morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec
Miles today: 17.8

Happy birthday, Aunt Helen and Dad M!Trying to be considerate, I moved my pack and gear to the outer room last evening, out of the sleeping quarters. I am usually up by 6:30 and didn't want to disturb others. But sleeping in the other room was Rooney Tunes! Not a bad choice. That leather couch undoubtedly was softer than our wooden bunks. Hope I didn't disturb him too much. We headed out of Delaware Water Gap in fog. The first 30 minutes was spent walking alongside I-80 until we came to an underpass allowing us to re-enter the woods in NEW JERSEY! It's amazing to think we've walked this far. It's almost intimidating to realize we still have just under 900 miles to go. It's not over yet.Good hiking today. Hot, sunny, a bit buggy, somewhat rocky ... but good. I'm still reeling from the Lehigh Gap climb so every difficulty now encountered on the trail is measured against that. Since then the trail has been a snap! Attitude is everything.We had the full spectrum of contrasts in the woods through which we passed. What started as lovely park-worthy forest turned into straggly, overgrown, rocky woods as we reached the upper ridges of these smallish mountains. It was an okay walk, not too physically demanding, but a weed-whipper needs to be put to use up there. The high grass increases the chances of picking up ticks, and hides the rocks, which then increases the risk of taking a tumble. Ursa Minor did again today. Her knee is bruised a bit but it's not too bad I think, least not in comparison to a couple of other tumbles she's taken.This high, hot, rocky terrain is prime environment for snakes; we saw none. Tomorrow we cross Rattlesnake Mountain, which purportedly lives up to its name. We will be wary.A full mile's walk brought us into this YMCA camp. There are two lowly looking shelters for hikers. Ursa Minor and I are in one; SOBO Mike is in the other. We have lakeside property tonight! We were entertained by the dawdling presence of a beaver who allowed me to approach within six feet for a picture.The kitchen staff has invited us to breakfast, which they'll be serving to the girls in church camp, but we have to eat outside. Hey, beggars can't be choosy. Just feed us, we don't care where we sit.We've yogi'd a 10:30 a.m. ride one mile back to the trailhead. A fellow section hiker, Hank (from a couple weeks ago), asked us to phone him when close. He lives near the AT and has offered us his hospitality (and a meal!) for a night. Tomorrow -- 5:00 p.m. -- Culver's Gap -- he'll meet us. It means a short 10-mile hiking day. We're very much looking forward to seeing him again.So we've completed still another day of hiking. Each morning I feel it's a long, never-ending impossible task to hike 15-20 miles for 8-10 hours a day. Each evening I shake my head in disbelief that we can do and actually have done just that, over and over, day after day, for 15 weeks. As I told Ursa Minor today: "If I weren't doing this, I would never believe I was doing this!" (Think about it ) Goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-21
From: Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec

To: Home of Hank and Laura - Culver's Gap, NJ
Miles today: 10.6

Southbound section-hiker Mike peppered us with questions last night, and we asked him about today¢s hike. He forewarned us about Rattlesnake Mountain. Aside from the obvious namesake danger, he told us there was a scary hand-over-hand slab ascent. Needless to say, this loomed over us the entire four miles and two hours it took to hike to it. Sorry, Mike, but we're both laughing with relief; it was just another rocky climb, stairs-stepsy, and very short. Although we saw no rattlesnakes, others spotted several; that piece of info was accurate. The trail was not spectacular albeit there were a couple scenic areas through which we walked. Our day was to have started at 7 a.m. with a free breakfast consisting of the leftovers from the girls' camp menu. I was at the door at 7:00. "Not ready yet, come back at 7:40." But when I returned to our little shelter I could feel the sun starting to beat down already. Ursa Minor and I mutually agreed to head out earlier than necessary to avoid the heat. We skipped the breakfast, walked the mile out instead of waiting for our 10:30 ride and were on the trail at 9:00. This brought us to Culver's Gap at 2:30. Happy Hour, 3:00-6:00, at Gyp's Tavern, seemed like a super way to spend a couple hours waiting for Hank.Five o'clock sharp he showed up. It truly was great to see him again. I so enjoyed his presence on the trail and had been looking forward to the reunion. The rain started to fall as we drove up to his doorway but Laura's sunshine smile welcomed us in for the night. A shower, laundry, a magnificent meal, and of course, heart-warming conversation filled the evening. And now, night's slumber in his three-season screened-in patio room is the next best thing to being in the woods! We are very blessed to have met you Hank, Laura, Adrienne and Butch, and our gratitude to you for your hospitality is sincere and immense. Day 109 is ended in peace and happiness.
Date: 2004-07-23
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: haze

