morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-01
From: past Balanced Rocks

To: past Lehigh Gap--toxic cleanup area
Miles today: 21.5

Underway at 5 AM. In an hour at Allentown Hiking Club Shelter, a real beauty. I'd hoped to consult with thru hikers, but only short-termers present. It's quite a cool morning, but plenty of folks, families are out.I met 2 trail maintainers, shook their hands and thanked 'em for their efforts and took their picture. They were painting blazes and trimming brush.Over many nice rock formations, usually with good views, but tiresome going. Lunch at the pitiful Bake Oven Knob shelter, a real dog of a place when compared to the other shelters in PA.In the afternoon I passed what seemed to be a grandfather and grand-daughter, picking blueberries which are ripe and plentiful, 'though low-bush and a bit of work to get.Later at the Outerbridge Shelter met "Chef" of AT '01 and PCT '04. He's just doing a section now. Said that last night on this same ridege we've been walking for 2 days he heard/saw fireworks in both valleys; he explained that it was Saturday nite prior to July 4th and that next Saturday we could expect the same.Getting water has been a bit of a bother lately, with the best-case being steep hikes down from the trail, but just 200 yds. from this shelter was a beautifully-flowing piped spring. I got 3 liters because I was about to go down Lehigh Gap and climb up the other side, where there won't be water for 10 mi.Toward 6 PM was climbing up the north side of Lehigh Gap, which is a bit of a scramble; my happenstance timing was great as during the day's heat the climb can be hellish. Some 45-min. and I was on top of the ridge line but lost the blazes for an hour or so. This former zinc mining area area was our nation's first Super Fund clean-up site; now it's a preserve and seems to be doing well, 'though it's a bit lunar-looking. The plus side of this was the abundance of blueberries. Eventually got back on the trail and hiked until '8:20 or so. Was tempted to hike on as we'd have a fairly full moon but had had enough bad medicine for one day's hike and didn't want to press my luck. Tenting right on the old roadbed that is the trail. Interestingly, although the surface was dirt, when I pushed my tent stakes in, they hit rock. I used a rock to hammer them in and it must have contained flint as, when hitting a stake, a large spark emitted, startling timid me. 21.5 mi.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: past Lehigh Gap--toxic cleanup area

To: past Wind Gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Underway at 5:30 on a quite-cool, breezy AM; I was wearing my jacket, with hood up, a hat, and bandana; I actually wished I had my socks out of the pack to wear as mittens! I had the denuded landscape seemingly to myself.Eventually the trail entered "normal" woods and I saw a gent picking bluberries. Later a few day hikers were about.Lunch break and nap in a clear-cut power line right-of-way. The day continued uneventfully, 'til Steve passed me. I'd met him the one time at Clarks Ferry Shelter. He got off the trail at Wind Gap to seek a motel. That's where I went over to a nearby motel to get water; they're so-listed in the guidebook, and I was grateful. I saved at least 1/2 an hour compared to going off-trail to a spring.Late afternoon went up from Wind Gap on a mundane 7-mi. stretch of trail. Ate a meager meal, typed this, and hiked on, stopping at 8, which is a little early for me, but was afraid that a named rock formation up the trail would mean the usual rocky approach, then plenty of rocks after it, and no tent sites. 21 mi.
Date: 2007-07-03
From: past Wind Gap

