morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-14
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Bennington, Vt.
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: clear sky

Had trouble sleeping last night due to the discomfort of my chafing problem. First time I've seriously considered quitting the trail. Headed into Bennington to consider my options. They are very helpful at Nature's Closet, the outfitter in town, and alex got me the number of a dermatologist where I luckily got an appointment for this afternoon. The problem seems to be getting worse . One remedy would be not hiking for awhile but I don't really have a place to do that on the cheap unless I hitch back to Dalton and stay with Tom or at the Birdcage.On the sign-in form at the doctor's office, I put "Appalachian Trail" for employer and "Hiker" for occupation. Turns out I have a skin infection instead of just a bad case of chafing. Got some ointment for the problem and the doctor (who is a maintainer of a side trail in Vermont) didn't say no hiking but I think it would be better if I got off the trail for a few days to mend. I have hiked through some pain before but I don't know if this is going to get better on the trail. I wasn't able to hike big miles anyway, so instead of doing 6 miles a day for the next week and being miserable, I'm taking time off.Ma Hollywood offered to pick me up tomorrow so I'll be recouping in Ligonier, Pa. for a few days. Thanks Mom! An added benefit to this plan is that I will get to see Lisa! She is driving up from Pa. this weekend. AS far as accomodations in Bennington go, I strongly recommend you stay at the Kirkside Motor Lodge. Very hiker-friendly and actually gave me the price quoted in the Companion. Avoid the Autumn Inn at all costs! Very run down and dirty.
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Bennington, Vt.

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

AFter a week off the trail to heal (a "zeek" I believe people are gving Tu Tone credit for this term) it felt good to be back on the trail. Though after 8 hours of driving back to Bennington, I didn't get on the trail until 4.30 p.m. The Red Cross provides shuttles (they charged me $2). Call for me more info. I was fairly ambitious for such a late start and ended up tenting in a nice campsite about 1 mile south of the shelter. No water source so I conserved water and had snacks for dinner. It is dark by 8 pm now which shortens my hiking day. My headlamp is held together by duct tape and I haven't wanted to nighthike in awhile. Hoping to do a big day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up and hiked to Goddard Shelter for bfast. Five section hikers were there (one gave me some dried fruit - thanks) and I filled up my water at the nice spring. Also a very nice privy at this location. A couple miles before Story Spring Shelter, I caught up to Tu Tone (who is from Greensburg, Pa and Snake Eyes who I last say in Shenandoah). Very cool to see him and more thru-hikers were at the shelter - Daniel, Pixie, Danger and Two Step. We all headed to STratton Pondfor the night about 11 miles north. STratton Pond shelter is a fee site and the Green Mtn club chargest $5 per hiker for those staying at the shelter or tenting area. A caretaker came by after dark to collect.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Mad Tom Notch
Miles today: 16.1

Up and at 'em early today- everyone was cooking bfast by 6.30 a.m. Most of the crew hadn't slept in a shelter in a long time (Snake Eyes claimed since Virginia) and everyone had difficulty sleeping. My earplugs really help in shelters. Everyone was also eager to get into Manchester Center. They hadn't all had a zeek like me and most hadn't slept in a real bed in some time. Walked w/Tu Tone for the last couple and just as we arrived, a truck stopped to pick up Daniel, who was hitching on the other side of the road, and we had our ride in. I hit Manchester Pizza House, The Mountain Goat, EMS and the post office. Got a new headlamp, a replacement catridge for my water filter and a fuel canister (only #4 for the hike). Ran into a few more hikers who I hadn't seen since Virginia: Tomato Gravy, Alice and Torin. I picked up a package at the PO on my way out of town. Thanks for a great maildrop, Mom! I had my thumb out for not even three seconds when a nice couple from Mass. stopped to pick me up. Back on the trail by 3.30 p.m. I didn't have it in me to hike another 10 miles as I had planned so I called it a day just before the climb up Styles Peak begins. My new headlamp rocks ! The rest of the crew stayed in Manchester so Im' not sure if I'll see them again or not.
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: moderate rain

