running into Vocal in the hotel lobby, looking all respectable without his beard and in civilized clothes. I don't think I would have known it was him if it wasn't for his unmistakeable voice. It was really good to see him. We took two days to travel to Delaware Water Gap, where I was to reconnect with the trail to finish New Jersey and New York. Was supposed to get back on the trail yesterday, but it was raining cats and dogs, so Dad suggested we stay one more day so that I could head out in dry weather. I figured I could still do the mileage to meet Treebeard on the 9th, so I said that would be fine.So today, 5 days after summiting Katahdin, I set off to actually finish the whole of the trail. It may seem silly to some to come back and do this relatively insignificant section, but I want to be able to say I hiked all of it. I said goodbye to Mom and Dad, bummed $40 from Dad, and walked a little way down the bridge over the Delaware River with Mom. Technically, Dad drove past a few white blazes since the trail is still in town and on the road, but it's not like they're the first white blazes I've skipped.My re-entry into the wilderness was full of noisy civilization as I crossed the Delaware on the I-80 bridge. A little more road-walking on the other side led me to a quiet little park and finally into some more secluded woods. Skirted to the right of Sunfish Pond, where the trail was extremely buggy. I had heard of a bear attack attack here. Hope that doesn't happen to me. After a relatively easy 10 1/2 miles (6 miles to gain 1000 feet of elevation), I arrived at the Mohican Outdoor Center, the furthest south outpost of the (in)famous Appalachian Mountain Club. To a tenderfoot big-city dweller, it probably seems like a real rustic, out of the way place, but to me it was just another place to stay. They had snacks and sodas and a few tentsites, the latter being free to thrus (nice). I had dinner by the cabin and explored the grounds a little bit. Not many people were around, and it was a bit lonely. Soon I went to bed.
Date: 2004-10-01
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

I was still nervous for half the day due to the previous day's bear encounter. I was still clapping and singing and expecting a bruin behind every tree, bush, and rock. A light rain ruined most of the morning. I tried to wait it out at the Culver Fire Tower. I climbed the ladder to the deck, hoping to get away from the rain, but the door was locked, and so I climbed back down.A pavilion at Sunrise Mountain, about 9 miles into the day, attracted a group of birders, whom I talked with for a little while. Their leader is a high school science teacher who brings his students to the hill occasionally. After chatting with the birders for a bit, it was six miles to the end of the day.
Date: 2004-10-02
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Took a wrong turn at High Point State Park, which was really annoying. Highest point in New Jersey. Big Whoop. Just a big lump of a hill with a monument.Went into Unionville, NY to re-supply. Just to the North of the New York/New Jersey border, so this was my first official submersion into New York on the trip. Pleasant, sleepy little town.Walkill Wildlife Preserves has an interesting little walk by boardwalk through a former sod farm, now a boggy marsh and safe haven for aquatic wildlife.Got water about a half mile before the end of the day, from a trail angel who lets hikers come to the house and get water from the faucet. No one was there, so I helped myself.
Date: 2004-10-03
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Longhouse Creek
Miles today: 14.7

Saw a sign warning of possible rattlesnakes in the area. Since I'm not at all that far from where I saw one in Penn, I took this warning seriously. Fortuneately, the October weather is much cooler and the reptiles are scarce. Saw a sign that Doublekill River may be deep enough to need fording. However, it was not deep at all. After a long day, I camped at a lonely spot next to Long House Creek.
Date: 2004-10-04
From: Longhouse Creek

To: West Mombasha Road
Miles today: 14.1

After a few days of walking the NY/NJ border, I left New Jersey for good (and without seeing any other bears, surprisingly). The initial plunge into New York was rugged and pretty, and soon gave way to a more forested environment. At the end of the day, I stopped near West Mombasha Road, near a pleasantly burbling creek, and called it a night. Alone again.
Date: 2004-10-05
From: West Mombasha Road

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

The trail was a little confusing in Harriman. Not blazed very well at all, plus there were plenty of sidetrails with their own blazes. Once I got to the Lemon Squeezer, I was not at all in the mood for difficult trail. Too bad. This thing was a challenge to get through in full pack. Two rock faces painfully close together, so close that one has to struggle and claw to get through. This belonged in Mahoosuc. Once I got into the highlands, things got better. The trail was easier to follow and the scenery was better. Reminded me somewhat of Virginia.
Date: 2004-10-06
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Friay
Miles today: 15.2

