morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-25
From: Vernon, NJ.

To: High Point Shelter, NJ.
Miles today: 18.9

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY NIECE DIANE.The hotel owner shuttled me back to the trailhead and I was hiking south at 7 am.At the first road crossing I came to there was trail magic. Sodas and fruit, which I passed up because I had just left town and was well fed and resupplied. I left what I would have taken for someone who needed it.Shortly after passing the trail magic a baby fox ran across my path.I walked over a swamp on a boardwalk that was six tenths of a mile long. A lady was walking toward me with a large camera as I was hiking through the Wallkill Preserve. She said there was a large bear walking right down the Appalachian Trail and she showed me the picture she took of the bear. She said she stopped but the bear kept right on walking towards her and she wasn't taking any chances so she was heading back to her car. For clarification I asked where the bear was and she said coming toward us right down the trail. "Oh, I said, a north bound bear?" She said, "Yes, he doesn't seem aggressive but he kept paying no attention to me."As she was leaving she called back when she saw I was continuing on, "Are you going to take a chance?" "Yes," I said," That's my path to home."As I rounded the bend, I saw the bear. It was big and even though it noticed me it kept on coming. It was definitely a north bound bear coming right down the trail. I stopped but it didn't, just like she said. As I was standing there eighty yards away, I wondered if Davy Crockett really did wrestle a bear? I was hoping it would decide to do a flip flop and go in another direction. As the bear was lazily swaggering toward me, I raised my sticks over my head and banged them together. It did not like this sound and immediately ran off the trail.I felt relieved that the bear did decide to do a flip flop. I was glad I didn't have to use my next weapon, "My Whistle", or my ultimate weapon, blowing my whistle and banging my sticks together at the same time.I did not see the bear as I walked past where he had exited the woods. This is the first bear I have seen since Shenandoah National Park. In total I have seen five bears on this journey.I stopped at The Murray Property two tenths of a mile off trail for lunch. The nice fellow allows backpackers to tent on his big expensive property and he has drinking water, a shower, and a privy. Inside the little house he lets us use his electric. If you need to charge your cell phone you can. A real trail angel. Thank you.I saw a mother deer and her baby today. They remind me of the deer around our home, on the tame side.I passed by two north bounders who have been doing the Appalachian trail in segments for thirty years. What dedication and perseverance one must have to do this.As I was hiking through the meadows and small farms I noticed something I have not seen in many years, people hanging their washed clothes out on the clothesline. I can remember when my mom used to hang our clothes out to dry.This is a nice shelter and finally one with a good water source. I am in my tent and there is an animal out there somewhere howling.Good night.09-04
Date: 2014-08-26
From: High Point Shelter, NJ.

To: Brink Road Shelter, NJ.
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

I was up at 5 am as usual doing my work with my headlamp on. When I was ready to start hiking it was light out.Water continues to be a problem and at the next shelter I went past, I noticed somebody had shipped up about four five gallon containers of water. It's much appreciated because otherwise we would not have any water to drink. Thank you whoever you are.At the third shelter I had lunch. They had a water source, a spring with frogs in it so the water has to be treated. Also there was a notice on the shelter wall that north of this shelter water is almost nonexistent. So maybe the water situation going south will improve.As I passed US 206 at Culvers Gap, NJ, I stopped at the Gyps Tavern and had a half pound hamburger, fries, and several sodas. It was about 200 yards off trail. I sat on the back patio next to the lake with two south bounders. There was a nice breeze coming off the lake with a bright sun while I was in the shade. I was allowed to charge my cell phone there.While sitting there a lady started asking me all kinds of questions about the Appalachian Trail. She said she was a journalist and it's her job to ask questions. She wanted to know if I was documenting my journey and I told her yes. She said I should make it into a book. I told her if I do that, it's several years away because when I get home I have a lot I want to tend to. I already have a work list on my cell phone that will keep me busy for at least a year. She took the web address and said she was going to read it.I left the tavern and started hiking the last four miles of the day.This shelter is nice. It looks like a house with a porch and it's up on stilts. I am a little worried tonight because there are signs all over the place that bears have been active at this shelter and I am tenting about fifty yards from there. I am sort of the lone point man.The water source here is good. You can see it coming up out of the ground cold and clear, but not flowing at a great rate.Time for bed.Good night.09-03
Date: 2014-08-27
From: Brink Road Shelter, NJ.

