morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel 1287.6

To: Mohican Outdoor Center 1298.1
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

After walking down to the diner for breakfast, we packed up at the hostel, and were hiking by 8:15. Before we left the checked the status of my trekking poles: not good. One was worn down to the the metal, so, rather than hike with only one, I collapsed both and stowed them in my pack. Soon we crossed the Delaware River on the bridge into New Jersey. (Random note: We weren't sorry to leave Pennsylvania's rocks, and were cautiously optimistic that we'd encounter fewer of them in New Jersey.) We continued following the white blazes, past the visitors center and under the freeway, where the blazes led to a parking lot and trail head. The trail went up gently, really a freeway of a trail. Soon we met Kite, the ridgerunner, who thru hiked in 2010. Six miles into the day's hike, we came to Sunfish Pond, the southernmost glacial pond on the Appalachian Trail. The trail was quite rocky as we hiked much of way around the pond, then up the gently ascending ridge. Once on top we saw beautiful flowers and had a nice view of the river and countryside below. We descended on a very rocky trail and came to a road, which we hoped would lead to the Appalachian Mountain Club's Mohican Outdoor Center. As we'd been hiking five hours, we turned on to the road to look, and after two minutes saw the sign. Johannes and another hiker were already there, but chose to camp in their tents rather than get a bunk. Soon we were checked in, went to our room, and out our packs down. We went back to the visitors center to get lunch and a soda. After a shower it was time for a nap, since I didn't have internet. Later on, we prepared our dinner on the stove in the cabin's kitchen, read magazines, and visited with Ol' Blue Eyes, a hiker who is about our age. (Random note: I really missed my trekking poles today on the trail, especially since the trail today was rockier than we had thought it would be. I found that hiking without them was more tiring, and I seemed to fall more often. I hoped the trail would soon be smoother.) (Another random thought: Our AMC cabin was beautiful, with pine paneling, a complete kitchen and bunks with mattresses.) Life is great on the Appalachian Trail, especially when you enter a new state and especially when you get to sleep on a soft bed!
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Mohican Outdoor Center 1298.1

To: Motel in Branchville, NJ 1316.0
Miles today: 17.9

What a day for wildlife! When left the Mohican Outdoor Center we immediately saw a mama deer and her year old fawn. Wow! Then, a couple of hours later we saw two hen turkeys, and, after that, another deer. Then we saw a small porcupine right on the trail! The views were fantastic as well. We thought to ourselves that New Jersey suffers from an image problem. It was fantastic, so far. There seemed to be enough rocks to make you pay attention, but not enough exhaust you, though I missed my trekking poles. We enjoyed views of lakes, forests, and farmlands. We stopped at a viewpoint for lunch, then checked our water when we reached the turnoff to Brink Road shelter. Since we still had plenty, we decided to continue hiking to the road leading to Branchville, our night's destination. As we sat by a lake waiting for the nearby restaurant to open, Ol' Blue Eyes came by. His wife was coming for a visit, so he offered to give us a ride to the motel, then back again to the trail in the morning! While we waited for her, we all went into the now open restaurant for a cold beverage. Once Ol' Blue Eyes' wife came, they took us to our motel, then continued to their own lodging. We checked in, then went next door for some New Jersey style Mexican food. (Random note: Since we live in Nevada, we are used to incredible Mexican food. Tonight's dinner just couldn't measure up.) Life continues to be GREAT on the Appalachian Trail, especially when you see lots of wildlife. Life is EVEN BETTER on the Appalachian Trail when you get an unexpected ride into and out of town!
Date: 2012-06-16
From: motel in Branchville, NJ 1316.0

