morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-12
From: Dunnfield Creek Trailhead

To: Blue Mountain Lakes Road
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

June 12Dunnfield Creek Trailhead - Blue Mountain Lakes Road16.1Many AT hikers refer to Pennsylvania as "Rocksylvannia", for obvious reasons. However, my recollection of Pennsylvania and the AT will be; Ferns, Farm Fields and Rocks. The rocks do not magically end as you leave Pennsylvania, but not as intense so far in New Jersey. Trail alternated between rocks and level, flat service. Very windy today, which keeps bugs at bay and humidity low, temperatures in the 70's. Walked by Sunfish Pond, a glacier pond designed as a National Historic Site, postcard type setting with Mountain Laurel in bloom. Met Subman and Suds again on trail today. They are a couple from Elijah, GA hiking the AT. Subman hiked the AT in 2003. Overall, felt good today. We plan to hike 20 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-13
From: Blue Mountain Lakes Road

To: Deckertown Turnpike
Miles today: 19.6

June 13Blue Mountain. Lakes Road - Deckertown Turnpike19.6When I think of New Jersey my perception is Newark, Trenton and grimy congested urban areas. However, the AT in New Jersey showcases rolling hills in a rural non congested environment. Several sections remind me of the Grayson Highlands area of Virginia. In addition, numerous lakes and ponds are along the AT or visible from the AT. Weather today was cool with consistent winds, great hiking weather. Rocks continue to be present, but intensity is diminishing. Stopped for lunch at Gyps Tavern located at Culver Gap. It is located on Kittitany Lake, where outside sitting is available, great stop after hiking 10 miles. Big thumbs up as stop for AT hikers. Again, met Subman and Suds on the trail today, along with Pinecone Sitter, Maestro, Little Trickle and Grasshopper. Thought I would share my methods to pass the time; looking for heart shaped rocks on the trail. I found several and gave to Jill when she visited me in Harper's Ferry. Currently Forrest and I are looking for rocks in the shape of states on the AT. We have a Georgia rock, but continue our search for others. Believe me you have oodles of time to think as you hike and must find ways to occupy your mind.
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Deckertown Turnpike

To: Liberty Corners Road
Miles today: 18.9

June 14Deckertown Turnpike - Liberty Corners Road18.9Another great weather day for hiking, i.e., low humidity, cool temperatures in the morning with slowly rising during the day. Early part of hike brought a series of up and downs with rocky terrain, which included a monument marking highest point in New Jersey and honoring New Jersey Veterans. Also startled a deer who was on the AT. Afternoon included low lying bog areas with wooden planks to walk through and many areas of level easy walking. Also included a long road walk around Wallkill Fish and Wildlife Preserve. My trail notes from Warren Doyle's Appalachian Trail Institute indicated that rock intensity would end after High Point Shelter Mile 1337.4. Sure enough rocks greatly decreased the balance of the day. Great News!The last couple of days I have observed a large number of chipmunkso on or near the trail. In our quest for rocks in the shape of AT states we added; Maine, North Carolina and Connecticut.
Date: 2016-06-15
From: Liberty Corners Road

To: Warwick Turnpike
Miles today: 12.5

June 15Liberty Corners Road - Warwick Turnpike12.5Blue skies and cool temperatures, i.e., upper 50's greeted us this morning, great hiking weather. Today's hike is shorter to allow time for Forrest and Sherrie to celebrate her birthday. Saw more "Alvin's" today. Heard jets preparing for landing most of the day. I believe we are in the flight path for Newark Liberty International Airport. Lengthy walk on boardwalk through bog areas, punctuated by frequent up and downs. Stopped at Heaven Hills, a ice cream/sandwich shop located just off the AT. Enjoyed a cider donut and Mango Italian Ice. Recommend for AT hikers, very hiker friendly. Significant climb midday called "Stairway to Heaven", 900 foot rocky climb in 1.2 miles. Completed 12.5 miles by 2 pm. The balance of day was devoted to washing clothes and applying Permetherin, tick protection to tent and clothing. Enjoyed the shorter miles, which felt like a rest day. We have not taken a zero day since May 24.
Date: 2016-06-16
From: Warwick Turnpike

