morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-14
From: PA 225 - Mile 1151

To: Swatara Gap
Miles today: 27.6

This was a particularly long day. Trying to make miles and the heat, humidity, hills, rocks, water logged trail, and hills just seemed to sap my strength. You just keep going though, one foot in front of the other, and recognize that there will be days like today.It is worth mentioning that the trail can have lots of moments like these. I have been challenged by the rocks in Pennsylvania (which go on for mile after mile and require continuous attention so that you don't twist an ankle); the heat and humidity that seem to sap your strength regardless of how much water you drink and food you eat; gnats that hover around your ears with that incessant buzzing; mosquitos which at swampy points attack my legs and feast despite my being awash in bug juice; multiple days of rain when your socks never seem to dry out; endless water logged, muddy parts of the trail which you try to avoid stepping into but which eventually pull a foot in; steep hills that suck the air out of you going up and jar your knees going down; pack shoulder straps that seem to work one day but then rub you raw the next. Over time as you move through though, there seems to be a sense, at least by me, that these are discomforts and inconveniences that need to be tolerated and just part of what you came to do. You keep moving forward and, eventually, meet a hiker whose enthusiasm rubs off on you or see something out there that makes it all worth it again - you just keep in mind that as long as you keep moving, something good will happen - maybe just around the next bend (and often certainly when you least expect it). A long day, a hard day and a good day.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Swatara Gap

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Continued to push hard today. After camping solo again in this site just past 81 near Lickdale, PA, I moved out. As this is a weekend near parking lots, I ran into lots of day hikers. Thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with some of them. A couple of guys, Doug and Scott were out for their first 3 day hike on their own and were having a good time out on the trail. We exchanged thoughts about gear we were all carrying and what kind of food we each had. I always get a bounce from these conversations especially since the last few days, I have been hiking on my own for many, many hours.Continued into Eagles Nest, arriving after dark and setting up my tent near others. Very quiet around the site but unfortunately loud music drifted up from the valley all night and kept me awake. Not sure if it was a bar or people partying but they were clearly having a good time well into the early hours of the morning.Oh well, as the AT weaves in and out of communities this is to be expected. Quieter times expected further up. A good day.
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked in from Eagles Nest into Port Clinton, PA where I caught a shuttle into Hamburg to resupply. The shuttle dropped us off at Cabelas and, after taking some photos of some unique animal displays, I moved on to grab lunch at Pizza Hut.Waiting to be seated, I saw a guy waving me over to his table. It turned out to be another thru hiker, Easy Rider, who was sitting with Kalpacka. They welcomed me to the table and their conversation and we sat and talked over the next hour while doing the all you can eat pizza, salad and drink deal. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and it dawned on me that I am now seeing a different thru hiker, especially since passing the half way point. Kalpacka and Easy Rider seemed energized, optimistic and carried what I would call a seasoned veteran sense of accomplishment at having made it this far and doing what it takes to get to the end. From them, the section hiker Roundabout in this picture, and other hikers, there is a great sense of positive energy that I draw on for my own hike. Later that afternoon, while hiking alone on the trail, I thought about how important it is to have these positive people to draw on day in and day out on a journey such as this. I also try not to forget that these hikers will be trying to draw this from me and will redouble my efforts to stay positive not just for my own mindset but for others to draw on as well.The day ended with me running into old friend Money Maker and camping with Tazz (Aussie from Tasmania) and Crocs (Canuck from Ontario). Great conversations and more positive energy to draw on. A good day.
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: New Tripoli
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

Pushed on today (mainly because that is just what we do). Stopped through the Eckville shelter which has a caretaker house who manages and takes care of the hostel. Noone else was there so I took a quick shower, washed my shorts and shirt, ate lunch and drank almost 3 quarts of water to fend off the heat and humidity. A nice stop.Rocky trail followed but made good time after the stop to get into a nice campsite just off the ridge line where again I met Tazz and Crocs and two other thru hikers, Space Cowboy and Gazelle.A good day.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: New Tripoli

To: Tower access road, mi 1259
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Some of the readers of this blog have noticed that I have not mentioned Mike in awhile. A few of you have written asking me what happened to him. Did I run out of food and eat him?Did he get so tired of my well worn jokes that he ran off screaming into the woods?Did he wander off to start his own community in the woods, Colonel Kurtz style, and are there plans to terminate his command?No, none of this happened. Back in Virginia, we agreed that if family came out to hike with us that the other would keep hiking. Mike kept hiking and got way ahead of me and stayed about 50 miles ahead for the last month. After 400 miles of hiking separately, today, I emerged from the woods into Palmerton, PA to find Mike on the streets and I was reunited with my old friend.While I have enjoyed the opportunity to hike and camp by myself, it was great to reunite with Mike and to tell stories about our separate travels. It is great to be back with him as we get into the second half of our hike. A very good day.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Tower access road, mi 1259