Not too far from New York City at this point. I've heard that there is one point on the trail that one can see the skyline on a clear day. Before 9/11, the World Trade Center would have been very prominent.Crossing Palisades Parkway between Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain State Park was probably the most dangerous thing I've done on the entire trail. The traffic is coming heavy and fast, and they don't slow down. You just have to wait for your break and go. Four lanes of motor madness. I believe there are only two 4-lane crossings on the entire AT, and the other one was no big deal. I left my thoughts about this in the trailside register. Someone needs to build a bridge or make a re-route here.The climb up Bear Mountain was tough and the view at the top was nice, but both pale in comparison to what I've just been through in Maine and New Hampshire. Plus, too many tourists. I moved on after a short break.Money is tight, and I was dismayed to see that there is a fee to walk through the zoo. Luckiy, today was a free day. Pretty cool to go through a small zoo on the trail. Saw a bobcat and some bears. Cool to be able to examine them as opposed to catching a fleeting glimpse. But seeing them wild is more of a thrill.Hitched a ride to a nearby grocery store and the backpacking food selection was meager at best. No ramen or Liptons or bagels. I had to make do with some canned ravioli (frigging heavy) and some cheapo Hostess pies. I guess I can deal with it for a few days. Not much of a victory dinner for my last few nights on the trail.A local struck up a conversation with me, and we continued talking outside. Before I had even gotten around to even thinking about getting back to the trail, he offered me a ride back. I gratefully accepted, thrilled at being able to re-supply and get back to the trail so quickly.I was hoping to make it to Graymoor in time for the free supper with the monks. I made it on time, despite turning down my benefactor's offer to drive me straight to the Friary (can't yellow-blaze, gotta walk it all!) Unfortuneately, they had stopped offering meals weeks ago. Oh, well, I wasn't counting on it, anyway. One less night out of several in a row of eating the ravioli would have been nice. I was still able to camp on their grounds. After I explored the the property a bit, seeing some pretty architecture and the insides of some worship areas, along with FOURTEEN deer, I headed off to bed.
Date: 2004-10-07
From: Graymoor Friay

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

I think I counted 17 wild turkey strutting together right after I left the monkery. This place is teeming with wildlife for such a semi-urban area.My fallback plan was to make it to at least 301 Shelter, and then Telephone Pioneers tomorrow, so that the day I meet Treebeard at the Appalachian Train Station is a short one. Well, I made it. Not a whole lot happened today, but holy crap are the silkworms or whatever they are, really bad! Hundreds of them hanging down from the trees on their little webs. A hiker could whack at them all day and never be finished. They are so icky.A sharp downhill concluded the day into the shelter, a big brick building close to the road and a house. Some magazines and a leftover 2-liter of Diet Pepsi made it homey. What a long day.
Date: 2004-10-08
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice American flag painted on a rock at the top of Stormville Mountain.I reached the top of Egbert today and had nothing left. I am getting really burnt out. The last several days, especially yesterday's 19-mile death march, have really taken their toll, mentally and physically. I thought this would be a cakewalk after the trials of New England, but it's not. And the loneliness just magnifies my frustration. Today was the 10th straight day on the trail, and I am out of gas. I rested for a long time on Egbert, looking at the decent view and comparing it to the map. Finally, I gathered myself and got going. Happily, just like the trail knew I needed it, the trail abruptly became a smooth, easy downhill grade. I was thrilled. Suddenly, I wasn't dreading these last few miles. I settled in to the shelter for the night for the 7th straight night alone, looking forward to the company of Treebeard and Mapleleaf tomorrow.
Date: 2004-10-09
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The extra mileage the other day paid off, for I started the day only 3 miles from my meeting place with Treebeard at NY highway 22 and the Appalachian Train Station.I got there and waited awhile before borrowing a phone from a local merchant. Tree was running behind schedule, so I told him that I would hitch a ride to the local library. I messed around online for a bit when I got there. Tree showed up without Mapleleaf, who was sick. We did the last 6 miles with relative ease (even if Tree did have trouble keeping up with the lean, mean hiking machine that I have become ~wink~)We walked past "Gate of Heaven", a Jewish cemetary, and made it to the shelter for my last night on my AT thru-hike. I'm gonna be sad to leave it.After getting acquainted with some weekenders watching a ballgame in the shelter, we made dinner, set up our tents, and went to bed.
Date: 2004-10-10
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Hoyt Road (NY/CT state line)
Miles today: 1.2

Treebeard had a little surprise for me at the finish: Don't ask me how, but he managed to get a hold of some crime scene tape, and draped it across the finish line at Hoyt Road. I broke through, and Tree took some pictures for posterity. Afterwards, as we were about to head up to the main road, I realized that I hadn't quite connected the dots. There was a short roadwalk that I had to complete, because the trail doesn't simply cross the road here, it doglegs up the road before continuing into the woods. I quickly ran and did that, even though I've skipped small road sections before, I wasn't going to skip this one, much to Tree's confusion.That accomplished, we walked out to the main road, hitched a ride back to the car in the back of an old pick-up (classic hitchhiking), and drove back to New York City.pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/198617361ZwILZNfor Treebeard's trip report, and other musings: http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/33960,-1.php
Date: 2004-03-08
To: Expectations of this life...
Miles today: 0.0

