morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-06
From: 1080.2 5 Way Gravel Rd Intersection

To: 1095.6 PA233 Intersection AT Museum
Miles today: 15.4

AH, the joy of a flat line topography made even better by the beauty of the Mountain Laurels, cool 60¢s, soft ground and bright skies. Not to mention that I am slack packing again. I probably will not walk 2.93 miles/hr too many days on the trail. The lower section of PA is easy ¢ the upper third will be rocky. Today I crossed the true 1092.2 half way point ¢ HORRAY! Shortly after that I was in Pine Grove Furnace State Park with its lovely stone buildings housing the AT museum and grocery where the ¢Half gallon Challenge¢ takes palce. As hikers walk by they stop, buy their choice of Hershey¢s Ice Cream and eat the Half gallon. It was easy for me to do ¢ Moosetracks. For my consumption efforts I received a stamped ¢member¢ spoon. Fun! One Half complete! 80 Days. Average Daily miles 13.65.Ascent 1440 Descent -- Duration 5 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-06-07
From: 1095.6 PA233 Intersection AT Museum

To: 1115.0 Bucher Hill Rd
Miles today: 19.4

A quick day into Boiling Springs. Was comfortably settled into a nice room at the Allenberry Inn and Dinner Theater Resort. They have lodging for hikers, cater to fly fishing people too, and are famous for Sticky buns. I was in early enough to miss a big thunderstorm and downpour. The photo today shown the trail diverging. When hiking you are always looking for the white blaze and hope that you are going in the correct direction. North for me! Blue blazes mark side trails, trails to shelters and to water sources at the shelters. Old Goose has a tee short showing a white blaze saying ¢Two paths diverged in the woods. I took the one with the White blaze¢¦ and that made all the difference..Ascent -- Descent -- Duration 5 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-06-08
From: 1115.0 Bucher Hill Rd

To: 1131.7 PA850
Miles today: 16.7

A southbound day back to the theater resort. The easiest hiking day yet. Hiked along fields some corn, hay and beans. Ended the day with going to the theater production of Honkey Tonk Angels. I couldn¢t hold out to the end of the show at 10 and walked back to the room ¢ Hiker Midnight is 9pm for me. The corn is well ahead of ¢knee high by the 4th¢ rule ¢ that¢s the 4th of July..Ascent -- Descent -- Duration 6 hr 25 Mins
Date: 2012-06-09
From: 1131.7 PA850

To: 1140.8 Duncannon
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Had a leisurely breakfast at the Allenberry Resort. What a nice place with terrific hiker rates for meals, lodging and theater. Started today¢s hike at 9:30 ¢ late for sure. Knocked off the 9 miles in three hours with rocks on the ridge and descent for 6 miles. That is the beauty of slack packing I guess and having hiked for 83 days. The Doyle Hotel in Duncannon is a unique century old place ¢ Hiker Place in a hiker town. The owners Pat and Vickie are extremely nice and the bar is like stepping back in time. A good place for Antelope (Andy) to come down from Ma to meet me. It will be wonderful to see him and our friends in nearby Lebanon Pa. for a few days.Ascent -- Descent -- Duration 6 hr 25 Mins
Date: 2012-06-10
From: 1140.8 Duncannon

To: 1158.8 PA325
Miles today: 18.0

The Doyle visit worked out well. The climb out of town from the Susquehanna River up to the Ledgey Ridge took about 1.5 hours. Rocky! I was very happy to have Andy waiting at the end of the hike today. It was especially wonderful to have our friends open their home to us. Myself and my hiking companions were happy and fortunate to relax and be fed in a home after three months on the trail..Ascent 2630 Descent 2480 Duration 6 hr 25 Mins
Date: 2012-06-11
From: 1158.8 PA325