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of Palmerton, a steep climb over rocks, and pushed on to Wind Gap. There we walked into town and to the Beer Stein, an establishment that not only serves food and libation, but a place to camp out back in their field. We relaxed on the porch and set up our tents. Had a great conversation with Spiderman, a rock climber and thru hiker from South Carolina, an enthusiastic person about all things AT.Sleeping in the field next to the road we were treated the whole night to motorcycles racing up and down the main drag and loud discussions at the food mart across the street. Fun. Called my brother Marcel and very excited about our pick up and zeroing at his and Glenda's home in Yardley, PA. I look forward to shocking their two boys, Bryant and Avery, with my new trendy beard.All good.
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Yardley, PA

To: Yardley, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Too good of a time, stayed another day in Yardley. Thanks to Marcel, Glenda, Bryant and Avery for hosting us in their home for a couple of days. Glenda, you are the ultimate trail angel for all the great food you fed us and Marcel, thanks for the pick up and treating us to fine restaurant and wines for the time there. Thanks Willners, you're the best!
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Wind Gap

To: Campsite at Mile 1278
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After recharging our batteries at the Willners, Kim drove Mike and me the 2 hours back to the trailhead at Wind Gap. Tough as always to say my goodbye to Kim and, as she headed south back to Virginia, we pushed on in the waning day with full packs and uphill to continue our trek.Along the way, we walked past this balloon that stood out in the woods. I stopped and pondered for a moment how it happened to get there and was there some meaning to it being at that place at that time - but then I started getting eaten by mosquitos and decided to stop pondering and move on. We stopped with the sun setting at a nice spot along the trail. We had a bit of rain and Mike stepped on some type of sharp object which went straight up through his shoe into his heel. Luckily, although initially painful, it apparently did no serious damage. He said he would be OK and told me to go ahead and put my knife away which I had already started heating for surgery.Back on the trail, only a few miles but as always when you can combine a day with family and friends and move towards a worthwhile goal, it was a good day.
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Campsite at Mile 1278

To: Powerline at Mile 1298
Miles today: 19.9

Today we left Pennsylvania behind and moved into New Joisey. While I will not miss the rocks (and it turned out, we would find more in NJ and NY), we will miss one of the finest zero days along the trail in the company of the Yardley Willners - outstanding representatives of the fine state of PA!We stopped in Delaware Water Gap for a quick bite to eat at the Farmer's Bakery and then moved across the long Delaware River bridge to the Kittatinny Visitor Center to stop and do some ordering of a tent for Mike (when it rains more inside your tent than it is raining outside, it is time to invest in a new tent) and to work getting new air mattresses that had developed small pinholes (the fine folks at Big Agnes agreed to replace both our mattresses for free!).Then we headed up onto the ridge line and past Sunfish Pond, a glacial lake and the highest along the AT. Very nice walk along the shore. We decided to head to a stream and camp there but on arrival found not only a "no camping" sign but a stream frothing with foam and greenish red - very polluted and quite the smell emanating from the water. So we continued on with the sun setting hoping to find a spot that would not be so repulsive. Luckily we happened onto a ridge line spot near a power line that proved to be perfect (except for a few ticks) - nice site, cool wind, and good company. A quick meal in the dark and into our respective tents for the night. A good day.
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Powerline at Mile 1298

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We packed up early to head to Mohican Outdoor Center, about 4 miles away. We passed over Kittatinny mountain where the weather was just right, sun coming through the trees and great views in every direction. Once at Mohican, we stopped in and took quick showers and awaited the opening of the concession stand at 0900 hrs. While waiting, we hung out inside in the waiting room complete with books and electrical outlets both of which I availed myself. While recharging my iPhone, Garmin watch and power pack, I pulled a book off the shelf "First Ascent of Nanga Parbat" by Hermann Buhl, an extraordinary Austrian climber, who wrote about his 1953 climb. When the concession opened, Mike and I ordered some breakfast sandwiches and drank 3 strong cups of coffee (I note here the outstanding service by Andrew, who made sure that the coffee was hot and we were well treated while there) while I read a chapter detailing Buhl's remarkable achievement solo summiting the mountain and then getting stuck above 26,000 feet overnight by himself standing on a precipice waiting for the sun to come up so he could make his way down. Soon it was time to put down my book and cup and make our way back on the trail. As we made our way along the AT, we noted more polluted water sources (not a problem with our Sawyer water filters but dark yellow water coming out of a creek just has a way of turning your stomach); Mike and I discussed the need to carry more water until we started finding better water sources.Finally, we stopped at Brink Road Shelter and were immediately mobbed by some mosquitos with voracious appetites. For the first time, I donned my head net which helped, as well as long pants and a long shirt but these little fellas went right through the clothes. Into the tents we went, a little lighter from all of the blood lost, but happy to have netting between us and these insects. Kind of a yin and yang day, but a good one overall.
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