To: NY 17 A
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

June 16Warwick Turnpike - NY 17 A9.5Sherrie flys back to Atlanta today. Slackpacking is over, back to our regular packs. Great that she was able to visit Forrest and celebrate her birthday. Thank you Sherrie!We completed our eighth (8) state today as we entered New York. We started hiking in a light rain that continued all day. Early in the day trail was a series of rocky up and downs with several sections of crossing granite slabs, which were extremely slippery as a result of rain. This slowed me down considerably, on a couple of occasions I slid on my butt down the rocks to avoid falling. This resulted in me tearing a hole in hiking shorts, better than falling. Soon after we entered New York we spotted a large black bear off the trail about 30 - 40 feet from us. He stood still and then moved on. I could not get my phone out in time for a picture. We estimate weight at 400 -500 lbs., it was large. We had a nice break this afternoon with a stop at Bellville Farm Dairy, only .2 from AT. I had a great chocolate shake. Recommend to AT Hikers. Rain continued into the afternoon. Today was very difficult hiking with constant up and downs, compounded by slippery granite rocks as a result of rain. Reminded me of a shorter version of Virginia's Roller Coaster. We decided to call it a day and plan to hike 18 - 20 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-17
From: NY 17 A

To: Arden Valley Road
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Enjoyed a nice meal with Subman and Suds last night at Murphy's in Lake Greenwood NY. Staying at Anton's on the Lake, a hiker friendly motel with free trailhead pickup and delivery. We took advantage of this serve and slack packed today. Matt, who runs Anton's is hiker friendly and very accommodating with shuttles. Another nice weather day with temperatures inching upward. Trail was again a series of ups and downs, nothing huge, but constant. It is reminding me of a New York version of Virginia's roller coaster. Several steep boulder climbs/scrambling sections, highlighted by the Lemon Squeezer. It is a very narrow section of the trail the requires you to walk sideways and in some cases take off your full pack to work your way through. I went through Fat Mans Squeeze in Virginia and now have completed New York's Lemon Squeezer, more challenges await. Immediately after the Lemon Squeezer was a boulder climb that required significant grunting and groaning and arm strength to pull myself up and over the boulder, tough getting old!. Water was scare on this section, but Trail Angels came through again and provided water in gallon jugs at three different road crossings. This was very much appreciated and needed. Near the end of the day I reached for my phone to take a picture and the screen was blank and would not display, thus no pictures today. Hope to get to a Verizon store and seek assistance. My phone is my lifeline!. Overall, we covered 17.5 miles and set ourselves up for a shorter hike on Saturday into Palisades Parkway where a friend of my wife has graciously agreed to pick us up and let us stay at her home for a couple of nights. Our plan is to take a zero day on Sunday, June 19 and go into New York City.
Date: 2016-06-18
From: Arden Valley Road

To: Palisades Parkway
Miles today: 6.3

Later start today, i.e., 11 AM, based upon shuttle availability. This allowed me time to get a haircut. Weather heating up and humidity increasing, but a short 6 mile mile hike to meet Martha, my wife's friend who graciously agreed to open her home to us for two nights, i.e., bed, wash clothes, showers, home cooked meal and opportunity to visit New York City on Sunday. Another example of a Trail Angel, i.e., Martha and Trail Magic. Thank you Martha!. Mountain Laurel is just exploding on the AT in New York, brilliant white flowers with red specks line the trail in many sections. Trail was again a series of up and downs with boulder climbing/scrambling, highlighted by climb up Black Mountain. From the top of Black Mountain we were to get our first glimpse of the skyline of New York City and sweeping view of the Hudson River. We were probably 35 miles away, but still a thrill to see the skyline, including the new Freedom Tower. We plan to visit New York City on Sunday and see Ground Zero. Our family visited the World Trade Center in late July 2001, just 6 weeks before they were attacked. I have always felt our visit was so close to the actual attack that we were lucky and fortunate to have visited it when we did. Not good news on my phone. I visited a Verizon Store today and they could not repair my phone. Fortunately, it is under warranty and they will replace, but it will not be available until Tuesday morning. Martha has agree to pick up my new phone on Tuesday and bring it to me on the AT. This is a huge help to me and I greatly appreciate Martha going the extra mile (no pun intended) to help me. Also able to get a couple of t-shirts to replace the shirts I started with, they needed to be replaced. Martha had grilled chicken, sweet corn, cole slaw and tomatoes for dinner. It was wonderful! Today is a rest day with Sunday being a Zero Day with trip to New York City. This is first Zero Day since May 24, i.e., well deserved and needed. Again, no pictures based on phone issue.
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Palisades Parkway

