morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Blu Mountain Summit
Miles today: 20.3

I was up at 5 and on the trail by 540. I knew I had a lot of miles to make but didn't know how my legs would be after a week off. If was a nice day with a it of a breeze to keep things comfortable - for now. I was escorted for the first part of the day by the drone of tires from vehicles down in the valley on I-78. Later in the morning as the trail pulled away from it all that was left was the birds calling out Good morning and the chipmunks and squirrels racheting about me being in their yard. For the longest time I didn't see anyone except for a couple of tents pitched with one guy sitting there. Pulpit Rock mm 1221 offered a great view of the valley and I was able to shoot some video. It will be interesting to see how it turns out and can only hope someone will help edit and clean it and the others up. Another great view was at the Pinnacle where I stopped for breakfast. Was happy to see Trail magic after Eckville shelter but not ready to drink Old Milwaukee at 930 in the morning. Met a guy named Steve out with his dog Macy. He's a retired IBEW electrician who does a lot of day hiking in the area. He gave me a few insights on the trail and then I was off to climb the hill to Dan's Pulpit. Was alone at Dan's Pulpit enjoying the peace and quiet and a breakfast of left over cajun fries and a Starbucks mocha drink when the next thing you know 7 other people showed up. Where did they come from! I quickly read and signed the log and after taking a picture for one moved on. Large and I mean large rocks began to appear and I enjoyed rock hopping for part of the day. It was a lot better than trying to find a place to put your foot. There were other intense ro ky spots of smaller rocks but they would come and go. In my opinion this big to do about Pennsylvania rocks is way overrated. I stopped at the Allentown Hiking Club shelter to read and sign the log. Overall my body is feeling real good for just getting back on the trail. However, my feet were starting to feel the miles so I was very happy to see the trail to Blue Mountain Summit B&B. However this was short lived when I got my tent out only to find out my sea to summit bag had failed and was now set from last week and stained with mildew. So I quickly set it up to dry off and air out and in the meantime went into the bar for some drink and food. Watched the world cup, talked to the bar maid and owner Ken. They are real nice people and we shared horror stories of owning a bar/restaurant. With my phone all charged up, belly full for now and my thirst quenched I lect and went to set up the tent and square my gear away for the night. I caught up on my journal and reviewed the guide book. The dilemma now is how early to get up and how far to go. While I hate getting to my destination too early like 3 or 4 pm and could walk more miles but don't want to over do it and risk an injury. What makes it even more difficult are the stops and shelters are either too close or too far requiring some adaptation. I was going to transfer my notes over but never did and I am doing it now/next day.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Blu Mountain Summit

To: Palmerton Jail Hostel
Miles today: 14.2

Up at 5 and on trail by 6. Its a nice day and the trail is conducive to hiking. There is some fun and challenging technical climbing at the Knife's Edge. It took quite a bit of time getting thru this section as the way was not always well marked and at times my footing was precarious at best. There were a couple of.tomes when I would jump from one slab of rock to another, the momentum of my pack weight would push me further than I was prepared for. Fortunately I was able to catch myself before ending up tumbling over the edge or worse. I was able to get some great pics and videos of the views. As it was the weekend there were a lot of people out enjoying the nice weather. There was more technical climbing at the Bear rocks and Back Oven Knob but not as much as before. Stopped into Outer bridges shelter and looked thru the log. I'm still not seeing many people I know. The downhill to Lehigh river was long and steep and I had to use my poles out in front of me like brakes to avoid getting out of control. Once down I headed across the bridge where I was lucky enough to catch a ride into Palmerton from Ann Marie, Richard, Blaine and Mark. Ann Marie was picking the guys up from their hike and took me all the way into town. I tried to check in but there was no Officer available as he was on patrol so I went and got a milkshake at the CREAMERY. It was dark chocolate and was ohh so good. Still no luck getting a hold of someone to get into the hostel. At 130 Mud showed up and he's going to try and get someone. A police officer finally showed up and I signed in and got situated after which I took a short tour of the town and to see if I could find a place to buy some post cards but no luck. Stopped at the Palmerton Hotel for a beer and then went back to the hostel for a shower. The place is nothing fancy but its dry and the shower felt great. The town itself is pretty nice in that its clean and well kept and there is a lot going on. Did some journaling and then went to grab some dinnerWhen I got back Rerun asked if I wanted to share a ride back to the trail in the morning and I said I would. She called Soulflute who would pick us up . I did get to talk to RW the night before and it was good to hear from him. After that it was repack the gear and get ready for bed. Looking forward to b8g rock climb in the morning.
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Brinks Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: light rain