In our usual manner we beat everyone out of camp this morning. It always feels good to get our day started early, as we never know what the trail has in store for us. Today: not much about which to cheer. Humidity, heat, and lots of bugs filled the morning hours. The horseflies were such a nuisance I threw fashion to the wind, using my red kerchief and my purple sun visor as a makeshift turban. Someone tell me why mosquitoes buzz the ears, black bugs land in the eyes, and horseflies take up residence in the hair?! It would be much more efficient if they all had preference for the upper arm; then I could get them all with one huge slap!We detoured one mile into Unionville for a maildrop. As feared, there were no dehydrated trail meals in there for Ursa Minor. So we made a stop at a small grocery. Unfortunately, there was nowhere to resupply fuel for her stove so she got cold meal items. Then we moved over to the Back Track Inn for lunch to hold us over into the evening, and hopefully get something "to-go" for our evening meal. We waited out a pretty good rainshower and two hours later we left town with full packs and tummies.I was in a foul mood. The heat and bugs had made me irritable and now the wet conditions simply angered me.The absolute worst part of today was learning Ursa Minor has a toothache, a bad toothache. About a week into the hike a molar broke in half. Now a nerve must be exposed because she's in pain. It appears the first opportunity to see a dentist will be in Kent, CT, a week from now. Until then, she'll simply try to deaden the pain with Melaleuca oil. So far it's doing the job pretty well. I feel so badly for her. It seems as though one ache and pain starts fading and something else materializes. It's frustrating for both of us; she gets upset with herself and I feel helpless.But the hike goes on. Five more miles brought us to the shelter. The air is still and the bugs are driving me batty. So there's no question I'm tenting. We might get rained on but I prefer the cooler night air coming through my tent to the warmer stilted air in the three-sided shelter. In residence are Mountain Squid, SOBO Craig, and Zipcode. We've a lovely level spot for our tents. Let the rain come; perhaps it will make tomorrow's hike more comfortable.
Date: 2004-07-24
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Happy Birthday April!Knowing it was going to be a low-mileage day, we were in no rush to pack up. I can't say I slept in because I was awake at my usual 5:50. Mountain Squid and Craig departed about 8:00; we were gone by 8:30. Zipcode remained in his tent until we were gone.The trail gave us a bit of everything today: meadow, boardwalk, roadwalk, a 1000-foot mountain climb, vistas, swampy bogs, pasture, and now more woods. The shelter is nice but the water source seems questionable. Instead of a clear mountain stream we gathered water from a running creek coming from a pond. We are trusting our filter!The rain fell intermittently during the night but we didn't have to pack up in rain. Humidity was lower, air was cooler, and although the horseflies were still a nuisance, they were much less an irritant than yesterday. Tonight the mosquitoes are pestering us, but I've got protection from them while in my tent. Until then the Avon Skin So Soft is keeping them at bay.Sal and his beautiful horse just paid us a visit. He told us that last December this area was opened to bear hunters. Within a two-mile radius there were 90 bear taken. Because of the decreased numbers and the re-education of the bears (don't mess with humans), the problems are much less this year. That is good news for us!Our sightings of wildlife are few and far between lately. On occasion we'll see deer, but mostly our animal viewing enjoyment is watching chipmunks and squirrels, and being startled by snakes.As we sit here waiting for the sun to set so we can go to bed, we are hearing plane traffic, car traffic, and lawn mowers, reminding us we truly aren't very distanced from civilization. Rumor has it we won't be again until we hit the border of Vermont/Massachusetts. Speaking of state borders: tomorrow it's "goodbye New Jersey, hello New York". Ten weeks remain to the conclusion of this adventure. Am I learning anything? Am I making any changes in my attitudes about life and living? Am I growing in my spirituality? Am I becoming a wiser, more tolerant, more insightful person? Guess I'll have to wait until I get home and let others answer those questions for me.For now I need to concentrate on the task at hand. Only 827 miles remaining, but the final 500 will be some of the toughest hiking we've encountered. To stay healthy and focused, positive and determined is my job. So far so good! Smiles and goodnight.
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Home of John and Susan - Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 17.0

