morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Duncannon, PA & Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite beyond I-81
Miles today: 24.9

Miles to Katahdin:   1,004.8It didn't get as cold as I thought it would last night, so I was comfortable with all the layers I had on. My whole night was spent in a solid sleep which is not usual for me. I packed out of the shelter really quick after a honey bun and a couple Pop Tarts for breakfast.The ridge that I started hiking on lasted 4 miles before descending to Clarks Valley. I had very little water on me so I filled my bladder at an unmarked stream beyond the creek. I feel better drinking water from the mountain rather than at the river where all the streams feed. From here, I climbed up the next ridge. There was a sign noting a village that existed back in the coal mining era called Yellow Springs 4 miles in. The trail was definitely a charcoal color as I descended into Rausch Gap where a sizeable 1,000 population town used to reside. The only remnants I saw was the cemetery. A mild climb followed to Second Mountain before a descent to PA443.After crossing the road, there was a creek that evidently has more water than usual since the normal stepping stone crossing was flooded. There was no other way to get across, so I swapped my boots for crocs. The water was cold and I stepped quickly but carefully. I kept my crocs on for a half mile before crossing a road where there was a parking lot for the AT. I put my socks and boots back on and had a snack before continuing.On the climb up the short hill between the parking lot and I081, I filled up on water again using a stream coming down the hill. I needed a bit more than usual since I knew I wasn't going to get to the next shelter 7 miles away.Just beyond the hill, I crossed the Swatara River using a big iron bridge which was made by an iron company in East Berlin, Connecticut. The walk beyond put me beneath I-81. This is the last time the AT crosses this interstate! The first time was back in Atkins, Virginia and I believe there are four total.I hiked a mile beyond the interstate to the crest of the ridge before setting up camp. My feet are exhausted. If they felt good, I would have pushed on since it was only 6:00 pm and 2 hours of light remained.
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Campsite beyond I-81

