morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-09
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

The trail is definitely getting rockier. Only a few small pieces were rock free. My feet are getting beat up - the little toes are particularly sore. The big concern is that Parrothead sprained an ankle early and was in considerable pain. We are going about 9 miles into Port Clinton tomorrow for his mail drop and will stay for shower laundry meals and a bed. Just have to see how he fares.Had an interesting day, as well. Ran into two Mennenoite couples miles from anywhere dressed just like you see on the street. No packs. The women in long green dresses and combat boots.Later we heard someone singing. As we walked up he told us to "Shush". It turns out he (trailname Rao, I think) was serenading a fawn that was lying just a few feet off the trail. The fawn stayed there while we took pictures.This fellow was carrying a large pack and a full size guitar in a hard case. He had the guitar case slung horizontally in front. I don't know how he walked with that because he wouldn't be able to see his feet and that is a necessity on this trail. Why he hadn't fallen and smashed the guitar I'll never understandAt one of the overlooks we saw six hawks soaring and wheeling around. The day had started out in fog/mist but cleared up nicely, so we had some vistas.No one else has shown up to the shelter and it is 7 p.m.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

Very bad news! Parrothead broke his foot. Did it yesterday and limped another 7 or 8 miles to the shelter. After trying to go on it for about 2 miles this morning, he took a snowmobile/fire road out and found rides. First to the Port Clinton Hotel, where we are now, and then to the hospital. Broken bone on the top of his foot and torn ligaments. He is hurting - both physically and spiritwise. He will have to stay off the foot for a week completely and then continue healing for some time.Our present plan is to try to resume hiking together again after my break for my son's wedding on July 5. Sure hope we can. It has been a good partnership.Meanwhile, I will go on alone tomorrow. The possibility of rain is predicted every day for the next seven days. The rocks are getting worse. I'll have to be very careful over the wet rocks. Slow down and take whatever time is needed to make it safely through.Happy Trails, I hope.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Port Clinton Hotel

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Well, I had to move on alone today. Parrothead is going to have to go home and mend. We had a great time together for 17 days. Enjoyed his companionship very much. We will hike together some more.The first part of today was more over the rocks. The rain never developed, it just sprinkled very lightly for a few minutes about twice. I had the poncho at the ready. Learned my lesson about getting cold and wet at Pen-Mar Park.The last 5 or 6 miles from the Pinnacle was a walk on a woods road. Sometimes a little rocky, but not much. My feet were very grateful.The Eckville shelter is a bunkroom for six at a fellows house. A thru-hiker named Sue Bear has arrived. No one else and it is getting toward dusk. I warned her that I supposedly snore. Can't prove it by me.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night a southbound section hiker came in also, so there were three in the bunkhouse. The caretaker keeps a picture log so we had our picture taken. A short thunderstorm also arrived about 10:30. The other guy snored rather well, also.Today was a long day over some rather rough terrain. This included the "Knife Edge" a rock climb. Lots of rocky stretches and one nasty pile of rocks to negotiate at Bake Oven Knob, just before the shelter. It was the end of about a 10 hour day and I was tired and didn't need this. I was being very cautious today through all the rocks. A short day into Palmerton tomorrow. No one else here at the shelter, which is one of the old ones. Book says from the 1940's. Looks it.If is thundering right now so I think some rain is coming. Fortunately, no rain today. That would have made the rocks really treacherous.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton Borough Bldg.
Miles today: 7.7

Short day today so I could enjoy the hospitality of Palmerton. Couldn't catch a hitch from the trail at Lehigh Gap bridge so I walked in the 2 miles. That doesn't show in the official mileage numbers.Palmerton allows hikers to stay in the basement of the borough hall. There are shower facilities upstairs at the gym and bunk space for 14 persons. At the moment (about 8 p.m.) I am the only one here.Things are fairly convenient here. A laundry is across the street, a number of restuarants, a supermarket and the library are all within about a quarter mile.Trying to patch my sandles for the second time with 5 minute epoxy. The toe piece and front inch or so of the sole ripped loose and was somewhat flopping and catching on things. Hope this works.Looking like a thunderstorm again tonight. Someone in the restuarant said last nights thunderstorm was 1 1/2 inches of rain. I think he was pretty close from what I saw from the shelter.Have too much food and it is heavy so I made a contribution to the hiker box.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Palmerton Borough Bldg.