It's amazing how our society thinks that you have to have a "normal" job and live that type of lifestyle. WHY??!! What's the fun in that? I don't understand the mentality of those people. Isn't life meant to be enjoyed? It's funny...all the different responses that people give me when I tell them I am thru-hiking. Most people are incredulous and just don't get it. Overall people seem supportive though which is good. I love the questions, "So what are you going to do after your hike?" I have no idea! That's one of the main reasons I am doing this...to figure that out. To figure myself out...
Date: 2004-03-22
To: Maildrops are Done!!
Miles today: 0.0

YAY!! Another step closer to getting to the trail!! My first 6 maildrops are done and addressed and ready to be sent out. This was a good learning experience for me to see how much I will be carrying on my back in food weight. An eye opener for sure. I'll be doing a 'pack explosion' soon with Aswah as I'm sure I packed things I don't really need.5 weeks and counting!Lisa :O)
Date: 2004-03-23
To: I'm leaving next week!!! 4 weeks early!!
Miles today: 0.0

I am SOOOO excited!!! Aswah and I discussed what my situation was and we decided that it's better if I leave with him next week (!!!!) as opposed to waiting a month. This is very exciting and wonderful! Not only do I get to ditch this annoyingly fake world sooner but I get to start with him on Springer and finish the way I'm supposed to (GA-ME Woohoo!). Now I'm just working on last minute details...YEEEEEEEEEE HAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2004-04-01
To: Approach to Springer
Miles today: 0.0

It was an all day road trip today. Started out yesterday from Chicago to Indianapolis, then Aswah and I stayed in a B & B overnight. It was a round Barn. Very Cool...lots of antiques. We then met at Rumbunny's house with Freight Train, who hiked with Aswah before. He drove all the way from Pennsylvania to pick us up and drive us to Springer Mt., Ga. What an awesome, big hearted man he is. Thanks, Freighty! After hanging out for awhile, going over "safety" issues, we started the 500 plus mile drive to GA. We decided to keep on going no matter how late. We reached Springer Mtn. at 2:00am. So, I learned night hiking and stealth camping my first night! Set up camp in a drive off area...long day driving, but it felt great to be there. I am ready to start my walk...
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Springer Mountain

To: Horse Gap
Miles today: 12.0

WooHoo, I'm on the AT!!! I cannot believe that I am actually, finally on my AT hike. It feels GREAT! We started up to Springer Mtn. shelter to get the obligatory pictures by the AT sign, but to also sign the first shelter journal. We then walked on down Springer and over streams and boulders and just major beauty. The trail is so terriffic...it's really cool to be walking inside the woods...no touristy people, no sirens, no noise except nature. It's neat to also see the next mountain you are about to climb over yonder. We have nothing else to do every day except to walk. WOW. So, today was great. Chilly air ranging from 50's up to 60's. The cooler weather is actually the best, because you do get warm walking. It's so cool to just look at nature in it's purity. It's outstanding.Most people go 7.8 miles to Hawk Shelter, but we wanted to go a little further and avoid the shelters. We ended up going 12 miles today! I am very proud of myself. I didn't complain or think negatively at all...it was all pure joy. I welcome my upcoming body aches...my body and soul needs a little ass-kicking.Set up camp off the trail, made some mac-n-cheese, hot chocolate, listened to music on the MP3 player, smelled incense, talked, wrote in our journals, expressed how happy we are to be on this journey together and had a absolutely wonderful evening.The wind sounds so beautiful...sweet dreams...
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Horse Gap

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Today was a great day. We did mostly forest walking today. It was so beautiful to look around you and see a beautiful forest 360 degrees around you and you are in the middle of it. It's so peaceful. Today I saw diamonds on the trail...I'd be walking and the ground is sparkling all around me! They are rocks of some sort, but OH so beautiful! Then I found out about trail angels and trail magic. Aswah's freind, Freight Train, has been meeting us at trailheads to visit. Today we met him in the afternoon and he had purchased two large Domino's Pizzas and soda!! Wow, we were giddy with joy! Freighty, you are awesome. After that we hiked more forest walks and camped at Jarrard Gap...windy, cool night.
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Tesnatee Gap
Miles today: 11.0

