morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-17
From: AMC Mohican Center/Mile 1305.5

To: Culver's Gap/Mile 1323.1
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

[This section was hiked southbound, but described here as a northbound hike.]I hiked with Irish Paul and his son Luke.We ran into many fellow thru-hikers, including Easy Pete, Big Tent, Hooty Hoo & Caroline, Kodak, Georgia Peach, Tall Boy, and others.After a reasonable climb to get back on the ridge, the trail immediately presents a rocky footpath reminiscent of Pennsylvania. The hike offered some views east and west from the ridge line but not as frequent or beautiful as the hike from DWG to the Mohican Center. The day included mostly modest ridge walking on nice earthen paths and old forest roads. There were some rocks from time to time and a few dips and climbs, including Rattlesnake Mountain and Blue Mountain.  We had views of Crater Lake, walked by a fire tower, hiked along a beaver pond covered by lily pads and concluded at Culver¢s Gap/US Rt 206.Met G-Bolt (a podcast listener) at dinner in AMC Center. Then Echo and her dad joined us. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-18
From: Culver's Gap/Mile 1323.1

To: High Point State Park/Mile 1337.4
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Irish Paul and Luke. Another day with few water opportunities. Day began pleasant, but temperatures rose quickly. Relatively easy hiking. Lunch break at Mashipacong shelter, where thankfully there was a substantial water cache. Nice hiking for 2.5 miles but after Rutherford shelter, the Pennsylvania rocks returns and New Jersey served up its own, mini Roller Coaster. With the heat, rocks and numerous ups and downs, it was a much more difficult day than we anticipated. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-19
From: High Point State Park/Mile 1337.4

To: Pochuck Mountain shelter/Mile 1351.5
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful early morning hiking. I climbed up to the highest point in New Jersey and then descended. After about three miles I passed County Rt 519 and reputedly the end of the rocks. From there the hiking was smooth and easy including walking through farmland. The morning stayed pleasant and I worked my way into Unionville, NY. Irish Paul, Luke, Ironman, Next Step, Pulitzer and a couple other hikers were in town. We hung out for three hours. I did some resupply. The day had become hotter.After our lunch/rest/visit the hiking was unusual in that there was a long road walk followed by a flat, exposed walk around Wallkill Wildlife Refuge. The trailmagic of a cold drink at the end of this section was quite refreshing.Tired from the heat, I climbed up Pochuck Mountain to the shelter. Tented there with Scoot, Irish and Luke. A bear was wandering just outside the edges of the shelter/tenting area. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-20
From: Pochuck Mountain shelter/Mile 1351.5

To: Wawayanda shelter/Mile 1363.0
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

No problems from the bear last night. Right after the shelter tree was a fairly strenuous, three-step climb to top of Pochuck Mountain, the last piece of which required some rock climbing. Then it was a long descent to a fairly flat stretch that included almost a mile of boardwalk through a marsh. The day was overcast, warm and humid with the sun trying to break through. Scoot and I (and two others) stopped at Heaven Hill Farm for ice cream and produce.Then, after a long break, we had five miles to the shelter including a very steep climb (¢stairway to heaven¢) to the top of the ridge line. The Stairway to Heaven was very vertical, much a walk up on and through makeshift stone staircases. The climb was rewarded by the Pinwheel Vista. Then it was on to the shelter. About three miles to go I ran into Rambo as we filtered water. We hiked together to the shelter.Busy shelter: Pancakes, Fritz, Rambo, Tibs, Capt. Ordinary, Moses, Scoot, a local, and a couple of late arrivals.Rain is supposedly on its way and here for the overnight. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-21
From: Wawayanda shelter/Mile 1363.0

