morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-20
From: Duncannon

To: Peter's Mountain
Miles today: 15.0

      Had at great night's sleep in my room at the Doyle Hotel. The place has character--old and sparingly furnished, but clean......and no bugs! Went across the street to Jodi's for a delicious breakfast. Froggy Pete joined me there, and we sliped out of town on this quiet Sunday morning. We crossed the Clark's Ferry Bridge and then had to make the long climb to the top of the ridge. At least the ridge provided some great views of Duncannon across the river, and up and down the valley. There were some treacherous rocks to cross--at one point I had a Blood Mountain flasback. Blood Mtn was where I ripped my legs open on the rocks in a fall in the first week of this adventure. Rather than duplicate that feat, I chose the three point descent in a couple of spots.      Stopped for water at Clarks' Ferry Shelter since the rest of the ridge is supposed to lack sources. Upon arriving at Peter's Mtn Shelter, I found Froggy Pete and others already settled in for the night. After a brief rest stop, I pressed on for a bit. Not far past the shelter I saw something ahead on the trail. It turned out to be a fully plumed adult male peacock. What he was doing up on the ridge is a mystery to me. I nonchalantly checked peacock off my things-I-have-to-see-on-this-trip list and continued in search of a unicorn.      At sunset the wind increased as if a storm my be approaching. I found a place to camp and dove into the tent to escape the bugs. Alot of trees and branches down on the trail today from Friday's storm.
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Peter's Mountain

To: Past Rausch Creek
Miles today: 17.0

      It never did rain during the night, even though the strong winds continued. The morning was very humid. As I was loading, I realized a strap securing the pack to the waist belt had ripped free. I tried to sew it with my sewing kit, but it was a futile attempt. This was causing the pack to shift and ride off balance, and I knew I would have to get this fixed pronto. When I reached the road I had no idea where I was. I flagged down a county truck to find out if there was a town nearby. They said there was a place in Duaphine down the road that did custom car upholstery work that could probably fix it, and gave me a ride into town and dropped me there. Turns out they had moved their business to Harrisburg recently. A lady gave me directions to another furniture place, and I walked a half mile up there to find out the guy had died.       I went into the post office to see if they had any other suggestions in the area. A customer said the only place was a shoe repair shop just outside Harrisburg and offered a ride up there. He dropped me off and the shoe guy said he could sew it up. I had to take the pack half apart for the repair, and then reassemble it afterwards. Now I just had to figure out how to get back where I started from. By noon, and three hitches later, I was back at the 325 trail crossing. I was glad to get back into the shade of the woods after a very stressful morning out on the hot pavement. I hurried down the trail trying to get in as many miles as I could salvage out of this crazy day. I kept going until a storm started building in the evening.      I found a level spot and got ready before it hit.....and hit it did. Thunder and lightning bouncing off the ridges. It was like someone was pouring water out of a bucket onto the tent--that's how heavy it rained. My tent, however, kept me and all my stuff dry. Drops smacking the fabric made it difficult to sleep, but eventually I dozed off.
Date: 2003-07-23
From: Hertlein Campsite

To: Pocahontas Springs
Miles today: 21.4

      I was really dragging today. It was too hot and muggy to sleep. I should have gotten that optional air conditioning with the tent. Too heavy though. There was alot of water on the trail today, no big surprise. I even saw one big puddle filled with pollywogs, so it must have been there awhile/ There was also an unusual number of butterflies today: black and yellow swallowtails, mourning cloaks, small white ones--all very active.       Came down the ridge into Port Clinton, but there wasn't much there to find. I had heard that, so I wasn't really disappointed, but then I had to climb back out of there.       I was in another race with a storm. Would he make it to the shelter before the sky fell? Nope! My feet felt like mush. So when I stopped for water at the spring, I found a decent spot nearby. I never would have made it to the shelter. Wave after wave of lightning, high winds, and torrents of rain pounded down. I was so glad to be secure in my stinky little tent. This storm lasted well into the night. I got a little claustrophobic lying there watching the flashes and listening to the rain beat on the tent. Three nights in a row is getting to be a bit much.
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Pocahontas Springs