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: few clouds

Miles to Katahdin:   979.7My campsite wasn't flat but it suited me just fine. I slept well and didn't want to leave this cozy place beneath a tree beside the trail. I started hiking at 7:45 am and the sun was already high in the sky. There were a lot of rocks on the ridge and it definitely slowed me down. I didn't reach the shelter that was 6 or so miles up the trail until 10:00 am. I stopped to sign the register before moving to the next shelter only 4 miles up trail. This section of trail was pretty flat and rockless until it descended down to an overlook location. I was stepping from stone to stone from there on.Eventually, I made it to 501 shelter just north of route 501. This shelter has a caretaker, shower, portable potty, and holds about 10 people with individual bunks. The only service this place lacked was laundry. The best quality of this shelter is that a local pizza shop delivered there. I called for a medium pizza before taking a cold shower. Once I dried off, I sat by the road for 15 minutes until my hamburger pizza and 24 oz Pepsi were delivered. Only one slice was left once I had my fill. I put more water in my bladder before leaving. It was 1:40 pm at this time and I had 15 more miles to the next shelter. The bad news is I found the infamous Pennsylvania rocks for most of the rest of the hike. I let out plenty of grunts and yelps while rolling ankles and stubbing toes the whole afternoon. I also sucked down plenty of water. With a belly full of pizza and temperatures in the upper 70s, I needed the H2O.My one break was at a stream that I soaked my feet in for a minute total, but this was done in 5 second intervals since the water was extremely chilly. My feet felt good for the next 2 miles, but were aching for the next 7. I arrived at Eagles Nest Shelter with only 30 minutes of light to spare.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Miles to Katahdin:   965I didn't get that great of a rest last night but it was warm enough to wear shorts and a t-shirt to bed. I got up at 6:15 and took down my tent. For breakfast, I chowed down some pieces of Pop Tarts and made a pot of oatmeal. There really wasn't a plan for today other than to go into Port Clinton which was only 9 miles away and on the trail.Once I was about to leave the shelter, I noticed my hiking stick was gone. A hiker named Shannon left before me and took the wrong stick. The one he left behind was noticeably shorter and lighter so I have no clue how he started hiking with my beloved piece of wood. I took his stick and was off on a rapid pace to catch him. I was really irritated that I needed to hurry and go out of my way to correct his mistake. Luckily, he got lost and I only needed to hike 30 minutes without my own stick.After the swap, the trail was rocky and there was a short, steep climb along the ridge. These rocks really took a toll on my feet. The ache that takes 2 hours to get on a well-groomed trail takes only a half hour with rocks.There was a straight descent into Port Clinton after 9 miles of hiking. I arrived in town at 11:00 and was thankful for a flat surface to walk upon. My first stop was the Ye Olde Backpacker. I bought a popsicle and asked where the best place in town for lunch was. At the advice of the clerk, my destination was the Port Clinton Hotel for a Hiker Burger. I supplemented the burger with a Yuengling and pierogies. All were delicious. Plus, I got to read the newspaper and wear crocs rather than my trail runners. My feet were thankful. After lunch, I went to the Peanut Shop next door to stock up on candy bars. This place was the mecca of candy. The building was air conditioned and the gummy bears were lined up in rows on trays. Before leaving town at 1:30 pm, I sat on the steps of the outfitter with a pint of Phish Food Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I climbed out of town on a semi-rocky trail and had many ups and downs before reaching Windsor Furnace. I stopped hiking because my feet were sore and I wasn't mentally willing to keep going. My day was over at 5:00 pm. A couple hours later, the Chicago Sisters, Clemencia, and Canada arrived and we ate and chatted for the evening. I hope my feet somewhat heal despite the lack of any visible wounds.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles to Katahdin:   943I loaded the good old belly this morning with oatmeal, Pop Tarts, and granola bars before hiking at 7:40 am. The start was a climb up the ridge and it became really rocky on top. There were some nice overlooks and the most popular one, The Pinnacle, had a huge, 20 ft rock tower. I found out later that hikers are suppose to take a rock off the trail and put it on the pile. This is a good, yet slow way to make this section less painful on our feet. I'll comeback in 100,000 years and see if there is any difference.The trail down the ridge 7 miles later was delightfully easy because it was a dirt road. I passed plenty of day hikers. This will undoubtedly will occur frequently the next 3 days since it is the Memorial Day weekend.At the intersection of the trail and a road, there was a shelter 0.3 miles down. It was a house with one shed for sleeping and another for showering. Canada, Big Boots, the Chicago Sisters, Clemencia, and I enjoyed the cool, midday solar shower and ate lunch before hiking out.It was a rocky 7 miles to the next shelter. The rocks really were annoying. They aren't large here, but they are either loose to turn your ankles or pointed to pinch and keep your feet sore. Big Boots gave me a huge favor by waiting a minute or two to point out a rattlesnake coiled up 3 inches to the right of the trail. That is my first and hopefully last encounter with one.Sharptooth, Big Boots, and I were at the shelter just after 4 o'clock. We'd done 16 miles and planned to stay. I cooked dinner before deciding to hike 6 miles to another campsite. I must have passed 40 people camping and hiking along the way. Everyone is in the woods for the holiday and there were a couple of Boy Scout troops too.I arrived at the tent site around dusk and stayed with three fellows from N.Y. and P.A.: Henry, Stan, and Jason. They cooked steaks and I watched.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 12.2

