morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Port Clinton Pavillion

To: Ecksville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night as I was going to bed noticed that Red Stick and LJ had not gotten back from Cabellas (which is like a Bass Pro Shop - went thru myself this afternoon and was totally overwhelmed - could not get out of there fast enough!) so I was slightly concerned. Woke up this morning and who had brought them back... Boy Floyd! So he brought all of us over to this Cracker Barrel for breakfast this morning before we hiked out which was lovely!Weather was slightly better today - still hot but hazy and with a breeze which was good. Still no rain though even though it felt like it was gonna storm (oh me and my newfound fear of lightning). Hike was great though - if slightly rocky at parts - and had a lovely lunch in a meadow and good views from the Pinnacle. Lots of turkey vultures flying around which was cool! Also found a few ripe raspberries along the way I treated myself to.The shelter here tonight seems more like a hostel! There is a field we can tent in (which I'm doing - safe zone from biting bugs!) or a hostel-like bunkroom. Also running water so had myself a lovely cold shower and feel like a million bucks. The caretaker here (Lazy) gave us all freezer pops after dinner which was a real treat!
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Ecksville Shelter

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

Was up and out by 7:45 this morning as the bugs drove me out of camp. Sky was cloudy and breezy today which was a nice change. Hiked today with LJ, Serenetina and Red Stick. Passed over a lot of views today - Dan's Pulpit, the Knife's Edge and Bake Oven Knob. And oh man... they weren't lying about the rocks in PA! My feet are torn up!Came to a B&B about 10 or 11 miles into the day with a restaurant, so we treated ourselves to an ice cream! (Root beer float for me which was delicious!) Saw a rattlesnake today (albeit a dead one! Most other people have seen them everywhere), about a million chipmunks, some very hyper squirrels and some kind of rodent that looked like what I'd imagine a weasel would look like (was about the size of a squirrel but with a thin, pointy nose and a long tin tail - dark brown/black).Best part of the day - trail magic! Boy Floyd strikes again - our trail magician! We arrived in the shelter around 7 all worn out from the rocks to shelter with a dry water source. And then Boy Floyd showed up for the night bringing with him 2 large pizzas, Gatorade and a bunch of water!! Was great and headed to bed now happy and with a full belly!
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Jail House Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up early this morning to thunder and lightning. Floyd had set up his tent overnight without the rainfly and had woken up to the pouring rain into the shelter with me, LJ and Serenetina. Unfortunately, his phone remained in the tent overnight so not sure how well that will recover! Was delighted to finally have some rain but not too much about the thunder and lightning, traveling over piles of rocks, but we just hung out at eh shelter til it calmed down and then into Palmerton. Walking in the rain wasn't too bad - was only about 8 miles into town and had a good time chattin with LJ on the walk down. Made it into town in time for the World Cup semi-finals and staying tonight at the Jail House Hostel which is a free hiker hostel with nice showers! Palmerton is super hiker friendly (for future thru-hikers) and might possibly be my favorite town stop so far!
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Smiths Gap Road
Miles today: 20.0

Liked Palmerton so much I ended up taking a zero day there! Well - that and the World Cup finals were yesterday so decided to stay and watch those. On Saturday was given some great trail magic by Honeydew ('09) who showed up at the hostel and cooked burgers and kebabs for us all. Powernap also rolled into town so was great to catch up with him again! Then yesterday spent a great zero day hanging in the park with red Stick, went with Serenetina to a church service, made some salad and hummus for lunch for everyone at the hostel, watched the World Cup finals (BORING match...), went for a free concert by the Italian american Club in the park and rounded off the day with an ice cream sundae at Best's 50's style diner. All in all was a great zero day!So it was back tot he trail this morning for the tough climb out of Lehigh Gap. It was hard... but totally manageable. I feel like I've heard a lot of people talk up parts of the trail so much (like the rocks in PA for example) and it intimidates you a little. But once you got through them it's not so bad. Yes, the rocks are annoying, a pain in the butt and an ankle injury waiting to happen... but I'll get through them, one step at a time. That's not saying I won't be happy to get out of PA though! Haha!Had a great walk today with LJ, Red Stick and Serenetina. Red tick discovered his love for the Beatles today and kept shouting out lyrics to some of the songs so that gave us plenty to sing. Camped tonight in the Mechanical Man's yard and a thunder and lightning storm rolled in but my Hubba is doing me proud so far! Supposed to storm all week... but at least that means that hopefully the springs will start running again! Before the thunder rolled in played a game of badmitten (sp?) with Red Stick, LJ and John (aka Blur - Mechanical man's son) and it is not my game but fun anyways. I still maintain it was an unfair advantage though with me and Red Stick playing against John (12 year old who live there and plays all the time) and LJ (think the game originated in England so surely he's had more practice) but me and Red Stick put up a good fight.
Date: 2010-07-13
From: Smiths Gap Road

