morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Dan's Spring

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

June 24 --The wind blew all night after a calm day yesterday and again I was chilly with socks, jacket and running tights. So today the pack has been off for ~2hrs now and I am lying comfortably in the tent less than a mile from Lehigh Gap, just past the George W. Outerbridge Shelter, but it sounds like I'm near Rt 1 in Edison, NJ, freight trains rolling by, several highways/roads with their humming trucks and cars as Harley Davidsons sing. It's tough to route a trail and avoid highways or worse route the trail and then have highways develop like the interstate system, which, by the way, I am closing in on the high numbers, I crossed I-81, again, and east/west I-76 recently, we are close to I-78, but won't cross it, and I-80 is 2 days away. The new boots stayed on all day, the running shoes could've handled the boulder hopping or "knife edge" where holding on with hands was required. The trail is a wasteland of rocks and rubble and, since I am complaining, overgrown from top to bottom and both sides, and a little more white paint isn't too much to ask. Kicking rocks with the new boots has taken 3 more toe nails, all on the right foot, raising the total to 6. No blisters though, yet. It seems that skin, as an organ, has taken a big hit from the effects of the trail, but manages to repair. Bug bites and sweat rashes cause little pimply bumps that look like they may never go away. Some skin on my feet is like the pads of a dogs paw and my soles are sore daily from the smaller pointy rocks. The rocks, unique like snowflakes, wait silently to trick or trip, any rock can move when stepped on, the worst are the largest, causing balance to be upset, and, spread out on the trail, they are like a traffic jam causing a stop and go slow down to progress, frustration.
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To:  The Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

June 26 --Up early, the trail's newest section hikers packed out their bulky stuff 0.9m to the car in trade for day packs and we were off by 8:30, following T-Suds, who'd left. It was an overcast start, comfortable and the boys wasted no time leaving me on the trail, good because we had a long walk planned over some slow, rocky sections and Soni would be at the DWG-NJ at 18:30. The sun broke through and sweat broke too as we assembled on PA33 at Wind Gap for the ~700' climb. All strong and rested, we ascended without delay, shortly met section hiker Chris, from ME, but nearly a thru-hiker having done GA -> Duncannon, PA '08 and back this year to finish, and a short break at Wolf Rocks for a nice sunny view of some nasty thunderheads. Kevin broke the cell phone rule at Kirkridge Shelter to confirm rondezvous with yet another adventurer, Pete, who met us somewhere near Totts Gap, at an overlook one mountain away from the DWG under a very fascinating, threatening, multi-grey colored western sky, complete with thunder and brisk winds. We knew that within minutes it would be on us and all donned rain gear but me, I covered my pack. The rain came fast, heavy and steady for a good 40 minutes, changing to small hail later, with thunder within one second from lightning and quick lightning intervals. The storm lingered and left flooded trails, cooler air and slippery rocks on the long descent from Mt. Minsi, a case of chilling bones and flesh. Once in the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA we stopped at the hostel where I had hoped to find Mike, not signed in, and then made our way across the long I-80 bridge over the Delaware River to NJ where I found Soni waiting, standing on the edge of the road near the new visitor's center, who gave me the big hug greeting I had been walking 1282m to have, 1282m since the previous one, I was back with her, the boys had delivered me whole and all was happy on the trail. After a quick beverage celebration, my trail companions parted and off to Hopatcong we headed with a detoured stop at the Lockwood Tavern for burgers, clams, eggplant rollatini and a few black/tans. Featherfoot home, a happy man, a lucky man.
Date: 2009-06-27
From:  The Delaware Water Gap

To: Hopatcong, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

June 27 --The stay in NJ would be of little sleep which, like all good vacations, is a good plan, so the 2pm party at 49 Stevens would host old friends from the job I used to have, Ed, Jim, Keith and Alisa, Dave and Kathleen, and Mike. I ran a few errands in the morning, driving the Toyota van which at first I was skittish, since I had lost confidence in crossing busy streets, but after popping in a CD, Pink Floyd, Wish You Were Here, I relaxed, almost too much, then realized I had to pay closer attention to the surroundings. Of course, on the trail in the woods, when I stopped, eveything stopped, but in the car it wasn't that simple, no more mind wandering, this was serious stuff. The party was a happy event, I, or course, talked a lot recalling many days and experiences on the trail. It wasn't until late in the day that Ed disclosed to to me the planned day hikers who would accompany me on Monday, plans to be firmed on Sunday night. It was yet another positive shot of unexpected joy provided by friends, this time old friends, all part of the journey.
Date: 2009-06-28
From: Hopatcong, NJ