To: Church of the Mtn Hostel, Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Underway at 4:50, but let me back up to the middle of the night: I tend to inadvertently invite unwanted adventure by little screw-ups. This time I let the bite-valve of my water bag get under my sleeping pad and it opened, spilling several ounces of water about. Had to do a mopping operation. Oh well.In a couple miles was at Wolf Rocks, which were nice enough, then in a couple more miles to the Kirkridge Shelter, which is pretty nice (enlarged/extended). An unusual but welcome feature, there's a religious retreat center adjacent and they let us use their water spigot.Then 6 more miles to town, on a real nice day. Small paper wasp nest with busy denizens. Great show of pinkish water lilies on a pond. In the town of Delaware Water Gap, at the Lutheran Church of the Mountain hostel. It was empty, save for "Ohio Caveman" who's slowly thru-hiking and enjoying plenty of other activities near/off the trail Cave Man quit his manufacturing job to do the trail and figures this is his one chance to grab every AT gusto.A couple was just leaving for the trail, "Owl Gourmet" and "Lil' Cubit" (she explained a cubit is an ancient measurement for the distance 'tween one's elbow and fingertips). Then pastor Karen came in to see if we had any questions. Also a self-named "laundry lady" came by to get the used towels (a real nice service).Ohio Caveman and I went to the town's outfitter and got a ride over to Stroudsburg, for laundry and shopping. This is very nice of the outfitter, which rents canoes and floats on the Delaware River; we rode in one of their shuttle vans. KFC lunch, then shared a washer with Caveman. In the afternoon here came "Nitro" and "Ziplock", a couple from Nashville. Nitro began playing his backpacker guitar and singing, so I decided to stay the night to enjoy the company and entertainment. Later had diner at a pizza place with Radar, LT, Breu, Larry, "Thunder" (a nice guy from ATL, who'd just shaved and looked nothing like a thru hiker now, as is the case with me).Later Mountain Mike and several hikers I didn't meet came in. Hiker count totaled 14. I tented "on the grounds". 10.5 mi.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Church of the Mtn Hostel, Delaware Water Gap

To: KEP YMCA camp
Miles today: 17.6

Underway at 5 or so. Then on a coolish, grey day to sunfish Pond, the southern-most glacial pond on the AT. Happily, there were a number of rock figures which people had made with the shards laying around. I put about a minute into making one myself. Then onward as it started to rain off and on the rest of the day.I climbed up Catfish Fire Tower, thinking that if the cabin aloft were open, I would be out of the rain, my tent wouldn't get wet and there'd be no concerns about bears. Alas, it was locked.I walked by a pair of brothers from Jersey; they'd seen a bear just as a large group of Japanese came by, the bear tolerated all this and posed for photos.Along the way there were several no-camping signs; towrds 7 PM I found my port-in-the-storm: K.E.P., (initial or 3 Indian names) a YMCA camp. A sign said that tonite, 4 July, there'd be a hiker feed at 6 PM. Late, but elated, I walked he 1/2-mi. there. I signed in and walked past the dining hall, which was closing. I found the two AT-style shelters, both with gear belonging to occupants who were no doubt at the feed and settled into one. Began eating my salad-kit dinner with luxury inclusion of tuna, when here came "Owl Gourmet", informing me that the feed was in the Director's cabin. Went there with him and was greeted by Chris, the very nice guy behind the sign and feed. Steak, fresh corn, cheeseburgers, beer. Also present, a gent named John (initials, JP; same as mine) who's southbound, section-hiking. Similar case, "Slow & Steady", who's a Vice-Principal in NH, she may get a sabbatical next year to thru-hike. Chris let us use the internet and watch a movie ('though I departed for bed), he also invited us for coffee at 7:30, and breakfast at 8 (alas,I left for the trail before this would happen). Chris is trying to raise money for another AT-style shelter on camp property, but more removed from the other buildings. 17.6 mi.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: KEP YMCA camp

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: haze

Underway at 7. Overcast and breezy all day, which was fine. Met one jogger who told me he'd passed a mother bear and cub 1/2-mi. back; I wasn't so lucky. Saw a huge youth group, at least 18.Early afternoon at Culvers Gap, where there's a sub shop. I had one and some drinks. Later asked the proprietor if I could get water from his tap, he said he'd sell me cold spring water for cash, no place else to so, I accepted. Here came Owl and Cubit; she asked the gent for water and he turned her down, but he did give her a bagel. By the way, we noticed he keeps his garbage can locked, presumably to thwart hikers. Here came Steve, who was going to a hiker-friendly tavern nearby, he said that Dan "Wingfoot" Bruce's guidebook labels the sub place as unfriendly to hikers, and I agree. Some blueberries, raspberries and mulberries. Later I saw a family of turkeys, maybe got one photo. On into the evening, the other hikers were going only about another 3 miles to a shelter, but I had several more miles to Mashipacong Shelter, arriving there after some light showers about 8 PM. "3rd Degree" in his sleeping bag there, the only occupant. He's a southbound section-hiker. I set up in the shelter, but 'skeeters caused us each to set up our tents. Thus, on this trek I still have but two nights in AT shelters and the one at the YMCA camp last night. 19.4 mi.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

