morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.0

Left the Wildcat shelter about 9am. NY is rough!! I have heard and read about so many areas to be aware of but no one said anything about NY. Up, down, up, down, climbing over rocks boulders, laying on my stomach while going over a boulder and going under a tree at the same time. It is a real challenge. The weather is hot and humid. I stay in a constant sweat. My body is starting to get new aches and pains. I am now at 165 lbs. The bugs are getting worse each day. I put deet on and it just sweats off in a matter of minutes. I can deal with this pretty good, I just wish my tendons would stop hurting. I know I could hike faster and longer miles if it wasn't for that. The trail is starting to feel more like a job now, but I have to finish. I really miss my wife and my family, that's the main reason I wish I could hike faster. Even though NY has been tough, the people have been friendly. I have never seen so much trail magic. People have given us water, sodas, fruit, and candy. Today I struggled 19 miles and stopped at the William Brien Shelter. I was not sure if I was going to make it today but I did. Saw a few deer today, but not much else. Total miles 1380
Date: 2006-07-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.0

Slept good last night, hated to get up. I finally got up and was the last to leave the shelter. I now have a sharp pain in my right hip. I think it is a pinched nerve or something like that. Today I hiked to the Bear Mountain zoo, yep the trail runs right through the zoo. This is the lowest elevation on the AT 124ft. Today I hiked with Lowgear for the most part. We are both ailing. I want to take a 0 day soon, but I want to do it in a place that I can really rest. Hostels are nice, but it is hard to relax in a place with 10 others going in and out all the time and motels in NY are expensive. Today we hiked to the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, a monastery. We were allowed to camp in the ballfield. We have running water, cold, and electricity. We were also able to order pizza. A friar also came by to visit us to make sure we were ok. Today was Moe's birthday(well actually it's tomorrow but we celebrated it today) Ponch bough her a chocolate cake, which they shared with everyone. There were 18 hikers here today. Well today was just 14 miles but it was tough. All I need to do is average 12 miles a day and I can be done by sept. 15, but I want to get ahead as much as possibleso when I do take a day off it won't get me behind. Total 1394
Date: 2006-07-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.1

Hiked to the RPH shelter today. Did not seem too bad(at first) but later it poured on us. Got to the shelter kind of late. Everything was wet. Also today I saw Irish, a fellow I hiked with in Ga. and NC. He was doing a southbound slackpack. He is only a day or so ahead of me. It was nice to see him again. Also a friend of his stopped by the shelter and brought us some ice cream and he took a few hikers to the store. Total miles 1414.1
Date: 2006-07-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.6

Left the shelter in the rain. Hiked 5 miles to NY 52 and went to a store/deli. Ate 2 chicken sandwiches, bag of chips,1 mt. dew, 1 grapefruit juice, and 1 gatorade. It rained all day. I left and hiked to the telephone pioneers shelter. Dinosaur and Hellbender were the only ones there. Total 1430.7
Date: 2006-07-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

Woke up early, still raining. Stayed in sleeping bag until 10:30. Finally the rain stopped and I left about 11:30. After a few miles I got to NY22. A woman was selling hotdogs at a roadside stand, so I had to stop. Ate 2 dogs all the way, 1 bag of chips and 3 sodas. Another hiker came up, his name was Charlie Foxtrot. He was born in England and now lives in Canada. We talked a bit, then hit the trail. Later I crossed a road and hit some trail magic, water,tea, lemonade, peanut butter, jelly, bread, first aid supplies, fuel and table and chairs to use. I sat down, took a break, made a sandwich and ate some cookies. Later Charlie Foxtrot came up, then Moe and Ponch. We got to see Charlie Foxtrot eat his first peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He hated it. We thought it was funny. We headed on to Wiley Shelter and found more trail magic, some fruit and 1 coke in a stream. I shared the coke with Moe and Ponch. This was out last stop in New York. I must say the people in NY have been the nicest to us hikers so far. We went to the Ten MIle River shelter in Connecticut. I set up my tent next to the river, ate and rested. Total miles 1443.7
Date: 2006-07-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.5

Today I hiked only 4.5 miles to Highway 4, stopped at a store, had a drink, called the Hitching Post motel, walked down and got a room for 2 nights. Had to do it. I sat around all day after a shower and had my clothes washed. I emptied my pack and washed it in the shower. It was disgusting, all kinds of dirt was coming out of it and I discovered a few rips in it so now I will have to do some sewing. I watched TV and slept the rest of the time. Total 1463.9
Date: 2006-07-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.8

