morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Near Rocky Mountain Shelter-campsite

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: broken clouds

We broke camp early and got into Caledonia early around 8:15, and we came across a cooler full of cold beverages advertising blueberry pancakes down in the campground! We followed the map and came across Cook Doctor and gang and enjoyed some good eats. We hid our bags under the picnic table there because we wanted to check out Gettysburg. We are so glad we put forth the effort to hitch there (a two parter to get there and a virgin hitch giver to get back). We were dropped off by the first guy about three miles shy of town and some other guy came along and drove around town with us until we found the Park Visitor Center. We paid the money to go on one of those cheesy air conditioned buses...the best decision we could have made! Our tour guide Ed had a wealth of knowledge about the battle fields and the advancements of both the Confederates and the Federals during the three days of battle. We were overwhelmed by the actual size of the war zone. Most of the building in the actual town of Gettysburg have been preserved and each one that is still standing has a plaque that labels it as being there during the war. It was an amazing place. We of course had the cliff notes version of the area as we only had a few hours to spend there, but thankful nonetheless for having spent the time we did. We stuck out our thumbs for a ride back to Caledonia and a lady who had never picked up a hitchhiker before stopped for us and brought us the 15 miles back to the campground. We picked up our bags and headed to the pool for a quick dip to cool off in the 90+ humid temps. We set out at about 7 up into the hills to hit the first shelter and set up a tent. Another great day!
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Campsite near 1/2-way marker
Miles today: 18.3

Today was the big day of the Half-Gallon Challenge in which hikers traditionally attempt to eat a half-gallon of ice cream to commemorate hiking half of the Appalachian Trail. Thus, we were up early and all of us hikers had a good pace. We made a few pit stops in shelters, but we were at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park at 3:00, with a hand full of others to attempt the challenge including: General Lee, Queso, Ranger Jan, Bloody Nose, King Ninja, and The Breeze, as well as a few other onlookers. We chose Cookies 'n Cream, and all of us who attempted the challenge completed it with only one puker (The Breeze.) Uff-Da did it the fastest at 35 minutes while it took Sven a very painful 55. None of us could move for a few hours, but when we did we took a dip in Fuller Lake and finally pitched a tent past a permanent 1/2-way marker (which isn't accurate since the trail officially changes length from year to year.) WoooHoooo! Half way done and still going strong!!!
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Half Way Marker Campsite

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 18.4

It was one of the hottest, most humid days yet.. Even when we were standing still sweat was still pouring from all pores on our body. Fun stuff! We didn't really stop to have lunch, just a cluster of snacks since eating hot food in the sweltering heat isn't too enjoyable. The last two miles before town went through a corn field, I think we may have been running through them in our delirious state, it is all a blur actually. Right when we got to town there was a gigantic pool, we were so in awe we walked right past the trail in a euphoric daze...envisioning the oil spills that would seep from our bodies if we were able to float on our backs in it. Anyways, we made it to town and were on a mission to find fuel for our stove. The last week we have been building fires to cook our food which is an inconvenience when there are hunger pangs to answer to. Someone forgot to check the fuel level before we left the last outfitter No luck with the fuel so resupply is only cookless items. We headed to the Boiling Springs Tavern for a pint and a burger. Sven, who was feeling a bit under the weather all day, develops another fever, this time over 100 degrees. Uff-da, mark this down, actually cleared Svens' plate of leftover food! We headed back to the Garmanhaus B&B where we had pitched a tent in their back yard for the whopping price of $1. Being the warrior Sir Sven is, he took one for the wallet and we didn't get comfortable in the hotel. There are thunder clouds building and we are hoping for some rain to alleviate some of this humidity.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a late start but the first 12 miles were FLAT. We got off the trail about 8 miles in and luckily hitched a ride 5 miles into the outfitter that sold fuel! Not only did Darrel, the guy we got a hitch from bring us into town, but was nice enough to bring us all the way back to the trail too. We took a break at Scott's Farm, the housing headquarters for PATC workers. We were able to fill up on water as sources are scarce through the plains of Pennsylvania. We stopped again at the Darlington Shelter, a boy scout troop offered us some of their chili. Sven was feeling a bit under the weather and declined food...he really must be sick. We left there to do seven more miles to the next shelter where we are tenting out tonight. It started to rain about three miles out, we got soaked but it felt great. When we rolled up to the shelter, looking for peace and quiet, we found about 15 screaming teens. There was no way we were going to subject ourselves to that even if it was raining out. We set up on the wet ground, made dinner and hit the hay. Sven is still feverish... Tomorrow we rest in Duncannon.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up to rain but it let up just long enough for us to get the tent packed away, stuff was pretty wet though. Sven felt a little bit better but not 100%. We have finally hit those infamous 'rocks' that everyone warns you about. No kidding, for the last 1000 miles to topic comes up at least every 20 or so. There are endless discussion on what type of shoe one should wear when going over these rocks, horror stories of rolled ankles and maddening hours of endless miles going over these things. So for about three of the four miles we got to experience these God forsaken 'rocks'. Maybe we should start selling them as trophy like statues to those who make it through the rocks so they can display it on their mantles when they get home; a conversation starter for cocktail parties or something. Although not as pleasant as walking through the Shenandoah's we survived our first taste of them. Maybe I have now cursed us for making pun of the rocks, being we have another 67 miles of them to go (all the legends claim the 'rocks' last for 70 miles). We had a great view of Duncannon from Hawk's Rock looking over the Susquehanna River. We picked up our mail drop, got a greasy spoon breakfast and checked ourselves into the Doyle Hotel. This place is classic. It is over 100 years old and the room shows every year of it! Before you get to your room the owner goes over a list of precautions/cautions to be aware of to ensure you leave the place without scalding water splashing on you and you have all body parts intact by carefully opening the buildings original windows! There are literally signs that say to open at your own risk! We settle in and Sven goes back and forth from having a fever to feeling good. We take the shuttle to the near by grocer and get some fresh fruit and then lay low for most of the day. Sven heads to bed with a 102 temp so I have a feeling we will be getting to know the ins and outs of Duncannon and this ancient Hotel.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We escaped the vortex of Duncannon! Sven started to feel better and we were out of town by mid morning.. The owners of the Doyle were great and there was a huge hiker feed in town today but we had to get out of there. It is great to be out in the woods again. We can definately feel the eight days off. The packs are heavy and the legs a little sore. The trail wasn't too bad. It seems like all of Pennsylvania is ridge walking with just 1000 foot ascents and descents going into towns. The good thing about being in town for over a week was that we got to see all the hikers stroll in. We were able to see many familiar faces! We were sorry to see Tortuga (the man behind our trail names) get off the trail. Hope you had a safe return to Cali tortuga, you will be missed. North-ward we go!
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

