morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Darlington shelter 

To: Duncannon 
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Happy 26th b day to Peeper. All Smiles,Blues Clues, Fireball and I woke her at 6:00 singing Happy B day. We plan to get to Duncannon for dinner and a Movie to celebrate. We plan to have a last hiking day with Jan and Kieth, it has been fun to have them with us. Kieth is in 9th grade, very bright and scientifically inclined. He wanted control of our hiking book and kept us updated constantly, I expect the trail will see him again for a thru hike.Again we had a beautiful day,but again hot in the high 80's. We had a few pretty views, and a steep climb down to Duncannon. Arrived at about 2:00. We went for lunch at the Doyle hotel,met up with our crew, said a sad goodbye to Jan and Kieth and went to our camp site lathe Susquahana River. We setup our tents, and were to be picked up at 4:00 by our trail angels.CRYSTAL AND MIKE, who we met at Deer Creek camp ground 2 days ago, wanted to help us celebrate Peepers B day. They were fantastic, dropped us off at a microbrewery for dinner, then got US to a movie, Peepers choice of Snow White and the huntsman, then took US shopping for resupply before they dropped US back attent site. They were great and refused to take any payment. WOW, GREAT PEOPLE. On we go over the next 7 days to get to the Deleware water gap and meet up with my brother/sister in law.We all had a great day and plan to push ahead through PA.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Duncannon 

To: Clarks Creek
Miles today: 16.0

Tent site in Duncannon was not very restfull. We were on the Susquahana Riverside, had trains on both sides of the river, 2 major highways and a somewhat busy bar just up the street. Trains went by atleast every hour. This was certainly not the rustic campsite we hope for. Awoke, unrested, warm and overcast. Steped off at about 7:00. Walked across a busy Susquahana bridge, crossed the railroad tracks and up the mountain ridge we went. Moved north up along the Susquahana, followed a very rock ridgeline, very hot in the mid 80's. Walked with "All Smiles", " Blues Clues"," Wiffleball", and later joined with "Hawk". Peeper and I enjoyed to be back with our friends. Water was somewhat of an issue, and we were certainley consuming alot. I had to carry 3 L and used it all to my next resupply 12 miles away. We were planning to do 20 miles today but the heat and rocky walk took our steam away. Came to a beautiful camp site at 6 :00pm and felt it was time to stop. We were able to swim in the stream and get ready for a rainy day tomorrow. Sleep would be easier tonight.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Clarks Creek

To: Lickdale
Miles today: 17.4

We had a very restful night. There is an Army firing Range somewhat nearby, but they stopped firing in the early evening. Continue to be with our friends. Rain started at about 2:00 am, continued all through the day. It is always diffficult to packup and start hiking in the rain. Very little stays dry. We climbed back up on mountain Ridge, we were to see some of the 1800's coal mines and deserted coal town, Yellow Springs, areas today. The Coal mining had been evident with the springs and streams with Iron deposits, red water. Some Cellar holes and old foundations. Encountered a Lime filtering station in Raush's stream to trty and increase the Ph of the local areas streams. The water leaving the coal mines tends to be contaminated with heavy metals, sulfur and Iron, the Ph tends to be less than 6.0, after the lyme filtration of the stream the Ph goes over 6.0 and the streams life returns. Very intersting to see this in action. Where there could be no fish, we see fish again.I visited the old 1800's cemetary, graves of some young folks, expect worked in the mines. No good views today, foggy and wet, constant soaking rain. We had a very wet, slippery, muddy day, we again had hoped to do more miles but our group needed to recover from the past few days. We walked into Lickdale to dry out, get some laundry done and resupply. The six of us split 2 hotel rooms, ate a few meals to try and get 20 miles in tomorrow. Has been some rough going and we are yet to get into the worst rocks of Pennsylvania. I expect we will be delayed in getting to NJ to meet my brother/sister in-law.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Lickdale