To: Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Oh Holy rocks! I take back what I said yesterday - these rocks are tough - particularly when they are wet and slippery. I must have fallen over at least 5 times! Was a great hike today though. Rained most of the day but it was great to not be hiking in 105 degree heat even if the rocks were slippery!We had a nice lunch at the Gateway Motel today under the awning and out of the Rain. It was super nice of them to let us hang out there! Then was walking with LJ this afternoon when a MASSIVE bear crossed in front of us. Was a surprise as I'd nearly forgotten about the bears with all the focus on rattlesnakes lately but this bear was huge - I would guess between 500-600 pounds. LJ thought it was a cow at first. We also came across a nice dear on the trail and snake in the shelter. Nice to be seeing wildlife again!Ate dinner at the shelter but then pushed on a half mile with Red Stick and LJ to camp at a meadow that a ridgerunner and two hikers (Camo and _______) who I met previously at Hardcore) told us was nice to camp in. So spent the evening chatting with the guys, looking at the view (with heat lightning) an watching the bats and fireflies. Now to read for a few minutes before falling asleep. Let's hope the thunder storms hold off!
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Meadow Campsite

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well it was a lovely evening when we all fell asleep. About 3AM, I woke to some thunder and lightning flashes. They weren't particularly close but knowing how storms move quickly - and the fact that we were camped in an exposed meadow, I got kind of nervous and shouted to the boys and Red Stick said he'd keep an eye on it. Then about 4, the rain really kicked up and it got pitch black (yes, I realize that night time is always dark, but up until then the moonlight had been shining in slightly) ad the wind kicked up so strong I though my tent would blow away in the rain - Red Stick's rain fly actually did fly away and his stuff got soaked. And I'm not gonna lie...I was saying a rosary in my tent - it was pretty scary! But it eventually died down and then I slept in peacefully til about 7:30.Walk was good - rained all morning and I walked by myself over the wet rocks. Was only 6 miles though and then arrived in Delaware Water Gap - just out of PA - wohoo! Staying at the church hostel tonight and had a great time around town today. Enjoyed my hotdog and apple pie special at the bakery for $2.50 - yum, attempted to play some mini-golf with Red Stick and LJ but we got there just as it was closing. There are a ton of hikers at the hostel tonight and a bunch of us had a good time over at the pub quiz. Off to bed now before a couple long days.
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Ken-Etiwa-Pic
Miles today: 17.8

