morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Pen Mar County Park

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

My nephew, Steve, (pictured with me) dropped me off at Pen Mar County Park, and I started walking north about 11:07 a.m. After he dropped me off, he gave hiker Hopscotch a ride to the P.O. and sandwich shop, and then back to the AT.The trail was pretty easy today with the exception of rocks, of course. We are now in PA so here come the famous rocks.Crossed 9 roads today, and hiked through 2 more parks: Old Forge Park and Caledonia State Park, which had a swimming pool. A lot of hikers camped here at Quarry Gap shelter tonight.Everyone seems headed for the Half Gallon Challenge tomorrow at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. It's where hikers have the opportunity to gorge themselves on a half gallon of ice cream to celebrate reaching the half way point on the AT. I believe the record time to beat is about 9 minutes. Don't think I'll be doing that; however, I might enjoy a tad bit of ice cream.
Date: 2009-06-30
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day to reach the half way mark on the AT. It rained most of last night, so had to pack up a wet tent. Got hiking north about 7:23 a.m. I was trying to make the park by 3 p.m. to meet Bob, my trail journalist. After a brief rain shower Lucky Joe, Moe, and I arrived at the park. Bob met me as I walked down the last hill into the park.Bob brought trail magic for the hikers that started to show up at the park for the half gallon challenge. I did not partake.Bob's wife also provided a nice half way celebration cake for the hikers that all enjoyed. It was gone in short order. Half way cakeBob took Lucky Joe, Moe and me out to a local spot for dinner. It was much appreciated by all! All the hikers asked me to say thanks to Bob for his trail magic today and making the half way celebration a memorable one. Thanks Bob from me as well. Right now about 15 hikers are camped together at the park.Hikers enjoyed eating a half gallon of ice cream to celebrate hiking about 1088 miles on the AT. The trail has been pretty easy lately, but will shortly turn rocky and difficult especially with the July heat in PA.Thanks again to Bob for making this a special day for many hikers to include myself.. Half gallon challenge
Date: 2009-07-01
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.4

Most of the hikers turned in before sundown, but a few were heard late into the night. I was up early and one of the first to leave, even though it was a tad bit late. Nice to have camp showers and bathrooms available in the a.m. Got started walking north at 8:23 a.m.Passed the original half way marker (pictured) early on, hiking up a long, easy mountain that turned into some rocks. Passed Jim Fry Shelter where there was evidence of a bear turning over some large rocks looking for grubs. Missed a deli 0.3 miles from the trail at a road crossing. Darn! Hate it when that happens. Original half way marker on the ATThen, PA decided to present some rock formations to climb that it's so famous for. This is just the beginning of the PA rocks, but something I'm not looking forward to.Made it into Boiling Springs by 4:30 pm. I was prepared to hike on, but a lady at the ATC office here said there is no camping in the next 16 miles. There are no hotels or motels in Boiling Springs; just a few over-priced, under-serviced B&B's. Currently, I'm camped in the backyard of the Garland House B&B. Price is one dollar American.Thunderstorm overhead now, with light rain. Had a filling dinner at Anile's Italian Ristorante. The first 16 miles of tomorrow's hike takes hikers along roads and farms fields with no shelters or water sources. Should be a hot one if the sun's out.
Date: 2009-07-02
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I don't want to get off on a rant here, but here is my take on hiking the 16 or so miles of the Cumberland Valley. There is no camping, shelters, privies, or drinkable water sources, as all the streams are polluted. The ATC says there are no camping spots along this stretch of trail, though countless spots exist out of sight from anyone.The 16 mile section of trail through the Cumberland Valley runs primarily through ribbons of shaded woodland that separate farm fields and occasionally around the perimeter and through farm fields themselves. View while crossing the Pennsylvania TurnpikeThe ATC claims land owners don't want hikers camping on their land, and cry about it when they do. Yet while hiking this 16 mile stretch, the noise pollution is horrible from the PA Turnpike, US Highways 11 and 81, trains, and farm equipment. Yet the land owners fret about hiker impact. They should worry more about polluting their own land with chemicals that make the streams and other water sources undrinkable.I think the best way to hike this 16 mile section would be to night hike it. It would be a great opportunity to star gaze and watch for nocturnal critters that dash through the beam of your headlamp.Better yet, the ATC should re-route the whole darn 16 mile section over some real mountains rather than a 16 mile walk through some pointless bottom land. I could be wrong, but that's my opinion.
Date: 2009-07-03
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Made the last few miles into Duncannon, although the climb down the mountain in slippery wet shale-like rocks was rather precarious. The rooms at the Doyle Hotel (1905) are infamous and spartan, at most. Three large steps from my room door to the back window. A bed, chair, table, fan and a 5 gallon bucket with a plastic grocery bag as a liner. As I phrased it, one step up from tenting, but you probably have more privacy in your tent.All the hikers that were at Pine Grove Furnace State Park for the half way party are here. Everyone seems to accept the bare bones accommodations of the early 1900's in stride, as it seems part of the ritual for any hiker passing through Duncannon. The bar is the place to be, with plenty of libations to go around and generous amounts of food to satiate any hungry hiker. View of my room at the Doyle HotelThe notorious PA rocks are yet to come, but for now, hikers can enjoy the hospitality of the Doyle and forget about the agony to come.
Date: 2009-07-04
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Stony Mountain; Horse Shoe Trail
Miles today: 20.8