Ursa Minor and Swan ~~ first ones out of camp, per routine. The day was another warm, humid, and buggy event. But it was brightened by the checking off of another state. We entered New York mid-morning with the usual whoops and hollers of celebration. On a boulder was painted a white box and the letters "SL". Assuming that was the official state line, we snapped the requisite photos. Fifty feet further we saw "NJ/NY" painted on a boulder. We realized then that the first indicator was a marking of the State Line Trail. Naturally, we had to repeat the whoops, hollers, and photo shoots. Just before we crossed into New York, I spotted a large black bear. New Jersey is notorious for its large bear population; I saw one -- my one and only New Jersey bear -- just in time!The AT stayed on the ridge a good share of the day, giving us our first glimpse of the Hudson River. After a few hours of boulder hopping (which I enjoy immensely but Ursa Minor hates), we landed at Wildcat Shelter. Unfortunately, it was only 2 p.m. Even though we had hiked 12 miles, we determined to shoot for more. Ursa Minor has learned how difficult it is for me to sit still. A road to Arden was another 10 miles. Worst scenario, we would do a record 22 miles; but we hoped for a campsite prior to that.Momma's Boy and Keytone leapfrogged with us often during the day, each time thinking they'd be pulling out ahead and we'd not be seeing each other again. So each time it was "goodbye, happy trails, take care, stay safe".I was on another energy boost and gained half an hour on Ursa Minor. At the top of one short but beastly climb at Fitzgerald Falls, I asked some dayhikers about the terrain to Arden Road. The response was we'd get to the ridge and stay on flat ground all the way, another hour and a half. One would think by now I'd learn not to ask; the answers are never correct! Four miles further I reached West Mombasha Road and still had found no suitable spot to pitch our tents. But Momma's Boy and Keytone were there refilling water bottles from a trail magic water supply. I followed suit and then spotted the most wonderful, magical sight ... a note reading "Need a place to stay, some food? Phone John and Susan at __________". Momma's Boy had a cellphone, Ursa Minor caught up, and 10 minutes later we were in a vehicle enroute to soft beds, showers and a home-cooked meal.What delightful, warm, generous people John and Susan are. The evening meal was tailor-made for Swan: grilled eggplant, rice and beans, green beans, corn-on-the-cob, and chardonnay. I was in Seventh Heaven!On the downside, Ursa Minor's toothache has been getting worse. Tomorrow morning John will attempt to contact a local dentist who might be able to put in a temporary filling. If a morning appointment is possible and all goes well, we should be able to return to the trail and do nine miles to the next shelter before day's end. Life is always a day-to-day experience, full of surprises and decisions; the AT is no different.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: Home of John and Susan