To: Wildcat shelter/Mile 1375.1
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hard rain overnight but my tent held up fine, but I had wet tent to pack up. I planned a shorter day (12 miles), which included a plan to hit another hot dog stand AND ice cream shop. I started later than usual hoping the tent might dry but as it was drying a shower hit ruining that plan.The weather was cloudy but clearing was forecast. The early hike was pleasant as we had fairly level and rolling terrain with some modest climbs through rock formations. As I was approaching Prospect Rock the sky was clearing. The climb before and up to Prospect Rock was not too difficult, but it was the start of about 4-5 miles of ridge walking along flatish rocks, sometimes angled, sometimes rounded off, sometimes requiring scrambling (use of all four limbs), sometimes requiring short, steep difficult ascents and descents, sometimes requiring rock hopping, sometimes involving tricky footholds, and sometimes offering magnificent views north and east, including many views of Greenwood Lake and the Catskills. (Shortly after Prospect Rock we formally entered New York, another state ¢in the books.¢)It was unexpected. It was very different from New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Mostly it was fun, but after awhile it wore on me, despite a couple of breaks. (If I can complete my fundraiser for the ATC, perhaps Suzanne and Laurie can buy some white paint for the trail maintenance club in southern New York.) Finally we were given a pleasant trail and a descent to NJ Rt 94, where a section hiker was proving trail magic (cokes, fruit, water, Snickers and a pair of Darn Tough socks). He also watched our packs as Fritz (from Germany) and I walked 300 yards to get hot dogs and ice cream ¢ exceptional.From the road/trailhead we had two miles to the shelter. The trail started off perfectly, but the AT threw in almost another mile of climbs/ridge walking/rock scrambling like midday, including Eastern Pinnacles and the particularly difficult (the very short ascents and descents) Cat Rocks that were like a tabletop once you climbed to the top.Then it was a short final walk to the shelter. Scoot and I tented. Fritz hiked on having not realized there was no water source at the shelter. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-23
From: Bear Mountain Inn/Mile 1404.1

To: Bear Mountain Inn/Mile 1404.1
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Three zero days to rest, attend to family/personal/business matters and to wait for Brooke to join me for three days of hiking. I was able to enjoy a great meal with my good, NYC lawyer, friend Mark Elliott. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-24
From: Bear Mountain Inn/Mile 1404.1

To: Bear Mountain Inn/Mile 1404.1
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Three zero days to rest, attend to family/personal/business matters and to wait for Brooke to join me for three days of hiking. I was able to enjoy a great meal with my good, NYC lawyer, friend Mark Elliott. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-25
From: Bear Mountain Inn/Mile 1404.1

To: Bear Mountain Inn/Mile 1404.1
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Three zero days to rest, attend to family/personal/business matters and to wait for Brooke to join me for three days of hiking. I was able to enjoy a great meal with my good, NYC lawyer, friend Mark Elliott. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-26
From: Bear Mountain Inn/Mile 1404.1

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park/Mile 1425.1
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: moderate rain

Up and out early on a beautiful cool morning. Hiked past Hessian Lake and then across Hudson River (skipped Trailside Zoo, which was closed due to early hour). Immediate climb up to ridge, then down and the a nicely graded trail back up to top. No views but generally pleasant hiking. Roll along ridge and then descend to NY 9 and Appalachian Deli to meet Brooke.Despite the profile (elevation gains and losses) of the rest of the day¢s hike, it was a tough one. Most of the day consisted of numerous short/steep climbs (typically through and over rock ledges/outcroppings) followed by similarly steep and difficult descents.Despite the hard work, the hike did not present any particular rewards ¢ no beautiful views or other points of interest. Also, water was somewhat limited so we had to be sure to carry two liters.It was fairly quiet on the trail. We met Bourbon Bob, Survivor and a couple that started in DWG at the deli and saw them doing the day.Pretty tired we had to push on to our tenting site. The last two miles around Canopus Lake were particularly challenging, probably in part because we were ready for the day to end. We reached the state park and the thru-hiker campground. Tenting were Tibs, Capt. Ordinary and Moses as well as Bourbon Bob and three others. Survivor and the DWG couple came in later. Brooke and I enjoyed a late dinner and rolled into bed. I fell asleep very quickly. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-27
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park/Mile 1425.1

To: Stewart Morgan shelter/Mile 1439.1
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