After closing down the bar at midnight with the rest of the singing hikers, I was slow to get started, but was walking north about 8:33 a.m. from the Doyle Hotel. Had a lengthy town walk, and crossed the Susquehanna River (pictured). Climbed up about 700 feet and ridge walked most of the day.The trail was rocky all day and included some boulder scrambling as well. Had a few nice views from Table Rock and Kinter Rock. Passed Clark's Valley and climbed 1100 feet to the Horse Shoe Trail.Camped here with Waterboy and Bronco. Don't know if we will hear any fireworks tonight as the wind is blowing rather strongly. It was a great hiking day weather wise. Low 70's, sunny with a nice strong breeze all day. Don't think I broke a sweat all day it was so nice. Feet are sore tonight from all the rock walking. Not looking forward to more of the same tomorrow.
Date: 2009-07-05
From: Stony Mountain; Horse Shoe Trail

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day! Started hiking at 7:10 a.m. and stopped at 7:15 p.m. Trail was a little of everything today. Road walking, climbing, rocks and steep down hills.A timber rattler got my attention when he rattled several feet from me as I passed him on the trail. He was about two feet long. Saw another black bear. About a 250 pounder.Weather was great again today. Almost on the cool side at times. Bridge built in 1890 by The Berlin Iron Works Company by Route 72 in PARocks are getting more and more abundant and frequent along the trail. Pretty soon it will be all rocks all day.Oh, forgot to mention the family of copperheads we saw on a ridge. They were all settled into some cracks in the rocks on a overlook.Will attempt to make the 24 miles into Port Clinton tomorrow. Rocks will determine that. Only three of us at the 501 Shelter tonight. Waterboy, Union Break and me.
Date: 2009-07-06
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: broken clouds

Hardest day on the trail since I started. Nothing but rocks from start to finish. Saying my feet are sore is an understatement! No serious elevation changes, just rock trail after rock trail. Really hard to get any type of walking consistency in your hike. You¢re just completely off balance all the time. It's like hiking out of control all day. No fun attempting to balance from rock to rock. You eventually lose your footing and precariously try to save yourself from falling. Don't know how I managed to walk the distance I did along with Union Break and Waterboy.When we arrived in Port Clinton, we were lucky enough to receive some great Trail Magic from a local townsperson who drove us to dinner and the grocery store. Right now, we¢re all sleeping in the Town Pavilion. Busy highway nearby, but we have a roof over our heads. Another tough day scheduled for tomorrow. The end of PA gets tougher. More rocks. View of the Pennsylvania countryside
Date: 2009-07-07
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 0.7

