morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Stratford Pond Shelter

To: Peru Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tuesday, August 15. All is well but email and cell service are almost non existant. As I write this I am hiding in my tent about 527 miles or 36 hiking days from Katahdin. I am in central vermont in a real Green Mountain wilderness. Bugs are the only problem of the day.For a change nothing is wrong. Weather is cool, I am feeling fine and trail is good. I hope to be finishing on or about September 27th.It feels good to be doing 15+ miles per day again.I will check in when I can!I know why ererything is so much better. I am back in the wilderness. In the mountains! Away from cars, traffic and road noise. It is sometimes days between road crossings. This is great!Today was a long day. With the shelters spaced strangely apart it was necessary to cover 21 miles to go far enough and still have a place to sleep. We made it to Peru Shelter and tented to avoid the mosquito barrage.
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Peru Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchy Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wednesday, Aug 16 Another 21 miles over magnificent hils. Jo Cro and I couldn¢t help but be captivated by the beauty that is Vermont. We got to camp just before dark and stayed in the shelter. The woods are so thick that it is difficult to fine a place to pitch a tent. We both have stayed in more shelters in Vermont than the entire rest of the trip.
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Killington Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 4.0

Friday a near0 day for us.¢only four miles. We do a resupply in Killington. We stay at the Inn at Long Trail. After our errands and mail drop visits, we go to dinner. This time my appetite was surpassed by JO CRO who actually ate more than me. I only had a couple of beers and Shephards Pie. We listened to great Irish music. A good time was had by all. Early to bed as our journey continues. This entry is coming directly from my Blackberry because computer and cell service have been soooooo bad in the Green Mountains of Verde Mont!I have been hiking w/ Jo Cro all week and enjoying his company and pace. I suspect he is a few years older than my 29 youthful years, his beard is a bit more blond than mine!It has0been his 0bad influnce that has turned me into a shelter bum. I have only slept in my tent 1X sinse seeing the family last week.S
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Killington Inn at Long Trail

To: Lookout Cabin
Miles today: 15.0

We got started a little late wanting to avail ourselves of the great breakfast served at the Inn. But then we took off again into the hilly landscape of Vermont. Stomping through muddy trails and tripping over tangles of tree roots we end up in Lookout cabin. A fine 15 mile day.
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Lookout Cabin

To: Thistle HIll Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunday, Aug 20,2006 The weather has turned a bit putting a damper on things both literally and figuratively. But our spirits are still soaring and we travel 15 miles to Thistle Hill Shelter to spend what we hope is our last night in Vermont.
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Thistle HIll Shelter

To: Moose Mt Shelter
Miles today: 22.0

Monday, Aug 21   Finally hike into New Hampshire, the next to the last state where the another labor of Hank presents itself in the image of the Whites. We celebrate our arrival by stopping in Hanover for lunch at the Brick and Brew. We devoured four pepperoni pizzas with accompanying beverages during our one hour layover. We socialized a bit with No Pliers and Chuck Buster also hanging our for a bit. We cover 22 miles and counting..
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Moose Mt Shelter

To: Fire Warden Cabin
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tuesday Aug 22 Fire Warden CabinGreat day as we climb Smart Mountain, one of the steepest mountains on the trail. Of course the day was dampened by the flurry of thunder storms. Jo Crow and I, still hiking together, arrive at Fire Warden Cabin where we camped out and avoided the rain. We were the only ones at the shelter, an extra added component
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Fire Warden Cabin

To: Glen Cliff
Miles today: 20.0

Great day hiking as we covered 20 miles. We stayed in the hiker hostel with lots of other folks. Could get laundry done and batteries recharged. This place is surely a sign of what is to come. No telephone services but they had high speed internet. We met lots of SOBOS and I couldn¢t help thinking about what we have accomplished and what they will be experiencing. I am glad I am nearing the end but can appreciate their enthusiasm. My enthusiasm tonight is stuffing down pizza, 6 helpings of ice cream and four sodas.
Date: 2006-08-27
From: North Woodstock

