morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-15
From: US 11

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 113 7/15: So much for history.This was another, never-ending day. Why are we doing this? There were lots of rocks of all sizes. I've recently decided that rocks have no redeemable qualities. Also, if someone watched me walk over rocks they might think that my legs are not attached to the rest of my body. That my legs go every which way and have a mind of their own. I saw a ruffed grouse today that did not fly away, but instead ran fast with its head and neck outstretched and its body low to the ground. It ran under a downed log, then on top of the log, then back under and hid under a bush. I walked a few more steps and another grouse flew to the trees.At the end of the day, I stopped at Hawk Rock to get a picture of the surrounding valley. On my way back off the rock, I tripped over another small rock and tossed the camera. At least, it went forward and not over the cliff. I slightly twisted my ankle, but thankfully not severe since Trudge was way ahead of me. When I finally got off the evil rocky mountain and found Trudge waiting for me by the road to town, I told him that we should probably stay closer together at the end of the day. This is because I tend to fall a lot more when I am tired and worn. Trudge was actually on his way back towards the trail when I found him.My friend Katie from grad school (and her dog Hazel) met us at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon. I am so glad she got the chance to come out and see us. She was worried that she would slow us down hiking, but I told her she didn't need to be concerned. Plus, we will be grateful for an easy day of hiking.We got to the Doyle Hotel to find out that the kitchen was closed (we were starving and it was almost 10 pm!). Luckily, a yummy italian restaurant was still open.I also found out that a replacement pack hadn't arrived from Granite Gear (my new one broke!!) and that Big Agnes had only sent one hiking pole tip (I needed two). Lovely! Gear companies usually take good care of hikers so everything should work out.I am not sure if I have too high of standards, but the hotel was not up to par in my opinion. Many people love to stay there, because it is over 100 years old, is one of the original Anheuser Busch hotels, and its a thru-hiker tradition. However, it as falling apart and dirty everywhere I looked. At one point, I walked by the room next to ours and a significantly obese man walked out. I said hi, he barely grunted, and walked away. The quick glimpse I had of his room revealed that it was a complete pigsty.
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Duncannon, PA

To: US 225
Miles today: 8.4

Day 114 7/16: A friend has come to visit!Well, we (my friend Katie, Trudge, and I) all slept in the hotel in Duncannon and don't seem to have any bed bugs this morning. This is a plus!With the help of Trail Angel Mary we shuttled Katie's car to PA 225. What a nice lady; she will do anything to help hikers out. She even offered to possibly drive my new pack to Port Clinton (or where ever we skip to) when it comes into the Doyle. Wow!It was nice to see a friend from my "previous" life. Thanks Katie for joining us on the trail for the day! On our way into a shelter for lunch, we saw a huge black bear sniffing the locked food box. It saw us and immediately bounded away. When we checked the box there was no food in it, so smells must be lingering.We met a "new" thruhiker, Chopstick, a young gun who just finished high school. I can't imagine doing this when I was that young.Upon our return to Duncannon, we visited the ice cream stand. This has become a ritual! I ordered chocolate pretzel ice cream. What would you imagine this flavor to be? I wanted chocolate ice cream with pretzel pieces, but turns out it is vanilla ice cream with chocolate-covered pretzels. still good though.I checked out the Doyle for my pack, but it was still not there. If it arrives by Monday, Paula will be able to pick it up and take it to a golf course in York. Trudge will take a road trip out and get the elusive pack.My paternal grandmother, Charis, who had Alzheimer's died a few days ago. My thoughts and prayers are with my extended family. I have decided to take a few days off of the trail and travel with my mother, sister, and her two kids, to Indiana for the funeral. Thanks to Paula and my brother-in-law Scott for getting me to my sister's house so we can leave tomorrow morning.
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Indiana 

To: Indiana
Miles today: 0.0

Day 115 7/17Have you ever taken a long car ride with a two and four year old? Well, let me tell you that it is so much fun. Mommy Honk! Mimi Honk! Aunt Ali honk! The youngest, Paige, loves to get all the truckers to beep their horns...all of them...for 10 hours straight.We made it to Indiana where Amy, Paige, Brenna, and I are staying with our cousins Christy and Pat and their children. Tomorrow is the viewing for my Grandma Charis.
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Indiana

