morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: moderate rain

Day 73-I forgot to mention that I am within triple digits in mileage left. At the end of today only 948 miles left to go. Pennsylvania is full of rocks. Rocks, rocks, rocks, and more rocks. They are painful to walk on and range from pebble-sized to boulders over eight feet in length. The real bad part is they are tilted on their sides as they protrude from the ground and you are forced to walk on their edges. They slow me down considerably. I accidentally left my food bag and my titanium spork at the Eckville shelter which I stopped at for a lunch break. Oh well, at least my pack is lighter. Speaking of which, I sent my cooking gear home with my sister last week, as well as my rain pants and sunglasses. My pack weight is much lighter than when I began. It rained most of the day and made all the rocks slippery. I took a good fall but twisted my body in time to land mostly on my pack. When I arrived at the shelter for the night, "Lopsided" was there talking to Ken, a hiker out for the weekend. He had a fire going and offered us a cold drink. Plus, he was listening to the oldies station which was playing my favorite song when I walked up.
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerston, PA
Miles today: 17.4

Day 74- The rocks became quite difficult today. The kniferest ridge at the cliffs was very challenging. One false move and the hike would have been over. I can't imagine accomplishing this part in the rain. I'm sure I'd enjoy the view of the valleys below if I wasn't totally concentrating on not killing myself. Once I got past the cliffs, the ridge walking became easy.I watched an impressive rain shower about ten miles to the west. Unfortunately, when the cloud came by me it really let loose. Of course, by the time I put on my rain gear and pack cover the worst part of the shower was over and I soon had to stop and take my rain gear off. "Lopsided" and I hitchhiked into Palmerston, PA. We were allowed to stay in a bunkhouse in the old police station and current court house. The shower was warm. I washed some clothes in the shower and hung them in the warm boiler room to dry.I resupplied in the local grocery and pigged out on two sandwiches and some half-n-half.
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Palmerston, PA

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 75-The climb out of Palmerston was extremely difficult. The trail went up a 1,100 foot rock mountain which required much hand climbing. Someone painted a huge American flag on the side of one of the larger boulders. If it wasn't such a challenging climb I would have taken a picture. The area we hiked was labeled a superfund site in the 1980's because the town's zinc smelting operation destroyed the ecosystem. The first wave of the folks back from Trail Days caught up to me at the shelter. "Mississippi Alan" was nice enough to carry my food bag, spork and lighter from the last shelter where I accidentally left it. Rumor has it that "Team Dumber," "Scrubs," "PJ," "Pacer," and "Diesel" are within a day or so.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 76-Stayed at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain hostel.I took my first serious fall today. Not to worry, I'm all right. I was hiking on a fairly level rock-covered area when I tripped and fell on my left knee, followed by a hard hit to the left cheekbone on my face. I, for some reason, couldn't get my left hand in front of me to break my fall. My face started bleeding and I walked over to a big rock and sat down. Just as I was retrieving my mirror to access the damage, "Running Moon," "Jukebox," and "Bassmaster" came by and helped me apply a butterfly bandage. As I'm writing this, my face is slightly swollen and the 3/4 inch cut is scabbed over. Tomorrow, I'm crossing the Delaware River into New Jersey. Another state behind me--Yeah!
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: YMCA Camp KEN-ETINA-PEC Screened Lean-to
Miles today: 17.8

Day 77-The hostel was very crowded last night. The hot shower was much appreciated. Although I washed my hiking shorts in the shower, I need to find a town with a laundromat.The hike today was very easy. The walk across the I-80 bridge reminded me how peaceful it is in the woods. Which reminds me--yesterday I came within 10 feet of a deer standing on the trail. I asked him if he was going to stand there and he didn't budge. Finally, he walked maybe 10 feet into the woods and just watched me. He had recently lost his antlers and I could see new growth. About 10 miles into the hike, "Running Moon," "Jukebox," and I stopped at the Mohican Outdoor Center. I bought two Pepsis to go along with my pepperoni and honey bun lunch. Eating on the trail is all about maximum calorie intake. The YMCA camp is a mile off the trail but it is worth it. They have two shelters in Blue Mountain Lake for use by hikers.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: YMCA Camp KEN-ETINA-PEC Screened Lean-to