After packing up quickly and outrunning some alert mosquitos, late in the morning we came out at Culvers Gap. Wanting to stop for a quick bite to eat, we stopped at Joe to Go right along the trail where the owner treated us to a bit of in your face action as he loudly objected to Mike's charging of his phone in his establishment. Either the owner was not having a good day or we just struck him the wrong way, so Mike and I decided that we would choose to spend our money elsewhere.I am reminded that things happened for a reason and we walked along the highway a couple of hundred meters further and into Gyp's Tavern where we were well taken care of with hamburgers, electrical outlets and friendly service. We enjoyed an hour of good conversation there with the owner and bartender and then got on the road.It proved to be a long day and rough hike up and down over rocky terrain. Humidity was high and it was just one of those press on days. Finally, I ended up at High Point Shelter near the highest point in NJ and ran into old hiking buds, Timon, Pumbaa and another nice guy, Blink. Got set up, ate my dinner and into the tent - 15 minutes later, a torrential downpour began with accompanying lightening and thunder. As I lay in my tent, I thanked the good people at Tarptent for their hard work in ensuring that I would not get wet and listened to the pouring rain before falling off to sleep. A good day.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 18.9

Today I made my way through some good tough terrain. The trail wended its way into NY but then back into NJ. Stopped in Unionville, NY for some outstanding pizza at Annabelle's and got a chance to dry my socks and shoes from the wet grass today. Back into the woods and then emerged into Wallkill perimeter, a wildlife preserve. As I got on the far side of the preserve and was walking between two ponds, I suddenly felt something hitting my legs - I looked down and there were massive numbers of small grasshoppers bouncing off of both legs. At first it was a bit of an annoyance as I was wearing shorts but as this continued for a quarter of a mile with tens of thousands of these things bouncing around on my legs I started thinking about Moses and the plague and then what happens if I fall and they are all over me and then - well let's just say it was a bit unnerving and required a bit of mental deep breathing accompanied by a quicker pace and skillful use of my trekking poles. Very interesting.After this, I walked through Pochuck creek area, a nice wood plank trail through some neat preserve area. As it was getting late, I decided not to take on the Wawayanda Mountain climb and bailed out to Vernon, NJ, where I styed at St. Thomas Episcopal Church hostel. Outstanding stay - slept on a rollaway, washed clothes, showered, and ate at a nearby Burger King for dinner and Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. The church community asks in return that you make a small donation and do a chore in the hostel to help keep the place organized and clean. Met some new hikers in there including Snail who hails from Denmark. Spoke with Kim on the phone and had a nice walk at sunset back to the hostel. A good day.
Date: 2014-06-27
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up early at the hostel and hitchhiked back to the trailhead (thanks to David who picked me up and runs a limo service out of Vernon). As I got my pack ready for the climb up Wawayanda, across the road came Buzz and his daughter, Tandem, hikers whom I had not seen for a couple of months. Buzz has had some foot problems and it was good to see the two of them back on the trail making their way north.Travel my last steps in NJ along a rocky up and down ridge line and into NY. Water here again was very limited and those limited sources that were available were polluted. I had enough but just enough and emerged onto 17A and immediately walked a couple of hundred meters, first to drink an orange soda and then on to a highly acclaimed creamery which serves homemade ice-cream where I had a root beer float. Amazing how quickly those jolts of sugar, cold drink and caffeine can put you right back where you need to be.Mike and I had asked that our mattresses and his tent be sent to the Greenwood Lake, NY post office so, as I was ahead of Mike, I hustled the 2 miles down the road and made it with 15 minutes to spare before closing. Both packages were there and, after signing for them (they were sent to the post office as a "hold for AT thru hiker") I then headed off to where we were going to stay, the Breezy Point Inn. Great location on the lake and Mike and I got a lot done before getting a good night's sleep in the motel.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Buchanan Mountain, mile 1375
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Departed late today out of Greenwood Lake and up a side trail to complete a portion of the AT that Mike had missed coming in late yesterday.We found a nice site earlier than normal on the side of Buchanan Mountain and then worked together to figure out how to set up Mike's new tent which uses only his trekking poles. It took a bit of time but soon he was up and running and we settled in for a good dinner of mashed potatoes, tuna fish, oreos, fritos and hot tea. Excellent!Nice sunset and cool wind as we settled into our tents. Another good day.
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Buchanan Mountain, mile 1375