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Caught a hitch out of town after breakfast so I was on the trail before 7 a.m. The first thing on the agenda was a climb up Lehigh Gap. I did this last fall so I knew what to expect. There is one stretch where you put the poles away, because you need both hands for climbing the rocks.It was a warm, humid day and I was going through water quickly. Fortunately, this year all the springs are running fine. I did have to go down over 300 feet and over .3 miles for water as I was out.The other aspect of a warm humid day was an afternoon thunderstorm. Just put on the rain gear and kept going.The rocks weren't quite as bad, but still a problem. My feet are sore and battered and any rocks cause discomfort.Six at the Shelter and some campers. Parrothead had gaven his mail drop to two of the guys, Wicked Wizard and Stringbean.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-15
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Deleware Water Gap Ramada Inn
Miles today: 20.2

I decided to try to get into Deleware Water Gap today rather than a short day tomorrow to have more time for all the town chores. Might try to get out Tuesday afternoon to try to pick up a half day. Nevertheless, that last two miles seemed a lot longer than two miles.Saw my first rattlesnake today, shortly after talking to my Mother on the cell phone. Or rather it saw me. Man, that warning buzz will back you up faster than anything. There must be some inbred genetic alarm to that noise because the reaction is instantaneous. The snake was about five feet long and thick around the middle. I left the scene quickly.Didn't use the Seal Skinz socks. Instead had a double wool sock plus liner. Didn't have the problem with hurting little toes.Have to get some measurements done for the tux rental for the wedding. I am losing weight rapidly. (Good) Going to have to get some smaller hiking pants. The belt is running out of adjustment.Found five ticks on the wool socks. I have been hiking in long pants and tucking them into the socks. I also treat the pants with the permethrin. Didn't find any ticks on me after a careful inspection. Think I will continue this arrangement. Thanks to Kate for the advice.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Deleware Water Gap Ramada Inn

To: DWG Ramada
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero day to get ready for the next section. It isn't a zero day as far as activity is concerned. The to-do list fills a whole page.I am going to leave my truck in DWG, since I have a secure parking place and hike to the shuttler's house in Stormville, NY. He will then bring me back to retrieve the truck.I will head out tomorrow morning to place the cache and then come back and start hiking.Left some pemmican bars and oatmeal in the hiker box at the church hostel. Maybe someone likes that stuff more than I do.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-17
From: DWG Ramada

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

One last chore this morning was to drive to Vernon, NJ. I left one cache at the Heaven Hill Farm store right by the trail. They said they would keep it for me. Then I drove back to DWG, stashed the truck at the secured parking, walked to the hostel to pick up my pack and got started hiking at about 11 a.m. I took it easy since I had a sore tendon behind the left knee. This was a left over from the 20 miles I did on Sunday.There are some rocks on the trail here in New Jersey, but a very mild situation compared to Pennsylvania. The Sunfish Pond was very nice. it is a glacial tarn on the top of the mountain. Water is very clean, but that is because it is acidic and very little grows in it. Pleasant, mild day. Might be rain tonight.The Mohican Outdoor Center lets thru hikers stay in a large cabin for $12. Shower with towel, kitchen and lots of bunk space. One of the staff was watching a bear about 50 yards in the woods when I walked up. Also saw a large black snake on the trail today. I am a lot more watchful for critters now.Happy Trails.
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain started during the night while I was snug in the cabin at MOC. It was still raining when I got up so I took my time about getting ready to go, in the hopes it would let up. It did. I have been lucky and been dodging the rain bullet. I am going to get hit one of these times. It remained foggy and drippy most of the day, so not much in the way of views.At the Brink Road Shelter. One other thru hiker named Buddha is sleeping in and there are other tenters. Buddha has lost 50 pounds on his hike which started March 18. His trail name is self-explanatory.
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Park Headquarters
Miles today: 17.9

Two more thru hikers came in last night. TJ and Josh with a dog that looks like a miniature husky.A little bit humid and warm today, but no rain. Still too many rocks. I am sure getting tired of them. Left knee and leg still kind of sore.At the Culver Fire Tower there looked like some possible nice views and the tower was climbable. I put my pack on the nearby picnic table and started up. About two flights up I saw a bear peeking around the curve of the access road about 100 feet away and looking toward the picnic table. I hollered and scrambled down. He (or she) just looked at me and faded back into the brush. I put my pack back on and then climbed the tower.I was going to stop at the Rutherford Shelter for the night after about 15 miles. However, the shelter is 0.4 miles off the trail on a steep downhill, which of course you have to climb again in the morning. According to the Thru Hiker's Handbook the High Point Country Inn would come get you at the High Point Park, so I got on the cell phone and arranged a room. So I then hiked another 2.6 miles (and it was diabolically rocky) and got picked up. So I am now showered, laundry is done and the delivery pizza mostly consumed. Hiking semi-luxury style, I guess. I'll take it.One last piece of into. The Worthington Bakery & Deli was not open. CLosed for 4 days. Everyone had been looking forward to catching some breakfast there. The children are running it now and apparently not as nose to the business as the parents. The open/close schedule is apparently erratic.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-20
From: High Point Park Headquarters

