morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Turner's Gap

To: PA Falls Creek Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 23.8

Day 80 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Weather: Windy, cloudy and cool. High temp in 60's. Some sun late in the day. Clearing with low temp tonight 45.Today's Nature: No wildlife except for rabbits.We got up shortly after 5, showered and started packing up. It was quite windy and cool...reminded me of November weather, not June. We stopped at the gasmart and got sub sandwiches made to take with us.It was after 8:30 when we got to the Trail at Turners Gap. We said our goodbyes and I was off hiking again.Almost immediately I was hiking through Maryland's Washington Monument State Park. It was the first monument ever constructed to honor George Washington. I didn't stop and look around as I had paid it a visit last summer on my 2 week hike. Just after this, the AT crosses I 40 in a caged bridge. Often, the traffic below will honk at the hikers above. Before the bridge, I stopped and signed a register someone had put in their back yard that abutts the Trail.Not far north off I 40 and .1 mile off the Trail was Pine Knob Shelter. I had tented there overnight last summer. As I was dropping by to sign the register I met String Bean and Tang on their way out. I think they said they had stayed there 3 nights...yeah, 3 nights. They said it was cheaper than staying in town.The hike went pretty well in the morning. I guess I had forgotten about the "Maryland Rocks" in the afternoon. There were plenty of them, especialy just before Pen Mar Park. I arrived at Ensign Cowall Shelter around 1:30 for a late lunch of jerky and cookies. Just before I left, Lucky and Cosmo showed up...they had hitched into town at the last intersection for lunch. Another hiker I had not met before, Typhoon, was settling in for the afternoon/night. Tang and Stringbean also stopped in. Lucky, Cosmo and I all left about 2, but it didn't take them long to pull ahead. I essentially, hiked alone all day. I passed by Devils Racecourse Shelter as I had stayed there last summer and it is a .3 mile side trail down a steep hill. I arrived at Pen Mar County Park just after 6 p.m. and the concession stand was closed. A gentleman on the bench in front suggested I stick my head in the back door and see if they had food leftover... or would sell me a soda. They did better than that. The young couple closing up gave me 2 hamburgers and a coke...some trail magic. As I walked up to the stand, there were several high school girls hanging out on the benches. They called me over and asked me all kinds of questions about my hike. They seemed quite fascinated by it.I knew that camping in the park was not allowed so I started looking for possible tent sites along the Trail north of the park. Just past the PA border at Falls Creek was a great site. It's getting dark and I'm tired. Will try to get into Fayetteville tomorrow night.Thought for the Day: "Maryland Rocks!"
Date: 2003-06-10
From: William Penn Shelter

To: PA Route 501 (Econolodge Pine Grove)
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 89 Avg Mls/Day 13.2Weather: Mostly sunny, warmer. High temp 78. Nice day.Today's Nature: Just the view of the forrest, hills and valley from Dick Kimmel Lookout.Today was a short hiking day, intentionally. Seems like I always wake up around daybreak, which is before 5 a.m. over here in the east. I roll over in my bag doze back off and on. Ate a muffin from my food bag and started packing up by 6:15...on the Trail by 7. Took my time and there were rocks. The Trail still followed the ridge and there were 2 nice overlooks. The Dick Kimmel Lookout was fantastic. You could see the valley below just like in Virginia, but it went on for miles and miles over to the next ridge east. It was a massive view.On the Trail I met a SOBO sectioner who knew me from trailjournals. "Better Day" was on the Trail for the summer and was familiar with a lot of the thru-hikers out here. We had a nice chat. He had stayed at the 501 Shelter with 14 others. He wasn't too thrilled when some of the guys showed up at 10 last night making some racket. I don't blame him. Hikers should make every effort not to disturb those trying to sleep.It only took me a few minutes this time to get a hitch into town. A local guy, William, gave me a ride to the highway interchange the other side of Pine Grove. Thanks William! The hometown restaurant was closed down but there's a McDonalds and Arbys next to the motel. As I was checking in I met the nicest fellow, Michael Rego, from PA. He and his friend were interested in my hike and we struck up quite a conversation. Michael ended up inviting me to stay overnight at his place when I pass through Bake Oven Knob, about 50 miles down the trail. I might take him up on it depending upon when I meet up with my friend Sam.The only problem with this motel is it doesn't have a coin laundry and the one in town is a mile or 2 away. So, after showering, I washed my socks, shorts and shirt in the sink and tub. I'll be in Port Clinton for a mail drop day after tomorrow and should be able to do some wash there.Did my pocket email and got some nice messages. Thanks to all for your interest. My comments on the Doyle generated some interesting responses; one from an '02 thru-hiker, Mongo, who drank "courage beers" at the Doyle to ask his bride to be's father for permission to marry. I can only imagine the memories that place has created over the years. It has a certain carisma.Heard from Mule's Mom. He is back on the Trail and doing well...about a week or so back of me. He switched to sneakers as they dry out faster in all of this wet weather. I get my new Asolo's in Port Clinton.Had lunch at Arbys and dinner at McDonalds. It will be interesting to see how difficult it will be to get a ride to the Trail tomorrow. Should be hiking 15 miles to Eagles Nest Shelter.Thought for the Day: On a clear day, you can see forever from Dick Kimmel Lookout.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: PA Route 501 (Econolodge Pine Grove)

