morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Port Clinton

To: PA Hwy 309
Miles today: 27.0

It felt good to take a big bite out of PA today. This is the most miles I've done in a day, and I felt pretty good doing it. There were quite a few rocky areas today, but also some very smooth areas. The last 5 miles of the day were quite easy and I was glad to make it into the hostel. The weather has gotten warm and I was soaking wet this morning before 7:00. I drink between 2 and 3 liters of water a day which means there are times I have to stop more than once a day to filter water. There is a trade off. The more you carry at 8 lbs a gallon, the less you have to stop and filter. There is a price! Weight or comfort?Today I hiked quite a bit with Problem Bear. He is my exact age and from Sacramento, CA. It was nice to have someone to talk to as we hiked along. He actually started in February doing the Florida Trail. He then came and started the AT on April 1st. Quite a hike!This hiker is "tuckered out" so I'm signing off!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-05
From: PA Hwy 309

To: Little Gap Rd
Miles today: 18.0

What's worse than Killer Rocks? Wet Killer Rocks!! This morning I started out in a misting rain after a night of thunderstorms. I was very thankful to have had a roof over my head last night instead of my tent. The rain only lasted a short time, but the weather stayed overcast for most of the morning. This made for some wet hiking, but it really didn't matter for the first few miles. Then I got into the rocks!At sometime in the history of this planet, God saw fit to dump a bunch of rocks on the Pennsylvania mountains (or something like that). Then a crazy man, Benton MacKaye, decided to put a trail called the AT over that pile of rocks. Then a crazier man, Dan Decker, said I'll hike that trail over that pile of rocks! Oh Boy! It's bad enough getting over these rock piles when they're dry, but when they are wet, you literally risk your life and limb! I slipped many times and actually fell twice. Fortunately I fell "On the Rocks" and not "Off the Rocks". These rocks are the size of pickup trucks and down. They are covered with an algae that is like slime when it's wet. It was real, real slow going. Every footstep had to be flat or I was going to slide. Thankfully I made it through, but today I was hiking about 25% slower than normal. Tonight I'm at a B&B, that is owned by two ladies, Sherry and Kathy. They are very kind and helpful and are another great example of the folks that make the AT so great. Today when Kathy picked me up at the trailhead, she had a tall glass of ice cold lemonade for me. What a treat! Tonight after dinner (I had delivery pasta) we all talked for a long time about different trail experiences. Fun! Kathy is going to have breakfast for me in the morning at 6:00 so that I can get back to the trail early. I've got 31 miles of PA left and I sure hope to knock a lot of that out tomorrow. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Little Gap Rd

To: Deleware Water Gap
Miles today: 31.0

Okay. Most of us knew it, but today I proved it. I'm crazy! This morning I got an early start after a great breakfast made by Kathy at the Filbert B & B in Danielsville near Little Gap. Thanks to Kathy I was able to slack pack for the first 16 miles into Wind Gap. The trail was rocky, but nothing like it had been the day before and it was dry. I had a cheeseburger and birch beer lunch in Wind Gap, got my gear, and got back on the trail about 2:30. I thought I would do a few miles and then camp before going on to Deleware Water Gap (DWG) tomorrow. As I hiked, I kept thinking, "I would love to be done with PA!" When I got to Fox Gap it was 6:00 and it was 7 miles to DWG. I had gone 24 miles, but I still felt pretty good and decided to go for it. I stopped at a shelter and got water before pressing on. The trail was about as it had been for a couple miles and I knew I was going to finish in the dark. But then, the trail turned out on a gravel lane and was I ever thankful. I prayed over and over, "Thanks Lord!" For the next 2-3 miles I was able to pick up my pace on the lane, and it took me almost all the way to DWG. I had to use my headlight for the last mile or so, but not too bad. So I arrived in DWG at 9:00, ate some spaghetti at an Italian restaurant, and walked to the Pocono Inn where I got a room and crashed. 31 miles is too far for this boy, and I think I've learned to not push quite that hard, but thank God I may it!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Deleware Water Gap