To: Palisades Parkway
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Enjoyed our Zero Day by taking a train into New York City. Just as I experienced in Gatlinburg TN, going into NYC was sensory overload. The people, sounds, colors and general commotion are such a contrast to daily life on the AT. We visited Ground Zero, which included the reflecting pools located where the North and South towers once stood and the 9/11 Museum. The 9/11 Museum is located in what was the basement of the towers. It was a moving experience to visit this sacred ground almost 16 years after I visited with my family in July 2001, just a few weeks before the 9/11 attack. Also took the subway to Times Square area and took in the sites to include a great slice of pizza at a corner delicatessen. Big thank you to Martha for hosting Forrest and I at her home, greatly appreciated. Tomorrow we move on with full packs and work to complete the 90 miles in New York.Happy Fathers Day to all Fathers! I remember my father who passed away in 2007 and would have been thrilled and proud that I was taking on the challenge of hiking the AT. Tomorrow is my mothers 96th birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! I wish I could be with you to enjoy your day. I think of you each day.
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Palisades Parkway

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 14.5

Back on the trail today after a zero day and outstanding hosting from Margaret. Thank you, you do not know how much this means to AT hikers. The spaghetti dinner was just what I needed for another day of hiking. Continued ups and downs with the trail, hard to get into a hiking rythmn. Early in the day climbed Bear Mountain with views from Perkins Tower of Hudson River and West Point. The descent from Bear Mountain included over 1000 stone steps that were the work of AT volunteers, very impressive workmanship. The descends over 1200 feet to the Bear Mountain Zoo, which you walk through. it includes the lowest point on the AT at 177 feet above sea level. We ate lunch at a shady spot overlooking the Hudson River. We crossed the Hudson at the Bear Mountain Bridge and started to climb. Later in afternoon the AT passes directly in front of the Appalachian Deli. There were 6 hikers sitting in front. Forrest and I each got a cold beer and enjoyed it at a picnic table. Food and drink available directly on the trail is a special treat. Stopping point was Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. It is a Franciscan order that opens it space to hikers. It includes electrical, privy, water and a shelter, at no cost. There were 10 of us and we played a spirited game of stick ball before hiker midnight. I was in my tent asleep by 9 pm after a 14 mile day with warm temperatures.
Date: 2016-06-21
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 13.8

I feel back to normal,as Trail Angel Martha picked up my replacement phone from Verizon and delivered it to me. Thank you Martha for all your assistance, greatly appreciated.Journal entries with pictures and text will resume.You do not know what a life line your smartphone is on the AT until it is gone.Big hiker thumbs up to Gray moor Spiritual Life Center,highly recommend for AT hikers. Another day of constant up and downs, which with elevated temperatures and sun drained my energy. We still did 13.8, but both Forrest and I were you ready to stop when Martha met us with my phone. As we entered the Fahnestock State Park campground we met Joe from Yonkers, NY. He comes to this campground every year to provide trail magic for AT hikers. Another example of AT community. He prepared a hot dog and cheese sandwich for us. Big thumbs up to Joe, Trail Angel. Hope I have renewed energy tomorrow, but heat and trail has been difficult the last two (2) days. Yesterday was my Mother's 96th birthday, I wish I could have shared the day with her. Jill and Aubrey took her out to dinner.
Date: 2016-06-22
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

