morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today Pennsylvania really showed us her stuff. Famous for roots, rocks, and rattlesnakes. My first rattlesnake stopped me in my tracks. A big dude! Magpie stepped in and got us around it. Yikes! They don't make them like that in Michigan!The trail into Duncannon is INTENSE. Major rock fields. Sore feet. Had to take the edge off with a brew or two at The Doyle Hotel. This turn of the century old Anheiser-Busch hotel is full of character. Tried to get a room for three, but only singles were left. Vicky and Pat, the bar owners, were so great. They advised us to call the Stardust Motel, and then even gave us a ride there (4 miles away). So many people have been so kind to us. Set up a ride back in the morning to get out of town, so we're ready to rock!RocksTimber Rattlesnake
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Back on the Trail after breakfast at "Goodies" this morning. When will I learn to eat lighter before hiking?!?Camping tonight with the German couple "Payman and Two Steps" who we've been running into occasionally. They help motivate us to get up REAL early. We've been told the next shelter is closed, meaning a 30 some mile hike to the next one......ain't going to happen. Magpie now is hiking with a hammock, meaning many areas are available for camping, but we still need a flat space to set up on. Level helps, too. Onward!
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Peter's Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Campsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today's hike covered ground next to Fort Indianwood Military Reservation. Apparently this is a location for America's Finest to practice artillary firing. All day long. Ground shaking, ear-deafining artillary firing. Shock and awe, fer sure. Can we say, "I hope they don't miss!"Signs had been posted that this shelter was out of service because the roof was being repaired, but I hiked to it just to see what was up. Yep, the roof was missing. Since rain is forecast for tomorrow, guess we'll look for something more sturdy. We set up camp with Magpie and Dame Quiote and tried to prepare for the rain. Had a little fire just to cheer our spirits. Alpo and another thru hiker picked a different campsite about 200 yards away by a different spring. Strength in numbers. The war games seem to have stopped for the night - time to sleep!
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Rausch Gap Campsite

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

Rain, rain, and more rain. Yeah, I know the saying....."No rain, No Maine." Still, hate to break camp with wet gear. I stomped through so many puddles that I felt like I was back in grade school with my old red rubber boots. No sense in changing socks, as the boots are SOAKED. Not a cold rain, thank goodness. We stopped at William Penn Shelter with the possibility of quiting for the day, but found the shelter filled with 10 hikers from a YMCA camp out for their first of a ten day backpacking trip. No room at the Inn, as they say. We made some hot drinks and had snacks to refuel, then headed out back into the rain. A few more miles sasw us arrive oh, so gratefully, at the 501 Shelter. This shelter has a caretaker that lives right next to the shelter. It's also next to a major road with food delivery from the local restaurant to the trail crossing. Cowtail joined in with us and Dame Quiote and Magpie to order the "501 Special" chicken dinner. Fabulous! Also, this shelter has 4 walls and a door to close out the weather (read that RAIN), a well tended porta-potty and a beautiful skylight purportedly used by a previous owner for light as she worked her pottery wheel. Heaven!So, with full bellys, dry clothes and warm beds, we are all happy campers tonight. Weather to improve tomorrow. By the way, we are now under 1000 miles left to Katadin!
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, today was a new experience for my journey. Today we hiked to Port Clinton, a small town on a river that has been sliced in half by a highway. We walked into the Port Clinton Hotel to eat at the restaurant and were asked by the bartender if we had showered today. When the answer was "No," we were directed to remain in the bar and not to go into the dining room so as not to offend their customers. Love the place.After eating, (GOOD food, by the way), we did laundry in the basement and attempted to resupply. Magpie's maildrop had not arrived, and there were no grocery stores in town. There was an old fashion candy store called the Peanut Store had sufficient offerings to get us to the next stop, so on we went. Left town along the river, then climbed and climbed and climbed some more out of town. Long, hot afternoon. GOt to Windsor Furnace and decided to tent to avoid the bugs. Some local kids partied for a bit in the shelter, but were gone soon after dark. Perhaps the bugs got them, too. G'nite!
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Stealth Camp above Palmerton
Miles today: 0.0

