morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Boiling Springs

To: Darlington Springs
Miles today: 14.3

I had a wonderful sleep last night in the backyard of the B and B in town sleeping out under the sky in the fresh air. I spent the morning time eating some breakfast at the local cafe, getting my mail and arranging the food bag, and BUYING NEW SHOES. I tried to doctor up my shoes by sewing a little here and super gluing a little there but it was hopeless. I was so hesitant to spend the money on a different brand of shoes that might not last another half of the trip but something had to be done. I ended up getting a nice pair of Marmot's that have done me very well today.Today was truly flat. 13 miles of pasture walking did me well. I didn¢t leave town until 2 pm but was able to get into camp by 6 or so. Tonight is supposed to be another clear night so I am going to lie directly on the earth and hope to see the stars. Nice fire tonight also via Spiderman and Genesis.Trukin'
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Darlington Springs

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

MilesShort day into the highly talked about town of Duncannon, home of the Doil Hotel. The plan was to get into town, get some lunch and head back to the trail but I got 'caught' and stayed the night. I mean it was only 11 dollars for a bed and shower, the cheapest hotel ever. What you get is a bed and that¢s all of the contents in the room. There was a community shower on each floor that occasionally spit out water that was so hot you could boil noodles with it. Down stairs was where the bar was and where the craziness occurs. Unfortunately, I took a nap at 6 PM and ended up sleeping thru the night. From what I heard it was crazy down stairs, people taking off their shirts (guys and girls) and enough shots drank to float a boat. Probably better I slept thru that one. Finally got to shoot a game of pool for the first time in ages and actually played somewhat respectively. Great times in Big D, no regrets on the short day.Trukin'
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

So much for the 20-mile day. Got to Peters Mtn. Shelter and was so impresses I had to stay, that and the next shelter is 17 miles away! Tired once again, will be an early night once again. That¢s all folks.Trukin'
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Eckville shelter

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 24.9

Whew, another long day hiking in the woods. Actually, most of the day was spent out of the woods and in the open air among the rocks and ridge line. Today was the best hiking day we have had in ages. Not a single cloud was in the sky and the sun was shining soooo bright. Many great views were to be had and one in particular got about 1 hour of my time. I made like a snake and sun bathed on 'bear rocks' and let the afternoon breeze consume me. I saw 6 snakes today! Five rattlers, one of which was a baby (still scary), and one was an ordinary 4-foot black snake.I got to the last shelter and decided to push another .7 miles to Palmerton were a hot shower awaited me. Though it took awhile to get a hitch and find the place to stay, I am sooooo happy to be clean for a change. I am staying in the old jail hose that has been turned into a place for hikers to stay, free of charge! Not a bad day, 25 miles for 25 years of age. Tonight I sleep and tomorrow I walk, sounds familiar huh?I have finally caught up to Hotdog and Wench. They are carrying a flag that belonged to Soleman, who suddenly died days before he was supposed to hike this year. I believe that Ted 'Soleman' is here with all of us hikes this year in sprit and I am honored to be in his presence.Here's to following Your dreams!,Trukin'
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Palmerton

To: Leroy Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

My goodness what is Mother Nature doing to us. Yes I¢m glad there is no rain but come on. 90 degrees! Oh how it feels like Texas out here. There was one chance for water in this stretch of 16 miles and I was hurting. The climb out of Leigh high gap was more like rock climbing than hiking. I actually had to find hand holds and pull myself up and over the rocks. It was pretty fun but the rocks attracted so much heat I felt as though I was melting. It took me all day to complete today¢s journey mainly because I had to take so many breaks in the shade to allow my body to cool down. Tomorrow is supposed to be hotter than today was, oh boy this should be interesting. I am going to try and get up early so I can hike in the morning, rest in the day, and hike in the evening into Delaware Water Gap. Tomorrow will be the end of PA and the beginning of New Jersey!Extremely Toasted,Trukin'
Date: 2003-06-29
From: County 565

