morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 7.5

It was strange hiking with out one pole. It frustrated me some, but the walk was pretty today. On the ridge, the Mountain Laurel was budding and beginning to bloom. There were all sorts of sweet smells. I took a break at the Overbridge shelter then hiked to PA 248. What I thought would be an easy hitch turned into a 2 mile scorching road walk. There must have been several hundred cars that passed me...in the 88 degree heat. I was about to pass out when I finally got to a gas station and gatorade. I'm staying at the Park side Inn which isn't in the best of shape... and again....no telephone. I'm starting to think that Northern towns hate telephones. I ate some chinese food while sitting at a pay phone on Main Street. Mary is trying to get some Leki poles sent to me. I'm going to the library, grocery store, laundry mat, and then meeting Senator for dinner at the steak house.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Palmerton

To: Palmerton (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0

I spent the morning doing laundry, getting a few groceries and spending time at the library. The librarians are really nice. They allowed me to have a book from downstairs, and to even replace it with another one when I finished that one this morning. One of the librarians, a Mrs. Geiger is giving me a ride back to the trail at 8AM tomorrow. I've been terribly worried about getting back to the trail tomorrow.The hike tomorrow is a little under 16 miles, with out ANY water sources! At 12 miles, you can hike a mile to a person's house to resupply, and I guess I would if I was desperate enough. I'm going to carry 3.5 liters of water tomorrow, which will end up being around 7 pounds of water. The hike will begin with an extremely steep climb out of Lehigh gap. I am around 2.5 days to the PA border with NJ and even though it has a tough reputation, I'm looking forward to crossing over the border. The zero day has been restful and nice. I'm not looking forward to the heat (it was over 100 according to the bank sign) but I am looking forward to putting more miles under my belt. Peace!
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Palmerton (Zero Day)

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I just had breakfast at the steak house (which has been good food and friendly)when I listened to the waitress talk about not picking up hikers. She has problems with strangers and I can understand that...but she continues to be rude to other people (serve locals before strangers even though the stranger was actually first). She was a bitter, old woman and I've seen countless people like that recently. I've also seen people like the librarian-Mrs. Geiger who is getting up early to take me back to the trail. I don't want you to get the wrong idea, most of the people at the steak house were very nice, but she (bitter woman) really made me appreciate the Mrs. Geigers of the world.(at the shelter)Today had it's ups and downs hiking wise. I got caught in a thunder storm again, but there was no way out. Everything was flat, rocky, but flat. I was pretty nervous a few times, but everything turned out ok. T-storm number two just finished and boy was it loud! Fortunately I was here at the shelter. I don't think PA likes me. My shoes are being eaten by rocks, my pole broke (BTW the lekis worked great) and now my hammock ripped! I can take a hint PA...only 1.5 more days and I'll be in New Jersey. I'm going to have to sleep in shelters until I can have Mary ship me a replacement hammock. I think the hammock breaking was the low point of the day (I'd set it up for a break). Climbing out of Palmerton was both cool, interesting and sad. The landscape has been destroyed by Zinc smelting. It looked like how I imagine the moon. The cool part was...it is the hardest climb South of New Hampshire. It was steep and hard, but kinda fun too! Of course, I was climbing it at 8:30 AM.Well, it's time for dinner then reading and bed.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

