morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-12
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-To

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

This journal entry is being written in a dark loft, filled to capacity with thru hikers. I know this sounds funny but we were chillin' with our long lost buddy Elf. The names out here are funny and I haven't lost site of that yet. Its like living in some fake fairytale land, no real........................ .....................................................................................................About 20 Minutes Later.....Must of passed out Man........I must be spaced out, I'll change the subject. We talked to our friend for a while and when I came upstairs for bed I let the firedoor slam and it woke everyone up, sorry. I only have one eye open so I guess I should scratch this entry. Here are the facts. We did 15.8 miles, the last 5 seriously dehydrated. I got sick and we staggered to the cabin. This cabin has a caretaker, Pete, and is located in the woods with no driveway or road. All supplies are boated in. They gave us fresh spring water and it brought us up immediately. Mileage swam and floated around in an inner tube in the pond and I opted to lay out in the hammock. Rough lives huh?! This cabin is operated on donations only and serves a free pancake breakfast at 6:00 AM every morning. Now I'm going to sleep!!!                                    PIKER
Date: 2005-08-13
To: Piker
Miles today: 0.0

Piker here, I am blown away by the support I have just been reading in our guest book. I have many journal entries to add but instead I will spend my alloted computer time responding and reflecting. Yes, Mileage and I went thru some rough times and started feeling really down on the hike. Now we are back on track and have been busting out big miles but more importantly enjoying them. We have not missed a single blaze, we have been taking in the beauty of New England, and we appreciate how lucky we are to be out here. To Micky, thank you for reminding me about the whole bull by the horns thing. Maineiac, your advice is much appreciated and we miss the hell out of you, you were one of the most important people we met out here and we love you buddy! Eagle E., Long time no see, hope your feet will recover some day, we miss you. Mom and Dad, I hope NC was great, don't worry about us so much, we love you. Cousin Matthew & Grandpa Rob thank you so much for your words of encouragement. We can't tell you how much it means to us. We hope to see you very soon or when this crazy experience is all over!! All the other guest book entrees really inspired me and when I have more time available I will respond to each and every one. I am out of time and people are waiting so goodbye for now. I willl update in the next 3 or 4 days. Thank you everyone for the most inspiring words I have ever read! We are currently on track!!! Currently on track.                                 Peace and Love,                                    PIKER
Date: 2005-08-14
From: Tom's House-Dalton MA

To: The Vortex Known as Toms house
Miles today: 0.0

We were planning on hiking out today but where quickly sucked into town by Team Sloth. Everyone was planning on going to the mall and checking out a movie and as the rain began to fall it sounded like a great idea. We went to breakfast at Ozzie's & then did a quick resupply at Cumby's. We headed back to Tom's to pack our things up and ran into Walrus. He had just walked into town and was on the hunt for Elf. We hung out with him for a while and then sat on Tom's porch and read. The day was slowly passing by and more hikers began cruising into town. We saw some people that we hadn't seen in a while, Serenity & Feelin' Free, and also met some really nice new people, The 3 blind Mice, Linus, and some others. Tom arrived home from work about 12:30 and said he would happily give us all a ride to the mall. What a nice guy. There were 12 of us so we had to make two trips. We got to the mall a bit early and had some time to chow down on some Taco Bell. Good cheap eatin'! We saw Wedding Crashers, which couldn't seem to decide whether it wanted to be a slapstick comedy or a romantic comedy, but none the less Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson are hilarious so we enjoyed it. After that we were Mallrats. Hanging around and waiting for a ride as the mall closed. I felt like I was back in high school waiting for my Mom to pick me up. We headed back to Tom's and when we got there, there were even more hikers. His backyard was officially tent city. Two of our buddies, Mr. Crickett & Litmus, had rolled in and it was great to see them. We all lounged around the porch as a huge thunderstorm rolled in & dumped rain. We were happy to be under the protection of the roof and not hiking up a mountain. We listened to Crazy Horse jamming out on the guitar and then riled the troops for a trip to the local bar, The Shamrock. We rolled in there about 9:00 and the owner, an avid Red Sox Fan (Gotta Love it!!), said that the bar would be open for about another hour. We all chatted and watched The Family Guy on the bar TV. After a couple Newcastle's and Guinesses the owner began pouring Piker some drinks on the house. A sample shot of the new Captain Morgan's, Tattoo, and a Dirty Goose on the rocks. What a nice guy!! But I think that Piker forgot the golden rule, which Counsin Matthew taught him years ago: Liquor before beer your in the clear, Beer before liquor never sicker. I think he remembered it this morning though!! We left the bar and headed back to tent city. We hung out with Crazy Horse for a bit and then hopped in the tent and were asleep as soon as our heads hit our pillows. An unexpected zero, a nice relaxing day spent in great company. Now we better get our butts back out on the trail and get movin' to VT to see my family. Can't wait to see you guys!! Love You!!                              Ms. Mileage
Date: 2005-08-16
From: Mark Noepal Lean-to

