morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Imp Shelter

To: Gorham, NH Motel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left Imp Camp-site, hiked 8 miles to Gorham, NH. Rex is staying at a motel, its time to do laundry, and get his package at the post office containing the next five days supply of food, also a new tent that I ordered and had sent there. He is now under 300 miles, and in 14 miles he will be in Maine. Journal entries will be only when Rex gets to a pay phone, no cell phone service for a while. Odyssa left him a birthday card on the hikers bulletin board by the trailhead today, he was surprised that she remember them talking about birthdays a few weeks ago. Elev. 3,250 ft. It rained early in the day.   Happy Birthday! (June 30th) I love you. Merlin
Date: 2005-06-29
From: Gorham, NH Motel

To: Carlo Col Shelter, Maine
Miles today: 17.0

Message on Friday, no Sprint service, he was able to call on digital roam. Rex left Gorham, NH, walked into a down pour, he had to take cover under a rock over-hang for 45 minutes because of lightening striking all around him. The trail was like a river with a strong current, and at times he had to walk through water one to two feet deep,the strorm continued for two hours, his boots are soaked again. When Rex reached the state line to Maine, there was a sign that read "Welcome to Maine, this is what life ought to be" it was raining so hard he couldn¢t take a picture of the sign, he thought to himself, yah right! He stayed that night in a shelter. Hiked 17.0 miles.According to the hikers book, Maine is the wildest, most rugged and most remote hiking on the A.T. with many steeps climbs and descents, and rivers to ford. Part of the trail will go through bogs, they have to hike on "bog logs" log walkways, because the bogs are very fragile and easily damaged by foot travel. The end is getting near.      Merlin
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Carlo Col Shelter, Maine

To: Fry Notch Shelter to Tent-site (3 days)
Miles today: 34.9

Rex left Carlo Col Shelter Thursday morning, hiked through Mahoosuc Notch, famous for ice in deep cervices year around. He had to scramble over, under, around, and between boulders, had to take his backpack off in narrows places and carry it beside him or above his head, this went on for a mile. He¢s getting a good upper body workout. He slipped on a boulder and bruised his right leg, lots of slick rock, and steep ups and downs. It was cooler hiking through there because of the ice in the crevices. Met a group of kids from Outward Bound while going through Mahoosuc Notch, they probably loved scrambling over the rocks and boulders. Hiked 9.5 miles to Speck Pond Shelter. Speck Pond is the highest body of water in Maine.   MerlinFriday, Rex had a good day, weather was a little cooler, a little hazy in the morning. He went over three balds, elev. 3,810 ft. on the highest bald. (a bald is mountain with rock or grass on the top).   Rex said Maine has been hard on him so far, he¢s battered, bruised, and scraped up pretty good, plus his boots are wet and starting to come apart. He had a message from Boomerang and Biscuit, they are about one day behind him and are planning to summit Mt. Katahdin July 20th, that¢s about the time Rex thinks he will be there also. It would be great if they could meet at Baxter State Park and all go up the mountain together, maybe Odyssa, Earlybird and some of the others hikers could wait a day or so and they could have a big celebration. Staying at Fry Notch Shelter tonight.   Hike 10.0 miles. Rex has 260 miles to go. I¢m packing my bag.   Love MerlinSaturday, hiked over Moody Mountain, it was straight up, had railings to hang on to, some steps in the rock, elev. 2,440 ft. He had to ford Sawyer and Black Brooks. Hiked 15.4 miles. Staying off trail in his tent tonight. Merlin
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Fry Notch Shelter to Tent-site (3 days)