It rained for most of the day. Called it a day at Gov. Clement Shelter. I do not recommend staying here though! It is very trashed out and there is a sofa rotting next to the shelter. And an animal (larger than a mouse - I'm guessing a possum) occupies the shelter. I didn't bother him and he didn't bother me. However the shelter does have a good roof. It rained most of the night and not a drop on me.
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A big climb in a misty rain up Killington to start the day. Didn't bother heading to the summit since it was so foggy. Supoosedly great views on a clear day. Went into Killington for lunch and resupply. Pretty good selection at the Deli, the country store nearby didn't have much. I've been eating more than usual - maybe because of the cooler conditions. It def. doesn't feel like August here in VT. Had a refreshing .75 shower at Gifford Woods STate Park. Pulled into Ston Brook Shelter right at 8 p.m. Fireman, JOhn Peterson and one other hiker were there.
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Thistle Hill shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Today's section was all up and down like the Rollercoaster in NOrthern Virginia only much steeper and tougher. I haven't used maps since VA and the companion only lists road crossings for much of this section so I had no idea what I was in for. Got a late start too waiting for the rain to clear. Still hiked in soggy, very smelly shoes and socks for 20+ miles. Fish, Minnow, Mayor Turtle and a section hiker named Sawyer were at the shelter. Arrived at dark again. Need to get earlier starts if I want to do 20 miles days.
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Thistle Hill shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

It felt great to cross into NH today. It felt even better to pick up a maildrop from Lisa in West Hartford, VT. New shoes (and socks)! I couldn't wait to throw out my old ones, though they had served me well since Front Royal, VA. Thanks, Lisa for a terrific maildrop! And thanks to Antonio, too. Also got a replacement piece for my trekking pole from REI so I have matching poles again. I had been using a stick since NJ. Got a burger and some celebratory beers at 5 Olde Nugget aAlley, one of the three best taverns on teh trail according to Baltimore Jack. I tented on the outskirts of town in an area designated for hikers to use right off the trail. A skunk paid me a visit around 3 a.m. to remind me that even though one is "urban camping" one should hang his food back (even though nearly empty). Luckily he didn't spray me but he tried to get into my tent from three directions before deciding it wasn't worth the effort and moseyed off. What is it with me and the skunks?
Date: 2006-08-31
From: Hanover, NH

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: few clouds

Huge day today! Got a 7'oclock start. Oh, 7 p.m. I hung out in Hanover all day: emailing, eating and reading. Got a book for the trail since it gets dark so early now and usually I can't go to sleep at 8 p.m. Death in the Audes by Mario Vargas Llosa. A peruvian writer. Pretty good so far. Fish and Minnow are here at the shelter. Now planning 2 big days to the hostel and Glencliff. And then begin the White Mountains! As much as I am looking foward to the Whites and Maine, I really wish I was finished hiking in some ways. Baltimore Jack predicted an Oct 2-5 finish for me based on my pace through VT (not counting my week off the trail of course.)
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Firewarden's Cabin
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: moderate rain

A long, tough day. Nice views from Moose Mtn and Holt's Ledge. Saw a couple of groups of Dartmouth Outing Club members. Ended the day with a ridiculous 2,400 foot climb up to the Smarts Mtn summitt. Cold and windy night. Set up my tent just south of the summit.
Date: 2006-09-02
From: Firewarden's Cabin

To: Glencliff, N.H.
Miles today: 20.0

Rained for the part of the day today but the hiking wasn't as bad as yesterday. Interesting hostel. It is in a great location but the facilities are very rustic - even by hostel standards. Caught at $2.50 shuttle to a convenience for resupply. Everything at the hostel is an itemized charge - even the shower. The wind really picked up during the night and it started raining near dawn. Not looking like a nice day to summit Moosilanke tomorrow.
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Glencliff, N.H.

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

A nicely graded climb up Moosilanke. It was interested to see the alpine zones changes on the way up. Once I broke treeline, I was hit with very high winds (50 MPH at least) fog, and a misty rain. NO views at all but it was quite an experience to say the least as I was nearly blown over a few times. Met two guys on the summit who I later saw at Beaver Brook Shelter. They were 2004 PCT thru-hikers named Woody and Rabbi. Also met a nice family who had hiked to the summitt. A NOBO named Stretch arrived a little later. He started three days after me but I had never met him before. Just before dark a group of Dartmouth freshman at their orientation showed up. I decided to stay at Beaver Brook and keep it a low mileage day as the rain continued all afternoon and I was warned that the descent to Kingman Notch was very treacherous in wet conditions. Hoping for better weather tomorrow.
Date: 2006-09-04
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Kingman Pond Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

I woke up to more fog and rain. A very tough descent with the slick rocks. Luckily I only feel once and not badly. Caught up with Jericho, Skywalker and Righty near the top of Mt. Wolf. Also passed Railroad and Critter on my way to a break at Eliza Brook Shelter. Arduous, very slow going all day and I was glad to call it a day at Kingman Pond campsite. Probably the toughest 13 miles so far on the trail. My first experience with having to pay for a shelter staty in the Whites. The caretaker is a former thru-hiker named Leaf. I have to get used to considering 13 miles a big day. In the Whites, it definitely is! A Harvard freshman orientation group at the shelter area tonight. I feel ready to begin my freshman year at an Ivy League school! Jericho, Skywalter and Righty pulled in right around dark.
Date: 2006-09-05
From: Kingman Pond Campsite