To: Hi Point Shelter 1332.0
Miles today: 16.0

We were up at the usual time so we could walk the 0.9 mile to Dale's grocery to resupply. 'Ol Blue Eyes and his wife were picking us up there. After we bought some groceries, we went outside to load our packs, and while doing so, three different people offered us a ride to the trailhead! One gentleman, it turns out, lived a mile or so from us at home in Reno. 'Ol Blue Eyes and his wife Kathleen soon picked us up and we all drove to the trailhead. We started hiking, and soon Ol Blue Eyes hiked ahead as he was "slackpacking". (Random note: When you slackpack, you carry much less than normal on your back...usually you just carry a rain jacket, water, and snacks. This enables you to hike much farther and faster than you would if you carried your normal backpack). We caught up with him at a viewpoint, and met two young thru hikers, Parmesan and Opie. They'd started almost a month after us, so were really moving fast. We found a rock and had lunch. Once we started hiking again we soon came to a pavilion at the top of the ridge. Opie, and Parmesan were eating lunch. Fifteen minutes later, Gary heard a rattle as he was walking along. It was a five foot long timber rattle snake, with a two and a half inch long rattle on its tail. It was not happy that we were there, but calmed down once we continued on. Once we arrived at the first shelter, we saw Grasshopper, the local ridgerunner in New Jersey, and told us we could get water from the jug on top of the bear box. Water was a very precious commodity in the middle Atlantic states, so we thanked him and filled our water bladders. He also told us that, as thru hikers, we could get soda at the Hi Point ranger station. It took 2-1/2 hours to hike the five miles to the ranger station, and when we arrived, Opie, Parmesan, Maine-iac and Phoenix were all enjoying their sodas, so we joined them. Once finished, we continued to the Hi Point Lookout tower, and chatted with two couples about our hike. We had a bit of difficulty finding the white blazes again, but finally found the trail and hiked the last mile or so to the shelter. Ellen "Thunderbolt" and her husband John were there with their very well behaved dog Lizzie. We enjoyed their company (and also their stuffed grape leaves) at dinner. Thanks to you both for a lovely evening. Life is especially great on the AT when you meet congenial people at the share the evening with.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Hi Point Shelter 1332.0

To: Wawayanda Shelter 1355.9
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up at 5:30 and on the trail by 7 a.m, since we planned to hike almost twenty four miles today. The first 12 miles were fast and easy. We saw five orange efts on the trail, then two deer bounding through the woods. There were lots of wildflowers as well. In the morning we met the third NJ ridgerunner, "Mile Hi", from Denver, who thru hiked last year. At one point we left NJ and walked a mile or so on a road in NY, but the trail soon left the road and continued back in NJ around a lake, then up another ridge. The water for the Pochuck shelter, where we had lunch, was half a mile before the shelter, and was a faucet at the back of a vacant house. Interesting, but nice. During lunch we were entertained by two chipmunks playing, and by a hummingbird buzzing us as well. After lunch the trail became rockier and steeper. Eventually we came to a mile long raised bog bridge, reputed to be the most expensive mile of the entire AT. While hiking on the bog bridge, we met Blue's parents and sister. The bog bridge led to the town of Vernon. When we got to the road we met Tortist Chef, who told us a farmers' market just a tenth of a mile off the trail, where we could buy soft drinks, pies, and ice cream. After enjoying ice cream and a soda, we had our last serious climb of the day, up a thousand feet or so, much of it pulling up with our hands. The climb didn't seem so bad, though, between the sugar and fat of the ice cream and the caffeine of the soda. (Random note: Nothing like sugar and caffeine to power us up a hill!) We arrived at the shelter late, but the section hikers who were already there made room for us. I had to hike quite a ways for water, but it was from a faucet in the back of a park office, so at least it didn't have to be treated. Once I got back, I called "Big K" to finalize arrangements for our upcoming visit with her and her husband in New York. Life is great on the AT, especially when you have ice cream and a soda before the last big climb of a long day, and when there's cell coverage just when you need it!
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Wawayanda Shelter 1355.9