To: Old Blue Tent-site - Harrison's Camps (5 days)
Miles today: 81.9

Sunday July 10th, Rex called this evening with lots of updates, he was at a pay phone in Monson, Maine. Last Saturday, July 2nd, he camped on Old Blue Mountain, elev. 3,600 ft. nice views from the top. Weather was clear and cool. Hiked 15.5 miles.Sunday, July 3rd, another nice day on the trail, meeting lots of south bound hikers. Spent the night at Sabbath Day Pond in his tent. Hiked 16.4 Miles.Monday July 4th, Hiked 10 easy miles. Rex called ahead to have a person pick him up at the trail head and give him a ride (9 miles) to Rangeley, Maine. He stayed at Gull Pond Lodge. Time to clean up and have a some time off until the Post Office opens tomorrow. He will pick-up the next to last food package from home. The package contains a five day supply of food, that will have to last him until the town of Monson.Tuesday, July 5th, the package was waiting for him at the Post Office. The person who gave him a ride to Rangeley, gave him a ride back to the trail head. He hiked over Saddle- back Mountain elev. 4,100 ft. it rained all day. Hiked 10.7 miles to Poplar Ridge Lean-to,   the shelter was full of south bound hikers, all excited about their big hike,( little do they know). Wednesday, July 6th, light rain most of the day. Hiked 14.5 miles to Crocker Cirque Camp-site.Thursday, July 7th, nice day for hiking , great views from the top of Bigelow Mountain elev. 4,090 ft. Rex saw his first moose today, he said, when they see you they take off so fast, there¢s not enough time to get a picture. Hiked 17.6 miles to Safford Notch Camp-site.Friday, July 8th, hiked 22.6 miles to Harrison¢s Pierce Pond Camps. Stayed in a cabin for $35.00 a night, with no electricity, the owners serve breakfast in the morning. Saw two more moose today, a mama and her calf, no photo they ran off .   Easy hiking day.I¢ll finish the rest Monday.   Merlin
Date: 2005-07-09
From: Old Blue Tent-site - Harrison's Camps (5 days)

To: Harrison's - Monson Maine
Miles today: 56.8

Saturday, July 9th, left Harrison¢s Camp after a big breakfast of three each, eggs, sausage, bacon, french-toast, and three helpings of hashbrowns. Rex had to cross the most formidable unbridged river on the A.T., the Kennebec, which means "long, quiet water" a thru-hiker drown in 1985 trying to ford the river, and many others hikers have had close calls, due to strong currents, slippery rocks and unpredictable water levels. Canoes now ferry the hikers across the river, the ferry operator had Rex help paddle. Rained most of the day, he was soaking wet by the time he made it to Bald Mountain Lean-to. Hiked 18.3 miles Sunday, July 10th, after Rex left the lean-to, he had to ford the west and east branches of the Piscataquis River. The river is normally knee deep, today it was hip deep, with a strong current due to rain the day before. The east branch is 50 ft. wide and the most tricky during heavy rains, he left his hiking boots on to walk in the water, they were soaked from rain the day before. The rest of the day he hiked over tree roots and through mud ankle deep. Hiked 23.0 miles to the town of Monson, he stayed at Shaw¢s Boarding House. Monday he will pick up the last food package from home.Monday, July 11th, Rex picked up his food package and hit the trail again. He is now in the famous "100 Mile Wilderness Walk" signs at each end of this section proclaim the area¢s remoteness and warn unprepared hikers to stay away. Rex had to ford Long Pond Stream, he fell in crossing this one, some of his things got wet in his backpack. He hiked 15.5 miles to Long Pond Stream Lean-to, unpacked to let stuff dry out. He is tenting tonight, the bugs are back.   Merlin
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Harrison's - Monson Maine

To: Carl Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Wednesday, Rex called this morning, he¢s getting more cell phone signals in the wilderness, than in the towns. He hiked 20 miles yesterday, so far he¢s on schedule for my meeting him at Katahdin on Saturday. He climbed five mountains yesterday and had to ford one river about a foot deep. This morning he had his first glimpse of Mt. Katahdin, his finial destination, he could see it from the top of White Cap Mountain, elev. 3,650 ft. Last night he stayed at Carl Newhall Lean-to.   MerlinThis is my last journal entry. The next entries will be from the hiker himself, Mr. T-Rex. All guest book and journal entries will be printed and put in an album along with Rex¢s pictures, (over 300). This has been an awesome experience. I am very proud of my husband for completing such a huge adventure. He has been on the trail for five months, hiked over 350 mountain peaks and taken over 5 million steps. I knew when I dropped him off at Springer Mountain in Georgia, that I would pick him up at Mt. Katahdin in Maine. He has the determination and will to make it happen. Rex researched this hike for two years. He read books about the trail and read journals from other hikers. He tried out different gear and trail food on our hikes out west. It was his time to go for it. There were only three times during his hike that I was truly concerned about his well being and I wanted to go and get him; when he was caught in a blizzard and was cold and wet, when he fell and hit his head on a rock, and when his leg was hurt. Not that I didn¢t worry about the rest of the trip, just not as much. Thanks to all who have followed this remarkable journey.   We love you!   Merlin
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Carl Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