We were late to hit the blazes today, almost 10am. We were visited by some late arrivals in the shelter so we didn't sleep to well. The legs weren't feeling to great during the morning hike either.. I think it may take a few days to get back into the swing of things. We are tenting out near the shelter tonight. It is a beautiful little camp, right near a good size stream and lots of towering pine trees. We realized how much we missed eating dinner outdoors. Its so peaceful out here, no trains rolling by and no random sirens going off at all hours. Its been pretty hot and humid lately so we are trying to stay hydrated.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

We can now start counting the miles down as apposed to up since we have less than 1000 to go! It was another toasty one today but about six miles in we came across a cooler full of ice cold coke! It's amazing what 12 ounces can do for a thirsty hiker. The trail was pretty narrow and rocky today and there was tons of poison ivy, I think we managed to avoid it though. About a mile before the shelter we found some more trail magic by Ron. We were given a piece of fruit and a little pamplet on "creationism," apparently our teachers were 'brainwashed' (no kidding it really said brainwashed) and anything we have learned about evolution is not true. Humans were here when the dinosaurs roamed the land! Anyways, the fruit was good. The 501 Shelter is great. It has a solar shower and we were able to hit up the subway in town for dinner. Feels great to crawl into the tent when you are nice and clean!
Date: 2007-07-10
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton Pavilion
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: few clouds

We swore a lot today. The trail was not nice to us, and what was even worse is that for about 6 miles the rocky trail followed a nice smooth forest road.. but us "purist" followed every blaze and suffered on the sharp rocks. We did go by a nice spring fed swimming hole where we cooled off for a bit, that was nice. There was a huge rattlesnake skin on the trail too... I wanted to bring it to town and make some nice boots out of it but Sven talked some sense into me. The last mile and a half into town was the steeped grade we have been on yet. Port Clinton (home of kate yaegers parents) is a nice quaint little town. They open up the pavilion at the end of town for hikers to sleep in. We headed to the P.C. Hotel and had some dinner and caught the first few innings of the All Star Game. Long miles and rocks have our feet hurting. We can't wait for New Jersey!
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Port Clinton Pavilion

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

What we didn't know yesterday was that the Pavilion of Port Clinton is right along the busiest highway in the U.S. At least it seemed like it. We slept for about 5 seconds inbetween every passing semi! We headed to the local greasy spoon diner with the other hikers for some breakfast before we hit the trail.. 3C's has the best pancakes I have ever eaten! The hike today was pretty nice. The trail was surprisingly rockless. We had some good views from Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle, although they were a bit hazy, it was another hot and humid day today. We got rained on for a little bit the last few miles of our hike. We are staying in the shelter tonight. There is another solar shower here. We have been spoiled in PA with all the showers! A clean hiker is a happy hiker
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