To: Indiana
Miles today: 0.0

Day 116 7/18If anyone ever wonders if they should get off trail for family reasons. The answer is yes. You may regret not being part of a birthday, funeral, wedding, etc. The trail is important, but family trumps.The viewing was this afternoon. I wish I had the chance to get to know my Grandma better. I got to see pictures of her from when she was younger. Boy, was she beautiful.
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Indiana

To: Indiana
Miles today: 0.0

Day 117 7/19I didn't know what to expect from my Grandma's funeral. I can't believe that at 28 years old I've never been to a funeral. I spent a lot of time trying to keep my nieces, Paige and Brenna, quiet while my sister played the flute. I did get to hear some stories about Grandma.My thoughts and prayers are with my extended family. Love to all.
Date: 2011-07-21
To: Wendy McCormick
Miles today: 0.0

Eureka and Trudge are back on the trail today, starting at Wind Gap, PA, after a 4 day break. They have skipped a section from Duncannon to Wind Gap so as not to be too far behind their projected schedule. They plan to add this section to their "clean up tour" after they reach Katahdin. Alicia joined us for a 10 hour drive to Indiana so that she could be with family as we celebrated the life of her grandmother who died last Friday. We were very grateful that the timing coincided with Ali being at the closest point to home in PA during the entire hike. With the help of friends and family we were able to shuttle her to her sister's home so that she could be with us for the trip. Her grandmother was 86, and her passing was a blessing as her quality of life had been greatly diminished by Alzheimer's. Ali tried to update the journal last night but the website was down...seems like it happens often when she has the chance to get online. So you will have to wait a bit for the next installment. Thank you to all who are following her journey!!
Date: 2011-07-21
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 119 7/21: Back on trail.As mom and I are pulling into town in Wind Gap, PA, we pass by the trail and I see Habitat, Goopah, and Tex at the trailhead. She asked if I wanted to stop and see my friends; I said no because I think I'll see them later.Thankfully, my other helinox hiking pole tip was at the post office in time. Now, I have two good poles! We met Trudge and his dad at a Wendy's. I didn't recognize the big red truck, so I wasn't sure why the people in it were honking at me.After a great lunch with our parents, we head off the trail in the blistering heat. Turns out heat really slows us down to about a mile an hour. We stopped for about an hour to relax and catch up on the happenings from Indiana. When we finally got to the shelter, there was no one around. What a surprise, I expected the place to be packe. Apparently, there was a hiker-feed in Delaware Water Gap (another 6 1/2 miles) so everyone had pushed on to there. I can't remember if we saw anything exciting today; just that the heat was torture. Going up one hill, I took a short break and kept going. Trudge said "where are you heading? Stop, let your heart slow down." Good thing I have him to watch out for me.