Left motel and hiked about 1 mile back to trail. I felt good!! Legs felt fresh, mind was clear, but after a few miles I was feeling it again. Today was a scorcher. The heat just seemed to zap all my strength. I hiked to the Pine Swamp Brook shelter. On the way I met Treehugger and RIP. Then I caught up with Sexy Monk. When I got to the shelter I ran into Ork and Bean, a couple I hiked with in TN. They got about a week ahead of me then got off the trail for 2 weeks, then got on again. They can really move it. We hiked to Falls Village where some people were doing some Trail Magic. The had water, sodas, chips, cookies, oranges and they cooked up some hot dogs. That really hit the spot. Some folks camped there, but a few of us headed on. I hiked to Limestone Spring shelter. I decided not to go all the way to the shelter because it was .5 miles off the trail and straight down. I set up my tent and retired for the night. Even thought it was dark it was still hot and clammy. Total miles 1481.7
Date: 2006-07-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.7

Hiked into Sallsbury. I planned on going in, resuppling and hitting the trail but it was just too hot. I stayed around town in the shade. Ate all day and drank lots of fluids. A lot of other hikers did the same. I decided to wait until late afternoon to hike on. As I was sitting in the grass talking to Johnny Appleseed, Kilgore Trout and Ms Parkay came up. Kilgore was waiting on his parents to pick him up, he had to leave the trail for a friend's wedding. When they got there the invited us to go to their house for the night. I really wanted to, but I had to decline. I needed to get back into the swing of things. I hiked on in and met Coach K and we hiked to the Riga Shelter. After a short break, I went on to the Brassie Brook Shelter. The shelter was pretty full so I tented. Total 1490.4
Date: 2006-07-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 23.2

Hiked to the Tom Leonard shelter. Today I passed the 1500 mile mark. I ended up night hiking into the shelter, I don't like night hiking. I got a late start, then took a long break at the Glen Brook shelter, then I got off the trail to go to a store. I wasted a lot of time, but I made it. Total 1513.6
Date: 2006-07-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.6

Today was a short day, only 7.6 miles, but I was tired and feeling weak for some reason. There was a bit of climbing but nothing to extreme. I stopped at the Benedict pond and took a long break. I sat on a big rock and put my feet in the water and just chilled for an hour. I then hiked to the Mt. Wilcox North Lean-to. I ate at large dinner of mac&cheese, ramon with salmon, 1 tortilla and a small helping of some type of chili from Energizer Bunny. The mosquitos have been terrible. I am going through deet like crazy. Hope to do a bigger day tomorrow. Total 1520.7
Date: 2006-07-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 22.8

Hiked to the October Mtn. shelter. Today I hiked wiath Energizer Bunny. About 1/2 mile from the shelter we saw 3 bears, a mom and 2 cubs. It was Energizers first bear sighting. Got to the shelter, ate, did the normal stuff. Total miles 1543.5
Date: 2006-07-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.5

Left at 5:50am. Hiked into Dalton. Went to PO, did my laundry, ate a sub at a pizza place. Me and Energizer Bunny hiked on to Crystal Mtn Campsite. About 1 1/2 miles from site we got caught in a downpour. Our fresh clean clothes were soaked and to make matters worse, she fell in the mud and about 30 minutes later I fell. So much for clean clothes. We got to the campsite, set up and retired. Total approx. 1559
Date: 2006-07-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.8

What a day! Woke up and ate a big home cooked breakfast. Then went into town to an outfitter to get another water filter cartridge, then we went to the EMS outfitter where I got a new shirt. I then went back to the trail in town and hiked on. I made it to Mt Greylock, checked out the war memorial, went to the Bascom Lodge, ate a cheeseburger, fries, ice cream and 2 snapple teas. Pumpkin and Energizer Bunny decided to stay but I moved on. I hiked a bit over 3 miles to the Wilbur clearing lean-to but there was at least 25 people there. It was getting late so I booked it. The next closest camping area was 4.8 miles and it was already 7:20pm. I actually ran for about 3 miles and got to the Sherman Brook campsite, set up my tent and was laying down by 9:15, not too bad. Total miles approx. 1580.4
Date: 2006-07-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.3