Miles to Katahdin: 930.8Last night was the warmest during this entire trip. This was the result of a lot of moisture in the air and I could definitely feel that this morning. I was packed by 7:20 am and began the stretch of rocks that everyone has been talking about. The good news is that there were intervals of moderately rocky trail in between.One stretch of rock occurred on top of the ridge. This area was called Knife's Edge and for good reason. The boulders were pointed on top and hiking was quite pain staking. I believe I mumbled "This is ridiculous." a few times. On a lighter note, since it was all rock, there were no trees which means a decent view of the farmland below. A haze from the humidity was also present. Plus, there was a persistent breeze that really made me feel that afternoon thunderstorms were going to erupt. There was a 30% chance last I heard in the forecast.The trail eased a bit before a steep, tedious climb up Bake Oven Knob. The hike wasn't so bad as going down the other side. A few times, I was forced on my rear end to get to the rock below. A hiking stick or pole was definitely required here.I filled up on water for the rest of the hike at the next shelter and the miles that followed weren't bad. The trail went down to the next shelter and took an abrupt left turn that I didn't notice since it was still possible to go straight. I hiked downhill for at least a half mile. I saw a white blaze painted over blue once, but struggled to find others so I turned back around. Once I returned to the shelter, I found the trail again and continued downhill into the Lehigh Gap.I walked a couple miles down the road to Palmerton, PA. The town allows hikers to stay in the basement of an old jailhouse for free. I did laundry, used the library, ate a pint of blueberries and strawberries, and resupplied over the course of the afternoon. It was nice to be in town when at 3 pm and 9 pm thunderstorms rolled in. Tonight, I'm in town with Sharptooth, Canada, Big Boots, Clemencia, and the Chicago Sisters.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy A Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles to Katahdin:   914.9After a stormy night, the town was pretty quiet this morning. I sat on the stoop of the old jail house eating a couple doughnuts, an apple, an orange, and two bananas at 6:20 am. A local trail angel drove us all to the trail at 9:00 am. Canada, The Chicago Sisters, and Clemencia took the first shuttle and Big Boots, Rip Van Winkle, Sharptooth, and I were on the second.The day was generally overcast and very humid. Needless to say, the climb up Lehigh Gap developed an early sweat. The climb was easily the steepest on the trail yet. I was forced to use my arms on several occasions on the tricycle size rocks.Beyond the climb was a grassy walk along the ridge, but the area was filled with dead trees on the ground. This section is a superfund site that was destroyed by a local zinc mining company. Clemencia and I hiked for four miles before taking a break in the first shaded area since the clouds were now thinning.The day really dragged on with all the humidity. Big Boots, Clemencia, Sharptooth, Canada, and I must have taken 3 breaks along the hike. Each were lengthy. I lagged a bit because my left foot was sore and the rocks slowed me down. Aound 4:00 pm, I could hear thunderstorms in the distance so I picked up my pace and arrived at the shelter just as it started raining. I spent the rest of the afternoon picking inside my food bag.Just before the Chicago Sisters arrived soaked, the Wizard and WD-40 rolled in. It had been a while since I hiked with WD-40 and the Wizard. I'd last seen them in the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Leroy A Smith Shelter

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

Miles to Katahdin:   894.7Not that I ever really waste time, but I was hiking as fast as possible this morning. I didn't sleep well and started packing at 5:30 am. At 6:30 I was set to go. It was close to 5 miles to Wind Gap where Clemencia and Canada planned to make a pit-stop to a motel for sodas and water which I decided I would head to as well.The sky was clear, but there was valley fog at the first viewpoint. I took a few pictures and moved on. It was all rock to Wind Gap which we arrived at around 8:00 am. We woke up the office worker for sodas and sat for a half hour until moving on. The next 7 miles featured a 650 foot climb and then a miserable, flat, rock-packed trail to Wolf Rocks. I was really bored and frustrated at the same time. I'm tired of looking down at the trail instead of the surrounding scenery.Wolf Rocks supplied a good view and there were some Memorial Day hikers here. Clemencia, Canada, and I took a break and pressed on to the shelter 2 miles away.Canada and I hiked to Mt. Minsi at a quick pace just 2.5 miles from the Delaware Water Gap. The rocks lessened in number as we approached the frequently climbed area. On the way down, there were numerous hikers. It was definitely noticeable that it was a holiday. Clemencia stayed behind to camp with the Chicago Sisters for the night.In the Gap, Canada, the Wizard, WD-40, Squeak, Craterman, Big Boots, Sharptooth, and I stayed at a Church hiker Hostel. I took a shower and then joined in on a hiker holiday feast that was set up by the Wizard, Sharptooth, and Big Boots We had burgers, chips, corn, watermelon, soda, and ice cream. The food was amazing.The rest of the night, I stayed off of my feet. I'm limping a bunch with sores on my left toes. Despite the aches and pains, it was a fantastic Memorial Day on the AT. Great weather, good food, and no more Pennsylvania rocks!
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Delaware Water Gap