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: light rain

Day 78-I shared last night's shelter with "Twitchy," a section hiker out for 3 weeks. Today's hike was mostly in the rain. I passed a group of high school students from St. Benedict's Prep School in NJ. About 3 miles before I reached the shelter, I was dehydrated since there was no place to get water. I was very pleased to see many jugs of spring water labeled "For thru-hiker use." It was great trail magic, especially since the timing was perfect. I hope it's clear in the morning since I'm passing a platform where New York City is supposed to be visible on a clear day. It looks like I'm going to be the only one in the shelter tonight.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Appalachian Hotel in Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 23.2

Day 79-It rained most of last night. The weather convinced me to stay in my bag well after daylight. I didn't start hiking until 8:00am. Since it rained on and off most of the day, I didn't get to see NYC. At the 11 mile point I got the best turkey sandwich at Horlen's General Store in Unionville, New York. What a day for viewing wildlife. I came across an inch-long gecko that was bright orange with 8 black dots on it's back. In the wetlands were two huge white birds. I think they were egrets. Although I didn't see the bear, his barks and growls encouraged me to hike just a little quicker.The skeleton of a deer was on the trail; obviously left at the spot the hunter gutted it. Just as I was climbing over the fence, three curious calves were running towards me. I had a little luck hitching the 1.4 mile distance to the hotel. Someone picked me up with about 500 yards to go. Although there is no washer or dryer for guests, I convinced the caretaker to let me wash a load of clothes for 5 dollars. Tomorrow's 1 mile walk to the grocery store and back may be challenging because the road's shoulder is almost nonexistent. Bottom line--I need food.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Appalachian Hotel in Vernon, NJ

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

Day 80-I walked over a mile to the A & P grocery at 6:30am. As usual, I purchased more food than needed. As I was checking out of my room I was offered a ride back to the trail. Thanks to the two young men for giving me a ride.I started hiking at 9:00am with the skies clear. It is great to have the sun back! Today's adventure was more rock climbing than hiking. You can add New Jersey to the states I've completed. It should take me about four more days to finish up New York. With about five miles to go, in my mind, I kept seeing an ice cream vendor. Of course the thru-hiker's handbook makes no mention of a nearby ice cream store. As I came to NY17 road, there was a sign saying a creamery was only 0.1 miles away. I ordered a large black raspberry shake and consumed the whole thing in near record time. They also let me fill up my water bottle.The remaining two mile walk to the shelter was relaxing until an afternoon thunderstorm formed. I arrived five minutes before the downpour.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 81-Harriman State Park was very picturesque. The rock formations are massive and the difficult climbing reminded me that the easy hiking was behind me. I encountered "Paddy-O" as I entered the park. As a tribute to a fallen hiker he knew, he was spending time passing out trail magic. I enjoyed the mango juice, cookies, moonpie and cake. "Paddy-O," you da man!I went through an unusual rock formation called the lemon squeezer which became narrower the farther you progressed. I had to exit with about four feet to go becaue my water bottle was being smashed. The shelter was packed with nine of us. I enjoyed talking with "Sunshine," Matt and Kelly. They are planning to hike the entire trail next year.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Friary Pavilion
Miles today: 15.2