To: 1176.2 PA72
Miles today: 17.4

The day started with seeing a black bear cross in front of us in the road on the way to a trail. Then Old Goose just about stepped on a rattle snake about 3 hours into the hike. It never coiled, just rattled as it crossed the trail. At about 4 feet, I kept my distance. Then it was a black Rat snake which Old Goose provoked so that it coiled, then amazingly ¢stood up¢ about a foot to reach a hemlock branch and proceeded to climb into the tree. Finally I saw an orange marked tortoise. The ridge trail was easier than yesterday. Once again I was happy to have Andy pick us up and to spend another evening with our friends. The weather is looking stormy. It will not be a pleasant to start a 5 day ¢full¢ pack stint in heavy rain. We will see what tomorrow brings.Ascent 2220 Descent 2240 Duration 7 hr 10 Mins
Date: 2012-06-12
From: 1176.2 PA72

To: 1193.2 Hartline Camp Site
Miles today: 17.0

A rainy day with downpours forecasted for our first full pack day after 10 straight days of ¢slackin it¢ The pack felt fine. Wiser hikers would have accepted our friends invitation to stay and relax today rather than venture out in the rain. I¢m in my tent now at 6:15 warm and dry so the day in the rain doesn¢t feel so bad now. I should get an ¢F¢ today in navigation. We blew by the second shelter and lunch stop (shelter from rain) at 12.8. It was the first on a road and I missed that point. I couldn¢t get the Bic to light my stove or Old Goose¢s weather matches ¢ Flint and stick surface failures. So no hot dinner for me tonight. It¢s a good thing I had a huge home cooked breakfast and have been very well fed of late. Sadly, Andy had to go home, It sure was great to have him helping me and shuttling us..Ascent 2670 Descent 1800 Duration 7 hr 40 Mins
Date: 2012-06-13
From: 1193.2 Hartline Camp Site

To: 1211.7 Port Clinton
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Woke up to a clearing day which ended up fall like ¢ 60¢s, blue sky and fresh breezes. The rain made the bottom of my tent muddy so I floated it on a stream and hung it up on my bear line before leaving at 8:00. Ended and almost 36 mile ridge walk this afternoon with a steep descent to the rail tracks that carry coal. My feet took a bit of a beating on the rocks today. It was good to get off of them. I met two trail club people on the trail who were inventorying American chestnut trees growing in near the trail. They pointed some out. The idea is to repopulate the ae with them since it appears to be original habitat. I¢m not sure what will keep the blight from the new trees. Both the Port Clinton Hotel and the Peanut Shop next door are like stepping back in time. Had ¢Hot Bologna¢ bar food and Yuengling from nearby Pottsville, then PA Dutch Style Chicken stew. From the vast selection of all kinds of candies, nuts, and old fashioned penny candies I got various handmade chocolates, Macadamia nuts and chocolate covered nuts for the trail ¢ Yum! My trip average is 13.9 miles/day. At 14 miles/day I would finish in 87 days ¢ just as many more as I have been on the trail today.Ascent 1630 Descent 2420 Duration 8 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-06-14
From: 1211.7 Port Clinton

To: 1226.5 Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Extra time spent today after the first hour¢s ascent to call home. There was a nice overlook on the ridge with the PA. farm valley below. I like farm country. Of course it is Anthracite coal mining and railroad country too but I cannot see the mines. Night temps were in the 50¢s and getting close to 75 as the day progressed. Old Goose discovered that he left his camera etc at the hotel after the hour ascent. Retrieving that added a couple hours to his hike but he had caught up with me by the end of the day. The shelter here is nicely maintained by a caretaker who resides in a house on the road we¢re tenting across from. The spot is a mowed lawn area. It is open and less buggy. The mosquitoes have made an unwelcomed appearance but it is not bad yet. The hikers called for pizza delivery so I split a steak and cheese Stromboli in addition to my dinner. Eat a lot while you can was my logic. I looked at the snakes in PA poster in the shelter. I have seen both ¢phases¢ of the Timber Rattler ¢ Black and Yellow.Ascent 2620 Descent 2330 Duration 7 hr 45 Mins
Date: 2012-06-15
From: 1226.5 Eckville Shelter