To: Unknown Location
Miles today: 18.0

      Well, finding water today was no problem! It was a little less humid, but ominous looking clouds were still around. I kept thinking I could hear thunder, but it could have just been my ears still ringing from last night. The clouds seemed to build, then dissipate, all day. But it never rained.       The views from the Pulpit and the Pinnacle would have been better on a clear day, but were much better, I'm sure, than the past few days. Overlooking the valleys and farmlands is ample reward for the climbs, though the latter lasts much longer than the former. Nice places to take long breaks and cool down. Like I said, water is everywhere. Little streams still draining the ridges were crossed frequently. Some were clear, others muddy.       It took a long time to find a camping spot this evening. Most people stay or camp at the shelters or at water. I carry water, especially in the evening, so as not to limit my options. I prefer to camp up high rather than low, just because morning climbs don't agree with me. All I need is a flat spot, hopefully with a tree toward where the door will face. Even during the day as I walk, I'm always scanning, looking for potential spots. It is just a routine habit. I never go to a shelter I can't see from the trail, unless I am desperate, which I never am. I usually don't even go to the ones I can see, except out of curiosity or to visit with someone I see there. Before when I was travelling with a group, it was a little different. Now I am alone and I am comfortable with it.
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Unknown Location

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 19.0

      I'm not sure of my exact location last night. I don't have a map of this section and there wasn't much for identifiable landmarks. Coming into town it was rockier and very hot, since there was no shade.       I got a ride into town with an older gentleman in his pickup. He dropped me off at the municipal building where I went inside and registered at the police dispatching area. They gave me directions to the building where hikers can stay in the basement. There are bunks, bathrooms, and showers. Quite a nice thing for the town to do for us.      I went and sat in the shade in the park across the street to cool off for a bit. When I got the tour of the accomodations, I was surprised to find Jersey, Bluebird, and Puff Daddy were there. It was great to see them again. I dropped my junk and went down to the grocery store to get something cold to drink. The library was just up the block, so I checked my email.       Everyone I have met here has been very friendly and welcoming. Nice little town. The hillside across from me is almost void of vegetation due to the zinc plant that operated here for years. They are trying to reclaim it, but I think it will be a slow process. I would guess that this is a nicer town now, than it was then.
Date: 2003-07-30
From: Bunk Road Shelter

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 23.0

      The bakery wasn't open yet when I went through the gap. I did fill my water containers at the outside tap, and I could feel the additional weight immediately. There were several nice overlooks today. While it was hot again, there wasn't too much haze. This allowed views down and across the valleys. I also saw another bear near Highpoint Park. Walking with my eyes on the trail, I didn't see this one until he went crashing off into the trees.       I am supposed to be through the worst of the rocks. I hope that this is true. My feet remain very sore from the constant pounding. I had hoped to make it to the secret shelter for the night, but it started getting dark. I finally ducked in along the edge of a field as the sun set.
Date: 2003-07-31
From: Stealth Camp

To: Wawayanda State Park
Miles today: 22.0

      Much of today was spent at lower elevations, which was a pleasant change. One section of the trail crossed a large marsh on a raised woooden walkway. It was like walking on a pier above the cattails and other vegetation. Butterflies fluttered over the flowering areas. Yellow, red, blue, green and brown dragonflies hovered everywhere as I passed. This long boardwalk must have been considerable work and expense to install--one of the most unique areas I have seen.      I stopped at a nursery/country store at a highway crossing. I got some peaches and a large ice cream cone there, and took a long break at their picnic tables. It was nice to get back in the shade, after spending alot of the hot day out in the open.       Toward dark it began clouding up, indicating a change in the weather. It became more humid, and shortly after dark light rain began to fall. It is very damp and hazy, with no breeze, which will make for a uncomfortable night to sleep.
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Wawayanda State Park

