morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Catholic Church Hostel Chesire MA

To: Campsite past Seth Warren Shelter
Miles today: 21.2

Probably the craziest day yet. We climbed Mt Graylock this morning, which is the tallest mountin in Massachusetts. It was an 8 mile asend but well worth it as the top was great. There was a tower and restuarant with lots to see and do. Towards the end of the day we crossed into Vermont! We finally have only 3 stated left. The end is near. We hiked to a read past the shelter in hopes of meeting up with Willies sister and mother. When they were a half and hour late we decided to split up and each hike a ways down the dirt road in opposite directions. A little while of walking a truck with 2 guys passed me. I flagged them down and asked them which way the main road was. Eventually I just hopped n the back of their truck and we drove down some terrible roads to pick Willie up and then we headed to town to use a payphone. It turned out that Willie's sisters car broke down trying to find us so they werent going to make it. So we resupplied at the gas station and the two guys drove us back to the trail. they built a fire for us and we talked around it for a while. They headed on probably 3 hours after they first met us. They bailed us out big time. I am not sure what would have happed if they didnt help us out because we had not food and no way to contact anyone. So everything on our end ended up fine. I just hope Willie's sisters car ok after all this.
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Campsite past Seth Warren Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Not much happend today. We hiked up a few mountins with very nice view. We also climbed up a look out tower with warning signs to stay off it, really nice views. We recieved word from Rambler that we should catch up to him. I want to but I dont think we could hike fast enough. He is 50 and he can fly. We met some new people today and yestarday, Valentine and Red Roy, nice people.
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter 
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: light rain

Three quarters done today. Too bad the worst one is yet to come. 32 1/2 days for the first 26 1/2 days for the second and 27 days for the third. So we are on a great pace and should still finsh in under 4 months which is our goal. Long slow day today. The feet hurt alot so I am sure going to be extra nice to them tonight so they can heal up. I am looking forward to a day off this weekend cause I am tierd and soar. But we gotta keep moving.
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Spruce Peak Shelter 

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: light rain

We finally caught up to Rambler today. We have been just a few shelters behind him for almost 2 weeks but he went into town and we eventaully caught up to him. So the three of us hiked together all day and it was a long one. Over 13 hours of hiking. But that means only 8 hours to meet Willie's folks at noon. I am hoping my mom has talked to them and will be there too. But today I am beat so goodnight.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: The Lorenc's Winter Retreat House
Miles today: 7.8

Finally, a break a day off to relax and heal. We got off the trail at noon where Willie's parents were waiting for us and as we got to the parking lot my mom pulled up. It was great to see her especiallyu since it has been 3 months. We went to Ponderosa for lunch buffet and then headed to a house where Willie's family stays for a week each winter to ski at Killington. We use the hot tub and relaxed all afternoon. Trish and Seth, Willie's sister and brother in law came for dinner and the night. I also finally got to talk to Crystal and hear all about her Cancun trip.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: The Lorenc's Winter Retreat House

To: The Lorenc's Winter Retreat House
Miles today: 0.0

Another great relaxing well-deserved day. I hung out with my mom re-supplied and bought new socks all compliments of my mom. I called Dad for father's day. We all went to the theatre and saw Harry Potter which was fun. Only the 2nd theatre movie of the trip. It is so great to be near home and have a chance to take it easy. Also, I got a new cousin today, probably the last one. I hope to see her before I head to Virginia in September. Great day, my feet are feeling much better and hopefully will last the rest of the week until we take another break.
Date: 2004-06-21
From: The Lorenc's Winter Retreat House

To: Cooper Lodge 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Biggest most important day of the trip for me thus far, yet unrelated to the trip. I've been leaving this stuff out of my journal for a while but now I guess I can come clean since the ball is rolling. However if something goes wrong I might need to buy some white-out.I have been thinking for a while about proposing to Crystal and thought a good time to do it would be after the trail and before the Marines. But noew I dont want to wait that long. So, my mom and I went to some jewlery stores this weekend and finally today I decided to customise a ring. So, I bought a big diamond, well big for me, and I am putting it between 2 smaller onesfrom a ring from my great-grandmother. The band is yellow gold but white gold where it connects to the diamonds. I really really hope she likes it. So, they will send it to N.H. by Friday night and I plan to propose Friday night or Saturday. I hope to she says yes but I guess I shouldnt worry.So I have a week to plan some sort of romantic proposal. Maybe I will take her to Wendy's or Chucky Cheeses, we'll see.
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Cooper Lodge 