To: Garfield Campsite
Miles today: 10.0

Perhaps this qualifies as another labor of Hank. We hike 10 miles along the top of Franconia Ridge with vistas of the finest scenery. But Mother Nature decides to deny us the treat as violent rains and 70 mile winds barrage us with all the weapons in their arsenal. We make it to Garfield Campsite and hide in our tents thinking about Mount Washington only 30 miles away. I do hope the weather improves so Jo Cro can experience the beauty that is New England.While these mountains provide such aesthetic wonders they challenge us both physicalyl and mentally, testing our endurance
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Garfield Campsite

To: Pinkham, NH
Miles today: 44.0

Jo Cro and I are hiding in gorham, NH having completed Mt.Washington and the biggest part of the infamous white mountains.We left Garfield and did 12 miles to Ethan Pond on Monday, then another 12 miles to Nauman Tentsite Tuesday. I speak w/ my wife Joan who informs 0me that my beloved sister-in-law Terry O'Donnell has died unexpectedly while on vacation with her familt in Cape Cod. Tom, terry's husband tells me that he would prefer that I not leave the trail to return for Terry's memorial service. Both he and Terry have been very supportive and want me to finish the trip. Leaving the trail could jepordize completion. After long discussions with my wife, daughters, in laws and trail companions the decision is made. To continue on the trail. I will conduct a private memorial on Saturday.After the news of Terry my day on wednesday over the top of Mt. Washington and the presidential range with 100 mile views is somber. Another 12 miles to Madison springs hut where I get to stay in exchange for helping the AMC Croo with morning chores. The Madison Hut is crowded with non thru hikers the food is good and the shelter from thebcold and wind is much appreciated. Thursday Jo Cro and I hike 8 miled to Pinkham notch and hitch into a motel in Gorham, NH to resupply. Saturday we return to the trail to do another 37 miles to Maine and then 281 miles to Katahdin.The list of people getting off the trail continues to grow as does the injured hiker list. I will spare their names save my favorite 4 time thru hiker Kutsa who sends me a message that she left the trail. Kutsa as you will recall was one of my first hiking partners and taught me more about thru hiking than the other 5 months on the trail.Meanwhile, I have caught up with Old Drum, Sexy Monk, Puffy Nipples and Chettos, Egg shell and #2.Tomorrow Jo Cro and I head back into the woods to finish our challenge in the whites. Tonight we sleep well.Meanwhile cell and internet is VERY difficult updates to the journal will be too...
Date: 2006-09-03
From: South Carter

To: Rattle River Intersection
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: fog

Sunday In the morning we had rain and 35 mph winds as we decended to the Rattle River intersection with the Androscoggin river. Tonight we sleep for the second time in the hikers paradise hotel. Tomorrow we head back out into the remains of a Noreaster to begin the conquest of the Mahoosuc Mountains.
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Rattle River Intersection

To: Maine
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

On our way to Maine. Only 16 miles to reach our final state. The next bunch of miles promises to keep us challenged. There seems to be no rest for the weary as our mental and physical endurance continues to be challenged. I guess these are just some more of the labors of hank. so many of them entail battling with Mother Nature. Next entry from Maine, I hope.All is well!
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Just short of the Maine Border

To: Five miles into Maine
Miles today: 10.0

MADE IT TO MAINE AT 12;00 NOON. SLOW, SLOWER, SLOWEST. WE FEEL LIKE TURTLES. BUT REMEMBER SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE. MADE IT FIVE MILES INTO MAINE. EXACT MILES AND CAMPSITE TO BE ADDED LATER. THOUGHT YOU ALL WOULD WANT TO KNOW THE NEWS.
Date: 2006-09-09
From: South Arm Road near Andover, Maine

To: Maine 17
Miles today: 13.0

Saturday, Sept 9 We decide to slack pack because we could, and we think slackpacking will help get us moving along, The views and vistas are magnificent. We pass Mooselookmeguntic Lake. I could actually see where my family and I vacationed 20 years ago. A moment of fond memories poured forth. Whe we reached our destination, we got picked up on Maine 17 and got shuttled back to the Cabin. This place is just what the trail doctor ordered-¢tlc on the trail. This is the perfect perscription for beaten down hikers as the Maine terrain is neither tender or loving. Thanks Bear and Honey for the great spaghetti dinner.
Date: 2006-09-10
From: Maine 17

