morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-04
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

With Port Clinton, PA (and a Hiker Feed) just 8.6 miles away, Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I were on the trail by 5:45 am. The Bills weren't far behind. They too have adopted the Mountain Man early morning departure schedule, and have come to appreciate it. We arrived in town without a plan, but things fell into place beautifully. Steve, a section hiker who had just completed his trip, was kind enough give us a ride into Hamburg where we could access the services that we needed. By noon our town chores (laundry and food resupply) were done. The local outfitter shuttled us back to Port Clinton for $10 - a fair price. Ah, the benefits of hitting the trail early are wonderful! Our chores were done by noon and we had the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the Hiker Feed.The Port Clinton Hiker Feed is sponsored yearly by a group of 2000 AT thru hikers known as "The PA Dutchmen". Among other things, they served cold soft drinks, delicious grilled hamburgers, fresh vegetables and dip, and home made cookies - all you can eat. Tag-along and I were impressed with young Bill's consumption of four very large burgers. It was a fun day. We met several new hikers today and connected with many others that we've come to enjoy. We are all camped in the Port Clinton city park next to the river.Life on the trail continues to be great!
Date: 2009-07-05
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather has been a frequent source of discussion the past couple of weeks. Specifically, temperatures have been more typical of spring than summer. This has ensured great sleeping weather at night and comfortable hiking during the day. Tag-along and I feel extremely fortunate to have avoided the hot weather that some other parts of the country are experiencing.Tag-along is completing a week of hiking in "new" (2007 model) Montrail Hardrocks that we recently purchased online. Thankfully, these are working out exceptionally well. As mentioned in an earlier journal, the 2009 Hardrocks that she switched to last month were not kind to her feet. Other hikers that we know have had problems with the 2009's as well. After an easy 15 mile hike today, Tag-along and I are Tarptent camping this evening on a lawn area across the road from the Eckville Shelter. The caretaker, who lives on the grounds, sold us ingredients needed to make pizzas and allowed us to use his oven. That was an unexpected treat!The Pennsylvania rocks are supposed to become more continuous tomorrow. We begin our own "Eighty Mile Challenge" tomorrow morning. More about that in tomorrow's journal.
Date: 2009-07-06
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

This morning Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I began the 80 Mile Challenge, a contest that we recently created. The challenge - see who can make it through the Pennsylvania/New Jersey rocks with the least amount of whining. Already it has become apparent that keeping an accurate tally of whining incidents may be difficult due to Mountain Man's tendency to bend the rules. For example, after coming upon a steep uphill rock scramble, Mountain Man exclaimed loudly, "This has got to be a joke". He deemed that "an observation", not a whine. Clearly we are going to have to call on some unbiased judges along the way. Pennsylvania sure threw a wide variety of crazy trail rock configurations at us today. This includes a stretch of mountaintop cliff called "Knifes Edge". When it was all said and done, more than half of today's 17 miles was challenging rock that had to be dealt with slowly and deliberately. We're did well to move a mile an hour through the tough parts - quite below our normal 2.5 mph hiking pace.That's an observation, not a whine.While today's hike was very challenging both technically and physically, we feel good this evening. Our present level of conditioning makes all the difference.Note: Picturess have been added to the Photos section and to all journal entries from June 23.
Date: 2009-07-07
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter 

To: Little Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Little did we know when we hit the trail at 5:45 am what a great day this would be. Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I were several hours into our hike when we met Lori Shields, moving southbound on the trail in order to meet us. Lori follows our trail journals and has listened to our interviews on Kent Zotter's podcast, AT Hiking - The Podcast. We enjoyed hiking with Lori to the Lehigh Gap parking lot where she had trail magic waiting in her van - a variety of cold beverages, Tastykakes, and a tasty tomato trail dip with pita bread Thanks so much Lori! You made our day.Our day's hike got serious as we carefully attacked the rocky climb from Lehigh Gap. This exposed bolder ridge forced us to rock climb at times. Even one misplaced step could have dire consequences, so we proceeded very carefully. Our friend Mawee noted that this is where she learned to pray. Once on top we passed through the Palmerton Superfund site, a deforested ridge due to zinc smelting from 1898-1980. Tonight Tag-along, Mountain Man and I are staying at the Filbert Bed and Breakfast near Little Gap - a beautiful restored 1800's home. The owner, Kathy, couldn't have been more accommodating.
Date: 2009-07-09
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