Note - we hiked 16.8 miles today, but you'll see some adjustments as I am trying to get the total accumulated miles to be more accurate. Today we continued our foray into the rock formations of PA. The trail builders decided to give us more training in death-defying rock climbing on a formation called "The Knife Edge", which I found to be VERY descriptive. For the first time I felt if I slipped not only could I seriously injure myself, but there would be a good chance of a fatal fall. Once we realized this section of the trail is maintained by a CLIMBING club, the pathway thru overhanging rocks made more sense. NOT.Later in the day we made our way past Bake Oven Knob. Charming name. Unbelieveable pile of rocks. This led us to Bake Oven Knob Shelter. Unbelieveable slobs camped there. Garbage around the shelter, around the fire pit, around the water source. Hard rock music blaring from an iPod player. How NOT to have a wilderness experience. So sad to see a little girl in the middle of the idiot adults, thinking it was all okay.I'm really starting to hate the weekends when the trail gets full of so many nutty, rude people. Even the boy scout groups are beginning to look better.Finally we made our way to the ridgeline above Lehigh Valley where the PA Turnpike goes UNDER the trail through a tunnel. Set camp overlooking the valley with ripe blueberries dotting the trail around us. A beautiful night!
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Stealth Camp Above Palmerton

To: Stealth Camp past Palmerton
Miles today: 5.9

Happy Father's Day!Ah, Palmerton, you beautiful superfund site. So sorry the zinc smelting plant befouled your mountain, trees, grass, water. Nice rock pile!We followed the blue blazes into town, only to find a locked gate in front of the bridge over the creek on the road into town. Gate is not open until Monday morning. With resourcefullness and only a few misdemenors, we made our way into town for showers, laundry, resupply and a good meal. The town hostel here is below the Bourough Hall and was ment to be a holding area for prisoners awaiting trial in the courtroom. Instead, they've placed bunks, tables and chairs and a space for hikers to relax and stay. You are supposed to check in at the police department if you plan to stay. We did not, but did inquire of the officer on duty how to leagally get out of town. There is no way. No taxi. Hitchiking is illegal. Walking on the freeway is illegal. Walking on the railroad tracks is illegal. Sundays suck in this town.We made our way out and up, up, up the rocks. Too cool! But don't pick the berries! Had a nice big rattler block the trail late in the day, but Magpie took up rattler patrol and escorted our butts around the danger. Finally found a healthy patch of greenery and made camp. Bugs were horrible. Rocks made a hole in Magpie's new hammock. Not a great day.......Onward tomorrow!
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Stealth camp past Palmerton