To: Piazza Rock Leanto
Miles today: 15.0

We hit the trail early for more abuse by the Southern Maine version of the AT. The trip today qualifies well as a labor of Hank.. Steep bedrock climbs and steeper slippery decents obstructed the trail. I am holding onto trees to not fall and have swung from more trees than Tarzan. But persevered we did as we pounded out 15 miles in 12 hours. We camped at the Piazza Rock Leanto, thankful that we had no major mishaps.
Date: 2006-09-11
From: Piazza Rock Leanto

To: Poplar Ridge
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

From Piazza Leanto to Poplar Ridge 13 mileswM 11 up and over the Saddlebacks and the Horn. 4000 foot treeless peaks remind me why I am here! How spiritual the journey is when you can see Mount Katadin. Spectacular views and no the end is in sight both literally and figuratively. These spectacular views invite deliberation about the aesthetic beauty that is ours if we take the time to be in the moment. It also is a time to remember 5 years ago and say a silent prayer for those whose lives were needlessly and tragically taken.However, can¢t stay too long in sweet contemplation and reverie as the tough and slippery slopes force careful attention to the physical challenges. We only could do 13 miles today as the climbs and descents were tricky. We camp near Poplar Ridge.
Date: 2006-09-12
From: Poplar Ridge

To: North Crocker Mt
Miles today: 14.0

Tuesday Sept 12 To North CrockerWe break the 200 miles to go mark today. Yes , it¢s looking good to finish within two weeks. Another tough day,though, to add to the collection of challenges. Gee when will Mother Nature give us a break!!! We hike all day in bad weather above the tree line. Great view of the clouds by looking down over them. I guess you can say I have seen both sides now. You can also say that my humor hasn¢t changed much in these many months. We manage 14 miles and decide to stealth camp at North Crocker MountainT.
Date: 2006-09-13
From: North Crocker Mt

To: Avery Peak
Miles today: 12.0

Sept 13 To Avery Peak¢12 miles Wednesday, we take a short break for a resupply as we hitch a ride into Stratton. I had a mail drop waiting and we did need some supplies. Might as well take advantage of the opportunitiy to have a second breakfast as long as it is available.   I eat a second good breakfast of 4 eggs, hash browns, corned beef and hash, 4 pieces of toast and then head to the grocery for some snacks. In spite of 2+ hour resupply we hike 12 miles and sleep near Avery peak ( 4000+ feet. It is cold and raining..
Date: 2006-09-14
From: Avery Peak

To: West Carry Pond Leanto
Miles today: 16.0

Thursday, Sept 14 West Carry Pond leanto WE CROSS THE 2,000 MILE MARKER.It is hard to believe that I have walked, hiked, crawled, swung, swam, waded¢you name it . Two thousand miles and counting. We still don¢t qualify as a 2,000 miler until as Wingfoot explains, ¢until we have completed the entire trail and have hiked every mile between its termini. But for now, just knowing that Springer is more than 2,000 miles behind us is unreal!!!We do go about 16 today miles today as we go over the last of the S, Maine high peaks the Bigelows. Hope to pick up speed. These exposed slippery bedrocks are dragging us down. 16 miles. Not bad. We have caught up w Sleepy the A *rab, Lone Wolf. Cha cha, and Willow. It is still great to reconnect with the fellow thru hikers.
Date: 2006-09-15
From: West Carry Pond Leanto

To: Pleasant Pond Leanto
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Friday , September 15. What a an exciting change in the challenges of Hank. We ferry by canoe across the most dangerous river crossing of the trip. No problem and actually great change of pace.. A quick resupply w Steve who owns Rivers and Trails and also runs the ferry. We do 19 miles. Feels like the good old days in the Shenendoahs where 19 miles was the rule not the exception. I am lying in my tent at Pleasant Pond being serenaded by Loons. All is as it should be. Good night!
Date: 2006-09-17
From: Pleasant Pond Leanto

To: Monson
Miles today: 32.0
Weather: few clouds

Well we covered 16 miles a day on Saturday and Sunday and arrived in Monson, Me.I have caught up with lots of trailmates here as we all begin our final segment of the adventure. Ranger Dawg, Model T, and others are hanging out and planning the next 8-12 days. We all have a different itinerary schedules in mind, but all with the same goal. It's to Mt K or .....I am still hiking with JOCRO who will hike the 100 miles and summit Mt K with me. I have a special task to complete there that I will explain upon completion.We plan to leave MOnday morning and finish in about 8 days if lucky.There will probably be little opportunity for updates because of the lack of cell phone service. So until then, wish me well and I will be sharing the final days of this incredible journey with you when I become an official 2,000 mile thru hiker.Until then...
Date: 2006-09-18
From: Monson

