morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park - Ironmasters Mansio
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

Today's hike on the AT was sort of special, due to two unique events. I passed the official half way point on the trail and experienced an old thru hiker tradition called the "Half Gallon Challenge". The entire trail length is usually said to be 2160 miles long, which would make the mid point 1080 miles. However, each year the actual trail length changes somewhat due to relocations. This year the official mid way point is 1087 miles. I arrived at this point today, somewhere near the end of the day, but did not know exactly where it was since there is no marker or sign identifying the location. There is an official sign marking an earlier mid way point, which I understand I will pass tomorrow.At the end of the day, I arrived at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. There is a small camp store in the park where the "Half Gallon Challenge" takes place. This is a long standing thru hiker tradition, in which a thru hiker celebrates reaching the half way point by trying to eat a whole half gallon of ice cream in one sitting.I was definitely ready for this challenge after hiking all day. I also have a liking for ice cream, which my wife, can certainly back me up on. I saw Fuzzy Monkey, sitting at the picnic table on the porch of the camp store. He had been waiting for me because he wanted to do the Challenge with someone else. We walked into the store and each purchased a half gallon of cold sweet ice cream, chocolate for me and Neopolitan for him. We then sat down at the table and went at it as Big Shanty timed us. Rebel, had barely finished his half gallon earlier, at a time of about 32 minutes. At first, it all seemed so easy. The ice cream tasted good and was refreshing after hiking all day. Fuzzy Monkey and I ate it up. I gradually slowed down however, and I was having doubts about finishing the whole thing. I finally finished about three fourths and looked over at Fuzzy Monkey. He had finished about half and had a resigned look on his face. After a bit of a break I had a second wind and went at the last bit. As I put the last spoonful in my mouth, Big Shanty stopped his watch at 30:01. I honestly was amazed I had finished it all, and more surprised it only took me 30 minutes which is kind of scary! So with this fine thru hiker tradition completed successfully, I sat back and watched Fuzzy Monkey push away his half eaten half gallon of ice cream.I was thinking, that I was glad I was not hiking further today. Everyone else left for the next shelter, but I planned to stay the night at the Iron Masters Mansion hostel right next to the store. It is literaly an old 1800's mansion with many rooms. Not too long after everyone left, the sky opened up and it poured rain for a good half hour. I was feeling bad for my thru hiker friends, hoping they had some dry clothes by the time they reached the shelter.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park - Ironmasters Mansio

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It seems there are always things to do when you stop for a layover at a hostel or at a town on the trail. Food re-supply, phone calls, email, etc. This morning when I checked out of the hostel I attended to these "off trail" chores which included some phone calls. One was to an old childhod friend, Dave Kain. Dave is the friend, who hiked the AT for a few days with me when I was younger (his photo is on my first journal page). I wanted to say hello to him for a while now and also obtain his mom's phone number. We had a great conversation catching up on happenings over the years, and talked about my thru hike. I also called his mom, who lives in PA. Likewise, it was great talking with her. She and her husband had a prior engagement planned so we were not able to meet, but I would like to come back to this area to visit in the future, and will definitely plan to meet with her then. So after taking care of business, I finally was on the trail hiking at 12pm. For some reason, I just did not feel like hiking. I felt myself slipping into what I would call a "thru hiker funk". It is a state of mind we thru hikers sometimes fall into when the motivation and enthusiasm of thru hiking seems to fade a bit. I even passed the unofficial half way point sign today but did not feel that exited about it. Of course this condition is usually just a temporary thing that in most cases disappears quickly. But today it was upon me. I think it was partially due to hiking through a few PA state parks the past few days as well as the lakeside vacation community of Pine Grove Furnace Park, this morning, and seeing folks engage in the usual fun summer activities. You see all that, and start asking yourself why you are not doing that too. But then your mind starts to work on it, as you hike, and you remember that this is a long term goal you committed to which requires some sacrifices.The heat of the day and the rocks scattered along the trail did not help improve my attitude at all. I was trying to take out my frustration on the trail, which is something that is always counter productive when hiking the AT. There is no point in fighting the trail. After a while I just calmed down and hiked at a slower pace, letting the miles gradually slip by until I reached the shelter in the evening. There were a few hikers tenting next to the shelter, but I was the only one staying at the shelter. I was happy about that, since I needed some more time alone to sort out today's state of mind. Will try to get a good night's sleep tonight.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter 

