morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Port Clinton Pavilion

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Woke early this morn (0440) rolled over and then woke again at 0630. It was cold (42 degrees) on this first day of summer. It warmed some during the day, but stayed pleasant all day. Ate breakfast at 3C's Restaurant this morning, and then got to PO about 0800. It took me awhile to get all my stuff figured out, and remail my box, but finally at 1030 it was all done. I walked a little ways, and took a quick snack break at Pocahontas Spring so I could camel up (drink a lot) after eating. I went a ways further (Pulpit Rock) and met up with LWOP and Pez there. This was the first great view in PA, so I took another break and got some pics. I then got moving and ran into Hannah, who lives in the area and was doing a day hike to Pinnacle Rocks. The 4 of us stopped at the Pinnacle (our 2nd good view in PA) and were able to see all the way to Delaware Water Gap. I made it a short day after all, stopping at Eckville Shelter, which is actually a shed in back of a house on Hawk Mountain Road. There ia s fridge with sodas and such, and pizza delivery, so needless to say I'm well fed yet again today! Up early to meet Dad tomorrow at PA 309!
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George W Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking with Dad Day Round 2. Also--Pick and Eat Huckleberries as Fast as You Can!! Early morn--got up at 0530 and on the trail at 0650. Moved right along, and got drenched by a thunderstorm at 0900 in the morning. I kept going and arrived at PA 309 to meet Dad at 1125. Dad made it there at 1330, and we put together his pack, worked out the shuttle, and hit the trail at 1405. There were some smooth areas along the way, but ROCK was the word today! Many areas required that we scramble along rocky ridges for quite a while. It was challenging keeping up the pace so that we could make it to this shelter just above Lehigh Gap and be on schedule. We arrived just before 2100, with just a little daylight left. A Boy Scout troop was at the shelter, but they squeezed Dad in, and I pitched my hammock very quickly. Dinner was cooked, eaten, and off to bed. It is 2230--time to get some rest!
Date: 2004-06-23
From: George W Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

Lehigh Gap first this this morning--woo hoo!! Purpoted to be the most difficult section in PA, but it was a beautiful day! We were fresh, and we took our time. The reward for making it to the top was all the huckleberries you could eat!! There were great views from all along the ridgeline, and I got a little sun. Dad and I came across a huge black rat snake lying across the trail (which was an old road). A wonderful start for the day! It then became a little long, just crusing down a rocky trail on the ridge, not too many views, no water, and thus we took few breaks. Got to the shelter (via a long side trail) with a long walk to the water source. Dad and I fixed dinner and sat around for a bit, then Long Shot and Flip-Flop showed up for the night too. Some good conversation, but now off to bed!
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

In for breakfast at Wind Gap PA! We all got up and got moving fairly early (0755) with the thoughts of restaurant food dancing in our heads. It was a good hike into Wind Gap PA - still a little rocky, but cool with a decent view at Hahn's Lookout, where we took a short break. Then it was all downhill! The car was easy to find, and then we headed into town for a brunch at The Gap Diner. Decent food (filling) and shakes from Rita's across the street. Then it was adios, goodbye time with Dad, after 3 days out on the trail. Maybe we'll have one more chance to hike together before I reach Special K. Flip-Flop, Long Shot and I started off uphill out of the gap, moving a little slow with full bellies. Aside from more rock hopping, we had an eneventful hike into the shelter. Shortly after arriving I found a larval Ixodes tick on my arm, which started a hunt all over my body, just to be sure there weren't any more hiding out. The Ixodes are tiny (about 1 mm) and thus very hard to spot, so they seem to be most often a risk for transmitting "the Big L" (Lyme Disease that is). I set up my hammock and fixed dinner (although I'm still sorta full). Now I'm just finishing dinner and will do some reading before bed.
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Not my most wonderful day. It started out well enough - Woke at 0630 and got moving at 0730. It was a little warm and humid, limiting some views, but I got a good view of the NJ side of Delaware Water Gap. I got into DWG and had some breakfast (1000) at the Trail's End Diner, found my way to the PO and began working through my mail. Just about 10 minutes before I was ready to remail my package, the window closed for lunch! So I walked down to the lower section of town and checked out the outfitters. On my way back I picked up a cheeseburger at the Delaware Water Gap Diner. I got back to the PO and mailed my box, called Industrial Machine Works, and tried to contact Tina, who was working today. I talked to Coby some, then wandered back to the lower town to kill some time. I got an Italian ice at the farmers market, then back to upper town to call Tina again (got her this time). A thunderstorm rolled in just before I left, so I waited it out (mostly). I finally got going at 1600 after 6 hrs in DWG, and hiked another 10.3 miles to the Mohican Outdoor Center. The trail was a bit rough and wet rocks were slippery, just a little slow going, but I finally got there. The gal said tent sites were $11.00 (the book said free to thru hikers!) What a cap to an already frustrating day! So I said that I'll just walk back to the trail and camp. She says "There's a shortcut!" and I say that I would just have to walk the other section in the morning. She asks "Are you thru hiking?" and I say "Uh, yeah" and she says "Oh, well tent sites are free for you!" She thought I was section hiking, hmmm. So now it is raining and I have to walk back to my hammock from the lodge here. Ah, well, it's all right.
Date: 2004-06-26
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: broken clouds