Yeah, I know big mileage day. Reason, my friggin feet hurt from PA's friggin rocks. The weather forecast was for heavy rain in the afternoon. Never happened. A brief shower and sun the rest of the day.Spent the day eating and walking around Cabela's. Bought a silk sleeping bag liner as I've been cold every night in my summer sleeping bag. Last night was 58 at the Pavilion in Port Clinton. Tired of putting on my rain gear at night to keep warm.About 75 miles of PA rocks left, but of course, the rocks don't stop in PA.Tonight at the Microtel Inn in Hamburg. Saw Sailor J, Tweak, and Tank at the outfitter in Port Clinton. Acorn, Freebird and the rest of the gang from the Doyle still 30-40 miles back. I'm sure they will catch up soon.Back hiking the rocks tomorrow. Still hiking stoveless and liking it. My pack is still half the size of most hikers. More on that to come. Bed time. Feet feel better!
Date: 2009-07-08
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Had a difficult time hitching out of Hamburg back to the trail head. Finally got started walking north about 9:08 a.m.Had a steep climb right from the start, but the 800 foot climb was over quickly and turned into rock walking again. The first 10 miles were fairly easy except for some large boulders to circumnavigate. Had a rocky walk to The Pinnacle, a popular tourist spot on the AT. The panoramic view of Pennsylvania farmland from an elevation of 1635 feet is said to be the best view on the AT in the state. There were a dozen or more tourists at the overlook.The last 5 miles of todays hike was essentially a road walk. Pretty much a gift. It was 5 p.m. when we reached Hawk Mountain Road.We decided to tent at Eckville Shelter which is the converted garage of a homeowner. The tenting area across the street in a grassy area was super. More rocks and boulders in the forecast for tomorrow.
Date: 2009-07-09
From: Eckville Shelter

To: 1 mile past Ashford Road
Miles today: 20.8

Forgot to mention yesterday it was my three month anniversary on the trail, having started April 8th. Today was sort of rocks jubilee. A little of everything. First 7 miles was nothing but rocks. Sharp, jagged and whatever.After 4 hours I was pretty much warn out, but managed to keep going. Waterboy and I got a little reprieve with several miles of road walking, but it was soon back to rock and boulder hopping.Took a break on an overlook and noticed several timber rattlers sunning themselves on a rock 6 feet away. They didn't seem to mind me being so close.Picture is Waterboy climbing up the Knife's Edge rocks. You can see the white blazes on the rocks marking the direction of the AT. Tomorrow we might go into Palmerton to rest our tired and sore dogs.Weather wise it was another perfect day. Darn right chilly in the morning for July, but a great day for hiking.
Date: 2009-07-10
From: 1 mile past Ashford Road

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

Made the 4 or so miles to Palmerton, PA, and had a great breakfast at Bert's. Got a ride back to the trail and began to climb out of Lehigh Gap.My pictures don't do the rocky mountain justice, so look it up on your computer to get a real view of the monster we had to climb. Had to throw my hiking poles up and over the rocks ahead on several parts so I could use my hands to help climb up the rocks. Once I got over the tricky parts, it became fun. The flag just on the otherside of the tricky part of the climb of Lehigh GapIt was a brutal day overall. Nothing but rocks all day. Only about 20 miles left of PA, but the 15 miles between Wind Gap and Delaware Water Gap are said to be some kind of nasty butt kickin¢ rocks.May take a rest day in Wind Gap to rest the rock pounded feet before finishing off PA and moving on to New Jersey for more fun with the NJ black bear population. We didn't over night in Palmerton because rain is forecast for Saturday. Just climbed up from down there!
Date: 2009-07-11
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Feet needed a rest, so Waterboy and I made the less rocky trek into Wind Gap. Town spread out a bit, but laundry, rest, foot care and resupply were the tasks for the day.Didn't see many hikers in town as I walked around. Yes, walking when I should be horizontal. We will get PA done, and off to NJ where I will likely need some Off as it will be buggy.Anxious to get into NY and climbing mountains again. Backpack is super light, but unseasonably cool weather (low 50's at night) has me putting on my rain gear to stay warm at night. I'm from Texas, so bring on the heat.
Date: 2009-07-12
From: Wind Gap

