morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Campsite 1158.9

To: PA 443
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Hiker update:State - PA - no views, walking in the canopy. Climbs very doable. Going past old settlements from 1800's when coal mining was big. Saw huge slag piles today.Health: good! Able to climb steep mountains in a single bound. Feet holding up although toe nails on all but big toes are varying shades of black/ blue. Yuck!Mi/day: anywhere up to 17 is in my comfort zone.Weather:summer has arrived! Hot and humid. Trying to drink lots of water.Wildlife: saw turkeys and my second rattlesnake today.On a side note, I am going home for 4 days for family obligations. This Thursday my sister will pick me up in Port Clinton for the ride to Ohio. My son and his fiance will bring me back. This is a chance for some needed r&r (mostly rest for my knees!)I want to thank everyone who signed my guestbook for their words of encouragement. It means a lot that there are others rooting for me. If anyone has a question about anything trail related, feel free to send to me asap at katbs5899@gmail.com and I'll use as a post while I am off trail.Tomorrow I come to the 501 shelter where you can order food. You know how we react to that big carrot dangling in front of our nose. It will be an early start tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-25
From: PA 443

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: few clouds

Our campsite was next to a busy road but I slept well in spite of the road noise. When I finally came out of my tent at 5:30 Slim Jim was packed up. He's an early riser. An even earlier riser was Army Ant who stayed a shelter back. He strolled by about that time, having hiked since 3 AM! He is so funny with the night hikes. The other night he did one, got tired about early morn, laid down in the middle of the trail for a quick nap, got cold, gathered some twigs and made a fire!I am well on schedule to meet Kim at Port Clinton do I had an easy hike to the 501 shelter. I have heard so much about this place - it was a 'must do'. The shelter is a rectangular building with a big skylight in the middle. At one time, a potter had a studio here. Also-two restaurants deliver here. It's going to be a good dinner tonight!The temperatures have been in the 90's but we just had a nice thunderstorm go through. Should help to cool things down.I have been saying good-byes to my trail mates, although if there is one thing I've learned, the AT is full of surprises.And when I return, I will be seeing s lot of familiar faces from before. Never a dull moment on the trail!
Date: 2013-06-26
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

There was a big thunderstorm last night that brought temperatures down. Unfortunately the shelter roof leaked and I found my backpack to be a little wet in the morning. Fortunately, my clothes bag doubles as my pillow so all my clothes are dry.We had an odd 'hiker' last night at the shelter. First tip-off that he wasn't a true hiker was his attire - jeans and a lot of cotton. Hikers just do not wear such clothing. His behavior was the next clue. He hungrily ate leftover pizza that had been sitting around and asked if he could have our leftover Pepsi. In the middle of the night he collected all the food sitting on the table and from the hiker box and was excited when he found a cigarette butt he could smoke. Plus, he used a lighter rather than a headlamp to get something out of his pack in the dark. Hmmm...Homeless man hiking the trail... I was kinda creeped out about him and slept with one eye opened. Lost, the German hiker, said he knew I would and so he slept like a baby! Thankfully this so called hiker was going south. (Later we found out the police were looking for him because he had been going up to houses and knocking on doors...?).We had a hard walk today even though the terrain is flat. The rocks are horrible and it's very hard on the legs. I just feel beaten by lunch and so tired I can't wait to get to the shelter.I reached the shelter late afternoon to find Jacko and Invisible Man there. We ended up having a good crowd - along with the Aussies we haf Army Ant, Rolling R, Lost, Applebutter, Just Dave. Some of the guys got a good fire going and we sat around past hiker midnight talking about the governments of three different countries - Australia ( just got a new Prime Minister) Germany and the US. Interesting conversation with interesting people. On nights like this I feel like I'm at a slumber party - albeit with five adult men! There weren't any snorers and I had a view of the dying fire from my bed. A very relaxing way to end the day.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Reservoir Rd. Hamburg

To: PA 309 Blue Mountain Summit
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