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

Miles to Katahdin:   884.2Sleeping was a bit choppy last night. I got up at 2:00 am and moved to a leather recliner. That lasted for a few hours before I returned to a bunk. I slept in late since the outfitter didn't open until 10:00 am.Canada and I went to breakfast at the local diner. I ordered the He-Man breakfast: 2 eggs, 2 sausage, bacon, ham, and 3 slices of french toast. Plus, I added a side of home fries. It was delicious. I finished all three plates of food, but gave the sausages to Squeak, WD-40, and Wizard. I said goodbye to the Chicago Sisters , Clemencia, Canada, Big Boots, and Sharptooth since they were taking zero days at the Jersey Shore.Wizard, Squeak, WD-40, and I hiked out of town around 11:00 am. We crossed the river via a foot bridge along I-80 and had a steady climb for a while. It was cool and overcast with a light easterly wind all day and rain was forecasted to arrive. We ate a snack about 6 miles in at a glacial lake which is "One of the Seven Natural Wonders of New Jersey". Everyone enjoyed that sign.The trail was noticeably less rocky today and by 4:00 pm, we had gone 10 miles. The Wizard and I decided to stay at an Appalachian Mountain Club center for the night while Squeak and WD-40 moved on.The rain moved in at 7:00 pm and continued all night. It was nice to be inside reading a book instead of tenting in the rain.
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Glen Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles to Katahdin: 863.3I slept real well last night. The late wake-up helped as well. After a couple Pop Tarts and a bowl of oatmeal, the Wizard and I were hiking by 8:00 am. It rained all night, but it was only overcast this morning. Temperatures were cool; only in the 50s. I had my rain jacket and pants on as well as the rain cover over my pack.The hike was pretty enjoyable. One noticeable trait of New Jersey is poor trail maintenance. Many of the bushes and trees are overgrown and old trees have fallen across the trail. Along the ridge there were long, flat rocks. Looking east I could see residential neighborhoods.On and after Rattlesnake Mountain, 12 miles in, there was a large group of inner-city kids hiking as a requirement to graduate. There must have been over 50 students and they were all spread out into smaller groups. The students were shocked that I walked here from GA.At the first shelter, I enjoyed a peanut butter tortilla and jerky. The 14 miles made me really hungry and it was about 2 o'clock. I pushed on to the next shelter 7 miles north. It was segmented well with Carver's Gap in the middle. Here, I bought a Gatorade at a bait shop before climbing out. There was a fire tower at the summit and I saw High Point Monument from the top, which is my destination tomorrow. After the tower, it was 1 mile to the shelter. Iceman, Squeak, WD-40, All Good, Tobasco, and I are here tonight. Wizard's pack broke so he is behind, but All Good and Tobasco said he was able to see a bear.
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Glen Anderson Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 20.1

Miles to Katahdin:   843.2It did rain lightly last night, but only fog remained this morning. Once Iceman started stirring, I got up and packed out. I was on trail at 7 o'clock. The trail was really damp and I was too since the shrubbery around here is all overgrown. Rocks have also made a bit of a return.There was a pavilion on top of Sunrise Mountain. Fog soaked all the benches and obviously obscured any views. I caught up to Iceman at a shelter 3 miles beyond and we ended up hiking together the rest of the day.At this point, I must state that my feet were in a sorry condition shape and they still are. My big toe on my right foot is swollen so that the skin and nail are pressed together. This resulted in a pain like no other. I pressed on anyway and later wrapped it, which kept my toes tight and forced most of the pressure onto the other side of my foot. At High Point Park, Iceman and I ate lunch. I treated my other foot which was developing sores on top of my toes from rubbing against the top of my trail runners. Now both feet were in pain with 7 miles remaining. Luckily, all seven were downhill and less rocky. This section took us through fields, swamps, and up and down hills.At 20 miles, I called "The Mayor" of Unionville, NY. He picked us up and brought us to his house. We met Burns, Lady Slipper, and Long Shot. "The Mayor" and his roommates (Bill and Butch) host hikers. They served us spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and a raspberry, banana cake dessert. The food was delicious and I had 3 servings of spaghetti. My stomach is happy, but my feet are not.
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Unionville, NY

