morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-13
From: The Pavilion

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

In which I left the comforts of the hotel room and ventured back out onto the trail.Dad gave us a ride back to the trail and we were hiking by 0830. The trail was wet, muddy and a straight up climb on rocks coarse. It's PA what else would I expect! It was slow going. My feet were soaking wet already and feeling rather pruny. Likewise my shoes were drenched again and pretty stinky too!The first stop was at the shelter for a snack break and to check out the register. I've finally seen a few more hikers out and about since our stay in Hamburg. I got to Pinnacle Lookout around 2pm and the skies became gray. Thunder was rumbling in the distance heading in this direction. The skies got even darker and as I turned a corner I could hear the rain coming. Initially the tree leaves sheltered me from the rain. Then the heavens opened up and it was all over from there. I was drenched. The trail became a muddy, roaring river. There was no way around the river. I just had to walk through it, to plod on while it lightening and thundered overhead. There was not a dry inch on my body. Some days are just like that. Eventually the rain did come to an end and it was snack break time. I got to the shelter around 4pm and was planning on going another 7 miles. However, my feet were hurting, throbbing and all pruny and we decided to call it a day.I took another chance setting up my tent instead of sleeping in the smelly 6 person shelter with bunks. Well that backfired as it has been raining and rumbling thunder as I write this. At least I am dry inside my tent! The shelter is full and there are 3 tents and 2 hammocks in the tenting area.My feet are throbbing, red and surprisingly sore after 2 days of rest. I think my shoes are shot and can't wait to get my new ones. Mambo caught up with us this evening. He rolled in shortly after us.This shelter is 0.2 miles down the road so it's weird to hear cars driving by. The birds are still singing and the rain has stopped momentarily. Good night.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Bake oven knob

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

In which I leave the trail for a week to see my family.As I transcribe my journal entries I realize I didn't write my story for this day.....that is another first. What I do remember is the ridge walk coming down into Palmerton was flat and enjoyable. We were passed by Flash who was running the trail in an attempt to set a speed record for hiking. He even ran by trail magic provided by my parents at the road crossing. They even ran after him offering a bottle of water. There was a lovely view of the towns below and the highways intersecting. Everything was green, the sun warm and breeze refreshing. The birds too were happily singing their songs. It's always a happy, fun, day when there is town food awaiting.By early afternoon we hiked down the side of the mountain to the parking area below for pick up. This mountain side was exposed and the sun was shining brightly, perfect spot for snakes but thankfully none were seen by us, although anther hiker ahead of us said she saw a copperhead on the side of the trail. Glad I missed that!We met my parents who offered us cookies and bottled water as we chatted for a bit. We all piled into the van for a short ride into Palmerton. Our next search was for the "jail house" hostel. We eventually found the police officer to check in Murphy and Mambo and now it was food time.Across the street was a great diner and we settled right in. I don't even remember what I ate which is highly unusual for me. I do remember rolling out of there being quite full. I said my 'til next times to Murphy and Mambo and climbed back into the van for our trek back to Virginia. Farewell to the rocks for now....I'll be back to put you behind me!!!!!
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Palmerton

To: Little Gap Rd
Miles today: 5.9

In which I broke back into hiking with a short day.I finally got back to the trail at 1345 and it felt good to be back hiking! I missed the trail even though I had a fantastic week off! I wouldn't have traded last week for the world. I immediately had a steep boulder climb up and out of Lehigh Valley one which I have been dreading. I really didn't want to climb it alone but here I am! Onward and upward.I strapped my poles onto my pack and proceeded to use my hands as leverage hoisting myself up on the rocks. It took about half and hour to climb up. The view down below was both fantastic and terrifying. Then it was a boulder hop up to the grassy ridge into the Superfund area. It looked as if the grass had just been mowed in the last day or so. Lucky for me because this area also looks like it is crawling with ticks, which is another reason I'm thankful I put on my DEET this morning. I have yet to see any ticks crawling on me today. Phew!The walk along the ridge paralleled Palmerton down below and was delightful as there were no rocks and it was relatively flat. What a welcome change and surprise. And I spoke too soon....the rocks came back as I climbed up the next ridge to what looked like a desert wasteland. There were downed, old tree limbs and plenty of rocks that I'm sure where crawling with snakes. Thankfully I didn't see any but I heard something big rustling in the grasses to my left.I kept picking my way through the rocks to the road crossing where I saw Eastwood. I don't think I've seen him since VA. Good to know he's still going strong. I then climbed in the van for the ride back to the hotel. What a great deal, real food, a soft bed, a shower and great company for the night!
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Little Gap Rd

