morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-13
From: Mt minsi mile 1287.1

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 13.3

July 13, 2014Mt Minsi to Mohican outdoor center, NJ mile 1287.1-1300.413.3 milesThe cloud was in the forest this morning as I started out. See pic from Mt. Minsi view pt. Further down the trail, was a large long grove of gorgeous blooming rhododendron! Locals, hurry hurry hurry, they bloomed 2 weeks later than normal the town folk have since told me so you still have time to relish them The view points on the way down were that of the Delaware river. See pic. Down most of the mtn was Lake Lenape. What a treat! A small lake covered in blooming Lilly pads and rimmed with blooming rhododendron! If that doesn't entice you out, nothing will. More than 30 frogs jumped into the lake as I walked its perimeter, trying for optimum views and photos of the Lilly pads. I am heading into my home state but detoured off into the quaint town of Delaware Water Gap first. There I, bought a new water bladder at the local outfitter (nice of them to be open 9:30 on a Sunday morning) and dined at the bakery/fruit stand around the corner. Quite a treat. The peaches had ripened to perfection The little town bustled with tourists, cyclists and a few of us hikers. Most of the other hikers were still at the Church of the mountain hostel. From here to home is 46 miles. I figured I could walk it in 2 days -but won't no need adding unprogressive AT stepsThe trek across the Delaware was of course a noisy discomfort walking along the pedestrian side of the bridge on I-80. Up the other side I continued. The footing is similar to PA but less severe. Many day hikers were out but I didn't see any other through hikers ( zeroing to rest their battered feet)!Sunfish pond was another treat of the day. It is called one of the 7 wonders of NJ, a glacial pond with only a few species of fish due to the waters' acidity. I drank the water anyway. In route, a large tree cemetery stood which I hadn't remembered. Apparently there was a fire 2 years ago. What was replacing the forest for now (much to,everyone's delight)- blueberry bushes all over the hillside and lining the trail! As I came along some that ripened, progress slowed dramatically yes I picked some for the Goose (1 for me 2 for him, or perhaps it was the other way around)! Views from Kittatiny Mtn were gorgeous and a black bear startled me as much as I him. I met up with the Goose and Jack the terrier at the Mohican outdoor center and we camped inn in our truck camper. A treat of a dinner with shrimp, steak, salad and jersey fresh corn on the cob a nice storm in the night completed a great dayAll for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-14
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Rd Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

July 14, 2014MOC to Brink Rd ShelterMiles 1300.4-1314.414 milesA lazy start out of the camper w/ "chickee egg in a hole" for breakfast we started by providing trail magic from The Goose & Jack at the trail head, meeting Oregon & Lil bit as their 1st customers. Then off to wild New Jersey. See the pics eventually. I met up w/ boss Dean and his wife Sue for a day hike. Thanks to my late start, they were hiking South to meet up w/ me and ended up w/ an 11 mile day. These Pennyslvanians are tough. Both work groups I hiked w/ marched right on worried they will slow me down, when in reality, they were impressive to say the least This portion of the trail was quite fun w/ a nice ridge walk, a fun climb up catfish lookout tower for cloudy, hazy but pretty views, catfish pond, with its beaver dens, dam and thousands of Lilly pads. Along the way, we met Batman, Oregon & Lil Bit and I shared brownies Sue had made w/ them to bolster their lunch. See pic. After parting ways w/ Sue & Dean, the hike continued then as when hiking w/ Goose, Jack the terrier & Penn State in PA, the woods darkened dramatically and the clouds opened up creating a fun, refreshing flow over our feet as we slogged along the trail. Later I was moseying along eating blueberries and stopped to take pictures of the valley clouds & ridge lines when I spotted a young bear not far away. I called out to him, he looked up & went about his business shoving large rocks to the side w/ ease to look for bugs. See pic. Bear # 15 I think. Made it to the shelter and business as usualCurfew time,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Brink Rd Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: moderate rain