Overall, today was a good day hiking. I was able to call Mary in Wind Gap about my hammock. I used a hotel phone without permission. I asked and called out, but no one came. I was using a calling card, but they still weren't too happy when they finally came into their office. I felt bad and apologized a number of times.After leaving that hotel, I walked a short distance and crossed the road. Mad Cow and a friend from NY state were doing trail magic. I had tons of French toast and orange juice. It was really good food and I was hungry.I got rained on twice today, but no real thunder storms, at least not yet. I arrived at the shelter around 2:45 PM. I had planned to go about 2 miles further and camp, but not having my hammock killed that plan. It's peaceful here anyway and it's good to take a break! Tomorrow I have a 16.9 mile day to the Mohican Outdoor Center and only 6.6 miles to the PA/NJ border...woo hoo! My first border crossing this trip! I know the rocks won't suddenly end, but hopefully they won't be as numberous. Tomorrow begins my third week on the trail. At first it was difficult making the transition from teacher to hiker, but I think it's happened now. My feet are sore and I'm getting rained/thunder stormed on a lot lately, but life is good.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up early...5 AM and was on the trail by 6 AM. The hike to Deleware Water Gap was actually pleasant. The rocks were at a minimum and the smell of the mountains reminded me of home. I've mailed my PA map home...yeah! and now I'm at the trail's end cafe for a late breakfast. There are two tables of clean, neat women and I'm in a corner...wet, dirty and three days smelly. I feel very self-concious. I think this establishment is trying to be "high end" although breakfast prices aren't bad. After breakfast I'm going to try to call Mary, then cross over the PA border. I then have around a 1000 foot climb and 10.3 miles before the Mohican Outdoor Center.(at camp) The hike to the center wasn't too bad. There were lots of cool places to see. The glacier Sunfish Pond was awesome. It's a 41 acre pond carved out from the last ice age. I was worried about thunder storms, so I hiked without resting. Of course, that is rough on the feet. Everyone I hear have been complaining about their feet, so I'm not alone. Once I arrived at the Center, Senator had a ride to the supermarket with a nice couple from Rhode Island...John and Paula. I got some ice cream and soda. We're now having hot dogs. This is a great place! My hammock arrived and is set up a short ways behind the lodge. We're just taking it easy in soft chairs in the lodge. I've talked with Mary and will talk again with her before bed. The only bad thing is that I didn't ship my book here...so I have three more days without it.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Culver's Gap, US 206
Miles today: 17.9

Today began with me talking with Mary. I called her from the lodge early this morning and began my hike. The weather was super and it never threatened rain the entire day. I hiked an hour and got to Catfish Fire Tower. The top was closed, but I hiked up a ways and ate a snack. The cool wind was relaxing, eventhough there really wasn't a view. The trail was mostly smooth today, with a few sections of rocks. I just had a wonderful day! I got to Brink Road Shelter at 14.3 miles and was prepared to stop for the day. I had already been passed by Spitfire, a thru-hiker who started at DWG. She was headed for a 31 mile day. Senator and Snail was planning on the next shelter, but that would be a 21 mile day...too much too early. The mosquietos were out for blood at the shelter and I didn't want to spend 4 1/2 more daylight hours fighting them. So, I decided to hike to Culver's Gap...3.6 miles further. An hour and 50 minutes later I'm here.I had a burger at Gyps Tavern and I asked the bartender if there were any local hotels. She called Corbin Ridge motel for me and these guys even picked me up and will return me to the trail at 8 AM. They are even doing my laundry for $5.00. I really recommend both services. Very hiker friendly. Now I'm clean, my clothes will be clean and tomorrow I have a 16 mile day...when I was toying with a 19.6 mile day. Time to call Mary and watch a little tv...with the AC blowing right on me!Life is good!Peace!
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Culver's Gap, US 206

To: Secret Shelter
Miles today: 21.5

Today (written the next morning) was a long day. There was a long stretch where there was no water. I hiked the 16 miles to the shelter and decided to hike a few more miles. I saw a beaver and it was wacking his tail and diving. Then, a whole bunch of geese flew and landed on the pond. I kept chasing the beaver trying to get a picture of it swimming, and it kept wacking it's tail, diving, and changing directions. It got dark and I couldn't really find a place I wanted to camp. Teflon showed up and we ended up hiking the rest of the way to the Secret Shelter. This shelter isn't listed on any guide books. It's run by a former thru-hiker. It was late and buggy, so I hung my hammock and bug netting and then went to bed.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Secret Shelter

To: St. Thomas Hostel..Vernon
Miles today: 13.4

Today was a day of endurance with my feet. The 21.5 mile day has made me sore and tired. The wind was blowing hard today (which was good), but the temps were very high. There is supposed to be a cold front coming through soon and the temps should go back to seasonal norms. I took a nap at Pochuck Mountain shelter, which was great. I walked on a board walk over a bog area. The hostel is nice...everyone and their brother and sister are here tonight. I'm thinking of doing a short day tomorrow, then a 12 mile day the next. I will still be on schedule, because of my 2 long milage days. I've also heard disturbing news from home about school. I don't know if people are pulling my leg or not...we'll see.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-15
From: St. Thomas Hostel..Vernon

