morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Ed Garvey Center
Miles today: 19.0

Sunday Rain, rain go away¢¦I hiked 19 miles in the heaviest rains I have ever walked through. I get to Ed Garvey Center and run into fellow hikers, Fish and Minnow who I hadn¢t seen since before I left the trail to tend to my foot. The trail certainly agrees with Minnow ¢ slim and fit. We all sleep in the shelter tonight as the rain is intimidating. I stay on the bottom level of this two level shelter along with Fish and Minnow. Really is great seeing them again.
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Ed Garvey Center

To: Pine Knob Center
Miles today: 15.0

Monday June 26,More rain. The only bright spot on this dark, damp, and dreary day was our stop at the Dog Patch Saloon one mile from where the AT crosses I70. I am hiking with 42 and Friction, two through hikers I have met. "The show is not the show but they who go" writes Emily Dickinson. She certainly would have loved this place and the stories of those who go. Great people watching as this bar boastfully welcomes hiker and biker trash. We continue our 15 mile day stopping at Pine Knob Shelter.
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Pine Knob Center

To: Kenmore State Park
Miles today: 18.0

Tuesday, June 27 The good news is that the deluge has stopped and now it is only pouring. Floods cover the trails which have now become streams of flowing water. We are drenched through and through. Tents, sleeping bag and extra clothes have stayed dry but I am beginning to feel like a sponge as I splash along . We hike 18 miles and camp in Kenmore State Park between MD and PA border. We are safe and sound.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Kenmore State Park

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Wednesday, June 28, 2006Floods everywhere. We swim 18 miles today. The flood waters are getting deeper and deeper. We get ourselves to Caledonia State Park where we are trapped as the creeks are now streams; and the streams are now rivers. We are held captive by the river gods and are unable to continue. We will camp on picnic benches tonight. Tomorrow we may need to hike around the water to continue our northern trek. We think FEMA should arrive with food, dry clothes, and transportation to shelters. After all they did it in New Orleans for those folks. We AT hikers are worth their bother!!!! I am thinking that I better not hold my breath until they arrive.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Pine Grove SP
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

I leave Caladonia SP headed north. The water is deep and the trail is wet. It has been raining non stop forever or so it seems. Everything (except my sleeping bag) is wet. I am soaked. If you stop moving you are cold so the choice is simple, walk or shiver. When we stop walking it is into the sleeping bag immediately and wow, when is this rain going to stop. The trail is a challenge, but blue blazing (not taking the AT) is not yet required. I swim across the creek. 42 and I agree to continue to hike together for safety reasons. We are headed to the halfway point.....
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Pine Grove SP

To: RT 94 / Mt. Holly Springs, Pa
Miles today: 10.0

I can't do it!I quit!I am humiliated!And it is made worse by the fact that my daughter could!Not the trail silly, the ice cream.We pass the halfway mark to Katahdin as we enter Pine Grove Furnace State Park and an AT hiker ritual is the half gallon challenge!I have been looking forward to this all day. It is 5pm and I have not eaten since lunch. I have been training for 3 months I am in peak condition and ready.I go into the country store at PGF SP and allas no vanilla. I have to order Cherries Jubilee! The Hersheys Ice Cream with the big chunks of cherries. I did my best but I just couldn't do it. I ate 3 pints but couldn't choke down the last pint. In a state of embarassment I throw away the unfinished carton just unable to eat any more cherries jubilee. (I could have done it if they had vanilla!)I then ordered two grilled cheese sandwiches, two hotdogs, two ice teas and I got a pack of 8 hot dogs to cook that night. I shared the 8 hot dogs with two other thru hikers. I ate four and they ate two each.Tonight Joan is picking me up and I am headed home to Cooperstown to go to a reception for one of my Boy Scouts who got married. I am looking forward to visiting my family and my Boy Scout Patrick Streck and his bride Meg.I will return to the trail on July 4th! Happy Independence day. Less than half way to go! It is all down hill from here..... See you on the flip side!
Date: 2006-07-04
From: RT 94 / Mt. Holly Springs, Pa