I was wanting to do a big day but didn't make it out until 8. No worries - you can go faster when you slack.Or so I thought. I didn't take the severe rocks or the frequent rains into account. Today was the most difficult rock day yet! We had some nice views but you have to climb first and that is where the rock jumbles are - up on the top. I had to slide down one pesky boulder on my butt today. I try to avoid that.Additionally, we had rain off and on and that made the rocks very slick. I only fell once - I felt fortunate it wasn't more (I was okay. No broken bones.)Finally, the rain brought mist and fog so the most awesome view in PA (Pinnacle) was socked in. Sigh...I didn't see anyone until around 1:30. It was on a part of the trail that took an abrupt left and then climbed into rocks. 'You've got to be kidding me' I burst forth, then noticed there was a person up there. 'Oh sorry. Didn't mean to intrude.' 'Hi Little SAS. I thought you'd be ahead of me.' It was TK, a section hiker that we hiked with back at the mid-point ( Pine Grove). He told me he had enough. He was getting off at Delaware Water Gap. I can definitely understand that. You can choose your sections so having such a difficult one would not be enjoyable! He is meeting his fiance and going to Key West. Can't get much farther from the AT than that! I also ran into a flock of turkeys. They all flew up into the trees. It was pretty cool because they were all around me and so I had this mass ascent of huge birds. The odd little bord pictured showed up right after that. I have no idea where this fellow came from - he might think he's a turkey.I was worried about meeting Brian and Melissa and so did the last four miles in an hour. That is really pushing it for me. My normal pace is under 3 miles/hour. Melissa had a great surprise waiting - did I want to go to a winery? Yes, sure do! I 'borrowed' the spigot at the Restaurant on 309 to wash the dirt off my legs and off we went. If only every hiking day could end with a fun activity like that.We also went to Cabelas and dinner. I am very tired but getting back into the swing. Tomorrow is my last slack into Palmerston ( short day) and then I am on my own again. Won't be the first time or the last...Oh - great news! There were notes about two hiker feeds on 7/4 and 7/7 and they are both at places where I can be on those dates. Finally, after my complaints about lost opportunities for trail magic in PA (there are so many road crossings), there will actually be some good ones! I am most excited about the 4th. It's hard to be alone on a holiday.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Brink Road shelter

To: High Point shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I am so sore from yesterday bit have another long day planned. So.times you have to do that be cause of shelter spacing or resupply, etc. Just have to make the best of it.I skipped breakfast because 3 miles in is a coffee/ sandwich spot. Nice!The rest of the day was pretty non descript. We still have rocks on the trail and they are a bitch. Mosquitoes are relentless and I am continually putting on bugspray. I have Naturpel which is more organic than deet. It probably doesn't work as well but I just can't stand the thought of deet on me.I was out of synch today. High Point Park gives free sodas to thru hikers but I arrived after closing. Then I found out the swim concession had showers and food and was only .3 miles off the trail just after they closed. Grrr... It must have been the tick effect - I pulled three of the little buggers off me today.
Date: 2013-07-11
From: Furnace Brook

To: NY 17
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

I heard a hiker pass very early this morning and then remembered I was kinda illegally camped so I quickly packed up and set off down the road. If I thought the rocks from yesterday were over, I was very wrong (and I did think they were over). There was even a ladder installed to help get up one difficult boulder. The physicality of certain sections of this trail has certainly been a surprise to me. I expected big mountain climbs but the bouldering is a new concept to someone from the flatlands of Ohio.My day ended at Greenwood Lake where I am staying at Antons on the Lake. During Socks and Hoops hike in 2011, Hoop hit a 'brick wall' up on the rocks. He was achey, running a fever and just had no energy. They went to Antons and the kind owners, Robert and Trish, took him to the hospital. He was diagonosed with Lyme's disease and they ended up staying three days. (I have so much more empathy for him now after going over those rocks - I was exhausted!)They told me it was a 'must stay' and they are right! I have a jacuzzi with candles!!! I already took a shower and tonight plan to soak in the jacuzzi while I read my book by candlelight. What would Jim Murray say?My sister Kim is meeting me tomorrow for a little slackpacking/sightseeing. There is a fun surprise at Bear Mountain - I should be there Saturday.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Bear Mountain Perkins Memorial Tower

To: Dennytown Rd.
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

I got to go to the zoo today! The Appalachian Trail actually goes through the Bear Mountain Trailside Zoo before crossing the Hudson River. It was a busy Saturday - even at 10 AM the place was rocking with families grilling and setting up their picnics. It was even raining a bit but that didn't dampen their spirits. It was fun.Many hikers comment on how sad the zoo is - that the animals we see in the wild are now caged. That may be so but I think you also have to remember that many of the people that go to this park are from inner New York City. This is their connection to the natural world. Some of the animals were rescues with injuries that would prevent their release in the wild. So now they are teaching tools. The zoo is really pretty small, contains only North America native animals and they all appeared to be well cared for. I also met one of the trail maintainers responsible for the incredibly manicured trails that you see at Bear Mountain. Artie is a self taught mason and specializes in dry stack stone building. He is one of the founders of the Jolly Rovers trail maintaining team that works this area. He also works with a professional trail building company - I never even realized there were companies that get paid for building trails. But there are - clients include the Nature Conservancy. You learn something every day. Artie wants everyone to 'like' the Jolly Rovers Trail Crew on Facebook.Kim met me again at the end of the day and this time we made it to West Point before closing time. We ran into Tags at the Graymoor Spiritual Center and he also came with us. West Point is very gray! All the stone was quarried locally but is a very gray color. And very imposing! The buildings look very castle-life, a indomitable fortress.After dropping Tags off, we headed north to check out Kim's daughter Karli's college - Marist in Poughkeepsie, NY. Very pretty campus, the buildings also made of native stone but much more pleasing to my eye with the variation in colors. Another fun day but I'm exhausted! Time for a little shut eye.Tags has decided to get off the trail. I am happy I got to see him before he left. He says that he just hasn't been well physically and has lost a lot of weight (he looked pretty skinny). This journey has always been tough but it is getting very tough now, mentally and physically. I know that I am weary and even a zero day isn't enough to bounce back at my age. However, my resolve has not yet waivered.Carry on...That last part sounds very West Point-ish. I wanted to add that we've been hearing artillery barrage the last three days fr the academy. All the cadets are on campus and we saw many doing drills. Be sure you don't walk on the cadet grass if you visit. We didn't know any better and did walk on the grass. Lucky we dodn:t get shot.
Date: 2013-07-17
From: Stealth Camp 1458.0