Left Carl Newhall tenting area and went to Cooper Brook Falls lean-to, a total of 20.9 miles. I went over four mountain and forded one stream. Not a bad day for hiking, but the gnats have the ability to drive you insane.
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Rainbow Stream lean-to
Miles today: 27.6
Weather: moderate rain

Left the Cooper Brook Falls lean-to and went to the Rainbow Stream lean-to, a total of 27.6 miles. It was a good hiking day although it threatened rain all day. I went over one mountain and forded one stream, a rock-hopper. After that the trail was mostly flat, other than the maze of tree roots and rocks waiting to bring you to your knees. Five minutes after arriving at the shelter, the skies opened up and it rained for several hours. I've been trying to do more miles so I can meet Merlin at Katahdin Stream Campground on Friday evening.
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Rainbow Stream lean-to

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: few clouds

Went from Rainbow Stream Campground to Katahdin Stream Campground, a total of 25 miles. I'm within reach of my final destination. It is 5.2 miles from here to the summit of Mt. Katahdin, for a total of 10.4 miles round trip. I arrived at the campground at 4:30 and checked in with the Ranger at the Ranger Station. I got a site at the campground in case Merlin didn't make it in. At 6:00 she arrived, right after PJ's parents, Richard and Sue arrived. At that time I was having a cold beverage with co-hikers EarlyBird, her husband Gig, PJ, Chino and Icebound. Merlin had brought some fried chicken, potato salad, fruit, and pecan pie, so we all indulged in some great tasting food while we talked about our summit of Big K the following morning. After saying our good-byes for the evening we departed to Millinocket where Merlin had reserved a room.
Date: 2005-07-16
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

We got up at 4:00 am to get ready to go back to Baxter State Park to start my final climb. Merlin had a blow-out on the way here, so she was going to try and get the tire fixed while I was hiking. When we got back to Katahdin Stream Campground, PJ, Chino, Icebound, Early Bird, and Gig were ready to go. It looked like a perfect day; Clear skies, 60 degree temps, and a very calm wind. We started our ascent at about 6:15, and I reached the summit at about 9:20. It was an emotional conclusion for me as I touched the final white blaze located under the sign indicating the summit of Mt. Katahdin, my final destination. Gig had brought some Champagne that we all shared while we took numerous pictures and congratulated one another. I stayed on the summit for about 45 minutes before I started my descent. The rest of the group stayed on the summit to await the arrival of Richard and Sue, PJ's parents. On the way down I reflected on the trip with all of it's rewards and the toll they take on the mind and body. This wasn't a walk in the park by any stretch of the imagination, it was one hell of an endeavor. I am very thankful to God for a safe return from this journey. The people that I hiked with and the people I met, from the beginning to the end, are what made this trip a great adventure. I wish to thank everyone for their support and interest in my journey. It certainly motivated me on days that I otherwise might not have gotten out of my sleeping bag. And, one final question. Why are there so many blood sucking bugs in this world?
Date: 2005-09-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