Up at 450 and on the road at 515. I'm feeling pretty good and while my origianl plan was to go to a camp site at mm 1306.3 I think I will shoot for Brink Road Shelter a 1314.4 since its suppose to rain. There was no water at the start due to the visitors' center being closed and the pump in the parking lot disabled. I ended getting some at an outlet from Sunfish pond. The gnats and mosquitos are really starting to make their presence known and I had to pull out the Deet to keep them at bay. I met Digger from Boston and walked with him until he got off to go to the Mohican Outdoor Center to pick up a package. Right after that I hadn't gon 20 yards up the hill when a BIG BLACK BEAR popped over a knoll. We stood looking at each other for a while and I go some nice pics of him. I climbed Catfish Lookout Tower mm 1302.5 and got some great pics of the surrounding area. Its always so neat to look back at the ridges you have hiked and to look forward and kind of see where you are going to be goin. Young Gargoyle and Hanna were also there. Further down the trail I passed through an active work site where they were putting up power lines and then it was a crazy climb straight upwards. I did pass a cool beaver pond and took some pics there. Its amazing they were chewing down popolars with a diameter of 10 to 12 inches. I continued to climb ridge after ridge and watched the sky get darker and darker as time passed. Today it is so hot and humid the rocks are sweating making them quite slippery. I also ate more blueberries eventhough these were not as big as the ones the day before. At the top of Rattle Snake Mtn. I ran into Ziggy and Tony who were out for a day hike. I must have looked a bit bedraggled as they quickly offerred mea bottle of water. As we came off the mountain and headed for the Shelter we talked and talked on a variety of topics. They were both interesting fellows. When I got to the Brink Road shelter Oliver and Twist were already there. Mud and Neck Bone pulled in shortly followed by Oconee, Bacon Dog and Shakes who came in after I went to sleep. Oconne came in and despite the treat of rain no one made a move to make room for him. I therefore went and started to move things around and called out to him that we had made room and he could set up in here. We have seen 2 or 3 bears around the shelter already and we will be putting our bags in the food bins. I made dinner of ham, cheese and mashed potatoes which was very filling. I then put most of my gear together so I could get ready quickly in the morning. Tomorrow I am shooting for High Point Shelter at 1334. and will make a 20.9 mile day. Shortly after 9 the rain started to pour and there was thunder and lightening as the front pushed through.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: Brinks Road Shelter