To: Rauch Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: broken clouds

It was a big mileage day but not too hard since the trail did not seem very rocky. Maybe I am finally just making an adjustment to walking over the PA rocks or have accepted the fact that I just have to keep making progress over them to make it out of PA. I reached Peters Mtn. Shelter for a break, after the first six miles. This is a huge shelter which can easily sleep 24. I should have enough water to get to the next water source, and opted not to get water here since it is a third of a mile away. Big Brother, a thru hiker who also spent the night at the last shelter, sooned joined me here, and we both crossed paths many times today.I hiked on for about another six miles and stopped for lunch with Big Brother, at a place called Clarks Creek. The creek was fairly wide with a good flow. I soaked my feet in the cold water. The remainder of the day's hike was uneventful. I did pass an area called Yellow Springs Village, an open clearing in the woods, which use to be an old 1800's settlement.At the end of the day Big Brother and I joined Fuzzy Monkey and Radar at a very nice campsite, near Rausch Gap Shelter. It was right on the banks of Rausch Creek. The creek provided a great water source and was deep enough in some spots to take a cooling dip. Fuzzy Monkey built a nice fire as we all prepared dinner. I'm hoping for a good night's sleep in my tent, which I have not used for a while.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Rauch Gap Shelter 

To: 501 Shelter 
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

As I woke up this morning, I glanced at my watch and was surprised. It was almost 8am, which means I'd be getting a late start today. As I left my tent, I expected to find everyone already gone, but Big Brother was still asleep, and Radar and Fuzzy Monkey were only starting to break camp. I guess this site has helped everyone sleep well last night.One by one we packed up and hit the trail. The weather is better today, cooler and less humid. The mileage was lower than usual today since the goal is to reach the 501 Shelter which takes it's name from PA route 501, which is only one tenth of a mile from the shelter.The hike today was enjoyable and I took my time. There was not much elevation gain or loss, typical of PA, but there was one challenging climb up Second Mtn. (1350 ft.). The elevation gain from Haystack Creek to Second Mtn. was about 500 ft. in less than a mile. The trail once again, crossed (under) I-81. During the course of this thru hike, there have been at least 6 occasions where the AT has crossed I-81. I stopped for a late lunch at William Penn Shelter. I had not been snacking much and by the time I stopped I was feeling real low on energy. I also got water here from a very sparse running spring. I have been encountering a scarcity of water lately as springs and creeks seem to be drying up for lack of rain. Not having to deal with rain out here, is always welcome, however we could use a good day of soaking rain soon, to replensh the springs and creeks.At the end of the day I arrived at the 501 Shelter. This shelter is quite unique. Unlike the typical 3 sided shelter, this one is a fully enclosed building with windows and a door. it has a plexiglass dome skylight at the center of the roof and enough bunk space to sleep 25 hikers. In addition to this, there is running water from an outside spigot and an outdoor shower. The real kicker, is that since the shelter is near the road, food can be ordered from a local pizzeria. There is a resident caretaker that watches over the shelter.I took advantage of all of this luxury by taking a chilly, but still very refreshing shower. I then placed an order for a calzone, which was a part of a very large order for about 12 other thru hikers staying here tonight.Life is good on the AT!
Date: 2007-07-11
From: 501 Shelter 

To: Port Clinton, PA 
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Since this would be a long day, I made sure to get an early start and was on the trail by 6:45 a.m. The PA rocks kicked in right away and were a challenge all day. Of the 23+ miles completed, I'd have to say about 18 miles of trail were covered by all kinds of rocks. Not much to say about it. I think you get the picture by now.The only redeeming part about today's hike was that it ended in Port Clinton PA. After a ridiculous, knee screaming descent into town, I was relieved the day was done. I am spending the night here at the open pavilion, which the town allows thru hikers to use as a shelter. After setting set up in the pavillion, I walked to the nearby Schuykill River to wash off the grime and sweat. There is a former thru hiker here named Mountain Squid, who has been performing some amazing trail magic for thru hikers coming into Port Clinton. He gave Director, Radar, Tenacious T, and myself a ride to the Port Clinton Hotel, where we all had a few cold beers and some excellent food.I will be meeting my wife tomorrow for a planned trip to Cortland NY for three days to attend our 30th college reunion. I'll be off the trail until Monday, when I will continue heading north. Looking forward to a little R&R.
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Port Clinton, PA 