Underway at 5:20, had wanted to sleep in a little, but couldn't stay asleep. 3rd Degree still asleep as I left on a cool, breezy AM. In a couple mi. met Spirit, who used to hike faster than I do, but is having a problem and is only doing 14-15 mi. days. After a while we made it to the NJ High-Point State Park Headquarters and went in for water, trash, etc. Spirit decided to head for town to evaluate if she could continue the trail, poor girl seemed really down (and justifiably so).I hiked on, nice views of the Washington Monument-like obelisk at NJ's high point. Met "Frito" a retirement-age southern gentlemen who passed me, then waited for his partner.Eearly afternoon at the Murray Place, an unofficial shelter with hot shower. It's in a beautiful pastoral setting and I took a shower and washed my clothes, then walked them dry as I headed for lunch at Unionville, NJ. Went off-trl. the .4-mi. to town and had deli-fare. The town is hiker-friendly and allows tenting in the park. The mayor hosts hikers and allows them to do laundry. I saw a couple of hikers, but after lunch and journaling, I would be headed back, some 5.7 mi awaiting me 'til Pochuck Mountain.PM hike was nice out of town. We've been going thru fresh-water swamps, usually with extensive boardwalks. Reminds me of Florida w/fewer birds and no gators. 1.5 mi.out of town I stopped to eat the pint of Ben & Jerry¢s ice cream I'd brought, encased in my rain jacket and sleeping bag. I ate it while looking over extensive muck fields which the AT goes around. A groundhog, two blue herons, a number of white swans. A great day.Toward 8 PM at Pochuck Mtn. Shelter, which is a bit mis-named, since it's only at 860 ft. elevation. Five older guys here, that's right, no younguns. We figured the young gals must be elsewhere and the the young guys stayed with 'em. Good news: Gimpy's among us, his wife talked him into slowing down, toherwise he'd be ahead. Next week she's flying to Scranton, PA where she has relatives, they'll then have a 4-day non-trail vacation. 19.4 mi.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Pochuck Mountain shelter

To: Waywanda Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Underway at 5:20. Pleasant AM. At a road crossing, there was a cooler and I got the last Sprite, which was heavenly; a log book was there, indicating that a couple who'd done the PCT last year had left these as recompense for munificence received. I thanked 'em, while advising that those who slept in lost out on the goodies this time. Soon Gimpy joined me and walked slowly so we could chat. He was continuing on, not interested in the town of Vernon, nor the St. Thomas Church Hostel, of which I'm very keen on.Lost 15 min. in futile hitch attempt, heard a car door open at the trailhead a ways off, hustled over and got a ride from Aaron in his Prius. Aaron's a friend of, and is shuttling M&M, a gal I've yet to meet. It was nice of Aaron, who hadn't been heading that way.At the hostel a group of guys. I had lunch at Burger King with 2 gents, I forget one's name, but the other is "M&M"; yes there are both a male and female M&M, and they were in the same place. This M&M is a printer by trade. Laundry, shower, haircut, shopping, internet. About 3 PM, it being hot, I decided to call a taxi. When the dispatcher told me the 2.5 mi. ride back to the trail would cost $12, I balked. He then said, in a heavy NJ accent, "You're a hiker, hike there yourself, you cheap bastard."I hiked out a way and stuck out my thumb. Some college kids gave me a ride. I asked that they drop me at a farm and garden store on the far side of the trail. Four hikers were at an outside table there: Radar, "Two Dogs" and a young couple, "Wolf" and "Little Red". Soon the two guys left for town, the couple hiked on, and I got a piece of excellent carrot cake while the ice cream clerk packed me a pint.Then continued the hike; met "Blue" and later met Ishmael (says his name is from the Moby Dick novel); I learned this while eating my ice cream during a trail-side break. Hiked on the 5-odd mi. to Waywanda Shelter, finally seeing a NJ bear. He was big and black, 50 yds. away, when he saw me going for my camera, he went off the trail.At the shelter "Wolf" and "Little Red" gave me some water so I wouldn't have to walk for it, and I journaled while chatting with the ridge runner, "Stubble", "Blue", "Ishmael" and "Thunder". Fireworks heard in the valleys. S'keeters swarming about. 12 mi.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Waywanda Shelter