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

7/12/09. starting location Wind Gap. Destination Delaware Water Gap. Today's miles 15.6 The thunderstorm overnight displayed a neat light show through the hotel window as I lay in bed. Had breakfast at the Wind Gap Dinner. The locals talked about the bumper crop of rattlesnakes this year and the saber tooth tiger like size of the black bears roaming the woods north of town. The locals talk failed to dampen our goal of hiking out of the PA rocks into the buggy environment of NJ.The nasty rocks predicted never really materialized and it was pretty much just the same old PA rocks as before that took us into the DWG. We didn't see any rattlers, but did see a mama and two bear cubs on Mt. Minsi just before descending into the DWG. Lots of hikers here. Somewhat of a little reunion of sorts. I'll mention trail names tomorrow. Got my new camera. Thanks Steve from Mr. Slowpoke. Tomorrow I enter my 8th state on the AT. Last shot of PA countryside. Nice knowing ya PA rocks.
Date: 2009-07-13
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Crater Lake, NJ
Miles today: 19.5

Got started a little late today. Had breakfast with Moe and Lucky Joe at the Gap Diner. Moe said she has Lyme disease and showed us her bull¢s eye bruise caused by the tick bite.Waterboy and I left town about 10:11 a.m., and crossed the Delaware River Bridge into NJ from PA. At 7 miles, we passed Sunfish Pond, the southernmost glacial pond on the AT. The pond is one of NJ's seven natural wonders of the state.We had lunch at the Mohican Outdoor Center, and moved on to where we are tented tonight by Crater Lake. The bullfrogs are croaking, and we are in prime bear country. Right next to Crater Lake is a wall of rocks that appears to have many visible caves. Could be a very interesting night to get through.Saw a large wild turkey today. It's July and the dew point on my ADC Pro reads 54 degrees. That means another cold night for me.
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Crater Lake, NJ

To: High Point State Park
Miles today: 22.9

I surely anticipated a bear encounter last night, but nothing happened. Sure didn't help my sleep. We were up early.Saw a beaver on Crater Lake cruising in the morning flat lake coming towards me. He saw me and flapped his tail hard on the water, submerged and reappeared heading in a different direction.It was another beautiful day. Started out at 52 degrees in July. Sunny, cool and windy. Lots of rocks and great views of Jersey. I grew up in NJ and never saw Jersey from this perspective. Most NJ residents have never seen these views.The bugs In NJ so far have been horrible. Can't stop or the skeeters will eat you alive. Just as the hiking day was ending on a 23 mile day, (Mr. Slowpoke) I heard a large crashing and saw a black bear darting away in the lower brush. Too fast for my new camera.Long hiking day! Eager to shed NJ and get into the Diner state of NY.
Date: 2009-07-15
From: High Point State Park

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 8.8

Both Waterboy and I are nursing ankle injuries. Not serious, but just enough pain to slow us down so we opted for a short mileage day.Departed High Point State Park around 1:14 p.m., and made it to Unionville, NY, by 5:30 p.m. Still on the trail in NJ, just happens the town that is 0.4 miles from AT is in NY. Will be in NY tomorrow.Has been really buggy in NJ as you can see from the photo of the walk bridges that span the low lying areas which breed hordes of mosquitoes. Glad it has not been raining lately!People say we start climbing again in NY, as PA and NJ were mostly rocks and low level hiking. A little rain in the forecast for this week. It's been so long since I've had to hike in the rain and that's a good thing.Some hikers say I need to eat more as they claim I look too "thin." Don't carry much food on the trail because I have no appetite after hiking 12 hour days. I eat plenty in town. New Jersey farmland along the AT
Date: 2009-07-16
From: Unionville, NY

To: Vernon, NY
Miles today: 11.8

Spent the night in Memorial Park in Unionville, NY. Uneventful! Decided to hike another half day to help rest my left ankle sprain/tendinitis. Hike from Unionville was flat and easy, and just what the ankle doctor ordered.Walked around Lake Wallkill, which is like a road that circles a low marsh area. We then climbed Pochuck Mountain that was rather steep, and the first time sweating and pushing up a hill in awhile. Felt good to climb! Walked the mile on the Pochuck Creek Foot Bridge (pictured) which is a boardwalk from Glenwood to Vernon. Pretty cool! Walking the Pochuck Creek Foot BridgeHad ice cream at Heaven Hill Farm, though they usher hikers to behind the establishment to hide us from What!!! Kinda of racist if you ask me. Guess us hikers look like homeless. Our money is good, but not our appearance. Whatever.Will enter NY tomorrow. Notch another state on our hiker belts. Onward north to Maine.
Date: 2009-07-17
From: Vernon, NJ