Brink to High pt shelter19.6 milesAnother nice easy start to the day. Fun to be in the home state for awhile. Being a Monday, it was relatively quiet on the trail w/ few through hikers seen in my meander. Will put more pics in than words since not a lot needs to be said today. I will have to admit as I lay here snug as a bug in a rug, off the ground, the rain sure makes it nice as it keeps the Mosquitos at bay. Lights out,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-16
From: High Point Shelter

To: mile 1349.8
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

High point shelter to mile 1349.815.8 milesWell, a leisurely start to the day and a leisurely lunch stop at Unionville equals 15.8 miles instead of 20 miles and doesn't allow one the luxury of shower & laundry access at the hostel in Vernon, NJ. Oh well tomorrow is another day. The rain the night before was steady but light and the day dawned refreshed. The glacier terminal moraine appears to be left behind allowing a smooth path for much of the day, pretty views, w/ a few hills and stone steps in between. See picsOf course I missed the morning post office hours in Unionville, NY so enjoyed porch time at Horler's general store while waiting for the afternoon re opening for my maildrop that has my 4th pair of shoes. Horler's is a very hiker friendly place. During my catch up time I met up w/ Batman, Eskimo, Frankenstein and CAT. I hope you all have conjured up pictures in your mind of what we all look like. I hiked an additional 9 miles in the afternoon listening to the book, Born to run- so far, it is very interesting. At the Wallkill nature preserve there were heron and egrets but not w/in photographic distance. It appeared to be the year of the grasshopper though as hundreds leapt around as I walked by banging into my shins. Pic didn't turn out. All for now, Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-17
From: mile 1349.8

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Mile 1349.8 to Wildcat shelter20.2 milesGoodbye NJ, hello NYWhat can I say - another awesome day! I moved from some of Jersey's lowish land at Pochuck boardwalk to what felt like NY highlands, all in the span of a 1000 foot elevation gain. The boardwalk is the longest on the trail divided into 2 sections, 0.6 &0.2 miles long with a nice suspension bridge between to boot. See collage pic. It spans pretty marsh land. I was there early enough to have it essentially to myself. Birds singing, sun filtering past the clouds and a cool, dewy morning. The trail then morphed into the smooth, undulating path reminiscent of VA before it altered itself back to a rockier, path with short fun ups and downs throughout the day. The ridge walking along the smooth barren rocks was fun since it was dry out (no slips and falls), & plenty of blueberries and blackberries to slow my progress. The real bouldering began in NY with a series short steeps requiring a ladder (guess that doesn't count in bouldering) at one point, and using all fours on many others. See pics. The views of Greenwood lake and the surrounding area- beautiful. On a side note, the water in many of the streams here has an amber, brownish tinge but still tastes fine. I find I enjoy it more if I don't look at the color.New hikers I met along the way, first, Good Vibrations hiking south from prospect rock (tallest NY point on the AT). She is the pit crew for her husband (mad jack) following along the trail in an airstream similar to Waldo & Sherpa mom. Next up - the Nearly Weds-walking to their wedding in GA! They had just flip flopped (hike a portion of the trail in one direction, then flip directions to finish in the other direction) at the CT-NY border after summiting Katahdin. Due to the all important looming wedding date, they had to succumb to the spreadsheet schedule so many hikers have. Me, I am flitting footloose n fancy free thanks to understanding employers and The Goose!!!Til later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-18
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: mile 1388.2
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: moderate rain