Had a nice rain last night. It made for a good background to sleep by. Woke this morning and it was still sprinkling a little. The mosquitoes were swarming, so I packed as quickly as I could and walked over to the lodge (nice restroom there) topped off my water and got moving about 0800. Still a lot of rocks, and the "views" early on this morning were socked in, but soon enough it cleared and began drying up. Some nice lakes up at altitude thru this region, and some good views along the ridge. I actually began to worry that I might get too much sun a little later this afternoon. Got to Culver's Gap (US 206) at 1520 and walked down to Gyp's Tavern for some food. It was a bit pricey, and generic bar food, but I'm full now. Some guy I met a little later (Mike was his name) said that Babe Ruth used to hang out some at Gyp's. It was a very nice walk the rest of the way to the shelter. I stopped at Culver's fire tower for a short break, and to take some pics. Five others at the shelter including EZ Does It (4th time thruing). It's a very nice area here, with a good pumpin spring. I'll do a little more reading and then head to bed! Lots of huckleberries (low bush blueberries) today. Also Desperado has stocked the shelter here with cookies, candy, fuel, tp, and books. Really awesome!
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: broken clouds

A big day!! Wow, I didn't really think that these miles would be possible anymore. The terrain is a little rougher, but with all the daylight it is ok. I got moving at 0715 and considered some methods for merging nano-techs with bio-techs, then caught up with Pita Man and EZ Does It at Mashipacong Shelter. Pita and I hiked out together toward NJ 23 and High Point NJ Headquarters. In the parking lot there Sink Two and family were providing wonderful trail magic with sandwiches, chips, sodas, watermelon, and cookies. Then two other guys arrived with more soda, apples, donuts, and ice cream! There were plans for a barbeque later that day, but I got out of there! It was good, but we stayed 2 hours. There were some good views from the ridge, but I couldn't see the NY skyline. Nice trail for muuch of the afternoon. Pita and I caught up with EZ while he was on a short break, and hiked into Unionville, which required another 1 and 1/4 hour for dinner at Horler's Grocery and Deli. A turkey sandwich, chips and a brownie, then Pita and I took off for Pochuck Mtn and a 5 and 1/2 mile trek to the shelter. The last half mile was up hill (big time) but it's a nice shelter, and now at 2215 I lay me down to sleep. 25.4 miles in 8 and 1/2 hours - whew!
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Yet another big day! I got going about normal (0730), hiked over Pochuck Mountain, and then down to County 517, where it was swampy, but there was a boardwalk for about 2 miles along with a suspension footbridge over Pochuck Creek! An amazing amount of money must have been put into this project. A little further on we came to NJ 94 and stopped for a second breakfast (quart of tea, 3 fresh donuts, and 2 turnovers) at Heaven Hill Farmers Market - most wonderful! A good climb up Wawayanda Mountain and a mostly smooth day then, some ups and downs, with a bit of rock climbing and walks along solid rock outcroppings. A brief stop at Wawayanda Shelter and then on again, to the state line trail and into New York - the 9th state. From the tops of the ridge you could just see the New York skyline over the next ridge!! A good, but exhausting hike over more solid rock, more fancy footwork and passing over NY 17A and another 2 miles into Wildcat Shelter, arriving about 1820, to fix dinners and work out the sore spots. Several others here tonite including Bandicoot, Forester, Pita Man, and Me! Heading to bed ow about 2130 to catch a good nights sleep!
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Big thunderstorm last night! I woke up to thunder and lightning, and rain pouring down on my hammock, but I stayed dry! Drippy morning, hammock and all gear was clammy from the damp air. I got started and didn't feel too energetic, but pushed on 5 miles to West Mombasa and the deli there was closed (big let down). So Pita Man and I took a break there, and did 5 more miles to NY 17 and tried to hitch into town. We got skunked for 30 min (Pita was very disappointed-he usually has good luck) so we just ate a little more snack food and did another 5 miles to Arden Valley Rd and Gene was waiting there. He offered to run us down to Tiorati Circle (.3 miles to the water source) and after we got there he suggested just going down and getting a restaurant meal! So Pita and I ended up at Andy's in Montgomery, NY eating turkey, dressing, mashed potatos, and green beans, all smothered in gravy. We filled our water there, and then Gene gave us a ride back to the trail. The 4 miles to the shelter were easy (except for our full bellies) but the break and good food was great! Today felt long, but it was comparitively short. I think that I have just been pushing hard and there isn't much water, so I am just getting a little dryed out during the days.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Tina's family's house in Syracuse
Miles today: 8.1

