morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Delaware Water Gap

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

When I woke up this morning, I realized I have a lot to do before getting back on the trail. But, first things first, coffee and a breakfast. I visited the post office and resupplied for food. After the chores, I had coffee and pie with Wizard at the restaurant. It was noon before I was back on the trail. So that was my visit to the Delaware Water Gap, it's really a famous place. Look it up sometime and you will be amazed of the history. After hiking about two miles, I walked upon a bear and two cubs. Before I knew it, 20' in front of me, a bear is tail ending down the trail and in front of her were two cubs.The cubs climbed a tree and the bear sat down on the trail. I was watching as this was pretty exciting. Then, I realized the bear was watching me. It sorta became a stand off and the bear won. I backed tracked about 20 yards. This was no mother that I wanted to get angry. After backing off nothing happened. The bear was still looking at me and the cubs were still in the tree. So, I backed off another 20 yards. Now, something did happen. (suspense). Mama bear figured out that I was not a threat to her or her cubs. She was probably thinking, " Oh!, it's another one of those thru-hikers". The cubs retreated from their perch and all three into the woods and out of sight.I arrived at the Mohican Outdoor Center about 6:00. Wizard had his tent set up. Doc and The Ramen Noodles hiked in, Doc had two friends with him, who are hiking for the next 4 days. We all pitched in and shared a cabin. It was a bear of a day, good night.
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Mohican outdoor center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

I'm back on my departing the shelter at 7:30, looking for a long serene hike through New Jersey today. Look out! Is that a Diamond Back Rattler? Right in the middle of the trail is a Diamond Back Rattle snake. Coiled and rattling it's tail. I didn't hear the rattling, but you probably guessed that already. Bears yesterday and a snake today. I walked around the snake, he didn't bother me and I didn't bother him. I don't know what he was feeling but I was you might say "rattled". I didn't hang around.I met three thru hikers, Wet Truck, Goldfish and Litefoot and came upon a day hiker with his grandsons. Grandpa said they saw a bear earlier off the trail, I didn't see it.I told them about the snake. Hey, what else is there to chat about? There were several real nice views at the higher elevations, but I was anticipating the arrival to Culver Gap, US 206. On the way north, according to the trail guide is the Worthington's Bakery just right off the trail at US 206. This has been identified as a favorite stop for thru hikers for more than 45 years. My mouth was tasting the pastries already and my fantasies was pushing my pace. Not too farther and it will be all coffee and pastries.I have played the lottery on occasion, never had any real luck, and my unlucky streak stayed intact.The place was closed and out of business. Another local small business hits the dust as well as my dreams of coffee and sweets. Nothing to do but keep moving on and I did arriving at the shelter at 7:00.At the shelter is a container called a bear box. It is a metal container about three feet long and 18" wide and 18" in heigth. It's designed to store your food. Bears supposely can't get your food from this container. I opened the container and to my surprise were two large zip lock bags filled with cookies and candy and six Country Tyme Lemon Aid packages.There is no question that Hawkeye would have gone on a binge and I was not far from the experience myself. Now, this really brightened my day, especially after the disappointment at US 206. Someone up there is working hard to see that dreams can come true. It was like," I'm needing a sweet fix and you run down to the local Seven-Eleven". I'm the only one in the shelter tonight. This is a first since I have been on the trail. The Ramen Noodles are tenting. Sweet dreams, good night.
Date: 2004-07-02
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: The Secret Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