Hello New Jersey! Great day today, crossed into a new state (rocks continued unfortunately) and hiked a long day. Saw lots of wildlife today including a rattlesnake, copperhead, deer (with antlers) and a bunch of those little orange salamanders. Was a hot, sunny day and I once again lived up to my trail name. Took an afternoon swim in a glacial pond with Serenitina, LJ and Red Stick.Am currently camping in the creepiest place yet. We are staying at an old boy scout camp which looked very promising in AWOL's book (shower, water, restrooms...) but in reality it is a run down old campground with all the buildings either locked or broken into, cut off water pipes, very run down shelter, and I am almost sure it's haunted! McGyver was the only one who decided to sleep in the 'shelter' and the rest of us tented out on the beach hiding in our tents to keep the mosquitos at bay. Went with LJ this eve to scour the place for a water tap - and it turned into something like an episode from 'LOST' - following the trail of underground water pipe-lines into locked doors, broken into buildings, stepping on snakes, seeing random animals on the overgrown lot. Luckily I have my water filter (which everyone poo-poos as being too heavy, expensive to maintain, bulky but it has saved the day in numerous situations!) so I can filter pond water for everyone in the morning. camped here on the beach tonight with LJ, Red Stick, Serenitina, and Sweet Tea (lady). There is a cross here on the beach which we didn't notice until we put up our tents - not sure if that's a good or bad sign? Also, got a message from Playboy that a hiker has possibly gone missing since leaving Delaware after Gap on the 12th... hope she didn't go missing from here! (In our seriousness - hope she is alright!).
Date: 2010-07-21
From: Lake Tiorati

To: Bear Mountain Bridge Motel
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: few clouds

"Red Sky in the morn... Oh another adventurous day on the AT. Sky was red this morning and was quite pleasant but just drizzling slightly so Serenitina, LJ and I had a nice breakfast and headed out on our way. About 6 miles into the day we came to the Palisades Parkway where we walked to the visitors center 1/2 mile off the trail for some much needed water and a lunch break. Once we started to get ready to leave a downpour began and once again - lightning started striking close by. So, to the dismay of the lady working there, we took refuge in the visitor's center until the storm had calmed down slightly.It never completely cleared, but it looked like the major storms had passed, and we knew we had at least 7 more miles to do before the town of Fort Montgomery (passed there to the campsite we were planning).So we headed out - and over the next mountain. And once we got a few miles in, once again the thunder rolled in with some lightning. So we took our packs off and just sat in the storm for about a half hour til it calmed and then made a run to get up and over Bear Mountain as quickly s possible.Well... no such luck. Me, Serenitina and LJ made it to the summit of Bear Mountain when the skies once again opened up. It was like a bunch of storms all came together at once with lots of wind, lightning, hail and obviously downpours. There were 2 buildings on top which unfortunately were locked up an no covered picnic area. Beaver Chief, McGyver and Homebrew were also stuck up there and the bunch of us were huddled against a building trying to hide under a small overhang. I'd like to say I played it cool - but I was completely terrified! There were also many tourists who drove to the summit - some of whom were interested in what we were doing, but not one offered to help us out and get us off the top of the mountain. We were probably trapped in this for a couple of hours when the storm lightened up briefly but we could see the next dark clouds rolling in. By this time it was probably around 7:30 so it was either make a run for it or sleep in the rain on top of the mountain (as it was getting dark). So in the end we ran for it - didn't make it down but got about halfway before darkness descended on us and the downpour, thunder and lightning began again. I'll tell you though - we were thanking our lucky stars for newly opened beautiful stairs off of Bear Mountain. So we got to the bottom and decided to stay at a motel (owner generously picked us up in the rain). So after a scary few hours, here I am showered, drinking a beer and watching the 11 o'clock news. Life is good!
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Bear Mountain Bridge Motel

To: Ft. Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 7.2

Well, after a tough few ays between difficult terrain, lots of lightning, tired spirits and just plain feeling soggy the weather perked up and we just had a beautiful day. We figured we owed it to ourselves to have a nice relaxing morning to wait until the zoo opened and enjoyed that. So that's exactly what we did! Serenitina, LJ, Homebrew, McGyver and I spent the morning laying on some picnic tables by the lake listening to music and relaxing, spent a couple hours exploring the trailside museum, swimming in the massive pool they have there and then heading SOBO back to the picnic tables for a nice, relaxing lunch where we ran into Wood Wrangler, Stick Walker, Deets and Powerpack.It was a little strange and sad to see animals in the zoo that we see in the wild while hiking. But the animals at the trailside museum all have sustained some form of injury and wouldn't be able to survive on their own so that made me feel slightly better. Overall, the zoo was great - really well organized and super informative for nerds like me! A teacher also asked me to speak to her students about the AT so I kept running into the students all day and hearing Hi Red Lobster!!' - so cute! THe staff were also excellent at the museum.So anyways, after our lovely, lazy morning we decided to just hike 6 miles to the Graymoor Monestary where they have a great set-up for thru hikers to tent in a field there. Lots of folks there - usual suspects (Serenitina, LJ) along with Homebrew, Itinerary, Restless, Creek Diver, Power Pack, Deets, Wood Wrangler and Sweet Tea. So it was a short day with only 6 miles but it was a fantastic day (good for morale!) and we were happy with that!
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Graymoor Monestary