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another milage adjustment. Actual trail miles was 16.4Done with the Superfund site. Hiked past (actually above) a ski resort. No snow on the slopes today! Many more PA rocks today. Puff took a really hard, face first, downhill fall today. Dropped my pack and ran like the dickens to see if she was allright. Not so much. "Get my pack off," she croaked. A bad sign. No broken bones, but VERY sore in the spots that hit hard. She came up to me a few miles later and asked if we could find her a REAL bed for the night, as she didn't think she could handle getting in and out of a tent with her sore shoulder.We came into Wind Gap and headed for the first motel listed. Not a good experience. Higher price than listed in the guide book, and were basically told tough luck when we questioned the 25% higher rate. So.....back to the road, and hitch hiked into downtown Wind Gap. (Thank you Trail Angel Kim!) Went to the Red Carpet Inn after finding no vacancy at the Travel Inn. We had a deliver from Sal's Restaurant right to our room, satisfying Magpie's pasta craving. Sheesh we eat like horses lately! Hopefully Puff can sleep some of the pain away. G'nite.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A New DayTook a taxi back to the trail this morning, as we were too far off the main drag to try to hitchike. Started off with a climb back up to the ridgetop. Said goodbye to Magpie, as she NEEDED to get her maildrop in Delaware Water Gap before the PO closed at 4:30pm. We knew it would be a slow day due to residual soreness from Puff's fall yesterday.Stopped at lunch time in a shelter about halfway to DWG and ran into some old friends - "Stats" and "Houdini" and "Runner" and the German couple, "Two Steps" and "Payman." Everyone is glad to be finishing PA and moving on to a new state. No love lost for Pennsylvania in this crowd.We arrived at the Church Hostel at the DWG Presbyterian Church. They have a specific mission to minister to hikers, and do a teriffic job! Cozey room with sofas, music and reading material outside a bunkroom and shower. Puff and I decided to tent outside since the weather forecast was good, the bunkroom crowded, and we like an early start. Magpie was kind enough to fetch our maildrop along with her own, so resupply was a breeze. We had our puffy jackets sent back due to several chilly mornings. Wouldn't you know the weather is supposed to reach the mid-90s this week!!!Finished a lovely evening by hitting the ice cream shop accross the street for a root beer float and then a strawberry shake after. Yum!! G'nite!
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Delaware Water Gap

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

A Hot One!We got up and packed all but the tent, as a heavy dew fell last night. Headed over to the Diner in town by 6:15am - trying for an early start as the temps are supposed to be fierce today. "Stats" came in at 6:30 - someone gave him the wrong opening time, elswise I'm sure he would have been the first customer of the day. Good food and nice people to start our departure from the nightmare of PA and try on a new state.So, today Huff and Puff crossed the Delaware River. Not as auspicious as George Washington, but memorable for me. The heat was already oppressive by 8:30am. First thing in NJ we hiked up to the ridgeline past a lovely creek. then, we shadowed the shoreline of Sunfish Pond, the southernmost glacial-originated body of swater in NJ, AND one of it's seven natural wonders. No, I don't know what the other six are.We had a short day trail-wise and stopped by 2:30 at a facility run by the AMC - the Mohican Outdoor Center. I'm sure its a whole lot of fun if you are car camping, have access to many changes of clothes to enjoy the beach and can dive into your air conditioned car at a moment's notice. Not as much for backpackers. The notices about bear activity were intimidating as well. We hung around the main hall/big fireplace made of cool stonework for the heat of the afternoon, and retired only as the sun did. Did I mention that there were flush toilets in the main hall? And cold soda for sale?? Worked for me. More heat forcasted for tomorrow....
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Branchville, NJ
Miles today: 17.9

Change of SceneryWell, today started as oppressive as yesterday, with highs in the upper 90s predicted. While huffing and puffing our way to a water pump for refills, Puff floated a keen idea. We were supposed to meet her Brooklyn family members when we reached Bear Mt., but the heat was making our progress tardy. Further, she was still having soreness from the previosul week's fall on the rocks in PA. So we wondered if maybe, MAYBE they would come and pick us up for the weekend when we made it to the next major road. Oh Joy! A telephone plea to the Gods was answered and arrangements to be transported away from the brutal heat made. Now to just make it for the pickup!We found "Dos" by the side of the trail also suffering from the effects of the heat. She'd been hiking with "Five Pair" for a few days, but finding the temps an impediment. Instead, she hung with us as we once again pursued a water source to quench our thirsts and refill our bottles.I have to say the view was beautiful as we popped out on a ridge above Lake Culver. Down to Culvers Gap we went, on to the renamed Kevin's Steakhouse - now called "Stout's Steakhouse" (?) A few cold brews and good food later, off we were whisked by daughter-in-law Beth to the Big Apple. Hurrah - a zero in sight!
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Branchville, NJ

