morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Fahnestock trail

To: morgan stewart shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Temperatures have been mild with nightly degrees in the high 40's or low 50's. The last few days have been sunny and breezy sometimes even chilly under the forest canopy.Tonight I did something I have not done in a while. I made a campfire, drawing in the other hikers for conversation. There were six of us; three thru hikers, myself, flick, walking cowboy, and three section hikers. We made the section hikers sit over on the smoky side of the campfire.The section hikers, all clean, freshly shaven, and eager to learn wanted to know what constitutes a "thru-hiker"?This question prompted us to develop the THRU-HIKER TEN COMMANDMENTS:1. Thou shall not yellow blaze2. Thou shall not take the easier blue blaze trail around the hard rock climb.3. Thou shall not string a series of section hikes together and call thyself a thru hiker.4. Thou shall not (if a male) kiss another male hiker full on the lips. (if it is two women then that is ok)5. Thou shall not use hair care products of any kind.6. Thou shall not use perfumes, colognes, or deodorants.7. Thou shall not trim thy beard.8. Thou shall not use the term "ew gross" under any circumstances.9. Thou shall not use the phrases "excuse me" or "pardon me" when farting or pissing whenever and where ever thy chooses to do so.and most importantly,10. Thou shall not have sex with any animals of which with thy is unfamiliar. (They put that one for my benefit.)
Date: 2007-07-03
From: morgan stewart shelter

To: ten mile hill
Miles today: 20.0

Today's hike took me past beautiful nuclear lake. (see photo) The area was once used for processing radioactive materials.There was an old county ordinance, still on the books but not enforced, that all thru-hikers had to take a dip in the lake before entering any of the nearby towns. It was thought that nothing could kill tics, mites, lice or body odor faster than a good radiation bath.Also worth noting is that I crossed over into Connecticut; nine states down and five to go.Tomorrow is the fourth of July. I don't know about the rest of you but I plan to light up two books of matches. The first, one at a time, then the entire second book for the grande finale.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: ten mile hill

To: kent
Miles today: 10.0

Steady rain and a mail drop pushed me into the small, perfect town of Kent. The entire community appears freshly painted and well manicured. Perfection, for the thru-hiker, comes at a high price. In a town dependent on tourism and rich retirees the thru-hiker is tolerated.The area boasts such celebrities as actor Kevin Bacon, Lynn Redgrave, Joyce Brothers, and Henry Kissinger.I search in vain for just one downtrodden, homeless individual with whom I can relate. I would love to stay longer as I am in possession of a high limit credit card but I have noticed the townspeople gathering in small groups and pointing in my direction.I must return to the woods from whence I came.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: kent

To: kent
Miles today: 0.0

How is it that some people are so open, so giving, so trusting? I was all set to hike into another day of torrential rains when I and one other hiker were invited into the beautiful home of "The Macs and Cheese."Cheese is the trail name of their only daughter. She is a pretty cheerleader, fifteen years old, eager to drive, and full of life. I have someone like that at home and I ache to see her again, to hug her, and to tell her to stop driving my car.The trail forces you into the wilderness but it also brings you into the lives of others. You walk into small towns, their neighborhoods, their backyards. It is usually they who initiate conversation, open their hearts, and offer compassion. The memory of such people makes you a better man.Tomorrow when I am alone on the trail I will hike with a warmth in my heart. It was put there by these wonderful people.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: kent

To: pine swamp brook
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Found a mouse in my pack. Cute little fellow (see photo); thought it was only fair, since he ate some of my nuts, that I play with him for a while.The trail spent a lot of time along the Housatonic River (see photo) then it seemed to take a wrong turn and I ended up in South America, Panama I think. Sweltering hot, humid and mosquito infested.My body is covered with 100% deet but I am not sure it works when you sweat buckets then walk in the rain. It is a proven carcinogen however so I may get some value out of the stuff later in life.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: pine swamp brook