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a nero ¢ like a zero day, but w/a short hike in the afternoon here. The hostel was nice. I read or did internet while Bone, Mad Cow, Senator & Opa watched 3 movies. A guy from Atlanta, Ga gave us a hitch in his Mercedes Benz back to the trail. I was worried about the hike, even though it was short, because of my feet. There was a major climb out of Vernon and @ the top was Pinwheel Vista. I took a break @ the vista & just sat w/the wind in my face. I was at peace & prayed. Several hawks floated on the up drafts, just exploring the air. I could see where I had hiked the day before even the board walks. I continued on & now I¢m under my tarp, in my hammock. We¢ve had a short rain shower and it threatens more. I¢m going to look over the info on the trail tomorrow (I cross over into New York?) & then read.Peace!Shades of blue
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Today I crossed over the NJ/NY border. The trail had a lot of ¢puddingstone¢ rock. It¢s a mixture of red & white quartz pebbles & chips and other types. It was pretty cool looking. Puddingstone is also the name of a Musical group from home.I had to get water from a brackish creek. It was horrible water. I struggled w/not wanting to drink it, but ended up drinking half a liter. When I crossed over NY 17A a wonderful thing happened¢¦a sign to an ice cream shop was left on the trail. I had a bottle of water & a huge milkshake. After that I hiked 2.1 miles to the shelter. Senator & Opa are here. They were planning to stealth camp a few miles north of here, but w/the T-Storms, they may stay the night.Later. Opa & Senator stayed the night along w/a SoBo & a section hiker. I¢m in my hammock now. Going to read, then sleep.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a tough hike, but a good day. At Mombasha High Point I saw the bird of prey feather. It was so beautiful. It made me imagine Native American, the bird floating on air and the people of long ago who used those feathers to write with. I dried my tarp from last night¢s rain & continued on. The climb up & down Arden Mt. was pretty intense. There were no switchbacks, so it was straight up & straight down. The trail was difficult today. It was straight up & down, constantly. It was also a pretty day w/lots of mountain laurel in bloom with the sun & breeze.Later in the day I arrived @ the Lemon Squeezer. It was really cool & obviously a tight squeeze ¢ I had to take off my sleeping pad to make it through the squeezer. Immediately after the lemon squeezer was this steep climb w/a near impossible, huge rock face to get over. I had noticed another blaze that went around it. I climbed up to the rock face and studied it. I just couldn¢t see a way over it. I decided to go back down & around. As I was going down, I saw a white arrow that pointed to the blaze that went around the rock face. It said ¢the easy way.¢ I stood still; this was a moment of truth. I said ¢the he.. with the easy way¢ & I turned back around. I studied the rock face some more & attacked it from the right side. I threw my poles up & over the rock face, and then climbed the rock face. It wasn¢t easy, but I made it over. At that point I had 2.1 more miles to the shelter. I continued on & made it here. I am tired, but it¢s a good tired.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I started the morning by hiking 5.3 miles to the next shelter. I was making good time, so I had a snack. A group of young college students were discussing how to approach the day. Some were happy & some were a little less happy. They reminded me of late 60¢s kids w/their dress & attitude. Still, it was cool they were all out on the trail together. I continued on & began my days experience w/day hikers. They were everywhere. This section to Bear Mt. Bridge was very crowded. On top of Black Mt. I had a wonder view of the Hudson River & the NYC Skyline. NYC is around 50 miles from here & it¢s huge! I hiked West Mt., which was difficult. I then ascended Bear Mt..Two young ladies passed me (they had daypacks) & then immediately made a wrong turn. I gently pointed this out & they corrected the mistake. They ended up passing me again, & they crossed the road, when they should have turned left. Once again I told them which direction to go. They eventually passed me a third time & proceeded to take a different trail altogether. I wasn¢t sure where the AT was @ that point, but I knew that wasn¢t it. I read my notes & realized that trail also went to the summit of Bear Mt. ¢ so I didn¢t say anything to them. I found the AT & went to the summit. Bear Mt. has a tower (enclosed), which I ascended, and then I saw the two young ladies again. They were asking for help to get off the Mt. (It was very crowded at the summit.) I hiked down Bear Mt & eventually got to the parks lake. There must have been a thousand people. All sorts of religions & nationalities were represented. I was truly near a big city & it was strange after being on the trail.I went to the end of the lake, bought a coke & called Mary. I also called an outfitter in Fawling, NY about Aqua Mira (water purification.) They have it & I will have to somehow get to them. I walked through the ¢Trailside Zoo,¢ which was very sad. The animals had very little room & they looked very sad.I ran into 2 new thru-hikers, Captain Crunch & The Colonel, we walked into Ft Montgomery to resupply & ate pizza. I scored us a ride w/the owner of the store and he took us back to the trail.The walk over the Hudson River was beautiful. It reminded me so much of our country¢s early history. The climb was steep, and then I descended to this campsite. Someone is having a party down @ the road & their music is very loud. Strange being on the AT & hearing a party w/loud music. All in all, it¢s been a full day.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Hemlock Springs Campsite

