morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Smith Gap

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Recognize this bunk? It's the same bunk where I spent several painful nights at the Palmerton jailhouse. But, pain no more! See that big smile?After our 13 miles from Palmerton to Smith Gap, I was pretty tired. John Stempa set up the garage floor for us with pads to shield us from the cold, sent us to the shower with a towel and washcloth and then took us to Kunkletown Hotel for dinner. Is he a trail angel or what!In spite of the warm hospitality, I had trouble sleeping because I was cold. I warmed up by 4 am and then fell asleep soundly. Waking up to the garage light was startling and I just could not get myself going. Need coffee. John drove Rami and me back to the trailhead, and we began what I thought would be an easy 8 miles. But no. I was quickly reminded that we were in PA with all the rocks. They were relentless. Pointed rocks hidden just below the grass so that my ankle would turn if I stepped wrong. And I had many missteps. I lost count at how many times my ankles rolled. At least I didn't fall. But I felt very vulnerable. Additionally, the blisters in my left arch burned with each step. I was struggling. Rami was very sympathetic and we took breaks at every beautiful view points. Rami would point out towns and other points of interest from our vantage points on this crisp and clear spring day. How wonderful it was to have a friend who knew the area!As we walked--Rami walked; I hobbled--rami explained the history of the area. We were walking along the very path of the "Walking Purchase" that fueled the French and Indian War. I'm sure you remember this from your high school history lessons. I barely did. We reached the trailhead by 1:30, and Becky drove up just as we were walking into the parking lot. Slipping off my pack and climbing into the back seat was a slice of heaven. We drove to McDonalds for a burger and a milkshake. Yum!Tonight, I am at the home of Rami and Becky Cory. Showered and sleepy. Life is good!
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Backpackers Campsite
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

Sunday, April 13Soft hues of pink and orange drape over the horizon. Behind is, a full moon rises. Three friends sit on a log while a warm wind envelopes them. It doesn't get any better than this!Siva, Llyn and I have begun our New Jersey trek under ideal conditions. We met at the Deer Head Inn to have brunch and then set out. The brunch was very good. But we were eager to start. Although we were only hiking five miles, we were uncertain what the terrain would be. We only knew it went up. Crossing Delaware on freeway bridge. Two kayakers below. Ran into David Cory on the path. Lots of people out. Reached campsite at 2. Set up got water bath off of Douglas trail. Other campers. Three. Couple first time out. From Jersey and having a great time even though they carried heavy packs. Dinner was easy but my load is no lighter. Bear box. Amazing sunset. Lots of laughter. We are going to have a great time. Best night ever. Life is good.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: backpackers campsite

To: rattlesnake springs cpsite
Miles today: 8.0

Monday, April 14Just crawled into my sleeping bag and the plastic bag for the phone disappears. Brother! Today was just another day if hiking from the Backpacker site to Rattlesnake Springs campsite. Went on Catfish fire tower. Enclosed at top and Bob explained how towers are used to find fires and call for equipment. Siva and Llyn are much faster hikers than I am so I'm usually bringing up the rear. 8 miles started at 7:30, ended at 3 with lots of breaks and snacks. Hung my food on my own. We will see if it survives the night. Rain predicted. I've "battened down the hatches" the best I could. Tent should hold up. Wind and flapping of tent kept me up last night. After dinner, Llyn and Siva and I sit around and talk. Very nice. Peepers tonight. Life is good.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Rattlesnake campsite