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 15.4

In which I celebrate my dad's birthday on and off the trail.Forget hiking! I had the best crumb coffee cake today for my dad's birthday. It was the Bomb! It was better than the ones I had growing up in NJ and nothing has been able to top them yet...until today. This cake not only was moist with the delicious crumb topping but also had a layer of cream cheese filling. It was to die for. Thanks dad for having a birthday and I'm really glad I got to celebrate it with you!I did a 15 mile slack pack over more lovely rocks. I'm really ready to be done with them and PA. I'm not liking them at all and struggle with finding the good in PA. So here that is. I really enjoyed walking through the farm lands and fields in Cumberland Valley. I also had my favorite day on the trail so far at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in which I rocked the half gallon challenge and had a great, eventful day hanging out with friends. So there. Those were the highlights of PA and they were great days.I'm happy to report that I saw no snakes today and that the rain held off until I was undercover. I met Stark as we took a break by the entrance to a shelter. Water was still scares so I gave him some as I was going back to town for the night. I also met Dallas and Left Turn in the parking lot at Wind Gap. That was a great surprise as I haven't seen them since Grayson Highlands in VA. Otherwise, I have been consistent in being in my isolated bubble with very few hikers around.I really have enjoyed talking with the hikers I have met. There are some really interesting and fascinating people out here. I love that about trail life. I'm already feeling a little sad about this adventure coming to an end, but that's a ways off yet. There are too many things to enjoy and discover and experience yet! So in the meantime I am going to enjoy each and every moment of every day, rain and all. Everyday is an adventure in some way!I was picked up at Wind Gap and whisked away to a cool room, hot shower, great food and the wonderful company of my parents to celebrate my dad's birthday! Life doesn't get any better!
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Wind Gap

To: DWG
Miles today: 15.6

In which I feast at a church potluck and meet some great folks.I said farewell to slack packing and to my parents this morning. All good things must eventually come to an end so new adventures may begin! And that they have! As I was heading out this morning I met up with Left Turn and Dallas in the parking lot. They too were just getting started for the day. So after some pictures we headed up the rocks steps continuing on the trail.The trail was nice in stretches today. Not terribly rocky in parts but boulder climbing and hopping in others such as Wolf Rocks where my camera went flying out of my waist pocket and went plummeting down a crevasse in the rocks and landed into some leaves in the shrubs. Oh boy! "How in the world am I going to get that?" was my next question. I immediately flashed to visions of snakes hiding in the rocks on the ledges. I had to climb down a bunch of rocks into the leaves by the ledges. Then I had to reach my hand further down and pray no snakes were lurking below and quickly snatch the corner of my camera. I snagged it and it stayed in my grasp. Phew! and Phew again for no snake incidents! And yet again that I recovered my camera! Too much excitement for one day....luckily we both survived.It was a pretty walk down the mountain into Delaware Water Gap. where I reminisced about canoeing down the gap in a race when I was in Girl Scouts many years ago. There also were many rhodies that were a flash back to hiking through Virginia. My feet were screaming by the time I made it to the Church of the Mountain. They hurt so badly, were partly numb and swollen again. They are even throbbing now as I write this hours later.I set up camp outside in the yard behind the church one, because it was beautiful and two, because it stunk inside the hostel then I promptly took a shower. I also hit the jackpot because it's Thursday which meant hot dogs and potluck dinner night at the church. It also meant great food and great people including the pastor who started this ministry back in the '70's. This is the oldest church hostel providing this wonderful ministry for the hiking community. My hat's are off to them and their passion to do this. They are being recognized by the ATC as an official trail town at their founder's day celebration on Saturday.I failed to mention that as my appetizer to dinner I took a little stroll in to town for a hot dog and slice of apple pie for the whopping price of $2.50 at the Village Bakery. What a deal and it was delicious. So I walked back the hostel by way of the outfitters just in time for dinner at 6pm. I love being able to eat whatever I what! No guilt!The church bell just chimed 9Pm. I just about jumped out of my skin. Scared me to death! Guess that's my cue to go to sleep. In the morning I get to say farewell to Pennsylvania (or good riddance) and hello to New Jersey!
Date: 2014-06-27
From: DWG