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Last night our tentsite was one of the worst to date. Super slanted, very wet and thanks to Mileage surrounded with puke. Some dude was snoring so loud in the shelter that we could hear it clearly from our tent. This section hiker lady that sounded like Mrs. Doughtfire was yapping pretty loud too. Now we are up though and the sun is shining so all is well.      Today was Mt. Greylock, a beautiful Mtn. that goes well over 3000 feet. The climb was difficult but rewarding. Up at the top we ran into Crazy Horse that had worked out the ultimate scam. There is a road to the summit so he got dropped off and is walking south down the Mtn and going back to Dalton. Tomorrow he will be dropped off a the summit again and will continue north. He will have walked the whole section completely without missing a blaze or having to climb the mtn. Not our style but a comendable motivation for our good buddy.      Up at the top there is a Lodge so we ended of having a big meal, burgers, dogs, fries and drinks. It has been a while since I fired up the old MSR stove. We had a really steep climb going down that Tom in Dalton had warned us about. He was right about that one. Mileage and I both took pretty nice falls going down. She tripped, went down and bent her wrist pretty bad. I also tripped on the steep decent and ended up running right of the trail at high speed and bailing of into leaves and laurels. You would have laughed your ass off. After we got away from the mtn the terrain went back to swamps and flower. It also leveled out a little bit.      Both of my trecking poles are broken so we decided to try and hitch a ride into Williamstown MA. There is a Leki dealer there and after a nice lady picked us up in her bling-bling Land Rover we were on our way. John, the owner of the outfitter was the man. He got right to work on some of the most beat up poles he has ever seen. He had to crack out the widener piece that was jammed in my pole and fit them with 3 new extentions of titanium. When I look at all this smashed and cracked titanium I wonder what must be going on with the bones in our feet. Now my poles are like brand new and all of this laber time and Leki stock was provided on the house. If you are in Williamstown ever stop into the Mountain Goat Outfitters for a great selection and a super friendly staff!      From there we got another hitch back to the trail from a really nice lady with a carload of kids. Great people and a very trail friendly town. We hiked about 2 miles up into the woods to the campsite. 5 more miles were on the agenda but as we got to the campsite it started to rain. We called it quits for the day and set up the tent quickly. As soon as it was up and we were in it started to downpour. We were nice and dry though, great tent. The plan is to get up at 5:45 tomorrow morning and bust out the miles to get into Bennington and meet the Steadys. We are now tented about 2 miles from the state border of Vermont, about time huh.                                    PIKER
Date: 2005-08-17
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: VT 9 to Bennington/ then Burlington 
Miles today: 16.8