                           AT Hiking StatsStarted hike on February 26, 2005 at Springer Mountain, GA.Completed hike on July 16, 2005 at Mt. Katahdin, Baxter State Park, ME.Lost a total of 30# on the trip14 different StatesA total of 2,175 milesTotal trip days: 14110 zero daysTotal hiking days: 131Average mileage per day: 16.6Total trip expense: $4,000.00Coldest day: 14 degreesHottest day: 93 degreesTwo pair of bootsTwo backpacksTwo sleeping padsThree different tents377 Mountain Peaks5 million foot steps82,366 White Blazes6,000 calories burned daily265 SheltersTotal elevation gained: 469,920 ft.State high points: Clingman's Dome, TN 6,643'                  Mount Rogers, VA 5,729'                  High Point, NJ 1,803'                  Bear Mountain, CT 2,320'                  Mt. Greylock, MA 3,491'                  Mt. Washington, NH 6,288'                  Mt. Katahdin, ME 5,267'
Date: 2005-02-06
To: AT - the sequel
Miles today: 0.0

So, everyone knows that the sequel is not as good as the original. So, why are we headed back out with our backpacks? Well, it's not as much a sequel as it is visiting an old friend. I am excited to meet the AT class of '05, as well as trying out the long-distance biking community. We have most of our old backpacking gear from '03. I just got my sleeping bag cleaned, and I bought a new tent. I replaced my water filter, and bought some plastic Power-Ade bottles to replace my Nalgenes. I bought some new zip-off pants, a new shirt, some SmartWool socks, and a new waterproof stuff sack to keep them all dry. I also found a pair of hiking boots that seemed to fit my feet comfortably. The prep for the bike trip is a little slower. After a lot of research, we finally bought our bikes last night. We couldn't afford true touring bikes, so we bought some nice road bikes. We got a good deal on some slightly used ones. Hopefully they'll hold up. I bought a trailer to go on the back of my bike as well. That should hold all our bike stuff. Our tentative start date is sometime in late March. We should hike up to Damascus for Trail Days, then head out to the west coast with our bikes. I am looking forward to seeing new parts of the country, and meeting new people. I look forward to the adventure, and the unknown. Thanks for following our journey.
Date: 2005-02-14
To: Buying supplies
Miles today: 0.0

Ouch! We just bought our bikes with the necessary add-ons. Much like on my ¢03 hike, the cost of equipment is adding up much faster than anticipated. There is so much to buy, and there is always more. Even with my used hiking gear, there is a lot that needs to be replaced. And, of course, the biking gear is all new. We got some good deals from the friendly folks at the Bike-n-Hike. I can¢t imagine what it would cost to buy all new equipment! I already took my new bike out twice this weekend for a test spin. I am very happy with it. Speaking of Bike-n-Hike, they have treated us well. We have been popping in and out of different bike shops for 6 months now, kicking around our idea, and looking into bikes. Bike-n-Hike was the only place that took us seriously. Most of the other bike shops would take one look at me, and suggest that I ¢buy a beginners bike first, and ride around town to make sure you really like biking¢. I suppose I can see their point. I certainly don¢t look like someone who is ready to ride my bike across the country. They also didn¢t laugh when I asked weird questions like ¢Where can I strap my sleeping bag?¢ So, I¢m not sure if they were just being polite or if they wanted to make the sale, but Bike-n-Hike actually treated us with respect. Things are falling into place. I think I have finally told everyone who needs to know about our plans. I gave six weeks notice at work, so as to make the transition easier for them. My Aunt Susie has once again offered to drive us to the trailhead at Amicalola Falls. I am happy that pretty much all of my belongings can be stored in my car (and people laughed at me for sleeping on an inflatable air mattress for the last 18 months). The biggest logistical challenge at this point will be the transition from the end of the hike (in Damascus, VA) to the beginning of the bike (in Astoria, OR). I am not sure how we¢ll swap our gear and get our bikes to Oregon. Right now it looks like our cheapest option would be to fly to Denver, then rent a car and drive our bikes out west. We are both way to anxious to leave. We still have a long six weeks to go. I find myself packing up the apartment, or doing things I shouldn¢t be thinking about yet. I bought 2 boxes of Clif Bars today (they were on sale). JoAnne has already scheduled out or days through Hiawassee. These are all things we shouldn¢t be thinking of yet, but the preparations are fun. I am just worried that I¢ll be all prepared and ready to go, then have to sit around and wait for a month before it¢s time to leave. We still don¢t have a starting date yet. My last day of work is March 18th. So, we¢ll probably leave about a week after that. Woo-hoo!
Date: 2005-02-26
To: Bike Woes
Miles today: 0.0