Slept very late. Left camp around 9:30. Hiked to Seth Warner lean-to. took a long break and as I was starting to leave a large group of kids came up. I left just in time. As I was heading to the next I met Tyvek, a southbounder who was hiking barefoot. After a short chat I headed on. I was about 2 miles from the next shelter when something big moved about 15 feet to my right. It was a large moose and a baby.(I guess a cow and a calf?) They sort of trotted away from me. It really startled me. I got my camera, but it was too late. I can't believe my first day in Vermont and I see a moose. So far the trail has been a sloppy one. I make it to the Congdon shelter and it was full of loud, rude kids. I wanted to leave but it was too late and the next shelter was 5.9 miles, so I tented. I hope they are heading south or I am going to have to do some big days. total 1592.7
Date: 2006-07-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.7

Left the shelter about 8am. Hiked to the Kid Gore shelter. I met up with Ork, Bean, Rip and Treehugger. They were just getting back on the trail after a few days of slack packing. Nothing big really happened today. The "skeeters" are really bad. Oh, I broke the 1600 mile mark. Total 1611.4
Date: 2006-07-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 22.9

Hiked to Spruce Peak Shelter, tough day but made good miles. Got first trail magic in Vt, a cooler with sodas right before the climb to Stratton Moutain. also met a guy who gave my some ice cold water. The shelters are getting full again since the AT and the Long trail run together for 100 miles. I was at the shelter all alone when a big gang of people came in. They were doing the Long trail carrying in bottles of beer and one guy has a dog he brings in the shelter. I love dogs but I would never bring mine in the shelter. So here I am with bunch of loud people and I bet they won't pack out their bottles. Oh well. I hope to get up early and get a good start into town. Thought about doing a short day and staying at a cheap motel, but I want to keep moving. Total miles 1634.3 UPDATE: I was informed that all the bottles were packed out, so I stand corrected.
Date: 2006-07-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 2.8

Hiked to highway, hitched a ride into Manchester Center. Stayed at Sutton's Place. It isn't what I really wanted but it's the cheapest around and I got some rest. Did my laundry, ate at a chinese restaurant and resupplied. It has been raining off and on most of the day. I decided to lighten my pack load, so I called my mom to let her know to send my other pack. I hope to get it in Glen Cliff, NH. It is really a day pack so it will be a challenge to get everyting to fit especially with some winter gear added in. If it doesn't then I will just send it back and continue using the one I have. When I get back on the trail I hope to finish Vermont in 5-6 days. Total 1637.1
Date: 2006-07-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.5

Hitched back to trail. Hiked all the way to Big Branch Shelter. Hiked some with Jellybean and Barebear. Met 2 SOBO's Just Jim and Dancer at shelter. Was joined later by 2 Long trail hikers going north. I actually hiked farther than I planned. Hope to do a big day tomorrow. I am ready to get home. Total 1652.6
Date: 2006-07-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.5

Left motel late. Walked all the way to trail. Found trail magic 2 times today. Cold drinks both times. Stopped at the Cooper Lodge Shelter first. Planned on staying there but I still had daylight so I rushed to the Churchill Scott shelter and spent the night. Also I noticed the tip on one of my trekking poles was worn down, so I figured I would have to buy a new one. Well someone left a broken pole at the shelter. The tip looked brand new so I took it off and put it on mine, so that saved me a few bucks. I guess that could count as trail magic too. I now have less than 500 miles to go. WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!! total 1685
Date: 2006-08-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.9

Woke up to a thunderstorm. I just layed there in the shelter while the other hikers were getting ready to leave. I waited until the rain stopped and the sun came out. Most tof the hikers were going to Killinton to spent the night or to re-supply. I decided to hike to the Gifford woods stated park. All I wanted to do was use the shower and get a drink from the drink machine. I ran into Coach K on the trail and he had the same plan, so we hiked there together. I took a shower and then we met a guy named Don who was doing trail magic in the park. He had cold drinks, cold cuts, bread, cookies, buns, rolls, peanut butter, jelly, cake, all kinds o goodies. We stopped there and stayed about 2 hours. Also today was supposed to hit about 100 degrees, so I decided to take it easy. When I left I ended up doing one of the toughest climbs in Vt. I was dripping wet with sweat. I thought it would never ent. I finally made it to the Stoneybrook shelter, pitched my tent and ate. I talked to a guy who was leading a bunch of summer camp kids. He really had his hands full. It reminded my of my coaching days. Coach K finally came in later, he was also beat. I think that climb surprised everyone. total 1696.9
Date: 2006-08-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.9

