morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-27
From: 501

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: clear sky

I was on the trail by 5:45. I was sleeping next to Hippie and was as quiet as I could be getting up. She heard me but let me get away with the noisy. I was moving well today and surprized myself when I was the first from the 501 Shelter to make it. The early start did great. I finally saw my first turkey, but it saw me at the same time so no pictures. I caught the ATeam just before they got to towanthey had campe1/miles beyond me, I expected Traction to blow by me anytime, but he came following Sweet Cheeks. I wonder why? It felt great coming into town after doing my longest day ever. I felt I could have done more. I also did an extra 1.6 miles on blue blazed trails. We are staying at the Pavillion tonight. Bag of Tricks came by with a vehicle so we made a Yuengling run.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I was hiking my 6:30 to try to stay with the pack. I could have slacked pack but decide to carry it instead. It was they ATeams' turn to catch me. They were slacking which might have helped. Again I made it across the miles with my early start. I stopped at the Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacles along the way. I was waiting for the crew to arrive when it started to rain. I decided to go to the shelter. As I started down the trail I looked in Wingfoot's guide and noticed the shelter was on the road not the trail. They should have a sign at the trail head. I was not the only one to make this mistake. I missed the rain but none of the others did. They came in soaked. Trpod picked us up then stopped and got the B's at Palmerton. We are now in central New Jersey.
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Eckville (Tripod's House)

To: Allentown
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Darcy, Senor NoBS, and I were up and ready to go by 7. we went to the diner for breakfast at 9. We were at the Eckville shelter at 11:30. Tripod showed up with the apcks and the rest of the hikers at 12. Chuck was in the shelter just getting ready to hike. He told us that Pigpen ahdn't come through yet so Gunther went back to Port Clinton to find him. Hope all is well. I got started at 12:15 and was quickly passed by all. I picked and ate some Indian cucumber on the walk over. At the sign 1.5 miles to the cshelter it started threatening to rain, so I picked up the pace. i made it here without getting rained on. I did think of Saturday when everyone was running to the shelter and I was enjoying the show. I guess it would have been fair if the tables were turned. 4-Cheese and sweet Ceeks are getting ready to play checkers with skittles. The ankle is healing well with some antibody cream on it and letting it air dry on the day off. (Thanks Doc!). I haven't mentioned it lately but looking for white blazes is becoming second nature. If I don't see one I'll stop or move forward very carefully. You can also turn around and see if you can see one for going South.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Allentown

To: Palmerton Jailhouse Hostel
Miles today: 17.7

"I'm in the jailhouse now" To stay with the group I was on the trail by 6:10. darcy passed me after an hour but waited for me at the first shelter. I made some arrows out of sticks pointing to Indian cucumber. Darcy wanted to know what was the arrows for? We walked together for the rest of the way. We passed a couple going the other way so I introduced myself and my daughter Darcy. She was sure noone would believe me but they did. Around 2 Senor NoBS caught up and then we found Pinetree at the last shelter before town. We all walked to town and registered for the hostel. We have had supper and are sitting aroud talking. Darcy has agreed to help me with a slide show if I will go to her town to help her. I have called Linda and Larry who will me Friday at the Delware Water Gap. Did I mention that Darcy's and my wife work together! Small world.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Palmerton Jailhouse Hostel

To: Larry A. Smith
Miles today: 15.8

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! We were all up early today, to get up the rock climb before the heat. Darcy got a coffee and we walked across the road and got a ride immediately. It was so quick that we didn't even see the guy stop. He had honked his horn several times before we realized we had a ride. We startd climbing when 4-Cheese and sweet Cheeks caught up to us. I mentioned that that the knife edge Senor NoBS had talked about. I will not say how many was immediately over climbing but there was definitely more than me that wasn't exactly on the trail. Awesome climb. My favorite from Gorgia to here. The next thing we ended up taking long breaks ( awesome # 2). Darcy whipped up a batch of humus from a dry mix and shared it with Senos NoBS and me. (Awesome # 3). We got to the shelter and have already gone the .5 mile for water. Just a great day!
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Larry A. Smith

