morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Port Clinton

To: Palmerton Pa
Miles today: 40.0

Currently in Port Clinton taking a zero day. Staying in a local motel with a real bed (first in about 3 weeks). Weather continues to be rainy and cold, despite forecast calling for partly clouded and warmer. We have about 80 miles or so to the DWG (New Jersey border). Even though Pennsylvania has been rocky, they tell us we have not yet seen the big rocks. Have stayed at a number of shelters, but the 501 shelter in middle Pa was quite an experience. It had a door, bunk beds, running water and an outdoor shower (however, too cold to use). Great folks and a lot of very unique hikers (retired IT, commercial developers, astro physicists (with a dog that scratched all night long), great forest ranger, recent high school graduates, an Auburn international business student, a chemical engineer, etc). The good news; we are under 1000 miles to Katahdin, more than half way thru Pa, and the weather is suppose to be more summer like in a few days. We have slack packed a couple of times, and a person could get use to that. Have seen some beautiful country between raindrops. Got to go, as our shuttle back to the motel is here. Ever onward!
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Delaware Water Gap (DWG)

To: NJ
Miles today: 15.0

Folks, this will be brief, computer I'm using is about to time out. Currently at a church hostel in the DWG. Will lay over here one more day waiting for a replacement cell phone from my ATT friends. Then on to a point in mid NJ where we will re-synch up with Chipper who is bringing his vehicle from Florida (this is to allow more "slack packing". One of man's greatest concepts). All is well, and we are getting excited about the geography change. Pennsylvanis should also be known as "Rocksylvania". Good bye to the "keystone state". Until next time.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Delaware Water Gap (DWG)

To: Middle NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Back on the library computer in East Stroudsberg, Pa. The situation is we are into the trip about 270 miles (less than 870 from Katahdin) or about 25% of the northern leg. We are staying at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in the DWG; a very comfortable hostel (except for some snoring - oh well, these things happen). Met a number of thru-hikers; all pretty cool, young ( a few oldsters) and interesting. They all have some common characteristics: 1) very mature for their age 2) confident in their abilities and 3) focused. Met "5 Bags", "Fester", "Crazy Legs", "Big Foot", and "California Joe". Pretty neat young folks. We pretty much have our hiking legs, and it's more mental now than physical (although there are still a lot of ups and downs). Getting around is interesting; w/o a car you are a "man of means with no means" if that makes any sense. On the bus this AM met an African-American gentleman by the name of Vince Shomo. Turns out he was a Golden Gloves Champ in the late 50s, won the Gold Medal at the PanAm Games, and was on our 1960 Olympic Team (roomed w/Muhammed Ali). We got his autograph; a really personable guy. We would have missed that if we were not on the public transportation system ( a tip of the hat to Traci (oldest daughter) who made sure I'm public transportation certified). The good news ala the trail is we coming to some diversity in terms of geography. Pennsylvania was very boring (and rocky); the trail pretty much stayed the same. Every now and then we would come to some interesting stufff, but mostly just a lot of rocks. Climbing out (or into) of Lehigh Gap was a notable exception. Its an incredible set of rocks to scramble over. The views were spectacular, and can only be appreciated when seen. BTW, the visibility was just about unlimited (probable 75 to 100 miles). Very unusally for this part of the country. I'm losing a little weight (maybe 5 or less pounds), but eating a lot of trail food (aka junk food) compenstaes quite nicely for what you work off. Folks tell us that will change. Hopefully back on the trail tomorrow, and more regular access to the internet. Keep having fun; we are!
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Kent Connecticutt
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings from Cold Springs NY (about 6 miles east of the trail on the Hudson just across from West Point. We have bid farewell to Pennsylvania, NJ and in the next few days NY. Total miles to date from Harpers Ferry is about 400 (estimating 750 miles to Katahdin). A number of unique and interesting things have ocurred. First, the scenary is improving and is more diverse. We camped in Harriman State Park for the last four days, and slack packed most of the eastern part of NJ and NY. Crossed the Hudson yesterday (Sunday) just after noon. There is a heat wave here, with highs in the 90s. Much too hot to hike other than early or late in the day. Have begun to see much more wildlife. Numerous deer, turkey, groundhogs, and snakes (the last entry was for Dave Green). Have not seen any bear until we went through Bear Mtn State Park (just before the Hudson River). There is a zoo there, and the trail literally goes right through the zoo. Yes, we did see a bear in the zoo. Oh well, these things happen. With temperatures being so high, we are soaked with sweat at the end of the day, and too wet to ride in the suport vehicle (aka the pickup truck). So we ride in the pickup bed. Very interesting to see people's faces as they pass us (two old guys in the back of a pickup HA!). Also on a couple of occasions it would have helped if we could get a ride from one point on the trail to another. Let me tell you, folks will not pck up old guys with back packs. Being a man of means with no means is humbling. This is all part of the "life changing experience" people talk about. We have climbed rocks as big as school buses, gone through rock tunnels and crevasses (the "Lemon Squeezer" in Harriman Park), walked on ridges and watched sail planes go over, camped with boy scouts in severe thunder storms. We have also experienced "trail magic" and "trail angels". These folks have shared their food, and water. Taken us to their homes and let us shower and use laundry facilities, and then transported us back to the trail. In almost all cases, they would not accept payment. The other obligation we have to them is to pass it on. We have had a great past week hiking with Chipper's wife (trail name is Peaches" and their niece, "Bounder" (it's amazing watching how fast these young folks fly down the trail). Bounder will return to the Atlanta area tomorrow. As a closing thought, the last few days, I've been re-reading "A Walk in the Woods", and a lot of it is much more meaningful. Happy "Father's Day" to those fathers who may be reading this. Keep having fun! P.S. Pray for rain in zip code 33525; I'm told its needed. BTW, to my IBM friends, I had lunch overlooking Sterling Forest, and righ now, am just a stone's throw from East Fishkill and Hopewell JUnction.
Date: 2008-06-25
From: Vermont