To: Pochuck Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Rain, rain go away. That's what it did today. Problem is that more is predicted for the next two days. There was a lull right around noon so I got the poncho and pack off for a lunch break. Otherwise it was rainy the whole day.The rocks have abated for the most part. Instead, it is now swampy and quite muddy in places to have to wade through. Had one stretch of about 0.4 miles where it was a walk on puncheons which keeps you out of the supposedly delicate swamp.At the shelter with TJ and Josh and Caddy, the husky dog. Got caddy's picture.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Pochuck Mtn Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: moderate rain

More rainy looking weather this morning and then it turned for real the last hour. Steady rain ever since. Snug in the shelter. Just have to make one trip to the bear box to store food. Hope to catch a lull here soon.The summer solstice today. Also supposedly "Hike Nude Day". Anyone who tried that would have been sucked dry by the mosquitos. 15 hours & 10 minutes sunrise to sunset for this location.Stopped at Heaven Hill Farm to pick up my cache that they were kindly holding for me. Spent about an hour there eating. Nice fresh fruit they had.Magnolia came in and shared the grapes she had packed from Heaven Hill. Trail magic. Thanks. Hadn't seen her since Port Clinton.Left knee is sore. Twisted it some when I slipped and fell. Everything is muddy and slick. Still might have some rain tomorrow.Wet Trails
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Can't say that I am sorry to see New Jersey behind me. They put puncheons for crossing the bogs. However, with all the rain you end up wading through mud and muck to get to the puncheons. And the mosquitos to go along with those bogs.It rained last night until midnight and then started again this morning about 6 a.m. Stayed in the sack to see if it would abate. It finally did and I got started hiking about 9:15, one of my latest starts. It did rain off & on in the morning and looked threatening all afternoon. I am sure there were some good vistas, but to foggy/cloudy/murky to see much or take pictures.New York seems to like to run you over all the rock piles they can find. These are really slippery when wet - like today.I am now home alone at the Wildcat shelter. New Jersey had bear boxes at the shelters. New York does not, so I bear bagged my food from a tree. It is now 8:20 so I don't think anyone else is going to show up. Magnolia was going into town at the last road crossing.Not sure how far to try to go tomorrow. Depends on how rocky and how wet. Left knee is sore. Looking forward to resting it while off for the wedding.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Three other hikers came in last night about 10 p.m. - Snail, Sally, and N'Na'Mee - that's what he said.Today was a bright sunny day. Going through a lot of water. Trail angels had left gallon jugs of water at two road crossings.A lot of ups & downs today, usually very steep. Did the infamous Lemon Squeezer. Very narrow passage. Many people have to take off their packs to get through, if the pack is big. I stowed the poles and put the water bottles on top to narrow the profile and got through.Slow going today both because of the terrain and the left knee. Tried an elastic brace on it for the first hour, but took it off. Doesn't seem to help.Have to decide what to do tomorrow. Looks like more of the same on terrain.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Bear Mountain Inn
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

One other tenter came to the shelter last night. Didn't see who it was as they slept in. Got a early start and the morning seem cooler and not as humid. Got quite warm later, especially over the exposed rocks. Will have to carry more water for these type of days. A couple of guys gave me a lift to get some water for the last stretch over Bear Mountain.Encountered a young couple sitting on a rock right on the AT near the top of Bear Mtn. They wanted to know if I parked down below or up above. After I explained that I had been hiking for seven weeks and pointed out the white blazes that were visible, they asked more questions and seemed intrigued. I told them about trailjournals.com and the fellow came up to the top where I had stopped, to double check the name. So I expect he will be looking.Made it to Bear Mtn. Inn for the night. Shower and tried to get the worst of the mud out of the pants in the bathroom. Then had dinner at the restuarant. Don't know where the hiker's appetite is yet. Don't feel like it has happened yet for me.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Bear Mountain Inn

To: Graymoor Friary Ballfield
Miles today: 7.1

Decided to go gently on the knee today. Cut back on the pace and distance. Also the trail was much more accommodating. You had the impression that the trail designers on the stuff west of the Hudson were in some sort of competition just to prove that their rocks were badder than anyone else's rocks.Also I talked with Ralph Ferrusi about the next shuttle, so I am adjusting where and when we can hook up to go get my truck at Deleware Water Gap. Another factor is the weather. The TV this morning was predicting 96 degrees for New York City. Actually very pleasant in the woods as long as you are not going uphill with a pack on your back.I am now at the Graymoor Friary ballfield. There is a picnic pavilion, water, port-a-can and a cold water shower. Already tried it out. It will get a gasp out of you even on a hot day.Ladywalker, who I met previously, stopped by for lunch and is moving on. Can't imagine that I will be the only one here for tonight. Graymoor has the first 14 hikers who are here by 4:30 for dinner. However, only during July and August. So I am a week early. I am carrying way too much food anyway, so I will cook tonight. Had dinner at the restaurant at the Inn last night. I've been meaning to mention that the sound of artillery fire has been heard for, at least, the last four days of the trail. West Point is right north of the bridge that I crossed this morning. In addition to the Military Academy, I think there is an artillery school. Certainly the sound was all day, every day.The trailside zoo didn't open until 10 a.m., so I had to take the bypass, as I was earlier. The trail goes right by the bear exhibit and is the lowest point on the trail at 124 feet. However, I think I have seen my quota of bears, especially the one who was eyeing my pack.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-26
From: Graymoor Friary Ballfield