To: Delaware Water gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We decided to go all the way to DWG., so I left at 6:30. We had some trail magic at Wind gap. After selecting several things Darcy, Senor NoBS, and I went to the motel .2 miles from the trail for soda. Before we left 4-Cheese and Sweet Cheeks caught up to us. As we were walking I saw a turkey and 2 deer. About 12:30 I caught up to the group, whom had stopped for lunch. At the Kirkridge shelter a trail angle, the Guitarman, had soda and beer. He aloso played several songs on request and one he composed himself. It was great and hard to leave. We made it to town by 5:30. After a nice shower it was off to the pizza place , where Darcy and I split a stromboli. It was so good.Just a warning we have been getting dog ticks ( 3 ) on us in the shelters the last few days. (My 4th)
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Linda and Larry's house

To: Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pic
Miles today: 17.3

I was wondering who would be left when I showed up to the hostel at 7:30. Darcy & Senor NoBS was there and Pinetree had just left. We started hiking at 8. I had tried climbing to Sun Fish Pond years ago. I have an irregular heart beat. My heart tries to race to 200 beats/min. but my medications will not let it. The result is I lose energy as I exercise. I couldn't even get to Sun Fish Pond. This tyime I climbed easily with little effort. I was using the label " irregular heart beat" as an excuse not to get my lasy butt out and exercise. I had let it handicap me now it is an inconvience. The three of us feed the fish and took a small break at the pond.At Raccoon Ridge we took a long break looking out at the beautiful views. In the fall a lot of people come here to watch the raptor migrations. We next hiked to the Mohigan Outdoor Center (.25 miles off the trail) where we got soda and ice cream bars. We took a lot of breaks because of the heat and humidity. We got here at 6. Pinetree was already here. The shelters are 1 mile off the trail at a YMCA camp. They are screened in and right on a pond. well worth the hike in. I had 12 dog ticks onh me today. Welcome to New Jersey!
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pic

To: Rutherford
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: clear sky

I got the earliest start yet. I was hiking at 5:19 but didn't get back to the trail till 5:49. I saw a turkey and well over 2 dozen orange newts. We took many breaks today because of the heat. The best break was when we reached NJ 209. We walked .4 mile to Gyp's Tavern. I got 2 cokes and a hot lunch. I helped to make the rest of the hike go by quicker. I was running out of gas when I reached the shelter. It was greatly appreciated the water and goodies left by Desperado. The tick count for today was 11 dog ticks and my first ever deer tick. I am winnig the tick count by over double the rest combined. Lucky me! With the extra walking we did over 25 miles.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Rutherford

To: Pochuck
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

What a chock full day of wild life. As I was leaving the shelter two deer ran of. When I got to the first pond 2 malards flew off and 2 muskrats were swimming around. At the next pond there was a turtle on a log nad huge gold fish in the pond. As we left there was a turtle laying eggs. Senor NoBS then spotted a bear. It turned out to be a mother with three cubs. A deer took of running as we watched the bear. At the Lott road we turned left .4 miles yo the general store. I got 2 sodas and an Italian. I got sick to my stomach and couldn't finish the sandwich. We took a couple of hours resting and I felt fine. I believe I was getting sick from the heat. At three a thunder storm hit us. A woman offered us a ride to a bed and breakfast but we opted to walk anyways. By the time we got to the shelter the rain had stopped. We have plans for a nero (nero zero) tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Pochuck

To: Vernon
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

This is like a zero day but with a little walk. Today we walked across a mile of a board walk. Kind of cool. We didn't get a ride immediately so went for donuts, ice cream, coffee, and soda. The ride came easy for me but Darcy thought it took a long time. We are going to make vegetable Lasgna tonight with frozen bread and salad. We also picked a sulfer shelf for snacking. Looks like a great afternoon. We are staying at the St. Thomas hostel, which is set up great for hikers.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Vernon