To: Liberty Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 7.4

There was not a good stopping point today. I either had to hike seven or 15 miles for a good campsite. After hanging out for an hour plus at Lonesome Lake Hut (the first hut you encounter on the trail). I had an all you can eat leftover baked goods and soup. Couldn't find a good spot to hitch so I just walked to the Flume Visitor Center and tried to resupply there. I don't recommend this though! Very overpriced but I packed out a dinner and hopefully enough snacks to get me through to Crawford Notch. First time I've had to set up my non-freestanding tent on a tent platform. STarted raining in the early evening and continued most of the night.
Date: 2005-09-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I never thought that I would write my own trail journal online. On my cross country bicycle trip I kept a journal in a small spiral bound notebook. I knew how important it was to keep a journal; it would allow me to relive my experiences years down the road. However, I found that I have become too accustomed to typing on the computer and despised logging my days by pen. There were too many days on my trip when I only wanted to eat and fall asleep soon after. Consequently, some of my journals were brief, frivolous, and boring. Two nights ago I was at Jasper's (a.k.a. The Gambler)house and his friend Clair (a.k.a. Goldberry) suggested that I use pocketmail. It's a portable device weighing only 8 oz. that allows you to type emails and send them directly over the phone line. I think that using the pocketmailer will greatly enhance my ability to keep a great journal of my trip. Now that I am intending on sending my journal over email, it looks like it would be worthwhile to maintain a trial journal online. I won't assume that anyone will actually read it, aside family and friends, but in essence, that's all that really matters. I've been collecting gear for my trip since last fall. Planning a hike a year and a half in advance allows me to be very selective about my gear decisions. I am in no hurry to pick up any item and can therefore assess the weight of many different products before deciding on the best. Regarding cost, I can also wait for sales to come around and pick up more expensive items at a reduced rate. Most of the gear that I bought was on sale or clearance. During the winter last year I took a digital scale from my parents' restaurant and weighed out each of my items. I created a spreadsheet and constantly looked at what I could do to reduce pack weight. I researched possible alternatives online and reduced my list to essentials. Every day I am thankful that my girlfriend has agreed to take this trip with me. Instead of a journey that will differentiate my life's experiences from her own, it will be a life experience that we can share and grow from. I know many people might think, "Wow, I'd never go on a five month hike with my girlfriend!" However, I embrace the idea. She's an amazingly optomistic, athletic, and fun person to be around. We will be able to encourage each other through the tough times and provide that sense of comfort for each other. I really have to give an enormous "thank you" to my buddy Jasper who has provided guidance and inspiration for this endeavor. He has provided all of the knowledge I need to start planning this trip on my own, and answers all of the questions that I have. Without his help, I never would have had the confidence to go forth with this trip. His tattoo and personal slogan of "Live Life" remains in the back of my mind and encourages me to live life to the fullest.
Date: 2005-09-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last weekend Nicole and I drove to Baxter State Park with Tenney and Jen. We decided to make the trip to Mt. Katahdin because it will give us something to look forward to while thru hiking. It was the first time that I had ever been to Baxter State Park. When I got driving instructions to the park I only figured the mileage up to Millinocket. Little did I know that it would take another hour to reach Katahdin Stream Campground. The cut off time to hike the mountain is 10:00 in September. We reached the park gate without a minute to spare. When I saw the mountain for the first time I was awestruck. I couldn't believe how much of the mountain extended above the treeline. I've seen huge mountains before, but Katahdin looked like a giant plateau rising out of no where. After an entire year of reading books and watching documentaries about the Appalachian Trail, it was liberating to see my first white blaze on the Hunt Trail. It was finally something that I could relate to, not just something to speak about with secondary experiences. Along the hike we crossed several hikers finishing their thru hikes. The thru hikers all had beards, hiking poles, and a terrific odor. The temperature hovered around 50 degrees when we left the campground. Bundled up in a couple of layers we soon started peeling them up as our bodies warmed. Soon we were down to shorts and t-shirts. Towards the treeline hikers were already coming down and repeatedly stating, "you better have extra layers, it's freezing up there!" We appreciated their concern, but did they think that we were crazy? Yes, we told them, we had plenty of layers in our packs. After five consecutive hikers passed us stating the same thing, I beat him to it, "yes, it will be cold at the top, and yes we do have extra clothes in our packs." He laughed as he continued his descent past us. I was quite surprised at how much hiking there was above the treeline. The trail clearly stated that it was 5.2 miles to the top. However, at two miles we were already above the trees! The top surely had to be coming up!? We were wrong. The climb continued for another 1.5 miles and and then flattened out for another 2 miles or so. The view was incredible. There were no clouds in the sky and all of Maine was below our feet. We hung out at the summit, took pictures, snacked, and promised to return in another eleven months. In March we will be walking home. We'll be walking towards a seemingly impossible goal, but we know it's there. We've seen the view and touched the summit marker. Hopefully this memory will serve to inspire and motivate us as we inch closer to it each day.
Date: 2005-10-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Almost the end of October, less than five months until the hike. I purchased a dehydrator over ebay and started to get some work done with it. So far I've made several pounds of jerkey, dried fruit, and am starting to experiment with meals. I decided to cook the rice, mashed potato, or noodle while at camp and simply add the dehydrated meat and vegetables to it. Sometimes it can get stressful thinking about how much needs to be dehydrated before we leave. I don't want to prepare five months worth of food, because there's no telling how our tastes are going to change over the course of the trip. However, I don't want to leave too much for Nicole's family to do while we're gone. One of the more difficult issues to decide regards portions. How much jerkey, meat, fruit, and vegetables should I pack day? You don't want to overpack, but you definitely don't want to underpack. I have almost completed my packing list. As it stands, my total weight is about 13.5 pounds, without fuel, water, food, and the minimal amount of clothes that I'll be wearing. That should put me at 30 lbs when packing out of town with five days of food and 100 oz. of water.
Date: 2005-12-10
To: Winter Time!
Miles today: 0.0