To: Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 11.9

Last night at the Friary ballfield, there were eventually 10 hikers. Eight thru hikers and two section hikers.Today one of the section hikers had his pack stolen at the Dennytown Road crossing. He had taken off his pack and walked about 200 feet to a water faucet on a building just out of sight. Two guys in an old pickup grabbed it. i saw them drive by and about 30 seconds later the fellow realized the pack was gone. He stopped the next vehicle, used their cell phone to call police. Don't know how it turned out. Probably not well.Today was a very hot day. Handled it o.k. Stopped everytime water was available to make sure I stayed hydrated.I have my tarp pitched at the Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Hope to a little better at keeping the mosquitoes out. Last night was not a restful night between sweating, scratching and swatting.I am going to be meeting Ralph Ferrusi here in the morning for a shuttle back to Deleware Water Gap to get my truck, so tomorrow will be a zero day.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park

To: Royal Inn, Hopewell Jct, NY
Miles today: 0.0

The tarp was fairly secure last night with the netting across the front. Still too warn though to sleep well. However, when I got up before dawn to break camp and meet Ralph, the mosquitoes were all over me. Got back to Deleware Water Gap, got my truck and drove to the motel. So no trail miles today. Going to do a slack pack tomorrow - a first - and be back to the motel tomorrow night.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Rt. 301

To: Stormville Mtn.
Miles today: 11.6

Did my first slackpack today. Not sure how much everything weighed, but I started with three quarts of liquid, which was most of it. The front pack was probably the standard four pounds with snacks, camera, GPS and miscellaneous other stuff.Ralph Ferrusi is also shuttling another fellow from California who is doing day hikes. Since Ralph works part time and has another conflict on Sunday, we are going to hook up and shuttle each other for two days.The cool front came in last night and relieved the heat wave. Humidity was down and it got to maybe 80 degrees. Very pleasant for someone from Corpus Christi.I met Skeemer for the first time today on the trail. I've heard his name quite a few times. He is another retired guy, although perhaps not quite as old as I. He talked about another guy, Recycle, who I would like to also meet.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Stormville Mtn.

To: Appalachian Trail Railroad Station
Miles today: 15.0

Karl "Leapfrog" Hensicker and I shuttled each other today to our mutual benefit. He is a math professor from California who is doing the AT on the three year plan - about 1/3 each year. He has a vehicle and gets shuttled every day, so he hikes on what he calls the "freedom plan" - with a light day pack. He is also an American history buff and vistis the historical sites near the trail.Today he started about 4 miles behind me, doing 19 miles while I was doing 15 miles, both ending at the AT train station. He caught up to me about 1/4 mile before the end, so it was perfect timing. I parked at Ralph Ferrusi's house, where I left off yesterday. After retrieving my truck, I moved to the Dutchess Motor Lodge where Karl is staying. We'll do this one more day.Passed by Nuclear Lake today. The story is that there was plutonium processing of some sort here. The AT was routed away from it for many years. The lake was apparently completely drained to check for contamination. All they found was an old Jeep. It is now refilled and quite lovely. Still not sure I would drink the water.Happy Trails
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Appalachian Trail Railroad Station

To: Bulls Bridge Road
Miles today: 11.6

Another slackpack day. I will give Leapfrog a shuttle early tomorrow morning and then I an off the trail for at least six days for my son's wedding.Fairly easy terrain today. We started at 6:30 a.m. from the AT train station. Leapfrog was going about seven miles further and would pick me up at Country Mart. I was done by 12:30 and he picked me up about 2:30, so I had lots of time to snack. Passed by the Gate of Heaven cemetary. All overgrown, just the entrance gate visible. Right then Ranger Rick came up. I had not met him before, but heard about him. He holds the record this year for arriving at Neels Gap with the heaviest pack - 87 pounds! It was a miracle he even made it that far. They helped him reduce that. He is a retired Florida Game Commission ranger.Also passed a thru hiker named Bearbait. He is northbound, but doing New York - New Jersey southbound to Deleware Water Gap.Crossed over the Bulls Bridge covered bridge. Don't know if it is the only one ramaining in CT, but one of the few. Supposedly dates from the early 1800's, although I think some of it has been replaced, like the roadway boards.No more entries until I get back on the trail. Don't think these should count as zero's as far as the trailjournals.com statistics. My knee will appreciate them, however. just have to see how that develops.Happy Trails