Left the stoneybrook shelter about 9:30am. Headed for Wintturi shelter. The first 1.5 miles was easy, but then it all changed. It was a long uphill. I was drenched in sweat. Finally it went downhill for a while. Got to the shelter and crashed. This was a short day but it was hot and tough. Total 1706.8
Date: 2006-08-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.4

Left shelter at 7:30, got to Highway 12 at 9:00. Planned on going to a store .2 miles down the road but it didn't open until 10. I decided to wait . At 10 I went in and bought some food and drinks, thin I got some ice cream. After an hour there I hit the trail. After a few miles I came to Cloudland Farm. There I bought 2 drinks, a cola and a rootbeer locally made with all natural ingredients. After that I hiked all the way to Happy Hill shelter. My right calf was cramping up all day. I struggled up the hills and lately there have been more and more hills so I may as well get used to it, the Whites are coming up. Tomorrow I will go into New Hampshire. Total 1727.2
Date: 2006-08-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.3

Woke up to rain. I was late leaving the camp. Hiked to Hanover, NH. Coach K made arrangements for us to use the Dartmouth College football locker room. We got to take a shower, dry out our gear and we had a place to store our gear while we ran around town. Went to the EBA Pizza place and had a buffet. It was pretty good. Wanted to get some new shoes but the outfitter didn't have much to choose from and the prices were too high. I have 734 miles on a pair of shoes that I was told was good for 500 so I don't know what to do now. There are no real outfitters between here and Glencliff. Guess I have to hope for the best. Left town and went to First shelter, Velvet Rocks. Total 1734.5
Date: 2006-08-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.8

Hiked to Smarts Mountain Cabin. Tough climb, especially after such a long break from any real climbing in a while. The weather was perfect. My tendonitis is acting up again. When I go up steep hills it feels like a rubber band popping my heel. I have gone to far to stop now. Total 1756.3 THE FIGHT IS GETTING CLOSE TO THE END. THE CHAMP IS STAREING AT ME WITH ANGER IN HIS EYES. I CAN SENSE HIS IRE. I KNOW HE IS GOING TO PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS IN THE FINAL ROUNDS. I KNOW HIS IS GOING TO UNLEASH HIS FURY AND ATTACK ME WITH AN ARSENAL I HAVE YET TO SEE. BUT I AM STILL HERE AND I AM STILL STANDING.
Date: 2006-08-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.0

Hiked from Smarts Mountain to Ore Hill shelter. Met a couple on the trail who gave us some snacks, then later I met a guy named Batch who gave 3 of us a ride all the way to Wal-Mart. He and his wife did the trail in '92. We bought a few things and ate at subway. He was a real nice guy. They do trail magic every year. I actually bought some stuff to make spaghetti, but I have way to much sauce left over. Guess I can drink it tomorrow and just pretend it is thick V-8 juice. The climbs are getting a little tougher each day. I am actually looking forward to the Whites. Tomorrow I am getting my maildrop and may stay at a hostel, not sure yet. Total 1769
Date: 2006-08-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.0

Hiked to Lonesome Lake hut. Ate some soup, then hiked into the town of Lincoln, NH. Had to walk from outfitter to outfitter to find some shoes and new tips for my poles. I then went and ate some pizza, then hitched back to the trail. After 2 miles of going straight up I saw a light in the woods off the trail. It was Coach K. He found a flat place to stealth camp, so I set up just a ways from him. Total approx. 1802
Date: 2006-08-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

Left campsite about 8am. Did a continous climb up for a mile or so. Hiked to the top of Mt. Lafayette. It was worth the climb. The wind was blowing, the temp had dropped a bit, but the views were fantastic. We continued on to the Galehead hut. We planned on getting some soup and heading on. Well, we were a bit late so we only got 1 bowl of soup, then the rain came and the temp dropped. We were stuck at the hut. The caretaker let us stay on the floor for free, but we had to wait for everyone to go to sleep first. I thought that was nice. We got a free stay at a hut. It beats being in the rain, but this did mess up my average miles per day. Hope it clears up tomorrow. Total approx. 1815
Date: 2006-08-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Left the hut approx. 6 am. Got to the Zealand Falls hut about 9:30am. Ate some soup, then we pushed on. Hiked to US302 (Crawford Notch) and hitched a ride to Crawford Notch campground. We planned on grabbing a few things from the store and hitting the trail, but the weather started getting bad so we stayed at the bunkhouse. Got a shower, ate some food from the hiker box and chilled out. Total approx. 1830. PS Saw a moose by highway.
Date: 2006-08-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