To: fort Dietrich Snyder monument 
Miles today: 20.4

We had to walk 2 miles out of town, unable to find a ride. We crossed the canal and had a short steep climb onto a very rocky ridge.we have started to see the rocks Pa is known for,large rocks overlaying beds of Rip/Rap. Very difficult to walk on and it goes on for miles. My boots are waiting for me at Port Clinton, unfortunately I have only my light trail shoes until then. OUCH!We are told it only gets worse from here.We continue to walk with our group of six, All Smiles,Blues Clues, Wiffleball, Hawk,Peeper and I-Gumpy. We hope to stay together..We had some pretty views of the Valleys, then finally got to some swampy areas. Past through the 501 shelter,got some fried chicken,trail magic. We also were able to weigh our packs here,Peeper's was 25 lbs, mine wad 34 lbs,with food and water. I hope to shed a little more pack weight in the future. Goal is under 30 lbs.We found a camp site on a small pond,behind a swamp,near the Fort Dietrich Snyder monument, a War of 1812, French and Indian war fort. We had a fun night around the campfire,named a box turtle Lou, ventured around the area to look for remnants of the fort. Had a good evening at the camp fire, laughs and review of previous days. It's good to be back with our group of friends.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I had to go to Walmart in the am due to not getting my medicine in my mail drop. This delayed my start, but Peeper went ahead. All Smiles and Wiffleball went with me. I went for breakfast at 6:00 am to a restaurant 3C's in Port Clinton.We climbed out of Port Clinton back to the ridge. climbed over a few ridges down into Windsor Furnace area, A 1750's area Iron Furnace, not much left to see. There were six observatories on Hawk mountain ridge. Climbed back to the ridge, views off Pulpit Rock and excellent views and rock scrambles at The Pinnacle. Though the mountains are only 1500 feet, they are very pretty. We continue to have many sections of rip rap rocks on the trail.We walked a very flat ridge for about 5 miles then met up with our other climbing partners at Eckville shelter area. We considered to hike further but we old guys with sore feet from the rocks overrules the youngsters. We met our friends Payman and Two step , the german couple today at the shelter. Good to see them. We were able to order Pizza for dinner at this shelter, yum.
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Lehigh Furnace Gap
Miles today: 19.8

We had the opportunity to do a slack packing day (a fellow local hiker has volunteered to drive some of our gear to a road crossing ahead, lightens our load). Lighter pack weight was a great help for the rocks were terrible today. We left at about 6:30, hit the rocks very soon with the rip rap, and then some larger boulder walks. We reached the Knife Edge, a ledge walk, by about 10:00am. Very pretty but often these boulders are difficult to negotiate. We then reached Bear rocks, a scramble ledge with good views to the west. Farms below in the distance. Rocks and more rocks until we reached the Blue Mountain Restaurant at about 1:00pm. We had a good lunch and were off again, and the rocks just seem to get worse. We reached our tent site and our equipment transfer in the evening, a tough day on the feet. Pennsylvania rocks are taking a great toll on out feet, legs and boots/shoes. We had met a group of locals partying at the Bake Oven Knob shelter, unfortunately demonstrating very poor hiker etiquette with little regard to our water source as well as giving the through hikers some space to use the facility. We all were a little angry on their lack of concern or consideration. We luckily had to move on anyway, though many of our fellow hikers tented above the commotion. Very tiring and a little frustrating day, but still always a great day in the woods.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Lehigh Furnace Gap

To: Smiths Gap
Miles today: 17.6

Happy Fathers DayWe awoke early, continued with our group of six. We were to get to Lehigh Gap, and see the superfund site. We reached Lehigh gap by 9:00, thankfully we have had some cool days so our scramble up the cliffs and open walks atop the ridge were beautiful and relatively cool. Very interesting climb up open face rock, to a ridge that has been denuded by years of pollution from a Zinc Smelting plant in the valley. Miles of damaged ridge that has been recovered by soil with the Super funds. Ghosts of old trees remain, now grass, shrubs and a few young trees try to return. The Smelting plant and sludge slag piles remain as a painful reminder of the catastrophic damage we can inflict on our resources/land. This plant stopped in 1988. Difficult not to cry as we walk, but there appears to be some recovery- but this will take many hundreds/thousands of years and the scars I expect will always remain until the earth turns over its surface.We walked beyond, arrived at Blue Mountain Ski Resort to get some water, had to walk off the trail up a long driveway/hill to get water. A fathers day celebration was in progress, a band , food, rides and alot of people. We were a bit overwhelmed, but got some food and water. We met a Hiker Friendly family who take in hikers 10 miles up the trail at Smith's Gap, he agreed to allow us to slack pack and stay in his Garage tonight. More rocks and then more rocks, but we arrived at the hiker Friendly house, 1 mile off the trail down hill, by evening.Interesting night, some interactions with the family, home movies, band reenactments, bicycling demonstrations and finally bedding down on his garage floor. Interesting time
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Smiths Gap

