morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-05
From: Rutland, V.T.

To: Hanover, N.H.
Miles today: 46.1
Weather: few clouds

Took the bus back to the A.T. at Sherburne Pass. It cost $2 from Rutland downtown. While waiting for the bus, a security guard gave me some blueberries. Passed Maine Junction at Willard Gap. Here at Maine Junction the Long Trail and the A.T. separate. The Long Trail continues to Canada north 168 miles. Continued on through Gifford Woods State Park, Quimby Mtn. to the Stony Brook Shelter. It has been raining most of the day. While looking at the hikers' register, I start wondering where Mothership, Sweet Pea, Legion, Sniffer, and Hodgepodge might be on the trail. I left them behind and have not heard from them. I hope their journey is going well. Left the next morning to Trail to Lookout, Vt. At the Lookout I took a picture. Here is one of the few views between Killington Peak and New Hampshire. At Vt. 12 I had ice cream and snack cakes at the On the Edge farm stand before arriving at the Thistle Hill Shelter, where I put up my tent for the night. I have been trying to get to Hanover before the July 4 fireworks. It's not going to happen! The next day I crossed the White River at Vt. 14 into West Hartford,Vt., where I ate a sandwich and had ice cream at the West Hartford Village Store and snack bar. Crossed the Connecticut River leaving Vermont and entered New Hampshire. Arrived in Hanover,N.H. on July 5. I picked up my maildrop at the post office. I dropped my pack off at the Dartmouth Outing Club and checked out the town. Hanover is home to Dartmouth College. It is a lovely town, but had to camped the first night on the A.T. pass the soccer fields. Hope Rafter Jack can help me out. I am wore out. I need some time off. I got into a fratnerity house the next day, thanks to Rafter Jack, who I met in Kent. The fratnerity put me up in the attic. I have been sick for over a week from the flu that has been infecting the trail. Hiking has been very difficult for me with that, and my sore feet. I have been praying a lot to the Lord. I was washing my clothes and passed out, putting a cut on my forehead. The college students call 911. The Ambulance came and checked me out. They suggested that I go to the hospital and get a couple of stitches. I did not want to go. They released me on my signature. I need to quit pushing my body to the limit. I will have a 0 day here. I will leave on 7/7. I will get ice cream. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-07-09
From: Hanover, N.H.

To: Glencliff, N.H.
Miles today: 43.3

Had a big breakfast at the Hanover Food Co-op, before leaving Hanover. I left late in the morning on July 7. I went 11 miles climbing Moose Mtn. before arriving at the Moose Mtn Shelter where I pitched my tent. The flu has been affecting my hiking. I have asked for Jehovah God's divine intervention. I have been getting thoughts of getting off of the trail. It is said that before one gets off the A.T., he should stop at a trail town for 2 or 3 days to make sure that is what he wants. The next day I went up Smarts Mtn. and stayed at the Firewarden's Cabin and Fire Tower. You have a good view from the firetower. Too Soon, and Too Late are here with me. They are section hikers. There is also a couple of SouthBounders here. I have been feeling much better lately, and have been getting my appetite back. The next day I went up Mt. Cube and Mt. Mist before arriving at Glencliff on 7/9. God has restored my health from the flu. I did a 20 mile day. I met Charles and Sandy Foot who let me pitch my tent in their yard. They also let me get water from their kitchen sink. I will take a 0 day here. Tomorrow I will check in at the Hikers Welcome Hostel across the street from the Foot's house. I do feel much better and now I am starting to eat again. It is hard to hike when you have no appetite. My foot is healing and so is the cut on my forehead. Life is sweet. I am at the hostel now doing internet. Here I can get a shower, and will write Sheila a letter. Sniffer, Pace, Portor, Crop Duster, and Deva are here with me and other hikers. I went to Church and checked out the town. I have been eating from my foodbag, so I don't have too much weight to carry. There isn't much here, that is why I had a maildrop here. Glencliff sits at the base of Mt. Moosilauke, before one enters the White Mountains. Tomorrow I will get my maildrop and start the climb up the mountain. I have been looking forward to the White Mountains for sometime. Put your faith in the Lord God, Jehovah, and all things are possible. I have seen the Lord's miracles first hand. Thanks for all your prayers. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-07-12
From: Glencliff, N.H.

To: Lincoln, N.H.
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Picked up my maildrop in Glencliff and headed back on the trial on 7/11. I hiked up Mt. Moosilauke with Pace, Porter, Deva, and Crop Duster. We took pictures at the summit. The White Mountains is one of the most impressive sections of the A.T. There are magnificent views above treeline. You are in an alpine zone and asked to stay on the trail because of the delicate plants. The weather here can be very dangerous as well. Some of the worst weather can be found here because you are above treeline so much. Always be prepared for the worst. The trail is marked by rock cairns and even yellow blazes. There is confusion here, so pay particular attention to the guidebook, and the trails in the guide. White Blazes mark the A.T. trail, a Double White Blaze,indicates a turn on the trail, Blue Blazes on the A.T. indicate access points, water sources, campsites, and viewpoints, so one needs a guidebook to understand the markings. Went through Kinsman Notch, up Mt. Wolf, passed Lonesome Lake Hut, to Eliza Brook Shelter where I stayed. Deva, Porter, Pace, and Crop Duster are here. At the Huts you can get potable water, and food. Here in New Hampshire are many pay tent sites and huts. So it is important to have a guide book for those like me, who are on a low buget. At these sites you can sometimes get work-for-stay. But you don't want to rely on that. It is true that some of the most strenuous hiking will be found in New Hampshire and Maine. On 7/12 I hiked up South and North Kinsman Mtn. and got to I-93/U.S.3/Franconia Notch, where I hitched into Lincoln, N.H. The hitch was easy to Lincoln. I stayed at One Step At A Time Hostel. It is ran by Chet West on Pollard and School Road. Chet is a former hiker. I ate at McDonalds, got food, and ice cream at the Supermarket, and cleaned up at the hostel. I have found that I can get full at McDonalds for $7, by selecting from their $1 menu. Will get back on the trail tomorrow. Looking forward to the Presidential Mtns. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-07-18
From: Lincoln, N.H.