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 3.8

The night I slept ON the Appalachian Trail, which turned out to be better than it started after the relocation hike. The mosquitoes were not bad enough to keep me awake last night but it didn't take them long to get started in the morning. Very short hike brought me to the road crossing for the town of Vernon, NJ which has a church hostel! I got my first ride in a nice car after about 30 minutes of hitching. A Volvo with leather seats and suit and tie driver picked up my stanky ass!Another great church hostel has taken me in and held me captive. I can¢t resist the A/C and shower and laundry and full use of a kitchen, which will be but in full effect tomorrow morning. 10 of us hikers here tonight (Dude Machine, Fish, Not The Kennedies, Notes, Carolina, Hiking Viking, Foot Slougher, Dejavew, and me) and I will take this as an unexpected but much desired zero day.Much love here in Jersey--wish you were here.Peace,Trukin
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Welcome to New York and to the first day of July! A very pleasant day weather wise. I guess a high in the mid-80's with a cool breeze. The terrine has definitely changed. The climbs are getting steeper once again and the views more spectacular. The mountain laurels are in full bloom now, the mountain floor is covered. Today we passed a lovely waterfall, thru the 'lemon squeeze' and took a 3 hour break at a lake and swam, swam, swam, and napped! Got to the shelter at 6 or 7 and am pooped. Last night I slept the best I have in weeks (due to the cool breeze and pain killer and no mosquitoes and a bed time story-Harry Potter) and hope to equal that tonight.A little bit bigger day than yesterday but tomorrow I plan on only doing 15 to a monastery that feeds the first 15 thru-hikers an All You Can Eat dinner! You know I¢ll be in the top 15 'cause friend, me likes to eat! Chillin' out now and hiking to the top of this rock to catch the sunset.Peace (a peace-filled day),Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-02
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Zoo, BearMountain, 2 Good hitches, Free Dinner at the Monastery, looks like I¢ll be leaving the folks whom I¢ve been hiking with for the last while behind and hiking solo once again--yah. Thinking of pushing hard to Vermont and then slowing back down. Terrain is starting to get harder again; we are actually climbing mountains again. I think I put some weight back on these last couple of weeks, mainly due to the easy trail and the super food drops my sister has been sending (super, but heavy). Weighing in at around 158/159.Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-03
From: Graymoor

To: Hosner 
Miles today: 22.3

Tonight I stepped of the trail to join some new friends for a 4th of July party tomorrow. Bill (Stiches) hiked the AT in 1999 and has recently (two weeks ago) moved into a home right off the trail and has offered hikers a place to stay tonight and an invite to the party tomorrow. I am the only hiker here tonight but hope that other hikers will make there way here in the morning. As I said this guy and his wife just moved in so we spent some of the night putting up a dart board and tomorrow we will build a horse shoe pit, construct a bonfire and who knows what else. Maybe one day he will turn this place into a hiker hostel and I can proudly say I was the first to crash here. This is the first night I have been without another hiker and it feels odd--cant wait to see another dirty ratty hiker roll in soon!I did do some hiking today. The terrain returned to a nice grade again so I moved very swiftly throughout the day. The sun came up and eventually went down again and ended yet another great day in the mountains. I'm so close to NYC I can taste it and it is begging me to come closer but I feel I must remain in the woods for now.Making my way to Maine one day at a time.Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Hosner 

To: Hosner
Miles today: 0.0

No miles equals big smiles! What a great and unexpected zero day I had today. Spent the night here at Bill and Laura's new home all by my lonesome but I slept very well. Slept in and woke up hoping that some fello hikers would make it here to help celebrate the holiday and they did! It was Fish, Viking, Foot Slauger, Two Paw, Redman, and Tumble Weed along with Bill and his wife and 4 of their family members. It was such a great day. All we did was play horse shoes, nap, talk, and drink up the suds. Latter on in the evening we had a huge bonfire which we used as our stove for hotdogs, burgers, etc, etc, etc. I will not soon forget this day I had with this hiking community and the new friends I have made. Magic is all around me."When your home is on your back you can never get lost"Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-05
From: Hosner Mtn Rd