Wildcat Shelter to mile 1388.218.2 milesAnother great trail day. Chilly enough for the Nanopuf in camp equals great walking weather. Hills of the day- Mombasha high point, Buchanan, Arden, island Pond Mtn, & fingerboard mtn (essentially, Harriman State Park-what a beaut). Each unique in terrain and forest. Will try to import pics but NJ connectivity was much better than here. Although the streams are running this year, the trail angels are so used to them not that water is provided at many road junctions. At one such site,(NY 17) I caught up w/ Moses and Slayer, Timone, Mad Jack & Good vibrations and Hike-man the trail angel. See pic. This nice gentleman was full of good cheer, w/ his most hilarious quote being - "I hate it when women only want me for my water"Although the others had left long before me, they had only traveled 0.4 miles, passing over I-87, before getting reeled in for more trail magic by Tent man. here we had access to more water, phone charging, snacks, sodas (if u wanted), and free darn tough brand socks w/ the AT symbol on them. Wow did they feel good going on. There were also freeze dried meals, protein bars, electrolyte powder, he took our trash and offered us seats. With him was Hiker boy who I hadn't seen since, southern VA as he is now off the trail for family reasons.Next forest was that of Island Pond Mtn. What a treat. Tall, noble trees, soft grasses underneath, bent by their blade weight beckoning a nap. The bouldering was fun and a bit challenging to climb at times. One site here is Lemon squeezer, a famous boulder slot to walk thru. See pics. I & my pack just thin enough to fit, walking awkwardly w/ a slight bend to the left. climbing the next bit took some route planning before tackling. After all the climbing, I rewarded myself w/ more blueberries.So, needless to say, I stopped short of the intended shelter due to my lingerings of the day and the slower pace the bouldering & berry picking requires. Such fun!All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-19
From: mile 1388.2

To: hudson River Bridge mile 1399.7
Miles today: 11.5

Mile 1388.2 to Hudson River (Bear Mtn Bridge)Bear Mtn State park- connected to Harriman State Park, I consider the Central Park of the mountains. The last mountain before crossing the Hudson River on the Bear Mtn bridge, this mountain is a weekend escape from the city for way way too many people. Of course, I came through too, on a weekend...The top of the mountain has an overlook and memorial. The southern part of the AT leading up to it was a series of very well placed steps and exposed rock views that would make for wonderful fall foliage viewing. See pics. Only a hardy few were seen here. Closer to the parking lot, the trail became a well coiffed, curvy bluestone path that crunched too loudly underfoot, winding around beautiful boulders and trees allowing those interested in a short stroll the opportunity. Interestingly, most visitors had no idea what the AT was and that they were walking on it and many asked me "where does this trail go?" After the memorial, the trail appeared more normal for a bit then down to the Bear Mtn Inn where the hordes were relaxing. This part of the trail was a steep, well coiffed trail too with nice steps and gravel walkway where needed. It's genteel appearance was offset by the amazingly crude, beautiful landscape that it wound its way through. Boulders had been strewn carelessly over the millennia or so, mixed w/ an extremely large amount of old and new deadfall entangled throughout the walk's forest. See pics. Then out onto the recreation area around Hessian Lake. OMG, "noise, noise, noise" as the Grinch would say. Picnicking groups everywhere enjoying the afternoon. This was not just a PB & J, kinda meal. A wide variety of ethnic group food odors mixed together as did their music from their extremely loud boom boxes, & speakers on stands that stood 5 feet tall competing w/ each other. I was amazed no one seemed to mind. I was glad to move on through to the next touristy thing to do...walk through their cute little zoo. This is maintained for animals that cannot survive in the wild. During open hrs, the AT follows this path. The bear cage is the actual lowest point of the AT at 124' of elevation. See pic. Now my bear count is 17. Exiting the park, the trail continues over the Hudson but I stopped short and walked to the Ft Montgomery historic site then on into its town then taxied to Highland Falls, NY (near West Point) for a clean up my act kind of afternoon/evening. Til Later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-20
From: hudson River Bridge mile 1399.7

To: mile 1421.2
Miles today: 21.5

Hudson bridge to mile 1421.2Taxied to the bridge the next morning, it was good to cross it at a quieter time (Sunday morning). See pics. The up from the river required a bit of granny gear action. A ways in, I met up w/ Moses & Slayer, Bobcat & section hiker Not Yet(she works w/ ALS patients). We hiked together to the famous Appalachian Deli. See pic. I don't think any of us conjured in our mind it was a Shell station. What a fun stop. It is open 24/7 and serves B/L/D for reasonable NY prices. After quite a bit of time w/ the group, I headed out as I had more miles planned than the others. The trail walk flows well when powered by Ben & Jerry's cherry Garcia ice cream bar. Not far from the deli, my Elmer Fudd hunting capabilities (remember "be vewry vewry quiet") scored a moderately decent turkey flock viewing w/ several chicks in the group. See picThe rest of the day was pleasant, open forest for the most part, some rocky areas , some boggy areas and clear streams aplenty. I was moderately delayed through the day w/ none other than delish raspberries Headed toward Shenandoah Mtn, I stealth camped in a fun, rocky grassy open forest and Sprout later joined me. All for now, Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-21
From: mile 1421.2