To: Wildcat Shelter 1368.0
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

"Tortist Chef", who we had met yesterday, had arrived late-11:30 p.m. We didn't hear him, but he said he had started to set up camp a ways back when he saw two black bears who wouldn't leave, so he packed up and hiked to the shelter, even though it was late! Scary for him! We slept in, thinking that today would be an easy hike, and the first four miles were, in fact, quick. Then we came to a big rock outcropping which we had to climb up. On top was the NJ/NY state line. The outcroppings continued for the next three miles or so, with much climbing using hands as well as feet: fun, but slow and tiring. We eventually came to a blue blazed trail to Village Vista. We were tempted to follow it, but passed it by as it would have meant an additional 0.9 mile down a steep trail, and another 0.9 mile back UP. After that, we had just five miles of mostly easy trail miles to the shelter. 0.3 miles before the shelter, we climbed Cat Rocks, and found DudeManBro and K Doe on top. They had taken the blue blazed trail down to Village Vista yesterday and returned today, and had left an adult beverage by the trail with a note. We had seen the can, but had left it for the next hikers. Soon we found the shelter, off the trail a bit. Once settled in, I looked for water...no easy task. Eventually I found a not too great spring and filled all four water bladders. We knew there would be water two miles into our hike tomorrow, so planned to refill them then, rather than after dinner. Awhile later, August came in, then Gato, Salt Bomb, and Johannes. Later still came Maine-iac and Phoenix. Life is good on the AT when you reach your shelter safely, after a tough, if short day.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Wildcat Shelter 1368.0

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter 1387.6
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and on the trail early this morning, with a long hike ahead of us. We crossed a stream and filled our water bladders at two miles, then climbed up the first of many ridges. At 8 miles we crossed the Orange Turnpike, then climbed some rocks, where we ate lunch with two day hikers. Soon August passed us, then Saltbomb, Gato, and Blue Fox. 0.7 miles later we climbed Arden Mountain, then hiked down Agony Grind. We were glad we didn't have to climb UP it. 3.5 miles later, we arrived at the Lemon Squeezer, where two rock faces are about a pack width apart. Two miles later we arrived at the sign for the Fingerhut Shelter, but passed it by, as we were on a mission to get ice cream at Tiocate State park, 0.3 miles from the trail, and three miles after the shelter. We got to the park, and heard we could order dinner from the Stony Point Deli. We were the last to arrive, but made it just in time to order dinner. August was kind enough to call for us since he had cell coverage, and I did NOT. The bacon cheeseburgers, fries, and fresh brewed ice tea really hit the spot, as did the Heath Bar ice cream appetizer, purchased from the vending machine. In addition to August, DudeManBro, K Doe, Salt Bomb, and Gato were there. We also filled all our water bladders to take to the shelter, since William Brien Memorial Shelter has no water. The last four miles hiked quickly, and we were soon at our destination. The shelter was an unusual looking one, built in 1933 by the CCC. The back of the shelter was actually built into the rock hill behind it, and the other two walls were of stone. It had four bunks. Since the two bottom ones were taken, we slept on the floor, rather than climb up to the top bunks. Johannes came in later and took a top bunk. He had taken a bus into town and had bought coffee and bread. Life is great on the AT, especially when a 19 mile day seems easier than the previous day's 12 miler (for me. Gary does not concur, nor did the others at the shelter, but it's just my opinion.)
Date: 2012-06-21
From: Fort Montgomery NY 1397.7

To: Larchmont, NY 1397.7
Miles today: 0.0

Today we ran errands: We bought tick repellant for our clothes, and treated them; and resupplied. (Random note: It was a treat to resupply in a large supermarket in a large metro area. I was even able to purchase gluten-free cookies for the next few days' hike!) The afternoon was spent eating a delightful salad lunch, reading, swimming in the Long Island Sound, and basking in the sun. Dinner was lobster back at the house, followed by a video "This Means War". All in all, it was a relaxing day, with very little walking, so our legs had a rest! Life is great on the Appalachian Trail especially when you can spend a zero day with great friends relaxing and still get your chores done.
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Larchmont, NY 1397.7