To: NJ Ridgeline Tentsite
Miles today: 15.0

Today was a first in many ways. First time in the teens, 1300 miles, first time in New Jersey, and first poisonous snake. After sleeping a little later, I walked down to the the local diner in DWG and had a chipped beef on toast breakfast. For you Southerners, that's the Yankee equivalent of biscuits and gravy (but not as good). I then went next door to the bakery and bought a huge eclair. It was wonderful. I am going to have a real problem stopping all this eating when this hike ends, but it is sure fun now!There is an outfitter in DWG and I stopped and got a new water bladder (mine had been leaking), and a headlamp to replace my broken one. I then went back to the motel loaded up my gear and headed out. As I passed the bakery, I stopped and yep, I got another eclair. I told you it was fun!Almost immediately the trail entered New Jersey. It felt so good to be out of PA, but guess what? The NJ rocks look and feel just like the PA rocks. This afternoon, I came on a little timber rattler. He was only a couple feet long, but I gave him plenty of space. I made 15 miles before tenting. I'm on a ridge top without my tent fly on and the stars are just starting to come out. Should be a beautiful night. Wish you could be here!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-08
From: NJ Ridgeline Tentsite

To: NJ Hwy 23
Miles today: 28.0

I have always liked chipmunks! Maybe I watched too many Alvin cartoons as a kid. I've always regretted that we don't have chipmunks where I live in Murfreesboro, TN. I've seen them in Nashville which is 30 miles away. I've spent many hours watching their antics from a deer stand in Hickman County which is 65 miles away. I've even thought of trying to trap some and release them on my farm. Anyway, it seemed like the woods were full of them today. Most of the time they scurry away and give you a chirp or two. Sometimes they chatter a lot! You know, really chew you out. A good " chipmunk cussin'". This little guy on the above trusted me enough that I was able to capture this pose. I got started this morning early and made the first 14 miles by noon. There was a road crossing there, Hwy US 206, and there just happened to be a steakhouse about 200 yards from the AT crossing. I took full advantage! Steak, potatoes, salad,bread, ice tea, and then coke. I waddled back to the trail! This afternoon I was able to get in another 14 miles and ended about 7:30. The trail today was pretty much just constant rocks. So far, Jersey has been just as rocky as PA. There have been more views, but just as many rocks. Maybe the last half of Jersey will be different. This evening I got picked up and shuttled to a hiker motel on Hwy 23. Being able to get a shower and wash my clothes sure makes the trek a little more enjoyable. Probably makes me a little more enjoyable also!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-09
From: NJ Hwy 23

To: NJ Hwy 94
Miles today: 20.0

If yesterday was a day for the chipmunks, today was a day for the newts! I'm not sure if it was the rain last night or maybe just the area, but I saw dozens of the little orange newts today on the trail. I had to watch where I stepped, or there could have been a casualty! The little guys ranged from 1 to 5 inches. They have no fear and you can just reach down and pick them up. They are kinda cute, in a newt sort of way. Anyway, it was interesting seeing them on the trail all day. This morning everything was wet from the thunderstorms last night. I didn't want to put on my rain gear because it makes me sweat so bad, so I just got wet from all the grass and trees that overhang the trail. I know it's hard for the trail maintenance folks to stay on top of the vegetation growth this time of year, but it sure is appreciated when they clear the trail. It not only helps keep you dry, but it also cuts down on ticks and poison ivy. The trail was generally rocky this morning and being wet made the rocks quite slick. However, after a few miles the trail became less rocky and in the middle of the day there were several miles of clean trail and some of the trail was even on a gravel lane that surrounded a state preserve area.There were several miles that led us through beautiful New Jersey farm land. I loved how the trail would skirt a field and then go into the woods for a ways before breaking out into a field again. Mid morning as I was near the town of Unionville, I saw a bear on the trail ahead of me. As soon as he saw me he turned and ran up the trail and then turned into the heavy brush. I only saw him for 15-20 seconds, but he was a fair sized bear. This afternoon as the day wound down, the trail was on an elevated boardwalk through a swamp. It was for almost a mile which represented a lot of work to build but made the hike very unique. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-10
From: NJ Hwy 94