This was a very important day for me on the AT. We woke up in the AM in the middle of a big windstorm and to make it even better for Lisa still adjusting to being dirty in general, we camped on dirt. So, the dirt was flying into everything. I woke up with my face half black and Aswah's teeth were black! So, I got frustrated. I started to have negative thoughts. I sat down with Aswah and told him my frustrations with not wanting to disappoint him, or myself, how it's much harder than I thought. He talked to me so calmly, telling me that these feelings are completely normal. That he never went this far when he first did the AT both years. And that it's nothing but beautiful views, great people, great for our bodies and our souls. He is such an angel. He's the only trail angel I need...his love for me is all the magic I need. So, after the pep talk, I felt awesome. The rest of the day was awesome. We went over one of the highest mountains in the beginning of the AT, Blood Mountain, at 4400 feet! Blood mtn. was named after the huge massacres with the indians where blood covered the entire mountain. It was fabulous!...all boulder hopping and boulder climbing. Awesome. I felt like a little kid in a jungle gym. And the views! So amazing! Other mountains all around...amazing. Then we stopped at Walasi-Yi center to get a maildrop, more food and I got to take a shower! Woo-Hoo! Felt so good. I talked to my parents, who were glad to hear that I'm alive. After that we went on for 5 miles to Tesnatee Gap (nicknamed "test your knees") where trail angel Freighty took us to the nearby town of Helen to a steakhouse. I'm telling you, it doesn't get any better than this. I had a salad, bbq ribs and a hugely loaded baked potato. YUM! Then we camped at Hogpen Gap with Freighty.
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Hogpen Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a fantastic day! Freighty performed one last trail magic deed and took me and Aswah for breakfast in Helen...the Huddle House for a ham and cheese omelet, hash browns, toast, hot chocolate and a large OJ. I am really spoiled here in my first few days! I know I can't get used to it but I sure am enjoying it!After breakfast we slackpacked a P.U.D. (pointless up and down) So-Bo (southbound) for about 2 miles. Then we got our packs back and did another 4 miles. This was the first time we really separated while walking. It was great to go at my own pace without worring about catching up or taking breaks when you both want to. And OH was it beautiful, easy graded mountain walking. Both ridge and forest walking today. Even when there aren't clear views, it is still breathtaking. Behind the forest all around you are beautiful mountains that I either already conquered or will be climbing soon. So cool. Just one with nature. I enjoyed walking alone, but I did miss Aswah...we met up at Low Gap for lunch...he made delicious fettucine alfredo...ahh, the perks of hiking with a chef.We also met alot of people today...Captain Keefer and Squirrel Trail, Loon and Eastwood, Bear, Garcia and Steve...will be nice to get to know them more as the hike goes on.We then hiked on together until we found a nice campsite and set up camp. Aswah made a roaring fire. We made Mac and Cheese with 3 packets of cheese...holy cheese! It was great.
Date: 2004-04-06
To: Helen
Miles today: 4.0

Woke up today with the sun shining, the birds singing, a light breeze and a great attitude. We only had 4 miles ahead of us today. We then spent the rest of the day in a charming town called Helen. The hiking was ridge and forest walking...beautiful as usual. Steep downhills, but overall was pretty easy.Arrived into Helen, had lunch, shopped around, enjoyed the town. Then we showered (woo-hoo!!), did laundry (double woo-hoo!!), cleaned all of our equipment and then went to the outfitter to get a few things.We learned last night when we ran out of water and the water sources in the morning were dry that we need to carry as much water as possible. So, I got a bigger water bag, a sealant for a rip in my thermarest and a new pair of socks.We met a thru-hiker from 2002 named Jason who worked at the outfitter. He picked us up and took us to his store and then drove us the few miles back to our hotel. These thru-hikers are amazing people...such big hearts, it's amazing. We also met up with Simon at the store who is having trouble with his feet and is staying in town to heal up. We talked and hopefully helped him to trim his pack weight (a pack explosion).We are meeting Simon, his friend Kyle, and Jason for breakfast at Annie's tomorrow. Aswah and I then went out for German food, had a nice bottle of wine in our room and a very enjoyable evening.I really believe we are going to have an amazing experience together and that this will bring us closer...he is so amazing...I have my own trail angel rooting me on and comforting me the whole way...what a life I have!! Wrote in my journal, talked to my family and slept fitfully.
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Helen

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was my hardest day physically so far. I could only do 6 miles. We woke up in Helen and went to breakfast with Jason, Simon and Kyle at Addie's. Then we shopped for food and sent back more items to lighten our packs.I now understand why the day after town is so tough. Your 'hiker legs' aren't ready, you have a very full tummy, you have the most pack weight so far due to restocking food for 5 days and you're tired. Plus dumb me, I bought a pound of fudge along with other heavier items to eat on the trail. And today was 90% uphill. So to say the least, it majorly kicked my ass. Oh and I took a muscle relaxer in the am...BAD idea. It's supposed to be non-drowsy but I'm sure that doesn't apply to hiking all day. Alright, enough bitching...live and learn...get over it and get used to it Lisa!!So we camped at a campsite and had a very relaxing evening. We made a fire, set up camp and Aswah made the most delicious pepperoni & cheddar cheese bagel sandwiches..YUM. Easy Does It joined us at the campsite and we all sat around talking...this is his fourth time doing the trail...there must be something about it that keeps pulling people back in again and again...