Hiking at 7:30, and two miles from the shelter reached Sunrise Mountain, elevation 1653', almost the highest point in today's hike. At the summit is a shelter built by the CCC in 1930. It's more like a pavilion than a shelter as there are no walls, only a roof. No camping or fires are allowed so this is place to take a break and enjoy the views. Twelve miles later, I arrive at an observation platform at 1680'. Supposely you can see New York City from here, too hazy today but I'll say, "I saw New York City in the distance when I was hiking the A.T." This place has a 360 degree view. You can see the Kintatinny Valley, Pochuck, Wawayanda and Pocono Mountains, but I probably will not mention this as I can't even pronouce what I saw. I'll just say, " I saw New York City from the A.T." Lot of stuff here, in the same area is High Point Monument. This spot marks the highest point in New Jersey at 1803'. The monument looks something like the Washington Monument in D.C. and is , well anyway, about the same height. This will drive you "nuts". At 6:00, I arrived at The Secret Shelter. Now this is what's going to do you in, I can't say anymore about The secret Shelter as it is a Secret. Sorry, but I will tell you this much, Ramen Noodles, Gandaff, Gimli are here with me. Do you think that the guy who wrote that Trilogy story hiked the A.T.? Probably not! Here is a note for you - The Ramen Noodles are husband and wife and even better they are medical doctors. Maybe I'll ask them about my ... maybe not. Good night.
Date: 2004-07-03
From: The Secret Shelter

To: Vernon, New Jersey
Miles today: 13.6

7:00 on the trail and there's good news. The trail is less rocky and the rocks are fewer and fewer. At 8:30 stopped off at Unionville, NY, which is 4th mile from the A.T. I checked in with the post office to see if a package mailed from Delaware Water Gap had arrived. Hawkeye mailed a package there but it had not arrived so I had it forwarded to Unionville. I'm out walking my packages so I asked to have it forwarded to Cheshire MA. At Unionville I finally caught up with Riva Queen, Pokey, Zippy and Switchback. Riva Queen said they were hiking to Vernon and her husband would be meeting her at the trailhead at NJ 94. He would give us all a ride into Vernon. They were gracious enought to wait until everyone arrived. The Ramen Noodles and I arrived at 2:00 and with Switchback. immediately went to the Heaven Hill Farm. At the Heaven Hill Farm, one tenth mile off the trail is ice cream. When we arrived in Vernon, we stayed at the Saint Thomas Episcopal Church. The church people allow hikers to sleep on the floor in their recreational room. They let you use their kitchen, shower and laundry facilities. Hey, don't tell me that northerners aren't generous. They only have one small requirement. No you don't have to be baptized, they only ask that you remove your boots and leave them outside. My boots are not half as bad as my socks, but I didn't say anything. That evening from the back of the church, we watched a firework display. Tomorrow is the 4th of July. And that is my report for today, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-04
From: Vernon, New Jersey

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I crossed into New York and it was not easy. Rock climbing and rock hopping for two miles and then there it was. A white line painted on the rocks written "New York on one side and New Jersey on the other". The views were there, I could barely see New York City. Hiked on to The Pinnacles, then to Cat Rocks, which is a favorite spot for rock climbers. Also a place where you can see the effects of the ice age. I have travelled 8 states, I walked all the way and now have 6 to go totalling 1359.6 miles. On my way to the shelter, Switchback, Zippy, Pokey and Sanquin passed by headed south. Yes, we are headed north. They decided to have Riva Queen take them to NY 17 and they are hiking back to Vernon. They plan to stay another night with Riva Queen. On Monday, she will take them back to NY 17 and they will continue their hike north. Riva Queen is completing her journey and will be off the trail. All of us will miss her. At the shelter tonight are JT, The Hairless Bear, Toe Break, Snowman and myself. JT what a odd name! In tents are Wizard and Patrick. Notes for the purpose to clarify some wrong information and forecasting the future. Snowman, I earlier said he was from Boston and that is why you could see why his trail name is Snowman. Well really Boston and snow don't really make much sense. Snowman is from Buffalo, NY. Now that make's sense. Forecasting the future, or wishful thinking, Wizard and I will start hiking with Zippy, Switchback and Pokey. The plan is: we will stay together as a group and hopefully reach Maine and summit Mount Katahdin together. I guess we have become a group like the Lutherans or such. Whatever, I like these people. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingreboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Tonight, Zippy, Switchback and Pokey caught up with Wizard and me, so now we plan to hike together.In the shelter are Toe Break and The Hairless Bear, the rest of us are in our tents. We have unwanted company, the bugs and the mosquitoes are merciless. Today, at Harriman State Park, NY's second largest state park, I met Patrick. He was disguised as a Trail Angel and the magic that he brought was a welcomed sight. I filled up on two cokes and two moon pies. Additionally, he left two full water bottles on the trail, two miles before you reach the William Brien Shelter. This would be my water supply as water has become scarce. Most of the streams have become dry beds. Trail Angels have been leaving water, jugs of water, where the trail intersects with roads. The hike today was rough going as the trail pitched up and down all day. They have not been long ascents and decents but between one and the other there have been few level paths. One place was named the Lemon Squeezer, a long and steep claustrophobic passageway between boulders. When I reached the shelter, it was 6:00. Wizard was already there with bad news. No water source, so tonight's meal would be cold foods. What water we had , we saved. I used my imagination and came up with a menu of peanut butter and crackers and a candy bar. My other choice was uncooked noodles. I went with the fore-mentioned meal. Wizard had pity on me and gave me a package of Tuna. I,m tired, that's all for now, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Fingreboard Shelter