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I awoke today, excited about the fact that I would be meeting Kathy in the afternoon. Trail angel, Mountain Squid drove a load of us thru hikers to the 3C restaraunt where I had an excellent breakfast. The day, weather wise, was starting to look good for hiking, but that wasn't in the plans for me today.After breakfast, Mountain Squid was kind enough to drive me to the Port Clinton Post Office. I knew I would have a few packages, but did not realize there would be five! I barely was able to carry them out of the PO. When I got back to the pavillion, I opened each package and started to consolidate the contents to figure out what I could take with me on the next section, and what I could mail ahead. I just want to thank all of the following for their generosity and for being great trail angels:Vicki & Chris ShadeThe McCarthy's (my great nieghbors at home)Nancy (Shufflebum - who will be thru hiking the trail in 2008)The Frey's (Amelia, Jim, Katie, Riley) - Amelia, sorry I missed you in VAYou all sent me some great trail magic. I will be thinking of you all as I eagerly eat all of the treats sent in those packages - thanks a million, I really do appreciate it!I packed up, left the pavillion, and waited down by the Port Clinton hotel for Kathy to arrive. As I waited on the front porch of th hotel I glanced to my right across the street and saw Kathy near the Bed & Breakfast. Well I got up and nearly sprinted in that direction. As she came out of the B&B, we ran to each other and embraced in a big hug. It was a joyous reunion for me and it was so good to see her again after all these months apart. We had lunch at the retaraunt in the hotel. It was good to catch up on news at home and discuss plans for the next 3 days together. We drove down to the pavillion, left a little trail magic for the thru hikers I knew were there, and hit the road for the trip to Cortland, NY. and brief respite from the trail.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Port Clinton, PA

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

Kathy and I drove back from NY late Sunday evening and spent the night at a motel not far from Port Clinton. The time spent off the trail was enjoyable. The 30th reunion events were OK. Not too many people showed up from our class, and I am not really too excited about attending these reunions any more. Kathy seems to enjoy them more than I do, and she had a good time. I was just happy to be spending time with her and with friends who let us stay with them. We enjoyed some great hospitality at the home of Ralph and Lynn, who live near Ithaca, NY and who also happen to be SUNY Cortland graduates.After 4 zero days I was really looking forward to getting back on the trail and making progress northward. The plan was to try and get an early start, but after having breakfast, making a visit to the post office, and a few miscellaneous errands, I did not get on the trail and Kathy did not start her ride home, until 11am. I was hoping to hike 20 miles but would settle for whatever I could do, given the available time. As soon as I started, I realized it would be a tough day. I felt totally out of shape. My legs were kind of weak and had no spring at all. It's amazing what 4 zero days can do to you. I decided all I could do was hike slowly and work myself back into shape.The great weather from the last 4 days was still around so that helped. There were a few interesting sites I passed today. The first one was called the Pulpit, a rocky overlook with a great view of the surrounding Pennsylvania farm land. As I sat there taking in the view, I was perfecly content with resting on those rocks and having a very lazy hike today.The next interesting sight followed about 2 miles later. This happened to be another open vista, called the Pinnacle. As I hiked the side trail leading to the Pinnacle I encountered a huge pile of rocks that had to be 20 feet high. It looked like these rocks were gathered from this side trail (it was fairly free of rocks) and dumped in the middle of an open area. Very strange but mostly amusing, considering the rocky state of PA trail so far. The views from the Pinnacle were just as outstanding as the views from the Pulpit. I spent some time here munching on a lunch of gorp mix and some chocolate covered expresso beans (thanks Port Clinton trail angels) and searched for a rattlesnake someone said had been here earlier.I ended my day at the Eckville Shelter. This shelter, like the 501 shelter, is right near a road and is maintained by a caretaker who lives nearby. The shelter is enclosed by four walls and a roof. This shelter also had amenities such as running water from an outdoor spigot and a privy with a real flush toilet. Living in the lap of luxury tonight but unfortunately no pizza deliveries.Hope to have my trail legs back by tomorrow.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: clear sky