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 25.0

Today was a very full one which started with me surprising a bear as I made my way up the trail first thing in the morning. Since it had rained last night the rocks were very slippery and of course as I moved across some large boulders I slipped and stumbled. Unbeknownest to me not 10 yards above me there had been a bear snacking on some blueberries and when I slipped I caused quite a commotion scaring the bear. The day continued to go down hill at that point and I don't mean directionally. I had stayed dry the ngight before by staying in the shelter. However, after walking in some tall grass that lined the trail my boots and socks were so soaking wet it was as if I had left them out in the rain all night long. Normally I wouldn't have cared but wet boots and socks tend to cause blisters and it was long they began. This was quickly followed by a very steep trail with wet rocks and as you can guess I had two more falls. Fortunately no blood no foul and I continued on my was much more cautiously. I got to the bottom where there was a little Joe To Goe operation which of course sold coffee and breakfast items along with other things. Now the operator of this establishment is a bit cantankerous and gives hikers a hard time for some reason despite the amount of business they bring him. I didn't have a problem with him but could understand some people's concern as he did have signs geared towards hiker which were not all that friendly. Another issue and not just at this place is that more and more businesses are either cash only and have an ATM for people to use or a minimum purchase requirement for credit card use. I am going to have to keep my eye on the amount of cash I carry in case an ATM is not available. Shortly after leaving there I saw 2 more bears and then climbed the Culver Fire Tower mm 1319.9 with great views from on top. The trail is improvig with lots of little ups and downs. I'm looking f0rward to High Point State Park with its beach and concession stand. When I got to the road I ended up taking the wrong trail and insead of walking only .6 miles out and back I ended up walking about an additional mile and a half and I was not happy about it. Any ways I did get a cheeseburger, soda and a root beer float that was mostly float but still tasted good. I was also able to buy ice and put it into my water bladder to keep my water cold. Mud, Neck Bone and Sole werethere also and said they were going onto the Murray property as it had a cabin, shower, water and privy. Normally I would have stuck to my plan which already included a long day but this would make for the longest mileage one yet but with plenty of day light left I got out of my comfort zone and changed my plans. It was quite the walk and the daylight started to close out but I made it in enough time to shower, eat and journal some before I laid out my sleeping gear on the front porch where I fell asleep looking at the stars. What a great day and great feeling.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: Graymoor Spiritual Center
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 4 and couldn't get back to sleep so got up at 5 and went back down to computer room to finish journal entries. Continental breakfast afterwards great with good food and calories. Left hotel at 9 and Oconee and I we to P.O. so he could mail things home. We crossed the Hudson River and headed straight up a 500 ft. Climb. I'm moving real slow today as I'm tired from the lack of sleep and the smothering heat and humidity. We stopped at the Appalachian convenient store and got lunch. It was busy with several other hikers there. The temp is 92 and humidity feels like a 100! We decide to call it a short day and go to Graymoor to stay at the pavilion. Its a really nice set up with lights, outlets for charging phones and a shower. We decide to sleep on the picnic tables under the cover of the roof in case it rains. Got dinner done and looked at guide to plan rest of week. Oconee and I only ones here initially but by end of night 10 others arrive. It seems strange now as I look around and see that the split of age groups has gone from 50/50 to 80/20 with more young kids now. Miss hiking with Gray Ghost and his company. With all these young kids I feel out of place. I must be getting old. Hope I have more energy for hiking tomorrow and the temperature cools a bit.
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Graymoor Spiritual Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got underway early in order to beat some of the heat. You can already feel the clamminess in the air. I never would have made it as a southern gentleman. Body feeling better after a good meal and good night rest. Trail not bad with a few ups that seem harder than usual given the thick heavy moisture in the air. Stopped at state park for food and shower. Food pricy but fills us up. Shower felt great with cold water cooling me off even if only temporarily. We lounged around from 1 to 4 to stay out of the heat and felt quite relaxing taking such a break. Thru hiker Draggin came in not doing well. Looks like heat exhaustion and dehydration. Girl friend coming to get him. A women thru hiker SOBO came in limping and looks like a severe ligament sprain or worse. Either way she'll be off for a while. On our way out Oconee took a spill but nothing serious but it reminds us that we are all only 1 step away from being out which would be tough to take at any stage of the hike but especially now. Finally moved up the trail which got nice on top. Thoughts of pizza and other food is a great motivator. It really helps to pack on the calories and not have to carry the extra weight. We got to the shelter at 6 which is a block building with bunks and a picnic table and chairs all around. Gator who we met earlier greets us with a cold beer along with a left over piece of pizza. Bacon dog and others show up. Ordered spinach fettuccine which was so huge I'll have rest for dinner tomorrow. Tented because so hot and to avoid bugs that are getting worse each day.
Date: 2014-07-02
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

Good night sleep after having delicious dinner of leftover spinach fettuccine. Did have one bad dream that my trekking pole broke but relieved when I woke up and realized it was only a dream. Long haul out of shelter but trail was good. Passed under Taconic State Parkway. Incredible to be passing landmarks which are so familiar to me. Walked ridges with nice views one which looked like Fishkill CF. Today its super hot and humid already and its only 7 am! We got to Stormville NY 52 and walked half mile to store where we got breakfast sandwiches, powerade and snack foods to hold us over. Customer advised us severe weather was reported for later in the day to include heavy rains, lightening and high winds. Despite the warning Oconee dawdled as he usually does at these stops. Long long gradual climb up with the trail mixed with deep gullies of dried up stream beds, but should have plenty of time to make it to the next shelter and take a break. Gator and 2 other guys are hers and all 3 staying here tonight. Oconee continues to dawdle as he tries to figure out how to meet up with his niece and nephew for the 4th of July. We want to beat the storm so we move out covering the trail quickly. Lots of interesting sites with old farms, large oaks and beaver dams. Did get pics of Nuclear Lake but while doing so the clouds continue to pile up on each other. We have 3 miles to go up and over the mountain and it will be close but I feel we're going to get wet. Very wet. We cover our pacs and don rain suits to stay dry. The trail is steep and rocky but we might make it after all. Rumbling thunder far off at one time is now closer and frequent. Around 2 miles out from the shelter the rains begin slowly at first but it becomes a monsoon quickly. Its coming down sideways in sheets so thick I can barely see. As much as its a torrential is does feel cooler now and is definitely rinsing some of the sweat away. Just as we crest the top lighting starts to pop off everywhere and the trail is 4 inches deep with rain water, making footing very difficult. Despite it being so treacherous we push on with Oconne in the lead. We continue like this for what seems forever and start to wonder if we missed the trail head to the shelter. After a half hour the sign for the shelter suddenly appears but not knowing how far off the trail it is. When we arrive there is only one other person Knapsack here. We quickly strip our wet things off and get into dry clothes. After rummaging through our food bags we quickly eat whats left in our food bags. We both need to resupply soon as our bags are nearly empty. With full bellies and dry clothes we settle in for the night. As we drift off to sleep Oconee asks if I would like to spend the 4th with him and the family and I gratefully accepted. He is a very unique person with many different experiences. We are so different in the way we think but somehow I am finding we have much in common. I enjoy walking with him. Tomorrow is a short hike to meet up with his nephews. God has provided once again.
Date: 2014-07-04
From: Simbury CT