To: Backpacker Campsite, NJ.
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: few clouds

No bear activity that I know of last night.It was mainly a ridge walk today. I was in the sun a lot because I was at the top of the mountains most of the day.People keep telling me they have seen rattlesnakes in their path. I haven't seen a rattlesnake but I have seen many garter type snakes in this area. I really don't want to see one, but if I do, I hope I spot the snake before it sees me.I stopped at about the fifteen mile mark of my hike today and went off trail three tenths of a mile to the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center. There I bought a Reuben Sandwich, some drinks, and some snacks. I also charged my phone and got water. They had a week old copy of The New York Times that I read while eating and even though the paper was a week old, most of what I read was news to me.After eating, I sluggishly made my way to this campsite which was another five miles south. There has been a bear sighting here today and the folks are nervous.There is hardly any water here and what water there is you have to share with the frogs because they live in it.I am in my tent listening to people calling out to the bear over the side of the hill. I don't know why they are yelling at it?My tent is just barely going to make it to the end. My structure poles are broken and I piece meal them together every night. Also the zipper on the main tent separates. I will keep nursing it along.The crickets are chirping and it's dark.Good night09-02
Date: 2014-08-28
From: Backpacker Campsite, NJ.

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA.
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: few clouds

GOODBYE NEW JERSEY I ENJOYED WALKING YOUR TRAILS. HELLO PENNSYLVANIA, OH HOW I HAVE PINED FOR YOU. COME ON BOOTS, TAKE ME HOME TO MAMA.Last night after the bear scare, several people moved their tents closer together in a different location so they would feel safer.I slept really well last night but I need it because of all the extra miles I have been hiking since Williamstown, Massachusetts. They started to hurt my legs.I was up at 5 am packing my gear in the dark. I only had to hike five miles into town and my plan was to have a nice big breakfast, so I didn't need to cook this morning.At about 8 am I crossed over The Delaware River into Pennsylvania and continued to the small town of The Delaware Water Gap, PA.I did get that good large breakfast and accompanied by a phone call with my wife and reading The New York Times, it was very enjoyable.I then checked into The Pocono Inn and started the usual town chores and resting my legs. I purchased new super feet shoe inserts for my boots to help cushion the next 75 miles of rocks that I will be hiking over. Hopefully this will be my last town layover before I see my family next week. I can't wait to be with them.We only have 76 miles to go. Thank you so much for being with me.Now let's take it home.Good day.09-02
Date: 2014-08-29
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA.

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter, PA.
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The restaurant was supposed to open at 6 am but it was still closed, so I went to a gas station mini mart and bought coffee and a breakfast sandwich. After eating I set off for the trailhead but as I walked back by the restaurant it had opened so I went inside and ordered and ate again.I was hiking by 7 am. I could hear the I-80 corridor traffic all the way up to Mt. Minsi (1461) and beyond. I always get a little sad when I leave a town and the traffic noises behind. To me it's like leaving home again.I stopped at The Kirkridge Shelter about 10 am for a snack and to get water and shortly thereafter I hiked over the Wolf Rocks.At PA 33, the road to Wind Gap, I stopped and sat on a log in the shade for lunch.After that it was only five miles to this shelter. This shelter has three water springs. Two are dried up so I had to walk a half a mile to the third spring to get water. Round trip one mile. You have to do what you have to do.I am in my tent listening to my radio and getting tired.Good night09-02
Date: 2014-08-30
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter, PA.