To: Long Pond Stream Lean to
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: clear sky

Update--high on a mountain I found some cell service so here is a brief update. WE caught up w 42,Dirt Diva, and Compass Rose. We are moving along and managed to pass Model T, Ranger Dog, and Snickers.These 14 mmiles were tough going. Truely a wilderness trail with NO maintenance! Counting the days w exactly 100 miles to Katahdin to go. I really do have such mixed feelings for so many reasons.Joy for completion of a goal. Sorrow for the completion of a goal!Looking forward to returning to civilization, but have real regret for leaving the simple life where each day begins with the simple decision to go north "The AT will not be won by weaklings, subtle, suave and mild. But by men with hearts of Vikings, and the simple faith of a child."Robert Service quote
Date: 2006-09-22
From: Long Pond Stream Lean to

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Thursday night and only 35 miles until we are our of the hundred miles woods. We plan to reach Abol Bridge on Saturday. Jo Cro and I are really pushing it now. We did 21 miles today and are bushed Hope to summit on Monday if mother nature does not interfere. But if there is snow we also know there is always tomorrow...Hope to be home on Tuesday
Date: 2006-09-23
From: Abol Bridge

To: MT K herself
Miles today: 20.0

OUT OF THE WOODS!!! The weather is awful. I am waiting for my family to arrive to spend the night with them in a bed in a dry place. Hope to be up early in the morning and hike through Baxter. Pray for fine weather on Monday. I am ready for the final labor of Hank.
Date: 2006-09-24
From: MT K herself

To: Baxter Peak
Miles today: 10.0

Today I hiked with my Grandson Ethan, son-in-law Mark and Jo. We hiked the last 10 miles into Baxter State Park and Katahdin Stream Campground and tonight I am 5 miles from the end of the trip. (10 miles roundtrip from the end of the trip.) The last night of this AT adventure. I have been a bit quiet, reflective and even teary eyed as this adventrue comes to an end. I still have not imagined the completion. It is difficult to imagine not being on the trail because so much has happened in the last almost 6 months and the transition to civilization is now difficult to imagine. But for now, I am focused, tomorrow we have a 4,000 foot climb and descent. I will check in when that is done. Wish me luck and say a prayer to the mountain gods that the weather will cooperate as well.5 miles to go!
Date: 2006-09-25
From: Baxter Peak

To: Home
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, It is almost over. I have finished the hike, (see photo attached)Mark my sone-in-law, Ethan my grandson, David my Boy Scout and Jo and I hiked together for the day. WE are now back in our cabins getting ready to cook our clebratory Lobster dinner! All is right in the world.Unlike some of my fellow hikers who are still confused about what it all means, I have a clear picture and understanding of what 6 months in the woods hiking everyday is all about. It is about a promise to a 14 year old boy and his father, a promise to best friend and a brother and sister-in-law, it is about living deliberately, simply, each day faced with only one decision. Go NORTH or NOT!Thank you to all who helped make this adventure a reality, I will post more later this week but for now, THANK YOU!And now, dinner calls, lobsters wait, and my family will wait no more.
Date: 2006-10-03
From: Home