To: The Lookout Cabin
Miles today: 23.7

Rain, rain go away. It rained from the time we started this morning and only let up a few times this afternoon. It slowed us down but we still put in a good day. We are staying at a cabin with a door and windows on top of a mountin tonight so it should be cozy. The fog is thick unfortunally so no views.Tomorrow we might leave Vermont or at least be very close to N.H. Like today it will depend on the weather.
Date: 2004-06-23
From: The Lookout Cabin

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: scattered clouds

A new month! Hopefully the last! Month 4 started with some great weather and nice views. But it was up and down all day long.I am really looking forward to this weekend especially to seeing Crystal. Being away from her is by far the hardest part of the this trip. But hopefully I will be done soon, I am counting the miles.Tomorrow morning we hit N.H., that will be another big milestone. I am definatly wanting to be done but it is not over until it is over.
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: few clouds

New Hampshire! Home of the White Mountains. We are finally, after 3 months of hiking into the real hiking. We had the longest streach of road walking this trip walking from Vermont across the Connecticutt River and in Hanover. Hanover seemed like a really nice college town. We re-supplied and I made arrangements to get picked up tomorrow afternoon. I still need some sort of good idea for a proposal. I am running out of time. I'll probably just wing it. I am looking forward to it, not nervous at all!
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Chocorua, NH
Miles today: 21.7

Wonderful day for me today. Hiked a whole bunch etc. Got picked up at 5 by my mom and we drove back to Chocorua, which is just south of Conway via the Kangamangus highway. My sister Katie and her husband Matt were there when we got there and Crystal showed up there about 10 minutes after we did. We all had a great dinner. Later that night Crystal and I were in the hot tub and I worked up the courage to propose to her. First she said, "Are you serious?!?" but then she said yes. So at close to midnight she called her parents and they were so excited that they decided to come up the next day. It was a great memorable evening and I know I made a great choice on her and the ring. Luckily the ring came in the mail from Vermont earlier that day or I don't know what I would have done.
Date: 2004-06-26
From: Chocorua, NH

To: Chocorua, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Crystal and I had a fantastic yet hectic day today. We called our grandmothers to let them hear the news about our engagement first before others found out. Then my mom called lots of relatives but noone was home so she left some messages.Crystal's parents got there in the early afternoon and we got our first engagement gift from them, champagne glasses for our wedding. Later in the day some of mom and dad's friends came over for dinner. I want to be more social but I was too tired and sore. Finally took some vitamin I at the advice of a fiance and felt much better. At night I played another Texas Hold'em 19 player no limit poker tourney and won again which was nice. I'll be putting that money towards Crystal's ring, haha. Another wonderful day and I couldn't be happier right now.
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Chocorua, NH

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Yet another wonderful morning with Crystal. I just can't wait to be done hiking so I psend more time with her. But leaving her was okay for both of us knowing we would be seeing each other in a week. Just a few miles today, but the week is gonna be the hardest of the trip, can't wait.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Climber our first real mountain in about the last 100 miles. Mt. Moosilauke was 4802 feet high iand was the first mountain above tree line this entire trips. The views were spectacular in every direction. We are very happy to finally be in the much warned about While Mountains of New Hampshire. The going is very slow unfortunately. We had a short day mileage wise but it took a full day to hike it. I guess it will be slow going all through the presidentials but I'm up to the challenge.
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

It rained all night and was still at it when we woke up so we decided to wait an hour to get going. It was still raining then but by the time we got hiking it had stopped for the day. Lots of miles and mountains today: South Kinsman, North Kinsman, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette, and Mt. Garfield. We got to walk along an exposed ridgeline for several miles and the views were absolutely incredible! In retrospect the rest of the trip was very bland up until this part. We are on schedual going thru the Whites and may add a few miles tomorrow, we'll see.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Tentsite on the Saco River
Miles today: 17.5

We were able to add a few miles today to make tomorrow easier. We could have added more but decided to go up Webster Cliffs tomorrow morning instead. Tomorrow is going to be a massive day going over or very close to 8 peaks. Hopefully we'll make it to Washington for lunch but we are not yet sure where to spend the night since you can't camp above treeline and hiking down below treeline is a long trip. Tonight we are not stealth camping (camping where you aren't aloud). But if we were it would be right on a little pebble beach 2 feet away from the Saco River.
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Tentsite on the Saco River