Another full day of hiking with Brooke. Where the prior day beat us up with numerous mini, steep climbs and descents (not readily perceived by the elevation profile), this day featured a more interesting trail with a more varied hiking experience. Brooke has been quite the trooper because we took on some surprisingly tough days.At our first, morning break we stopped atop Stormville Mountain (with painted USA flag) where I also dried my rainfly (wet from morning dew from sleeping in field). We walked through some massive blow-down areas from a storm/tornado in May, but much had been cleaned up, at least immediately on the trail. The day was overcast and threatening but forecast said no rain until evening. We stopped by the famous ROH Shelter for a break and to filter water. We crossed under/over two parkways (Teconic and I-84).  We had a couple of views ¢ one with a view back towards Canopus Lake (shortly after leaving our tenting area in the morning) and one towards the northwest (during our lunch break).We made it to the shelter and tented before any rain. We cooked at the shelter with others, but rain started as we began to eat so we retired to my tent and ate dinner there. We called Cheryl and then the rain was very hard at times throughout the night with some thunder and lightening. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-28
From: Stewart Morgan shelter/Mile 1439.1

To: NY 55/Mile 1442.4
Miles today: 3.3

After a long night of hard rain, Brooke and I waited until 8:00 a.m. (when the rain finally stopped) to pack up. We had a fairly easy hike down to the road where we got a Lyft to take us to Pawling, NY.We dropped our things in my room at the Station Inn and enjoyed an early lunch at Vinnie¢s Deli (excellent). Brooke caught a train back into New York City and I took a nap during a rainy afternoon. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-29
From: Pawling, NY (West Dover Road)/Mile 1447.6

To: Bulls Bridge Road/Mile 1461.0
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Although a very hot day was forecast, the morning walk across farmer fields and up to Hammersley Ridge was pleasant with nice views. The trail was smooth, earthen and well-graded, noticeably so.  The pleasant trail continued on relatively easy ground. I stopped for an interview for the podcast and ran into Stickers and Ladybug.After the interview I crossed into Connecticut. A little while later I ran into Ladybug again and we hiked together for a few miles. With her faster pace and the relatively easy trail I was well ahead of schedule. I stopped for water and lunch and then stopped shortly thereafter at the shelter (which had a little free library) to visit with Stickers & Ladybug and a southbound thru-hiking couple (with both a cat and a dog).The hike finished in grand style. After a climb over Ten Mile Hill we descended to Ten Mile River, hiked along this River and then reached its confluence with the much larger Housatonic River. The trail then followed the Housatonic through mostly broad, well-used pine needle covered trails.A brief walk off trail took me through the Bulls Bridge covered bridge and then the Bulls Bridge general store. I had about an hour to rest and enjoy a cold beverage before Uncle Jim (my sister Jennifer¢s husband) picked me up and brought me to their home in Monroe, CT. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-06-30
From: Bulls Bridge Road/Mile 1461.0

To: Bulls Bridge Road/Mile 1461.0
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day in Connecticut with Brooke, Amy and my sister Jennifer¢s family. Cookout and fireworks in East Haven.  BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-07-01
From: Bulls Bridge Road/Mile 1461.0

To: Kent, CT (CT #341)/Mile 1468.4
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: scattered clouds

A near record heat wave hit the NY/CT area. Jim, Amy and I went back to Bulls Bridge for a day hike north. We adjusted the distance expectations due to the heat.As we started I passed the 2/3 finished mark ¢ just 730 miles to go! (?)The biggest climb of the day was immediate and we all handled it without trouble. Generally we hiked along a ridge and enjoyed a few nice views of Connecticut countryside. We descended down to a good water source where we ran into Steady (a NOBO flipflopper who started in Harpers Ferry and who recognized me from the podcast) and Boy Scout troop.We grabbed a snack as well as numerous water breaks. The heat set in with more intensity after noon. Before we concluded we had a significant climb followed by a significant descent and then another climb, up Mt. Argo, before starting the long descent to the road and one of our vehicles.We had a fun and successful hike, if somewhat hot. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-07-02
From: Kent, CT (CT #341)/Mile 1468.4