Left the campground, caught a ride with the owner back to the trail. We hiked to Mizpah Hut and ate some soup. Then we hiked up to the Lakes of the Clouds hut. The hike was cold and windy. We got to stay at the hut for free by just helping clean up the place. They also fed us. A bluegrass trio played and people square danced. We finally got to sleep late. The temp outside was from 40 to the 30's with wind chills in the low 20's. Also found out Mt. Washington got a little snow. I wish I had more of my winter gear now. Total 1840.
Date: 2006-08-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0

Woke up early and cold. Helped put tables and chairs back in place. After the guests ate we cleaned the tables and floors. The thru-hikers then got fed, yum!! I finally got moving. The wind was cutting through me. I could hardly walk. Finally made it to Madison Spring Hut for a break and some chicken soup. Hiked on to the Pinkham Notch visitor center. Bought a bottle of orange juice and was trying to decide what to do. It was after 7pm and I didn't want to spend 50 bucks for a bunk so I hiked on. The whole trail today was a challenge. I didn't go up to Mt. Washington, it was too cold and foggy. I was constantly climbing. The rocks were terrible. Everyone told me the Whites were tough and they are. I hiked until 10:30 pm. I had to finally stealth camp about 2 miles from the Carter Notch hut. Total approx. 1860
Date: 2006-08-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.1

Left campsite about 10am. Hiked to the Carter Notch hut, ate some lunch. Hiked to the Rattle River shelter. Met up with Coach K again. I plan on going into Gorham and taking a 0 day tomorrow. My knees and ankles are killing me. Just 1 or 2 days left in NH, then Maine is next. Total 1875.1
Date: 2006-08-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 1.5

Woke up in the middle of the night and it was raining. Went back to sleep and woke up about 7:15. A man came to the shelter and asked if we needed a ride to Gorham. We all jumped up and started packing asap. His name was Golden Waldo, a retired gentleman who loves hiking and loves helping out hikers. We rode into Gorham and did the usual stuff. Found a cheap hostel, took a shower, went to McDonalds( the first one I have been to since I hit the trail in March) and went to laundry mat. Will take a 0 day tomorrow. Total 1876.6
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

Left Hiker's Paridise about 9:30 am. Walked to library to use internet, went to Rite Aid store for snickers bars and to get new headphones for my mp3 player, went to outfitter for fuel, then Subway for lunch, and finally hitched a ride back to the trail. Took my time and hiked to Gentian Pond Campsite.
Date: 2006-08-18
To: Full Goose Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0

Left the shelter about 9 am. Planned on a big day, but it was not to be.The terrain is getting harder and my feet are getting worse. I managed to get in 10 miles today. Made it to the Full Goose Shelter. Right before I got to the shelter I took a big spill coming off a boulder. I scraped my right leg and landed on my butt in the mud. The fall was about 8 feet. No real damage, but it could have been. I set up my tent, ate, then hit the sack. Tomorrow I am going to be hiking the toughest mile of the trail....Can't wait!! BTW, forgot to mention I am now in Maine.
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Full Goose

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up to light rain. I could hear other people hurrying to get going, but I just stayed in my sleeping bag. Finally I got up and started packing. The rain had stopped and I was the last to leave. Once I got moving I passed 2 groups of hikers, so I felt like I was really moving. I got to the Mahoosuc notch and it really stopped my progress. Known as the "most difficultmile on the trail"....and it was. I had to climb over, under and around rocks and boulders. I actually thought it was fun. It is also known for having ice in cracks and crevices year-round..and it did.Finally made it out and got to Speck Pond Shelter for a break. Took me 6.5 hours to go 5.1 miles. I left Speck Pond and hiked to Grafton Notch 26, caught a ride to a store and hitched back to the trail. It started raining and it was late, so I had to night hike to the shelter. After a few wrong turns I finally made it to Bald Plate Lean-to, just before a big downpour. Lately I have noticed my "hiker appitite" kicking in. I can eat until I am full, then 2 hours later I am hungry again. It doesn't matter what or how much I eat, I seem to stay hungry. The last time I weighed myself I was 155, the lowest I have been since high school.