Without a doubt, the highlight of yesterday's 15.4 mile hike was trail magic organized by Newt (Rachel) and her mother. About 10:00 am we came to a road crossing and there it was - a shady oasis in the woods with lawn chairs and a big variety of great food and drink. We spent about an hour gorging ourselves, along with The Bills, Mountain Man, The Flying Scottsman, Limbo, and Bird. Thanks so much to Newt and her mother.Yesterday's hiking mileage is included in the "Total" figure above.Today's 15.6 mile hike brought us over many PA rocks and into Delaware Water Gap - a very hiker friendly town. While we enjoyed a late lunch at the local pizza place, an older couple Vernon and Beverly Dennis overheard that Tag-along, D.C. Matt, and I needed a ride to the next town in order to pick up some items not available here. Vernon offered to take us, wait while we shopped, and then drive us back. Incredible! We're staying tonight at the Church of the Mountain Hostel. Our friends Mawee recommended it and, once again, did not steer us wrong. We are fortunate to have arrived on a Thursday. For over 30 years, this Presbyterian Church has sponsored a Thursday potluck fellowship dinner and invited hikers as special guests. The food and hospitality were amazing. If there is a common theme in our recent journal entries, it is that the generosity of people around the trail is incredible. Lori, Newt and her mother, Vernon and Beverly, and the congregation of the Church of the Mountain have all been a part of making this a week on the trail that we will always remember fondly. Tag-along and I have 892 miles ahead of us. Tomorrow we leave Pennsylvania behind and enter New Jersey!
Date: 2009-07-10
From: Delaware Water Gap

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

Earlier today Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I were discussing that we didn't understand the trail's difficulty level in Pennsylvania before hiking it. The state is well known for it's rocky terrain. Rocks aren't much of a factor, however, as you begin the state. Southern Pennsylvania actually offers many miles of smooth and easy hiking. When rocks became more prominent, those stretches were usually intermittent. This is not to say that hiking Pennsylvania, when the trail become rocky, is easy. It is not. Long rocky stretches can be very hard on feet and shoes.   Difficult rocks don't end at the northern PA border. They extend into southern New Jersey for a few days as well. Tonight we are camping at the Mohican Outdoor Center, run by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). They offer showers, deli sandwiches, ice cream, soft drinks, and other snacks. We had some interesting wildlife encounters today. When Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I arrived, there was a large rattlesnake near the main AMC building. Later, after we went to bed, a bear came into our tent camp area. Mountain Man claimed he "played dead", but he actually slept soundly throughout the entire event.We met Bookworm today and enjoyed hiking together. Walkabout got back on the trail today and showed up in camp. It was great to see him again!
Date: 2009-07-11
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Culver Gap
Miles today: 17.9

This turned out to be a challenging 17.9 mile day. After arriving at the mosquito infested Brink Road Shelter, our original destination, we decided to press on to Culvers Gap where we could have an early dinner at a steakhouse. New Jersey threw a steady dose of difficult rocks at us. Everyone we hiked with has very sore and tired feet this evening. The food, drink, and company at Kevin's Steakhouse was outstanding. Joining us were Matt From DC, Solar System, Naneek (now known as Instigator), Bookworm, and Mountain Man.Last night Bookworm asked that we wake him up at 5:00 am so that he could get an early start with us. Although it was a slow moving day due to rocky technical trail, we easily finished hiking by 4:00. Bookworm says he is "sold" on our early starting time now.We heard today that 240 hikers have signed in at the Harpers Ferry ATC Center since we went through. Assuming that approximately 1400 signed in at Georgia's Springer Mountain, as reported by Harpers Ferry ATC, roughly half of the hikers that started the AT this year dropped off by Harpers Ferry. Typically 25% complete the trail.   My second pair of AT shoes are coming apart - destroyed by 800 miles and Pennsylvania/New Jersey rocks. I unsuccessfully tried to repair them with industrial strength glue last night. It's time to have Walt, our housekeeper, send out my third pair.
Date: 2009-07-12
From: Culver Gap