To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.9

Bad news - Good news.Ursa Minor's dental appointment wasn't until 2:45. John slackpacked us five miles and what a fine five miles to slackpack! I counted five major rock-scrambling ups and downs in those five miles.Report on Ursa Minor's tooth: infection, thus no temporary filling. Ursa Minor refused the necessary root canal until she can get finances in order to cover the expense. Bottom line; we're here for a second night. Not a bad place to be! I was able to catch up with some e-mail and view my guest book on this site. Wow! Thank you one and all. The birthday greetings and other greetings are incredibly heart-warming. At the conclusion of this journey I shall respond properly. For now, simply know how very much I appreciate your correspondence. After I dry my misty eyes I'm left with a joyful heart and huge smiles. You will never know how touched I am by your words of love and support. Thank you and God's blessings to all!Back to the scenario at hand: Ursa Minor has an infection, is going to be taking some very expensive antibiotics and pain killer meds for a week, and will get a root canal in Kent, CT next week on our planned zero day -- we hope. Meanwhile, we've ended today's mileage at 4.9 and we'll be slackpacking another 18.6 into Bear Mountain State Park and Fort Montgomery tomorrow. Thanks John!Tonight's cuisine: chicken tacos, bean and cheese enchiladas, Mexican rice and salsa, Ursa Minor style. We figured the least we could do is cook for our beautiful host and hostess this evening. Halfway through the meal the phone rang: Ski Bum, Michael and Nitro would welcome a place to stay for the night. The silly kids have hiked those five miles with the five rocky climbs and serious descents in the dark. There are supper leftovers and we are thrilled to have them join us.Susan has in her library "The Red Tent", the book I started at 501 Shelter as I waited out the rain. I'm excited to be able to finish the novel this evening.Sunday, the day I bounded so far ahead of Ursa Minor, she met Borden Powers and family as she was crossing a road and they were parking their car. He asked if she needed a place to stay, but I was too far ahead so she couldn't accept the offer. In the course of the conversation she apologized for speaking so funny as she had a Q-tip with Melaleuca oil on her aching tooth. They then offered up a prayer for healing for her, and with loving thoughts, best wishes, and words of gratitude, they parted ways.Today as we exited onto East Mombasha Road after our five-mile slack, we found Borden waiting for us. He was very concerned about Ursa Minor's tooth, had found a dentist who would see her, and came out to find us, hoping we'd be passing by soon. We were, but by now had an appointment set and had everything under control. As he told me who he was and why he was there, I wept. I was overwhelmed by a stranger's caring and efforts to assist us.Amazing people are put in our path with regularity. With such continuous proof of God's presence and love, how can we, and why do we have any fears?
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Bear Mountain Bridge Motel

To: Campsite at Dennytown Road
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Departure was delayed by 1) post office hours, and 2) Ursa Minor's need to confirm a dental appointment in Kent, CT, a call which could not be made until 9:00. Doug, owner of the motel, gave us a lift back to Bear Mountain Inn, about a quarter-mile backtrack of yesterday's ended hike. Phone call was made, good mornings said to Rooster and Ski Bum as they headed to breakfast, a visit with hiker Dave Mueller, and we were headed northward yet again. The official trail passes through the wildlife museum and zoo, but when the zoo is closed, the AT bypasses the exhibits. We chose not to linger another 40 minutes to await the 10:00 opening and headed to Bear Mountain Bridge, crossing the Hudson River. It was difficult to be so close to New York City and my daughter and not be able to see her. But that's how the chips fell, so I waved to her and kept on trucking.Par for the course, the trek back into the woods was a major climb. At the top Dave told us that the hill was named Anthony's Nose, adding, "it's a nose I hope never to see again!".Although we would have enjoyed stopping at Graymoor Friary Monastery (5:30 AYCE home-cooked supper) 6.3 miles and three hours into our hike, we thought it prudent to keep moving. Our intended goal was Dennytown Road where .6 mile off the trail was to be found a group campsite. After crossing the road I found an abundant supply of raspberries and indulged myself while waiting for Ursa Minor to pop out of the woods. As we refilled our water bottles from a spigot on a small building, a smallish white turkey dashed by. It stayed relatively close by, ducking in some overgrowth where it must have thought it was out of sight as it let me walk close and right past.Dreading the thought of a .6-mile road walk, I walked a little further up the trail and was delighted to find a lovely pine needle floor camping area. So we've set up our home for the night and are ready to eat. Four young hikers from NYC just stopped by asking if we'd seen a white turkey. They are attempting to catch it for their evening meal! That bird had better find a better hiding spot!!
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Campsite at Dennytown Road