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: moderate rain

Day 90 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Cloudy, hazy fog in morning. Cloudy in afternoon with scattered light rain showers. Some sun later. High temp of 82 or so.Today's Nature: Just a forrest full of green and rocks...lots of chipmunks.Not a lot to talk about today. Did get in touch with my friend Sam last night. We are going to meet Sunday evening in Palmerton PA near Lehigh Gap. He and his wife Betsy will be returning from a weekend trip and were nice enough to work me in their busy schedule. Remember, he's the guy who sent me 35# of candy at Four Pines. Hope some of you hikers behind me got some. I thought the Zours were particularly good hiker candy.Had breakfast at McDonald's and the continental breakfast at the motel. Took a couple of packaged danish and OJ with me. Hitched a ride to the Trail right away with a nice young local named Bryan. Thanks again Bryan and it was nice chatting with you.I was hiking NOBO at 7:45. It wasn't long before I caught up with Truck who had just left the last shelter. You will recall he was at William Penn Shelter night before last when I tented. He only went to 501 Shelter last night where he stayed with Bob, Bob & Mike and others. Sounds like they had a pretty good time...ordered pizza delivered to shelter. BB&M must have still been in the shelter as I didn't see them on the Trail.Although there were more lookouts on the Trial, I didn't bother to stop...it was just too foggy and hazy. I did stop for pastry snacks at 10 and peanut butter crackers lunch at noon. The Trail had its share of rocks but wasn't too bad. There were stretches where I walked over 2.5 mph. Hiked by myself. Met 3 young men out for a few days.Got to the shelter at 2:30. Could have gone on into Port Clinton but if I did that, I would have to take a zero tomorrow to take care of my drop boxes. Did my water right away and set up in the shelter. Not long and Mike (of Bob, Bob & Mike) stopped by to use the privy. They are going on into town tonight and camp at the city park.Not long and another NOBO, who I had never met, stops for the day. His trail name is Toe Bow and he came from 2 shelters back. Looks like we'll be the only ones here tonight unless Tang decides to stop. Truck and 2 others did come in but tented.I'm having another camp meal...Kraft macoroni & cheese with bacon bits. Trouble is I'm not that hungry but I need to eat it up. I get all of that food tomorrow.Thought for the Day: The nice thing about hiking is all you have to do is walk...you have nothing else to do...that is your job...your mission.
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Eckville Shelter