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

I left the Fingerboard Sheltr at 7:30 and after the first mile crossed the Arden Valley Road. Lake Tiorati was a 3/10th mile hike for water supply and the next was 2.2 miles at a road crossing. This was the water Patrict stocked along the trail. The major climb at Bear Mountain, 1305', the Perkins Tower, a memorial for the first Palisades Park Service president and a plaque memoration for Joseph Bartha, a pioneer trail builder. I arrived at Bear Mountain, NY at 4:00. Bear Mountain is the headquarters for the Bear Mountain State Park. At the lodge, we purchased sodas and ice cream from a vending machine. Hiked the side trail to the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center. The A.T. goes through the trailsides but closes it's gate at 5:00. This was built in 1927 and features the nations oldest continuously used nature trail. If you arrived after 5:00, you have to take an alternate route on Hwy 9W where the Bear MOuntain Bridge crosses the Hudson River. We arrived at 4:35 and the Park attendants were closing the gate. The closing time is 4:30 and not 5:00, so there is a change to be made in the guidebook. I arrived at the campsite at 6:30, Zippy, Wizard and Switchback were already there with there tents set up. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Hemlock Springs Campsite

To: Clarence Fahnestock Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Hemlock Springs unfortunately is suffering from the dreaded tree blight caused by wooly adelgids resulting in several of the trees being dead and the others looking very sick. The campsite had several camping sites tucked into the woods. At 7:30 started hiking and the first four miles were smooth moving. We reached the Graymoor Friary and decided to stop and check it out. On the 5th floor is the dinning hall and the residence hall, so naturally, Pokey and I went that direction. We met the cook and he was generous in giving us some fruit and we purchased sodas from the vending machine. The Graymoor Friary is the home of the Franciscan Friers of the Atonement and the birthplace of the Christian Unity Movement.I'm not familiar with the endeaver but I bet it is important. Thru hikers have been welcomed for decades and they can obtain permission to camp at the ball field. The Friers hospitalily even goes further. If you arrive before 4:30, they invite you to supper , which is served at 5:30. We were there in the morning and departed at 10:30 as we had twelve miles to hike to the next shelter. It took us until 6:30 to arrive at the Fahnestock State Park. We found the rest of the crew and set up our tents, cooked supper and made plans for the next day's journey. I bet the Friers ate better than I tonight, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Clarence Fahnestock Shelter