To: Trindle Road, Boiling Springs PA
Miles today: 13.0

July 4 Back on the trailAfter a wonderful visit with family and friends, I am chomping at the bit to continue my wilderness adventure. Joan dropped me off at noon at highway PA 94 and I took off from there. I¢d love to make Pennsylvania history as soon as possible. It will be great to look back on this rocky trail. . And I thought the whole Rocky thing was for Sylvester Stallone, Rocky I, II,III etc thing they love here in PA. Whoever painted the white blazes must be a sadist or worse. I wonder what he was thinking. You wouldn¢t believe the climbs.The good news though is that the trail winds through the best berry patches in the world. I would have gained more miles today if I didn¢t stop to sample the berries, here, there, and everywhere. The trees were so heavily burdened with berries that I felt obliged to lessen their load. Delectable huckleberries, black and white. So sweet, so juicy. It was the American thing to do on the 4th of July.Another trail angel family invited me to their fourth of July party on the condition that I talk about the trail to their two sons Scott and Christopher. What a burdensome thing that could be. They didn't know that storytelling is my favorite activitiy with my own grandchildren. I hope these guys found me more credible than do Tory and Zack. Greg picked me up on Trindle Rd and took me to his house for a great bar-b-que of hamburgers, orange juice and cherries. We lit fireworks in the dark of night and I slept in their downstairs level on a fruton.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Trindle Road, Boiling Springs PA

To: Clarks Ferry Bridge
Miles today: 23.0

The day after...Well, after a fun celebration of independence day with Janet, Greg and the boys and a parting breakfast, I take o ff again. This was one of the longest days. I covered 23 miles. The hike was somewhat easier as the trail through Cumberland Valley was relatively flat and rock less. While on this day¢s journey I pass through Duncannon which was formerly known as the jewel of the Susquehanna now affectionately or not so affectionately called Funcannon or Drunkcannon. But ritual calls for stopping at the Doyle to have a beer. So along with some other hikers I found myself in the bar. Overwhelmed by noise and smoke, I decided to keep on hiking and save myself for a cold beer in a more aesthetic and environmentally pleasing setting. I found the perfect spot along the banks of the Susquehanna. Of course the driving rain did diminish my vision of a starlit outdoor beer hall. However, I did meet a group of frustrated fishermen camping along the river. The rain ruined their fishing agenda. This husband, wife, and friend trio invited me to spend some time with them. They treated me to a great dinner of chile, conversation, and fine company. The next morning they invited me over for a breakfast of egg and cheese sandwich. And then I was on my way.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Shikellimy Rocks

To: Swaterra State Park
Miles today: 20.0

The trail is fighting every hiker, setting up obstacles to mount with a vengeance. Determination alone gets me moving onward as I climb over Stoney Mt and Sharp Mt.¢well named as the trail is filled with sharp stones and bolders. The section hikers are finding the hike treacherous and complain bitterly about the AT . In spite of the rocks I cover 20 miles and enter Swattera State Park
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Swaterra State Park

To: Shikelimmy Overlook
Miles today: 13.0

July 8I cross over Interstate 81, and old friend that has been along side since TN. We bid our final farewell as I head north east heading towards Allentown. Today I face the four labors of Hank. Te first labor was to hitch a ride into Applebee to resupply¢they don¢t pick up hitch hikers in this neck of the woods. Finally caught a ride with a mile or so to go. Get into town of Pine GroveGrove to face the second labor--finding hiker supplies. No store caters to the needs of the hiker. I have to settle for beef jerky and pop tarts. The third labor is to hitch back to the trail. I hike 3 miles before I got picked up by Hiker Rika, a columnist for the Reading paper with just one mile to go. The final labor was to confront the trail demons--rocks and mosquitoes. The rock attack is made more challenging with the arrival of a hordes of mosquitoes. Only 143 miles today.
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Near 501 shelter near Shower Steps

