morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-04
From: Swatara Gap

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike from Swatara Gap stealth camp to 501 shelter began with a stout 1000 ft climb, followed by good tread way with two difficult rock scrambles. They weren't "Subaru" rocks, but quite large and difficult. The last mile was a rocky uphill to the bitter end. Although the enclosed shelter was pretty luxurious by shelter standards, I tented. We had pizza delivered, and I devoured an entire 14 inch pizza with gusto. My trail appetite is still weak, so when real food is available, I pig out. Of note; this is my last hiking day for about 2 weeks. I had planned to get off the trail for 2+ weeks, due to circumstances at work, so this will be my last post for a while. The good news is that I have already raised $2000 for the Alzheimer's Assoc. Thanks to everybody that donated. Lastly, in a final act of trail magic; a section hiker who we met at Pine Grove Furnace is shuttling us 2 hours to the 30th St station in Philadelphia to catch the train home. Thanks Trail Angel Rick. Living the interupted dream!!CP
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Home

To: Pine Grove PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Three weeks off the trail to attend to work and other business matters has allowed my sore feet to heal. My wife Marcy drove Midnight Strider and I back to the 501 shelter in Pine Grove PA to resume our hike. Hopefully, I haven't totally lost my trail legs, since the most challenging part of Rocksylvania lies ahead. This sojourn from the trail was planned in advance, but it ended being about a week longer than expected. Many of our trail friends have either moved far up the trail, or in some cases have been injured and had to suspend their hike. I look forward to meeting new friends and having new experiences on the way to Maine. Living the dream again.CP
Date: 2016-05-29
From: 501 shelter

To: Rock n Soul hostel
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

After being off the trail for almost one month, we are going to slackpack to Rock n Soul hostel today, and from there to Port Clinton tomorrow. This was our first go at slackpacking, and the plan going forward is to do it as much of it as we can through the remainder of Pennsyltuckey. We heard so many good things from thru hikers about Rock n Soul, but it is even better than described. This is by far the best hostel that we have encountered on the AT and I encourage thru hikers to make reservations. Craig and Jodie have created an environment that is second to none. There are great places to stay like Mountain Home or Bears Den; but this place beats them all. Going to tap into Craig's experience slackpacking hikers to help us plan the next week or so getting thru the rocks. I once asked my friend Otter (2006) if Rocksylvania was as bad as they say; his response was that it was worse. I quess that I will find out in the coming days. Living the dream. CP
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Rock n Soul hostel

To: Phillips Canyon Spring
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: mist

Started the day with Jodie's breakfast sandwich, fresh fruit, and excellent coffee (Craig claims to be a coffee snob). What an enjoyable stay. Today was my first day back on the trail with full packs, and I was surprised how quickly I got comfortable. I decided hike with a full pack for the next three days; then slackpack two days ofreally difficult rocky terrain. For the slackpack, Craig is dropping my day pack at Eckville shelter in the morning and picking me up at Blue Mt Summit at the end of the day to go back to his place, so I can shower, do laundry, and eat some more of Jodie's cooking. Camping at Phillips Canyon Spring; nice spot, but not muchof a spring. Tomorrow into Port Clinton, a visit to the worlds largest Cabela'sand then back on the AT. Using my new Guthook's app and loving it. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Phillips Canyon Spring