To: Little Dam Lake
Miles today: 19.4

Underway at 5. Eventually at the NJ-NY border, which is demarcated by a sign painted on a rock ledge. Later, after some 8 mi., I saw my first people of the day, a Russian-speaking couple. The day grew warmer as I reached Hwy. 17A at 11 AM; here one goes left .1-mi. to a famous creamery. Alas, it wouldn't open 'til noon, however, with a number of clients outside, they opened at 11:30. I had 2 scoops of delicious ice cream, a coke and bought a water for the trail. Met "Cast-a-net" (that's my guess for how he spells it); he's thru-hiking north, but is involved in a car-switch operation so will hike south a couple days.On, during a slightly breezy, hot and sunny day. Funny, the woods are so dense that often my camera goes to automatic flash. A few families out, since it's Sunday. Here came Rain Check, whom I hadn't seen in a few days, as he's plenty faster. He'd been in New York to meet the Headquarterss people for Orbis, a charity for the blind for which he's hiking for pledge money. He also got to go to a Yankees game and said that in general, being in the city he'd felt like a country mouse.Hiking on I came to three road crossings where local trail clubs had left water for us. At one I met a young guy who was hiking the southern 2/3rds of the trail, southbound. The spring at Wildcat Shelter was thankfully flowing OK, but guarded closely by 3 frogs; I treated that water with my home remedy, household bleach. (FYI, I've hear that the popular Aqua Mira beats every filter/chemical available, and is used by our military).I called it an early 20-mi. day, finishing at Little Dam Lake, where I have a nice, open tentsite; it's nice to be in a totally natural spot, alone after a week or so overnighting at shelters, etc. Free frog concert. Checking the guide book, real mileage: 19.4.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Little Dam Lake

To: Bear Mountain, NY
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Underway at 5:30. Soon over Arden Mtn., which is labeled "Agony Way"; it's not prominent in AT-lore, but really was slow-going, with sort of a primer on the tough New England stuff to come. Soon I was at the famous Lemon Squeezer, an uphill jaunt of some 30 yds., through a crevice. It does grab your pack, that's for sure. Happily, here came a hiker so we could take each other's pictures. It was "Gorilla", a tall gent from Boston. He's a nice guy, but quickly hiked past me.After that it was a side-jaunt to Tiorate Lake, where there are showers and food. The shower and washing of clothes were great, but the food, not so hot. The grill which once served burgers has closed so now there's naught but snacks from a machine.Refreshed, and with clothes dripping as a cooling measure, I hiked on in the sunny breezy, perhaps not quite-as-hot day. Very slow going, as I'd only made 10 mi. by 3 PM and wondered how much I'd get in today? Tired, too. Continued on, meeting a hiker who'd started just today. He said his partner was maybe 300 yds. back. When I met the second fellow, he was 600 yds. back, and sitting down. He perked right up when I told him the shelter where he was headed was but an easy 15 min. ahead.Later on, still hot under the setting sun I was getting great, but alas, very hazy views of the surrounding countryside. I had a light dinner on some rocks, with views of Bear Mountain, some 3 mi. distant, and the Greymoor Monastery, which the trail passes in another eight miles.Made it up to Bear Mtn. at 8:45; I'd thought there was a water fountain there, but no such luck. Just a few families enjoying the last light. Low on water, I stealth-camped on the trail just a ways down from the summit. Some 'skeeters and a browsing deer. 18.5 mi.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Bear Mountain, NY