To: 2.3 mi N of Canopus Lake
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Today my emotions were on a roller coaster. I missed home terribly & was lonely. I saw Mad Cow, Capt Crunch, the Colonel, New Knees & Cocca Bean. I also saw Airbus & 2 of his friends. All these people were in passing. New Knee¢s a lawyer/college fundraiser from Boston, Ma. He was out doing a 12 miles day hike. We talked as we hiked & that lifted my spirits some. It was a long day & I was tempted to go to the lake campground for hamburgers & camp short, more then tempted actually. Cocca Bean¢s parents were dropping her off while I was sitting @ the trailhead ¢ trying to decide what to do. They gave me soda & a ride to the park campground. They had stopped selling hamburgers an hour earlier. I decided to go back to the trail. Cocca Bean¢s parents made me a sandwich, gave me another soda, chips, little debbies snack cake & off I went. The overcast sky was now sunny & their trail magic had lifted my spirits!! I was a happy man. I stopped a little short of camp, called Mary ¢ and then hiked on to this sweet little campsite.Now ¢ for the bizarre happening of the day. 9:00 am, I am hiking near Graymoor Monastery. I see 30 Hispanic people getting out of cars w/food & drinks. I continue on the AT¢¦well, they connected w/the AT a short while later & I am in the middle of this group for about 30 minutes. I¢m hiking the AT w/30 Hispanic Catholics, taking food, drinks & flowers to a Shrine. It was very strange.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-20
From: 2.3 mi N of Canopus Lake

To: 2.7 mi N of NY 55
Miles today: 19.7

It¢s late & it¢s been a good day hiking ¢ bad day dealing w/New Yorkers.Here is my journal.Mean People Suck!Thank you God for keeping me safe. Amen,Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-21
From: 2.7 mi N of NY 55

To: Ten Mile River campsite
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a much better day than yesterday! I¢m sitting under the Ten Mile Bridge on a rock w/my feet in the river. My campsite is WELL marked & I¢m relaxing. It¢s beautiful here & very peaceful!The hike today started around 9:20am ¢ I slept late ¢ and lasted until 7:45 pm. I took long breaks @ telephone Pioneers Shelter & Wiley Shelter. This evening I crossed over another border ¢ Connecticut. I went through NY w/out a shower. Unfortunately, Connecticut may be the same unless I luck out. Tomorrow I go to Kent to pick up my mail drop & resupply ¢ then hike on to a shelter. It won¢t be too long until Mary comes to hike w/me.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Ten Mile River campsite