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got an early start this morning as we planned tostop at Cabelas in Hamburg. The trail from PhillipsCanyon Spring had a few rocky sections but otherwisepretty good until the steep decent into Port Clinton. The pounding on the lower extremities that occurs in a steep 800 foot downhill is brutal. Feet, ankles, and especiallyknees get beaten up. The climb out of the valley was a mirror image; but I far prefer the climbing. It's really just a cardio workout.Unfortunately what goes up, must go down.Once in Port Clinton, a small town of about 300, Strider was able to yogi us a ride into Hamburg to Cabelas. Putting rubber tips on hiking poles keeps them from slipping on the rocks. The tips that I got at REI lasted all of two days, so a trip to Cabelas was necessary. Tomorrow we begin entering Rocksylvania, which willcontinue all the way to Delaware Water Gap. Living the dream.CP
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Eckville shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Although I got a taste of big rocks at the beginning of the day, there was along stretch of walking down a fire road. This allowed me to arrive at Eckville shelterquite early. Since I am going to slackpack tomorrow, there was no reason to push on. Met a lot of thru hikers; many who started at Springer Mt. They have1250 mi under them, and they hike rings around me. Again I stayed at Rock n Soul hostel withPap from PA, a 77 yo hiker, Yoda, and Pops. Yoda is a 65 yo retired Army Ranger. He was quitean interesting person who has experienced things that humbles me. He was part of the illfated mission to free the hostages in Iran, and is a member of the US Army RangersHall of Fame. Tomorrow the trail becomes increasingly rocky, but I am again slackpacking.Living the dream.CP
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Eckville shelter

To: Blue Mt Summit
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Encountered some big rocks today in sections, but at least there weresome descent treadway also. The climb out of Eckville was sustained. Onceon top, we had to scramble over boulders. The last 4 mi was a beautiful walk through the woods. Had a salad and an Good IPA at the Blue Mt Summit restaurant. Tomorrow, son is forecast and knifes edge and bear rocks awaits.Living the dream.CP
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Blue Mt Summit

To: Ashfield Rd
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Awakened to heavy rain which only added to the apprehension of scrambling over two difficult rock piles. Both Knifes Edge and Bake Oven Summit are intimidating masses of rock that seemingly shouldn't be part of the trail. Knifes Edge is 200 yardsof a narrow corridor of enormous rock slabs oriented at 45 degrees with a precipitous drop off of about 1500 feeton one side, and a significant drop on the other side. On a good day it's nuts, on a rainy day it's downright dangerous. Bake Oven is just a huge pile of car sized rockswith a steep ascent and descent. Getting past those obstacles was slow, tedious, and demanding. Because of the wet surfaces, every step had to be measured. Tomorrow it's LehighGap and about a 1200 ft hand over hand steep rock scramble.I cannot wait to get out of PA. Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Blue Mt Summit

To: Ashfield Rd
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Awakened to heavy rain which only added to the apprehension of scrambling over two difficult rock piles. Both Knifes Edge and Bake Oven Summit are intimidating masses of rock that seemingly shouldn't be part of the trail. Knifes Edge is 200 yardsof a narrow corridor of enormous rock slabs oriented at 45 degrees with a precipitous drop off of about 1500 feeton one side, and a significant drop on the other side. On a good day it's nuts, on a rainy day it's downright dangerous. Bake Oven is just a huge pile of car sized rockswith a steep ascent and descent. Getting past those obstacles was slow, tedious, and demanding. Because of the wet surfaces, every step had to be measured. Tomorrow it's LehighGap and about a 1200 ft hand over hand steep rock scramble.I cannot wait to get out of PA. Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Ashfield Rd

To: Blue Mt Restaurant Pavilion
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Everything said about the climb out of Lehigh Gap is accurate. It islong, steep, exposed, and not good for those afraid of hights. I got to the climb in the midday heat and that added to the challenge. It took about an hour and I was completely drenched. I am so glad it is over.Also, this morning I discovered a classic bullseye rash from a deertick on myforearm. Fortunately, I did bring Doxycycline along just in case. Tonight I am sleeping in a pavilion behind a thru hiker friendly restaurant in Danielsville. Tomorrow an inch of rain is forecast, and since the pavilion is dry, and the food is good; I may take a zero. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-05
From: Blue Mt Restaurant Pavilion

To: Blue Mt Restaurant Pavilion
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Due to weather I decided to zero. Awakened to heavyrain and severe storms were forecast. Rather than being exposed on the ridge, the pavilion would be safer in a severe thunderstorm. As it turned out, the late afternoon storms came through with high winds, lightning, and very heavy rain. Glad to be right where I am. Tomorrow sunshine and mild temperatures.Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-06
From: Blue Mt Restaurant Pavilion