To: Clarence Fahnstock SP
Miles today: 12.2

Had a great night at Graymoor and it just started to rain as I headed back towards the trail. It rained all day long but no thunderstorms so no complaints. At one point about 6 miles in, there was a small bus stop-like shelter that me, LJ and Serenitina all crowded under for lunch as it downpours so that was quite handy. Since it was raining so much and we were all a bit soggy, we decided to have a shorter day and camp at Clarence Fahnstock State Park, where they let thru hikers tent in a small spot for free. So had a nice hot shower, we ordered a pizza and some Coke (since the locals water had a 'unique' taste to it) and hung out on the covered porch near registration chatting with many of the people up from NYC camping for the night. We also met a cyclist Rob (also from London) who was just finishing his first day on a 7,000 mile bike ride across the US so we had a good time chatting with him.
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Clarence Fahnstock SP

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up and packed up to a nice day this morning. Just as we were finishing up our breakfast and getting ready to walk the mile plus back to the trail, trail angel Steve just showed up (who we'd met briefly the night before) and gave us a lift to the trail! He also gave each of us a bagel and hiked with us early in the morning to a beautiful overlook of the lake.A few miles later we stopped by the Shenandoah Tenting Area (which would be a great campsite for anyone pasing that way!)and ran into the end of a black belt karate demonstration which was slightly random! There was a water pump there that had beautiful, cold water coming out of it (very rare for New York!) and all the karate kids were drinking it - so for the 2nd time on the AT I didn't treat my water - found out later that afternoon that the pump had tested positive for some bacteria - go figre! D'oh... will see how this plays out!At the road crossingat S2 came across some excellent trail magic from Ozigal! Soda, mini apple studel (yum!) and beer! Knowing that we only had 4 more miles to hike, Serenitina, LJ and I decided to hike our beers in to drink with dinner which was definitely worth the weight! Wizard from Aus and Tripper were also at the shelter so had a good time chating with them!
Date: 2010-07-25
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Behind in my journal (yet again!) so will attempt to breeze through the next few entries as much as possible. Had lunch today at Dover Oak (largest on the AT!) with LJ and Serenitina. Also reconnected with Turtle, All Good, Too Much and Freeman there so was great to see familiar faces again!At lunch (and as it started to rain) we came across a nice garden center along the trail where the owner let us take shelter and also (very kidly!) a much needed shower! We decided that the rain didn't look too threatening so headed along to the next shelter. At one point we crossed a field where cows saw us an ran straight towards us (must have thought it was feeding time and my first instinct was to turn and flee - which LJ got a good laugh at). But it was harmless and they went around us. At the shelter this eve a local man came up to the shelter and brough us a beer - which we all passed around and shared. Tomorrow on to New England!
Date: 2010-07-26
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Mt. Aglo Lean-to
Miles today: 12.4