To: NY Hwy 17A
Miles today: 15.0

The trail guide read, "Despite the unimposing profile, rocks, abrupt ups & downs make this section challenging." I thought, " It can't be that tough, really?" Three falls, several slips, a wrenched shoulder, and a cut hand later, I agreed with the trail journal. It was doggone challenging! I had started out late this morning due to a conference call of which I needed to be a part. I was only planning to do 15 miles, so I wasn't too worried about the time. The trail started out fairly calm as I finished up NJ. But it led up to a ridgeline that was extremely rocky and then the trail led up and down countless rock outcroppings. I started to ask why in the world do they want the trail to do this, but then I think I know that answer! It's because it's the AT! The rocks were not all wet, just some of them. It was overcast all day, and some of the rocks had dried but some had not. It made for a gamble, because it was sometimes hard to tell which rocks would hold your feet or which you would slip on. I finally just gave up and decided not to trust any of them. I was so glad to finally come down from the ridge and finish hiking for the day. The day brought several highlights! I completed another state! New Jersey is now behind us! That makes 8 states down, which is over half of the 14 the AT goes through. Another highlight of the day was walking up on a female snapping turtle as she dug her nest. It was in a swampy area and she was right in the middle of the trail. Pretty cool! The best thing that happened today had to do with another hiker. Around noon I came up on a young section hiker that was moving along very slow and pensive. I asked if everything were okay and she said no. I asked if I could help and she said no. After pausing for a while, I told her I was willing to help her but if there was nothing I could do I would move on. She nodded but said nothing. As I was almost out of hearing she shouted, " maybe you can help." I went back and talked with her, invited her to hike along with me (she said she'd rather not), and tried to determine what the problem was. She was very confused with life and said she didn't believe in God. I tried to explain God's love for her through His son Jesus Christ, but I'm not sure she understood anything I shared. I finally asked if I could pray with her and she agreed for me to do that. After prayer, I encouraged her to read the Gospel of John, and she said okay and thanked me. I trust that maybe something I said will bear fruit in her heart. I later met two guys on the trail who said they were Christians. They were headed south and I told them about CV (the girl), and asked them to speak with her if they felt led. I will continue to pray for her as I go on. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-11
From: NY Hwy 17A

To: NY Hwy 17
Miles today: 11.0

Wow! New York is proving to be every bit as tough as anything I've done yet! The inclines aren't long but they are many, and don't ever assume they are over. Just when you think, "That's the end of that climb." Here comes another one! I've learned to say, " Okay. What ya' got? Bring it on!" Today the rocks were wet early and I went down pretty hard one time. It's hard to remember how many times I've fallen now, but thankfully I've not had any serious injuries. I keep hearing of other hikers who have had to take days off to heal injuries. Today I talked to Kamikaze (a young thru hiker I've known for several weeks), and he was going to a clinic today to check on a knee he twisted yesterday on the wet rocks. It's tough! Nevertheless, we continue on with this amazing adventure. The hike today was only for 11 miles because I had a special Trail Angel coming to see me! Bean flew into Newark this afternoon, rented a car, and drove to Harriman where I was waiting for her. We are spending the night at a B&B and I plan to take a zero tomorrow. It's so great just being here with her no matter what we're doing or if we're doing nothing. Having her here is healing for the soul and a zero day tomorrow will be healing for the body. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-13
From: NY Hwy 17