Day 82-Early in the day "Lopsided" and I walked almost a half of a mile off the trail to go to the park's visitor center to buy a couple of cokes. Many people were interested in our hike and gave us encouragement. I talked to a family from Wichita who just attended West Point's graduation. "Paddy-O" spotted us and did a u-turn to provide us with even more trail magic. How lucky can I be?From the top of Bear Mountain's town I had a good view of New York City. The city was 35 miles away. The trail went through a wildlife center (no fee for hikers) where I spotted my first bear. He didn't frighten me at all. Then again, the concrete barrier and fence made me feel secure. The lowest point of the trail, 124 feet, is located in the wildlife center."Lopsided" and I needed to resupply in Fort Montgomery but unfortunately we crossed the Hudson River before we realized it was on the other side. We decided to press on. The friary at Graymoor is run by Franciscan's and allows hikers to stay in a small pavilion by the baseball field. We arrived at the field at 4:00pm to see many folks wathing a soccer match. Since we were low on food, I was pleasantly surprised to see a concession stand with home cooked dishes from Central and South America. Using my best (or worst) Spanish, I ordered rice with chicken and two cokes. The food was delicious! I talked to one player who was originally from Ecuador. He was amazed I had walked all the way from Georgia. Later on I was so pleased to have, "Pacer," "Scrubs," and "PJ" catch up to me. It was a long time since we've seen each other. It was nice to catch up. I am disappointed to hear "Mountain Dewd" has an ankle injury. I'm praying for his quick recovery and I hope to see him back on the trail soon. "Diesel" and "Webb" were close behind but took a detour to tour NYC.
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Graymoor Friary Pavilion

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 27.9
Weather: few clouds

Day 83-Everyone staying at the pavillion got up very early. I started hiking at 6:30am. My original plan was to hike only 19 miles. Since I started early and I needed food, I decided to hike a big day. At about the 24 mile point, I walked about a half of a mile off the trail to a deli where I picked up about 3 days of food. Next door was a pizzeria where I drank two brisk iced teas and ate a medium onion and anchovy pizza. What a treat!"Briar," a 69 year old retired Air Force Colonel and I were the only ones in the shelter. "Briar" retired in 1986 after a distinguished career as a fighter pilot. I really enjoyed our conversation. He comes out a couple of weeks a year to complete more of the trail.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Lean-to
Miles today: 20.6

Day 84-I am proud to put another state (New York) behind me and I'm glad to enter my tenth state (Connecticut). At the ten mile point I went to a deli about a half mile off the trail and consumed a cheeseburger, fries, and a coke. The weather is finally heating up, which means I REALLY STINK. I need to find a shower and laundromat soon. Eight miles into Kent, CT tomorrow to buy new hiking shoes, socks, and replacement tips for my hiking poles. As of 7:30pm, I'm the only one in this shelter which overlooks a beautiful meadow.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Ten Mile River Lean-to

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 16.7

Day 85-I had the shelter to myself last night. A day hiker was there when I arrived and he informed me the weather forecast was sunny and hot for the next five days. Shortly after he left, it started raining and continued for most of the night.Arrived in Kent, CT about noon and called my son, Will, to wish him a happy 16th birthday (actually birthday is tomorrow). Unfortunately, he wasn't home and I sang happy birthday to the answering machine.I bought a new type of hiking shoe at the outfitter since they don't carry my brand. Throw in the new shorts, socks and tips for my poles and I spent $200."Lopsided" and I shared a BLT pizza before I headed back to the trail.The hiking was fine until a big descent, maybe 300 feet, down a rock ledge with huge rock steps that was very difficult and dangerous. When I arrived at the shelter I was glad to see "Disney" whom I hadn't seen since Virginia.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-To

To: Limestone Spring Lean-To
Miles today: 22.3

Day 86-"Pacer" saw a bear behind him on the trail today. Luckily, there was no confrontation between the two of them. At the 16 mile point we hoped to put five people in a cottage for $95. Unfortunately, they would only allow three of us per cottage so we decided to hike on to the next shelter.As we left town the trail took us next to railroad tracks where a derailment had occurred.The highlight of the day was purchasing a hot dog and two cokes at the roadside stand.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Limestone Spring Lean-To