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: scattered clouds

July 9An attack of those pesky little insects nearly drove me nuts today. They are vicious as they swarm around buzzing and biting. I stopped to try to eliminate them one by one as they landed. For everyone I managed to eliminate three more arrived. I decided to ignore them for the moment. The mosquitoes may have won that battle but they haven¢t won the war. It may be time for a DEET attack..The good news is that I passed the 1200 mile marker. (I know the miles above are off a bit but believe me I am now at Port Clinton 1203.2 from Springer and 971,4 to Katadin). I reach Port Clinton in the midst of a huge thunderstorm. Decided to take refuge on the porch of the Post Office, but across the street was the Union Hotel, a much more inviting escape. I went over and sat at the bar and made friends with Kathy, Hermie, and Walt , the owners and proprietors of the hotel. I decide to spend the night. A shower sure felt great. No mosquitoes and no rain.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: YMCA Camp

To: Culver Gap
Miles today: 10.0

I wake before sun rise and am hiking by 0600 am, hoping to beat the predicted 100 degree day with nearly 100% humidity also forecast for the day. My spirit is still flying though. Since I am so close to home territory tonight I will be rescued from the trials of the trail. In surprise and unexpected plan Joan has offered to meet me at Culver Gap. I have only 10 miles to hike and I will get off the trail for a zero to hide out from the heat wave that has covered the Country. By 1 pm I am in Culver Gap, shortly after I am driving in an air conditioned car. WE stop for street side Sabrett hot dogs. I have three sodas and four hot dogs. It is after all mid afternoon and I don¢t want to spoil my appetite for dinner. Pat and Bob and Shaun Maul join us at my Mother ¢ in- laws for barbeque dinner of chicken wings and London Broil. Tonight I will catch up on my Journal and I will get back on the trail on Wednesday.
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Culver Gap

To: High Point
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

July 19 Wednesday,Joan dropped me off early this morning back at Culver Gap. So I am back on the trail again, confronting the clouds of mosquitoes hovering overhead. The good news is that the weather is cooler, only 85 degrees today as I climbed 16 miles to High Point State Park in NJ. After greeting the George Washington monument I continue to the shelter. I camp near the High Point Shelter and hide in my tent to escape the buzzing critters on their night patrol. Jersey and Breeze are also here tonight.
Date: 2006-07-20
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 20.0

July 20 ThursdayGot a real early start this morning and hiked 20 miles to Vernon. The mosquitoes continue to aggravate the hikers. The good news is that my mosquito netting jacket protects like a suit of armor; the bad news is that the temperature increases by 10 degrees under the jacket. So I alternate between the sauna safety of the jacket and the precarious swarms of annoyance in the fresh air. Everyone on the trail is complaining about the mosquitoes. The state of New Jersey should outlaw them and ban them from the state.
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Bellvalle, NY
Miles today: 15.0

July 21 FridayI hike 15 miles to day into Belvalle, NY and bid a good riddance to NJ and its mosquito molestors. May they forever remain in Jersey now that I am out. I am barely into NY when I come upon a young, but full grown handsome bear. He was on the trail feasting on berries when I found him. Not wanting to alrm him, I call out to him¢Hey bear want to share some berries. He looks up at me and continues eating. I don¢t feature climbing over him and decide to encourage him to move out of the way. I make all kinds of noises and finally he looks up and begins to walk towards me. He did not look like he was attacking but rather looking to return to the woods. He eyes his spot and lumbers off into the woods disappointed that he could not remain and finish off the berries.I arrive at Route 17A about 3:30 where I am to be picked up by Rich Maul. While waiting I wander 1/10 of a mile to the west off the trail to an ice cream shop. While it was a bit pricey the thick vanilla shake hit the spot.I spent the evening in the home of Rich, his wife Kristin, their two sons Jonathan and Richie, and their friend Pete, an AT affecionado. Pete lives the hike vicariously through trail journals. His dream is to leave the virtual hike and experience the real thing. After a great dinner of several helpings of baked ziti I spent the night.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Kent CT.