The plan was to get up at 5:45 this morning so we would have a lot of time to get to VT 9 and get our hitch to Bennington. For the first time in a long time we actually got up when we planned. It was really cold again last night and Mileage and I had to cuddle for warmth. In the middle of the night I woke up and all my extremities felt frozen ......I have been hogging the computer and David needs it, I will be back in an hour to finish this entry.Thank you for your patience, I will now finish.Like I said it has been cold lately and Mileage and I have gone long enough without sleeping bags. Goodbye to ultra lightweight packs. We got moving at a really good pace and within an hour we were at the Vermont border. Mileage and I have now successfully walked to our home states and we are very proud of that. We are now in vermont which means we are hiking the long trail/appalachian trail combined for a little less than a hundred miles. The terrain became instantly muddy but it was still a nice walk.We came to a shelter and met up with Holden, he informed us that his friends that came out to hike for a week only lasted a day. This is kind of typical when friends come out and try to jump into the routine. We also met Saxy Lady who said she has been hearing about us the whole trip and was glad to finialy meet us. That kind of stuff is always great to hear. Mileage and I got motivated and busted the last 4 miles down to the road, we got settled on the side of the road and started to hitch. Nothing happened for an hour and we were starting to get frustrated when a nice couple of day hikers came out of the woods. They had a jeep parked in the lot and offered us a ride. Perfect! Soon we were in Bennington and on the phone with Micki Steady. She drove 3 hours to come and get us, thank you so much! Being back in Burlington is great. We went to Leunigs, the restaurant were Mileage and I met. David and Micki treated us to some drinks and the apps were on the house. Samantha, Mileages sister still works there and we waited for her to get off so we could go out. We all had a great time and stayed up until about 5AM. It looks like we will be here for 3 or 4 days.Talk to you soonPiker
Date: 2005-08-18
From: VT 9 to Bennington/ then Burlington 

To: Burlinton Vt
Miles today: 0.0

Last night was fun and got slightly crazy. Now that two more of my friends are in town for the night who knows what will happen. We closed down the bar last night and then went to our friend Nora's apt. Brian brought a couple of bottles, Jack Daniels kept me in bed until 2:30 this afternoon. The plan is to be back in the woods Monday night. Mileages sister Samantha will be driving us back down to the trail. Until then we will enjoy Burlington and try as hard as possible to not spent too much money. The Steadys house in Williston is our home base and it is a great place to be. Talk to you tomorrow.                                    PIKER
Date: 2005-08-20
To: Piker
Miles today: 0.0

Today I have been thinking pretty hard about the future and it can be a little bit stressfull. When we first came out to do the trail that was the furthest thing from my mind. Now as we approach the last month of hiking and the most beautiful section of the trail I find myself thinking about other things. My point is that the most important thing should be living in the now and getting as much out of this epic adventure as possible. The real world isn't going anywhere and opportunity will always be there if you are ready and willing to grab it. I am a hard worker and have always liked to see things thru till the end. I will be attempting to focus stricktly at completing these last 550 miles or whatever and not getting freaked out about stuff that wont effect me until later anyway. Speaking thru this journal lets me to relieve some of the pressure that I feel so please dont be offended by my ranting.                              Piker
Date: 2005-08-22
To: Piker
Miles today: 0.0

Well, we are heading out this morning. We had a pretty rocky situation last night but we will be trying to be much more positive. We will check in as much as possible. Thank you Steadys for taking us in this week and putting up with our drama.   Just being part of this long distance hiking community can put a lot of stress on a couple. Our plan is to move forward and to make sure that we show each other how much we love each other, and why we came out in the first place. This is a dream that can come true and I hope we can make it happen. I have a good feeing that we can.                                    Piker
Date: 2005-08-22
From: Burlinton Vt