To: Bear Mountain Bridge
Miles today: 21.0

It is always hard to say good bye! This morning Bean dropped me off at 5:30 beside Hwy 17 and then proceeded back to Newark Airport for her flight back to TN. As I started off in the misting rain, it was almost like a dream. "Was she really here?" It is tough to let her go! Each time she comes I am faced with the dilemma of wanting to hike this amazing journey and not wanting to be separated from my dearest friend and the rest of my family. For that reason, I look forward to completing this trek and heading home. However, there is quite a bit of unfinished business before that's done!Today the trail seemed much kinder. There were rocks, and "Oh Yeah" they were wet, but it didn't seem like I climbed over that many rocks. I mostly went between the rocks and the ones I did go over we're not as angled. Whatever, even though it poured rain for several hours, I made good time and ended my 20 mile hike around 2:30 this afternoon. I am staying tonight in a hiker hotel in Fort Montgomery which is just a stone's throw from the Bear Mountain Inn where Bean and I stayed last night and left from this morning. It seems odd that I hiked all day to get back to where I started from! Bean and I had a wonderful day yesterday. We drove out and had lunch at a cafe overlooking the Hudson River. Then we were so close to West Point that we drove over and saw the Army academy. While we were in the town I got a haircut and I believe it probably met Army specifications. Pretty short! Hopefully it will do until Katahdin. We also got a few things I needed and then relaxed until dinner. A great day with my favorite!I'm drying out all my gear after the rain today, so the room looks like a yard sale. I'm thankful to have a dry place to spend the night as they are calling for all night storms. The forecast then calls for good weather for the next several days. Hope so, but my God's got that all under control!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Bear Mountain Bridge

To: Shenandoah Tent Area
Miles today: 24.0

As I crossed the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge this morning, I glanced over to where Bean and I stood for this picture two days before. Again it seemed like a faint memory when it had only been two days. I tried to kick myself into gear, but today was one of theses days. Seemed like I was in slow motion all day. The miles just crawled by, and it seemed like the trail went forever. After deciding where I was going to tent, it seemed like I'd never get there. Finally I did, and this journal is my sign off for the day. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Shenandoah Tent Area

To: NY Hwy 22
Miles today: 20.0

This morning when I rose at 6:00, my phone was already buzzing with texts. My three daughters and my five grandkids were all wishing me Happy Fathers Day! How blessed I am to have my girls! For those who don't know, I live on a 110 acre hobby farm in Murfreesboro, TN that is named "Three Sisters Farm". I'm not exactly sure how they got ownership, but it's okay with me! Anyway, I think my girls "Hung the Moon", and I miss them each dearly. We have a family vacation planned for August, and I can hardly wait. The hiking today was great. The weather was outstanding with a breeze blowing almost all day. This afternoon it died down some, and I had to put on insect repellent. Deet! I hate the stuff, all messy and smelly, but the mosquitos eat me up! If there is one in the woods, he finds me! The trail today was pretty good with a lot of easy walking sections. I spent several hours hiking with a young hiker named Trademark. He is doing this hike hoping to finish the first week in August and then start law school at Columbia the second week in August. He has been hiking 25-30 mile days. He doesn't hike real fast, just long. This morning we crossed a footbridge over a stream and there was a note on it inviting all hikers for breakfast at a home about a 1/4 mile away. Trademark and I decided to go and we were treated by Ellen, her two daughters, and her father to a fresh made waffle breakfast. So special! Thanks AT trail angels!Tonight I am tenting at a very unique place. It is at the end of a building which is a landscape/ nursery business. They are hiker friendly and I got a shower before they closed. I am the only one tenting here tonight. The road is about 75' in front of my tent site, (and get this), behind my tent site about 50' is a railroad track! Yes, a railroad track! A passenger train goes by every two hours at 72 MPH. Guess I'll be waking up at least every 2 hours. It should make for an early start in the morning. Such is the life of a thru hiker!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-16
From: NY Hwy 22

To: CT Hwy 341 Kent
Miles today: 19.0

Unbelievable! My night was unbelievable. I thought I would sleep between the trains and trucks. Not so! When it got dark, a security light came on above my tent and it was so bright inside I could see to read! Then about 2:00 this morning, a trucker decided to stop for the night in front of the building and he let his motor idle the rest of the night. All I could do was laugh. Probably should have thought that one through a little better! Got up at about 5:30, but seemed like I couldn't get going, and it was 6:30 before I left. Due to a heavy dew everything was wet, including me after walking through some overgrown hay fields. The morning sun on the newly mowed fields was beautiful. The trail was moderate today. I had a few pretty good climbs. The most severe trail that I've had in several days. There were also many stretches of real good, clean trail also. About mid-morning I hiked into Connecticut leaving New York. That makes 9 states we've completed with 5 to go. The toughest is ahead, so I've got to get my mind right!Tonight I am staying at a real nice hostel. It is run by a fellow hiker and his wife. He is actually thru hiking this year. He started in February and only lacks about 3 weeks from finishing. He stopped to come back and run the shuttle for the summer and plans to finish in September. I am going to base out of here for the next couple days, and may take some light days before my daughter Kady arrives Thursday. I've got to figure out our schedule to work with her travels. Anyway, this is a great place, and it'll work out. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-17
From: CT Hwy 341 Kent