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

Nice hike through NY today. Although lots of ups and downs, we were set on our water situation (3 quarts on board) and made steady progress.Had to push our way through the Lemon Squeezer which is a tight fit through a massive rock and requires most people to take off and push their packs through. We did this many years ago with Scouts when stationed at West Point, so Mike and I enjoyed making our way through it again.Stopped at Tiorati Circle in Harriman State Park where many families were up from New York city enjoying the day by the lake and picnicking. While there we stopped at the beach lakeside for a shower. Met a thru hiker from North Dakota, Go Far, who, when I told him that the showers were free and that they had soap too, he looked at me and said with a look of pure joy "Whaaaat!" and raced off to take his shower. When news of soap in a shower can make your day (and I totally understood his excitement), we have truly come to another place. If they had had free clean towels - well that would have just been too much to take.Continued on to a very nice campsite at William Brien Memorial Shelter and set up our tents among the rocks. While there we met SoHo, a woman from Germany who was making her second attempt on the AT. Very positive conversation as we sat around on rocks drinking hot coffee that Mike had brewed up. Ended up on another good day.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Bear Mountain Bridge
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

We walked through Harriman State Park and on to Bear Mountain Bridge. It was very nice being back near West Point, where both Mike and I were stationed 10 years ago. We passed familiar names like Harriman, Palisades Parkway, and Seven Lakes Drive. Climbed up to the top of Bear Mountain and the Perkins Memorial Tower. There we ran into a large group of Jewish yeshiva students who were up from New Jersey for the day climbing around on the rocks. As we walked by we spoke with some of them and soon we were mobbed by them asking questions about our AT journey. What are you eating? Where do you sleep? When did you leave? How far have you walked? Where do you get your water? How do you charge your phone? Are you Jewish? How much does the hike cost? Do your feet hurt? Really fun to talk to them until they were moved on by their teachers to continue their hike. The fact that I have taken on somewhat of an appearance of a rabbi probably confused them initially but I am sure my answers quickly disabused them of any possibility that I could even be remotely tied to a religious field.On to Bear Mountain bridge where we greeted by Kim who had driven all of the way up from Springfield. It was really great to see her and we are now spending some time relaxing up the Hudson in Peekskill while Mike links up with a bud at West Point. Zero day tomorrow and back on the trail Wednesday.
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Bear Mountain Bridge

To: Peekskill
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Staying for a nice day at Inn on the Hudson.As always, have to do some resupply, clothes washing and future AT prep. I thought I would post a picture of a perennial challenge for the AT thru hiker. Do I have enough quarters for these machines?Most importantly, I am thoroughly enjoying spending time here in Peekskill with my bride. Thanks, Kim!
Date: 2014-07-02
From: Peekskill

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Kim dropped me off at the Bear Mountain Bridge (thanks Kim!) and after saying our goodbyes, I headed across the lowest point on the AT along the Hudson River. Wind was brisk across the bridge and once across, I started a long climb up the other side.With the late start, I planned on staying at Graymoor, where the monks there allow hikers to camp at their ballfield. Before getting there, I stopped at the Appalachian Market along the trail - just in time as 15 minutes later, the skies opened up and a hard rain with thunder and lightening for the next hour. I sat inside eating a roast beef sandwich, drinking coffee, reading the NYT and watching updates on the weather channel. Nice respite.Finally, time to head out and I made my way another mile to the monastery, set up camp, and got caught up with Movin' On whom I had not seen in a couple of months. Finally, it was time to take my vow of silence and I climbed into my tent to sleep. Another good day.
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Mike had headed out a day earlier from West Point so today I needed to press to try to catch him once again. Lots of short ups and downs (200-300') and the day was hot and very humid making for a challenging walk. As I found myself slowing down and a bit overheated even while drinking lots of water and eating, I decided to break off to Clarence Fahnestock State Park, which had a side trail from the AT. Early Independence Day vacationers were swimming in the lake but I continued up the hill hoping that the snack bar would be open - and Score! Plus showers! Ate a hamburger, coke, ice cream and took a shower which helped my motivation immensely. Another reminder to me that when things are not clicking along the trail, look for alternatives to change the situation - even though it may cut into my mileage.After heading out again, I kept moving, dodged a brief thunderstorm in some pine trees, and made it as the sun set to the RPH Shelter. SoHo and Wildlife, 2 German thru hikers were there as was Movin' On. They had had pizza delivered to the shelter and gave me a couple of slices left - hit the spot. Into the tent where hard rain fell most of the night. Stayed dry in my cubicle and all good.