To: Hopatcong, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

June 28 --Soni and I attended the 9:30 service at Stanhope UMC which was a good time for reflection. The baptism highlighted the morning and after greeting the pastor I spoke with several folks about the hike, slightly beyond the 20 questions, they were very warm and happy for my success. We then went to Ramsey Outdoor where I bought yet another pair of boots, Vasque, mids, but not waterproof, and then over to BJ's for Trail Magic snacks, water and soda. We drove to DWG, PA and checked the hostel for hikers where I found Not So Crazy, from UK, who I met at Neels Gap, GA and hadn't seen since 2 days later! He'd been having leg problems and would be on the trail within a day or two. Gaspar and Tinman walked in while we were at the car in the parking lot, we chatted, and we left to set up the table of magic at the end of the trail parking lot. I walked 100 yds down trail where I hung a sign for "Section/Thru Hikers Trail Magic Ahead", this to keep the locals away, which worked for the most part until a family, parents, son about 11 yrs, daughter ~8 yrs, happened along, the boy beelining toward the table like a drunk to a shot. They stopped to chat, the kids wide eyed, motionless, finally I asked the kids if they would like something, help themselves. They were stunned, go ahead I prodded as did Dad, and the boy asked, "How do we do it?" It must have been the word "magic" that they read and were afraid that they would be turned into a newt of something, who knows what Mom had said along the way. "It's like Halloween", I said, "Trick or Treat, help yourselves." Uh-oh, more magic, witchcraft, for sure they will be toads, they took 2 baby steps closer. "They're cold drinks in the cooler", I encouraged. No! That's the trap, stay away! This countered all of Mom's lectures of candy from strangers, this certainly was strange, and now here's Mom and Dad delivering, pushing them into a strangers realm. Finally, they each moved in, taking one item, the closest at reach, and backed off, expressing thanks politely until acknowledged. Just then our first group of thru-hikers, 4 guys, showed up. "Stick around and watch this," I told Dad as I offered them cold drinks and everything else while their packs hit the ground. Another group showed, followed shortly by more, about 12 total now were all gathered for the break. It was fun being on this side of the table as I met some of the names I had seen in shelter registers and a few I hadn't seen in a while, Minnesota IPA, Pork Chop, who I think was at the Harpers Ferry PO with cousin Sandy. We ended the warm sunny day back home with burgers and beers.
Date: 2009-06-29
From:  The Delaware Water Gap

To: Bule Mtn Lakes Rd, NJ
Miles today: 16.6

June 29 --Ed and Kathleen arrived at the Stevens Trail house at 7:30 and we drove ~30m to DWG-NJ, to continue the AT, where we met Rich on a nice sunny morning. Their plan was to climb 400+' to Sunfish Pond, but I suggested another mile or so would reward them with a spectacular EW view which they agreed to do. Stopping at Sunfish Pond for a short break, we caught up with Lief-e, who was now travelling with his girl friend and her family members. We moved on and were nearly at the overlook when Ed, Kathleen, then I walked past the unseen, and it was Rich who jumped right, off the trail to avoid the healthy sized, laid out rattlesnake. He was a beauty and coiled up nicely while we fussed over and photographed him. We took a break near the Yards Creek Power Station Reservoirs and then said goodbye, and moved ahead to meet my next group of escorts as the hikers returned south. Doug, Jim, Casey and Carl had been waiting for me at the Mohican Lodge Outdoor Center and were now heading south to see me, so I made good time to intercept them. Hands shook, smiles flashed and greetings of laughter filled the trail as we headed north. We contined along the Kittatinny Ridge to Catfish Fire Tower and finally to Fairview Lake where the five of us crammed into Jim's car. I had planned a longer hike, to Culver's Gap, Rt206, but that was another 10.6m, so Jim and Carl dropped me off at Stevens Trail and stayed for burgers and beers.
Date: 2009-06-30
From: Bule Mtn Lakes Rd, NJ