To: Wildcat
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a day to forget mostly. I did see a mother turkey with young and a turtle laying in the trail. There also was a small non-poisonous snake. Darcy and I left at six and got a ride to the trail in 5 minutes, with a guy in some kind of delivery truck. By noon time the heat was sucking the life out of me. It was 3 before it started cooling down enough so I could walk semi-comfortably. When I got to the shelter noone was there. The rest had noticed a sign saying "Icecream .1 mile". I missed it and missed out on icecream. Just not a top day on the AT. Senor NoBS won the tick game today by double, he had two and the rest each had one all in New Jersey. Lead Dog joined us walking today.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Wildcat

To: William Brien Memorial
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: few clouds

Today was a mini roller coaster. There must have been 10 climbs of 200 to 500 foot elevations with a lot of hand and foot action. It took me 14 1/2 hours to do the 20.1 miles. I had to rest often because of the back and lack of energy. It was another hot day and I drank 4 liters of water plus 2 cokes. The group found 5 deer ticks on us. Not very nice New York. I am so tired from the hiking that I'm calling it a day.
Date: 2005-06-10
From: William Brien Memorial

To: Gray Moor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Another day in the heat with more steep climbs. Going slow is the only way for me to get through the day. I made it to bear mountain where there was supposed to be a water fountain, I couldn't find it. The group had made a sign pointing to a coke machine but I didn't have any change. I asked the only other person up there if he had any but he didn't. He did have water though that helped a lot. I would have walked by the group if Lead Dog hadn't run me down. Darcy loaned me 50 cents so I could get a cold soda, it was just what I needed. We then walked through the bear mountain zoo. Darcy continued on to the shelter while Senor NoBS, Lead Dog, and I went into Fort Montgomery for supplies, mail drop, and lunch, after lunch we walked acrossed the Hudson on Bear Mountain Bridge. The rest of the day was just getting it done. We are at the pavilion at Grey Moor Center. I got here just before the rain. The storm has already passed. I have cleaned my clothes, taken a cold shower, and am now relaxing. I was talking with Lead Dog and he was telling me the heat is bothering him as much as it is bothering me. I was begining to wonder if something was wrong with me.
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Gray Moor Spiritual Life Center

To: R.P.H.
Miles today: 18.9

An early rise had me hiking by 5:45. Another day of heat and humidity left me again strugling to make miles. I counted 36 orange nutes for something to do before boredum took over. This is the first day without a tick since I entered New Jersey and New York. Susan, Darcy's friend, had two deer ticks. Rookie luck! I got here at 4:45. Better than yesterday but still slow moving. We got pizza and soda which made the pains of the day disappear. Weather forecast has the same type of weather for tomorrow. What are the chances they will be right for a change?
Date: 2005-06-12
From: R.P.H.

To: Pawling
Miles today: 17.3

Another long hot day so again I slowed down. Whenever I started walking and not enjoying I would stop. I walked by 2 deer first thing in the morning and some nutes but that was it for wildlife. The crew was up the same time I was so it wasn't long before I was the last in our group. At NY52 we all went .4 miles to the Mountain Top Market. It was a great stop and could have easily been used as a resupply. At noon time I stopped for lunch and water at Morgan Stewart Shelter. The water was very cold and very good. As I was leaving Slow Walker whom I had met last night came in so I tried to talk him into joining us but he felt it was to far for him. When I got here I took a quick shower and joined the guys for laundry and supper. When we got back Lead Dog and I remembered we had met last year. He was going by Joe then which though me. Small world!
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Pawling

To: Mount Algo Lean-to
Miles today: 20.7

The shelters in New England are called Lean-tos. As easy as the hitch into town was last night, it was the opposite leaving this morning. Darcy and I were over an hour before we got a ride. Darcy and I saw 3 deer and a snapping turtle laying eggs on the walk out. It was after 7 before we started to hike. I thought I might be in trouble and I was. There was no energy to start the day and it didn't get much better. I didn't get to the lean-to until 8:30, I was totally exhausted. To tired to head into town where the gang suggested meeting. I ate a non-cooked supper and went to bed.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Mount Algo Lean-to