To: Campsite above Wind Gap
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

Started the day by walking Little Gap Rd uphill 0.8 mi. Of note; nobody stopped to offer a ride, since at least 50 cars passed me going the other way, and only one going my way. The trail was still wet from all the rain yesterday, and the climb out of Little Gap wasn't big; it was a rock scramble with sizable boulders. About midday I slipped on a rather small slab of Pennsyltuckey rock, fell onto my hiking stick, and snapped it clean off at the bottom (see photo). Needless to say, the remainder of the day was a challenge with only one pole. After lunch I rigged it so to give me some support with the shorter stick. Tomorrow I will pay a visit to the outfitter in Delaware Water Gap. Only about one more day in Pennsyltuckey. Seems like I have been here forever. I may kiss the ground when I cross the river into NJ. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Campsite above Wind Gap

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Broke camp very early today and got to Wind Gap at about 7:30; did laundry, had breakfast, got water for today's hike, and was back on the trail by 9:45. Very productive morning. Again rocks were the story without much break. I had a gimpy left ankle from yesterday's fall so I was careful with foot placement. The prominent feature today was Wolf Rocks, anotherridiculous trail routing over a large boulder field. There is a bypass trail which I had intended to take due to my ankle and a broken pole. I was so focused on my feet that I missed the cutoff and ended up on the big rocks. Oops! Sleeping in a shelter tonight only 6 mi from NJ. I will gladly bid farewell to PA . Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I have finally arrived at the last day in PA. Mostly, the people in the trail townshave been very hiker friendly and supportive. But this 220 mi section has been a grinding trek over difficult and sometimes ridiculous trail conditions.It seems as if the trail planners in PA purposely routed the AT over rockpiles better suited for mountain goats. You could be on a reasonable path, and then the "trail" would make an abrupt detour to a pile of boulders that to negotiate, barely resembled hiking. Knifes Edge, Bake Oven Knob, Wolf Rocks, and especially the Lehigh Gap climb should have official AT bypass routes to avoid that nonsense.Add to that the overall rocky conditions of the tread way, makes hiking this state quiteunpleasant and potentially dangerous. I for one bid good riddance to Pennsyltuckey.Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

I left DWG equipped with my brand new Lexihiking poles. The crossing of the Delaware Riverwas highlighted by kissing the NJ side of the state line (see photos). I am so glad to be finished with PA. The remainder of the day was a hike through a beautiful forest and a climb up to Sunfish Pond. I was surprised to find NJ to be quite scenic. Who knew!!! I always thought of NJ as a land of freeways, chemical plants, diners and guys wearing wife beater t-shirts. Wanted to go further than Mohican, but $10 for a tent site and a shower withtowel and soap was too good to pass up. There are rocks in NJ, but nothing like what we encountered across the river. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-10
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Stealth camp past Brinks Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

The walk from Mohican to Brinks was rather uneventful except for thelarge adult bear sitting on a large rock about 75 yards from where I stood. He was big and looked a me as if he owned the forest. I slowly backed away and he must nothave been interested in me. The vistas off the ridge were impressive, overlooking several lakes. I decided to go a bit further past the shelter to increase my mileage for the day, and stealth camped in a clearing. Thought about that bear all night long.Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-11
From: Stealth camp past Brinks Shelter

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

I broke camp very early because severe weather was predictedfor mid afternoon. The prediction was correct, and only about a mile fromthe shelter the skies opened up and I got soaked. The trail resembled a stream with water swiftly running downhill. At the shelter was Yoda, Rover, and the Aussie couple that I had met previously at Rock n Soul hostel. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-12
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Unionville NY
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The little village of Unionville NY allows thru hikersto camp in the community park at no charge. Quite a nice gesture. There is a bar, pizzeria, small grocery, and post office;that's it! Had a really good cheesesteak made with chunks of ribeye, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Today, also experienced some trail magic at the High Pt St Park headquarterson NJ's highest mountain. "Mosey" who walked the trail 2015 had fresh peaches, blueberries, cantaloupe, and strawberries.Really hit the spot. After coming down from the mountain, the trail took a gentler track thru a lot of farmland. Made for a nice hikeLiving the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-13
From: Unionville NY