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 120 7/22: Brutally Hot!Yesterday, we heard a strange noise while at Wolf Rocks. I thought it sounded like a dog panting. Trudge thought it was maybe a bear, but then changed his mind and said it was probably deer hooves on the rocks. I guess we will never know, but that is the mystery of it.Today was brutally hot as well. I was worried about Trudge. At times, he felt nauseous. I wanted to be able to carry on a conversation with him, but it took everything I had just to stay upright on the trail. The walk was beautiful. On the way down, we came to Eureka Creek where Trudge fell asleep without even trying. Once we made it into Delaware Water Gap, we weren't sure if we could really just get some food and head back to the trail. Trudge was yearning for some AC. We finally found this in the form of the Water Gap Diner where we had lunch. We ended up staying at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Hostel where we tented, but the shower and fans were a nice treat. Lots of people were there Lavender, Redbeard, Flyfeet, Catchup, and Old Crowe, were playing Monopoly. If you are ever in Delaware Water Gap, the ice cream parlor at The Castle Inn was a nice treat. Creamsicle Milkshake!!
Date: 2011-07-23
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 121 7/23: TUBING!!It was too hot today to walk, so we zeored and tubed instead in the Delaware. The Pack Shack outfitters had a deal for thruhikers ($15 to tub the Delaware River rather than the normal $25). Trudge and I tried to get people to tube with us, but everyone wanted air conditioning, food, and laziness. Whisper originally wanted to go, but said he wanted to eat a lot and be lazy instead. Oh well, we had fun anyway swimming, tubing, and staying cool. Afterwards, we hung out in the hotel room and watche Shawshank Redemption. I was freezing, because the air conditioning was on full blast. I'm sure Trudge was very comfortable, but not me!There was probably 40 or so thruhikers in town. Splitter, Chucktown, Jonna, Segway, Whisper, Cope, Stretch, Irish Charm, Goopah, Habitat, Timber, Turtle, Mad Max, No Worries, Old Crowe, and Jesus. I thought you might like to hear some of the strange monikers that we hikers take on.Today I met Magic Mix, who is carrying a young black kitten on the top of his backpack. The kitten is adorable, but just wait until it weighs 20 lbs!
Date: 2011-07-24
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 122 7/24: Frogs galore!Today was beautiful; great weather and lots of animal sightings. While heading out of the Delaware Water Gap, we saw lots of tourists at the recreation area and river. The place was packed! I am glad that the crowd of AT hikers has thinned out a bit.We crossed from PA into New Jersey. One more state down! Well, actually we have to go back to PA on our "clean up" tour. PA should be more enjoyable in the fall with less heat and fall colors to feast our eyes upon. We headed into Dunfield Creek Natural Area where the signs said "No Swimming." And what were people doing, but swimming? This made me think about how so many people love to be outside, explore, and get rejuvenated from their experiences in the natural world. There is this popular saying that "we are loving our natural places to death." This is very true and often a concern for recreation managers.We hiked by Sunfish Pond (the southernmost glacial pond on the AT) and one of seven protected natural areas in the state of New Jersey. The pond was teeming with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of frogs. Most seemed to be green frogs, but we did hear some bullfrogs. We also saw two brown water snakes and one five-lined skink. We tented at the Mohican Outdoor Center. There were lots of hikers there, but I know many of them yellow-blazed (hitch hiked) to get there. I am trying to let go of my hang-up related to this. I really am!I asked Trudge why there were still rocks since we left PA. There weren't supposed to be. He said that in NJ they aren't rocks, but stones. Isn't he a funny guy?
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Buttermilk Falls Campsite
Miles today: 10.1