To: Vermont/New Hampshire State Line
Miles today: 50.0

From the library in North Adams, Mass. Currently are camping just east of Bennington, Vt. in a beautiful campground overlooking a pond and mountains. After the weather cleared late yesterday, the air was cool, and clear. This is a great time to be in Vermont and the "Green Mountains"; easy to see why people come here to visit in the summer time. Yesterday, I hiked (with full pack - no slacking this time) over Greylock Mtn (highest point in Mass). Spent the previous night in a hiker room of the local Catolic Church in Cheshire, Ma. Met the ptiest, Father David (I think) the next morning along with "Dutch" a refugee dog from Hurricane Katrina. Very nice people. Back to Greylock. The lodge and roads to the summit are closed, but there is a huge monument to those that served our country at the top. It was impressive to be there, and virtually no one else around except an occasional hiker. If in this area, you might want to try the lodge out, but wait until 2009 when the reconstruction is completed. It was a steep climb, but worth it. It contiuous to rain almost every day. When they say a 50% chance of showers; just count on it that it will rain. Yesterday, coming down from Greylock, you could see the storm coming across the valley. I just made it into North Adams as the storm broke. By God's grace there was a Getty gas station, where the clerk was kind enough to let me stay while the rain/hail passed. Its a whole different perspective when you are dependent on complete strangers to help. I continue to be blessed. Today we will slack about 7 miles of the trail, and about 12 or 13 tomorrow. That will get us started well into Vermont, and we can say goodbye officially to Mass. BTW, there are a lot of nice people, and really beautiful old Americana kind of towns and homes here. Going up (or down) US Route 7 in western Conn and Mass is quite a pleasant and historical tour. Just for the record, while hiking in the middle of a field, we went by a marker that denoted the last battle of "Shays Rebellion" was fought there (in 1787). I remember the rebellion from somewhere in American history, but must confess I had to go to Google to recall exactly what it was about. Please look it up just to make sure you are up on your American history. Back to hiking and status. We are now less than 600 miles from Katahdin, and for some reason that doesn't sound so far. We are knocking off about 100 miles everying 8 to 10 days. If we average 10 miles per day for the rest of the way (should be averaging at least 12), we will be there in 60 days. In some ways, that's a long time. In some ways, it doesn't seem so long. Looking ahead, we will do the Green Mountains and then the Whites over the next 30 days. The tough part starts now. Please continue to keep me (us) in your prayers. This is till the adventure/experience of a life time. I'm fortunate to be with some great hiking partners (Chipper and Peaches). BTW, heard from Digger, and his health issues seem to be reconciled. He is still missed. EVER ONWARD!
Date: 2008-06-28
From: Bennington, VT.