To: PA 309 Blue Mtn Summit
Miles today: 11.5

Day 93 Avg Mls/Day 13.2Weather: Partly to mostly sunny mid morning thru mid afternoon. Some afternoon clouds and evening scattered thundershowers.Today's Nature: Just squirrels, chipmunks and birds.Yes, it rained again last night and it probably will again tonight. It has already sprinkled but cleared up..maybe we'll luck out. But...it's supposed to be rain free Sunday for the next 4 days. I'll believe it when I see it.There were 7 of us in the Eckville cabin shelter. It got a little warm and stuffy with the door shut, but was still better than being outside.Everyone started to move around about 6 to 6:30. I was the first one to leave and hit the Trail at 7:30. It was not a good day for doing miles.I pretty much knew I was going to stop at the "hiker friendly" restaurant where the Trail crosses 309. I am timing tomorrow's walk to arrive in Palmerton by 2 p.m. Still no views. Stopped at Dan's Pulpit, a bunch of boulders, but there was no overlook. A group of scouts out for the weekend were gathered around. I just signed the register and moved on. The rocks for miles 2 through 8 were particlarly bad...the pointy boulders had me swearing. I stopped for a snack lunch around noon. I should have waited until I got to the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter which was only a few minutes down the Trail. When I got there I laid down to rest as it was quite pleasant. Not long before Hazmat and Jen walked in followed by Home Run. I guess his friend, Chris, was lagging behind somewhere. The hike from there to route 309 was nice and easy.I got to the Blue Mtn Summit Restaurant by 2. In the guide book, they are listed as "hiker friendly" and let you camp out back. I had a nice chicken sandwich, fries and a couple of lemonades. Hazmat and Jen came in and ate too. They decided to hike on to a tent site a couple of miles down the Trail. I set up my tent inside a nice level grove on the edge of the woods. They even furnish a picnic table and let you get water from a tap in back of the building.On the back patio I saw Home Run and Chris having lunch. I joined them and we chatted for a couple of hours while I started this entry. I had their crabmeat stuffed filet for dinner. Probably shouldn't have since I'm going to eat well tomorrow...oh well, I still have 900+ miles of backpacking ahead to get readjusted to Ramon.Thought for the Day: Okay, I only did 11 miles today, at least I didn't take a zero.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Lehigh Gap PA 248

To: Stealth Tent Site 2 m N Wind Gap PA
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 95 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Near perfect hiking weather for a change. Morning temp in mid 50's. Sunny with gentle breezes and low humidity. Highs in low 70's.Today's Nature: Biggest black snake I've seen so far...in the middle of the Trail...almost stepped on him and he didn't move. Nice deer and lots of chipmunks & squirrels.Well it's great to have friends along the Trail like Sam & Betsy. Betsy gets up at 5 and fixes the grandest breakfast. Blueberry pancakes (with real blueberries) bacon, sausage patties, sausage links, fresh fruit, coffee...so, so, nice. Sam runs me back to the Trail before he goes to the office. Before we go he gives me my choice of JustBorn candies...I take all I think I can handle. Thanks again for the wonderful trail magic hospitality!The Trail immediately climbs a rocky hill of over about 1,400'. It is nice and cool and I take my time. I couldn't have picked a better day for one of the steeper, rockier climbs of the hike. At the top of the hill the Trail goes through the middle of the Palmerton EPA Superfund Site. It is a devastated area along Blue Mtn as a result of nearly a century of zinc smelting. Revegitation efforts are underway and the area is slowly coming back to life. It looked to me like an atomic bomb had been dropped here...just dead tree stumps sticking out of rocky ground.I immediately passed what looked like 3 section hikers. I never saw them nor anyone else until late evening. I hiked alone all day. The only bad thing about today was...you guessed it..the damn rocks! They were back in almost full force. Although there were patches that weren't too bad, 75% was jagged annoying rocks in the Trail. I arrived at the Leroy Smith Shelter (about 15 miles) at 3. Although I was kind of tired, I felt it was just too early to quit hiking on such a nice day. I filled my aquamira bottle and took off. The next stop was the town of Wind Gap, 5 miles down the Trail.When I got to Wind Gap, the business district was only a mile or so east. I hithced a ride to the local pizza house with a nice young local, Sean. Thanks Sean! Had a great pizza and a fruit pastry/ice cream desert. Hitched a ride back immediately with John and his Spaniel. Thanks John!.As I was getting out of John's truck, there was Hazmat starting up the mountain. He was getting ready to stop and tent for the night so we hiked together looking for a spot. Found one about 2 miles in and we are stealth camping here together tonight. He likes Hot Tamales so I gave him a couple of boxes. We both plan to hike into Delaware Water Gap tomorrow and spend the night. Hazmats going to the church hostel while I'll probably go to a motel.BTW, found a big wood tick on my leg as I was changing into my night clothes.Thought for the Day: Good weather can change one's whole disposition.
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Stealth Tent Site 2 m N Wind Gap PA