To: Silver Hill Campsite
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

I got under way at 5:45. When I did the .3 mile to the road to Kent there is a note from the team giving me directions to where they were tenting. They had brought it there at 5:45 so to make sure they didn't miss me. When I got to the tenting area they had gone to breakfast.   I didn't take me long to join them. They claimed to be almost as beat up as I was from the long day. So they changed the day to 10 miles. I believe they are just great friends looking out for there old buddy. Anyways, the short day gave us time to resupply and rehydrated and full at the local restaurants. We left town at 1 and started climbing immediately. After the first 4 miles the next 5 miles were along the river and were great walking. This place is the best camping area I have seen on the trail. The pump for water was not working though. My usual tick search found three more deer ticks which brought the count to 9. The forcast is for rain tonight and then some cooling. I'm hoping!
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Silver Hill Campsite

To: Limestone Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 19.1

What a difference 20 degrees make. It was back to enjoyable hiking. An early start had me on the trail at 5:30. I was walking well, but they measure the miles different or the terrain was tougher than I though. I only did 1.5 miles per hour for the first 4 hours. There was little views, no animals, and no new plants. At 2 I reached the mountain cafe just as the crew was leaving. They did hang around until I was done, but I did stop and call Mrs. Mailar on my way out. I did catch up with them shortly and the next 6 miles flew by and we did them in just 2 hours. We debated on going into town, but opted for here. It is a very steep downhill for .5 miles but has a great spring. Supper is done and we are tenting to keep out of the bugs.
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Limestone Springs Lean-to

To: Hemlocks
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

We first had to climb the .5 miles to the trial. Senor NoBS almost took the wrong trail because it had no blazes. Lead Dog came out after us and did take the wrong trail. He was an hour getting back to the right trail. At the first road crossing we went into Salisbury for resupplies and a second breakfast. We had no trouble resuppling and it is only .5 mile off the trail. 2 things of interest happened today. I crossed into Mass. and went under 400 miles to go at the border. Around 3 it got dark and started raining for the rest of the day. It's a little eary walking when it looks like it is almost night and you have 3 miles to go including a climb of a Mount Everett. Where are the sherpa when you need them? I did see a pocipine on the top of Mount Everett and I think he was going faster than I was.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Hemlocks

To: East Mountain Retreat Hostel
Miles today: 17.5

I woke to a sunny day. I packed my wet stuff and headed up the trail. It wasn't 5 minutes before I steped on a wet rock and fell. Soon Lead Dog joined me. We stopped on top of Mount Bushnell to try and fix his hiking poles that were slipping. He heard a noise and sure enough there was something big moving in the bushes. Finally I saw some black and it was close. I let Lead Dog know there was a bear really close. I doubled back to our packs and I spied it looking at me. I took a picture and got ready to leave. Clicking my poles sent the bear walking slowly away then came along a lot larger bear. Lead Dog packed his things as fast as he could and we got out of there. He could not fix his poles so he replaced them at Barrington when we crossed the road. He had to hitch into town, but didn't have any problems. I saw my first black snake coiled up on the boardwalk crossing a swamp. The misquitos were horrendeous in that swamp. I got here at 6:30. It is an ok place but I wouldn't have walked the 1.5 miles if I new how far it was from the trail. It was probably worth it though to get dry. I got to meet Van who was down for the weekend to meet Darcy and Number 11 whom I hadn't seen for 2 months. I also found my 10th deer tick on me.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: East Mountain Retreat Hostel

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

Van drove us to the trail so we didn't have to walk the 1.5 extra miles. We got started at 7:45. I was hiking with Lead Dog until we broke for lunch. He recognized most birds by there song and hasn't seen a bird yet that he doesn't already no. A very interesting and intelligent man. The miles are getting longer or I'm getting tireder easier, I'm ready for a break. In the afernoon, I walked with Number 11 all the way to the camp. I have intraduced the group to indian cucumber and they all have enjoyed. This is a beautiful pond with canoes but I'm to tired to enjoy. I'm waiting for the care taker so I can pay and go to sleep.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Dalton
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I could get a free pancake breakfast that would start at 7:15. I figured I wouldn't leave until at least 8 so I had some oatmeal and was hiking by 6. I need the extra time to get to Dalton by dark. I hiked with Lead Dog again today. He has taught me to ID the red-eyed vireo by sound. He is so good at recognizing the birds by voices that I have got to go visit him to spend a day just listening to the birds. He also pointed out a black and orange bird called the red start. He is taking a week off, so with the section I do not have to do in Maine we will be summiting close to the same day. I will call his wife when I get to Gorham and if he hasn't reached ABOL bridge then I will wait and join him when he does. We got to Dalton at 5:45 and stayed at the Shamrock Inn and had supper at there pub.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Dalton