To: Larchmont, NY 1397.7
Miles today: 0.0

Today we REALLY rested. We drove to Big K's mom's house for lunch, then walked around her lake. Big K swam in the lake, while we read and relaxed until it was time to leave. On the way back to Big K's, I saw three young foxes from the car window. Cute. I was glad to see them go back into the woods. We stopped for ice cream, went out for Mexican food for dinner, then went back to the house to watch another video during which some of us fell asleep. It's great to spend a second zero day relaxing but we'll be ready to hike again tomorrow, especially since it's due to cool off!
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Larchmont, NY 1397.7

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 1404.1
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning I weighed my pack and got a big surprise: 23.8 pounds...way more than I had expected. Oh well...we're carrying way more food than before. After a substantial breakfast of blueberry pancakes, Big K dropped us off at the Bear Mountain Bridge, where we had left the trail three days ago, in much hotter weather. We walked across the bridge then hiked along the road for a bit before climbing up the first ridge. After five miles we came to Route 9. There was a convenience store with a grill! Stray dog was there when we arrived, and talked to us about how he had left his guidebook in Delaware Water Gap. (Random note: He didn't plan to replace it, as he wanted to experience the trail as it came. That wouldn't have been our choice, but it worked well for him!) Critter arrived soon after we did, and stayed to visit while we all enjoyed the cheeseburgers, fries, and iced tea. After crossing Route 9, we headed for the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. We hiked uphill to the blue blazed trail then followed it to the ball field shelter, complete with shower, spigot, trash cans, and electrical outlets and even cell coverage. Soon Critter came in, followed later by Tortist Chef and the Mayakka Mules who are from the Mayakka River area of Florida. The monks at this center operate a rehab program so we talked with some of the participants, while other participants played baseball. We spent the evening reading the Time Magazine that someone had left. (Random note: Reading a fairly recent magazine was a rare treat on the AT!). (Random note: During the daytime hours, fifteen minutes was was punctuated by bells playing a hymn, then marking the quarter hours by one, two, three, or four chimes.)Life is great back on the AT, especially on a beautiful day, after two spectacular zero days!
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 1404.1

To: RPM shelter 1422.9
Miles today: 18.8

Happy 40th anniversary to us. And I couldn't think of a better way to spend it than thru hiking the AT! We got out of the spiritual life center at 7:30, and soon caught up with the Mayakka Mules, as they were taking a break. Since the bugs were bad, we soon continued on. The trail was fairly easy, with just a few steep ascents and descents, and some rocky sections. At eight miles we crossed Dennytown Road, where there was a spigot. After lunch we continued and soon met a young German couple who were hiking their way south from Vermont. After another few miles, we came to a green blazed trail leading to Canopus Lake, where we found town food at the Acorn Grill. We enjoyed cheeeseburgers, fries and a soda, then hiked back up to the trail. When we arrived at the RPM shelter, Critter and some others were already there and the Mayakka Mules soon arrived, along with Slide Rule. We all ordered pizza (mine gluten-free) and had it delivered. We tried to order bubbly to share for our friends for our 40th anniversary but the restaurant couldn't do it. Instead, we settled for a 2 liter bottle of soda. (Random note: drinking a liter of caffeinated soda at dinner time wasn't such a smart idea...Even after hiking almost nineteen miles, we had difficulty falling asleep.) Soon, Dora the Explorer and Squidword arrived. Life is great on the Appalachian Trail especially when you can get town food delivered to the shelter on your anniversary.
Date: 2012-06-25
From: RPM shelter 1422.9