To: Kent, CT (CT #341)/Mile 1468.4
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero day for father-daughter day. Amy and I enjoyed a morning and midday together. Amy took to train back to NYC. I enjoyed dinner with Jim and Jen and their family, which included a visit to the Creamery to see if it¢s ice cream might be better than what is offered in Richmond.  BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-07-03
From: Kent, CT (CT #341)/Mile 1468.4

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT (CT Route #4)/Mile 1479.5
Miles today: 11.1

Uncle Jim took me at the Kent trailhead after we dropped most of my gear at a room I reserved in Cornwall Bridge. Call me a coward, but 100-degree heat is not something I do well in.The hike from Kent initially lead through some fields and then climbed to the ridgeline. The trail was pleasant (substantially rock free) as it rolled along the ridge. There was a view at Caleb¢s Peak and then a steep descent at and through St. John¢s Ledges, which lead down to a gravel road and eventually a path along the Housatonic River. For almost four miles the trail was substantially flat, along the river. I found a stream that feed into the river as a place to eat lunch and soak my feet. The heat continued to increase. The hike ended with a mile climb up SilverHill followed by a half mile descent to CT Route #4 and Cornwall Bridge. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-07-04
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT (CT Route #4)/Mile 1479.5

To: Salisbury (Undermountain Road)/Mile 1501.1
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: few clouds

Burley (the section hiker with me at Amselhaus) brought me back to the trail. The day was warm but uneventful. I continued to enjoy the good footpaths and rolled along the ridge above the Housatonic River with a continual small and modest climbs and descents. The trail was very quiet in terms of other hikers. I ran into Ambassador and then Steady and Sunshine, Summer Breeze and their dog as well as 3 or 4 day hikers. I was eager to knock out the miles. The heat intensified. I focused on hydrating and barely ate my lunch. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-07-05
From: Salisbury (Undermountain Road)/Mile 1501.1

To: Glen Brook shelter/Mile 1513.8
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

The heat continued and I returned to the trail with a full pack. The day looked to be a considerable challenge with three or four serious climbs. In the end it was a great day of hiking as I climbed Lions Head, Bear Mountain, Mt. Race, and Mt. Everett.The day began immediately with a climb up to Lions Head. Unfortunately, with the heat the sky was somewhat hazy, the view was not all that it could be. On a perfect day with the sun coming out of the west, the view here is likely among the best of the trip.Then I had to descend slightly, follow the ridge to the base of and get ready for Bear Mountain, the highest peak in Connecticut. This climb was fairly steep heading up, but severe on the descent, requiring much cautious work through the rocks, ledges and steep grade.Coming down off of Bear Mountain leads hikers to the border between CT and Massachusetts and into Sages Ravine ¢ a lovely mountain  stream cutting a deep ravine and featuring modest falls and deep pools. The trail follows this stream for some distance making fir a most pleasant walk. I also resupplied on water here.Next was climb number three for the day ¢ Mt. Race. This was a longer, but reasonable climb, but the heat of the day was increasing. The last half mile of this ascent is over and along ledges offering 180 degree views east ¢ quite beautiful.Originally with the heat I planned to camp after Mt. Race and save Mt. Everett for the next day when I¢d be fresh ¢ Mt. Everett is known to be a tough, vertical climb and an equally tough descent. Rain was forecast and I did not want to tackle Mt. Everett in wet conditions - do I pushed myself to complete this fourth climb of the day. It was a severely vertical climb over and through rocks including many large, smooth rocks where footholds were so hard to find the trail maintainers bolted wooden steps over the rocks in places. Coming down was equally challenging but probably not as severe as the descent from Bear Mountain.I was quite pleased to have gotten all four climbs done the same day, especially considering the heat. We descended from Everett down to Glacier Pond and were pleasantly surprised to find plenty of jugs of cold water. I ran into Trey and Ambassador here and then pushed on an easy half mile to the tenting area. Ambassador, Sunshine, Summer Breeze and their dog were there as well as a large summer camp group of boys out for one night. Ambassador and I ate dinner together and then headed in for the night. It was warm, over 70 degrees, and sleeping proved hard. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...