To: Kent, Ct
Miles today: 0.0

Thanks to all for the notes and the information that people are sending me. Everything that you all have shared was known by me. I do indeed know how potentially serious my condition is and although I delayed getting off the trail it was more a question of being unable to see the wound rather than being stoic.I seem to have the infection on my shoulders under control and the healing is progressing well. It is a bit of an embarrassment to not be as fit as my younger hiking companions who are not having this degree of troubles. Boy am I glad I did not wait until I was older than 29 to do this trip!The plan now is to return to the trail on Thursday and Joan will follow me and pick me up each evening to check the wound and change the dressing as needed. This will also give me more time w/o carrying a pack, and more time still to sleep in a bed, shower, and rest. So, although this again delays my trip I am not out of the ball park yet. It looks like the count is two strikes, and two balls! I am almost ready to walk!In the final analysis, the AT is just a trail and it isn't going anywhere. It is me who is on a journey and the most important thing I have learned so far is that I have learned. The Appalachian Trail is just a trail. I am the one with all the experiences, the reflections, the challenges and introspective insights that I have collected. The silly trail has not learned a single thing from me! I have learned from it. If I had to get off today (or tomorrow) I would be OK! But that ain't happenen yet! And, although it is close on time I am still on track to finish. I estimate 49 hiking days to Katahdin and I have about 60 calendar days before the clock runs out!So, Thursday August 3, 2006 it is back to the trail and miles to go before I sleep! Lots of miles to go before I sleep.HankPS: It is about 100¢ f in Kent, Ct today. Hiding out in the AC from the AT sounds like a good idea to me!
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Kent, Ct

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I am finally back on the trail. One week of reality and trail yearning propelled me to get back on track. Joan dropped me off between 8 and 9. It was already 91 degrees. I knew I was in for a scorcher. But equipped with handcrafted shoulder pads and a slightly lighter pack I began the trek through the heat and humidity. I managed to go 15 miles stopping often for rest and water. I camped at Ceesar Brook Camp Site. As I lay in my tent hiding from the mosquitoes I wonder why I am doing this. Then I realize because I can¢t not do it.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Falls Village
Miles today: 11.6

This was a short day. The heat convinced me that only dogs and Englishman stay out in the midday sun or something like that!!!. So I get off the trail at Falls Village which is a neat little town with one package store. The beer, wine and whiskey certainly invite all to hang out at this popular gathering site. The proprietor is friendly and lets me use his phone as cell service hasn¢t reached this quaint little village.Joan picked me up as she wanted to check out the shoulders to see if the pack and pads were doing no harm to the healing wounds. WE stayed in a motel in Great Barrington overnight. I cooled off and the shoulders passed their inspection. So I continue onward in the morning.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Falls Village

To: Plateau Campsite
Miles today: 8.4

Another relatively short day in the scheme of things. But so are others taking time off the trail to cool down. I am meeting up with hikers I have encountered along the way like Bluebird. Lothar, Beernuts. So I am learning that others too are taking care not to get heat exhaustion and have a premature ending to their adventure.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Laurel ridge Campsite

To: Jug End Road
Miles today: 8.3

I continue easing on down the trail. I do 8.3 miles today. I enter Massachusettes. Here is the introduction to the White Mts. The terrain is starting to change. The topography exposes granite rock ridges. The views and vistas are impressive. Lion's Head view presented a panorama of 360 degrees. I did take the time to appreciate the beauty being offered. Rain and thunderstorms trumpeted in a cold front. Perhaps the weather will cool down and I can pick up the pace again. Vermont is calling. But for tonight I camp near a stream and let the cool breezes gently wash over me.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Jug End Road

To: Bear Town Rd
Miles today: 0.0

I got going by 8:30.The day promised to be cooler and thus more miles could be accomplished. I hiked through Great Barrington, over a variety of ponds and streams until I reached Bear Town Mountain Road where I stealth camped. Tired but pleased with my progress--a twenty mile day.
Date: 2006-08-09
From: Bear Town Rd