Day 123 7/25: Welcome to thruhiking, Andrea!I am grateful for so many things in this life, including my wonderful friends. A friend from college, Andrea, decided to join us for an overnight. I hadn't seen her for maybe 7 years! A lot has happened since then, so we had much to catch up on.Andrea met us this morning at Mohican Outdoor Center and immediately shared with me her bagel and creamcheese. Yay! All the other hikers were jealous. What can I say, I have great friends. It rained all afternoon and evening! But, Andrea was a trooper and stuck it out and walked out the next day alone. She shared with us her experience being a Peace Corp volunteer in Cameroon and we share our thruhike stories.We had a new animal sighting: A porcupine!! It didn't seem afraid of us, but we weren't quick enough to get a picture. We also saw a black snake and the smallest baby bear on this trip so far.
Date: 2011-07-26
From: Buttermilk Falls Campsite

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 124 7/26: Nothing specialThere didn't seem to be anything special about today. Just more walking and walking. It was fairly warm, but the rain from yesterday has gone away. We walked into Culver's Gap, NJ to resupply our food. It is nice not to be "tied" to going to a certain town because of a pre-sent maildrop. The only problem is hitchhiking in NJ is illegal. We've heard a story about another thru-hiker who got a $550 fine and several nights in jail for hitching in New York or New Jersey. I am not exactly sure the validity of this rumor, but I'm not about to find out for myself.We walked along rock faces on ridges and had great views of the valley below, especially Lake Owassa. I wanted to swim in Lake Kittatinny in Culver's Gap, but I'm pretty sure there isn't a public beach.We went to a tavern for lunch instead. We had a pleasant experience there, but have heard that others have not been so lucky. Strange how each person's experience at the same place can be so different. On the three miles to the shelter this evening we got drenched. Trudge stupidly went up the Culver Fire tower (he can never miss one!), but thankfully the storm was brewing far away at that point. When we were close to the shelter, one crack of lightening really scared me! I made a promise to myself and Trudge tonight that I would not talk/dwell upon/complain about yellow-blazers or how other people hike their hike. Wish me luck!
Date: 2011-07-27
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 125 7/27: The monotony has set inToday felt very very monotonous. Lots of little ups and downs on a ridgeline. We had planned on hiking 18 or so miles and staying at the Jim Murray property, but that never happened.   Jim Murray is a hiker from NY who allows hikers to use small cabins, outside shower, and well water on his property!Rocks were killing my feet today. I sure hope that this trip doesn't ruin backpacking for me. I'm going have to get a llama. We went through another state park today, High Point State Park. We debated getting to the public beach and concession stand by road from the headquarters (about a mile), but Trudge picked the trail. We thought it would be close enough to the road and lake for us to see what was going on on the lake. Once we were down the trail a ways, Trudge says "I think I made the wrong choice." Well, I wasn't going to say it. Turns out we were too late for the concession stand anyway and it was getting kinda late for swimming.As I go around a curve in the trail, I am faced with a giant monument. Since, I didn't realize that on the High Point in NJ in this park there was an enormous monument, I was a little surprised. We didn't take the half mile side trail to get to the monument. Too much extra walking.
Date: 2011-07-28
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mt Shelter
Miles today: 12.4

Day 126 7/28: Happy Birthday to Trudge!Today we celebrated Trudge's bday. There is no better way to celebrate your birthday then to be in the middle of fulfilling a lifelong dream.Once again the monotony of walking day after day has become overwhelming. However, I realized that people in the "real" world often lead lives that are the same every single day. Get up, struggle through work, go home, eat dinner/drink a few beers, watch TV, go to bed, wake up...wash, rinse and repeat.   I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to add variety and adventure into my otherwise ordinary life. In honor of Trudge's bday, we walked the 0.4 miles into Unionville, NY. The trail briefly leaves NJ, goes into NY for couple miles, and then back into NJ. It appears that this town like so many others in the US is dying. We were looking for the Backtrack Inn, but found a pizza joint instead. This suited us just fine. After lunch, we decided to make life a little easier and walk Route 284 for about a mile until it intersected with the trail. As we were walking out of town, a man sitting on his porch said "You are going the wrong way." Did we listen. No, of course not. He was just a local, what does he know? Then as we were getting further out of town a man driving by in a truck yelled "You are going the wrong way." We were just about to ignore the warning for the second time when we saw a road sign for an intersecting road. Sure enough, we were heading north, and we wanted to go south. Trudge said he was pretty sure we were going in the wrong direction, but didn't want to argue with me when I had insisted it was right. When will I learn to leave the map reading up to him?We turn around, walked back through town the other way, and of course we get side-tracked AGAIN! We found the tavern and a bunch of other hikers we know. Old Crowe/Cool Whip, Splitter, Chucktown, Jesus, and Cope were all hanging out. Someone had called a taxi and they were waiting on it to take them into Vernon, NJ. We thought we had convinced a couple people to stay and hike with us to the shelter, but at the last minute when the taxi comes everyone clears out! I was disappointed that no one wanted to hike with us!So, we sat and I mulled over our future while we had a beer for Trudge's bday. Still no answers on what we will do after this trip, but I am trying to take it one day at a time.Eventually, we started the 5 1/2 more miles of hiking to the shelter. We walked through the only national wildlife refuge on the trail, Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. This was a very beautiful marsh, but extremely buggy. I once thought that I would have liked to be a wetland ecologist, but I think the nasty biting insects would make me as mad as a hatter!
Date: 2011-07-29
From: Pochuck Mt Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 6.5