To: Vernon NJ
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a day of good and bad. First, I got turned around, and lost coming out of Unionville; so I ended up bushwacking to the AT thru private property, which added about 2 miles to the day.Once on the trail it was an environmental and ecological bonanza. The initial few miles was thru pastural farmland, followed by a long stretch in the bogs, swamps, and boardwalks of the Wallkill River NWS.Then 4.5 difficult miles up and over Pochuck Mt, back to a final 2 miles of boardwalk into Vernon NJ.During my descent of Pochuck I took a particularly spectacular fall that luckily did not result in injury, but nonetheless shook me up. In Vernon I am staying at an amazing church hostel that offers everything that a hiker needs for a $10 donation. It's clean, has a washer and dryer (free), shower, equipped kitchen, computer, etc. what a deal. Sadly, had to say farewell to Rover, a 69 yo that I had been hiking with for a time. He is doing the AT in 500 mi sections, and was getting off at Vernon. Tomorrow we say goodbye to an enjoyable and surprisingly beautiful NJ, and enter NY for about 90 miles. Living the dream!!CP
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Vernon NJ

To: Wawayanda shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My hiking partner wanted to Nero today due to footissues, so we relaxed at the hostel, had lunch at a local cafe with Yoda who came to the hostel this morning.Got a shuttle to the trailhead by Josie's Taxi Service and began to climb the Stairway to Heaven out of the gap. It was not nearly as difficult as advertised. Hiked with Aussie friendsNate and Robin. Tomorrow I will cross the NJ/NY line over fairly challenging terrain. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-15
From: Wawayanda shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

After crossing the NJ/NY line the trail began what I would call Pennsylvania 2.0. Rock scrambles, steep climbs, androck hopping. Quite difficult and time consuming. Got to WildcatShelter with Strider and the Aussies; Yoda showed up later afterhiking all the way from Vernon. Also, we were witness to the arrivalof a mini bubble from the south. The shelter was packed and there were about 20 tents. Noise and chaos reigned. The party went on into the night and restful sleep was elusive. Speaking of the Aussies; they started at Harper's Ferry, and do not yet have trail names. Need to do something about that! Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-16
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Harriman NY
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

NY got really nasty today. It was easily the most difficult day since I started this maddness, includingthe Roller Coaster in VA, and even PA. The climbs over big rock piles and cliffs was more like climbing than hiking. But what made it so hard was the elevation changes, and the rain late in the day. I took a seriousfall on wet rocks. When we came down the ridge to cross I-87, the rain really started coming down so Yoda and I caught a ride to a motel in Harriman. II was beaten up and couldn't go on. Needed a shower and a warm bed. By the way, Nate the Aussie is nowCaptain Kangaroo. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-17
From: Harriman NY

To: West Mt Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

The night in the motel gave me much needed rest.Today's hike was more up and down that NY has offered. After a long day I opted to go on to the West Mt Shelter, an old CCC building that sits on a bluff allowing a view of the NYC skyline 25-30 mi away. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-18
From: West Mt Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Since the West Mt Shelter was a difficult 0.5 mi off the trail; it started the day with a bang. Had to climb Bear Mt and then descend which really took it's toll on my right shin; the sameinjury that sent me to an Ortho clinic in PA.Hopefully it will feel better in the am.The Graymoor Center allows thru hikers to set up tents on their baseball field; cold showersand port-a-potty a. Not great, but the grass issoft. Best of all, it is near the Appalachian Marketwhich makes amazing sandwiches and pizza. Ate my fill and went to bed. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center