To: Morgan Srewart Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

My mileage tally is 1422.3 miles, I was up by 6:00 and decided to take a shower at the State Park. A hot shower can never be turn down. I returned to my tent and it started to rain, so back into the tent. It rained for 45 minutes and the sky cleared. Everyone waited out the rain and when it stopped we packed out gear and on the trail at 8:00. This is a late start but if it doesn't rain there should be no problem reaching our planned destination. Switckback, Zippy and Wizard took off and they were out of sight for the rest of the day. Pokey can out hike me but we stayed together until we arrived at the shelter. On the way we climbed Shenandoah Mountain at 1282' and the viewed the New York countryside. When we reached the RPH Shelter, this structure is a three sided concrete building with wooden bunks. It was a place for a break and time to dry out our tents from the earlier rain. When we arrived Yellow Mellow had been here since 10:30 and decided to stay for the night. Zippy, Switchback and Wizard signed the trail register at 11:15 and moved on. We arrived at 12:30. We smelled pizza in the air and at 4:15 arrived at NY 52. Our noses pointed to the right and 4ths mile was a pizzaria with a menu of all sorts of Italian Specials. Never, I mean never, turn away from a food source. As for as my own cooking, I don't consider it a food source but just something you got to do and hope for the best. So a pizzeria, a gift of the gods. Around 7:00, reached the shelter, set up the tent as the mosquitoes were hungry tonight. Nobody slept in the shelter. The bugs are in their full glory and they are pesty creatures. Goodnight, I wish you all well.
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Morgan Srewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Wizard was on the trail first, at 7:20, Pokey and I were on our way. Switchback and Zippy got a late start but passed us within the hour. Wizard out of sight, these guys don't mess around. I probably could keep up with them if I was a few years younger, well, probably not. At 1:30 we reached NY 22 and took a right 5 tenths mile to Tony's Deli. Not surprising, Wizard, Switchback and Zippy were already there. We all stayed about an hour and then moved on. You won't believe this, but at NY 22 is the location of the Appalachian Trail Station. This is a stop for the Metro North Commuter Railroad. You can get on the train and ride into New York City, go to Broadway, see a play, have a beer (if inclined so) and catch the next train back to the trail. Man, I'll tell you what next, the Ringling Brothers Circus! One thing for sure, hiking the Appalachian Trail has its interesting moments and I love every one of them. What an education. Today's hike had no serious climbs, a few 300' and 500' but the rocks are back. We all made it to the shelter and into the tents again. The shelter housed several weekend hikers. I'll train my thoughts on getting a good night's sleep, so goodnight all.
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Kent, Connecticut
Miles today: 12.7

I usually start hiking at 7:30, so while your'e on your way to work, I'm beating the path to the next port. This is getting like a surreal experience, it's like that TV show "Slidders". You know, you jump into a mass of stormy light and end up someplace else. Maybe' not just like that, but you get the picture. Pokey and I finally made it to Kent, It was only 12 miles but they were not easy miles, at least not for me. At 3:30, we walked into town. Wizard, Zippy and Switchback arrived three hours earlier. The trail was rocky, reminded me of Northern Pennsyvania, had we slid back into time? There were two major climbs, starting at the elevation of 290' hiked Schaghticote Mountain ( bet you can pronounce that, not mountain "Schaghticote") about 3 miles to the summit. There were a few good views. The next climb was up Ten Mile Hill, a 600 + climb and no views. But, a lot of rocks, a rock collector would have been in rock heaven. I guess they are calling the mountains hills now, must be for morale sake, whatelse? We all found ourselves tenting on the lawn of the Rectory of the Saint Andrews Episcopal Church. Lot of fun tonight doing laundry, whatelse would one do on a Saturday night? I think it's Saturday. Wizard and I shopped at the local IGA to resupply food. Zippy, Switchback and Pokey shopped at the post office. They received food drops. We were not the only hikers in town as I ran into Snowman, Litefoot and Cheddar (female). They were headed north to the next shelter. Tomorrow is Sunday, Switchbacks parents and Wizard's dad are visiting them in Kent. All of us plan to get together at 11:00. Then the five of us will be moving on. We are hearing rumors that thru hikers ahead of us are leaving the trail and going home. No other details about the situation, but we have not seen many thru hikers, not like we did the first two months on the trail. It's hot, buggy and rocky, I'm lucky, I'm with a group of determined hikers and they are an inspiration. Today, completed another state, 9 down and 5 to go. Reporting on my own behalf, goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Kent, Connecticut