To: Simbury, CT/Kevin & Michelle's
Miles today: 0.0

I was awake at 6 after a great night's sleep. For breakfast we had pancakes, sausage, bacon and OJ. After that it was a quick shower and laundry we were off to EMS to get shoes for Oconee. But as always there are priorities and we stopped at McDonald's for a second breakfast. At EMS I got a few things but things are so expensive so we moved onto Wal Mart for some other items. We then headed home for lunch where we again partake in the game of how many calories can we eat. We sat around for a while watching the rain come down and appreciating being inside and talking. After a few hours we went to the local ice cream parlor and enjoyed an ice cream sundae and then went home for homemade pizza for dinner and then a movie in the evening. This family is so kind and generous and I am grateful to be part of it for this very short time. It was a great day off and my body is definitely feeling better and stronger and this bed is so nice.
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Simbury, CT/Kevin & Michelle's

To: Mt. Algo Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

We're up at 6 and got my gear packed up and I made a list for resupply items to buy on the way back to the trail. After looking at the Guide Book and possible resupply points, it is apparent that place to get resupplies will become more difficult as we move north. Another nice breakfast with waffles, bacon and sausage. After finishing up we were off to Salisbury to get Oconee's packages which we got and then ate at the Black Rabbit for the last meal we will have for a while. While getting off at the trail head we almost got arrested for stopping in a no parking area. No sooner had we stopped and started to unload a Forest Ranger approached us in what appeared to be an unhappy mood. But after engaging him in convesation he turned out to be a very nice young man and we actually stood around for about 15 minutes just talking. After a stern warning we finished packing up and got on the trail at 3 pm and made our way to Mt. Algo at 6 pm. The trail was very good and even with steep ups and downs and a loaded up pack it was an easy climb because it was much cooler and drier. After setting up tent I met Valley Girl who has a nice chocolate lab with her.
Date: 2014-07-06
From: Mt. Algo Shelter

To: Sharon Spring Campsites
Miles today: 19.7

The night was cool and I slept oh so good. The day was so nice it felt like you could walk forever. When we got to the bottom of the hill we had some trail magic from the thru hiker Dora the Explorer who left sodas, cookies and kit kats. What a great day to start the day! We did a 400 foot climb but the trail was good and had a very nice grade. CT has been so kind to us. St. John's Ledges was very steep but we took our time and let other faster hikers through. This was then followed by a really nice walk along the Housitonic River which was flowing pretty fast given the recent rains. Was able to pick some black caps but most are not ripe and about a week away. We took a break on the river to eat, with lots of people running and hiking. I made the first ford of a stream at Guinea Brook on CT 4 mm 1474.3 which was high because of the recent rains. The cool water felt great and I wish I had had more time to just sit there for some soak time. Continued to have a number of ups and downs and was getting a bit thirsty. As Oconee and I made our way up to West Cornwall Road we saw a car pulling over and I remarked to him "I wonder if that's the guy with the pizza and beer I ordered?". Well low and behold it wasn't but it was a local ridge runner who was off and while she didn't have any pizza she did have some beer! This was such a great suprise. Her name was Lisa and she also had snacks and fruit to eat and I got an apple for breakfast tomorrow. This was taking trail magic to another level for me and such a coincident after the comment I made. We went thru another Lemon Squeezer but not as tight as the last - we didn't even have to take our packs off. When we got to Pine Swamp Shelter we decided that since it was only 440 we would push onto Sharon Springs Campsites where we knew there would be water. The spot was really nice and open with a breeze blowing and Oconee and I enjoyed a toddy he had packed in. After that we retreated to our tents to avoid the on slaught of mosquitoes, gnats and deer flies. Supper was filling with chips, a bagel and cheese sandwich, pepperoni and a granola bars. I'm really looking forward to a late lunch/early supper in Salisbury tomorrow. We really have been able to eat our way through the last few states and has helped to keep my pack light. I will also mail post cards home. The sun is starting to set and it's been a great day from start to finish. Thank you God.