I woke early this morning (0500) and couldn't fall back to sleep, so about 0545 I got up. I took my time getting ready, waited on Pita Man for a few minutes, then we took off on the climb. It was pretty rugged, some large rocks to scramble on and around (similar to the way it has been the last few days). No water at the shelter last night so both us us were short on water. Pushing on to Beechy Bottom Brook to refill, but first we had to cross Pallisades Interstate Parkway - with Interstate being the key word there. This is the closest that we came to crossing an "interstate" on foot. Lots of cars, and they were all going about 75 mph. I felt like some kind of rodent scurrying across with SUVs bearing down at high speed. There was a register in the trees of the median, and Pita joked that there should be one on either side, so they could see who made it and how far. We finally got our water and began the climb up West Mountain. I began to get a little concerned about time (Tina was meeting me today) so as I pushed on, Pita Man fell behind. I kept thinking he would catch back up on the downhills, but twas not to be. Had a couple of breaks from rocks when the trail followed the Bear Mountain Road, and I summited just before 1100. I took a short break (found a soda machine) and as I was fumbling for money a rattlesnake came out from behind the machine! So then I was fumbling for my camera! The first rattler that I've run across on my trip, and it was behind a vending machine, not lying on a rock or hidden off to the side of the trail. The descent was nice, but uneventful. Bear Mountain NY is a very pretty place (a resort area) and I waited for Tina about 30 min in front of of the Bear Mountain Inn. She arrived at 1220 and we stopped by the PO and they didn't have my package!! For the first time so far on my hike, it didn't arrive on time! Oh, well. So off we went to Syracuse, for a few days of home cooked food, relaxation, and a bed!
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Tina's family's house in Syracuse