To: High Point SP HQ, NJ
Miles today: 24.9

June 30 --After stopping at Sussex County Farms to pick 4 qts of strawberries, the day began at Blue Mtn Lakes Rd dead end, near Fairview Lake just past Stillwater, NJ, with the long, steep 9 minute walk up the abandoned, gated, crumbling road. Less than one minute on the trail I encountered and was halted by a very large rattlesnake who had no intention of yielding the narrow trail. I spoke to it softly, picked up a big stick which I moved slowly about it to let it know I wanted to pass, and I requested that it move at least one of its body lengths away. I could tell that it was accustomed to being hassled and I was patient. I made it to Culvers Gap easily and was met with now familiar thunder, rain showers off in the east and brisk winds. I stopped at Joe's for a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich with free coffee, right on Rt206, not a very friendly man, immediately he requested I take my pack, still on my back, outside, I later regretted that I didn't keep going, and then after I ordered and paid, I asked if there was a place nearby where I could fill my water bottle, he snapped, "I don't fill water bottles, sir, I sell water, right there behind you", a cold man, it makes sense that the place was empty. I started walking down '206N, tricked by white reflectors on the telephone poles that resembled white blazes, for nearly 1/2m until I recognized the entrance to Stokes SP, too far, and back tracked to the trail across from grumpy Joe's. Entering the woods, the rain started as the daylight faded in the evergreeen woods, and soon the wet trail was again a running stream as I climbed ~600' to Culver Fire Tower. The rain had passed and I was treated to a 360 view of misty mountain clouds tucked between peaks emphasizing the terrain. Looking north I could see my destination, scheduled for 20:30, the High Point Monument, 12 rocky trail miles beyond, with Sunrise Mtn in the foreground. A steady rain began as I broke in the Vasque boots now obviously not waterproof, pinching my pinky toes slightly. I scarcely saw a person all day, but Hulk early for a brief time, Andy, who remembered me from Port Clinton, and Not So Crazy. He was sitting on a log, just past Culvers Gap, in a camoflaged pancho and, as I approached in the dark woods, I commented to myself how that big tree stump resembled a person, my surprise when it was, and I knew him. He had no waterproof pants and was waiting out the rain. I pushed hard the last 2 hours to arrive at the parking lot at 20:32, one minute before Soni. The ride back to my pickup truck at Fairview Lake went 0k, but I made a bad wrong turn on those Sussex County 600 county roads adn ended up back near Ross Corners, a very late night.
Date: 2009-07-01
From: High Point SP HQ, NJ

To: NJ94, Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 20.6

July 1 --The final day of my working vacation began at High Point State Park, NJ in humid, morning mountain fog and after a short walk, a nice view of the monument. The trail was a nice downhill for several miles, varied, rocky, woodsy, wet, cow pastures, puncheons. It was sunny and hot by midday and the walk around the flooded old sod farm on Oil City Rd, now a wildlife refuge, was a long one, albeit free miles. Going over Pochuck Mtn and the next few hills I must've swatted at, and killed most of, 100 mosquitos, they were hatching as I walked through "the swamps of NJ in an endless plight", Peter Karp, swamps at elevations of 1000' or more, very strange, puncheons everywhere. Stopping in the woods was impossible, the bugs were all over me, I had to wait for a road crossing for a map check, etc, and even standing in the middle of the road the hungrier ones quickly found me. The recently built boardwalk crossing a major swamp, one mile in length, crosses the Pochuck Creek near my day's destination in Vernon, NJ at Rt94, arriving 20 minutes early at 18:40.
Date: 2009-07-02
From: Hopatcong, NJ

To: Hopatcong, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

July 2 --The plan was to meet Christie at Mountain Lake for a 6:30 swim, but a crash and resulting traffic back up on I-80 delayed my arrival 20 minutes, so I met her at the "Y". It was a great visit with her and John C, Gene, George, Al, Paul and Curt, I really missed that scene and I look forward to a visit on Monday and my return in September. The rest fo the day was house chores, etc, I do not miss driving were others are involved and traffic lights are time stealers.
Date: 2009-07-05
From: Hopatcong, NJ

To: Hopatcong, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

July 5 --Chris and Denny left early, Emily was on the train home by 9:00 in Dover and I began to concentrate on the plan for the rest of the trail, mail drops, etc. A call from Greg halted that effort, he was in the neighborhood and stopped by for a nice few hours visit, good to see him. A phone call from Clark, and other NH business was mulled by Soni and me, that was the end of the day.
Date: 2009-07-06
From: Hopatcong, NJ

To: Hopatcong, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

July 6 --I had a 6:30 lake swim date with Christie and surprise, Chris W and Steve C showed for a perfect sunrise swim, and a lot of chatting. The morning was growing late so I skipped the "Y" and went home to shower and continue with my hike planning. Soni had gotten a ride to work and the final move was for me to pick her up at 16:30, drive to NJ94 vernon and resume the trail, it was ~5m to Waywayanda Shelter. Way behind schedule in early afternoon, I postponed the plan 24 hours, and contacted Dave E, who several weeks back had offered me a stay at his house in Vernon. He invited us over for dinner and a stay over for me with a ride to NJ94 crossing where I had stopped, on his way to work. Plan B.
Date: 2009-07-07
From: Hopatcong, NJ

To: Hopatcong, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

July 7 --It was a pressure day, complete my mail drop plan, shop at BJ's, shop at ShopRite, pack the mail drop boxes, pack my pack by 16:00 to leave to pick up Soni and drive to Dave's. I ran about 1/2hr late, my gear had been scattered all over the house, but we had a wonderful visit with Dave, Glenis and the darling daughters, Madison and Brianna. The Bar-B-Q London Broil send off dinner I will remember for a long time and the girls' non-stop energy and cheerfulness kept me happy and laughing until my head hit the pillow. Dave and Glenis really went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. I had spoken to Doug about meeting on the trail near Greenwood Lake, and later at Dave's, I spoke with him and he suggested, and we agreed that I send a couple of SPOTs out so Jim could relay him my location data. Soni and I said our driveway goodbye and as I watched her drive off, I could already imagine her waiting for me as I walk down the hill near Gorham, NH in a few weeks.   Back inside Dave and I talked for a while, then I slept fast and good on the livingroom floor.
Date: 2009-07-08
From: NJ94, Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