To: Brinks shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: snow

Tuesday, April 15Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. The patter of raindrops fell on my tent through the night but my tent held up well, and I was dry and warm and even slept relatively well. In the morning, I ate my Pop Tart in my tent and prepared to pack. However, as we readied to leave, sporadic showers dampened our gear. I was ready before Llyn and Siva so I took off. I'm the slower hiker and I figured they'd catch up soon which they did. The honking of geese and sounds of flapping wings emanated through the woods. Soon, I reached a mist shrouded lake, and the geese emerged through the cloud. The rain continued steadily and I walked slowly and carefully. The rocks became more and more slippery. Strange whooping sounds rose up and down the trail. What could that be? Soon, my questions were answered. Orange fencing rerouted the trail as workers strung a new powerline. The lines made eerie whining noises as they were being hoisted. I sloshed my way through the re routed trail, down then up. As I approached a windy ridge, the skies opened up. Torrents of rain seeped into my "waterproof" jacket. I could feel cold water dripping down my back and I still had miles to go. The torrents continued for quite a while, and I knew I was soaked as well as my pack. I reached the shelter and saw no one inside. Momentary panic since Siva and Llyn had passed me long ago. Soon, I saw Siva, and she pointed me uphill where a magnificent new shelter with an overhanging porch stood. After fetching water and peeling off my soaked clothes, I quickly put on every warm layer I had. Still, I could not warm up. I pulled out my sleeping bag and crawled in. That helped. Siva, Llyn and I sat in our bags, trying to muster up the nerve to climb out and make dinner. Wet gear hung out on the porch as the wind and rain howled through the cracks in the shelter. I really wondered how anything could dry in these conditions. It took every ounce of body fat that we had to keep us warm enough to heat up dinner. Llyn was the most brave and did most of the work. I sat helplessly in my bag, shivering. Dinner made, we bundled up for along, cold night. I could see my breath and my nose felt like an ice cube. Siva wore her Crocs to bed as an extra layer for her feet. And so dusk turned to night. Later that night, Siva awoke from a fitful, frozen sleep to discover snow on her pillow. She could feel the sharp cold crystals hitting her face. Llyn tossed and shook in her sleeping bag, trying to stay warm. And I just lay there, folded as tightly in a ball as I could, with the cold licking my back. It was a long night.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Sunrise Mountain
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday, April 16Snow, sub freezing temps and a sunny, sky blue kind of day. That about wraps up today's hike. After a night of dreaming that I lived in the Arctic, I awoke to at least a half inch of snow on the deck of Brinks shelter. Siva and Llyn had also slept sporadically and were ready to contemplate a change of plans after yesterday's torrential rains and the morning's freeze. We started to make preparations to pack up, only to discover that everything was frozen. And I mean everything--pack, boots, socks, clothing...even underwear. We could have stood everything up for a hilarious picture, but we weren't in much of a hilarious mood. Siva and Llyn decided that they would have to hike in their Crocs. I knew that if I attempted that, I'd be flat out on the trail at the first sign of a rock. And there are lots if rocks on this trail. So I stomped on my boots and put them in the morning sun and soon I could barely slide my foot into them. They felt like frozen rocks, but at least they were on. We finally got out of the shelter around 9:30. The ground was frozen and yesterday's rains had become icy puddles. The trees were covered in snow and the winter scene was amazingly beautiful. Pure white strands against the cerulean sky. We soon forgot the previous night and walked in awe of the beauty. Even my friends in their Crocs chatted merrily, commenting on the untouched beauty of the mountain trail. After three miles, we reached Culver Gap where we stopped at Joe to Go for something warm to eat. Two other hikers were in the deli and relayed their version of the chilly night. They had been at the shelter after us and it did not sound like our evening there would be any fun. Too cold. Because I had done this section before, I remembered that there was road access at Sunrise Mountain, a five mile hike up. We set about trying to arrange a ride to the top so that we could hike back down to Culver Gap and then stay at Forest Motel, where I had stayed in my previous section. Siva bravely approached the subject of transportation with a gentleman who had been listening to our tales of woe from the day and night before. He was willing to take us to the top of Sunrise Mtn so we loaded into his pickup and headed for the mountain. The five mile hike was a gentle trail with some rocks but it wasn't too bad. Just as we were nearing the end, I rolled my left ankle and fell on a rock. My shin stung and I knew it was torn. I held it awhile but I didn't want to see how bad it was until we were at the motel. We finished the hike, walking through swampy trail, due to all the rain and melted snow. I called the motel and someone came to pick us all up. As we were riding to the motel, the driver commented that he remembered me from my visit seven years ago. I swear I behaved myself seven years ago...Hiker midnight has struck. We are safe and warm in our beds and anticipating a good night's sleep. The owner even washed and folded out horribly stinky clothes. Fresh start tomorrow. Life is good!
Date: 2014-04-19
From: The Secret Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Saturday, April 19The Secret Shelter was a great place to sleep but I couldn't settle down. I guess I'm just having too much fun. We took our time getting out because we had seven easy miles today. It was difficult to leave the lovely Murray property. But the sun was shining and the trail was calling. We wandered through farm fields, over bogs on planks, and around the Wallkill wildlife preserve. We stopped for lunch on a bench at the preserve and I made myself a wonderful tuna salad out of a tuna packet and little mayo packets I had picked up somewhere. Yum!After spending the day on easy, rambling trails, we reached the uphill climb to Pochuck Mountain shelter. We stopped at the water source which was a spigot on the outside of an abandoned house. The warm sun was so delightful that I lay on the cement and shale deck to soak up the heat. I took a moment to call Rammy to check in. He said that my mail drop had finally arrived but that it was in battered condition. Strangely, my stove and pot lid were missing and, of all things, a dog toy was stuck in where my pot had been! It even had tags on it so it was new. Rammy and Becky got a good laugh out of that and couldn't wait to ask me what I intended to do with the dog toy. It would be funny to me too, except my pot is not very efficient without a lid or stove. Who knows where that dog toy came from! The box had a huge hole in it and was re taped, so I suspect that someone tampered with my box. I'll figure out what to do about this new kink. Llyn and Siva had already picked up their packs and headed up the mountain. I hoisted my heavy pack, laden with two and a half liters of water and felt a cold drip going down my back. My water was leaking. Down with the pack and readjustment of the caps on my water bladders. Hoisted again, my pack and I headed up the mountain. Soon, a whole line of Japanese tourists came bounding down the trail. They took one look at me and my overloaded pack, and the leader exclaimed, "Wow! You are strong!" That made me smile. And, actually, I could feel the weight but the steep climb was not difficult. I think I'm getting my trail legs. I didn't fall or roll an ankle today, either. My tent is up, and the view is magnificent. We can see the monument at High Point State Park. It looks so far away, and we were just there yesterday. As I sit writing this, Siva is helping Llyn organize her food for her continued journey with me. In the process, we have discovered that she is carrying about a week's worth of extra food. No wonder her pack is so heavy! What a kick!Tomorrow, we have a mountainous five mile hike to Glenwood B&B where we will have good food, a warm shower, and a comfy bed. Life is good!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Glenwood B&B
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: few clouds