To: Plateau campsite
Miles today: 15.0

When you hike the AT in Virginia you are never far from the sound of a motorcycle, in Pennsylvania... a large pile of rocks, in New Jersey... a bear, in New York...a deli and in Connecticut...a celebrity.I went into Salisbury for resupply and am sure I saw Whoppi Goldberg drive by. Now I know what you are thinking, "whoppee" right?I also met a doctor while I was in town. Nice conversation at first, then we discussed my heart condition. He spent 30 minutes giving me stern warning , saying the body reaches a point where it breaks down. He said he has seen way too many emaciated hikers at this phase of the trail.I appreciated the advice, told him _uck you very much and have a nice day.BUTI admit he did scare me a little. I may opt for a few more unplanned zeros when I reach Vermont.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Plateau campsite

To: Glen Brook Leanto
Miles today: 14.0

I entered Massachusetts today and what an entrance it was. The trail goes back up near 3000 feet and follows the crest of Race Mountain for quite a distance. It was so hot I stopped to cool off in the Sage Ravine Brook. (see photo)There was a posting on a tree warning of an agressive bear in the area which may have to be "harvested".For those of you unfamiliar with that term let me say that if someone tells you that you are about to be "harvested",...well it is time to haul ass.Here, let's use it in a sentence. "The russian mafia likes to harvest eye witnesses."I also heard through the grapevine that one of my favorite hikers, Yorkie, has lyme disease. I hope he is back on the trail soon.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Glen Brook Leanto

To: Mt wilcox shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It is hot, african hot. I can not recall a time in my life when I have been this wet, constantly.It has rained for three days now so when the sun does come out it is very humid.I did have an educational day however, though not a real fun one.Two young section hikers taught me some valuable skills this evening.I learned the art of snot rocketry. It is a science actually, involves just the right amount of pressure applied to one nostril followed by a forceful discharge. Skilled technicians can launch a goober six feet or more. My attempts thus far always result in a soft landing on my knee thanks to filament of phlegm.I also learned how to make a pot pipe out of an apple. The genius of this is when you later get the munchies you can destroy the evidence by eating the pipe.And adults say our youth are not learning marketable skills in school.My parents used to say the same of me when I was young and look at me now. I am 50 years old, have no job, and I live in the woods, so there...put that in your apple and smoke it.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Mt wilcox shelter

To: Tyringham
Miles today: 9.0

Moss covered trees, surrounded by acres of fern, frogs, salamanders, (see photo), beaver dams, stagnant water everywhere, and billions of bugs. I had no idea that Massachusetts was such a steamy swampland during the summer months.The humidity is oppressive, the insects relentless. I had my first taste of dehydration and heat sickness. It took me the better part of the day to go 9 miles. My pack is saturated, not from the rain but from my own sweat. I had to take refuge in a nearby B&B. It is the first time this entire journey that i am not looking forward to re-entering the forest.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Tyringham

To: upper goose pond cabin
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

I am still feeling undernourished and exhausted. I had decided that another short day was in order and I am so happy I did.I made my way to upper goose pond cabin and was reunited with great company. Flick, Waffle, and Yard Sale are here as well. We roasted hot dogs, marshmallows, and grill cheese sandwiches. This evening a cold front moved through the area; dew points fell and cool camping conditions are restored, at least for now.Tomorrow I will do 20 miles again.
Date: 2007-07-12
From: upper goose pond cabin

To: Dalton
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

The gator has got his mojo back. At first I thought perhaps I had lyme disease but with the return of cooler temperatures and a good breakfast I am moving like the gator of old.I came across a large porcupine (see photos) less than 2 feet from the trail. He stopped just long enough to pose for a picture then scampered up a tree.A short time later I startled a black bear sitting smack dab in the middle of the trail. That makes twelve sightings in four different states. Must be some sort of a record; let's just tell everyone that the gator has seen more bears than any other hiker in the history of the AT. Leave it at that.Tonight I am staying in the house of a most generous man by the name of Tom Levardi. His house is full of the wild and wanton, including the likes of Waffle, Yard Sale, and Flick among others. It has been almost as many laughs as "The Doyle".One last word before I go, I have had an impossible time in some of these small towns getting photos put on a CD in order that they can be uploaded so please be patient, having to send to my wife. Have great photos going back to June 28th.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Dalton