UPDATE FOR JUNE 20June 20 was Summer Solstice. There is an AT tradition that you hike naked on Summer Solstice. I am happy to report that Forrest and I did not participate, nor did we see any AT hikers participating, it would not be a pretty sight.Felt stronger today with temperatures and humidity lower. Started day with hot dog and egg sandwich from Trail Angel Joe. He was up at 5 am and had coffee ready for Forrest. Trail had NY typical ups and downs, but overall not as difficult. Passed over Shenandoah Mountain early in the day, which has a US flag painted on rocks as 9/11 Memorial. Enjoyed outstanding Pastrami on rye sandwich at Mountaintop Delight near Stormville NY. Met Farmer and Cinderella with her dog Pickler. I had not seen Cinderella since Virginia. Also met Black Santa. He has not taken a shower or washed clothes for over 10 days. He is headed to NYC to see a friend. I could not and will not go 10 days without a shower. Forrest and I attempt to reach a motel or hostel every 3/4 days, we like to stay clean. Passed a huge oak tree in the afternoon (see pictures), estimate age at 250 years plus.
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: CT 55
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Tough start for me today, felt sluggish and struggled with mental aspects of being away from home. I fall back on my goal to complete this journey and support from family and friends as motivation to keep going. I take one day at a time and break each day down into segments and push on. In the morning walked by Nuclear Lake,site of a plutonium facility that was closed by a chemical explosion in the 70's. Area has been monitored and AT is routed around the lake. Needless to say drinking the water is not recommended. Spent time walking with a local day hiker who had many questions about thru hiking. He is considering an AT hike. This helped me work through morning sluggishness and was a big help to me. Passed the Dover Oak, which is oldest and largest Oak tree on AT at over 300 years old and 6 feet in diameter. Enjoyed a cold drink and water break at Native Landscapes, which is located on the AT and is hiker friendly. A local food truck was set up in a nearby parking area and enjoyed a large burger and Cole slaw for lunch. I felt much better after lunch, maybe I was just hungry. Afternoon involved easy trail with section of open pasture. Surprised with Trail magic at CT 55 courtesy of Croc n Roll's parents, cold drinks, water and chips. Big Thank You. But Trail Magic did not end. Rick, a friend of Forrest drove up from Newark NJ and took us out to dinner and to grocery. What a treat and greatly appreciated. Overall, a good end to a day that started poorly.
Date: 2016-06-24
From: CT 55

To: Calebs Peak
Miles today: 14.4

Big thumbs to Bill at Duchess Motor Lodge in Wingdale,NY. It is nothing fancy, but clean and hiker friendly. He picked us up and took us back to trailhead and stopped at a Deli so we could get breakfast and sandwich. Trail magic courtesy of Croc n Roll's parents again this morning at CT 55 trailhead, Thank you! Started day with level trail walk along the Ten Mile River, this helped clear my usual morning funk. After this Connecticut AT challenged us with constant up and downs that in today's heat wore us out. I drank almost 5 liters of water. We decided to camp on top of Calebs Peak after 14 miles, i.e., we were spent. Our camping spot has a great view and nice breeze.
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Calebs Peak

To: Sharon Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a great nights sleep on Calebs Ledge last. On the trail at 6:45 am and faced a steep descent down stone steps on St. John's Ledge, must take your time to avoid a fall. It would be treacherous, if wet. The next 4 miles was an easy walk along flat terrain along the Housatonic River. The sound of moving water was a great way to start the day.However, immediately after the river walk ended the trail resumed it's up and down pattern with several step climbs,all under temperatures in the upper 80's. I again, drank considerable and felt sluggish before lunch and mid afternoon. Not sure I am eating enough. Met Bob and Kathy a couple from Long Island that were day hiking. They took our picture and had questions about thru hiking. Lunch was near Housatonic State Park, where we met two families day hiking who also had many thru hiking questions. They also took our trash, which was a big help. As mentioned the day was hot and terrain difficult. I was sluggish mid afternoon and as always seems to happen, when I am down something positive happens. In this case a day hiker passed us near West Cornwell Road and told us he left a cooler just past the road. Oh my gosh this was what I needed. Our pace increased and the cooler had ice cold Gatorade, Coke and Mountain Dew. The Gatorade was wonderful and boosted me for the next 3.7 miles to our camping spot. This section included a tight rock squeeze similar to the Lemon Sqeezer in New York (see pictures). With the weight I have lost I made it through with no problem. As I was drinking the Gatorade, Champa came up. He is a young ex marine I first meet in Georgia and had not seen since Tennessee. We caught up on different hikers, great to see him again.Thanks for support and encouragement, it is appreciated and needed!
Date: 2016-06-26
From: Sharon Mountain Campsite