Easter SundayWe have seen Easter in all God's glory! I awoke to sunshine streaming into my tent. Even though the night's temperatures were quite cold, I stayed warm and well in my tent. I fell asleep to the sound of an owl calling in the darkness after a most magnificent sunset where we could see High Point monument all lit up in the distance. What an amazing evening. As I crawled out of my tent, I noticed the daffodils that had been planted near the shelter. I placed a Peep in the flowers and took a picture to send out my Easter greeting. We were ready to leave by 8:30 so we hoisted our packs for the hilly five mile hike out. With so little food left, my pack felt like a day pack, and we were all able to move swiftly. The climbs were punctuated by flower buds that had bloomed overnight. The forest seemed alive with new life. It was an Easter morning in every sense of the word. By noon, we reached the road and began the mile long walk to Glenwood B&B. We stopped at the Pochuck Deli and Market for lunch and met some guys who were awed at the three elderly women with packs. They made us feel like heroes. The walk to the B&B was pleasant in the sunshine. When we arrived, we took off our packs and sat by the churning waterfall, soaking up the warmth if the sun. Soon, the owner showed us to our rooms. We have the entire floor to ourselves--two bedrooms, two baths, a sitting area with period decor. Very comfortable and very plush. Warm showers and soft robes soothed our trail worn souls. I wish the best for you and your family during this most wonderful holiday. I am so grateful for all we have--good friends, loving family and a great life. And now for the humorous part of our day...every evening, I stuff my clothing into a zippered pillowcase so I have a nice soft pillow. This morning, I was a bit groggy after a great night's sleep. I dressed in my tent then packed up. I wear long hiking pants with elastic at the ankles. They are wonderful hiking pants and do a pretty good job of protecting my legs from scratches and keeping the duff out of my boots. Today's hike took us through swamps and wetlands and I just ploughed my way through. While we were sitting in the sun at the B&B, I lifted my pant legs to get some sun on my legs. What do you think I discovered, stuck in the elastic of my pant leg???? A pair of underwear!!! It had ridden the entire five miles of hiking and one mile of road walk without falling out! Well! I've now learned that I need to check my clothing in the morning when I take everything out of my pillowcase! That could've been very embarrassing! What if it had fallen out when I was in the deli with the guys who thought we were so cool?!? That would've immediately demoted our image from three super women to three demented old ladies! Phew!The evening is passing and the owner has just offered us a glass of wine. Time to go have fun. Life is good!
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Glenwood B&B