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

The 80 Mile Challenge (our contest to see who could make it through the Pennsylvania/New Jersey rocks with the least whining) ended at Kevin's Steakhouse yesterday afternoon. Final results are as follows - Tagless: 2 whines, Mountain Man: 2 whines, and Tag-along: 3 whines. We began the day tied - each with 2 whines. Tag-along's "Geeesh" as we approached a rock pile yesterday put her over the edge. It looks like the July cool weather trend we've been enjoying will continue into this week. A front came through with passing storms last night, giving us temperatures in the low eighties and low humidity today.For a while this morning, it appeared we might be seeing an end to excessive rocks on the trail. That hope was short lived, however. Throughout much of today's 16 mile hike, the rocks were brutal to our feet.Tag-along, Mountain Man, Bookworm, and I are camped next to a river at the High Point Shelter. With a cool night and the sound of rushing water, it should be a good night for sleeping!
Date: 2009-07-13
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 19.0

Today's 19 mile hike was noteworthy in that we FINALLY enjoyed a break from the Pennsylvania/New Jersey rocks. After Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I departed the High Point Shelter at 6:00 am, the AT quickly dropped 600 feet into swampy New Jersey lowland. We appreciated the many elevated boardwalks constructed by trail maintainers. One boardwalk, approaching NJ 94 near Vernon, NJ was over one mile long.We checked out "The Secret Shelter" at mile 1333.3 - privately owned land with a cabin, outdoor shower, and potable water spigot. Word travels among thru hikers about where to locate it. Through the past week, mosquitos have been out in mass - actively looking for victims throughout the day. Insect repellent with 30% Deet seems to protect us quite well.Upon reaching our day's destination (NJ 94 near Vernon, NJ) we came upon a produce market with fresh fruit and ice cream! With the next shelter 1000 feet up and five miles out, Tag-along and I decided to split the cost of a motel room with Mountain Man. We enjoyed dinner and drinks at a great local tavern a half mile down the road. Discovering local eateries like these is a fun aspect of this incredible hiking adventure. Life is good!
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 14.9

One more state is "in the bag". Today we exited New Jersey and entered New York. New York welcomed us with numerous ridge top rock climbs - interesting but slow going. Nevertheless, thanks to our early departure schedule, Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I completed today's hike by 3:00. A local ice cream creamery greeted us at the end of the line! As of this writing Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I have completed eight states - Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.Our bodies are telling us that it is time take a zero day. Tag-along and I haven't had a day of rest since Harpers Ferry. Since then, 24 days and 348 miles have passed. We are staying at Anton's On the Lake, a beautiful reasonably priced motel near Greenwood Lake, NY that offers rooms with whirlpool, laundry, and free shuttles. Tomorrow Mountain Man will continue up the trail to Fort Montgomery, NY so that he can enjoy two days off with his lovely wife Sharon. Tag-along and I plan to meet him there so we can continue our hike together.Note: Tewnty-four photos have been added to our "Photo" section. Pictures were added to journal entries from July 9 through today.
Date: 2009-07-16
From: Belvale, NY