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Culture Shock!Try this one! Left Brooklyn at 5:30am via downtown Manhatten. Drove right by the new Freedom Tower, closely guarded by New York's finest. Zipped up the expressway into NJ, and plunk! Back on the trail before the bagels are even digested. Concrete to green tunnel in 90 minutes flat!Made it before dark to High Point State Park, which, of course, includes NJ's highest elevation. Not much compared to Clingman's Dome, but hey, we're in the mid-Atlantic states.Possible rain tonight, so we holed up with a bunch of Boy Scouts in the shelter. Right around dusk, a gal in her 40s, I'd guess, comes up to the shelter saying she can't find her hiking partner and asking for help. Boy, did the scouts snap to it. Also some thru hikers gladly pitched in. After a call to 911, the responders requested that NO ONE go searching for her. Long story short (I'll leave out the part with the helicopter), the partner was found, safe and sound, and ready to hike on in the morning. Excitement.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Wawayanda Shelter

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

New York, New York!Hello to our ninth state! And a new state of mind! Puff is VERY happy to be in her home state. From Prospect rock, we could just make out the Freedom Tower we had been so close to a few days before. Still plenty of rocks to deal with, but at least the NY rocks don't try to kill you. At least not yet.Made a huge mistake this morning. The trail had recently been rerouted near the shelter and old blazes painted out. For some stupid reason, I felt compelled to follow the old blazes until they connected back to the trail. Fine, but that led us to travel in the SOUTH direction. Took half an hour to realize my mistake. Ugh. Two plus miles added to the day with no progress to show for it. Well, if that's the worst I ever do.....One wonders when the map lists rock formations with the names "Eastern Pinnacles" and "Cat Rocks" what is in store. Three young gals were sitting on "Eastern Pinnicles" while we were trying to find the white blazes. They informed us that they stopped at the highest rock, and that's where you are supposed to turn around and go back to the parking lot. Huh? We let them know that the blazes went all the way to Maine (hopefully), and we had followed them there from Georgia. I don't think they believed us.A few miles before the shelter we stopped at a creamery for ice cream. Wow! The best! My small intestine didn't agree, and about an hour later let me know! Hmm - lactose intolerence? Time may tell. Set camp at Wildcat shelter, in the shadows of "Cat Rocks". Buggy. Dirty. Early bedtime. G'nite.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Many more ups and downs today with not much level in between. Included was a hiker's delight called "The Lemon Squeezer", where one must take your pack off and push, pull, drag, hoist or whatever to get through.Much welcomed trail magic given by JB and Odie at the entrance to Harriman State Park. Finally I found trail magic that included beer! And sandwiches, cookies, sodas, water - heaven!! As former thru hikers, they promised we had finished the toughest part of NY today. I sure hope so. I'm having a love/hate relationship with all the rock climbsWater is beginning to be of real concern. If not for two other times where trail angels had left gallon jugs by the trail, today would have been terrible. Tonight's shelter has no water - nearest is a mile round trip that I have no energy for. We weren't even interested in making dinner tonight - too tired. Had some snacks to conserve water and went to bed. Looking forward to an easier day tomorrow. G'nite!
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Ft. Montgomery, NY/Bear Mt. Bridge Motel
Miles today: 15.0