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Got away without too many new bug bites last night. Today we are officially in Connecticut. Yahoo! Check off another one!Today was one of those days where I just didn't have any energy. I only had 4 miles to get to the road leading into Kent yet it took me forever to walk them. I even drank a Starbucks Iced Coffee when I came to a cold stream. They usually never fail to put a little oomph in my step. It's the only way I made it to Mt. Algo shelter which is only .3 miles before the road. I cleaned up there and rested for a bit.Today is brutally hot - the accumulated effect of 90 degree days is starting to take a toll.Guess who showed up at the shelter? My old buddy Lost! I hadn't seen him since going home and the shelter registers said he was leaving soon to return to Germany. So good to catch up!The walk into Kent is only .8 miles but I felt drained when I arrived. I got the first of two drinks I'd have in town, along with a cup of ice cream. I'm getting new shoes today and couldn't be more excited. I decided on Oboz trail runners and love them so far ( granted, I've only worn them 5 hours but I went down a very steep and difficult descent to the Housatonic (sp?) and they performed well. I'll let you know how they do.I got a ride back to the trail with Grimm and his friend Ashley (thanks again) then met up with Lost and Catch after the first big climb. Catch packed out beers so we had a cold one overlooking the valley (thanks again, again!).Finally - this has been a big day there was trail magic at the last road crossing of the day. Sandwiches, fruit, chips, donuts - dinner. I took a bath in the Housatonic River which was as warm as a bath then headed onto the shelter a mile away. It was getting dark as I arrived. A long day, a good day...
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter

To: West Cornwall, CT
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: scattered clouds

It was actually cool enough by the river that I covered up with my sleeping bag during the night. Hotdog, whom I met back in PA at the 501 shelter on her last day of her hike, is doing trail magic today. She set up at 8 so hikers that stayed at the shelter only 2 miles back could take part. Thanks Hotdog! I really like this young lady - she is always so upbeat! You can tell we are getting back into real mountains. The trail is up and down all day. Bigger ups and downs than what we've seen since Virginia.Someone said today will be the hottest day of the summer but it is comfortable on the mountain tops. Still the heat saps your energy. I am overdue for laundry and so will be trying out a new hostel that opened last year. Stay tuned....I finally 7made it to West Cornwall where I was picked up by Hudson. He met me with a cold soda. Good first impression and it only got better. This hostel is called Bearded Woods. This is the second year of operation and the good word is getting out. Hudson and his wife, trail name Big Lu, go out of their way to provide everything a hiker may need - from clothes to borrow while your laundry is being done to snacks and drinks. The price includes dinner and breakfast and right now dinner smells great. I guess I missed the turkey dinner with all the trimmings they served last night.Mother Teresa, Jet Lag, Peaches and Kokopelli (with DeeDee) have been here for three days. DeeDee got to go swimming and then got a spa treatment of shampoo and brushing. She looks adorable. I'm going to stay another day here too. I can slack pack 9 or 17 miles. I'll see how I feel in the morning. I've taken a couple of falls lately and feel a little beat up. Oh..Speed and Mash just came in. A good group st the hostel tonight. This is soooo much better than swatting mosquitoes.
Date: 2013-07-19
From: West Cornwall, CT