To: 1243.9 Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tedious concentration over rocks for the first 5 miles. Then a reprieve. Then extra hard scrambles across the knife edge and finally arrive at Bake oven knob later in the day. Now staying at the oldest shelter in PA built in 1935. PA has been a great state to hike in. It is known for its rocks and today they started in earnest. Just 44 miles left in PA. Tomorrow the trail goes through superfund area where zinc smelting fallout denuded the area. It¢s a difficult stretch to plan for water and camping.Ascent 2390 Descent 1630 Duration 9 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-06-16
From: 1243.9 Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: 1259.0 Camp Site
Miles today: 15.1

Don¢t let the low ascent numbers fool you. The trail is now 2/3 ankle breaker rock jumbles including the steep 1K climb up onto the ridge from Lehigh River. Parts required tossing the poles above and hauling yourself up. The 5 mile long ridge is a Superfund site. It was once completed denuded from zinc smelting fallout from the factory below. The area is mined. Parts of the ridge have plants, other areas are just rocky. Eventually it will grow back where soil hasn¢t been lost to erosion. Still enjoying good weather, high 70¢s day, 50¢s night.Ascent 1694 Descent 1499 Duration 9 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-06-17
From: 1259.0 Camp Site

To: 1277.8 Campsite
Miles today: 18.8

Yesterday is the first day in 90 days I have not hiked with Trog. He will be hiking solo now. I will continue with Old Goose. Trog and I have shared so many milestones over 1200 miles. I am looking forward to both of us successfully completing our thru-hikes. Last night at the camp site after Old Goose and I were in our tents (8:30) I heard what I thought were hikers coming down the trail late as they are prone to do. Tromp, crunch, crash ¢ closer and closer. Hmm, this doesn¢t sound right and it¢s getting close. Old Goose¢s tent was close to the edge of the ridge. Zip- Zip, then Zip-Zip again from his tent and then loud crashing through the woods. ¢Old Goose ¢ Whats up?¢ I called. Zip-Zip again ¢ ¢A bear just went by¢ he said. He heard the bear huffing up over the ridge. The breeze was blowing away from the bear. When Old Goose opened his tent to see what the noise was and saw the bear huffing towards him he quickly zipped it shut. The bear kept on going, right by the tent. I just heard it. They¢re around. Keep the food bags hung. It was a bear on a mission ¢ not us!Ascent 694 Descent 625 Duration 9 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-06-18
From: 1277.8 Campsite

To: 1292.9 Backpacker Campsite
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

7:50 PM and a deer just walked by my tent. We are camped in an open grassy ridge with tall oaks, some down and burned apparently from a fire long ago. I¢m looking west at lower ridges hoping that the front I see will continue to hold off. The deer was unphased. The food is in a bear box. There are several across the ridge. Well, today I completed hiking through Pennsylvania and am now just 5 miles into New Jersey having crossed the Delaware River and the gap. Wow, the last 18 days from Harpers Ferry to here have flown by. Pa was a great state to hike through. Now sever states to go and under 900 miles.Ascent 1317 Descent 1625 Duration 10 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-06-19
From: 1292.9 Backpacker Campsite

To: 1309.8 Campsite
Miles today: 16.9

An overcast morning but packed up dry at 6:30. Hiked by a National Natural landmark - Sunfish Pond ¢ about a mile north. I¢ve heard of Historic Landmarks but ¢Natural¢ is new to me. Some Mountain laurel was still in bloom along the gray rocky area and I could smell Clethra (sweat pepper bush) one of my favorite scents. Hiking over the other side of the ridge was wet with blowing fog. After a couple of hours Old Goose and I descended to the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center. It has bunk houses and a central gathering room. We took showers (6th day on the trail), had sandwiches and bought sandwiches to go. A good stop. Matt was very helpful. Appalachian Mountain club facilities are very nice. The day has cleared now at 7:30. Tomorrow is to be in the high 90¢s. I preferred the 60¢s and low 70¢s today.Ascent 1143 Descent 1233 Duration 7 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-06-20
From: 1309.8 Campsite