To: Dennytown Road, NY
Miles today: 15.3

We got a slow start this morning. Last night we drove back to Bear Mountain, NY from Syracuse after a relaxing holiday weekend with Tina's family. Slept in a little at the hotel, got breakfast at Johnny D's about 0900, then hit the road, arriving at Bear Mountain State Park about 1030. I had called the PO a few days ago and my box had arrived the day after Tina picked me up. So I picked it up today, sorted thru it, then Tina walked with me from Bear Mtn Inn to the road crossing for the Trailside Zoo, one of the few places where the AT goes underground (under the road). Bear Mtn State Park was very pretty but as Tina pointed out, we had never seen so much TRASH in a park before! It was really bad. Anyway, we said our goodbyes, and then I got back to hiking. The zoo was an interesting place with exhibits of local wildlife, including coyote, red fox, porcupine, bobcat, skunk, and black bears. There were also information tags on trees and bushes, as well as other interesting info. The zoo is only open 10-4:30, and at other times the AT is detoured down the road. The zoo ends at the Bear Mtn Bridge, which at 124' elevation is the lowest point on the AT. The Hudson River below is only at 9' elevation! We are pretty close to the ocean! I hiked 3 hours and then stopped at the Graymoor Friary for water and lunch. They allow you to camp there and even have an AYCE dinner (for donation) but I hoped to do a few more miles, so I continued to Dennytown Rd. I just set up my hammock about 100' from the road and got water from the pumphouse, and fixed the fancy ramen I got from the guy at William Brien Shelter. The ramen was good, hot and spicy as advertised on the package! The bugs are biting, so I hang my food and hop into the hammock to hide from them.
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Dennytown Road, NY

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

I slept well last night - it didn't get too cool (60s). I got up this morning to no-see-ums and mosquitos trying to harvest me for blood, so half my time getting ready was swatting off those pesky bugs. The trail today was smooth for the most part - I hiked in my sandals all day. My feet were bothering me a little and my right ankle is mildly stiff, but I can deal with it. Water wasn't the best quality today, but I carried lots of it, and drank it too. I drank about 2 gallons today, and that was before I got to the shelter tonight! I made a stop at Mountain Top Deli and Market, not because I needed to, just because it was close to the trail (.4 mi off). It was good - I had a chicken parm wrap and 2 bottles of tea. Then I kept on pluggin for the shelter. As was most of today, the last 4 miles into the shelter were nice and smooth (mostly) and I got here at 1710 - plenty of time to get water, fix dinner, set up hammock, and chat with Reaushambeaux, Cheddar, and Lee, who all just started a couple weeks back and are hiking for various lenghts of time. It's starting to get dim, so I am gonna finish up and go read for a bit before dozing off.
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Lean To
Miles today: 20.6

It started raining about midnight, and lasted thru til this morning. I got up at 0615 and just puttered around, chatting some with Lee (who was in her tent when I got in yesterday). It was raining off and on, and finally it quit about 0800, right as I was getting ready to leave. The sun then came out, and between my sweating and the sheer humidity, I was drenched quickly. The hiking today was good again - many small ups and downs, but well maintained trail so the walking was pleasant. I snacked and hiked, drinking copious amounts of water, and finally got to the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station which is serviced by the New York Metro North. They only have stops on Sat. and Sun. but it would be a neat way to get into NYC for a weekend! On my way in there, I passed the Dover Oak, reportedly the largest oak on the AT - measuring 20 feet around and over 300 years old. There was no good vantage point for a pic, but I got a shot of the base. At the railroad station was also NY 22, and 6/10 down was Tony's Deli, where I had a ham, bologna, turkey, and cheese sub and iced tea. I took a good break there, let the sun go past noon a little, and still had a baking hot walk thru open fields for a mile or so. Passed thru Wiley Shelter for more water and found Fauna and Derek there. As I went to put my Platypus bag in behind the back pad it finally popped, right at the connection point, so I lost about half my water. But I just tied a strap across it to close it off, and hiked on to the next shelter, crossing into Connecticut while en-route, and finding Flora and a ridgerunner (Gene) already at the sheletr. The water source here is another pump well, and the water is (still) brownish and chunky, but what do you expect when the elevations are less than 1000 ft? Had another big dinner tonight, and some candy bars for dessert. Tomorrow it looks like I'll go into Kent, CT to see if the outfitter there has Platypus bags so I don't have to do without for too long.
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Ten Mile River Lean To