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today I'm slackpacking into Salisbury, CT. I am not doing the mileage shown, rather about 8 or 9, so I can rest my knee. Hudson said I can come back with Don to finish the rest and I like that idea.The walk was very enjoyable and easy on my knees. I was soon in Salisbury and decided to explore the town. Salisbury is very cute. I went to the library, post office, grocery store , and coffee shop. Everything within a block. I had no problem occupying my time while waiting for the other two slackpackers - Speed and Mash. I saw Big Lu at the grocery store with Honeybun and Stinkbug. They are joining us at the hostel tonight.We had time to kill before dinner on our return so we watched two documentaries on the Appalachian Trail - Flip Flop Flipping 1 and 2. The first is on the 2011 thru hike season and Socks and Doobie are in it for a second. The second is from 2012 and Hudson and Big Lu are in it. Hudson collects skulls of North American animals and tells a funny story of when he saw a dead bobcat by the road. He threw it in the back on the truck to take home to skin and then whatever you do to get the skull. Well it so happened that the bobcat wasn't dead - just stunned- and aroused on the way home. Hudson saw something moving out of the side of his eye and it was a snarling, very mad bobcat. It took him half an hour to coax it out. He filmed it and it is really funny. Dinner was great. I miss homecooking. We had barbequed chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad and ice cream for desert. It is going to be hard to leave this place tomorrow.
Date: 2013-07-20
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

It was hard to leave the Bearded Woods hostel. Hudson and Big Lu make you feel so much like one of the family. It is a very restful and enjoyable place to stay. I highly recommend it to anyone coming through the Salisbury area.I am in Massachusetts! And the mountains have returned! We had four climbs and descents today. I feel really out of shape. Do I have to get my hiker legs back again?I am at the shelter with members of the 'Tribe'. This is a group of 20 -somethings. At one time they numbered 15 members but splintered for various reasons. They usually travel in smaller groups now. There are currently 5 here. I am getting to know some of them and they are nice kids. They're talking by the fire and I am headed for my tent. I'm tired from all those hills.The weather broke today - yeah! We have temps in the low 80's tomorrow and the following week. Perfect hiking weather.
Date: 2013-07-21
From: Glen Brook Shelter

To: Mt. Wilcox South shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I was the first one up and on the trail. I'm going to Upper Goose Pond Monday so decided to try 19 miles to put me in better positioning. So tomorrow I will just have 15 miles.I saw a red fox today. It was watching me in a field. My eyes aren't the best so at first I thought it was a baby fawn; but it was too small. When I thought to get the camera it moved away. Darn!Water is a problem today. The water sources have been boggy, or dried up, or a wierd color. I was totally out and came to a road with buildings. I started walking up, thinking that if a spigot was outside I would Yogi some water. I saw a lady watering her garden. ' Can I trouble you for some water?' I asked.'Sure. And I can give you a ride into town too', she said.I wasn't going to town but that was nice of her. Bugs were horrible today. Thanks again for the Natripal Leesa! Definitely came in handy today.
Date: 2013-07-22
From: Mt. Wilcox South shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

There was a strange crunching noise up on the tree canopy last night. Apparently, there is some sort of insect infestation. A green worm fell in front of me so my guess is he was part of it.Couple that with mosquito humming and you have a 'woods' orchestra.Heading to Upper Goose Pond today! I've heard so much about this place and can't wait to see it. Socks and Hoop highly recommended it to me. Situated on a large pond with lots to do - a canoe, swimming. Everything you could want. When I arrived and saw the place, it wa better than imaginef!The pond was part of a private club that gave it to the park service back in 1981. It is pristine, no development at all. I went swimming and just sat on the dock for probably an hour looking at the serene setting. It was so calming.The caretaker makes pancake breakfast with coffee for everyone in the morning. I'm in heaven.I'm taking a zero here tomorrow. This is the perfect place to rest the body and renew the soul.Jetlag. Mother Teresa, Peaches are here. Also finally met Beyonce - a 20 something guy with dreads and ear plugs ( think that's what you call them - Hoop?). He's from San Antonio. Nice guy but what a name!
Date: 2013-07-23
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It rained last night and into the morning. Yeah zero day today! Peaches, Fire hazard, Beast, Sherman and John also are zero-ing. The caretakers made everyone pancakes and coffee for breakfast. Nice way to start the day. I am just doing nothing today - except that I got in the mood to sweep and gave the entire cabin a good sweeping. My contribution. I also took the kayak out on the pond for a bit. It was so peaceful on the water.We had a visit from Snack time (age 11) and Teacher. Snack time is homeschooled (by his grandmother 'Teacher') and is doing a project on the trail where they will hike ten miles in each state and learn the history of each area. They are doing Massachusetts currently. Snack time made little bags, decorated with the AT logo, containing candy, band aids, ibuprofen, and balloons with instructions on how to make a hat. So cute! He gave them to all the thru-hikers. A couple of hikers are sitting around wearing them.We have a fire going and Peaches went to town yo get some beer. I love Upper Goose Pond! ...do I have to leave tomorrow?