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter, PA.
Miles today: 16.7

I made my breakfast, packed up, and was hiking by 7 am.I hiked over a lot of rocks again today. You have to keep your eyes on the trail so you don't trip but by doing this you miss a lot. Blazes and signs are easy to miss. I walked up on a tent with a large dog in it and it barked and startled me. Normally I would have seen the tent from way off. When you get to flat ground it feels good on your feet. I ate a snack with another hiker at Little Gap Road. There was trail magic there in the form of water, snack bars, and muffins. Thank you Trail Angel.I ate lunch overlooking the Lehigh Gap near the Palmerton Superfund Site.It's rumored that the descent down to Lehigh Gap is the steepest descent south of New Hampshire. It was a little nerve racking and reminded me of New Hampshire's rocky slopes.There is a nice spring water source here at this shelter. I am in the shelter tonight because there aren't any tent sites. One other person is with me in here. He is a section hiker hiking over the long weekend.Good night.09-02
Date: 2014-08-31
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter, PA.

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter, PA.
Miles today: 16.8

THIS 2014 APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU-HIKE IS DEDICATED TO ALL OF MY GRANDCHILDREN. "DREAM YOUR DREAMS, WORK HARD, AND REACH FAR FOR THEM." POP POPI was up at 5 am and was quiet as could be so as not to disturb the sleeping backpacker. After breakfast at 5:45, I was hiking south. I had to use my headlamp because of the darkness. I correctly figured that the reason it was so dark was because it was very overcast.Within two miles of starting my hike I was hiking over The Lehigh Tunnel. Some folks say they can hear the cars going through the tunnel on top of the mountain. I listened but could not hear any tunnel noises.I hiked until 1:30 before I stopped for lunch. I wanted to eat lunch at a restaurant on PA 309 two tenths of a mile off the trail. It was part of the Blue Mountain Summit B&B. Very good lunch. I appreciate these roadside restaurants as they have helped to keep my weight up. They also allowed me to fill my water bottles.After lunch I hiked quickly to beat the rain and get to this shelter. As shelters go this is a pretty nice one. To get water I had to go one half mile down the mountain to a spring that was still producing water. Just as I returned with my water it started raining. It has already stopped raining so I do not think it helped the water supply any. While it was raining I cooked and ate my supper and then captured the water from the shelter downspouts to clean my dishes.Since entering PA from the north I have not hiked any of this part of the AT before, however tomorrow and Tuesday will be miles I have previously hiked. This would include The Pinnacle, Pulpit Rock, and Windsor Furnace Shelter. My wife and I hiked from The Blue Rocks Campsite to The Pinnacle several years ago.Tomorrow will be my last full hiking day on the AT. Tuesday is a short day coordinated to meet my family.Good night09-0211 am
Date: 2014-09-01
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter, PA.

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter, PA.
Miles today: 16.5

I ended up being the only one in the shelter last night. As usual I was up early for my last full hiking day.There were a lot of local citizens out in the woods today enjoying the long weekend.I ate an early lunch at the Eckville Shelter. It's actually a private residence on a street. His garage is the shelter; he has a toilet, a shower, and drinking water. I cooked a meal and ate at his picnic table and then resupplied with water. I was also able to get rid of my trash there.I passed The Pinnacle and The Pulpit today. I have been there before. The views of the PA valley are great.Many more rocks to contend with today, but I was told that going into Port Clinton tomorrow there aren't as many rocks as I have been hiking through.Tomorrow morning I will sleep a little longer and then get up and wait for a few of my children and family. They are going to bring me breakfast and then we are all going to hike into Port Clinton together. At Port Clinton there is my wife and other children and family members waiting at the finish line.The last couple of days I have been having flashbacks of different events that I have experienced out here. It went fast and I am glad. I am ready to get back to my real life. I guess I will have to relearn everything I used to know but I will be happy to do so.I will never do a hike such as this one again. But I will get back to my life of wellness by working out and eating a calorie restricted diet as well as continuing to hike and backpack. My backpacking will probably be restricted to four days or less, but I am stopping hiking till April. Give the body time to recuperate. I will start resistance training immediately to build my musculature back up.I will allow myself one month of eating all the foods I love and have craved out here but couldn't get.This has been such an incredible experience and the memories will last a lifetime. I also think we could have made an action movie out of what I have done if a film crew had followed me around.That reminds me, I have been reading that there are about three hiking movies coming out with Hollywood actors and actresses such as Reese Witherspoon.Time for bed.Good night.09-0211 am
Date: 2014-09-02
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter, PA.