To: 1325.0 Deckertown TPK
Miles today: 15.2

A hot day to mid 80¢s and 100 percent humidity. Rocks and ledges in the shade glistened with moisture all day. From 1300 ¢ 1500 ft ridge you could see an inviting lake and wooded countryside. NJ is reminding me of home territory..Ascent 1308 Descent 1395 Duration 7 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-06-21
From: 1325.0 Deckertown TPK

To: 1341.6 Wallkill River
Miles today: 16.6

Today is Hike Naked day for Thru-Hikers. Just boots and packs. Optional of course. Fortunately I saw no one doing this despite a 90¢s day. The route today was through High Point State park which goes over the highest point in NJ and site of the 220 ft War veterans of NJ granite tower at 1700 ft. Once again I am lucky to slack pack with Old Goose and his wife from Il. Trog has joined us again having caught up with us yesterday..Ascent 529 Descent 1435 Duration 7 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-06-22
From: 1341.6 Wallkill River

To: 1357.7 Long House Dr
Miles today: 16.1

Day two(18 total I believe) slack packing. High heat and humidity prevailed until the end of the hike. We made it into the car just minutes before a thunderstorm broke. Good to carry less weight in the heat and to be dry. Another interesting route. This time in marsh areas over board walks and several rocky climbs. Stopped at lunchtime at a roadside farm and nursery where I had a root beer float and a homemade donut with my lunch. While we have seen hikers on the trail, there are just a handful of thru-hikers, all new people to us. Where did everyone go?..Ascent 1926 Descent 1164 Duration 8 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-06-23
From: 1357.7 Long House Dr

To: 1373.0 West Mombasha Rd
Miles today: 15.3

Day 3 (total 19) slack packing. The rain yesterday early evening cleared the air. Started hiking under blue skies and a fresh breeze, 70 degrees. It reached mid 80¢s today but what a switch. We reached the Nj/NY border just 2.3 miles into the hike. Now 8 states complete. I enjoyed the ledges, some scrambles and open woods today. Had my lunch at the ¢Wildcat¢ shelter and finished up about 3:15. Spoke with a gentleman doing trail maintenance. He said that the area was covered by a 1000 ft thick glacier 15000 years ago and pointed out glacial erratics. I forgot to ask him about the white scented azalea that I saw earlier in the day. It reminded me of the Pink Azaleas in bloom many miles ago. Today we hiked over Prospect Rock, the highest point on the AT in NY at 1433..Ascent 702 Descent 2040 Duration 7 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-06-24
From: 1373.0 West Mombasha Rd

To: 1389.7 Palisades Pkway
Miles today: 16.7

Today¢s features were a morning through ¢agony grind¢ culminating in the ¢Lemon Squeezer¢ and ending with a view of the NYC skyline about 55 miles away. Instead of following ridges, we were going over small ones. Lots of ledge, cliffs, and pretty open woods. We passed only one thru-hiker, Wolverine, who I have not met before and see only a couple of people that I recognize registered ahead of us in the shelters. I am hoping that the numbers going through the Whites in NH are low when I am there since it will be easier to stay in the huts..Ascent 2022 Descent 2507 Duration 8 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-06-25
From: 1389.7 Palisades Pkway

To: 1406.8 Old Albany Rd
Miles today: 17.1

Day 5 (Total 21) slack packing. At 6:30am there was a terrific thunderstorm. Fortunately it subsided enough to start the hike in light fog and drizzle. The sun came out a bit later while hiking over Bear mtn. The AT and NY/NJ conservancies built an amazing stone step trail up and over the 1300 ft Mountain down to the Bear mountain State park. There is a zoo and the bear cage marks the lowest point on the AT at 166 ft. Bear Mtn is also where the AT trail was first worked on. We then crossed the Hudson by walking over the Bear Mountain Bridge. What a nice day. It would have finished better witout the late afternoon downpour and thunderstorm!.Ascent 2669 Descent 2133 Duration 9 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-06-26
From: 1406.8 Old Albany Rd