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

After speaking with Mountain Man (who is temporarily one day ahead of us) last evening, Tag-along and I knew this was going to be a challenging day. That proved to be the case. The trail was continuously technical including many steep ascents and descents, some necessitating rock climbing skills. We went through the infamous "Lemon Squeezer", a stone wall pathway so narrow we had to remove our packs.Immediately following that, the AT went up a rock ledge so high and steep it took some time to figure out a safe route. There was a blue blaze (easy) option, but we haven't blue blazed yet, and don't intend to. Strangely, Tag-along and I didn't see another thru hiker all day, other than Feedbag who was slack packing southbound. Tonight we are camping at the Fingerboard Shelter. The insects are out in mass, so Tag-along and I ate dinner quickly and retreated to our Tarptent. It's odd whenever we encounter landmarks that we've seen in AT videos at home. Tomorrow the trail will take us through one of those landmarks - the zoo at Bear Mountain, NY.
Date: 2009-07-17
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Fort Mongomery
Miles today: 14.2

Water management has taken on greater importance in New Jersey and New York. The availability of water sources is less frequent and the quality of water is often poor. Local trail angels have provided support, leaving filled gallon water jugs at road crossings. Special thanks to trail angels John & Susan and the Tuxedo Trail Angels. Today's 14 mile hike brought us into the Bear Mountain/Fort Montgomery area. Tag-along and I plan to zero tomorrow so that we can resume hiking with Mountain Man. This will also give me the opportunity to replace my worn out hiking shoes at a nearby Campmor. We are staying in another small town motel (built in the 50s) the Bear Mountain Bridge Motel. It is a cozy, well kept place with only 5 rooms.
Date: 2009-07-19
From: Fort Mongomery

To: Greymore Monastery
Miles today: 6.5

Yesterday's zero day was very productive. Mountain Man's wife, Sharon, drove us to a Campmor, EMS, and grocery store where we took care of some resupply needs. To my disappointment, neither Campmor or EMS stocked a suitable hiking shoe in my size. The 2009 Montrail Hardrocks were available, but as mentioned in an earlier journal, the 09's have caused foot problems for several thru hikers that we know.After returning to the motel. I went online and tried to locate a pair of earlier model Hardrocks, to no avail. I ended up ordering a pair of Salomon trail running shoes (XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX) and having them shipped a week up the trail. This shoe has done well for other 2009 thru hikers, including Mountain Man. I'm nervous about switching to a different shoe at this juncture, but have no other options. In the meantime I'll wear a pair of 08 Hardrocks that have a little life left in them. This will be my fourth pair of shoes since beginning our hike on March 3. My feet have increased a full shoe size. Later yesterday Tag-along and I joined Sharon, Mountain Man, The Bills, Rench, and Turtle for wine and snacks. We all went out to dinner and had a great time. Sharon is such a wonderful person! Tag-along and I look forward to spending more time with her up the trail.This morning Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I intentionally departed Fort Montgomery late as we planned to hike a short seven mile day. Our destination, the Greymore Monastery, is an institution on the trail, a "don't miss" kind of stop. Years ago hikers were welcomed and allowed to spend the night in a private room, do laundry, shower, and have dinner and breakfast - all for free. The monastery friars, in time, couldn't afford to continue this level of support. The friars still welcome hikers, however, to camp free at the ball field. There is a pavilion with electricity (we are always looking for opportunities to recharge our cell phones and iPods), nice tent camping, a shower, and privy.When we arrived at the ball field, to our surprise, several hundred visitors were participating in a South American Celebration. Teams from various South American countries competed - performing traditional dances in colorful native costume. We were both welcomed and very entertained. It's proof again that we never know what this incredible trail will throw at us.
Date: 2009-07-20
From: Greymore Monastery

To: Shanandoah Tent Area
Miles today: 17.4

With constant ups and downs and very rocky terrain, today's 17 mile hike was a difficult one. We walked into camp with some very feet.The local mosquito air force was out in mass, swarming around us throughout most of the day. Apparently there will be little relief the next couple of weeks. The Packadivas, who are 9-10 days ahead of us, mentioned in our guest book that the mosquitos are annoying where they are as well.For the past couple of days, Tag-along and I have been trying a new water based insect repellent (Cutter Advanced), hoping to find a solution that feels less greasy than products with Deet. We sweat too much throughout the day for a water based repellent to work. Tag-along, Mountain Man, The Bills, and I are camping at Shanandoah Tenting area, a wonderful place Mawee recommended to us. There is a well water hand pump - a nice luxury for hikers.The weather forecast is calling for rain, possibly starting tonight. Hopefully the trail will be less technical and rocky than it was today. It will be difficult reaching our 18 mile goal if things are wet and slippery tomorrow.
Date: 2009-07-21
From: Shanandoah Tent Area