To: October Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 21.0

Henry¢s birthday today.   Although I hiked alone, I knew he was with me. I was glad that the hikers had thinned out as it gave me time alone to reflect and hike with Henry. I also thought about how relatively few in numbers the thru hiker nobos are at this point. It¢s quite different from those beginning days in Georgia.Speaking of hiker buddies along the way, I did catch up to the Ewoks. One of the group contacted Lyme Disease which slowed them all down a bit. It was good to see them again.I had another fine day, 21 miles. Camped near the October Mt. Leanto
Date: 2006-08-10
From: October Mtn Lean-to

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 21.0

Cool weather positively impacts the hike. Another 21 miles and I feel like I am really moving along now. Upon reaching Cheshire,MA I camped in the Catholic Church. There I met Father Dave who opens the rec hall for hikers to camp. It sounded great to me especially with rain threatening to visit in a big way. Having a dry tent subtracts unnecessary weight. Chad from Florida and Joe Crow joined me in this holy experience. Father Dave is an excellent conversationalist and we enjoyed his hospitality.
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Cheshire, MA

To: North Adams
Miles today: 14.0

I get an early start this morning, chomping at the bit to climb over Mt Greylock, the source of Melville¢s inspiration for Catskill Eagle. Melville lived in the shadow of Mt Greylock and was most definitely influenced by its presence. I reached the summit at 3491 ft where there was not only a wonderful view but a food stand as well. I only had 1 chili dog, 2 grilled cheese sandwiches, and 3 sodas since I already had eaten lunch.My brother John and my nephew along with their two dogs were hiking around Mt Greylock for three days earlier this week. Too bad our paths didn¢t cross. I would have enjoyed sharing my trail with them. I continued down the other side of the mountain and continued to North Adams where I had a surprise visit from my daughter Diana and her family. We went out for Chinese food and stayed in a motel that night. I got to watch Finding Nemo with little Tess, my three year old grand daughter who already knows all the lines of the movie. Great end to a 14 mile day.
Date: 2006-08-12
From: North Adams

To: Congden Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

After resupplying in North Adams this morning, my family dropped me off on the trail about noon. I left Massachusetts and entered VT. Feeling great¢another state bites the dust. Only three more states to go. My mood improves daily. In some ways I feel rejuvenated and am beginning this phase of my journey with a renewed sense of commitment. It feels so good¢cool weather, new state, and new friends. I met Bumble bee today. He is an expert on edible plants. I was introduced to a whole new fare. I will never starve in the woods, but I would rather have my grilled cheese sandwiches, French fries, and milk shakes any day. I suspect Thoreau would not approve.Another 14 miles. Pretty good for a half day. Cell phone service is a little iffy so entries won't be predictable.
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Congden Shelter

To: Gore Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sunday, August 13 Jo Cro and I have decided to hike together for awhile. We hike well together and the miles go faster as good conversation distracts us a bit from those tedious and redundant trail moments. Jo is a retired engineer from Tennessee and hasn¢t traveled much. He has become quite the adventurer now as he has been bitten by the travel bug. We hike 19 miles today and sleep in Gore Shelter along with Johnny K, a SOBO named Super Nova and Dadgum. While eating dinner on the wooden picnic area outside the shelter, I told the guys that this shelter must be used by porcupines . I am not sure they believed my story about the chewed benches. I reported that these woodland creatures are attracted by saltt left on the benches by sweat drenched hikers. However I became instantly more credible when in the middle of the night we were visited by two porcupines. I just happened to be awake when they invaded the shelter. One was about 18 inches from Super Nova¢s head. I woke the guys up and warned Super Nova not to sneeze. Johhny K shined his light on the critters and they scurried off into the deep, dark, woods.
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Gore Shelter

To: Stratford Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Monday, August 14 H¢ray for trail magic Vermont style. Magic Rat and Emily shared their bar b que with hikers today. They set up their special treat along the road and hikers took some time to share their hospitality before the ascent to Mt Stratton. After consuming 1 giant cheese burger, 2 chili dogs, and beverages too numerous to count, I stuffed my mouth with cookies galore. Now feeling fortified, we climbed to the top of Mt. Stratton and the fire tower. Great views. We continued 15 miles to Stratford Pond Shelter. Great day!!!