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

Best day of the trip period. From start to finish it was inspiring and exciting. We started the day by climbing 5000 verical feet from Crawford Notch over the Webster Cliffs, Mt. Jackson, Mizpah Hut, Lakes of the Clouds and all the way to Mt. Washington for lunch. Climbing Washington was one of the easiest climbs of the entire trip. Knowing it was the biggest mountain remaining in the trip and the adrenaline of finally getting there we couldn't climb fast enough. I called Crystal from the top of the mountain as it is very well developed up there. There were about 100 or more people up there most who had driven or taken the Cog Railroad up. I bought a sandwich and a pint of Ben and Jerry's there. The weather on top was unbelievable. Visablilty was great, the winds were almost nonexsistent and it was tee-shirt weather. We hiked a few more rough miles to Madison Hut. At the hut we asked to do "work for stay" and they were happy to have us. After all the paying customers ate ($75 each) Willie and I ate ourselves silly, potatoes, chicken, corn, bread and tons of brownies. First time all trip that I've been full while on the trail. There is a massive lightning storm going on now. It is impressive because the bolts are actually hitting the ground well below our altitude. We lucked out again missing the rain tonight. What an awesome day!
Date: 2004-07-02
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Did some cleaning in the morning to pay for our stay after another great meal. They had us changing pillow cases and then sweeping. Aussie John spent the night there too with us doing work for stay. After cleaning we headed out and finished up the Presidentials. From Pinkham Notch I called my dad to arrange a pickup for tomorrow and then we headed across the street to climb the Wildcats. Not too many miles today but it is definately to our advantage. It is supposed to rain again tonight so we decided to go to the Carter Notch Hut and do work for stay again. The caretakers said no but that they had a new program called just, "Stay." So we got a whole bunkhouse to ourselves and tomorrow we will have an early start to meet my dad.
Date: 2004-07-03
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Chocorua, NH
Miles today: 15.2

After a great night in our own bunkhouse we headed out early to bag some more peaks. We ended up meeting my dad on top of Mt. Moriah right at lunch time. He hiked about 6 miles to meet us with both of our dogs, Brindle and Jack. Jack is a six month old Jack Russel and it was amazing the kinds of cliffs that he could just run right up. Dad brought us some donuts which was awesome. So the 5 of us hiked back down to route 2 and headed back to Chocorua. Crystal and mom were there waiting for us. I cleaned up and buzzed off most of my hair. We all had a nice evening watching movies and relaxing in the hot tub. Its good to be home again.
Date: 2004-07-04
From: Chocorua, NH

To: Chocorua, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Zero days go by so fast that its not fair. But I guess I did alot today so I shouldn't complain. Crystal and I went to her family's camp for a few hours. Her parents, Bub, Adam and Uncle Dave were there as well as a few friends of Adams. It was nice to see them all and wished I could stay longer. Later we resupllied and much later we went to Tamworth to see the fireworks. It was a nice time but I was tired as usual. Always tired.
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Chocorua, NH

To: Carlo Camp Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Maine! We are finally here! 13 states down and only one to go! To bad its a hard one.We left Chocorua around 9am. It was really hard to say bye to Crystal this time, I hate doing it. But the hike must go on. We had some tough miles due to rain and a bit of wind but luckily it was warm out. I had a close call today. I got between a mother and her babies. One baby ran into the woods on one side of the trail and 2 ran into the woods on the other side. So of course the mother stays right on the trail and stares at me. I decided to get closer and get a picture but as I was looking through the view finder I see her charging me. I fended her away with my trekking poles and she eventually retreated. She was just trying to protect her cubs, I mean chicks.
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Carlo Camp Shelter

To: Frye Notch Lean-to
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Mile for mile the toughest day of the entire trail. It took thirteen and a half hours to hike only 20 miles and we didn't stop at all all day. We took and hour and a hlaf to get through Mahoosic Notch. Mahoosic Notch is a mile long section of trail in between to cliffs. It is littered with bolders and rocks and the trail is not improved at all to navigate around them. We were literally crawling on our hands and knees in some places to get through. In total today we gained and lost over 14,000 feet of elevation.It was cloudy all day and it is supposed to stay that way all week. Tomorrow we planned for 23 miles but I know they can't be nearly as difficult. My body is very tired but since we are meeting my floks on Friday and we have no access to a phone we are gonna have to deal with the long days.
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Frye Notch Lean-to

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: few clouds

A long day yesterday followed by a long day today. My feet are extremely beat up and soar and I practically crawled into camp. Unfortunately the shelter was full due to 10 southbounders all traveling together who went about 10 miles today. Northbounders should get some kind of seniority. So we were forced to tent in the drizzle instead.The good news is that tomorrow is a shorter day and the elevations look easier. But Friday is goping to be another tough one, it never ends.
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: moderate rain

Much easier hiking day ruined by constant drizzle and rain. We were fairly soaked all day but the miles were easy and fast. We were both extremely soar going into the day following 3 long days but b y the end the skies dried up and the feet stopped pulsing. So now we are all fresh for another big day tomorrow going over Saddleback and Sugarloaf. We think we will be summiting Katahdin on the 21st of July but I gotta double check the miles.
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Piazza Rock Lean-to