To: Hemlocks Lean-To
Miles today: 17.5

Day 87-An older man and his daughter were already in their sleeping bags when we got to the shelter last night at 6:30. Normally quiet hours are during the hours of darkness. Not only did this guy keep me up by snoring most of the night, his loud alarm woke up the entire shelter at 4:00am! It must have taken them 2 hours to pack up. The lack of sleep and warmer temps contributed to my lack of energy throughout the day.I went into Salisbury, CT to resupply. What would've cost me ten bucks in Kansas, cost me over $33.After town, was mostly climbing. Three climbs over mountains was very challenging and totally draining. Tomorrow promises a stay in a hostel and a hot shower and laundry.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Hemlocks Lean-To

To: East Mountain Retreat Center Hostel
Miles today: 16.4

Day 88-Last night's shelter was one of the nicer ones on the trail. Four of us slept in the loft. "Scrubs," "PJ," "Lopsided," "Pacer" and I shared the shelter with three folks from Florida. They were out for a section hike. I failed to heed their warning about swarms of mosquitos on today's hike. What torture--mosquitos, mosquitos, and more mosquitos! They were so thick and swarming I had to jog for about two miles. Of course, my back is killing me as I write this because it is not good to jog with twenty-some pounds strapped to you.When I got out of the worst part, I noticed a warning sign to southbounders about this section being the mosquito breeding area for the entire state of Massachusetts. I'm proud to say I passed the 1,500 mile point today. If everything stays on track, I should finish toward the end of July. I forgot to mention that "Tex from Missouri" stayed at the shelter with us last night. Today's his 52nd birthday so "Lopsided" and I sang happy birthday to him on the trail.For the second day in a row we had big climbs. Today's 1,100 foot plus ascent in high humidity and warm weather was a real challenge. Oh well, it is just preparing us for the real climbing ahead.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: East Mountain Retreat Center Hostel

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: few clouds

Day 89-I had to walk over a mile back to the trail since there were hardly any cars on the road and I didn't get a ride. The shoe break-in period is annoying. I have at least 3 good blisters and it is very uncomfortable climbing. Unfortuntaely, I had two climbs over 900 feet today.Upper Goose Pond cabin is really a house run by Appalachian Mountain Club Volunteers. The place sits on the edge of a big pond and has numerous bunks on the second floor. In the morning they are making us an all you can eat panckae breakfast. I'm so glad to be in a mosquito-free environment.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Private Residence in Dalton, Mass.
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 90-The pancake breakfast this morning was awesome. It was a great way to start the day. A group of us stopped at the cookie lady's house later in the day. Ray, an older gentlemen, greeted us with ginger ale and cookies. He let us fill our water containers from the spigot and gave us a heads up that there was a tornado watch for later in the afternoon. His forecast was right on and most of us were caught in the woods when the storm hit. Although we didn't encounter a tornado, it got very dark and rained heavily. We hiked quickly so we weren't on top of the hill when the brunt of the storm hit. It was still raining when we entered Dalton, Mass. Someone told us to go to the gas station to talk to a guy that lets hikers stay at his house. Unfortunately, there was a note on the door saying closed due to lightning. Fortunately. "Free Spirit" called someone that knew Rob's phone number and he picked us up in about 10 minutes. Thank you Rob for your hospitality. Shower, laundry, transportation to an all you can eat buffet and supermarket, playing the guitar and singing songs--an absolutely great experience which I will remember for a long time.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Private Residence in Dalton, Mass.

To: Wilbur Clearing lean-to
Miles today: 20.3

Day 91-I slept in late and was treated to a nice breakfast by "Free Spirit." I forgot to mention that "Jay" hiked a 30 miler and caught up to us at the buffet last night. Since he needed a day off, "Pacer," "Free Spirit," and "PJ" also decided to take a zero day (day off).I went to the post office to find that I had a package. A big thanks to Marie for transcribing my journal entries. She sent me the most recent guest book entries and some homemade cookies. I immediately consumed the cookies walking back to the trail and I was totally pumped up by all the support on my guest book. Congrats to my nieces in Kansas on their recent graduations--a job well done!I stopped in Cheshire, Mass at a gas station to call my son. While I was on the phone a young man handed me an ice cream bar and wished me luck on the rest of my hike. I'm so amazed by the random acts of kindness I've experience. I climbed the highest point in Mass today. Mount Greylock sits at 3,491 feet and has an awesome memorial monument at the summit. I met "Scrubs" at the lodge and we decided to hike 3 more miles to the next shelter.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Wilbur Clearing lean-to