A New LowRain, thunder and lightning to start the day. Watched the radar on my iPhone, and luckily the worst was north and south of us. Dodged a bullet. Got packed up with only a damp tent - not to worry, as have plans to go to a motel tonight.We trecked the first five miles of the day to William Brian Memorial Shelter. This place looks kinda like a cave. THe rear wall is built into the rock formation itself. Spooky. No water source, but someone had left 1/2 gallon of water on the condition that the beneficiary pack out the empty jug. Gladly!The next five miles included a scenic up and down of Black Mt. The heat, however, made for a slow go. I think the accumulation of the past several days of heat, hard climbs, and scanty water has caught up with me. Then we got to play Frogger by crossing the four lanes of the Pallisades Parkway. The sign read 34 miles to NYC, but I already got my fix!Up we went on the second big hill of the day - West Mt. From there, we could see the third mt of the day - Bear Mt. I froze in my tracks and told Puff I was done. No more gas in the tank. My brain kept saying to my legs to go, go, go, but my legs kept saying no, no, no. Puff tried bribery with candy, chocolate, her own water. I sobbed and told her I was done. She reasoned with me that we were in the middle of nowhere and had to keep going at least until we got to a road. Finally I pulled myself together andgot down that mt., and up to the top of the next, only to find we had made an assumption that the top was the end. Alas, no. We then had to go DOWN that mt. to the parking lot to get picked up. Puff, by this time, had also had her legs rebel.The last straw came when we realized the park was having fireworks tonight, the parking lot was full, and we'd have to walk even further to get a shuttle to the motel where we had reservations. We both laughed, wondering how much worse it could get. Finally, we were picked up and taken to an air conditioned motel room for much needed rest, showers, air conditioning and TOWN FOOD!!Tomorrow we are renting a car and heading towards Michigan for my parent's 60th wedding anniversary, so we'll be off trail for over a week. Good thing, 'cause it took us 11 hours today to walk a measly 15 miles, and for the moment, our hiking future is looking a bit dim. Take care!!
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Rochester Hills, MI

To: Marietta, NY
Miles today: 0.0

After a long, much needed break, we're on our way back to where we left off. Very excited to continue with the trail. My knees still are in protest mode. I got new shoes that are even bigger than the last pair - 8 1/2 wide MEN'S boot. Calling our feet "Hobbit Feet" now, since I think the spread is permanent. Puff is mostly recovered from her fall in PA - still soreness in her shoulder area. I can't help but wonder if maybe a rib got cracked on that one. People still laugh watching me go down stairs, but I can do it "normally" now.We know that many, if not all the people we've met on the trail are now long gone ahead of us, but we're looking to making new aquaintances as we return. Also, we're hoping the hottest weather of the summer is behind us, but I fear not so. I do struggle when the temps go above 90 degrees.So, back in the "saddle" tomorrow, 786.5 miles to go. Bring it on!!!!
Date: 2012-07-10
From: Marietta, NY

To: Dennytown Rd Campground
Miles today: 14.9

Back On the Trail!Drove down this morning and returned the rental car. Anthony from Enterprise Car Rental was kind enough to take us back to the Trail. Saved some taxi money there! Then "Rash", a section hiker going southbound, bought us lunch at the Deli. Good times!Funny, when I'm on the Trail I miss home, and when I was home I missed the Trail. Tonight we're camped next to Summer Campers of an unknown ilk. There are around 20 kids and counselors 30 yards away on full roar. Wondering when lights out is. Cooler temps during the day. A light rain tonight, but not slowing down the teenagers. We are both discouraged by how difficult today was after an extended break. Feet and knees aching as much as ever. My new boots are easier on my feet fit-wise, but less support over the rocks. Well, I took my vitamin I and retired early. Will see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Dennytown Rd Campground

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Another Day in ParadiseAwoke this morning with a wet tent, but a rested body. Puff tells me I missed the "Come to Jesus" lecture after the rain quit last night for the campers. RatsGot off to a great start this morning. Felt back in the swing of things. Felt like I could climb a mountain. New trekking pole tips - check. Permethrin treatment keeping bugs at bay-check. New hiking boots- not so great. New blister-check. Rats. Stopped at Canopus Lake beach consession stand and had two cheeseburgers, two bags of chips and two Gatorades. Then it was Puff's turn to order. Apparently a week off did not diminish my hiker hunger. Alas, no room for ice cream. On to RPH shelter, which, I found out, stands for Ralph's Peak Hiker Shelter. Hmmmm. Met "Amish", "Gypsy Soul" and "Muck Fishigan" northbound today, along with "CoolShoes" and "Goat" southbound. We sat and gabbed for hours. So fun to make new acquaintances. Now if I can just get my feet straightened out, life will be good. Puff's shoulder still a problem too. Onward!