July 8 --Today was a very special day, first day back, delivered to the trail at NJ94 by Dave, after a quick breakfast at his house of coffee, Fig Newtons and cantalope, at an eye opening 6:16, shattering all records. I began the ~980' climb in sunny, cool, damp morning air after the heavy rains of overnight muddied the trail, and before long I was finishing the steps near the top. The trail was pleasant through the woods on a packed mud path, not too rocky until the climb to Prospect Rock where the barren ridges required balance and steep climbing which slowed progress. I sent out 2 or 3 SPOT signals, but I couldn't remember where Doug had wanted to meet, in fact, I'd grown so weary by midafternoon that I had forgotten. Then 2 young hikers heading south passed, and asked If I was sposed to meet someone and that he was less that 1/2m ahead. Yup, and then was Doug, at the overlook of the entire Greenwood Lake, beautiful on such a day, with a bit o'trail magic in shis sack, a very large deli turkey and provolone, with tomato, sandwich, on a hard roll, a bag of Fritos, Hostess Filled Chocolate Cup Cakes, and home cookies that will complement my breakffast. Doug apologized for not finding any Little Debbies, and I had to struggle to hide my disappointment. Fantastic afternoon. Then we walked back to his car where we ditched the packs and walked across the road to the Bellvale Creamery, on site farm and ice cream with a view. Doug, now Trail Angel, treated me to any exotic flavor on the menu, but I had to have a strawberry milkshake, delicious, and to neutralize Doug's criticism of my plain choice, I then had a Great White Way single dip cone for the walk back to the trail. I bid farewell to Doug and his kindness, again I am stunned by the generosity and enthusiasm of friends of my homecoming, it has been overwhelming. From 21m south of the DWG, the evening of June 26 I have seen family or friends every single day that I have hiked, that is magic, a distance of over 100m. It has been a very nice, long day back on the trail and in the tent near the Wildcat Shelter its quiet and cool. I've decided to wear my HiTech boots, the #1 with worn soles, and I have given the Columbias, #2, to the dry cleaner guy in town, who repairs shoes. We'll see.
Date: 2009-07-09
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Harriman SP, NY Near Tiorati Circle
Miles today: 15.4

July 9 --If someone wanted to know what the AT is like then today's walk would be a great answer. There was a little of everything from rocky trail, to mud, climbing with poles, climbing with hands, waterfalls, overlooks, big slabs of exposed rock on ridges in the direct sun, brown paths through open woods of red oak, maple and beech trees, and tall hemlocks on steep creeks. The day was tiring and I was tired, my feet were tired. The terrain on the steep, big rocks was slow going and later in the day the 200' ups/downs broke sweat each climb in the mostly sunny skies that lasted all day. I stopped on Arden Mtn, overlooking I-87, the NY State Thruway, for a peanut butter lunch break, and was joined shortly by Brown Chicken, who's register entries I've seen, along with Brown Cow, from long ago. We had a nice conversation about trail life and gear, and we both realized that we were way behind in making our daily destination and headed down Agony Grind. Soon after, in Harriman State Park was the Lemon Squeezer, a huge split rock, impassibly narrow for a big pack, which forced me to climb over, barely, the left side of the gap and up to the sign pointing "Easy Way", which I passed following the white blaze to another impasse, for me anyway, again the big pack, and my better judgement, preventing me from climbing up the 8' overlooking a 15' tumble if things went bad. The "Easy Way' became the "Only Way" as I struggled around, up and over. I was somewhat disappointed at stopping short of my intended destination, but here, just past Arden Valley Rd, 0.3m from Tiorati Lake Circle, I have a nice, flat spot with spigot water from the restroom facility. While searching for a spot, two guys approached and we greeted. It was 2 of the 3 stooges, brother Curly had to return to Holland due to severe shin splints, and Moe and Larry had had a recent visit from girlfriends and took time off the trail. I hadn't seen them since Hump Mtn, VA.
Date: 2009-07-10
From: Harriman SP, NY Near Tiorati Circle

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

July 10 --Forced to sleep early after a very long, hot, exhausting day taking several breaks to endure the many steep climbs of the day, including beautiful Bear Mtn and ending with Anthony's Nose to Hemlock Springs Campsite where I am in my bug surrounded tent. At the site I met sisters Howdy and Minnow, and we had a nice chat at their campfire before my dinner. At Bear Mtn Park I met Ice Fingers, who was celebrating her birthday at lake side with trail magic.