I was up and out early today and was hoping to hike a long day and make up for the shorter day yesterday. I guess it only took a day to get my trail legs back again, because I was feeling good on the steep climb out of the gap and back to the ridge. For the next 2 or 3 miles I did the usual rock dodging and was becoming slightly annoyed. Then something happened that was a real turning point for me. I reached a nice vista, called Dan's Pulpit. I dropped my pack and climbed up onto the cliffs. I sat there, calmly enjoying the view, and surrendered all the frustration with the rocks to a Higher Power. The rocks are not going away and are here to stay, so this simple prayer and affirmation completely set me free to just go out and hike and deal calmly with what I encounter each day. I cannot control the trail, so will simply accept what I find each day, leave it to God to help me, and keep moving north.It was amazing how calm I felt after this. I even wrote this in the trail register at this site. The rest of the day was long and challenging. Not only was I faced with a trail filled with the usual jagged and sharp baseball and basketball sized rocks, but I went over some areas that contained huge rocks and cliffs. The only way to move ahead was to hop from one rock to the next. I went slowly in these spots and beleive it or not actually enjoyed some of this rock hopping. I have to admit it was somewhat exciting and scary realizing that one mis-step could be very costly.As usual, with a long day such as today, the last mile or so just seems to never end, but eventually I reached the shelter. It was an older shelter and I was thinking about hiking another mile to PA 248 and catching a ride to Palmerton, PA to stay at a hostel. I changed my mind though when I arrived at the shelter. I found Gypsy Spirit there. I have become friends with Gypsy and her boyfriend Speaks Little, as early as the beginning of the hike. They are hiking seperately for a few days and will meet up in Delaware Water Gap. Gypsy is 25 but looks about 14. She is perfecly capable of taking care of herself on the trail, but something inside me, I guess a fatherly instinct (I have a 24 year old daughter) convinced me to stay, so she wouldn't be alone here for the night. I got the feeling that she was a little relieved that someone else was here with her at the shelter.It's been a great day on the trail and I think I have overcome some obstacles that will help me continue north through PA.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about today's hike. My destination was the Delaware Water Gap, which means, this is my last day in Pennsylvania. I don't want to put a negative spin on the PA section, but the rocks as you know so well by now, are quite challenging. The views are minimal as well, and even if there were some good views, I would have never seen much of them, since my head was always down looking at the trail.I had also planned to stay overnight at a church hostel and had heard that they have a dinner for thru hikers each Thursday evening, and today is Thursday. So I started out today with much enthusiasm. It would be a long hike today and I was not certain about the time of this church hostel dinner, so I made sure I started the day eary.It looked like PA was going to throw its best at me right up to the very end. The trail, as usual, was covered just about the whole way with the typical hard to negotiate small rocks and areas that were filled with piles of boulders. The first shelter was 13 miles into the hike, too far for a lunch stop, so I picked a spot in the woods along the way and stopped for lunch.In the late afternoon I knew I was closing in on Delaware Water Gap, because I could hear some heavy road noise in the distance. The hike down to the gap turned out to be quite nice as the trail conditions improved tremendously. At this point though, it was close to 6pm and I was not sure if I would be at the hostel in time for dinner, that is, if there even was a dinner. The AT goes right into town and the hostel was a short walk down Main St. As I turned into the driveway, I recognized quite a few thru hikers. They indicated there was a dinner and it was just starting. I was thrilled. I put on a clean shirt, washed up, and followed the crowd. In the back of the church about 3 tables were full of all kinds of food. Local parishoners, each bring a dish so there was a great variety, a real smorgasborg. They let the thru hikers pass through the line first and then they followed. What a great dinner this was, and the way it was shared with the church members and thru hikers was really special.The bunk house at this hostel is kind of cramped, stuffy, and filled with the usual thru hiker stink, so I am tenting along with others, in the backyard. Getting excited about entering a new state tomorrow! P.S. I just want to shout out a BIG HELLO to all of my Dowling cousins and Aunt Betty and Uncle Tom from PA. During my time hiking in PA (and elsewhere) you have all been in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was probably one of the best days hiking I have had in a long time even though I started the day at 3pm and only hiked 10 miles. There was a brief hard rain last night but I managed to stay nice and dry in my tent. I was up at about 7am and walked to the local diner for breakfast. There aren't many services available in Delaware Water Gap so I took a shuttle to Stroudsberg, PA to wash clothes and re-supply for the next four days.As I left the hostel, the weather was perfect, clear and sunny, with cool breeze blowing. I walked over the bridge that spanned the Delaware River, and I was buffeted by the strong wind and could feel the bridge jump up and down as each tractor trailer truck passed by. The west bound traffic was slowing down and occasionally a motorist would wave to me.I had to walk along the road for a while, but eventually the trail entered the woods. This area is what is known as the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area. Finally leaving PA and entering New Jersey really excited me about the hike. It both made me realize how far I have come and that I was now approaching familiar "home territory". I was in a great mood, and I enjoyed this late afternoon hike very much.I could see changes in the terrain and woods immediately as I hiked along. The rocks were still evident, but much easier to bypass. The ridge was more open with great views on either side. The highlight of this short hike though, was hking past an area called Sunfish Pond. This is a pristine glacial pond situated at a high elevation. It was about the halfway point and I spent some time there enjoying this serene lake. I wish I could have stayed there longer, but had to move on to reach my destination before dark.I hiked on and reached the Mohican Outdoor Center around 8pm. This facility is run by the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) and is used as an education and retreat center. They allow thru hikers to tent here for free. As I was walking the path to find a tent site, I caught sight of a fairly large black bear running across the trail and into the woods about 50 yds ahead. That startled me for a moment and then gave me an uneasy feeling, knowing that I'd be camping nearby. There were a few others camping here also and the site had a bear box which is used to secure food so bears are unable to steal it, so that all made me feel a little better. Just the same, I am eating a cold dinner tonight to avoid any cooking odors around my site. It's actually cold out tonight so sleeping should be comfortable.It's great to be in NJ.