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

Hurrah! We were all packed up ready to go, jogged back to the spigot for today's water supply and there sat the white gobbler, atop an information board, proud and cocky, mocking any and all hungry hikers. I congratulated it on its survival; it gobbled back a response, jumped down and walked away. If nothing else, it started my day with a smile and a giggle.We are never 100% certain where we will end our day. Several factors are involved: terrain, weather, energy level, and quality of shelter and water source. Today it was shelter quality. This is a 20' x 30' building with built-in bunks and a water pump close by. It surely beats a "designated campsite" which we may or may not find in the next five or six miles. So here we are after a shorter mileage day. The tents are set up to dry and unless a downpour begins we will use them tonight. The evening air is cooler outside than in the shelter, and the tenting puts a barrier between the bugs and us. Joining us this evening are Nitro and Michael, and Duke (formerly Jester). They all stayed at Graymoor last night. This morning a gentleman trail angel arrived and offered to slackpack them 20 miles. They and their packs have been reunited, the trail angel gave them a lift to a nearby store, and we sat around until dark enjoying tales as told by Duke.The medication is working for Ursa Minor. Her tooth pain has been minimized, a shared relief. A root canal has been scheduled for Monday morning; we are to be picked up by a life-long friend of hers in Kent on Sunday. I hope to find internet access to order some new shoes. I know I won't find wide-width New Balance in a store so world-wide-web might be my best and/or only option. Arch support in these 800's is nil and I'm starting to feel ankle stress again. In addition I'm contemplating how I might be able to drop more pack weight. I love my Mystery Ranch but I know the harness design adds weight. Perhaps I'll check out the Golite bags again and choose one to carry for the remainder of my hike. The impending White Mountains in New Hampshire and Maine are hanging over me, instilling what I hope are misplaced fears through my entire being.But these are not thoughts with which I want to end a great day. What follows is much more positive and reassuring.Upon his arrival today, Michael handed Ursa Minor and me an envelope saying someone by the name of Borden was searching for us at Graymoor. The note was a picture of Katahdin and a poem written by Borden. I enclose his writing to complete this journal entry.                                 HIS WOODS His woods are ever calling meTo tunnels long and greenTo misty dawns on crystal lakes,Swelled torrents seldom seen.Laughing streams come tumbling down,Trees shout leafed applauseRocks chorus adorationWith scarce a single pause.Mountains bask in evening glowFrom blue to gray in endless spanSuch majesty! My soul exults.His gift. His glorious land.His woods are ever calling meTo pleasures not yet seen.His woods are ever calling me To treasures beyond dream.            Borden Powers              Summer 2003
Date: 2004-07-30
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

I love my tent! It's large enough that I can lie kitty-corner in it when I'm on a slope, as I am doing at the moment. In camp tonight are Chris and Elly and Kurt, Luna and Logan, and two hikers who have just arrived quite a while after dark.Getting on the trail early in the morning has the benefit of making a longer mileage day seem short. Naturally we were first out of camp this morning. I usually awaken first, do all my personal morning chores as quietly as possible. When done I start stuffing my sleeping bag and Thermarest into the respective stuff sacks. This usually awakens Ursa Minor, serving as a pretty effective alarm clock. The good news is she can't hit a snooze button. She's such a great sport. Bottom line: we were heading north by 7 a.m. today. Even with the hour-long lunch break at Morgan Stewart Shelter, we had our tents set and supper prepared by 5:00 tonight.I sat outside my tent writing until it was no longer possible to see my scribbles. Now I write by headlamp. Some persistent tiny black gnats have found their way in and are buzzing the light. That's not all bad; time to turn it off and get some sleep anyway.The day was fine, a little warmish, a little buggy, but all very tolerable. We were granted a couple views into the New York valley below. A tree with two perfect ¢sitting¢ branches was simply too delightful to ignore, so I shimmied up for a short sit-down (and pictures of course). Part of the walk took us around Nuclear Lake. We were glad the lake wasn't mentioned as a water source; with a name like Nuclear, we probably would have gone thirsty! The water source here is pretty wimpy but we managed to dip out enough for supper and tomorrow, so all is well in our world. 'Nite.