To: campsite
Miles today: 22.2

In which I happily leave Pennsylvania.7 states down, 7 to go! I am so happy to put Pennsylvania behind me! My feet will never be the same. NJ has so far been very rocky, but the rocks have been somewhat different. I felt like I was a pinball today in a game bouncing off the shrubs and trees on the narrow trail as I was waddling and slaloming down the trail avoiding rocks. There also were some boulder climbs and slabs of rocks on which to walk and some flat ground however, it was covered with rocks. For the most part it was a little easier to find a flat spot on which to place my foot.The walk around Sunfish pond was beautiful. It was a warm day, the sun was very brightly shinning and best of all the bullfrogs were croaking in stereo around the perimeter of the pond. I was really happy not to encounter any rattle snakes today especially since the warm sun and rocks were the perfect scenario for basking. I also missed the bear sightings that other hikers saw and my animal count for today has been 2 turkeys, 1 deer, 2 black snakes a rabbit and many chipmunks.I took time to soak my feet in a stream earlier but they are screaming at me again this evening. Tonight they are numb and tingling. Gonna wear my compression socks tomorrow and see if they provide any relief.The weather was beautiful today. I sweat so much and so much water which was a challenge since water sources were more scarce. I guess it's that time of year. I really enjoyed the ridge walking today which offered some gorgeous views. I'm really happy to be in another state. I'm the only thru hiker here tonight, camping with a guy from Philly out doing a section hike.I hear dogs barking in the distance, an airplane flying overhead, cars, pine needles falling on my tent like rain and a father/son team out for a few days. The birds are still chirping and the creek is babbling over by the other campsite where a fire is roaring. The mosquitos also want to come out and play so I am going to bed. Hoping for a shorter day tomorrow to give my feet a rest.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: campsite

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: few clouds

In which trail magic and wildlife abound.Today was a lot of fun and a very busy day! So much to write about!....First off, I started my day with a rattle snake sunning itself appropriately on Rattlesnake Mountain. I must say it was rather beautiful as this was a safe few feet away from my feet. Then I saw a deer, a rabbit and a multitude of chipmunks and squirrels all chattering away. I'm really enjoying N.J. The rocks still litter the trail but are a bit different from those of PA so far and thank heavens! Today there have been short climbs up then down rocks. I've also seen 3 piles of bear scat and heard stories of bear sightings but I have none to tell today.I began my hike around 0800 and hiked alone per usual. I didn't see anyone for hours. I came to a ridge of mountains with a view, which have been fantastic NJ...I love the views! I stopped to take a few pictures, was putting my camera back in my pocket and wow...a person stood up from the grass where he was sitting and really surprised me. His name is Toto and yes, he is from Kansas. We hiked and talked for a while until we came to a road crossing where there was food! So of course we stopped at Joe's to Go. I had the best breakfast sandwich on a delicious, soft roll with a real cup of coffee while sitting on the bench outside in the shade watching the world go by. I also packed out a snickers bar and coke then hit the trail.Shortly thereafter was another trail magic sign where we met Moto. Awesome magic in the form of water, clif bars, apples, a cherry coke and much more provided by Melissa, her boyfriend and folks. We sat and chatted some more, were photographed for a show she is putting together, then our now threesome was on our way for the next shelter. I caught back up with them there as they were breaking in the grass where ticks were crawling everywhere. I took my cue and did not sit down on the inviting grass. The shelter ledge was good enough for me. After a quick snack we decided to push on another 7 miles to the next shelter for the night.We met up with another hiker and the 4 of us hiked on to the park headquarters before the shelter. There we were graced with another soda (my 3rd in one day!) simply for being thru hikers. Sweet! We sat around for another hour before the last 1.7 mile. Moto was bathing in the faucet outside the visitor's center when a family of 4 came walking by. Too funny, try explaining that one to non-hikers. We finally peeled ourselves away for the last push on as daylight was quickly fading. I saw a small copperhead cross the trail right in front of my foot and had a few small climbs up then down.We finally made it to the shelter by 8pm. It's now 9:30 and I am beat! I didn't even cook dinner I was so tired. Just munched on bars and brownies. There are a bunch of section hikers here, a Ridge Runner and a full house. Deli walk tomorrow! Good night.
Date: 2014-06-29
From: High Point Shelter

To: Waywayanda
Miles today: 23.9

In which food motivated my hiking.....will hike for food!Moto, Toto and I were looking at the map for today. There was food at mile 19 and a shelter 5 miles thereafter. So that became my plan for the day. I'm all about food these days! I was up and out early before Moto and Toto. My short legs needed a head start and it was going to be a long day.I came to the Pochuck shelter by 1300. Twelve miles done! There I met 3 guys out for the weekend. One of which was from Westfield, my hometown and another from Cranford. Funny! There were a lot of ups and downs today, then a long walk around a nature preserve which was very pretty. However, the trail could have just gone a half a mile straight down the road walk but no, it had to take the 2 mile path around the sanctuary! So typical. The birds were chirping everywhere and a deer was sauntering through the marsh. It was a very relaxing walk and a very hot one in the bright sun with little shade. The mosquitos were everywhere and quite annoying!I really enjoyed this afternoon's walk over the boardwalks through the marsh and on a suspension bridge to FOOD! AWOL's guidebook advertised a deli, but NOT so a little disappointing! This was gonna be dinner...a big, fat, loaded delicious sub! No such luck today. Instead I settled for a yogurt, peach, homemade donut, chocolate milk and ice cream which always makes everything all better...mocha chip too. I needed that for the next big climb....and a climb it was. One and a half miles up boulder stairs which were non relenting. I was drenched! Then another rolling walk to the shelter.I missed the bears again and lost Moto and Toto today. There are 4 of us here at the shelter tonight. I'm camping with Silvia from Germany. My mission for tonight has been trying to plot out resupplies for NY and checking out the markets/delis. My feet are throbbing and I'm going to bed!
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Waywayanda