Day 127 7/29: I scream, You scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream!This morning we stopped by a peaceful property owned by a man named Jim Murray. There are several rustic cabins, a privy, a cold outdoor shower, and a pump for well water all available for hikers to drop by. The buildings were all locked up. Apparently, someone or a group of people had recently caused a disturbance and ruined it for everyone. Thankfully, we were only planning on eating lunch and grabbing a shower, so it worked out for us. I hate how easy it is to judge an entire group of people by the actions of a few. Most hikers are decent and courteous, but it only takes one person to ruin the public's view of us.On our way into Vernon, NJ today we walked on the Pochuck Boardwalk over Black Creek. It was about a mile long over a gorgeous wet meadow with bright purple flowers and many dragonflies. The only problem was not enough shade! After this summer, I am going to miss ice cream. Wait, it doesn't have to be summer to indulge in this delicious frozen dairy confection. We stopped at Heaven Hill Farm and I ate three scoops: Maine Blueberry, Raspberry, and Mint Chocolate chip! The woman at the store gave us the business card of a taxi so we could get into Vernon. However, she said "he is weird and that is putting it nicely." So, we decided to start walking the 2.4 miles and thankfully an older woman stopped and took us the rest of the way in. I can't wait till it is legal to hitch hike again!The St. Thomas Episcopal Church hostel in Vernon was perfect. They didn't have enough beds, but hikers carry their bed with them! We were planning on just doing laundry and showering and moving on, but as we were leaving the grocery store we heard thunder. The clerk said there were tornado warnings! Looks like we were staying in town for the night. We ran back to the hostel just in time to avoid getting wet. In the evening once the storm had calmed down we went up to the Vernon Inn and Tavern for some live music. At one point, I was dancing with our friend Cope and Trudge said "I don't know how you move like that." Apparently, hiking makes him too sore to dance. But if you know Trudge, you would know that he probably wouldn't have danced anyway.
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Vernon, NJ

To: couple miles before Village Vista trail
Miles today: 11.0

Day 128 7/30: It is about time we COYBOY CAMP!Today I learned that the world is falling apart, well at least the US government and the global economy. You would think I've been hiding under a stone, but really I've just been in the woods. What a great time it is to be hiking! Trudge and I discussed the world's problems over Dunkin Donuts and didn't come up with too many solutions.Trudge has read the laws regarding hitchiking in the various states we will be going through. Apparently, it is not illegal in NJ to stand out in front of a business with a sign to solicit rides, but it is illegal to stand by the road with your thumb out. So, we went to the gas station and were planning on asking for a piece of cardboard when two men in a truck offered to give us a ride. They weren't even heading towards the trail. Perfect!We climbed up Wawayanda Mountain and went to the Pinwheel's Vista. This provided a great view of Pochuck Mountain and High Point Monument. Of course, Trudge decided that then was a great time to make phone calls (when it is one o'clock and we have only gone a mile!) He says he forgot while we were in town, but I think he just doesn't like to hike. I decide to keep going and wait for him down the trail.   Have you ever seen a hummingbird moth? These critters make me believe that if there is a divine creator they must have a great sense of humor. Are they hummingbirds or are they moths? Either way I saw a ton of them drinking sweet sweet nectar while I waited for Trudge.We finally crossed into New York. One more state down, many more to go! The trail followed tough, rocky ridgelines for several miles. We had awesome views of Greenwood Lake and considered taking the side trail down off the mountain and into town. But, we never made it that far. It was getting dark and wouldn't have been safe to continue hiking on this type of terrain.Shhh, don't tell anyone, but we camped illegally. You must stay at designated sites in NY. Oh well, instead we spent our first night cowboy camping, which means sleeping under the stars. We had an amazing view of the night sky and could even hear some live music from the village below. The only problems were I kept slipping down my mattress all night because the boulder we were on was heavily sloped and Trudge was eaten alive by mosquitoes as he tried to catch some zzzzzsss!