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: broken clouds

Ah, the 5th of July/the day after the day. Always a hard day to handle, especially when attempting to hike 23 miles. But, after a slow start my body picked it up a notch and made good time for the first half of the day. Managed to make it 13 miles by noon time where I proceeded to nap for 3 or so hours to let the ever present heat do its thing. Nine more miles to the nearest shelter and I would be home free. For the first time in ages I had to stop half way up the mountain due to fatigue and heat. The terrain has really began to get harder since leaving NJ and it should get progressively more difficult the farther North we head. That, coupled with the heat and humidity is starting to take its toll. Oh well, there¢s only 1.2 miles until Conn. and the beginning of New England! Really looking forward to a night in town tomorrow. I'll be staying in Kent, Connn. at a hostel tomorrow and pick up a mail drop Monday and head North.Peace,Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Kent, Conn. 

To: Pine Swamp Brook 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Big change in energy and motivation and well being for me in for the last two days. When I got to the shelter I was tired but feeling pretty good. Everyone else here tonight is hurting, not me though. Maybe it was the swim in the Housatonic followed by a nice big lunch followed by an hour nap that got me feeling so good. There were the constant up's and down's that litter Conn. but I handled them well. Good thing today went well because I was tinkering on mental breakdown--yikes!! Tomorrow calls for another dip in the river and a nice 20 miles to the only shelter with a view in the state of Conn. It's still freakin' as hot as an oven and it¢s damn near sundown-yikes! Here's to doing it in the heat.Cheers,Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Pine Swamp Brook 

To: Riga Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: moderate rain

Never again will I stay somewhere with the word 'swamp' in its name. The mosquitoes were soooo bad and it was to hot to get under covers so I stayed awake much of the night swatting and cursing.I did however manage to get up and on the trail by 6 AM!!--yikes!! The people I have been on the same pace with for the last week wake up so freakin early that I usually don¢t see them until latter in the day but I decided to try out their schedule for a change. One thing I knew right away was that I don¢t like, never have liked, and never will like waking up early. On the plus side I got in many miles before it ever began to get hot out. As a matter of fact it never did get hot out today! Actually, it rained on us today! The rain was a nice relief to the humidity and heat of late and kept me hydrated and moving rapidly. I did duck under some parking garage of a road for about 1 hour for snacks and shelter--nice break. The last 3 miles of the day were a climb up Lions Head to an amazing view of Conn. valleys.Because of the early start and quick pace I did 20 miles and amazingly reached the shelter at 3 PM! Spent the rest of the day chillin¢ with Fish, starting a new book (Breakfast of Champions) and doing the usually chores. So far in the last 4 hours I have probably killed 45 mosquitoes, when will the madness end?Signing off from the only shelter in Conn. with a view (which is amazing),Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Riga Shelter

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: overcast clouds

A bit to tired to elaborate but this was a very memorable day. The hills are turning back in to mountains and the short jumps into long, steep, burning climbs--if love it! There were views from all the mountains I hiked today; Beart Mtn., Race Mtn., Mt. Everett, Jug End, and East Mtn. Right before the Massachusetts\Connecticut boarder we were cast into Sages Ravine. Sages Ravine was a place of true beauty. Cast away from direct sunlight by tons of Pines and Birches, with a brook running thru its center. One could spend days in this 1 mile stretch. Snort and Clover camped there last night and saw a bear not 10 feet from their tent! Good stuff.Well I am falling asleep, so before then I best say bye.Trukin'P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! Couldn't get to a phone but I¢m thinking about ya.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