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

In which my hopes were dashed again and again.I didn't sleep well last at all. I couldn't get comfortable, was wide awake and I think I finally slept for 2 hours this morning as I woke up to rain pinging on my tent. That woke me up quickly as I thought about packing up a wet tent. That I did not want to do but that was not in the cards for today. I packed up quickly and fortunately the rain stopped. I left with Sylvia around 0900 and it was fun having someone to walk and talk with today.I passed 4 guys headed SOBO early on. Two were NOBO thru hikers slack packing south. I got some great trail magic from them. What a great way to start the day. Thanks Scout and company! My snacks were running out and you provided just what I needed! It's funny how that always works out on the trail.There were some lovely views today and many rock climbs and ridge walking on rocks. At one point there was a ladder placed on the rock wall to make the scaling up easier. Thank you trail crew for that!I entered NY! 8 states down, 6 to go! Progress! And more great views were had. My plan today was to hit a hot dog stand at the road crossing and eat up. Well, that plan was foiled as the stand was only open Thursday thru Sunday and not today! That suck's! My plan was foiled! I was psyched to eat a bunch and tank up! Now I had to eat a Clif bar instead, that just wasn't cutting it.I got to the next shelter around 3pm. There was no water source here and I was out. So I decided to hike on since I was given a heads up that Fitzgerald falls was pretty and had camping. So onward to that destination. And my plan was foiled again! Nothing today was working out how I planned. However, the falls were pretty, there was water, I got to clean off a little, take a break and cool off and figure out my next plan of attack. There were places to camp, however they were too close to the road crossing for me and too many people were milling about. I was anxious! It was getting late. I was tired, hot and frustrated. I cameled up on water and hiked on again.Still no stealth sites around so I kept walking. Finally, I found a place to set up camp in between two mountain peaks. I managed to snag my carabiner in the tree while throwing up my bear bag and had to cut that loose. Thankfully I found a carabiner at the falls today and had a spare to use to hang my food. I'm truly stealth camping all by myself tonight in the middle of the woods with absolutely NO ONE around. It's kind of creepy on one hand, but also peaceful in a way, so I'm trying to focus on that. I can hear cars, airplanes and dogs barking in the distance. I am in between two road crossings so civilization is not too far away. I hear pine needles falling and pinging on my tent, squirrels foraging through the leaves and I am safely tucked away from the nasty, little mosquitos who find me tasty. Good night world!
Date: 2014-07-04
From: RPH

To: Morgan Stewart
Miles today: 9.0

In which I experienced incredibly gracious trail magic from Bill and Amy.Bill (Gasher'99) and Amy were very generous and gracious hosts today! They invited all hikers to their house for an incredible July 4th experience. We hiked in at 1000, coincidently right at breakfast time. We were fed all the coffee we could drink with waffles, butter, syrup and fresh blueberries! It was so good. And if that wasn't enough we got to take a hot shower and do laundry!I met Bill back when I was hiking to Wawayanda shelter for the night in NJ. He was out doing a 15 mile hike that day spreading the word to all the hikers he saw. Come to find out later he saw two bears just after we passed each other. I totally missed those two bears. Which seemed to be my luck in NJ.So while my laundry was going we sat around and watched the world cup, listened to music and talked. I met a lot of hikers I have never met and would not have gotten to meet if it weren't for Bill and Amy. Once again it was pouring cats and dogs outside. So my debate has been to stay or go. As I was deciding I grazed on chicken buffalo dip, artichoke dip and bean dip with chips and veggies. They even had a pint of Ben and jerry's ice cream for everyone! Incredible! What hosts and they do this every year.I charged by phone and checked the weather report. The rain was supposed to stop so I decided to push on to the next shelter 5 miles up the trail with Mike and Al, aka Wingnut and Phaedrus. We said our thank yous and goodbyes and headed out in the rain. Eventually the rain stopped before getting to camp where there were many weekenders out for the holiday. I set up camp, cooked dinner and climbed into my bug free tent. I'm very glad to be in my little home tonight. It's actually a little chilly, in the 50's and I'm glad I still have my wonderful quilt with me.Tonight I nod off to sleep to the sound of fireworks all around me. The wind is still blowing gently, rain drops off the trees are pinging on my tent and campers are conversing in the distance. I'm so happy to be where I am! It feels good to be ticking off the states. So long to NY tomorrow, hello Connecticut. Here I come.