To: The Island, Winthrop ME
Miles today: 22.1

More rain, more cold and more mud. So far Maine has been miserable with no views. However, we have come through the hardest part of the trail and in very good time.My folks picked us up and brought us to the Toothakers to shower and do laundry. They gave us some fudge, yummy! Then we took the pontoon boat over to our island for a nice night. It is nice to be out of the rain and dry for a night.
Date: 2004-07-10
From: The Island, Winthrop ME

To: Tentosite on North Crocker Mountain
Miles today: 3.1

A nice morning at the island eating and relaxing. Around noon dad took us back to the toothakers to pick up the laundry which they did for us. Then I bought some new hiking socks as my last pair really couldn't be classified as socks anymore. We resupplied on the way back to the trail and stopped at Burger King. Three burgers and a shake later we were ready to hike. We started late and did only a few miles to tent on top of a mountain. Hopefully we can get through the night without another downpour.
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Tentosite on North Crocker Mountain

To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

2000 miles!!! I can't believe how far we have come and how close we are to finishing.Today was probably our very difficult day left. from here to katahdin the terrain is much flatter but not without a few hard spots. We have a light day tomorrow so that we can catch the ferry the next morning which only operates from 9-11 in the morning. Then on to Monson to meet Katie and Matt.Today we climbed over the Bigelow range and had our first possible viewing of Katahdin, though its hard to be sure.
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Short easy day. We got to cam very early and now have to just sit and wait to catch the ferry, I can do that. Getting here early was nice, we went for a swim and then had a few hours to rest and watch the loons. I am getting antsy waiting around, I guess I'm not used to having much free time. The bugs were so bad tonight that Willie and I decided to set up the tent right in the shelter as we were the only ones in the shelter.
Date: 2004-07-13
From: Pierce Pond Shelter

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The feet were extremely soar today. Between the cracks in the each foot and the added stress made to the rest of the foot by trying not to step on the cracks, every step hurts.But since we will be done in only 8 more days I can handle it. We even put in a few extra miles and one more mountain to make for an easier day tomorrow.Almost forgot to mention the Kennebec River. We had to be there between 9 and 11 AM. When we got there we waved across and Steve the ferryman hopped in his canoe and paddled across to meet us. We signed some forms in case we lost our lives in the 6 inch deep water. Then we paddled across. The canoe even had a white blaze in it to signify the official AT. Then Steve proceeded to talk at us for eternity never even asking us anything. Luckily Mrs. Gorp came to the other side of the river and we made our escape.
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Katie and Matt's House
Miles today: 17.9

Late start and easy terrain made for a nice day. We walked next to the Piscataquis River for half the day. A cool thing was that we got to ford that river twice. We haven't had to get our feet wet yet this trip but the river was wide and too hard to cross staying dry. So we sloshed right through it.We met Katie right on time and she brought us some food. Then we drove to her place, had a great dinner, and watched a movie.
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Katie and Matt's House

To: Leeman Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Last week! Last Thursday! I am very excited the end is near! Not that I don't want to be here but I'm ready to get back to reality.Katie made us some blueberry pancakes for breakfast, then we drove past their new house which looks great. We picked up Matt from work and went out to eat. Then we headed for a late start into the 100 mile wilderness. We planned on 10 miles but settled on 3. We didn't want to get in past dark and it is raining anyway. So it just means 7 more miles tomorrow which soundn't be a problem.
Date: 2004-07-16
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Less than 100 miles to go! That's all thats keeping me going now cause Maine sucks. It poured all morning and then the sun came out for our one big climb of the day, so we were dripping sweat going up it. Then right as we get to the top it starts to pour again. We had to hike back down a river, kinda ridiculous. It made for a long day but we only have 5 more so I can deal.We finally saw a deer in Maine, its about the only wildlife we have seen here except for squirels and mosquitos. No moose yet.
Date: 2004-07-17
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

5 more mountains today amd from what I hear its a cakewalk to the end. Hopefully the weather will cooperate as it did today. We forded a few more rivers which was fun as always. We saw alot of people considering we are in the middle of the 100-mile wilderness. Lots of people are doing day hikes to the Gulf Hagas area. I hear its a nice spot and maybe someday I'll con Crystal into hiking around it with me. Only four more days to go, the countdown is on, or has been on.
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day down! Saw two moose today, its about time. The first was about 30 feet into the water. We stealthly approached it to get a closer look. Then we took some pictures and then talked to the moose and it turns out he didn't even care that we were there. So we snuck up on him for nothing.I get the feeling that my feet are going to fall off on top of Katahdin. They are always sore and Today I had to use my trekking poles as crutches again to ease the pain. I am glad we are almost done cause I don't think my feet could last much longer. Pass the Ibuprofin.