To: past Greymoor
Miles today: 13.4

Underway at 5, cruising down to a deserted Bear Mtn. State Park. Several deer and a mess of turkey vultures. Destination when in the flats: Ft. Montgomery. Alas, I went a mile on a noisy highway before realizing I was on the wrong road (was supposed to be only .7-mi.), retracing my steps, I found the correct road, Hwy. 9W, but the town sign was labeled something else, so I back-tracked to the Bear Mtn. Bridge and asked the toll attendant; yes, that was the town. Deli breakfast, "NY times" and a pint of B&J to go.Walking back to the bridge, I realized I could cut through a Ft. Montgomery State Park where the revolutionary & French and Indian War fort once stood. Walked a nice trail and over a swinging bridge to get back to the AT. Having wasted a lot of time and energy, and the day growing hotter, I must admit some demoralization. Took a nap along the trail, ate my ice cream along the way, and made it to Greymoor around 2 PM. Met Gorilla as he was leaving; he really is tall and has to carry a 2-person tent to accomodate himself. He also regretted that he'd bought trekking poles which he thought were the longest available, only to discover another model 5 CM longer. He's really hiking big mileage and plans another 12 miles today.At the pavilion which Graymoor reserves for us at the ballfield, an excellent cold shower, followed by some chores and ordering deli food. I'm alone and would like to hike tonite, at least by 6 PM.A squirrel is the only other occupant; it dives into the garbage can.While awaiting my chow I pick up the butts and paper scraps around the area: hikers can be slobs. I leave a note in the register to that effect, suggesting that each do a chore at shelters/free hostels. 5:30 my deli order arrives (late), I wolf down the salad and hit the trail Fairly long ridge section with homes just 100 yds. or so away. I can hear the occasional conversation and music. Not the best of trails, but it'll do.An hour into the journey I stop and eat my sausage pizza roll. Then hike on 'til 8:50, finding a nice spot next to a flowing stream (remarkable, in that most are dry). 13.4 mi.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: past Greymoor

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Underway at 4:55. After a while, encountered some bothersome mosquitoes, and I had to Deet-up for the first time. 'Til now they've mostly been pests at night. O'cast day, looks like rain, but never did. At Dennytown Rd., which is a border of Fahhestock State Park, there's a pumphouse, where I got water and had breakfast while watching 3 roosters. Someone's cast a bunch of feed for them; I wonder if they're to become trail icons?In the PM I saw 3 day-hikers and a a young couple who is section-hiking southbound. Had lunch on a rock, this time the spinach pizza roll I'd bought yesterday. Later "Bo Cestus", a tall young hiker passed me. I met him again at the RPH Shelter where he explained the name is southern and was given to him. A section-hiker named Jeff also showed. The shelter is odd in that it backs up to houses. One wonders if they welcome it, which I doubt, or wish it weren't there.In the late afternoon thunder came, followed by rain. We had a couple of PUDS (pointless ups and downs) which NY has been noted for, then I reached the road where just .3-mi. off was a deli. Had my evening meal there, then trudged back to the trail in a light downpour. This was a little after 8 PM and I knew a noisy highway was in a mile, so I found an acceptable tentsite and threw my tent up in the rain.
Date: 2007-07-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Underway at 5:25, packing my wet tent and moving out on a fine day. After four miles or so at Morgan Stewart Shelter, one person still asleep in a tent and 3 older folks packing up. A couple were in their 70's, and the gent had taken a fall and was bandaged up. They soon left and I met the other guy "Loner Bohner" (says the name is based on his actual name, Lee Bohner), from Indiana, and using Army ski poles (which I used to ski with in the Army). L.B. goes heavy; said that he carries some 60 pounds. Has an aluminum bowl in which he washes his clothes, and has 8 clothes pins. L.B.¢s thru-hiking and I took a photo of him in front of the Dover Oak, the largest oak tree on the trail.Lunch break at Telephone Pioneer Shelter, alone. Dried out the tent and hiked on, meeting and hearing a few day-hikers. On a couple of occasions in nice farmlands. In the woods, some lowlands and requisite 'skeeters. At 3 was at Hwy 22, where the Pawling, NY AT rail stop is and a commuter train whizzed by (weekends is when the AT excursion train stops here). Right there is Hwy. 22, with a .6-mi. jaunt, which I took to a deli. There met "Bushwacker" as we dined at the outside tables, noisy traffic 10 yds. away. 4:45 left, with my requisite pint of B&J, the goal to make it the 6.7-odd mi. to the CT border - New England tonite! Lost this date's transmission and will have to try and reconstruct the next couple days' journey:At the last road crossing in NY, Mac & Cheese had left a trove of trail magic: ice water, snacks, friut, etc. I got some water and hiked on to the Wiley Shelter. There met "Boo-Boo" (a gal I don't know much about), "WingHeart", a gent, 50-ish and Castanet. Later Low Branch came in and we talked a bit. He's a professional firefighter and has 3 children. He's keen on getting to the trail town of Salisbury, CT, as he'd like to see how the Fire Department there likes the rig they bought last year (he'd seen it at E-One, a FL manufacturer). L.B. is from Myrtle Beach,SC and told me how to make a rice dish known as perlu, I'm gonna try it post-trail.