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

Cool and some threatening skies, but a pretty day. Rocks got worse, almost a continuous rip rap, hard on the knees, feet, shoes and spirit. Pennsylvania is all we expected and worse. When will the torture end. The boots have developed sores on my heels, my left knee remains sore with an effusion. Ankles twisted and turned through the day. Sleep was poor last pm on the garage floor and it was all I could do to move forward. Peeper was doing better than I and stayed with me to get me through, I do love my Daughters help. All Smiles treated us to a lunch that he and Peeper had carried in, a great relief and break from the grueling day. Peeper suggested to loosen my boots, just tie to my lower ankle, this gave me much more mobility and helped. We had very few views and little satisfaction on today's hike. Reached the shelter by 6:00 pm, broken spirits. Thank God for my daughter and hiking team who remained good spirited. Wiffleball went on to town, but otherwise we all stayed at the shelter. Peeper and I as usual tented.Laughing around the camp fire in the evening. Everyday in the woods is good, but I could do with a little less rocks. By the evening I was feeling better and went to bed ready to take on another day, though we only have 6 miles to go to NJ. We will meet up with my brother /sister in law tomorrow for a near0 day.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: East Bank Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Few sprinkles in the am, somewhat overcast but remains cool. We awoke early to get into town to have breakfast, go to the outfitters then at noon be picked up to go to Michael and Dick's, my brother/sister in laws. Climb out was somewhat less rocky, some views of the river, walk into town was uneventful. We had breakfast, found the outfitter was of little help. Met Dick and Michael as scheduled. Went shopping, regeared up, had a great meal and a   Chinese Buffet and visited through the day. Excellent time with family and friends. Back to the trail and NJ tomorrow. Knee, heels and spirit doing much better. I expect NJ will be good to us.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: East Bank Delaware Water Gap

To: kittatinny mountain
Miles today: 8.0

We stayed at Dick and Michael,'s until 3:00 ,Peeper had to get many things done for her visa and school. It was 94deg. and we did not want to start hiking in the heat. Peeper got a lot done,she was relieved.We coined from the Delaware water gap,a very pretty hike to the ridge of Kittatinny mountain. We encountered 2 bears on the climb,we tried to keep our distance,they were hot too. We came to the beautiful lakes on the ridge and were able to cool off. We reached the summit at dusk ,watched a spectacular sunset,ate dinner,and had a very comfortable night. All in all a wonderful day. We are all amazed at NJ's incredible beauty,I never knew of this northwest region, I highly recommend a visit to all.To Dick and Michael,you are angels, you we can't thank you enough, way beyond any expectation. Great to be part of the family. We all left your home rested,well fed,clean(as best we can be), and warm in our hearts. THANK YOU!!!
Date: 2012-06-21
From: kittatinny mountain

To: Culvers gap
Miles today: 21.0

We awoke to a beautiful sunrise,had a young bear on the summit. We started to hike at 6:00am,planned to do 10 miles before noon,rest at Crater lake midday and go 11 miles in the late afternoon. We reached Catfish tower by 8:00, had a pretty view of the Delaware Water Gap,and all the surrounding lakes and hills. NJ is spectacular! We walked the ridge with many cliff overlooks, climbing down to Crater lake. It was very hot and buggy. Crater lake was pristine,a old resort lake that has been reverted to a natural state. Now only hikers and bikers have access. We stayed here for 4 hrs, swam,rested, and got out of the mid 90's heat. We The lake was somewhat warm but refreshing. Swarms of catfish and sunfish nibbled at you. We left to go on at 4:00. Most of the time we had the lake to ourselves. The six of us felt very fortunate to have this experience.The pm climb was long and hot. We arrived at Culvers Gap at 8:00. We were able to get dinner at s small pub, and walked to the state park to find a tent site. We had difficulty in finding a good tent site, by 11:00, we just setup next to the campsite road. Not ideal, but we had a very long day.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Culvers gap