To: Riga Shelter 
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Up early and on the trail by 6:15 am with anticipation of breakfast at Toymakers Cafe in Falls Village,Connecticut. It is a vintage British motorcycle shop and cafe,serving breakfast and lunch. It was packed with bikers and the wait for food was over an hour. Well worth the wait for Waffle Sandwich and Strawberry smoothie. Also got a Pastrami sandwich to go. Took a modified outdoor shower at the local power plant. Felt good to clean up a little. Met a couple of days hikers who asked us many questions and were amazed we had walked almost 1500 miles. Trail was relatively easy today with only a couple steep climbs. However,temperatures in the upper 80'so continue to sap energy and increase fluid intake. Passed a milestone late in the day,i.e.,1500 AT miles.After 16.5 miles we arrived at Riga Shelter, which sits on east facing mountain ledge. Looking forward to the sunrise.
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Riga Shelter 

To: Jug End Road 
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The sunrise was spectacular this morning. Forrest and I were the only ones at Riga Shelter. As a result I set my tent up in the shelter, to avoid insects. I woke up at 5 am and was treated to sunrise from my tent, special moment I enjoyed. Climbed Bear Mountain early, which is the highest point in Connecticut. I got some nice pictures on stone observation tower. Just after Bear Mountain I entered Massachusetts, my tenth state complete with four remaining. Massachusetts opened with a gorgeous walk along Sages Ravine with rushing stream, very soothing. Next up were climbs up Race Mountain with beautiful views from stone ledges and Mt. Everett. Mt. Everett was an extremely steep climb during the heat of the day, i.e.,700 feet in .7 miles almost straight through rock/boulder fields.Just as I descended Mt. Everett the trail gods answered my prayers. I was hot, sweaty and tired from the climb, Rob Bird was set up with Trail magic. He had Gatorade, oranges,strawberries, peaches, soda and snacks. He is from Dalton Massachusetts and spends time each summer doing random trail magic. Another great example of AT community, Thank you Rob!. Finished the day with 4 miles into Jug End Road, that looked like it would be an easy hike, wrong!. This last section was rocky and ended with tough rock strewn descent. Overall a tough 13.5 miles. Staying at a private home in Sheffield Massachusetts owned by Jessica Treat. She picked us up at trailhead and able to get a shower and clothes washed. Sheffield is a quaint New England town with common area. We had a great dinner at Marketplace Cafe.Looking forward to sleeping in a bed with sheets. Rain is forecast for tomorrow, we are planning to slack pack 18 miles tomorrow and return to Jessica Treats home. There are 3 other hikers at her home.
Date: 2016-06-28
From: Jug End Road 

To: Beartown Mountain Road.
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Rain was forecast today, a few drops fell early this morning, but no thunderstorms. The first six miles was an easy walk through fields and along the Housatonic River. Passed monument to the last battle in Shay's Rebellion in 1787. It was an armed uprising led by Daniel Shay's, a Revolutionary War veteran protesing taxes paid by farmers. It was forcibly put down by US government.We noticed a sign along the Housatonic River warning against eating fish because of PCB contamination. I believe it originated with General Electric dumping materials from a facility upstream. Glad we have become more aware and conscious of how we handle industrial waste. Met a group of ten AT trail maintainers who were finishing a trail reroute. In fact, they had just painted new blazes and Forrest and I were the first hikers to walk new section. It takes many dedicated volunteers to maintain the AT. Thank you to this group for their work. We took a lunch break at Tom Leonard Shelter and spoke with them. A hiker was present who was conducting research as to candy of choice for thru hikers. I answered Snickers. He indicted this was most popular answer. Normal ups and downs, but overall an easy hiking day, which allowed completion of 18.8 miles. Enjoyed the dinner special at the Market Place Cafe in Sheffield Massachusetts, a double brisket burger and potato salad. Throughly enjoyed my stay at Jessica Treats home in Sheffield, Massachusetts, recommend for AT hikers.