To: Stewart Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Today's hike was up and down. I think I'd forgotten what a long climb was like. We had a good climb first thing this morning. I hiked 8.5 miles into Kent, then immediately got a hitch into town...from a New Yorker! I spent time at the Post Office, grocery story and a chinese resturant which had GREAT food! I spent way too much time in town...I even had to run by the outfitters to get Aqua Mira. I had used the last of this 3 miles before Kent. I was able to get a hitch to the trail head after walking 1/4 of a mile and then continued hiking for seven miles to here. It was a very nice hike except for the descent of St. John's ledges. The AMC from the Whites built the trail for that descent and it was brutal. There a ton of Thru-hikers here tonight...Snail, Cocca Bean, Capt. Crunch and the Col., Tea Break, Search and Rescue.Peace
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Stewart Hollow Shelter

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

(at Pine Swamp Brook Lean-to)So far, today has had a lot of ups and downs. I was really dreading this hike with all the steep climbs.....and it has b een hard. There has been a lot of beauty also. Near West Cornwall bridge, there was a brook with a folding chair beside of it. This place was between a steep climb and a steep descent. I relaxed and was at peace. I then climbed steeply and came to a place between two huge rocks. It is called Roger's Ramp. It was a cool place. I'm at this shelter now and then I have 5.2 more miles to hike.(at camp)That was a long 5.2 miles. The campsite is buggy, but pretty. I am only .4 of a mile to a road, but there is no afordable lodging near by. No shower again. This is the dirtiest I have ever been. I'm beginning to have a hard time with myself and my clothes. It's been 9 days since I've had a shower and laundry. Unless something changes, it will be 2 more days before I can shower. Today was a good, but hard day. I hope I get used to this climbing again. It's only going to get harder as I travel North. The trail was beautiful today though.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Brassie brook Lean-to
Miles today: 15.8

Today was a good day for hiking. There were several climbs and they took effort, but the woods were beautiful. I went into Salisbury to resupply. This is a very nice town and I was able to hitch into town easily. The food was very expensive here, but I guess the atmosphere makes up for it. The library looks like an old castle. I'm told that it's the oldest public library in the US. The icecream shop worker is the activities director at a private boys school and her husband is the headmaster. Strange, it reminded me of Harry Potter or Goodbye Mr. Chips. I hiked on to the shelter and decided to call it a day. Tomorrow I cross over into Massachusetts. This will be the fifth state I've hiked in this summer. Pa, NJ, NY, CT then MA. Today is my 28th day on the trail for this hike. Oh, I have a room reserved 16.8 miles and a days hike from here. Shower and Laundry...yipee!Peace!
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Brassie brook Lean-to

To: US 7 Great Barrington
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: few clouds

Last night the bugs were so bad that I only got a few hours sleep...I guess...there are a FEW moments of the night that I don't remember. The hike today was hot! The heat index was supposed to be 110 degrees and a real temp of 98. I believe it! I climbed Bear Mt., CT, Race Mt. MA and Mt. Everret, MA. All this was in the first six hours of the day...+8 miles. That's how hard it was. I took a break at the Hemmlock Lean-to for a hour and a half, then continued on. The descent off of Jug End was brutal, then it was 4.5 miles of fairly level. Alot of it was open field walking. I arrived at US 7 around 5:40 PM. I got a hitch around 6:00 PM....she dropped me off (unfortunately at the wrong place...the name of the hotel has changed and she thought it was the Day's Inn now.) I am at a diner now, about to eat. Then I will walk the mile or less...do my grocery shopping and then go SHOWER! I'm so excited.Later...The hotel ended up being at least 1.5 to 2 miles further and this trip into town has been a disaster so far. The shower was good though, and my clothes are clean. Ah...the simple things of life.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-26
From: US 7 Great Barrington

To: 1 mile before Fernside Road
Miles today: 16.3

I got out of town at 9:00 AM with a taxi. I hiked hard and took a break at the Tom Leonard Lean-to. The hike to get water was .2 miles down and the bugs were horrible. Mosquitos demanded my blood! This continued for the rest of the day. I stopped at S. Wilcox Lean-to for water and a break, but the mosquitos were so bad that I literally ran away from there. I write this journal on the side of a mountain, under bug netting...laying on my side all crunched up. It sounds like a swarm of killer bees outside. The woods are so loud with the sounds. I hate bugs.Peace!