To: 1422.9 Horntown Rd
Miles today: 16.1

Day 6 (total 22) slack packing. Yesterday I saw my first fawns. Two with four does. Then a 4 point buck. They were below me in the open oak woods with a grass and low bush blueberry understory. They looked beautiful with their brown showing against the green. The buck was extremely wary and eventually ¢found¢ me watching. Today is my 100th day on the trail ¢ 14.2 miles a day average. Also passed the Dover Oak today ¢ huge - with a circumference of over 20 feet. Then shortly after seeing the oak a most unusual wooden water tower was in one of the fields. It was constructed like a huge slated oaken bucket..Ascent 1437 Descent 1295 Duration 8 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-06-27
From: 1422.9 Horntown Rd

To: 1439.7 Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

A finer breezy day with a high of 75. We met three young men thru-hikers, Honest Abe, Chicken Little and Guac. Currently listening to wood thrushes (7:30PM). Have had a pleasant visit with a woman (Flower Child) tenting across from me who lives in NYC. She is an AMC leader and gives AMC talks on Ultra-light backpacking. She is out for a four day solo section. There are buses from NYC to this area. Tomorrow we will walk by the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station which has services to NYC on weekends. Not in the plan to make a trip but it would be fun...Ascent 1608 Descent 1317 Duration 8 hr 15 Mins
Date: 2012-06-28
From: 1439.7 Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: 1457.9 Schaghticoke Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

I have crossed the NY border and into CT! A breezeless humid day in the 80¢s. The original plan was for a light 12.8 day but after reaching the 10 mile shelter and river we decided to continue another 5.4 miles which added a 1000ft climb to the day. The last few tenths over rocky ledges and then up a steep hill along a rocky stream never ended. Well, when it did, I think it¢s the uncertainty at the end of the day of finding a site and one with water makes it difficult. Ending up at shelters is easier but usually not as nice an experience....Ascent 2831 Descent 1628 Duration 10 hr 40 Mins
Date: 2012-06-29
From: 1457.9 Schaghticoke Mtn Campsite

To: 1470.6 River Rd.
Miles today: 12.7

A steep descent to the Housatonic River today. Another 80¢s high humidity day. The bonus was having Andy meet us with a warm welcome, cool drinks, and sandwiches at the trail head. What a treat! We are staying at Maria¢s Hostel in Salisbury and of course headed out for dinner..Ascent 1464 Descent 811 Duration 7 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-06-30
From: 1470.6 River Rd.

To: 1483.8 US 7, CT112
Miles today: 13.2

Day 23 slack packin.. What a relief in the heat! Badger joined us to slack pack these two days. The group slack picture shows Trog, me, Badger, and Old Goose. The heat has been taking its toll on thru-hikers. I invited Badger to slack with us from the hostel.   We had met him yesterday on the trail. In his words ¢today he felt demoralized and ill¢. This stay and food in town will certainly help.Ascent 1457 Descent 1522 Duration 7 hr 30 Mins
Date: 2012-07-01
From: 1483.8 US 7, CT112

To: 1494.6 Salisbury Ct.
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 24 slack packin...We cut the mileage for the day back from 20 to 10.8 miles. Ended the day back to the Hostel at 12:00 and 90 degrees temp. We needed time to plan the next 5 days, resupply, and laundry and yes once again, eat.Ascent ---- Descent ---- Duration 4 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-07-02
From: 1494.6 Salisbury Ct.