It seems that the days are going by faster now. I'm busy enough that I don't think about the trail so much and the weeks are flying by. I love it when the weekends arrive, because it's two days that will disappear in a flash. When I look at the calendar I have mini goals in my head. This is how it works, and yes, I believe I'm probably wacked for thinking this way:   Only two weeks until Christmas break      Christmas break is quick because of 11 days of vacation   Three full weeks of January and one short week (holiday)   Two and a half weeks until February break (and I end work)                  Preparation time and training till the big day      I'm starting to get a little slack on my work out routine. Some days I'm so busy that it's hard to get to the gym. Other days, like after a stressful game, I don't feel like I have the energy to do it. Nicole on the other hand, just started. When she tells me she is going to the gym it motivates me to get there as well. I'll keep with it. Once February comes and I'm done coaching, it'll be time to train like a rock star.
Date: 2006-01-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

January at last! Time for the preparation to kick in full throttle. If it wasn't for that darn J-O-B I could really get cookin'. I kept with the weight lifting routine quite well and managed to maintain the motivation for four months. Now I'm starting more of a cardiovascular workout. I stair climb for 30 minutes, maintaining my heart rate at around 160. Afterwards I jump on the treadmill for a 30 minute walk, full incline, at 2.5 mph.    This seems like a great training exercise because it gives me the chance to break in my hiking shoes. They feel nice and tight around my heel, but afterwards I noticed a hot spot on my achilles. When I took off my shoes and examined it, I felt the joy of my first born baby blister! I told him, "don't be jelous of his brothers I'd have to tend to, and don't get any ideas of spawning up all over the place!"      I don't get overly tired during the workout, but I would definitely appreciate a change of scenery. Once again, at the fault of the J-O-B, I don't have the opportunity to exercise outside while the sun is up. Looks like I can look forward to countless hours of audiobooks.
Date: 2006-02-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I am officially unemployed. It was a great day to end with. The school raised close to $2,000 for a family returning to post-Katrina Mississippi. Their entire way of life was destroyed. I appreciate the times that force me to look at what I have to be thankful for. It's just too bad that these times come at the expense of those who suffer.    I imagined that I'd burst out of the school doors jumping up and down, clicking my heels together. Instead, I felt as though I wanted to rush back into the building. My job at the elementary school was dependable, comforting, and I felt a sense of true belonging within its walls.   Exiting for the last time as an employee gave me the ubrupt realization that I'm now venturing into a great unknown. My health insurance will be terminated in less than two weeks. I'm now living out of my savings account. I have no immediate job prospects for the fall.    Life looks pretty bleak at the moment with such a disheartening list. At least have one thought to be comforted with. What's that thought?    LIVE LIFE. I'm going to walk in the woods for five months! I'm going to wake up, think, "what should I do today? Go to work? Nope. Go for a walk with my amazing girlfriend? HELL YES!" I'll proceed to pack up my home for the night, dance an Irish jig, scream "TO MAINE", and walk on. I'll rest when I want to rest, eat when I want to eat, sleep where I want to sleep, and throw rocks at squirrels whenever I please. Well, I won't throw rocks at squirrels, Jasper had an unfortunate accident with similar activities while biking in Oregon. R-I-P. It's OK Jasper, that prairie gremlin got what he deserved.