To: Dalton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Darcy, Van, Senor NoBS, Lead Dog, and I had our breakfast and said our good-byes. We have addresses and I'm going to try and stay in contact and try and do an Allagash trip next year. I might not be the slowest one on that trip! I am at Pittsfield and will catch the bus to eatern PA where my Brother-in-law will pick me up. There I will get my vehicle and head home. I will be on vacation for a month so there will be no entries until July 20th. I have a wedding to go to and than a trip down the Allagash. It will seem great to move without walking. I have 336.8 miles left to go to finish the AT. I am looking forward to getting back and completing this journey. It was very hard to say good-bye to the old friends I just met.
Date: 2005-07-23
From: Dalton

To: Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 16.8

Well I'm back! The month off was what I needed. I spent the first week getting over the flu like symptoms that didn't go away. After 4 days I went to the doctor to make sure I didn't have Lyme disease. I tested negative but that doesn't mean anything. I spent an awesome week with the kids from Winslow Congregational church on the Allagash. Too Bad you can't paddle the A.T. being the purist that you know I am I grapped the chance to slack from dalton to Mt. Greylock. The hike was uneventful with getting off the trail only once. There was a nice view of cheshire Lake. The view from Greylock was great. I really do like the views up North better than down south. More water I think. After Judy picked me up was I sore. I couldn't believe how my body softened up so quickly.
Date: 2005-07-24
From: Mt. Greylock

To: Sherman Brook campsite
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

We got up early and drove back to the top of greylock for breakfast. A great breakfast for only $7.00. The private rooms are $65 on weekdays. Judy and I talked about coming back sometime to spend a night or two. we said our good-bys and I was off by 8:30. At my first break my glasses slipped off my chest and the left lens cracked. it doesn't bother me so I'll wait to get home to get them fixed. it was a long descent and I am spending a noon lunch writing my journal. The sun has moved and I'm no longer in the shade, so I might as well start walking. I made the 3 more miles to where I'm stopping for the night by 2:15. It took me some time to set my tent up. This is thefirst time I've set it up on a platform. The day went well. I saw the largest clump of Indian Pipes. It must have been 12 inches across. Th spring here is very cold. It bubbles up from the bottom. So neat!
Date: 2005-07-25
From: Sherman Brook campsite

To: Congdon
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

I was up and hiking by 6:10. I have gone under 300 miles and entered my 13th state. At the Vermont border the Long Trail begins. The A.T. and it shares the trail for 75 miles. For some reason I'm hiking slow today. I have been surprised at how much mud ther has been for as dry as it has been. Thetrail in general is poorer than i anticipated. That will teach me to have a preconceived notion of the trail. ( Or it should) I have been spending the afternoon talking to Mimi, John, and Erica, who have one more day to finish the Long Trail. Really neat people!
Date: 2005-07-26
From: Congdon

To: Goddard
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

I said good-by to the long Trail hikers and headed north. The body wasn't as sore this morning and I enjoyed the walk. I was walking better and the trail had improved. i was a little surprised how quickly I made it to Rt. 9. There was trail magic waiting at the bottom of a steep descent from Beantown. "Ice cold pepsi" The climp wasn't as bad as the descent and I am now at Melvin Nauheim for lunch and a break. At the top of a noname hill I ran into a section hiker Clod, whom I'd talked with a little yesterday. We talked for a while and then walked the rest of the way to the shelter together. My pace slowed a lot while we talked. I brought a Mt. Dew up from Rt. 9 to but in the spring here, Oh so good! I'm sharing the shelter with all L.T. hikers.