To: Dalton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I need to begin this entry with a major "thank you" to so many old and new friends who have suddenly appeared and reappeared into my life thanks to this adventure.I am totally overwhelmed by the discovery and attention by wonderful people such as my neighbor Bob, Bud Quandel, Tommy Rocco, Rene Napier, and so many, many more. I fully intend to properly thank all of you when time allows.ALL of the guest book comments have been my inspiration for continuing.That is correct, even the negative, nasty, illiterate, unimaginative, comments, many of which my loving wife has hastily erased (some I have asked her to leave alone) have only inspired me toward victory.My hope and dream is to be able to summit Katahdin, then without so much as a word from me, you unsupportive bench warmers who spend all your days on "white blaze.net" will feel a certain discomfort right up your ass.Can you feel it coming? I may be getting cocky now that I am almost in Vermont but I think even you losers are beginning to believe this old heart diseased, diabetic, gator just might go the distance.Can you feel it losers? Well can you?
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Dalton

To: Summits of Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 17.0

Today's hike is dedicated to one of my all time favorite employees, Candi, who just got married. I hope you and Joe have a great life together.Have you ever had one of your mates leave the back door ajar so you could sneak into the movie theater, or maybe you hopped the fence to a nearby rock concert? Well I had this great idea to camp atop Mt. Greylock. I convinced Flick and Stretch that since the Bascom Lodge and Observation tower were closed we would have the entire summit to ourselves in spite of the off-limits signage. On the way up I swayed Appy and Pappy, Mike and Richie, Quartz and Shorts...before I was done selling I had a party of 12 hikers. We all met at the top, cooked dinner, passed a bottle of Tequila, and rolled a few funny cigarettes. We settled in for a ruckus night of stories and laughter, then the local rent-a-cop showed up.I made the mistake of putting my hands on him in attempted familiarity, to which he took offense. We were then all exiled off the mountain under threat of arrest.Several of the hikers mumbled it was the last time they would listen to gatorgump.
Date: 2007-07-15
From: Summits of Mt. Greylock

To: just beyond State Road
Miles today: 7.3

Heavy rain and humidity today. I'm very hungry and have been losing weight again. Here's another poem lamenting my lack of food;Too much hunger, too much pain.Too many reasons, not to do this again.Livin' without food, too much to bear.When we're together, you don't share.Too much food, I've never seen.Too much food, I don't know what it means.Not enough gorp, too many flies.I know you have some, no more lies.Got no reason, for hangin' aroun'.All my posessions, are weighin' me down.But too much food, I've never known,Too much food, I've never seen,Too much food, I don't know what it means.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: just beyond State Road

To: Harmon Hill
Miles today: 15.0

When you live in Florida, the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine seem as distant lands. Today I walked into Vermont and climbed its fabled green mountains.We camped up high, built a fire, and just like our dark skinned brothers of old we passed the pipe of peace. We celebrated our progress and spoke of the important issues of the day. We talked of the encroachment of the white man upon our trail lands and of the scarcity of big game. The conversation, and the pipe, moved around the ring of fire. Politics, music, who was the best guitar player of all time, when will you zero again, were all subjects of deep discussion. But most importantly we talked of masturbation. Who does it and how often. Being the elder statesmen, all eyes looked toward me. "Well I think about doing it", I said, "but it doesn't always work out the way I want it to." That seemed to draw universal confusion amongst my "20 something" audience."Ok, let me put it this way", I clarified, "have you ever tried to shoot pool with a rope?""Ahhhh", some smiled inward, some giggled openly, but all shuddered with the anticipation of life's cruelty.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Harmon Hill