To: Port Clinton, PA.
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: few clouds

ON THIS DAY OF COMPLETING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, A NEW GRANDSON WAS BORN TO ME. MY DAUGHTER CATHY GAVE BIRTH TO LITTLE THOMAS. WE WILL CELEBRATE THIS DAY TOGETHER FOREVER.I was too excited to get any real sleep in the shelter last night. Knowing that a few children and family members were going to be at this shelter in the morning to hike the last 5.7 miles into Port Clinton, kept me up most of the night.They arrived around 7:30 with food in hand. I asked them to bring me an Italian Hoagie and a soda. They did and added a chocolate filled doughnut.They got the opportunity to see how dad was living for the last six months. They took lots of pictures and asked many questions. My family jokes and kids around a lot and it pleased me to see all this once again.It must be in our genes because my family did really well on this almost six mile hike. We did have a few rocks, some long ascents and descents and they handled it all real well. I was not surprised because most of the children that hiked up Pike's Peak with me several years ago were in the group this morning.When we were two tenths of a mile from the finish line family and friends were walking towards me. I couldn't hold back the tears as I was hugging everyone especially my wife. My children had T-shirts made and everyone was wearing the same shirt honoring my completion of this adventure.I continued on to the finish line and more picture taking began. We went to The Red Robin in Hamburg, Pa for a feast. I will continue to be with my children until they return home.The Lord heard me and answered my prayer that I prayed to Him last March. He kept me and my family safe.I will write one or two more post hike journals and I will let you know when it is the last one.Thank you all. You inspired me. I had you with me all the time.You and I did it folks. We accomplished what we set out to do. Together we hiked the awe inspiring Appalachian Trail.Good day.
Date: 2014-01-01
To: A New Year, A New Beginning
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Welcome 2014! Simply Awesome Many are thinking about resolutions. What they want to do differently, how or what they want to change. It brings hope and a mental projection of life as they think it could be. We don't always remember that every single day we could be doing this and breathing in life with this same vigor. When I think about resolutions and change I can get caught up in future images and ideas of what could be different. Then I try to bring to mind that life is now, every minute of everyday. It is not when I get that new job, retire, win the lottery or modify some other aspect my current situation. They may turn out to be great and enjoyable changes or may not. This is it, now... this is life.Here I go with the fortune cookie writing again, not my intention. Some how this journal tends to brings that out in me. Possibly my therapist in disguise.Back in 2012 I set out to thru hike the AT trail. After 1200 miles and close to 3 months out there, I had enough. Mentally and physically I was tired. My hike was one of the most difficult experiences as well as one of the most rewarding experiences of life thus far. It is time for me to finish what I started.Entrenched back into the rat race, I have decided that restarting and taking 6 months to start in Georgia again is not currently an option that I will take. Instead I will continue from Pennsylvania to Maine and complete this 2100+ mile pilgrimage in two large sections. There is a stigma of being a thru hiker and completing it all in one shot, I will have to let that go for the time being. I am excited to put a date on the calendar and get back out on the trail. See YOU out there! *EDIT* 1/15/14 Decided to hike the second half Southbound (Maine to Pennsylvania) *EDIT* 2/27/14 DECIDED TO THRU HIKE THE WHOLE TRAIL
Date: 2014-01-02
To: Moving Forward
Miles today: 0.0