To: 1508.1 Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

¢The song of the Open Road¢ Walt Whitman. ¢ A foot and a light heart I take to the road. The long path before me leading wherever I choose. Henceforth I ask not good fortune, I myself am Good Fortune. Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms. Strong and content I travel the open Road!¢.Ascent 3245 Descent 1963 Duration -- hr -- Mins
Date: 2012-07-03
From: 1508.1 Glen Brook Shelter

To: 1524.4 MA23
Miles today: 16.4

The day started with missing a left .6 out of Glen Brook Shelter. 40 mins later we were back up the hill and off on the White blazed trail correctly. Whew ¢ and I thought that I was doing well with a 7:30 start to help avoid the heat. I did so well yesterday. Back to reality carrying the pack with three days of supplies. I felt so much more energized due in part to the wonderful help that Andy gave and the humidity having lifted. I liked the trail too with graded switchbacks; then climbing to a ridge of unusual old hemlock groves; then across a cliff ridge and ending at a beautiful camp site under old hemlocks. I didn¢t mention the best part, which was a brook side hike in a ravine which I crossed into Massachusetts. Yesterday was a great welcome back to my home state. Well, back to today. Another ¢detour¢ was an unnecessary mile to a restaurant that wasn¢t open on Tuesday. At least it had covered picnic tables and an outdoor water source. It was a hot day today. Old Goose had planned that our end point today was the Eastern Mountain Hostel not knowing that it was 1.5 miles off of the trail. We did stay there and it was a good place. I met the Noodle Heads ¢ Rigatoni and Angel hair and Frenchy. Nice thru-hikers. It rained during the night so being in a bunk worked out.Ascent 1364 Descent 2276 Duration 10 hr 00 Mins
Date: 2012-07-04
From: 1524.4 MA23

To: 1540.8 Goose pond Rd
Miles today: 16.4

Another muggy day in the upper 70¢s. The Berkshires are more verdant now ¢ ferns and moss but you can see that it is essentially drought conditions. Good news for us keeping biting insects at bay. Black flies, mosquitoes and deer flies are all out to some degree. I¢m finding the deer flies to be the worst. Like clockwork, we were picked up at 4:00 by Old Gooses friend to stay two nights at their Berkshire Mtn Camp. Very enjoyable already.Ascent 1899 Descent 1799 Duration 08 hr 40 Mins
Date: 2012-07-05
From: 1540.8 Goose pond Rd

To: 1557.7 Blotz Rd
Miles today: 16.9

Day 25 slack packing. A fresher breeze today and a late start ¢ 9:15. The 90 mile stretch of Mass resembles a bathtub. We covered the southern elevations already climbing Mt Everett (2600) and will climb Mt Greylock (3491) Saturday. The middle today easy hiking with soft ground skirting swampy areas and ponds. Fortunately the boardwalks are unneeded covering moist but not water covered or muddy areas right now. I saw moose tracks for the first time on the AT and met my first SOBO or southbound hikers who started from Katadin May 31st. They have covered 630 Miles. One named Angry Bird from having Goshawk dive at his head and the other simply named Dave. A trail icon is the Cookie lady. She and her husband run a blueberry farm. Hikers stop by to pick, camp, or like ourselves get chocolate chip cookies that she makes. A very nice lady and tradition..Ascent 1974 Descent 724 Duration 07 hr 45 Mins
Date: 2012-07-06
From: 1557.7 Blotz Rd

To: 1572.9 Cheshire Ma.
Miles today: 15.2

Day 26 of slack packing with Old Goose¢s wife out from Chicago area again.. There were sweet ferns as an understory along the path today. Off to my right I heard some noise among the ferns. Off went an adolescent black bear who had been hidden from my perspective in the ferns. I signaled to Old Goose coming up behind since I thought there was something else and sure enough another bear was moving away slowly then pausing to sniff. Eventually it ambled off easily disappearing into the woods. All of this occurring at a fair distance. I don¢t know what they were doing (Hot Berkshire Bears napping?) and didn¢t go over to investigate. Perhaps resting on a hot day in the ferns whose scent is a favorite of mine. In the evening we met our Berkshire host and hostess for dinner and exchange the slack pack items. Their gracious hospitality is very much appreciated.Ascent 1974 Descent 724 Duration 07 hr 30 Mins