To: High point shelter 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a difficult night. We were disturbed by s car at midnight,and rain in early am. Peeper has developed some allergies with her poison ivy treatment, has some hives. She remains uncomfortable. Her poison ivy is better.We all awoke about 5:00, and packed up, little sleep. Hawk had left even earlier. We walked out of the campground, went to Joe on go,a coffee shop. We were back on the trail by 7:00.I was able to give Peeper some prednisone and loratidine,she felt better as the day progressed Unfortunately, my pack shoulder strap broke, All Smiles and I had to fix it with some small rope,I need to get this fixed or replace the pack. I was able to get a hold of Gregory Packs by 10:00, and the will be sending a replacement at no charge, I will get it in Kent, CT. Hope my pack will hold out.We climbed back on the ridge,we all remaining a little sleep deprived. The plan to het to High Point state park this pm.Brief rain early this am,threatening thunderstorms in the pm. It was still warm and very humid We walked the ridge with some overcast views. Had a beautiful view with a fire tower early in the am.Thunder storms developed in the pm, all but Blues Clues made it to the state parks administration building we avoided getting wet. The park staff were very kind to let us stay for a few hrs. We were able to order pizza and salads, after dinner wehiked the last few miles to the shelter.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: High point shelter 

To: Lovemma lane
Miles today: 14.5

We had a pretty day,walked down through old fields, many stone walls,bogs to get to Unionvile, NY. This is a small town, hiker friendly. There was a country store, pizza place,and postoffice.we had sandwiches,some resupply and moved on. Peeper soul in on her way and got a shower at a trail friendly neighbor.,otherwise we all stink. Blues continues to have foot problems,this has slowed US down some. All Smiles stayed back with him. Walked through a wildlife reserve, met Dose and Five Pair on the side of the road, they came out from a hotel stay. Five Pack is a mother of 5, she appears about in her late 40's, she is a good hiker,supports by her husband at home in ? Florida. She wad named for the has 5 pairs of clothing. The wears makeup and always appears well groomed. Impressive out here.I Walked with Dose, caught up on some fellow hikers, Good Penny remains at home, pending Cardiac evaluations. We miss him. (You are in our prayers)We climbed back on the ridge, I waited at the next shelter for our group, Dose and Five Pair went on to get to a bakery ahead before it closed. Dose said five Pack focuses on food and showers, but don't we all! We waited over an hour for Blues and All Smiles to catch up. We shortened our day some to let Blues recover . Found a campsite near a Hebrew children's camp. Loud songs and prayers into the evening. Concerns that Blues may need to take time off, I have worked with him on some plantar Fasciitis, he works with All Smiles on some stretches, but he still struggles.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Lovemma lane

To: wildcat shelter 
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

We awoke early for a long hiking day. Plan to make up some miles shortened yesterday. HAWK,pushing to average 18 miles /day. Blues was feeling somewhat better and was wanting to try . All Smiles left at 5:45, I left soon after.. We had gentle climbing through fields, long stone walls,streams. Came upon Pochuck Creek Preserve, a beautiful boardwalk through marshland, over a mile. Wild life abounds, blue herons, hawks,rodants, and countless birds. Very peaceful, easy hiking, and beautiful. Came out onto a road where a farm known for its produce,upstream and bakery goods is infamous. I indulged, All Smiles was packing up when I arrived. Everyone else arrived as I ate my fresh tomatoes,grapes,oranges,radishes,a few donuts,and a couple helpings of upstream. Content! We all packed out some fruit and vegetables, we get so little while on the trail.We quickly gained elevation left the low lands. It was a warm day, we came upon a beautiful swimming hole and took advantage. Our day thus far was ideal. We had some miles to do though and we moved on I stayed back to climb with Blues We had many small climbs, followed rock, very rocky ridges, moved on into NY. Vistas overlooking Greenwood Lake and into the Lake Region of the Pallisades. The ridged were very hard on the feet, many scrambles the day got long. Dusk threatening, Blues and I had resigned ourselves to use headlamps. We came to camp relieved after a long, beautiful day with an arduous end. We did hit an ice cream stand 2 miles before the shelter, our second for the day, and this was dinner. We also had some trail magic at a midpoint shelter, more fruit, Oreos and sodas, thank you Jeff, a trail Angel. We ate well today.Blues did well today, though his feet still hurt Peeper climbed with Hawk most of the day, she wad in her tent when I got to camp, she ate well as well and wad content..
Date: 2012-06-25
From: wildcat shelter 