To: Poughquaq, NY
Miles today: 13.4

Rain held off through the night, allowing us to pack a dry Tarptent. That's always nice in that a dry tent equals a lighter tent - less weight to carry during the day. As soon as Tag-along, Mountain Man and I left the Shanandoah Tent Camp a moderate all day rain began. We donned rain gear (i.e. rain jackets and skirts) and trudged on. On the plus side, as rain increased mosquitos decreased. We haven't hiked in an all day rain for a while so no whining was allowed. In spite of slick trail, we easily completed 10 miles by noon. Although trail conditions were wet and muddy, we admired and appreciated the excellent work of New York trail maintainers. In just two days the Mountain Tag Team (our new group trail name) will leave New York and enter Connecticut!
Date: 2009-07-22
From: Poughquaq, NY

To: Ten Mile River Tent Area
Miles today: 17.4

Recently our house sitter, Walt Hodges (1999 thru hiker) shared that we are moving into a very scenic part of the trail. This is proving to be true. As we've moved into Connecticut, the trail continues to be beautiful and very well maintained.Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I encountered many long (and very slippery) boardwalks through low areas. Occasionally other parts of the trail were muddy because of yesterday's all day rain. We employed our best rock and root maneuvering skills in hope to keep our feet dry. This simply delayed the inevitable - everyone got wet feet. This evening we are camped in beautiful woods next to a roaring river. Other hikers here include The Bills, Rench, Turtle,Don Quixote, and Sancho PazoOn a different note, One Stick recently posed the following in our Guest Book..."I am interested in your breakfast shakes. Just what are they made of?? I'm trying to make plans for future return and need more nourishment".Tag-along and I continue to start every hiking day with a breakfast shake. ingredients include: 2 (at least) instant breakfast packets 1/2 cup of Nedo powdered whole milk or other instant milk (look in the Latino section of the grocery store for Nedo)1/2 cup of Muscle Milk protein powder (available at GNC and online)2 tablespoons of instant coffeeWe ship Nedo and Muscle Milk up the trail in a bounce box. While in town, Tag-along premixes ingredients in baggies. It saves time on the trail. We prepare our shakes when making dinner the evening before. Simply add ingredients to water in a 3/4 filled Gatoraide bottle.Incorporating a morning breakfast shake has been one of our best trail nourishment decisions. It offers a good dose of calories, gets us hydrated and out of camp quick.Tomorrow we have a short 8 mile hike into Kent, CN where we will resupply, do laundry, pick my new shoes and Tag-along's treking pole replacement, and enjoy town food.
Date: 2009-07-24
From: Kent, CT

To: Ceasar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The pair of Salomon trail running shoes that I ordered were waiting for me in Kent, CN. They seemed to fit well, so I hiked in them all day today without any noticeable discomfort or hot spots. I've been concerned about trying a new shoe at this point in our hike, so that's a relief! We shipped my worn Montrail Hardrocks one week up the trail so that I have a Plan B in the event that the new shoes don't work out.The AT in Connecticut continued to be very beautiful today. Highlights included scenic views, a steep and rocky mountain decent, miles of hiking beside a rushing river, and a ford across a swollen rocky mountain stream. We wore our Crocs while fording the river. This is the first of many river fords that lie ahead.During our lunch stop, we met a southbounder, Poo Bear. He shared a lot of helpful information about what we can expect on the trail as we proceed northward.Tonight we are camped at Ceasar Brook with our good friends Mountain Man, the Bills, Rench and Turtle. Just a few minutes ago Mama Lama and Juice arrived as well. Tag-along and I were really excited to meet up with them again, as we've a couple days apart for over a month.