To: West Dover Rd mile 1442.4
Miles today: 21.2

Mile 1421.2-rt 20 west Dover Rd. Mile 1442.421.2 milesAnother lovely day with an earlier start up Shenandoah Mtn, allowing expansive if somewhat hazy views and a 9-11 memorial flag painted on the rock. See pic. The trail today was mostly gradually rolling hills, a few steeper, rocky ones for fun and clear running streams throughout the day. See pics. I am always amazed how the trail changes, hill to hill, state by state. The openness of most of these forests with large, beautifully straight tree trunks was so serene, & at times absolutely quiet as I have mentioned before. I had met Longhorn at one of the watering holes and we proceeded to meet repeatedly throughout the day until we separated at the largest oak tree on the AT on West Dover Rd. This Grandaddy of all oaks definitely dwarfs it's grand children which I have time & again been impressed w/ along the way. The branches span the road and it's girth measures 20'4". It makes my pack look small see pics. Here I also met Southbounder Superman, enjoyed trail magic from a local Girl Scout troop, then called for a taxi(somehow 3.5 miles of road walking wasn't particularly appealing) into Pawling, NY, where the town allows hikers to camp in their park. See AM pic. Next morning, a 1 mile walk into town, and who should I meet but the town mayor, who arranged for me to leave my pack at the chamber of commerce while I add one more iconic item to my list...train ride into NYC! Unfortunately, the train does not stop at the adorable station positioned right on the AT(see pic eventually) during weekdays, so Pawling was the next best option. See pic. There the Goose and I will rendezvous for a broadway play, dinner & other citified things to do. Til Later,Red Robin goin' to the city
Date: 2014-07-22
From: West Dover Rd mile 1442.4

To: NYC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

New York City ZeroMiles 0Fun-1000 foldNYC-Sensory overload! But what a great day. The plan, nothing in particular other than meander with The Goose and a Broadway play. The train ride into the city-slick. Grand Central Station - a beauty! See pics. Times Square- their high def screens get better and better, the crowds -stifling, the smells -overwhelming, coffee & chocolate-par excellent. Broadway play-Bullets over Broadway. A hilarious must see. After play cocktail at the Blue fin-wonderful! My grapefruit daiquiri more expensive than anything else we ordered! You know, it costs a little to pamper a Robin!!Til Later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-23
From: West Dover Rd mile 1442.4

To: mile 150.7 deuel hollow brook
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

Well, a leisurely exit from the city & goodbye to The Goose meant back on the trail after 3pm. The trail was a stark contrast to southern NY. Here the path was smoothly undulating through farmland & forest (these varied a lot), no ladders required other than the stiles crossing the fences. The umbrella came in handy across the pasture land as I sweated enough to consider myself the Morton salt girl. See picsA beautiful storm came through shortly after curfew. Fun to watch while I swayed high n dry under the hammock fly. Til later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-24
From: mile 1450.7 deuel hollow brook

To: stewart hollow brook shelter mile 1470.3
Miles today: 19.6

A refreshed, bright, shimmering forest welcomed me after the storm. In and out of CT\NY for a bit in the morning, then all CT. This was a gently meandering walk with mixed spruce and deciduous forests, & gentle grades. Then up jutted ten mile hill (not really that long) just felt it was more than the contour profile suggested. Next a walk along swollen ten mile river (much longer river but shorter walk) with beautiful enviable rapids. A 0.4 mile veer off of the trail led to Bulls Bridge, a covered 1 lane originally built in 1842. See pics. Later, I enjoyed lunch w/ a view. The trail continued as an undulating series of short, at times rocky ups and downs, w/ views of the river and opposing Mtn at Indian Rocks. Further along I met a group of trail workers building steps for the trail, which added to my appreciation of the steps as I watched the planning & effort required for this group to prepare the ground for 1 stone step. Wow!Trail magic was present at Skiff Mtn Rd. The abundance of people's generosity and thoughtfulness is amazing. Caleb's peak was the next significant short but steepish climb followed by the infamous St John's Ledges. A variety of steep, spiraling steps, bouldering and treachery down to the Housatonic River. see picsA walk along a gravel road, riverside led to a late-ish set up at the campsite. Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-25
From: stewart hollow brook shelter mile 1470.3