To: Epilogue
Miles today: 0.0

EpilogueIt is now 8 days since my summit climb of Mt. Katahdin. The entire hike all 2,175.6 miles feels very surreal. I have relatively smoothly transitioned back into the work a day world. I am not sleeping very well yet ¢ the bed is too soft. I am trying very hard to not eat 4-6,000 calories each day and I really miss Snickers bars! I am online for hours a day rather than just a few minutes a week. I have already begun my next teaching assignment and am now communicating with students around the world. I will head out over seas again in just a few more days and expect to be in Oman, Egypt, Mexico and Colombia between now and December. Did I really just spend 6 months hiking the AT or was it just a dream?The aches and pains are diminishing, the beard is gone, the bruises and cuts and scrapes from my occasional falls are healing and the scars are a bit less visible but my memory is clear and rock steady and sure.I have posted additional pictures of the trip heretofore unavailable. Consider checking out the photo album.There are way too many people to thank in this journal but I do want to share this one special Thank you!Man is born to die,His works are short-lived.Buildings crumble,Monuments decay,Wealth vanishes.But Katahdin in all its glory,Forever shall remainThe MountainOfThe People of Maine.Thank you to the people of Maine for sharing their Mountain with us ALL!I am not sure what will happen next but I am certain that although this adventure is over the impact on my life will continue to ripple onward and outward for a very long time. I expect that in time I will write more, explore more and share more about this trip. Until then thank you for reading my journal. and here is a link you can read from my local newspaper.....http://www.thefreemansjournal.com/ThisWeek.html Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for supporting me throughout my hike.I hope to see you on the trail some day.Catskill Eagle Aka Hank
Date: 2006-03-04
To: NORTH BOUND
Miles today: 0.0

AT HISTORY FOR FAMILY & FRIENDSThe Appalachian Trail (AT) is a continuously marked footpath in the Appalachian Mountains that spans 14 states in the eastern U.S. Its northern terminus is Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Its southern terminus is Springer Mountain in Georgia. The AT is the most popular hiking trail in the world. The trail is approximately 2,174.6 miles. I am excited to start in the south since I have not hiked there before and going north will be heading towards my New Hampshire home!
Date: 2006-03-04
To: 65 POUND PACK WEIGHT
Miles today: 0.0

65 pounds thats how much my pack would weigh if I took those suggestions of friends on what to carry. Items that were suggested but never made it to my pack:RifleHammerRambo KnifeBB/paintball gunGPSSling shotTazerMace/pepper sprayCell phoneThank-you all for your suggestions!!! I leave friday March 10 to stay the night at the hiker hostel and look forward to hiking my way home on March 11.Tip for the day: ~ Don't play leap frog with Unicorns ~
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Hiker Hostel (the eve of my journey)

To: Hawk shelter 
Miles today: 0.0

We arrived safely into Atlanta today, then got on the "Marta" train forabout 45 minutes. We were picked up by "Josh" and brought to the hiker Hostel....the weather today was 75 degrees. We will be starting hiking tomorrow and our plan is to make it to Hawk shelter for tomorrow night.
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Hawk shelter 

To: Neels Gap 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

3/11/06 Hiked up Springer Mtn. Great day. We have met some wonderful people. The weather has been so nice. Picked up my stone to carry along my journey and hopefully drop it off in Maine!!! 3/12/06. Hiked up Sassafrass Mountain...it sure kicked our butt!!! what a hike!!! We are slowly getting used to carrying these packs!! 3/13/06 Neels Gap - We have hiked 30.5 miles so far. Today we hiked up Blood Mountain. Although this mountain is higher in elevation than Sassafrass, I found it a much easier hike. It was the downhill that was a killer on the knees. Today we saw many small birds...I was told by the locals that they are called Eastern Phoebe. The name comes from the way they sound "phoebe" Enjoying the people. Have found out that a few of the people we have met so far have already dropped out from injuries or from "not what they thought it was going to be"Thanks to everyone for your love and support.~Cindy
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Neels Gap 

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 41.1
Weather: clear sky

Another wonderful day on the trail. Staying at the Low Gap Shelter. I have hiked 41.1 miles!!!! Today saw a purple butterfly and a fire red bug (not sure what kind... the same size as an ant, but with more legs). Glad it wasn't in my sleeping bag! Have met some great people out here. We have been meeting up with some of the same people at night. Moss (real name). We call him RAMBO because the first time I saw him he had this huge knife on him!!! but it sure came in handy to cut cheese!! His uncle John is out hiking with him for the next few weeks. They are both really nice. We also met two nice people called Hal and Lou they have been slack packing the last few days and we hope to meet up with them in the next several days!!
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.0

Hiked to the Cheese Factory Camp Site. We built our first fire. Was cold during the night. Sean camped there with us...he is from the Florida area and is getting a taste of the cold!!!!! ANIMALS IDENTIFIED ON THE TRAIL:Saw my first deer today!!! Small Doe (NO DAD I DIDN'T SHOOT IT!!!)Got a photo of it....the photos will be downloaded at a later date!!