It's me being the lazy me lately with journaling but I¢m back again, at least for today. Now that I am in Vermont I am happier than ever and can feel my progress more than ever! Unfortunately VT hasn¢t been that great yet due to two days of rain, and I¢ve been in the state for only 2 days. I sense things will be getting dryer soon and VT should open up like an oyster. I am keeping this one short but wanted to report that I finished another state and am down to three!Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Man, it¢s been awhile since I have had the motivation to get this pocket mail out and my thoughts down. I seem to go thru spurts of wanting to write then big spurts of not wanting to fool with this thing. It is kinda symbolic of the trail because there are days when I feel like doing big miles, days when I feel like doing none. There are days when I want to hike and talk to people, and days when I¢d rather not see a soul. Thanks to the trail and my decision to hike I can pick and choose what, when, and how I want to do or not do everything. Today I want to write so I will.I'm not sure were I left off last but I am in Vermont now! Such a relief to be in Northern New England. Once I crossed the Mass-VT border I felt in a new league. Everything seems to be under control and I now am sure nothing can hold me back from finishing (almost nothing, if I get eaten by a bear-well its over then). We have climbed some nice mountains lately including; Stratton (rain), Bromley (amazing 360 view from fire tower of 5 different States!), and now tonight I sleep atop Killington. I¢ve been swimming in Little Rock Pond, went to a hiker summit in Manchester Center, re-united with some old hiking friends, and saw lots of moose poop (but no moose).Lately I've been doing lots of thinking about what my future might hold, or better yet what I want my future to be. Maybe It's because I am getting closer to the end and I am less occupied/obsessed with curiosity of whether I¢ll make it, that my mind is free it contemplate much more meaningful questions. I came out on the trail to try and figure out where I want to lead my life and now I am allowing myself to do that and that feels good.On another note, I will soon be getting off the trail for a few days to visit the Grandma. Either at Franconia Notch or a bit further at Crawford Notch. This is a much anticipated visit. My body has been very sore lately (legs, feet and knees) and I need a few days off the feet. O' Grandma will treat me well!It felt good to write and when I get the feeling again I do it again.Peace and Health,Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-26
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 19.3

I am officially back to where it all started for me, New Hampshire! Yesterday was my first day hiking in NH but today is when it started to get good. The wake up call came when I was hiking up Smart Mtn. You hike straight up and get to a summit only to realize its not a summit but only a rock out crop and you can see the actual summit which looks as far away as the moon. At that point I remembered just how big the NH mountains are. Despite the two big climbs today (Smart and Cube Mtn.) I made good time and got to the shelter by 4:30. TLM has never made a fire so he gave it a go but realized he needs much practice so I took over and here I lie watching the best fire ever blaze before me. Actually it has been a combined effort from the 4 of us here tonight (TLM, Gorda, No Stress and Trukin). The other three are tenting out so I have the entire shelter to myself.Tomorrow will be the first true test of NH as I am set to climb Mt. Moosilauke! Looks like it is a 3,500 foot climb in 4.6 miles almost at 5,000 foot elevation. I'm looking forward to the challenge and to bringing back old hiking memories. It was about 1 year ago when I hike about 65 miles in the Whites and Mt. Moosilauke was the last mountain I climbed before I started this trip. Also tomorrow will be 4 months on the trail. I am who I am, and that¢s all I can be.Trukin'-that¢s me
Date: 2003-07-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have been o the Franconia ridge many of times in the past but none compare to today¢s visit. The weather has broke and we say clear skies for the first time in forever. I watched the ridge from lonesome lake hut yesterday as it was covered in clouds then woke up this morning to see the clouds lifted and the sun shining! Now was my chance to climb the ridge and hike atop the huge mountains and that I did. I had planed on visiting my grandma starting today but I couldn¢t pass up the perfect weather and have put of the visit until Thursday.Once I hiked these mountains as a novice, unfamiliar with climbing and the challenge/beauty that comes with it. Now I am back to were it all started for me, not quite an expert but much more knowledgeable and experienced. It is because of this place that I am on this hike, I feel so lucky to be alive and back again.Trukin'
Date: 2003-07-30
To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 10.0