To: Silver Hill Campground
Miles today: 10.2

At 6:30 lot of activity on the lawn of the Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, all us were packing our gear and dismantling our tents. We were headed to the local outfitters where we parked our packs and beelined to the bakery. Coffee and donuts, a prelude to what's coming. Wizard's dad and Switchback's parents arrived at the outfitters at 11:00, lot's of introductions and greetings. Then, we moved on to the Fife and Drum Inn for lunch. Wizard's dad treated everyone, see there are nice people out there. Pictures were taken and lots of conversation, a good time. At 1:30, Wizard's dad and Switchback's parents shuttled us back to the trailhead. More pictures taken and heart felt good byes. You just can't say thank you enought for the kindness and acceptance. Well, were headed north again. I called Hawkeye and checked in. A great day for many reason. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Silver Hill campground

To: Limestone Springs Lean to
Miles today: 19.1

Tonight we're at the Limestone Springs Lean to, It is the same as all the other shelters we have slept in and passed along the way. You might be thinking " Why do they call it a lean to?" I have no idea! But, the lean to about 1/2 mile off the trail, a 100' rocky descent. Show going, to appreciate" slow going" you would have to walk this stretch. It took Pokey 15 minutes to walk, I of course took a little more time, but not much more. It was tedious. Zippy, Switchback and Wizard had already arrived. What's new? Hiking today, really tough hikes asending and descending, especially Easter and Prospect Mountains. We all are tenting and it looks like rain. If it does maybe it will stop by morning so we can pack our gear without it getting wet. Wet packs full of wet gear are heavy packs. The bugs and mosquitoes are everywhere, it's a real horror story. Maybe I ought to stay in the shelter and feed the bugs, then I'll be dry if it rains. What's a bite or two! Forget it, I'm tenting. Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-13
From: Limestone Springs Lean to

To: Hemlocks Lean to
Miles today: 17.5

Guess what? It rained last night. So, this morning packed wet gear (tents and rain flies). Tonight sheltering at Hemlocks Lean to, sharing the shelter space with us tonight are a section hiker, who is getting off the trail at Gorham, NH and a lady out for a 3 day hike. Pokey and I arrived at the shelter at 7:30, lots of ups and downs and it was slow going. The best part of today's hike was when we arrived at The Lower Cobble Road, Wizard, Zippy and Switchback were waiting for us and we detoured a 1/2 mile to Salisbury, Ct. A coffee shop was awaiting for our arrival. Today has been wet and chiily, so it's time for a warm up. Everyone had coffee and sweet rolls. I had 2 large coffees, 2 large sticky bun rolls, 1 bear claw and 1 danish. I was real wet and chilly. We stayed for 1 1/2 hours and moved on. Bear Mountain was a rocky ascent and decent, slow going as the trail was wet and ungodly slabs of rock that challenged the best of us. This was an area if one is going to slip and fall, this is the ideal place. I fell three times, once going up and once going down. That is two,so I fell on flat land as well. Why not! You might as well experience the whole thing. Switchback told me he fell four times. He probably said that so I would not think I'm the only faller. Pokey, Wizard and Zippy reported no falls. Well, I guess Switchback is the record holder, The Fall Champion. Bear and Race Mountains were the highest points in the hike today, but no views, only clouds and pea soup. After today's experience, we all decided to to stay at a hiker's hostel tomorrow. I liked that. A shower and a future of clean clothes. Note: Today, a tough go of it, but we crossed over to another state, Massachusetts, at mile # 1491.6. Ten down and four to go. Goodnight.