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 15.7

A short day, but a long day? Well, I caught Flora, Fauna, and Derek again, and since they were headed into Kent and I had to go there also, I decided to hike with them. It was good because I might often push myself to hike faster, but I am hoping to slow down a little more, and since they hike a little slower, I was able to practice my "slow" pace. Anyhow, we got an early start (0700) and took a nice break about 0945 on Schaghticoke Mountain at an overlook, and then made our way to Kent about 1130. First I went to the outfitter and got my Platypus replaced (lifetime warranty). I was so lucky they actually had one like mine. Then we had lunch at a diner (burger and fries) and then made it over to the post office where I wrote out some notes (to Tina) and mailed them. The library was having a book sale, and I found an old (1839) law book for $1.00. So I bought it and ran back over to the PO to mail it to Bary. Finally I went to get some ice cream before heading back to the trail. All of 4 some hours in Kent! (a pretty New england town) bur we were a little late getting to the shelter tonight (2030) so I cooked and ate in the dark swatting mosquitos, but so thankful that I had my new water bag (I thought that it would take at least a week to get a new one!)
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0

The perfect day. I slept in, but the hiking was fast so I got to town early. The second person I thumbed picked me up. My mail was there, and the guy at the outfitter invited me inside to sit and sort my mail out. It is neat in there - all kinds of "antique" fishing gear and such - they also had fuel by the ounce! I got a "grinder" at Baird's General Store (and deli) which was delicious and I sat under a tree at a picnic table to eat. There was even a nice breeze. The package store (liquor store) let me get water and use the restroom and also has free soda or beer for hikers! I didn't even have to hitch the ride back up to the trail. I was offered a ride by two guys in a dump truck, so I got to ride in the back of a dump truck, how cool is that? The last half of the day was great, walking through pine forests, with clear, fast flowing streams again, birds and chipmonks everywhere. Tonight at the shelter the water was easy enough to get, and the bugs more or less held off until evening time, so I was about ready to head to bed by the time they got bad. And today was only a 10 mile day, so wonderful!
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to

To: Plateau Campsite, CT
Miles today: 16.6

I think that I like this northeast hiking - you get up, hike for awhile, then stop for a sandwich and soda, then hike a little more and setup camp. The shelter was super buggy last night (Pine Swamp). I fell asleep to the sound of 100 mosquitos buzzing around my head, just on the other side of my netting. Got out of camp about as quick as I could. The hiking through Connecticut has been very nice, some more ups and downs, but good trails. I walked into Falls Village, CT at about 1130 and found the Toymaker's Cafe. Very nice, laid back place with top notch breakfast/lunch food served all day. I had a roast beef/turkey and bacon sandwich with a huge slice of tomato and romaine lettuce on grilled foccacia with mayo. I took my time eating and made my way back to the trail around 1330. Flora, Fauna, and Derek were at the hydro-plant just finishing lunch, and so this afternoon I ended up hiking with Derek most of the way to Salisbury and the campsite here. Tomorrow morning I think I'll go into Salisbury for breakfast. Some other hikers say it looks like the town in "Stepford Wives." More tomorrow...
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Plateau Campsite, CT

To: Slim's parents home - Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Took an easy morn, and walked into Salisbury for breakfast. I ate a ham/bacon, egg and cheese on a large roll from the grocery deli, also a cranberry muffin and green tea. Made a couple of phone calls, filled my water at a spring fed fountain next to the town hall, and talked to the friendly locals. I finally made my way back to the trail at 1030. I hiked at a pretty good pace to the top of Bear Mountain (Conn) and stopped for a break. While I was there I was passed by Uncle Ben, Slips, Fitz, and Biscuit who invited me to stay at Slim's parents house, if I could make it to Jug End Road today. It was a little rugged, but I just kept up a moderate but steady pace, breaking again on Race Mountain, and then making the final push over Mt. Everett (at 2602' the highest in quite awhile), arriving at the road about 1900. Along about 1930 Grass and Biscuit showed up with a truck, we waited for about 10 min and Flora, Fauna, and Derek showed up. We rode out to Slim's, where his mom and the earlier hiker arrivals had whipped up an incredible dinner for a whole crowd. We set about devouring all the food, and by 2100 all were stuffed and beginning to yawn. Sleeping locations were arranged, sheets distributed, and the boisterous crowd quieted down. The rain has set in, I am sleepy, but still into reading. It's so nice to have this inexpected comfort tonight!