To: Maria McCabes, Salisbury, CT mile 1495.7
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: clear sky

Well, have you ever walked 18 miles to a birthday party? Only on the AT in this day and age. Yep, Frankenstein celebrated his birthday while on the trail at Great Falls of the Housatonic River, Mile 1488.9 on the AT. Good directions right? The morning start was chilly & bright walking along the river edge. The path wound up and over some hills, at times requiring granny gear low. The first obstacle of some consternation was crossing Guinea Brook. See pic. These beautiful brooks were the items of the day, gushing clear & cold and frequent enough such that minimal water had to be carried. A fun boulder slot, similar-ish to lemon squeezer somehow thwarted the 2 dozen gnats that had been playing optical torture w/ me for the previous hour allowing lunch at its top. See pic. On a side note, wearing sunglasses at least keeps the gnats from actually getting into your eyes.My favorite part of the trail was the second river walk along the mighty Housatonic, still swollen and muddied from the previous rain. This was a wide path through a mixed but mostly spruce forest leading up to the whitewater slalom course below the falls, then, the falls themselves, after a bit of road walk, which is the largest volume falls so far on the trail. Quite impressive over several ledges. See pics. Whew, the party continued until 5 and I arrived at 4:30, in time for a burger and all the summertime trimmings and some of Frankenstein's homemade sweet pepper relish-excellente! There I saw Clease, a gentleman I had met at Muskrat creek shelter, way early in the hike. He is off the trail now but helping Rod n Reel w/ some slack packing. I met Affirmed (not the racehorse), Chopsticks, and Frankenstein's family among others. What a great way to celebrate your day.On to Salisbury @ 7 miles away, fueled and trying to out run the mosquitoes, I made decent time, w/out too many bites, to Ms Maria McCabe's house, a lady that welcomes hikers to her home. What a delight! See pics. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Maria McCabes, Salisbury, CT mile 1495.7

To: Laurel creek campsite mile 1504.2
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: few clouds

What a feisty fun delight Ms McCabe was to visit! Trippy & Cowboy were there as well adding additional fun to the morning. Maria has more great stories and the best sense of humor, your sides and cheeks hurt from laughing so much. Definitely a hikers respite! See pic. A short time was spent in Salisbury looking for 100% DEET to arm myself for the Massachusetts mosquito brigade hikers ahead of me have bemoaned. Alas, deep woods off spray and a citronella wrist band is what I left w/. I can't believe I am carrying a HUGE aerosol spray can! I guess it will replace the previous bear mace can! I also prepared for no cook dinners to minimize exposure time outside the hammock haven. So, a short day out w/ beautiful weather, I spent some time at Lion's Head overlook (see pic) and savored my artisan bread and cheese from Salisbury:. Onward along the ridge, I passed the 1500 mile mark & proceeded to Connecticut's' version of Bear mountain. The rocks grew to slabs, the trees stunted, and the up, up. At times it was difficult to see which slab of marbled rock was the trail meandering between closely knit scrub oaks and pines. Down was a different story. Near straight down in a somewhat switch backing staircase and steep slabs of rock. Glad they were dry. See pics. My favorite part of the walk today was that along Sages ravine. The brook was a powerful one that tumbled down its path in pool drop manner. If I hadn't DEET on, I would have gone for a swim. Smaller creeks cascaded into it, boulders were worn by it, spruce & pines surrounded it. Just gorgeous. See pics. I would have camped there but feared the almighty mosquito. So, onward into MA to Laurel Ridge campsite for the night. Thankfully, the mosquitoes were elsewhere for the most part. I met a nice young gentleman on his way back south after hiking from NY to Mt Everett, MA. This campsite was well outfitted w/ tent platforms, privy and a bear box. Enough for now,Red Robin