To: Kid gore shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

I left the state of Mosquitochusettes and entered the state of Vermud.Vermont's green mountains are thick with Birch, Beech and Spruce. The forrest is a dense emerald canopy, letting in very little light even on a sunny day.The trail is a river of mud. When it rains, and it rains here often, the deep sodden soil is unavoidable. It oozes over the top of your boots, saturating your socks with black sludge.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Kid gore shelter

To: Stratton pond shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

It started to rain at about 3am and did not stop for ten hours. We had no choice but to hike in it. Even in July it is a cold rain. I had tented with the beave, flick, and the wolfe. You do your best to keep things dry but when it rains that long and that hard everything gets wet. Our tents are covered with grime, our boots thick with mud, and our packs soak up water like a sponge.I slipped three feet down an incline, my feet hit bottom and my momentum carried me and my water-logged pack forward where i landed face down in thick sludge. When i arrived at the shelter it was crowded with hikers seeking refuge from the storm. They all took one look at me and burst out laughing. I told them all to stay out of my way, i was in the mood to kill.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Stratton pond shelter

To: Manchester center
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

It is pouring rain...again.There is a 6 week horse show in this town (who the hell can watch horses for 6 weeks?) and I had reserved the last room in town. The only problem was that there were five of us, all encased in mud.Four hid around the corner while I obtained the room key. It was unavoidable, no one can trash a motel room faster than five wet, slimey, hikers.Packs, tents, boots, and dirty clothes were spread everywhere when the knock on the door came.The owner was foreign, Polish I think, with broken English. "How many you got here?", he said.I had my head in the door crack, blocking his vision of the destruction behind me."You said on the phone that I and my wife could sleep here for the same rate", I replied."Let me see your wife", he demanded on his tiptoes trying in vain to see over my head."Well to be honest with you", I lied, "I am here with my gay lover." "You're not anti homosexual are you?"I opened the door just wide enough for him to see "the beave" in his underwear.The ruse did not last long as he staked out my room and nabbed the whole lot of us with beer and snacks in hand. I ended up paying extra plus a cleaning fee.LESSON 20 Future thru hikers. My appologies but if you re-supply in Manchester Center you may not want to stay at the Toll Road Inn, might not get the warm welcome you were hoping for.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Manchester center

To: Big branch stream
Miles today: 16.5

The rain held off for most of the day. It was overcast but a pleasant hike. Flick, the Beave, and I celebrated our climb up Bromley mountain, which is the summit of a local ski slope. Flick displayed an excellent sense of balance atop a 4X4 post in the center of Bromley tower, with his moon shining brightly.We also climbed Baker peak this same day. The views reminded us that we are once again back in some real mountains. The day ended perfectly with dinner on a boulder in the middle of the Big Branch River. (see photo)
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Big branch stream

To: Clarendon shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

It is said that God gives you the face you are born with but you earn the one you die with. What the hell have i done to deserve this? I did find a nice hat on the trail which makes me look rather fetching....don't you think?Last night mice chewed right through my tent while i slept soundly. It had to be an entire family because they ate a full bag of gorp; every chocolate covered raisin, peanut, and cashew in the bag. They also ate two whole bagels and s*** on the rest, making them unedible. They must have crawled all over my comatose body.Today's hike and weather were spectacular. I went past a beautiful mountain pond, (photo) waterfalls, a gorge, and a rock cairn garden deep in the pine forest. (Photo) Flick already had the fire going by the time i arrived.Our evening seance was interrupted by a loud-mouthed southbounder bragging of his 27 mile day."Did you take the side trail to the top of Killinton?", I asked."No time", he snickered."Figures", I said, "you don't get it do you nimrod?""My name's not nimrod"."It is now", said Flick, everyone laughed. "Dude, we don't care how many miles you did, what we want to know is how many waterfalls have you danced under?""Or how many ponds have you swam in...naked?", chimed in Chocolate bandito."Or how many snakes have you caught?", offered the beave.We all vowed never again to do a 20 mile day.
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Clarendon shelter