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: heavy intensity rain

We awoke to rain, I packed up early at 6:00, before everyone else to get to Southfields for our maildrop, Peeper was to catchup. Wet ridge rocks, very slippery, I fell a few times. I made good time and was at the Southfield road crossing by 11:00, it was a difficult section, thankfully it only rained for about an hour. I broke the tip of one of my poles in the hike. Peeper and All smiles followed after about an hour. ALL SMILES mother in law, who was very ill, had died. ALL SMILES decided after discussion with Peeper, he needed to go home. He asked all our opinions, we all agreed. Sheila his wife, had previously requested he not come home, she did not want to interupt his long planned hike, but after days of consideration, with the anticipated death, he for himself needed to go. Wiffleball wanted to go with him, we arranged a rental car with my nephew, and they were off.Blues Clues struggled as well today, he checked into a hotel to rest, plans to take a zero day tomorrow. WE WERE DOWN TO THREE. Hawk, Peeper and I talked, planned to shorten our day, and consider our future options for the hike, we will miss our friends. Do we wait, though Peeper and i have time constraints. Suddenly all looks different.We climbed into Harriman State Park, a beautiful reserve in the Pallisades. We went through the Lemon Squeezer, and settled into our tents at the shelter. SOME SADNESS AT THE FIRESIDE CAMP TONIGHT. Cold night as well.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Our group, after many phone calls and campside discussions has decided to try and get back together if possible. Wiffle and All Smiles got to Kentucky safely and by Sheila's. a's response,it was the right decision. I received a very grateful text today. Hawk, Peeper and I will move on but hopefully meet up with everyone in Kent, CT. Peeper had wanted to have her friend, Kelly, hike for a few days, so we felt this would be a good time. She will meN.C.et us tonight. We had a very pretty, cool day for hiking. We worked our way through Harriman State Park, to the Hudson River. Harriman State Park is a beautiful gem, preserved lakes and forests.Thousands of acres.We climbed into the Hudson Valley, had some pretty,steep climbs, beautiful views from Bear mtn. Probably a thousand steps to climb,as many to come down. The AT goes through a zoo at the Hudson, then we cross over Bear mtn bridge. This was a bit anxiety provoking. Before we crossed we had dinner at a bar in Fort Montgomery. Across the Hudson we climbed a steep ridge and walked about 3 miles to our campsite. Hawk,Peeper and I setup our tents, at about 10:00, Kelly, Peeper's friend arrived to climb with us for a few days.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Hemlock Springs Campsite 

To: Fahnestock camp ground 
Miles today: 16.0

We had an opportunity with Kelly's car to get to a laundry, it had been over a week since we had clean clothes, or a shower. She drove us to Peekskill where we got laundry, resupply and breakfast i got to shave a 9 day beared off in the laundromat rest room. No showers though. After breakfast, we returned to the trail.Again a pretty day, many stone walls, cellar holes, and rare views. Many short ups and downs. Kelly did great, kept up well.Early lunch at the Appalachian market, then more hiking. We arrived at our campsite at dusk. We had a leisurely day. We do miss Wiffle, blues and all smiles.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Fahnestock camp ground 

To: Morgan Stewart shelter 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Our days have been getting increasingly hotter. Mid day hiking more difficult. We had a mile road walk from the camp site, even this in the am was hot. For the first hour we climbed around Canopus lake at the end of the lake was a beach and concessions area, it would have been a half mile walk down,and we were very tempted. We climbed on...We climbed Shenandoah mtn had beautiful views of the rolling hills of the Taconic area. There is a flag tribute to 911 painted on the rock top. We continued on, Kelly had to get home, we called a taxi when we went under the Taconic pkwy. She did great, a very good hiker to keep up with thru hikers. She was a joy to hike with.Hawk,Peeper and I continued on, somewhat slow going in the heat. Peeper needed to get ahead of us for she has an appointment for her Visa tomorrow in Hartford, she is to be picked up by her cousin,Friday am. Hawk and I stopped at the shelter, Peeper went on to the next shelter,Telephone Pioneer. She had to do some night hiking. Long day for Peeper. Now it is just hawk and I, for the next few days. Saturday we hope to have every one back together, reunion and picnic in Kent, CT.