To: Warwick Turnpike
Miles today: 17.3

Miles to Katahdin:   825.9Today was an odd for two reasons. First off, I slack packed. This means instead of carrying a 35 lb backpack full of gear, I hiked with a day bag. I had only my lunch, a first-aid kit, and a trail book with me. The other weird event is that I hiked the trail southbound. Dick and Butch drove us 17 miles north so we could slack pack back to their house for the night.Breakfast this morning consisted of scrambled eggs, sausage, and pancakes. Right after, we were off to the trail. We hiked along Wagawander Mountain and then down into the valley. After 5 or 6 miles, the trail is just east of Heaven Hill Farm. Iceman and I stopped by and ate an apple pie. I supplemented this with an ice cream cone as well. Squeak and WD-40 were also stuffing their faces with half-off day-old baked goods. While I relaxed, I pulled a tic off of my right thigh. This is the first one to actually bite me. I'll have to play the wait game to see if I get lyme disease. After the farm, the hike consisted of plank board walking through swamp lands. There are numerous birds in the thick weeds and the water was filled with turtles and snakes.There was a climb up Pochunk Mountain that took a required a bit of sweat to get up. The Wizard was just summitting when we got to the top.   His pack is broken so his pace has slowed some.The rest of the hike was through a huge bird sanctuary. There were large swans, blue herring, and supposedly bald eagles. It was a nice walk and it was even better once we reached Unionville. I managed to not cause any more damage to my feet thanks to bandages and a light pack.At dinner, Craterman, Tobasco, All Good, Lady Slipper, Iceman, Burns, and I were treated to salad, chile, and rice. Afterward, Butch took us to a local A&P for resupply. Butch has a terrific ear for music I must say. His classic rock collection surpasses mine.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Warwick Turnpike

To: Kloibers Pond
Miles today: 16.7

Miles to Katahdin:   809.2Cheese omelets, hash browns, sausage, and toast were on the table for us this morning before we started on the trail. Today we were forced to our full packs and I felt the weight. We were taken up and down large boulders on top of the ridges. The weather was incredible. It was less humid than yesterday with a few cumulus clouds.I hiked with Lady Slipper, Burns, and Iceman all day. We crossed the NY/NJ state line 4 miles into the hike. The scenery was wonderful with lush, green ridges and large lakes between. Another highlight was Bellvale Farms Creamery. We all had two cones on a somewhat hot day. I chose soft serve and moose tracks to cool off. By the end of the day, on top of the summit of Mombasha mountain, we saw the New York City skyline.The trail down the mountain was rocky, but the rocks are different than the type I complained about in Pennsylvania. In PA, there were small, ankle turning rocks. In New York, the trail contains boulders the size of minivans that you walk up and down. Thankfully, the day has been dry and I'm not sliding and falling down on them. Lady Slipper, Burns, Iceman, and I found a flat, grassy area near a stream to camp. After a quick fire and a rice dinner, I was down for the count.
Date: 2009-05-31
From: Kloibers Pond

To: West Montain Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles to Katahdin:   791.6I was all packed before Lady Slipper, Burns, and Iceman, so I started off thinking they'd catch up to me later. The trail took me up a few cliffs to the top of Buchanan Mountain and Arden Mountain. The descent down Arden contained rocks and and a slope that rivaled the Lehigh Gap. My pace slowed dramatically.Once down, I crossed over New York Thruway 87 and into Harrimon State Park. I hiked with a man and his wife up the hillside. He was a volunteer caretaker of this section of trail for 20 years. We parted ways on top just after an encounter with a black snake.It was close to noon when I had lunch. I made a couple of peanut butter tortillas and consumed a multiple of granola bars. It was 12:40 pm in the afternoon when I got going again. I was able to listen to the Yankees vs. Indians game on the radio which was enjoyable.The trail brought me between two large rocks for about 20 feet and the gap is only a foot. It was a while before I got through though. Understandably, they call this area the lemon squeezer.I showered to remove the sand from my feet and purcahsed an ice cream cone and popcicle from the Blue Bunny vending machine. It was a very enjoyable afternoon by the lake.Six miles later, I was on top of Black Mountain looking at New York City. The descent intersected Palisades Parkway which I walked a half mile off trail to get to the visitor center for water.   I looked at my watch and it was 6:30 pm when I arrived; a half hour after it closed. I knocked on the door and a kind cleaning lady inside filled my water bladder for me. I really needed the water since there was a steep climb to the summit West Mountain once I was back on trail. Plus, the shelter does not contain a water source.West Mountain has a spectacular view of the Hudson and the entire New York skyline.