To: Sherburne pass
Miles today: 16.4

I spoke to several northbound and southbound hikers on the way up to Killington peak. Not a single one took the side trail "straight up" to the summit. Flick and I took the "trail less traveled and it has made all the difference".We then hiked to the "Inn at Long Trail". It is the very first ski lodge built in Vermont, dating back to 1938. Perfectly ensconced within the knotty pine structure is McGrath's Irish pub. Upon entering, this cozy libations dispensary wraps around you like a warm blanket. Other hikers were there also and we all quaffed "Long trail ale". (see photos)I have been hiking with Flick for over three weeks now and of all my companions thus far he is my favorite. He is an untethered spirit and is as likely to pull up next to a waterfall for three days as he is to hike. He is only half my age but has taught me much about taking the time to enjoy the splendor of this verdant path.I have hiked with many different personalities, from Barking Spider, Crazy Bear, Yorkie, Walking Cowboy, Gorilla, Sandwich, The dude, and Flick. I have known them briefly but enjoyed them immensely.
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Sherburne pass

To: Kent pond
Miles today: 4.2

I have been asked, by other hikers, would I ever hike the AT again as many others have done?The answer is always an unhesitating "no".Not because it has been too hard or unenjoyable; it has been just the opposite.It is because I believe in living in the moment, not trying to recreate it.Flick and I were hiking along the trail as it bordered Kent Lake. At one point we turned a corner and looked up at an expansive freshly cut lawn to the rear balcony of the Mountain Meadows Lodge. Should we? We have only come four miles, it is still morning.There is something wrong here, something very much akin to the Twilight Zone.It is as close to perfection as a place could be. In addition to an excellent room, for a most reasonable fare, the lodge also has a hot tub, canoes, kayaks, volleyball net, horseshoes, pool, bar, pool table, free internet, large screen television and a library.Every room has the feel of home; comfortable and warm. The owners treat us like family. On the rear patio six sheep, one duck, a pony, two goats and a very personable pot bellied pig are waiting to be fed. The pig's name is Alice and she rubs her wet snout on your leg as a way of saying hello.We kayaked out to an island, bringing beer and music with us. Upon our return the owner inquired if cold beers, grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, homemade potato salad and watermelon would be adequate sustenance for dinner. Breakfast and dinner are included in the low price of the room.Flick and I can't stop giggling.We have entered the twilight zone, the devils triangle. In my slumber I can hear Rod Serling's warning tone of voice..."Something is amiss at The Mountain Meadows Lodge, hikers enter but they never leave".
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Kent pond

To: Kent Pond
Miles today: 0.0

Help, I've fallen and I can't get up. Prepared meals vs spam, clean sheets vs pine needles, dry vs wet, clean vs muddy, and beer vs water. I must dig deep; pull myself from this quicksand of comfort and bliss.This afternoon I took Flick "to school" in a kayak race across the lake with a "come from behind" victory. I'm certain his version of the competition might be different. I believe I have pulled a muscle in my shoulder.Upon returning, I sat in the sauna then took a nap; that's when the twilight zone began again.I woke at 6pm and have searched every room at this lodge. Exterior doors and windows are all wide open, as is their custom here, but I am the only person in the entire facility. No maid, no front desk attendant, no cook in the kitchen, no animals, no owner anywhere; it's all kind of unsettling.
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Kent Pond

To: Wintturi shelter
Miles today: 16.0

I don't know why but I tired quickly today, must be the humidity. I departed the lodge early, leaving Flick and Golden Boy behind. I decided to tent around 4pm, my plan working to perfection, a quick dinner, some reading, then a long sleep. That is until the "chatter boxes" showed up.Fifteen high school girls and their counselors. I might as well try sleeping in the center of a shopping mall. I plan to make soooo much noise when I leave early in the morning! Dammit gator, if I have told you once, I have told you a hundred times dont tent near shelters!!It is 4am. I woke to the sound of a rustling noise in my tent. Mice are turning it into swiss cheese, five holes now. All I did was eat a pop tart in bed. I had to squeeze down into the foot of my tent while attempting to usher them out the front. As one went toward the opening the other climbed up my back. I cursed so loud I woke the entire group.