One day away from r&r off the trail, as opposed to the r&r I am having on the trail (two different concepts). I am spending the night at another hut where I¢ll work-for-stay in order to get a meal and a mattress for free. Normally it costs $65 to stay here. Nice place with minor cascade falls right out of the front door.The hiking today was minimal (10 miles) with more extraordinary views, becoming very common in this wide open landscape. I know not everyone will do the AT but I would recommend\suggest that you make at least one trip to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I can¢t explain its beauty so I wont try.One thing is that this section I have been on is VERY populated. It can often take away a bit of the peace and quite that the mountains project.   Once I am up and over Mt. Washington and away from the Presidential it should be more peaceful. Trukin¢
Date: 2003-07-31
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Crawford Notch 
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

Off the trail for the first time is already starting to feel strange. I do love NH but some of these people are out of my league. It took over an hour to get a ride this morning as I was passed over by shiny fancy cars and SUV's. But that¢s over now and here I wait outside of a gas station for my g-ma to come pick me up and hold me hostage for a few days. I am getting all types of stares from all types of people as I sit here silently.   It feels a bit unnatural to be me in this tourist beehive. At least no one is shoeing me off, yet. This should be a good break for my body as I re-supply my gut and heal my ailments. So long AT, take care friends, see you both next week.Trukin'
Date: 2003-08-02
From: Bed (a REAL bed)

To: Idle
Miles today: 0.0

I am still hiding out away from the trail. I am approximally 50/60 miles South of the Appalachian Trail at Crawford Gap, where i last left off. I have decided to get back on the trail either Monday or Tuesday morning. It was so fun today. I drove a car for the first time in 4 1/2 months--yikes. Not as hard as i thought it would be. I am staying out in the country so the traffic around here is not hetic which helped my cause. I did venture out on the highway to visited an old (both in age and in years known--right Ralph!) pal and helped him move. It's supposed to be a time to relax but he needed help so what could I do but help the old chap. Ralph, his wife, and I went out to dinner following the manual labor so i guess it was worth it after all. Other than that i'm just mindlessly flipping the channels on the television, and hanging out with Grandma. I not sure what to make of me being off the trail except i know that it will be hard to return to the same ol' same ol' once i return to TX but hopefully i will adapt and bring back fresh ideas and values and motivations and all the other tools needed for a soul to be happy/complete. Do you hear me out there? Yah you.Just me,TrukinCheck out the photo page for a few new pics. more pictuers to follow next week
Date: 2003-08-05
From: Pinkham Notch

To: Carter Notch Hut 
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: fog

What¢s that I hear? Oh, it¢s just another thunderstorm. The vicious cycle continues. Luckily, I am safe and dry inside a shelter. I am now back on the trail and I am beginning to feel much better. I just took a 4 day break from hiking and I just haven¢t been feeling right lately. It was great to see some relatives and I enjoyed all the time with them but without the trail I felt strange. I knew my time was up when I was comparing and contrasting the different McDonalds in the area. I don¢t even like McDonalds but it was tasting might fine. I believe me and G-ma went 4 different times-yikes. "This McDonalds bathroom is smaller than the last. I like the dining area of the last better than this one." Get me out of civilization, quick, and away from the mindless TV, before I turn into mush.The trail today was some of the hardest yet. I only hiked 6 miles today mainly due to the noon start but I was feeling pain from start to finish. Wildcat Mtn. was what I climbed today, straight up the mountain. I was getting so frustrated because I could barely move. My knee was killing me, and my ankle wasn¢t feeling much better. I thought it was because of the time off but latter found out that all hikers had a rough time on this section. Sounds like the next 5 days will be as challenging so I must take my time and watch my step(s). It's only 7 PM but I am drained and am going to lu lu land.P.S. Hi to my dad and all the people following along at his work! I'll have to come visit when I return.Trukin'