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 92-Another State bites the dust as I crossed into Vermont today. It seems the mosquitoes don't respect State lines and followed me into Vermont. As I walked down the path, I thought I saw a small dog. It turned out to be a porcupine that turned around when it heard me. When I clicked my poles together it scurried into the woods.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 93-A thunderstorm formed right above the shelter last night. "Scrubs" and I were already in the shelter when it started raining. "Lopsided" arrived shortly before the huge downpour. It rained most of the night.Today was a very exhausting day. The descent down Harmon Hill to Vermont Highway 9 was dangerous. The boulder stairway was very wet and the rocks extremely slippery. I slipped on one of the rocks and almost fell. Luckily I regained my balance just in the nick of time. The heat and humidity continue to make the hiking difficult and slow going.It has been 93 days since I shaved and this moustache is out of control. About half of it is below my lower lip and is interfering with eating. Although I wanted to let it grow until the end, I may be forced to trim it on the trail.Tomorrow I pass the 75% point of my journey!
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Sutton's Place Manchester Center, Vermont
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 94-"Scrubs" and I slept in late and were greeted by a 1,600 foot climb up Stratton Mountain.Our original plan was to stay at a shelter 3 miles outside of town and take a NERO (Near Zero) Day tomorrow. When we reached the shelter the decision was to press on into town for a shower, clean clothes and real food.We got a ride into town almost immediately upon ariving at the highway.We stayed at Sutton's Place, a bed and breakfast that has a room available for up to 3 hikers. It was great to take a shower and go to a laundromat. We shared a large feta and bacon pizza while a huge thunderstorm passed by.
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Sutton's Place Manchester Center, Vermont

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 95-No hiking (Zero Day)"Scrubs" parents drove into town and treated us to a nice lunch. A big thanks to them.I resupplied at Prcie Chopper and had a very relaxing day. "PJ" showed up around 6:30pm and is also staying at Sutton's.Back to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Sutton's Place

To: Rock Pond Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 96-I really enjoyed my day off. The night we arrived I weighed in at a shocking 148 pounds. After a day and a half of rehydrating and pigging out, I weighed 154 pounds, only a pound less than 30 days ago. "PJ" hiked into town last night and joined us at Sutton's Place. Today we lucked out and got a ride back to the trail almost immediately. Another day of heat, high humidity, flies, and dreaded mosquitos. For the last few days I've noticed much moose scat and tracks. I'm sure I'll spot a moose in the next few days.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Rock Pond Shelter

To: Cooper Shelter
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 97-There are less than 500 miles to go--what a psychological morale boost. I climbed Killington Peak, the highest point on the AT in Vermont. The 3,000 foot climb was tiring in this high humidity.I had an interesting run in with a grouse early this morning. I was walking alone when I heard a huge shreiking noise about 15 feet off the trail. I turned and to my amazement, a grouse had all of its tail feathers raised and was running at me. I kept moving and clicked my poles together until the bird finally stopped approaching.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Cooper Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Day 98-Last night's shelter was only two-tenths of a mile from the summit. The proximity from the top of the mountain made the view of last night's thunderstorm unique. It was as if I was in the middle of the storm. I resupplied at the town of Killington where I also bought a rueben sandwich (deli's special). While I was sitting at the outside picnic table with "PJ," "Easy," "Jukebox," and "Running Moon" showed up. I hadn't talked to "Easy" since the half gallon challenge at the halfway point. It rained most of the day, sometimes very intensely.
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: moderate rain

Day 99-The only good news for the day was that I passed the 1,700 mile point. The rain and wet conditions are depressing for all of us. There is mud and pooling water throughout the trail. The cooler temperatures did cut back on the mosquitos. Vermont should be renamed VERMUD! My experience in Vermont has not been a good one and I look forward to getting into New Hampshire.