To: Wawayanda shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Monday, April 21Warm days. Blue skies. Beautiful terrain. Good friends. It just doesn't get any better than that! Have I said that before? This has been an amazing hike so far. Spring has been kind to us and has taught us a lot. We awoke early this morning after a great night's sleep at the Glenwood B&B. Sue Capro provided us with plenty of wine and beer last night and gallons of coffee this morning. Actually, Llyn and I only had one drink last night, but there was more if we wanted it. The breakfast was more than I could eat in a week and was excellent. It was difficult to say goodbye. No sooner did I stick out my thumb in an effort to avoid the mile long road walk, and a nice elderly (probably my age) gentleman pulled over and found room in his Jeep for the three of us and our packs among his fishing gear. At the start of the trail, we found ourselves on the Pochuck boardwalk, an amazing engineering feat that took the ATC seven years and thousands of volunteer hours to build. The suspension bridge can withstand the 100year flood, and the boardwalk actually floats with the help of stabilizing anchors. The boardwalk replaced a long road walk and plunges the hiker in the middle of wetlands with all the wildlife around. We saw red wing blackbirds up close, heard peepers and had a close encounter with two squirrels who were scampering along the boardwalk, completely oblivious of us until they were at our feet. When they realized that we were blocking their way, they began to chatter and climb upon the railing. It was a sight to see!We took our time and finally reached the road where Heaven Hill Farm Store awaited us. We stopped there for ice cream--I had a milkshake that was so rich I lasted the entire hike with barely a bite of anything else. Fully nourished, we began the slow and steep climb up to Pinwheel Vista. Although the climb was steep and difficult with heavy packs, the rocks were placed well and helped us handle the climb with relative ease. No wonder the locals call it "The Stairway to Heaven!" The views at the top were magnificent, and we could see our entire hike, all the way to the High Point monument and then to Delaware Water Gap! Amazing!We spent the rest of the day climbing and descending on a well graded path and ended at Wawayanda Shelter. It was a wonderful day. As we set up our campsite, the gnats came out and dove for our eyes. And then came the mosquitoes. It was as if all the bugs came alive in the forest. I am safely in my tent, ready for a great night's sleep. A nearby tree is making creaking noises and I only hope we are far enough away from it, should it decide to drop a branch or fall. The peepers are singing, and all is well. Life is good!
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Wawayanda shelter

To: NY 17
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Owwww! That's about all I have to say for NewYork! The map makes NY look like a piece of cake, but looks can be deceiving. Today's 10 mile hike took us nearly 10 hours as we carried our full packs up and over rocks, down steep ledges, climbed a ladder, and spent time hunting for blazes. By late afternoon, we were spent. And then the showers began. Fortunately, the last three miles were relatively easy and mostly downhill. I usually prefer the climbs because I am less likely to fall, but I was so exhausted that I was happy to let gravity pull me along down the mountain. Amazingly, I did not roll an ankle or fall.Today was warm which meant that the gnats were flying in our eyes and ears and hair. But we continually commented on our luck because the sun was shining and we weren't having to traverse the rocky spine of the New York mountains in the rain. They had moss on them and would have been very treacherous. Looks like tomorrow will be nice, too, and we will be doing 12 miles. As we dragged ourselves to NY 17, we were instructed by Bill, the co-owner of Stony Creek B&B , to go to Bellvale Creamery to meet him there. I had been there when I did my section hike through here in 2007, and I remembered the wonderful homemade ice cream. We walked the .3 mile to the creamery and collapsed at a corner table, actually the only table. As the rain fell outside, I sipped my 20 ounce chocolate malted while Llyn and Siva daintily worked on their little cones. So guess who is too full for dinner?!? Bill picked us up and drove through the quaint town of Warwick, pointing out all the services we may need. After our tour, we headed for the inn. What a lovely place they have! Rolling green lawns, ponds with fountains, and pure serenity. Heaven to three tired hikers. We have a nice suite with a huge bathroom and a whirlpool tub. I might just have to spend some time in that. After our showers and some time organizing ourselves, we set out to Warwick in search of dinner and laundry. Because I wasn't hungry, I told Siva and Llyn to go ahead and eat while I watched our laundry. So, here I am, relaxing in the comfort of Llyn's nice new Subaru Forester while our laundry spins around in the laundromat. I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep and a challenging 12 miles tomorrow. Life is good!
Date: 2014-04-24
From: NY 17

To: William Brien shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Thursday, April 24,2014New York has redeemed itself. Today was the best day ever. After a great night's sleep at the B&B and one of Joe's special breakfasts with fresh eggs straight from the chicken, we loaded into Rammy's car and headed for the trailhead. Becky and Rammy drove from their home in PA to NY so that Rammy could join me on the trail. It was so good to see Becky and Rammy again. And now there are three of us. We can no longer call ourselves the Three Wise Women, so we decided on the Three Wise Asses. The day began with a climb and seemed to be mostly up all day. The difference was that the trail was graded nicely and we had few rock climbs. Except for the lemon squeezer...and that was fun. It was a taste of Mahoosuc Notch for Rammy. We had to take our packs off in order to get through and up. But it was doable. At the top of Fingerboard Mountain, Rammy saw the buildings of New York City. The new World Trade Center was the largest of the buildings and very visible. Then he pointed out the Hudson and Bear Mountain. At the foot of the last mountain, we gathered water as we were unsure whether the William Brien shelter would have water. After carrying all that water up for two miles, it turned out that the well did have water. Oh well. Our water was better. We finally reached the shelter around 4. The stone structure was pretty dirty inside but was protected from the gusting winds . So we decided to sleep on the wood bunks in the shelter. I hope the critters leave us alone tonight. The sun is setting and I want to climb into my bag. Life is good.