To: Telephone Pioneer shelter 1439.7
Miles today: 16.8

We woke up to a thunderstorm with, so nobody was in a hurry to leave the shelter. When the rain let up a bit after an hour or so, the Myakka Mules were the first to take off. We were next, soon followed by the others. We immediately reached the Teutonic Turnpike, but the route took us UNDER it so we didn't have to cross it at surface. (Random note: I was always nervous about crossing busy roads when carrying my pack...Gary, not so much, since he seemed to process speed and distance much better than I did.) Soon we were passed by our shelter mates, one at a time. After we had hiked five miles or so, and had climbed a ridge or two, we came to a road which had a deli a third of a mile off route. We passed the Mules, who were on their way back to the trail as we were heading to the deli. When we arrived at the deli, the people who had passed us were already eating. The deli was quite hiker friendly, with a water spigot, picnic table, and electrical outlet outside for people to use. We were also able to check e-mails and make a couple of necessary phone calls while we ate. We ate our second breakfasts, did our phone work, then headed back to the trail. After another three miles of hiking, we reached the first shelter. I took a picture and ate first lunch. We started hiking again, wondering whether it would rain, since we kept hearing thunder. We didn't have to wait long for it to start pouring! We put on our rain jackets since it was getting cold. For the next hour and a quarter it rained. Once the sky started to clear we kept our jackets on since it was still cool. By 4:00, it was sunny, at least for a while. We caught up with the Mules near the shelter. They were slowed down by their mission to save the red efts, several of whom were walking across the trail. The four of us arrived at the shelter about 5:45. The folks already there graciously made room for us, so we put down our sleeping pads, making room for one more person. The Mules set up their tent, which was their preference. Once we hung our packs, I went back down the trail a few hundred yards and got water from the stream and treated it, then made dinner and ate. I got more water again just before it started raining again. Life is great on the AT, especially when you're in a nice, dry shelter with friendly people, in a rainstorm.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Telephone Pioneer shelter 1439.7

To: The Starbuck Inn, Kent, CT 1461.2
Miles today: 21.5

We were on the trail early since we had a long day scheduled: 21.5 mile on the trail plus another mile into the town of Kent, Connecticut. The first three miles were mostly downhill and flat, so we made good time. We crossed the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station Metro North Railroad tracks at NY 22. This is where hikers can catch a train to NYC twice a week. We passed a beautiful nursery, where hikers are allowed to set up tents, then hiked up and across some fields. At the top of the fields, Gary realized he'd left his Platypus water bladder at the Telephone Pioneer Shelter this morning. (Random note: We weren't happy about this, but, of our necessities, the Platypus would be most easily replaced, so we didn't go back for it.) We continued hiking, sharing my water. Along the trail we met Sue Bear, who thru hiked in 2003, with her two dogs. We asked if she knew Maw and Paw, who had also thru hiked that year. She knew the names, but didn't think she'd met them. When we arrived at the first shelter, eight miles into the day's hike, there was a group of young people who appeared to be at camp. It was always nice to see young people out here. I filled my extra Platypus with water, and treated it for Gary. After checking out the log and eating first lunch, we continued hiking to the next shelter, four more miles out. These four miles went quickly as well. We ate second lunch at this shelter, then continued. The last nine miles of the hike were much tougher. The trail started out from the shelter easy enough, undulating gently along a river, and after 5 miles came to the NY/CT border. At this point the trail became really steep and rocky. Every inch of the trail was straight up or straight down, with lots of rock hopping and climbing. It seemed like we climbed up and down the ridge at least a dozen times. (Random note: We later found out that the trail corridor was very narrow. We felt better knowing that the trail builders weren't sadistic...they were just limited by the trail easements.) We were exhausted by the time we reached the road to Kent. It had taken us two and a half hours to hike four miles. Once we finally reached Conn 341, we walked east a mile into town. On our hike into Kent, we passed what looked like a fancy private school. Once in town, saw the outfitter/ice cream shop. We were hoping to find a replacement Platypus for Gary, but..no such luck. While we ate expensive hot dogs and ice cream, we looked in the Thru-Hikers' Companion for a place to spend the night, and made some phone calls. The only available place was a lovely inn, which included breakfast. The owner showed us around, and it WAS lovely, even though it was pricey. We only wished we had had the time to enjoy it. Life is great on the AT when, at the end on a long, hard day, you end up at a spectacular inn.