To: West Cornwall Rd
Miles today: 16.0

It was a great day. A little hot, but still a wonderful day of hiking. I stayed last night at Bearded Woods One-Of-A-Kind Bunk and Dine. It's a long name, but the best hostel I've found on the entire trail. It is all inclusive so they don't charge extra for each service. I will be staying here the next two nights and Hudson (the owner) will be shuttling me to the trail. He and his wife, Big Lou (she's 4'-10"), are very hospitable and Hudson is extremely knowledgable about the AT and hiking in general. It's a real pleasure to be here. This morning the hiking was fairly moderate until a sharp long rocky decent. It was pretty tough but then like a reward, it was followed by a 5 mile river walk. It was fabulous! Walking by the Housatonic River with it's many rapids and cascades had to be one of my favorite times on the AT. I sat down and enjoyed it while eating the chicken salad sandwich Lou had made for me. I hope I can remember that walk in the days ahead. That easy walk was followed by several uphill climbs. The heat seemed to get to me today for the first time. It got up to 90 today. The heat is one thing that concerns me in the final weeks of my hike. I cannot control the weather, so I trust God will give me the strength to get through. The day ended with Hudson picking me up and bringing me back to the hostel where I'll get a shower, a hot home-cooked meal, and a bed. What a day of hiking!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-18
From: West Cornwall Rd

To: Undermountain Rd Salisbury CT
Miles today: 17.0

Just a great day for hiking. That's about all you can say. The weather was warm but not hot. There was a constant breeze. The mileage was tolerable and the trail was very hikable. So, all in all it was a wonderful day of hiking. I'm back tonight at the Bearded Woods, and the more I'm here, the more I like it. These folks, Hudson and Lou, care about hikers. I plan to stay here a couple more nights and shuttle out of this location. Tomorrow I will take a zero day and travel with Hudson to Hartford Airport to pick up my daughter Kady. I'm real excited about having the time with her to hike and enjoy her company. The area we are going to hike is one of the most scenic in all of New England. It's gonna be great!Later on . .
Date: 2014-06-20
From: Undermountain Rd Salisbury CT

To: Tent at Glen Brook Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Today was a special day! After a zero yesterday at the Bearded Woods Bunk and Dine, as well as going to the Hartford airport to get Kady (my youngest daughter), I was ready to get back to the trail. Kady is here to hike with me for 3 days and I'm excited to have her here. The weather was perfect and the hike was also. There were some real tough sections, but there were some of the most spectacular views we have had in weeks. There were also some ravine trails that featured mountain streams with waterfalls, cascades, and swimming holes ( although it was not quite hot enough to get me to jump in). The hike today was relaxed and we took a long break on top of Bear Mountain as well as lunch. Tonight we are tenting at a shelter area with a big campfire. Two other significant things happened today. While we were breaking for lunch, another thru hiker walked up. It was Handsome Dan! I had not seen him since North Carolina. That's about 1200 miles ago! We hugged, shook hands, and just about cried we were both so excited to see each other. The last time I saw him I was laying in a bed sick with Giardia and telling him to stay away. It was so, so good to see him. Then when we got to the shelter, lo and behold, Handsome Dan was at the shelter and wanted us to join him. We set up our tent right beside the shelter and had a great time eating supper together and sharing stories. Kady joined in, and the three of us had a grand time. The other thing worth noting today was that I went past the 1500 mile mark. It was special having Kady here to experience that with me. 1500 is a lot of miles, but we've still got almost 800 to go. One other thing, I made it into Massachusetts today. That makes 10 states down with 4 to go. I just gotta keep on walking!Later on . . .