To: Fahnestock St Park
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Not a bad day, with only one big climb; butstill NY continues the up and down over ridgeafter ridge. Headed to the State Park with thepromise of a hot shower; again it was ice cold.Even worse, the last two mi of the AT in the parkwere brutal; large rocks with big steps required.The Aussies decided to zero at Graymoor, so today it was Strider, Yoda, and myself. However, There was a trail angel camped near us who had cold drinks and invited us for breakfast the nextmorning. Joe is 71 yo from the Bronx and hasbeen camping at the park and feeding thru hikersfor many years. Made the state park experience worth it. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Fahnestock St Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Started the day with coffee and a ham and provolone sandwich courtesy of Joe the trail angel. As of today, only 32 mi remain in NY. The trail today was really well gradedfor the first 6 mi, then it got a little sketchy walking along the edge of the ridge while climbing and descending. The short term goal today was to reach the Mountaintop Deli inStormville NY. I demolished a sub about the size of my arm.Really delicious! Was quite hot and I was dehydrated in spite of drinking on the trail, so I slugged down about 2 qtsof OJ and 2 qts of Gatorade. Tomorrow into Pawling NY to pick up my new boots, do needed laundry, shower, and resupply.Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-21
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Pawling NY
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was raining at dawn, so I waited it out in my tentand got a late start. The plan was to get to Native Landscaping, that in the past allowed thru hikers to stay on their property. However, I found out this morningthat their is no tenting there. The good news is that theystill offered hot showers, cold drinks, and mail drops. I had REI ship new boots here and they were waiting whenI arrived. Pennsylvania had beaten my boots to death, and they were beginning to fall apart. Also, Tony's Deli0.5 mi down the road does allow tenting. But most importantly, I took a much needed hot shower, and was able to get to a laundromat. Clean clothes and a hot shower;the simple pleasures mean so much on the trail.Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-22
From: Pawling NY

To: Ten Mile River Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Began the day with some trail magic. I needed to get to the post officeat 8:30 am; the taxi didn't show, but Suds and Subman whose journal I had been following, just happened to show up in a car at Toni's Deli.Got me to the post office to send my poor boots home. No longer goodfor hiking, they will be great for working on the "farm". My new LowaRenegades were much more stable on the rocks. Today was a shortday and the trail was well graded. I hiked all day with Yoda. We bid farewell to NY at about mile 6 and entered Connecticut, my seventh state. NY was much harder than expected with lot's of elevation changes. Another state bites the dust! Tonight Timber, Yoda, Strider, and myselfare camped on the shore of the Ten Mile River. Easily the most beautifulcampsite of the entire hike.Tomorrow I go into Kent CT for resupply and equipment repair at the outfitters. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Ten Mile River Shelter

To: Kent CT
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Left the inspiring campsite on Ten Mile River and headed forthe village of Kent CT. We followed the Housatonic River on a road for about 5 mi, then climbed over a series of ridges anddown into Kent. Yoda and I got picked up at the trailhead by the outfitter. Her store is interesting; follow along: it's a men'sand women's clothing/ backpacking outfitter/ fly fishing/ ice cream, and candy store. And, oh yes, you can get hot dogs! After a great lunch,Yoda and I went to Cooper Creek B&B, in a 200+ year old house. Nice place! Cooper the owner is a collector of old vintage vehicles.His collection includes a: '46 Willys, '47 Willys, '62 Studebaker truck, and a '62 Corvette in mint condition. All together he has 11 vehicles. I highly recommend that B&B to anyone that is near Kent. Dinner at the Kingsley Tavern was delicious. Living the dream!CP
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Kent CT

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

The trailhead is just past the famous Kent School, and climbs up to theridge and is a fairly easy walk until the St John's Ledges; where the trailliterally dives off of the ridge into a steep rock scramble descent. Once on level ground the trail ran along the Housatonic River for about 5 mi.Then it got interesting, as the trail turned onto the mountain and began a grueling series of climbs and descents which made the last 5 mi a marchof misery. We finally stumbled into Caesar Brook tired and beaten. Just another day on the AT. Living the dream!CP