To: Vermont/New Hampshire State Line
Miles today: 0.0

Have been camped at the "Greenwood Campround" about 3 miles east of the trail on Vermont Rt 9 since mid-week (just east of Bennington, Vt - which is in the extreme southwest corner of the state). Chipper started feely poorly on Wednesday evening and continues to fell the same this AM (aka "being run over by an 18 - wheeler). Believe it or not, doctors still see patients on Saturday in Vermont. He is currently at the doctor trying to determine what the infection is. Right now, "Lyme Disease" seems to be a good candidate. If he does not feel better very shortly, he will be returning to his home in Florida, and I will continue the trek north solo as a regular back packer. If he improves, we will continue the slack packing approach. Right now, I'm about 7 miles into Vermont. Officially completed Mass on Wednesday. We are starting to see some real mountains with some significant ups and downs. The talk on the trail since Harpers was that the trail doesn't start to get tough until Vermont. I think I know what they were talking about. Keep us all in your prayers. Ever Onward!
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Bennington, Vermont

To: Seattle
Miles today: 0.0

Currently I am "off the trail". I was just not ready physical or mentally to continue the trail solo w/o some more planning (especially what do I do with all the food that I have accumulated ala the slack packing approach). On this past Sunday morning I decided to take a break from the trail ( a week or two), and fly to Seattle to see Lynn and kids (and grand kids). My plan is to resume the trek some time mid July. This will put me at Katahdin early to mid September. I will then finish the southern leg next year with Lynn. Digger is currently considering whether he will resume the hike with me, as he has his medical problems efffectively resolved. Chipper/Peaches on their way back to Florida dropped me at the Newburgh Airport and I returned to Tampa on Monday. I leave for Seattle tomorrow (Wednesday) very early. A break from trail rigors is exactly what I need at this time. Current position on the trail is just at the start of the "Green Mountains" (think Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys from colonial American times). The trail starts to become more physical challenging here, but also more rewarding. I'll probably not post another journal entry until back making trail progress; hopefully from Manchester Center, Vermont! Thanks for all of your encouraging messages, and EVER ONWARD!
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Half mile south of County Rd in southern Vt

To: Manchester Vermont
Miles today: 45.0

Last Saturday (July 12th) caught a flight to Albany, NY airport. Got a ride from an EMS guy that helps out hikers back to my stopping point from the end of June. Have been out four nights now, gone about 45 to 50 miles and am currently re-supplying in Manchester, Vt. Have climbed several large (aka tall) mountains, and have a few more to come. It's been hard, but not as hard as I imagined (God is good). Trail was busy the first day, but then it was the weekend. On Monday (two days ago), hiked the whole day w/o seeing anyone either north or south bound. Folks I subsequently have talked to, tell me that is very unusual. At the shelter on Monday night, late in the day severl other hikers showed up. A older guy "between jobs", a computer type from Mass, and a math teacher at the high school in Swanton Vt (Graham, he didn't know your Mom, but he had only been there two years). Anyway, the computer guy (trail name Pequot - an indian tribe in Conn) and I hiked together for a day or so. He was doing the "Long Trail" (goes from the Ma/Vt state line up to the Canadian border), which runs together with the AT for the first 100 miles or so. He went on today, as I came to town. Yesterday, saw some awesome geography. The view from the top of the fire tower on Stratton Mtn was impressive. About 40 or 50 miles away you could see Mt. Greylock. Hard to believe I had come that far. We had lunch on the shores of Stratton Pond; in Florida we would call it a lake. Looked exactly like you would think a "pond" in Vermont should look. Still have not seen any moose, however, I did see a very large rabbit if that counts for anything (Singer, a hiker indicated he saw a moose, but it was gone when I got there - oh well, these things happen). The shelter I stayed at last night was actually a cabin, with a porch, sliding door (to keep the porcupines out), and a heating stove for use in the winter. On the way into the cabin there was a rock outcrop which overlooked the valley where Manchester is located. A very unforgettable view, especially with the sun low in the sky. People I'm passing tell me it only gets better ahead. It is more difficult hiking alone than I thought. There are a very diverse interesting set of folks in the shelter, but the trail defnitely is lonely. If I don't hook up with another compatible hiking partner soon, I may temporarily suspend hiking operations. Let's see what happens. Ever onward!
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Manchester Vermont