To: Island Pond
Miles today: 23.0

      The atmosphere is totally saturated with moisture. I awoke to a hazy, drizzly rain blanketing the area, literally just hanging in the air. Supposedly NYC is close enough to be viewed in this area, most likely on clear nights. I could barely make out the opposite ridgeline. It really wasn't totally uncomfortable, but between the sweat and the wetness everything was damp.      I hitched a ride into Warwick, but the motel didn't have any rooms available, and it was the only place close to being affordable. As I walked down to hitch back, a car stopped and asked if I needed a ride. I gladly accepted, and got a ride to another motel. The manager said he would have a room later, so I went down the hill to have a late breakfast across the highway. When I returned to the motel, I was told no rooms would be available afer all! There wasn't much I could do except return to the trailhead with some not so kind thoughts rattling through my head. Needless to say, I trudged along in a foul mood the rest of the day.      I entered Harriman State Park as the drizzle turned to a light, steady rain. I had had enough for one day, so I found a nice place to camp near a lake. I did spend a few minutes today relaxing by a small waterfall. Hadn't seen many waterfalls since far to the south, and I'm happy to be in an area with pines and lakes again.
Date: 2003-08-05
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Schoghticoke Mountain
Miles today: 18.5

      Saw the largest tree on the trail this morning, at least the largest in diameter. The Dover Oak is supposed to be larger than any other tree that I will pass. I wonder how long it has been standing here? Certainly long enough to be a local landmark. It being Tuesday, I missed my chance to take the weekend train into New York City, which almost made me sad. If the shelters and hostels have too many people, imagine my comfort level in NYC.       I was glad to cross into Connecticut today, solely because it means that I'm that much closer to Maine. The hot temperatures and humidity continue to drain my energy. I took a short detour to a small store for ice cream and cold drinks, which perked me up for the next couple of miles.      Settled into a camp in the evergreens as the rain returned, which occurs every evening.
Date: 2003-08-07
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Prospect Mountain
Miles today: 18.3

      Crossing the highway early this morning, two big black limosines accompanied by two black Mercedes chase cars went speeding by. Apparently they didn't see this dirty, stinky hiker, because they didn't stop and invite me along. To tell you the truth, I've really been feeling down lately. I haven't seen a single hiker I know in over a week. Compound that with the heat, humidity, bugs and continuous rain, plus a sore foot, and this is getting to be more drudgery than fun. I'd like to get to Vermont and then take a couple of days off. It is too expensive to do that here.      I walk along thinking about floating in a pool, air conditioning, clean sheets in a big bed, strawberry shakes, sleeping late......Now you would think this is torturous behavior, but it passes the time and fills the void between other warped musings. Sometimes it is better to mentally wander off.
Date: 2003-08-08
From: Prospect Mountain

To: Jug End
Miles today: 20.0

      It rained during the night. It was hot and humid today. It was just like every other day recently. WET. I did pass some really nice camping spots. Beautiful trees, creeks and falls--the kinds of places you find at noon, never at dusk. The water was a little too cold to plunge into, but nice to rinse the shirt and bandanna in. Nothing can dry, so it requires changing to dry clothes to sleep in, then back to damp in the morning. Sooner or later it will have to cool down and dry out, so that I can get all the gear back in order. Until then it is just a matter of making do. I camped up high tonight, hoping to catch a breeze, but the heavy air remains very still, and limits the views due to haze.
Date: 2003-08-11
From: October Mountain

To: The Cobbles
Miles today: 19.0

      I don't know why I bother to mention that it was raining when I got up. That is a gimme. I walked in the rain until I got to Dalton, Mass. I stopped there for lunch in a restuarant, much to their delight. Nothing like having a sodden stranger perch in a booth and shovel food down unabashedly. It could have been dog food for all I cared. Down the street, I stopped at a store for a few snacks. I would think that I would be an interesting change from their usual visitors, but I don't think they saw it that way. Anyone not in a Volvo or BMW is suspect. It has been that way since leaving Pennsylvania. Hikers are viewed as vagrants. I camped high on the ridge again. I could see the lights down below in the valley.
Date: 2003-08-12
From: The Cobbles