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: clear sky

Mileage and I got out of the game again for about 4 nights. Samantha and Mike dropped us off in Benington this afternoon and had to endure the three hour tour. It went very well. On the car ride I consumed a whopper and a chicken sandwich. Mileage ate one large bagel sandwich.      We arrived at the place where we left off and all got out of the car. As we unloaded the bags a strange old man pulled up. He asded me where the National park was as the four of us stood aroud the jeep. I said that I had no idea and that he should go look at the signs. He did that and vanished into the woods for a few minutes. Our group was still talking when he came out of the woods and walked up to me. He said he needed to talk to me alone as to not offend the other three. We looked at each other and this sketchy guy. He was creepy but my curiosity led me to walk over to him, but not before I grabbed my trekking poles. The man wanted me to follow him into the woods to talk. I told him to state his buisness now. The guy looked all around and said,"I know you man, from last year." I told him he was wrong. He insisted he knew me and again wanted me to go off and talk. I told him to get lost, and after a minute he did just that. What a wierd one he was!      Mileage and I started off with a 1000foot climb. The forest was cool and refreshing. We decided to camp at the first shelter in and get a good start in the morning. The tent is currently positioned in a perfect little spot in a clearing. We have our own fire pit and privy. This pplace is abandoned, no one else is near us on the trail right now. I only hope that freak doesn't hike up for more "talking" or whatever his dark plans are.      I want to say hello to all our friends we just visited with in B town. Matt, Darren and Cat: thanks so much for the microbrews and food. Brian, Brendon and Kristen: it was fun hangin out, even at Nectors. It was also nice to see Nora, Sarah, Dana, Micheal, and all the other people I cant remember.Thanks again Micki and David for taking us in once again and taking us out as usuall. Also for the great resupply and veggie bowls. Thank you Mom and Pop Piker for sending our sleeping bags on such short notice to the trail. Thanks again Sammy for driving us out so far!                              PIKER
Date: 2005-08-23
From: Melville Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 2 back on the trail & I am trying to get my head back in the game. As always it was so great to see my family & I really did not want to leave. I feel as though I have been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster the past 6 days. We have been hiking for over 5 months now & have come so far. But we are also a bit behind schedule b/c of our lacsidasical (?) hiking style. We should have been doing 20 mile days in VA but instead we are trying to do them in VT and it is tough. It is time for us to put the pedal to the metal. We want to finish what we've started & to regain our love for the woods & hiking. There is no one I would rather be doing this with so that is making it easier for me to go on. But I am sad about being away from my family. I just miss them so much already. So my advice: Even though its tough--Forgo the home visit & just have your family visit you on the trail. AND make them promise to not offer you a ride home. Mom & Dad-If you brought the Miata we wouldn't be able to go home with you :-) Then you will not get sucked back into normal life & find it difficult to escape like I did. I love you Steady Family. Thank you for everything!!Today we had a leisurely morning. Slept great with our cuddly fleece blanket. We are back to hot breakfast again because it is so chilly in the morning. Oatmeal & we were packed up & ready to go. The day just started out beautiful. The terrain was nice & VT is awesome. It reminds me of Oregon. Lush, green, mossy, pine forests with ferns everywhere. The first 8 miles went by in no time. We stopped @ Goddard Shelter, which is being rebuilt, & sat in an open sunny spot & had mac & cheese & snickers for lunch. Took a nice hour long boots off break & were ready to climb Mt. Glastenbury. At the summit was a firetower. We climbed it, even though Piker is a little terrified. He hates heights. When we reached the top, it was worth it for the outstanding view. Above treeline in all directions. Lovely Vermont Greens Mountains everywhere. I guess that I always took VT for granted. We took tons of pictures, climbed down and headed out. The next 9 miles were much of the same. A rocky & root filled trail with nice pine forests. We got to the shelter and decided to stay. There are 2 SOBO's & 2 section hikers here, as well as an orientation group from Yale--they are LOUD! We had a yummy lasagna dinner. Thanks to Mama and Papa Mileage! We sat by the fire & then escaped to the tent when it started to rain. Big Day tomorrow. They should all be big days now until we reach K-Dog. Love & Peace                                 Ms. Mileage
Date: 2005-08-24