We woke up to beautiful weather.... blue skies and 70 degrees. A perfect day for hiking. We got about three miles and had a nice view from Dan's Pulpit. After that I came about a foot from stepping on a giant rattlesnake! I saw it just in time...screamed and then jumped back about four feet... getting kicked off the compt.... will continue...
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Lehigh Gap

To: Near Wind Gap
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Well folks, if you find yourself in Japan in the future you may be able to catch a glimps of us climbing up the rocky cliffs of Lehigh Gap.. The papprazzi may be following us soon. There was a Japanese film crew taping us for a documentary they are doing on the A.T. Exciting stuff! The climb up the gap was great, more like bouldering. The top of the ridge was bare due to an old zinc sweltering mine that destoryed the environment. It felt like we were trekking on Mars for five miles. Neat, but rather sad considering it was due to human contamination. The hiking was pretty good today, and great weather once again. Most of the clan: JB, Popeye, Lightweight, Lunar and Way headed into the Gap to split a Hotel but we decided to stop short of the road. Thrilled that PA will be done in 18 miles!
Date: 2007-07-15
From: Near Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

Had a nice and early start, probably due to the fact that if all goes well, today would be our last day hiking on the infamous and painful rocks in Pennsylvania. We had an easy hike down to Culver Gap, then a climb out of the gap followed by 10 miles or so of ankle-busters. The trail was full of jagged rock that you had no choice but to step on. Do you remeber that part in 'Misery' where Anne Bates ties Paul down to the bed and then breaks both of his ankles with a sledgehammer? That's what our feet feel like at the end of one of these days. Anyway, we made it to Kirkridge Shelter for lunch, and then head out for the last 6 miles of PA. Three of them were on an access road until we reached the peak of Mt. Minsi, which had a spectacular view of the Delaware Water Gap. From there it was all downhill, literally, where the posse got together over a beer in town to celebrate our exodus from PA! Seven states down!
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mile South of the Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We hit up the farmers market for some b-fast, got our packages at the P.O. and then hopped on a bus into East Stroudsberg to find a bank to cash a check we had and resupply. Finding a check casher is a big deal in these parts I guess. After a whole fisacal the lady at the Walmart bank took pitty on us and finally cashed our check that was about to expire.. We got back to town and started to pack things up and Sven decided it would be best to take care of the follow up blood tests he needed to get done.. Hopefully the liver test levels come back down, Lyme was negative. We crossed over the Deleware River and entered into our 8th state, New Jersey. Had a little climb up to some ridge walking and the trail got less rocky so we were thrilled about that. And we saw a deer as soon as we got in the woods. Oh PA how you won't be missed! The views were great today in the afternoon sun. Walked by a beautiful Sunfish Pond and have set up camp on the ridge overlooking some lakes. Life is good.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Mile South of the Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Camp Before Culver Gap
Miles today: 18.4

The day started off a little foggy and rainy. We started walking north by 8:00, and as the day went it became more sunny and humid, which drained us of our energy. We took many more breaks than usual, and had a few nice views to the SE while being zapped by the sun. The Gypsy moths ate many or the leaves that provided overhead cover. We took a little breather at the Brink Road Shelter, where we re-watered. While chatting with a fellow hiker, an adolescent black bear came wandering out of the woods, and crept closer to the shelter. I tried to get closer to him, but he was quickly on to me and ran away. Then, a few miles later when we we setting up camp for the night, an other sow and her cub were spotted about 50 yards from our tent. Ironically they were spotted as I was hanging our food in a tree! Three more bear sightings on the day to bring to total up to 7.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Camp Before Culver Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.9

A thunderstorm blew in around 4am and brought some heavy rains. The tent held up well though. We waited around for a bit in the tent till the rain lit up a bit and then broke camp. Gotta love packing up in the rain! The rocks were bad all morning so we took our time. Took a pit stop in at the Gren Anderson Shelter and the rain stopped while we were there. It was hot, humid and hazy all day long. We had a nice relaxing lunch and set on northward again. We counted red salamanders all afternoon and ended at 71. We got to High Point State Park filled up on water and decided to take the blue blaze trail up to the highest point in New Jersey, 1803 feet. It was pretty cool. There is a big monument and the sky was beautiful. The sun was starting to set a bit so the clouds were tinted pink and orange. After the monument we can to a shelter at 7:15pm and decided to make a 6 mile push to the "secret shelter" hoping to make it there by 9 (dark). Like magic the trail cleared of rocks! It was great and away we flew. We were moving. About a half mile before our turn off to the shelter, and just enough light to make out the path we meet up with a family of skunks! We jumped back on the trail about 20 feet praying they would not spray. There were three or four of them all clustered together and then they trotted off.. We ran like hell! We got to the shelter at 9pm with just a hint of light left in the sky. A warm shower was the motivation behind it all. A late dinner and off the dream land.
Date: 2007-07-19
To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.5