I bought our plane tickets to Atlanta yesterday. I don¢t know why, but that was a very difficult step. I find it hard to blindly pick a date then go with it. We should be hitting the trail on March 24th. I like that date. I am hoping that leaving on a Thursday, and leaving before April 1st, will put us in a relatively small pack of hikers. A few days ago while I was online, I came across a picture of a shelter I stayed at in ¢03. When I stayed there, it was cold and rainy and pretty miserable. Yet someone had taken this picture on a bright sunny day. It was odd to see this shelter not in the way that I remember it. It made me wonder what it¢ll be like to hike the trail again. I have so many memories of places tied to specific people, events, or weather. It is weird to think that these places exist without the memories I have tied to them. (For example, I wonder if I¢ll actually see some sunshine and views from the Smokies this time!) I also still have vague memories of specific places ¢ a road crossing, a picnic table, a bridge ¢ that I just can¢t place. They are somewhere along the trail, but I have no idea where. Then I wonder if I will hit those places again, since we are only going to Damascus. On the bike front, JoAnne had some problems with her panniers. She went for a test ride, and her feet kept kicking the panniers. We never thought that our road bikes wouldn¢t be able to support them. So she took them back, and is looking into buying a trailer. It seems a bit of a waste for us to both carry a trailer (especially with how expensive the trailers are). But it also doesn¢t seem right that one of us, even if we switch off, should carry all the weight of both of our stuff. So, I guess we still have a decision to make on that. I guess I have to sit down and make a list of what I have, and what I still need. I think I am almost set for the hike portion, but I am not sure about the bike portion. I recently bought 2 bright shirts for the bike ride. I also bought a cool cycle computer to keep track of my speed, distance, etc. I think we are going to do a few mail drops for the hike portion, so we need to buy some food and supplies for that. I was just looking through the guestbook, and I got a kick out of it. As of right now, 5 people have signed, and only 1 of them has a normal name. The rest have names like ¢Last Minute¢ and ¢Slaughter¢. That struck me as funny. What a strange world the hiking community is. Aaaarrrgh, I am ready to go now! We still have a month to go (18 working days), but I am anxious to get started. I am so excited about meeting new people, seeing new places, and trying new adventures. I am sure this next month will be filled with dreaming, planning, and anticipation. I feel very fortunate to be able to go on this trek.
Date: 2005-02-27
To: Longmont Time-Call article
Miles today: 0.0

Hey, we were in the Longmont paper today! We were on the front page of section B, right above the article "Virginia Man Named Beerdrinker of the Year". (Isn't that funny?) It was a very nice write-up about us, with a picture too. I looked pretty tired, with bags under my eyes. JoAnne told me not to worry, because after a week of hiking I wouldn't look so tired. Ironic but true. So, we're very happy with the Longmont Times-Call, and we hope this will help support our cause. I am happy with the press I have been getting lately. I am not sure how word is getting out, but we are getting lots of good feedback. On Friday afternoon, the CEO of the local (Boulder County) foodbank called me up. It happened to be on my way home, so I stopped in for a tour. It is a great facility, and it really showed me the connection between the money we are raising and how it affects people in need. He told me all the programs they had for needy people to stop by and pick up food, or the food delivery to special needs (such as after-school programs). It was a great experience, and I am really glad that Community Food Share invited me over. I assembled my backpack yesterday, and found one pretty major snag. One of the clips (that I use to attach my tent) is completely bent. I am not sure if I stored it with weight on it, or perhaps is was left on the heat vent and warped. But I don't understand how it is perfectly bent, but there's not a crack on it. So, I'll probably have to call Gregory and ask them for a replacement. It is a specific size, so I doubt I can find it in an outfitter. I told my apartment folks that I am leaving at the end of next month. So, it is all on. I was in the supermarket yesterday, and I bought something (I think it was english muffins) that expired on the day before we are scheduled to leave. That made me very excited! The time is coming soon.