To: Killington, Vt
Miles today: 70.0

In Manchester stayed at the Sutton Place (nice hiker freindly rooming house). Met two thru-hikers, Castiron and Six Iron (husband and wife from Peachtree City, Ga), that started at Springer Mtn. on 2/29/08 . Castiron is a retired Delta pilot and Six Iron (has been very competitive in finishing six (6) Iron Man competitions around the world). Six Iron was not feeling well, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. She went off the trail and is recovering at her sister's house in Mass. Castiron and I went on, and Six Iron plans to rejoin us in Hanover, NH the end of this week. These are good people and hiking with Castiron has been easy and fun. BTW, the hiking diversity and terrain is picking up. Some of the ups and steeps are really up and really steep; oh well, these things happen. Currently taking a zero day in Killington, Vt. where we are staying at the "Inn on the Long Trail" (an Irish themed inn that has great food, prices, and a nice atmosphere). Night before last, stayed at a "secret shelter" (a shelter on private land) that was just before the big climb over Killington Mtn. The "privy" at this location was world class. It was even complete with a coffee table book on "Outhouses of the World". It continues to rain or threaten rain most every day. I'm getting used to being wet/damp. Makes you appreciate the basics of home. The plan is to be out of Vermont by Friday, and through the White Mountains (this is where the "presidential" mountains are and includes Mt. Washington) by a week from Saturday. Then just another few miles until Maine. Still expecting to comlete the journey to Mt. Katahdin in early September. P.S. Chipper, both Castiron and Six Iron believe they remember you from your pharmacy days in Peachtree City. Small world, huh?
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Killington, Vt 2

To: Lookout trail (2 miles south of Windturi Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Left the "Inn at Long Trail" on Tuesday (7/22) @ 8:30 AM and went 15 miles to a private cabin with a lookout. Lost a camp shoe off the back on the pack on a limb that was sticking out. Unfortunately, Castiron thought someone had placed it on the limb. The hike had several severe ups, but most were only a half mile or so. Tough hiking in hot humid conditions. Decided to stay at the private cabin (2 miles south of Windturi Shelter), but since it had no water source, had to carry additional water the last 2 miles up the mountain to the shelter. Met a hiker, named Tom (more on this later), who let us know where the last water source before the cabin was. Arrived at the cabin around 5. Weather was moving in, but still had 20 miles visibility. Went up in the observation deck, and enjoyed the 360 degree view of God's wonderous creation. Then down to fix dinner, etc. Per the weather forecast, a sub-tropical disturbance was moving through that night and the next day or so; expecting at least 5 inches of rain that night and the next day. About 7 PM, another thru hiker showed up. RJ is his trail name. Pretty quite guy (except when he slept). A long night on a hard floor, but all is well. Good food and conversation as dark settled on the cabin.
Date: 2007-10-31
To: Dehydrating is Fun!
Miles today: 0.0

Well I will try to be a little more articulate about myself and my hike. This hike is the pivot point for my life right now. Everything revolves around the "trail". I am getting married right before the trip (2 days) so it will be my honeymoon. I will also be quitting my job and moving. The funny thing is, is that the trail is the most worrysome of all that. I talk of nothing but food, because I am making all my meals ahead of time. So it is nothing but cooking and dehydrating all the time. well off to go cook some more food.
Date: 2007-11-05
To: So much to do so little time
Miles today: 0.0