We woke up in no hurry to get moving with a day like yesterday, although it was kind of hard to sleep in with the laughing donkeys going crazy on this guys land. We thought today would be an easy 13 to town to regroup, but it turned out to be otherwise. The first part was relatively tame while circling around a large bird sanctuary. Then we had a steep 800-foot climb in high humidity that made us drip with sweat, where we took a break at the top for lunch at the Pochuck Mountain Shelter. We had a tough time getting motivated to move and finish out the day. We eventually did, and about an hour after lunch the sky opened up and it poured. We had the feeling it was going to pass so we huddled under a large poncho and stayed surprisingly dry. The rain stopped, and we continued to hike but ended up getting drenched by the dripping overhand on a section of poorly-maintained trail. So much for waiting out the rain! Then we passed through an other wildlife area on a mile-lonk boardwalk before it startred to rain again. We FINALLY got to NJ13 where we hitched into town and stayed at a church hostel in Vernon, NJ. We were able to lay our stuff out to dry, do laundry and take a shower. Felt great to get out of the rain! A bunch of hikers who amassed at the basement of the church to do the same went out for dinner, a few beers, and a lot of laughs, lifting the spirits of all on such a day.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: St. Thomas Church

To: Near NY17 
Miles today: 15.2

Oh how we wanted to stay and relax in front of a t.v. all day but J.B. was able to convince us to hike (the beer and pizza at the end of the day may have swayed our decision!) We set out for the trail around 10:30 and a ride back to the trail came to us. Gotta love the hitches that come to you. Had a rocky climb up to the ridge once again. Had an early lunch and then came across a cooler of cold soda! We hit the New Jersey-New York state line, so eight down six to go. Had some great views at Prospect Rock and could actually see the New York City sky line. What a site. We can't wait to go and visit after our hike. A rattle snake joined us on our snack break overlooking the city as well. We made a good push at the end of the day to make it in time for some Pizza. There was a big gathering of us. JB's son made several beer runs for us and we got to enjoy ice cream from a creamery near by. After relaxing for several hours everyone lost motivation to hike in the two miles to a shelter so we all fled for the little look out area just up from the road. How 15 hikers were able to pull off sleeping there is beyond us, especially when Rebel was lighting off fireworks. It was a great day.
Date: 2007-07-22
From: ?

To: Bear Mountain
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

A little tired and dehydrated from the Patty-O trail magic, but we got to start the day off with the Lemon Squeezer. A neat squeeze through some rocks. We also stopped into a park on the lake where about 50 Latino families were all grilling out enjoying the weather and water. Had lunch there and decided it would be best to keep moving before we start harassing people for hamburgers. Water was a little scarce so we decided to head up to the top of Bear Mountain where there was supposed to be a drinking fountain. Well there was several years ago. Uff-da worked some magic and yogied a bottle of water off some bikers though. We wanted to stealth camp somewhere up top to see the sunrise over NYC the next morning. We hung out at the little look out, made some dinner and had a great clear view of the city lights off in the distance. A cop drove by to patrol but we pretended to be deer and it seemed to work! A storm may be rolling in..
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Bear Mountain Summit

To: Fort Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 2.5

We tried to see the sun rise over NYC but the clouds had moved in, but it was good we got up early and were hiking by 6 cause we were able to get down the mountain and into town before the rain started. The trail goes through the zoo but it was closed so it will have to wait until tomorrow. We are enjoying our much needed 'zero' day. And it just so happens to be pouring out which makes us smile (although we feel for all our friends getting soaked in the woods). We pretty much laid in bed all day long and did nothing but watch t.v. We made it to the post office to pick up 5 packages! The postal lady said we set a record of most packages.. Thanks to those who delivered goodies for Sven's birthday. It is much appreciated!
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: Dennytown Road Campground
Miles today: 14.6

Slept great last night and took our time getting ready today. The weather cleared up beautifully. We took our stroll through the zoo... a little sad considering we have seen all the animals in there out in the wild, roaming free. The zoo is the lowest point on the A.T. so I guess it is all up hill from here. Crossed over the Bear Mountain Suspension Bridge that went over the Hudson River. We took a blue blaze that went out to Anthony's Nose. It was a rocky outcropping with more great views down the Hudson. The trail was rocky for most of the day so it was a bit draining. We are camping alone near the Dennytown Road.
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Dennytown Road Campground

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Another day of hiking. Stopped in the the RPH Shelter for lunch only to realize we missed a heck of a cookout by a day. The rocks cleared out a bit today, and the legs are feeling stronger. Not used to the ups and downs yet as there haven't been many big climbs lately. We are tenting out tonight. Pulled in a little late, even got to see a section hikers 'moon.' Guess he wasn't expecting anyone to show up!