To: Delaware Water Gap PA
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 96 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Most of the day ditto yesterday...sunny, mild, low humidity. Clouds moved in late afternoon. Calling for the return of rain tonight and tomorrow.Today's Nature: Whitetail deer. I have never seen as many chipmunks as in PA.I'm so glad I hiked past Wind Gap and tented last night on the ridge. It was perfect weather...cool, no humidity and no bugs either. I slept well in my tent.Both Hazmat and I got up before 7 and were hiking by 7:30. We did not hike together but caught up with each other several times. Within the first hour I caught up with TJ and Josh who are thru-hiking NOBO with their "rescued" husky, Caddy. I passed one SOBO who turned out to be wanted for crashing into and killing a State Trooper. As the Trail crossed Fox Gap at Route 191, Hazmat and I were taking a break. A Trooper pulls up; gets out and shows us a picture of a man they were pursuing. His name is Eric P. Daley and he had run into and killed a State Trooper in Conn while eluding police who were chasing him. He got a ride to DWG and then got on the Trail NOBO toward Wind Gap. It appeared both Hazmat and I had just passed him. I believe I had met him as we passed over some boulders and we spoke briefly. On the news tonight, I heard they did capture him where we were, so it must have been the guy we had passed.Later in the hike I caught up with Home Run. HR was one of the guys I tented with back at 309 on Saturday. We chatted for awhile. When I told him about the manhunt, he was sure it was the same person we had all passed today. In fact, he sat with guy and they talked for awhile.There were still rocky places although the Trail got somewhat better close to DWG. As I hike out tomorrow, I will say good bye to the PA Rocks! They were a pain in the butt, even though I didn't take a spill on them. I can't tell you how many times I stubbed my toes though.We all walked into town together on the Trail around 2. The Trail goes through town. It is like a small tourist stop. I ate a late lunch at the town diner. It was pretty good. Hazmat is at the church hostel while TJ and Josh are hiking on out a few miles. Not sure what Home Run did.Thought for the Day: So long PA!
Date: 2003-06-22
From: NJ94 St Thomas Episcopal Hostel (Vernon NJ)

To: St Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 101 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Rain most of the day. A low pressure system parked over us pulled in moisture from the Atlantic. Supposed to get better tonight and tomorrow. High temp in low 70's.Well, I decided last night that I wouldn't start hiking today until the rain stopped. I had put my boots in front of a fan and they actually dried out over night...and I wasn't going to start out in a soaking rain today and get to where I was last night in a couple of hours. When I told Snail how the fan dried out my boots, he put his in front of the fan; tipped them upside down and water poured out. Needless to say, he forgot to empty them last night.The rain just didn't quit until late this afternoon and I, Goldberry, Orb, L.T. (Miss Kitty), and Uuum decided to make today a zero. Snail and Sally want to finish by early August so they hiked on. No Na Me also took off but not before buying us a box of Duncan Donuts. Orb, Goldberry, L.T. and I went next door to The Mixing Bowl for breakfast. It was so popular we had to wait to get in.This morning, Typhoon walked in...tired, wet and wrung out like we were yesterday.   BTW, he just got through being treated for Lyme Disease which he discovered a few days ago. The people here at St Thomas are wonderful. They told us we were welcome to stay a 2nd night because of the weather...even if the shelter reaches the 12 person maximum. They also invited us to their coffee after church and offered to shuttle us to Walmart or any other place we may need to go. A member, Dave, took Orb and me to Walmart this afternoon where we picked up a couple of snack items. There is a "hiker refrigerator" with leftover and donated items. We had pastries this morning and ice cream and soda last night. They have a box of hiker supplies for sale at cost. They haven't left out much.We all walked a half mile down the street to the Dairy Queen for dinner. I had a BBQ, fries and a large chocolate shake. I think we're going back to The Mixing Bowl for breakfast.I really would like to hike. This coming week looks dry, but hot. A week without rain...I'll believe it when I see it.Thought for the Day: Let the sunshine in!
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brian Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 103 Avg Mls/Day 13.4Weather: Sunny and warmer High temp around 90. Last night cooled down in the 60's.Today's Nature: Deer, squirrels and chipmunks...I've never seen so many chipmunks.Slept pretty well last night...it was cool enough to wear long johns and the tent kept the mosquitoes at bay.   I could here them buzzing outside.Tow Bow and I both got up around 5:30. He eats a big breakfast and I don't, so I left before he did at 7. The Trail climbed past Fitzgerald Falls which was quite nice. I think Goldberry, Orb and LT were camped nearby. Because of the climbs, rocks and ups & downs I barely averaged 2 miles an hour most of the day. Around 10 I stopped at West Mombasha Rd for some water left by Trail Angels. Soon, Typhoon, Orb and LT showed up. Typhoon headed down the road to the deli while the rest of us hiked on one by one. BTW, there was no view of NYC in a distance as described in the guide...it must be when the leaves are off the trees. It took me until 1 to reach NY Route 17. I was hot and felt like a nice lunch so I hitched a couple of miles down the road to the Red Apple Restaurant. It was a big attraction to tourists in the 30's when the interstate wasn't around. Got a ride there with Harry there and back with Rusty. Thanks guys! Had a big meatloaf dinner and a lot of cold drinks. Actually, I probably ate too much as I was dragging all afternoon.Not long after getting back on the Trail after lunch I caught up with Tow Bow and Typhoon. The 3 of us hiked on and off together. Typhoon stopped at the next shelter while Tow Bow and I hiked on.Late in the afternoon I came to the "lemon squeezer." As you probably guessed, the Trail went through a tight squeeze. I had to take off my pack and through it up over one side to get through. Whoever decided to take the Trail through it could have taken it around it. At around 4:30 I came to the intersection of Arden Valley Road. There, I met Terry and Joyce who were meeting their son, Dumpy who was "slackpacking" NOBO. They took me down the road to the swim/picnic park at Lake Tiorati so I could get a soda and ice cream out of the machines there. There I saw Orb, LT, Goldberry, Snail and Sally. All I believe had gone swimming in the lake. I would have too had it not been so late and the beach closed at 5:30. I was back on the Trail looking for a place to stealth camp. Almost stopped at one possible site but ended up going another 5 miles to William Brien. Tow Bow was here with his hammock already set up and cooking supper. A man is here with his 2 young sons. I helped them start a camp fire. Snail and Sally showed up late as did 2 section hikers. I believe that's it for the night.Tomorrow is the Bear Mountain area. I may make it a short day and stay at the Bear Mountain Inn.Thought for the Day: Summer is here and darn it's hot!
Date: 2003-06-25
From: William Brian Memorial Shelter