To: NY 17A
Miles today: 15.1

Started walking north at 7:46 am. The mountain we had to climb looked extremely steep, but the climb was easy as all the stepping stones were in just the right locations. We finally made the NJ/NY state line around 1 pm (pictured).Then, NY welcomed us with a series of boulder scrambles that went on for several miles. This type of hiking consumes a lot of energy. It took much more time than we anticipated.We finally made NY 17A around 4 pm and made a dash for the Bellvale Ice Cream store. I had some great ice cream and the guy from Anton's on the Lake arrived to take Waterboy and me to the marina hotel. Ankle was much better today. The ice really helped last night. The short days are working to help heal my ankle. A little more rest and I'll be ready to get back to 12 hour hiking days.! Sometimes you need a little help getting up those boulders
Date: 2009-07-18
From: Greenwood, NY

To: Greenwood, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day. Decided to take a day off. Body, legs, and feet are speaking loudly. When we made the decision to zero, my body pretty much said "hell yeah, it's about time.¢ Had the best sleep in a long while knowing I didn't have to get up at 5:30 am, pack, and start walking.Sometimes you feel guilty for taking an unplanned day off, but it was the right choice. I think my leg and body will thank me tomorrow when I'm back to boulder scrambling. We are staying in a little village marina on the Hudson called Anton's on the Lake. They like hikers, but it is a little pricey, though we are in NY. A roll of thin duck tape cost me 10 bucks. A dollar fifty-nine for peanut M&Ms, with an attitude from the cashier for free.
Date: 2009-07-19
From: Greenwood, NY

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Started hiking at 8:16 a.m. with Waterboy and Bluegrass. We had an easy walk, then climbed Eastern Pinnacles and Cat Rocks. We then climbed past Fitzgerald Falls on the way to Mombasha High Point. A lot of rock and boulder scrambling today, but it was fun.Saw another bear near Island Pond just before we entered the famous Lemon Squeezer (pictured). I had to take my pack off and carry it above my head to get through it. I jettisoned my hiking poles ahead of me before climbing out with my pack.We wanted to hike further today, but water sources were an issue again. I have not filled my water bottle from a stream or creek since somewhere in PA. Water in northern PA, NJ, and NY so far is pretty much undrinkable. I've been carrying three liters of water most days when starting. It makes my pack a lot heavier, but takes the worry out of finding drinkable water. Will hike towards Bear Mountain tomorrow. Cat Rocks
Date: 2009-07-20
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Ft. Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 14.2

Didn't sleep a wink last night. Several female section hikers camped nearby, and were yelling and screaming at 2 a.m. Go figure.It was a tough day of climbing. Black Mountain and Bear Mountain and don't forget West Mountain. Great views from all, but leg draining getting up there. Weather great again today, but rain in the forecast.Finally got to Bear Mountain Bridge area and hit the concession stand at Hessian Lake, followed by a stroll through the Trailside Zoo. Sorry to see the wildlife in cages after seeing them in the wild. Trailside ZooAlmost halfway through NY. A little tougher after few big climbs in PA and NJ. Sailor J, Panza, Quixote, Slapshot and others still a bit ahead, while no sign of Moe and Lucky Joe. Another good, but tough, day on the trail. Have not hiked in the rain in awhile. We will see how tomorrow turns out. Bear Mountain Bridge Sign
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Ft. Montgomery, NY

To: US 9/NY 403
Miles today: 5.8

Well, what can I say. It was pouring rain at 6:30 a.m., and Waterboy and I decided to hike north despite the nasty weather. The hotel owner said the other hikers in the hotel were taking the day off.He drove us to the Bear Mountain Bridge, and we started walking north at 7:46 a.m. Interesting walk over the large suspension bridge with the traffic whizzing by in the midst of the pouring rain. Had to be there to experience the bridge walk.Had a slippery, rocky climb up a steep mountain not listed on our hiking book. Where did that come from? Another hidden gift from the Companion Trail Guide. Guess the Companion wants to compete with Wingnut in getting things not very accurate.The trail was flooded or a river in most areas going up or down. Pretty much drenched and miserable when we reached the road to Peekskill. We opted for shelter which was a big mistake, as it turned into a road trip in NY.We saw no other hikers today.