Wow I am really feeling the time crunch now. It doesnt help that a lot of the food I am trying to dehydrate is spoiling. Mostly spagetti and stuff but it still sucks and I dont know why it is doing it. Anyways just wanted to let everyone know that all their support is so great. I couldnt do it without everyone helping me and supporting me. So thanks...
Date: 2008-01-29
To: Panic
Miles today: 0.0

Well time is ticking down ever closer. Everytime I think I am ready I realize that I am not. Think I have almost all my food. Lunch is the hard one. I cant figure out what to take for lunch. All of you who know me know how I am with food and running out of food. I still have so much left to do but thinking about it makes me a little crazy. One day at a time right? And remember to breath. Its been so long since I have wanted to do this and now its almost here. In so many ways it is the beginning of a new life.
Date: 2008-02-09
To: exercise
Miles today: 0.0

I started increasing my exercise this week. I have been going to Judo for about 4 hours a week. Now I added a step aerobic class with my pack on. The first session was pretty rough, but I think it will really help get my legs in shape. I think I have most of my gear now. It was suggested to me that I take some sea salt to get vitamins and to replenish electrolytes. Now just a little bit of food left to get and I will be ready!
Date: 2008-02-28
To: Weekend Trip
Miles today: 0.0

Well Jerrame and I decided that we need to go on a short trip as a test run. I have almost all our gear and have been hiking after work with my pack on. So we will see how good we do. The plan is to do 23 miles in 2 days. The terrain is large hills but I think it will be ok. The only concern I have is water, the map said the water might be turned off in the winter, good thing there is still snow! I only have two weeks of work left, giving me 3 weeks off to get the wedding and the hike finalized. Its crazy I feel so ready but not ready at the same time. Well wish me luck for this weekend I will write back and tell you how it went.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: So much to do so little time

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is my last day at home before I start the Bon Voyage celebration: my wedding!! Tomorrow is the rehersal and then Saturday is the wedding. As a fit location for the start of our life-long adventure together, Jerrame and I are getting married in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio... the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.On Sunday/Monday we are transported to Springer Mountain by my parents. They will be joining us for our first hour or so to see us off (and snap a few photos of our first steps). It is a little daunting thinking that the next time we see them will be 400 miles later in VA.All of this preparation is a true test of my character: wedding AND 6 months of hiking all wrapped up into one bundle of events! But the adrenaline is pumping and I am itching to get my boots on the trail. From this point on, friends and family will be converting my letters and phone calls into journal postings. As a wedding shower gift, Jerrame and I received a SPOT transmitter so that we can send periodic signals pinpointing our location. (my mother is very happy about that simple, yet effective safety device.)Jerrame and I look forward to meeting other hikers during our journey. Best of luck to all!
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: light rain

The wedding was perfect with friends and family sharing the celebration. Now its just the two of them. Thru-hikers #584 & 585 are off on their adventure. The weather was gorgeous. Packs weighed in at 36.5 and 37 pounds - without water. (ghost-written by Mom)Got a super late start today, made it to the trail head for Springer about 3 pm. Then the hike to the official start. Mom and Dad hiked that mile with us then they went back to the car and Jerrame and I continued on to Stover Creek Shelter. We put the tent up behind the shelter; there were about 6 people in the shelter. We only did about 3.7 miles since we went one mile to the top then 2.7 from the top to the shelter. We were a little sore when we got here but not bad. Perfect weather today, low 70's and sunny. Tonight will be cool. Our first animal we saw was a gray squirrel, but I hear a Pileated Woodpecker calling and laughing at me. The trail to the start of Springer was covered in powdered mica, and the sparkles went on the rocks and up the tree trucks also. It looked like a trail of fairy dust. Supper is trail mix, beef jerky and dog food soup. Had a false start with the stove which is fitting today since today was equipment malfunction day. Our UV purifier broke and I almost lost the tip to my camelback, but all in all a very good first day. Supper is ready so bye till tomorrow.