To: Bear Mtn Bridge Ft Montgomery NY
Miles today: 8.9

Day 104 Avg Mls/Day 13.3Weather: Sunny and hot...high temp 91. Humidity not bad but very hot in the sun.Today's Nature: Deer...almost tame and a pretty fawn. Both just stood and watched me go by.Falls today 0 hike 4Being a somewhat short distance day it felt like a lot more. It brought back memories of last summer's hike when I required lots of water and got very tired in the heat.It wasn't bad sleeping last night. It was nice and cool after midnight. By the time I broke camp around 7, Tow Bow was the only still around. The hike through NY hasn't been all that easy and today was no exception. It was a lot of climbing over ridges...lots of ups and downs. After the first hour or so the heat became a factor. As I climbed several hundred feet climbs, I tired easily and took numerous breaks. I averaged less than 2 miles per hour.As I passed over Palisades Parkway I noticed the sign saying 35 miles to NYC. Hard to believe we were that close out here in the woods. There were some nice viewpoints today, especially of the hills behind that we just walked.When I climbed Bear Mtn at noon I stopped at Perkins Tower. Although there was no water as indicated in the guidebook, there was a coke machine which tasted so good. I ran into Tow Bow there and we took each other's pictures in front of this structure that I believe was built in the 30's. We then hiked together down hill to the Bear Mountain Lodge. There we met Trail Angel Gene, a section hiker, that offered to shuttle us anywhere we needed to go. He ran us into the grocery and the ATM. After we took the Trail through the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center, Tow Bow hiked on and Gene took me to the Bear Mtn Bridge Motel where I am spending the night. He came back and ran Typhoon (who is staying at the Inn) and me to the laundromat.I want to mention how neat it was to hike through this "small zoo." Tow Bow said he finally got to see a black bear. There was also a memorial to Walt Whitman in the park. The animals on exhibit are native to the area and are disabled in some manner and unable to survive in the wild.Tomorrow may be another tough hike. It is supposed to reach the upper 90's. If that's the case, I'll probably hike less than 20 miles to a tent site instead of 25 miles to the next shelter.Thought for the Day: I can't help it...it's the heat.