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Bruce Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Today was a perfect day on the trail. We were woken up by the Yale Orientation group about 7:30 AM. I guess I missed the 6:30 alarm. OOPS!! We lounged around in the tent for a while and slowly began getting ready. Oatmeal and Hot chocolate(given to us by section hikers) and we were out of campat 9:00. The day started with a small climb which we were actually excited about bicause it warmed us up. We had been cold all night with our silk liners. After that it was pretty even terrain. The morning was cool and crisp. If we weren't moving we immediatally got cold. Also today was the first day that we walked with our hats on. Fall is here. All of our humid summer days are distant memories.      We were cruisin along and 3.6 miles in walked upon a cooler. Trail magic. A sobo told us it was coming but we didn't know that it would be so sweet. We opened the cooler to find a 12 rack of bud, mountain dew, and pepsi- all on ice and a tupperwhere container with a whole bag of chips ahoy, crackers, snickers, m&M's, ramen and liptons. What a treat. We were all smiles. We threw our bags down and dugin. We drank the mtn dews and opted to forgo the beer seeing as we were about to hike stratton mtn. and it was 10;30 am. The sugar rush got us right up stratton. It is the highest peak that the at hits in vt @ 3936. It was beautiful, vermont is still reminding me alot of Oregon. Pines, moss, and mud. We did a lot of slipping and sliding today. When we reached the summit we climbed up the firetower and for the second day in a row saw a magnificent view. We took tons of pictures and headed off because it was cold up there and misting. We stopped for lunch at stratton pond, what a beautiful spot. Another day of hot lunch. It gives us so much energy when we are consistantly doing big mile days. A nice hour long break and we were back on the trail at 3'30. The next 8 miles just flew by. The terrain was easy, little ups and downs but mostly ridge style walking thru dense forest. We were at the next shelter at 5'07. We were phyched. Just 3 miles to go. We also had no idea that we had a flat .9 mile road walk ahead of us. That made the 3 miles quick too and even after one small break we were at our final destination by 6:07. We are definitely getting our trail legs back.      We met some nice section hikers tonight from NH who told us how wonderful the white mtns are and we should be very exited. Frankly, we can not wait. It just makes us realize the exiting things that we still have in front of us. the mornings are tough for me but once I get going the beauty of the trail and spending the day with Piker make me appriciate what we are doing. There is no way we will not stick this hike out. Someday soon I know I will be wishing I was out here. I hope that I am becoming a little more aware of what we are doing and how special it really is. Off to read and hopefully a warm nights sleep . Bromley tomorrow.                                 Ms. Mileage
Date: 2005-08-25
From: Bruce Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Peru Peak shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The last few days have been exactally what I always hoped for in a thru hike. Big mile days that are enjoyable with beautiful terrain and company. Each day we climb a new Mountain and the schenery is better than ever.      Today we broke camp at 9:00 and were hiking an hour later. A little later than I like but thats how it is when you travel with "The Mileage". 3 miles in we hit VT\30, where we caught a hitch into Manchester Center. Very nice guy, maybe a tad bit strange, but OK. Mileage instantly fell in love with the town and wanted to move there. We resupplied at Price Chopper and bought books at the Northshire book store. Known in Wing#!?* to be the best bookshop on trail. After our smart purchases we wher right back on the road hitching again. 5 minutes later we were being driven back up the mountains by a really nic guy eating a juicy BIG N TASTY burger from Burger King. He put his lunch on hold to help us out, isnt that special!      The cycle continues. We get dropped off with super heavy resupplied packs and have to climb two big mountains. It was great however. The trail was really steep and blanketed with moss. Dark, cold air blows on your face and slits of light dance thru the trees. You get a good pace going and fall into a rythm. Our rythm was 3 miles per hour the whole way to the shelter up and over Bromley mountain, Styles peak, and the big daddy, Peru Peak. I now remember that climbing these mountains is much better than walking across farmland.      We are now set up on a warped tent platform set to the side of Peru Peak shelter. A Vermont shelter care taker came and we had to fork out ten bucks. I just hope that money gets used for something that has to do with the trail. We are camped with Flightus, CherryBomb, Tofoo and Hopefull Hiker. This is a very friendly crew.                              PIKER