I tallked with HR at work today. I work as a bakery manager at a large chain supermarket. I have been with them since just after my 2012 hike. It was a well recieved conversation and prob not going up to corperate. It would be the decision of the district manager and lead HR person that I spoke with. He stated that he hadn't run across this request yet. Most requests for a leave of absence are related to health or family matters. I am a strong worker and my numbers are excellent. Even this may not be enough. Gut feel is no, but welcome to come back after the hike. Mainly because if the approve my request, it would set a precedent. I will have feedback as early as tommorow.Ordered the 2014 AT guide from Awols site. One bound copy to leave at home and one loose leaf for the trail. Need to check out any changes. Specifically in regards to resupply, water, post office stops and the trail itself.I am moving forward with a tenative start date of June 7th. Most likely I will start at the 501 shelter but was even entertaining backtracking as far as Duncannon. There will be much planning and saving to come over the next few months. Time to buckle down and get it done.*EDIT* 1/15/14 Decided to hike the second half Southbound (Maine to Pennsylvania) *EDIT* 2/27/14 DECIDED TO THRU HIKE THE WHOLE TRAIL
Date: 2014-01-09
To: Considerations
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I received the answer I expected from work. No go on a leave... it will be a break in service. No guarentee of a dept manager position being available and they may only have a lower position full time if any at all. If I left on good terms I would be eligible and welcome back... though just like a new hire. No seniority towards additional benefits or time/vacation. This also means my medical benefits will stop as of my last day (unless I opt and pay for cobra) and it is a consideration especially due to the fact that my daughter is covered by my benefits. These are some of the items I will be working out over the next few months. Definitely ads to the monetary cost of this hike more than if a leave was granted. All good. One step at a time.Talking about steps I've got a few in front of me. 1000 miles worth. Looking forward to them and getting even more excited about this hike as I am planning more details of it. Have been going over my gear and will be using 90% of what I already have to keep costs at a minimum. I did sell some of my gear as soon as I got back and purchased different gear with the monies. I will get into specifics in my next post. As far as telling everyone, I spoke with my 16 year old daughter the other week. Also tonight I gave her mother a heads up. Have not discussed it with my folks yet but will be doing that shortly. My room mate is in the loop as well as this will affect him as well. All that I spoke with seemed very supportive. Talking about supportive, the first person I discussed this with was my girlfriend. Let me just say WOW! If it wasn't for her support and encouragement, this may not be coming together this year. Thank You Sue... I am very lucky to have you in my life! *EDIT* 2/27/14 DECIDED TO THRU HIKE THE WHOLE TRAIL
Date: 2014-02-04
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

Ah, the gear. I spent way too much time on this before my last hike. Its not the gear that gets you to Katahdin (or from Katahdin in this case). But it does help. Every ounce does count. Last hike, I didn't carry a stove (still debating for this hike) or even a full size air mattress. This hike, I am planning on carrying about 4-5 lbs more. The differences are in synthetic vs down bags, Copper Spur UL1 vs my previous Zpack Hexamid, Full length Mattress pad, Smartphone (large Note2), Different Camera, Probably an alcohol stove & a larger pack (Boreas instead of my Osprey). Four or five pounds may not sound like a lot, but it is huge on the trail. On a good note, to help offset my increase in pack weight, I am lower in body weight going into the start of the hike. If I start at my current weight (210lbs) it should provide some ease over my previous (265lb) start weight in 2012. Hopefully my feet, ankles & knees will thank me for my lower carb diet .Feel free to click on the gear tab to the left to view major items that I will be carrying. My previous gear is listed on my 2012 Hike Journal.I do want to enjoy my time on the trail every day and don't believe I will be as anxious to make as many miles as I can (like last hike). The only time schedule that I may try to make is a family vacation at the Outer Banks, NC the third week in August. Talking about family, I did speak with my parents in regards to the hike. After the first 'are you crazy' from my Mother and silence followed by 'securing your future' from my Father, it went over better than I had anticipated. I have great folks and I think they have gotten to (semi) accept that I go my own way. My father more than likely will be driving me up to Maine to start (12hours away). Thanks for always being there for me Mom & Dad.To all...Feel free to sign my 'Guest Book' to the left. The guest book is also 'ONE' way to contact me. It will privately record your email so I can get back to you. If you prefer, you may correspond by email:onewiththetrail@gmail.com-OR- mail at:Al 'One' KarpPO Box 27Perkasie Pa 18944 *EDIT* 2/27/14 DECIDED TO THRU HIKE THE WHOLE TRAIL