To: Long Trail
Miles today: 22.0

      The first few drops of rain woke me up. Then it was a mad scramble to get packed before it got worse. And worse it did get. But by that time, I was on the move. The climbs are getting bigger again. Even after all these miles, I still can't go uphill worth a darn. Granted, I'm better now than I was in Georgia, but I'm still slow.       I did manage to chug my way to the top of Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Mass. There were a few city tourists, who drove to the top, lounging around the lodge near the summit.      My major goal was to make it into Vermont today. Stopping briefly to eat in town, I pushed on for a couple more hours until I knew I had crossed the border. The weather is supposed to clear up for a couple days finally. It has been tough going during the past two weeks. I am really tired. Tired of the rain and mud. Really, really tired.
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Bennington, VT

To: Caughnawaga Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

      I told myself I was going to make a conscious effort, now that I was in Vermont, to slow down nad enjoy things more instead of pressing so hard. That slowing down part isn't going to be difficult. The trail is getting steeper and rougher again. I didn't want to leave town. I kept trying to think of excuses to stay another day...or two....or three. My foot still hurts. I haven't had enough Chinese or Cherry Garcia to sustain me. I should check for email replies. But in the end, I hoisted my pack, went up the road a bit, and stuck out my thumb. Within a few minutes, I was on the trail, back on course.       I encountered a large crew working on a bridge crossing, which accounted for the large number of cars at the trailhead. Things are still very wet and muddy. I stopped to enjoy the view at Porcupine Peak. For once it was clear. Nothing but ridge after ridge of trees, except for a handful of power generating windmills on one peak in the distance, could be seen.       At the next shelter there were several hikers, some going north, some going south. I figured I had enough time to move on. I climbed up the firetower at the top of the mountain to take in the unusually splendid view. That may have been my downfall, because pretty soon it was getting dark, and I wasn't getting to the next shelter. I got there just when I could no longer see the trail. The group there said the shelter was full and there were no tenting sites.       There was an older shelter not far from this one, and I had no choice but to move on. I tripped and stumbled back to the trail. I had screwed up badly. How I managed to get to that shelter in total darkness, over the mud, rocks and water, I'll never know. If the shelter hadn't been right on the trail, I never would have found it. The shelter was deserted, and I crawled in, knowing this could have been one very ugly night.
Date: 2003-08-19
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Old Job Turnoff
Miles today: 16.0

      As I walked down the sidewalk to get coffee, a car stopped and the driver asked if I needed a ride! We went for drive thru coffee, then to the trailhead. The caffeine didn't make the climb up Bromley Mountain any easier. Today was clear and beautiful, making the views some of the best I've seen. It was pretty warm, especially in the sun. My nice, clean, fresh clothes didn't last very long.       Yesterday I was debating putting my boots in a washing machine, but was afraid that might destroy them. I bought a brush to clean the exteriors, but the insides are filthy due to the mud. It would take a couple of days to dry them out thoroughly. I've been using the sleeping bag since entering Vermont, instead of the silk liner I've used since Waynesboro. This is the 70 degree down bag, and I just drape it over me at night.      Set up the tent tonight for the first time in a few days. I've turned into a shelter rat lately, and it was good to get back into my comfortable little sylnylon house. I've been surprised how few tenting sites there are along the trail here. For all the people who use the trail, apparently they all congregate at shelters.
Date: 2003-08-22
From: Pico Camp