Yeah New England! Crossed the border into CT and it's starting to feel more and more like home. Almost immediately after crossing over, there was a beautiful flat walk through a pine forest along Ten Mile River. Was gushing about how beautiful New England will be to Serenitina and LJ and they were impressed. Then we walked down to Bull's Bridge (a beautiful old covered bridge) and then bought a 1/2 gallon of ice cream and root beers at a deli and made ourselves some delicious root beer floats and then played by the river.Later in the afternoon we climbed Schaghticake Mtn. (which is in the only Indian Reservation that I think we pass through on the trail) and found a beautiful overlook for lunch - where we were joined by Turtle, All Good and Freeman. After lunch we crossed back into CT again and stopped to take a picture of the sign when we got attacked by a nest of wasps or hornets! Poor Serenitina got 3 bites just around her eye and LJ got bitten 5 times just trying to rescue her sticks. A few minutes later as we were walking a tree fell beside us. And then rocks started up similar to PA - so I think LJ and Serenitina were less impressed with New England this afternoon!Stayed tonight at Mt. Algo Lean-to which is just outside of Kent. So we went into Kent to do a bit of laundry, have a few beers and grab a bite of food. Was fun but I think Kent, CT might be one of the least hiker friendly towns I've come across - particularly the laundrymat where the woman openly disliked hikers. There were some very nice people I came across (esp. Pete the Mayor!) but I got the general impression that most people there equated us to the dirt on the bottom of their shoe. Had an exciting night hike back to the shelter but LJ saved the day and led the way!P.S. Animals seen today - great blue herons and a turtle jumping into a pond. Oh yes - and many bees!
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Mt. Aglo Lean-to

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Had a nice lay-in this morning (til about 7!) and then headed back into Kent for some breakfast at the Village with Stick Walker, LJ, Powerpack and Deets. Then we had to say goodbye to LJ who is meeting a friend in New York for a couple of days. I hope to see him again up the trail! Did my resupply and then had a lovely picnic with Freeman and his parents at the back end of the laundrymat where hikers were allowed to hang out (... about the only place in town...).Headed back on trail about 3 in the afternoon and kicked it into gear with Serenitina so we could make it to Silver Hill Campsite before dark. Was a lovely river walk for a while and I saw two deer across the river having a drink. The campsite tonight is amazing! And no one else is here aside from myself and Serenitina. THere is a porch swing, picnic table on a little balcony thing, covered picnic table and a provy as well! (ah, the lap of luxury!). Saw the huge bright orange moon rise tonight from above the trees - was breathtaking!
Date: 2010-07-28
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Falls Village, CT
Miles today: 15.0

Headed out this morning and was caught up quickly by Deets, Powerpack, Miles, Turtle and Al Good. Walk was nice - passed through a cracked bolder similar to the lemon squeeze. Had a nice, long lunch with everyone - plus some South-bounders at the Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to. We had a nice chat about what we will see up north ad what they will see farther south. They were asking if we had sen any rattlesnakes farther south because they were looking forward to that and we told them there sure were. Then after leaving the shelter north, I saw 2 huge rattlesnakes! So they'd obviously been around - Turtle saw four!Anyways, walk was good and then there was about a 3 mile reroute that was a road walk. We passed by some beautiful houses along a very nice country road, but after a while that pavement just hurts your feet! We finally arrived in Falls Village where the power plant had an outdoor cold shower we could use which was lovely and refreshing. THen stayed at the Toymaker's Cafe, where they let thru-hikers tent in their backyard. Everyone in town was super nice and we had a great time, ordered a pizza, drank a root beer and went to sleep before the rain began.
Date: 2010-07-29
From: Toymaker's Cafe

To: Sages Ravine Brook Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Back in Massachusetts! Thrilled to be back in my home state and moving further north. Well the rain did come in last night an this morning, and since we were already at the cafe, we all figured might as well enjoy a nice breakfast indoors! Well for once timing actually worked out great! As we ate inside, the rain dumped down outside and by the time Serenitina, Miles and I headed out it was just a drizzle. We enjoyed the falls for a while and then headed into the forest where the horseflies awaited. We were under attack for a few hours as we walked but that sure got us moving quick!Ended up taking an unplanned lunch stop in Salsbury which is a great town! Just ate my trail food at a picnic table and a very kind section hiker brought us all bananas which was great trail magic! Serenitina also treated us to cookies and ice cream from the supermarket. And who showed up but... Tattoo! Was great to see him and he was gonna come camp with us but never made it. Oh well - will see him up the trail again!After lunch had a few good climbs - first time over 2,000 ft. in a while. And it felt really good - glad to be back in the mountains again! Great time and good laughs at the campsite tonight with PowerPack, Deets, Serenitina, Miles and our mice visitors.