To: Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 4.0

      Even though I was tired last night, I couldn't get to sleep until after midnight. I was slow moving out in the morning. I got down to the highway and walked up the hill to the inn. They only had a room for two or three people, so I sat around waiting to see if anyone I knew came in. Tom for Short arrived, and we arranged to share a room. We went upstairs and cleaned up, then pooled our change and did our laundry while sipping a couple of drafts in the pub.       The Inn at Long Trail is elegantly rustic. All of the people there are friendly and accommodating. Just make sure you bring plenty of money if your whistle needs wetting---$4.50 for a draft beer! They offer bus passes which will take you into town and back on a regular schedule.      I spent the day just lounging around. In the afternoon a storm blew through and dropped the temperature considerably. In the evening the pub got busy, but I turned in early, having made the decision to leave in the morning.
Date: 2003-08-23
From: Inn at Long Trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

      Breakfast in the dining room was delicious this morning. There was a lot of noise from traffic and partiers in the parking lot last night, making it difficult to sleep. It was cool and breezy, a pleasant change from the heat and humidity. Stopped at Kent Pond briefly to watch the ducks eating snails in the shallows. Several steep climbs again today took their toll. At least the trail dried out, making the muddy spots less frequent. There are a lot of hikers around suddenly, both thru hikers and day hikers.       I had hoped to make it to the next shelter area, but the going is tougher and steeper. I spotted a rare flat area just off the trail, and set up the tent for the night. It's going to be much cooler tonight with wind. Sleeping in the tent will be warmer and more comfortable than staying in a shelter.
Date: 2003-08-24
To: Pomfret Road
Miles today: 13.0

      It was chilly in the morning. I started out wearing my nylon jacket for the first mile or so, but it soon became too warm. There was a stiff breeze, which quickly cooled me down at any stop. There were some good views today, small rewards for getting to the tops of ridges. In the higher areas, there is little undergrowth compared to the lower elevations.      Being the weekend, there were many day hikers out. Also encountered some southbound thru hikers. When I got to the highway there was a large cooler sitting there, but disappointingly it was empty. No trail magic today.       When I got to Pomfret Road I called it quits. There was a descent tentsite, and water, and I was just plain tired. Ten miles is getting to be a longer distnce than it was awhile back. I've started thinking ahead for the first time, and perhaps I shouldn't. Maybe I just need to keep going, and take it as it comes, and not worry about it.
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Happy Hill

To: Pine Plantation
Miles today: 11.0

      Yep, the humidity is back. A little foggy first thing this morning when I woke up. There was no rush out of camp, and I took it easy going into town. Robinson Hall was my first stop. I had expected to get all kinds of information and materials here, about getting through the White Mountains. They didn't have anything to offer. I did use their computer to do a quick email check. There weren't many places offering to take in hikers here either, as I had been led. Saw a lot of nice cars and affluent looking people though. Dartmouth College pretty much is the whole town.       I went down to the promised land, Ben and Jerry's. Evidentally they had given away their quota of free ice cream to hikers, but I got a generous portion of Cherry Garcia and Butter Pecan. I sat at the window table enjoying the activity outside along with my treat. The AYCE pizza place didn't start serving until 5pm, which would negate getting out of town.      Without a place to stay, I headed down to the co-op grocery store, on my way out. I certainly could have bought a lot of great stuff I couldn't carry. I limited myself to bagels and peanut butter. There is good news though: I can again find my favorite Hormel pepperoni in stick form up here. The sliced stuff just isn't as satisfying for some reason.      My pack seemed unusually heavy as I climbed out of Hanover. The bugs were terrible. Any pause drew swarms of mosquitoes. I finally had to stop and put on some deet, which I haven't used in a long time. It was humid with no hint of breeze. I did a couple of steep climbs, and passed through some rock outcropping canyons.       A few sprinkles were starting when I crossed a road. Going along a pine plantation bordering a meadow, I debated where the best spot would be. I opted for the pines for the pine needle bed. Just as I got the gear tucked in the tent, a light steady rain began, but I would be comfortable until morning. I had looked forward to Hanover, but when I got there, things just didn't click. There will be other places to spend too much time and money. I congratulated myself on the pass through.