To: Gorham, N.H.
Miles today: 74.8
Weather: fog

Got a shuttle from Lincoln to the A.T. on 7/13. It cost me and other hikers $5. The hike today is on Franconia Ridge. The ridge walk on the A.T. will leave you awestruck. Went pass Little Haystack Mtn., Mt. Lincoln,and Mt. Lafayette, before arriving at Greenleaf Hut where I did work for stay. A severe storm was moving in. The next day I went pass Mt. Garfield, the Galehead Hut, South Twin Mtn., and Mt. Guyot, before arriving at the Zealand Falls Hut where I did work for stay. I only hiked 14 miles today. My work for stay was to tell their guest about my hiking from Georgia. The huts are ran by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). They maintain 122 miles of trail between Kinsman Notch and Grafton Notch in Maine. On 7/15 went through Crawford Notch, up Mt. Webster, and Mt. Jackson to the Mizpah Spring Hut. I am now in the Presidential Range. This is the highest part of the Trail in New Hampshire, with 25 miles of ridge-walking between Crawford Notch and Pinkham Notch. Met Sleeveless a thru-hiker on the trail who let me use her phone to call home. Sheila wasn't there, but I left her a message. Got work for stay at the hut. Noggins, Toto, and Tiger are here with me at the hut. Tiger let me use his phone, and I talked to Sheila and Tonia, my daughter. I am excited, because tomorrow I will summit Mt. Washington. Left Mizpah Spring Hut on 7/16 up Mt. Pierce, Mt. Fanklin, pass Lake of the Clouds Hut, up Mt. Washington, and down to the Madison Spring Hut. On Mt. Washington's summit I ate 18 pancakes that was given to me at the Lake of the Clouds Hut. From the summit you can see Mt. Madison, Adams, Jefferson, and Mt. Clay. The summit of Mt. Washington (6288 feet) is accessible by Auto Road and a cog railroad. You will find many tourists at the summit. There is a snack bar here too. Next day I went up Mt. Madison, passed the Peabody River, down to Pinkham Notch where I ate lunch, up Wildcat Mtn, pass Carter Notch Hut, and tented at Zeta Pass. Left Zeta Pass up Carter Mtn., Mt. Moriah, down to U.S. 2 at Gorham. Arrived in Gorham, N.H. on 7/18. The library here in Gorham charges $1 per 1/2hr of internet. Staying at the Hiker Paradise Hostel on Main St. The 3 Amigos and a bicycle rider are here with me at the hostel. The Presidentials in the White Mtns. took my breath away. I had great weather through the Presidentials. People have died going through those Mtns. Some of the fastest wind speeds in the U.S. have been recorded at Mt. Washington. God has truly walked with me. The ridge walk was awesome. I got work for stay at the huts. I am doing fine now. I've loss 25 lbs. Will get new boots and re-supply my food bag for 4 days to get to Andover, ME. Looking for rubber tips for my hiking poles. They had none at the outfitters. I guess I will make do. My pack weight is down to 30 lbs with water and food.   Will also get ice cream. I have 298 miles left on this fanastic journey with God. Always go far, cause only by going far, will we know how far we can go. Keep me in your prayers. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-07-22
From: Gorham, N.H.

To: Andover, Maine
Miles today: 51.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Gorham passed the Androscoggin River, up Mt. Hayes, the Cascade Mt., along Dream Lake and Moss Pond to the Gentian Pond Shelter. Here I put my tent up on a platform for the night. The next day on 7/20 I went up Mt. Success, the last Mountain on the A.T. before crossing into Maine. Continued in Maine up Mt. Carlo, Goose Eye Mtn., through the Mahoosuc Notch, and up the Mahoosuc Arm where I found a spot to tent for the night. The Mahoosuc Notch is famous for ice found in deep crevices throughout the year, and is considered the most difficult mile on the A.T. I found the notch to be not that difficult for me. The next day I went by Speck Pond, up Baldpate Mtn., and down to Dunn Notch and Falls where I tented. Arrived in Andover on 7/22. It has been very dry and hot in ME. I will clean up and get my maildrop, then tomorrow I will get back on the trail. Maine has been very lovely. Yesterday on Baldpate Mtn. the views were spectacular. I am staying at the Pine Ellis Hostel. There is a section hiker here from my home state of Missouri. His trail name is Josey. It is $20 for the bunk, plus $5 to take me back to the trail at the Pine Ellis Hostel. It was a easy hitch to Andover, but there is not a lot of traffic on South Arm Rd. I got my new hiking tips from REI. I'm seeing a lot of SOBO hikers now. They usually have started from Katahdin in June or July. I still like walking with Spring. I am still excited about the A.T. today, as I was at the Approach Trail in GA. Saw Calf, and Silver Fox getting back on the trail today. I've hiked with them off and on. It was good seeing old friends. I am doing fine. Thinking about what I will send home in Monson before the 100 mile Wilderness. I am 246.4 mile from Katahdin. Very exciting, yet sad that this journey with God is about to end. I am excited that I will be home for my 44 anniversary with my wife. She has been my support and inspiration. Love you Babe! Keep me in your prayers and don't forget the homeless people. Give generously to Larry Rice. Got to go for ice cream. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-07-25
From: Andover, Maine

To: Stratton,ME.
Miles today: 58.6
Weather: overcast clouds

On 7/23 left Andover,went up Old Blue Mtn., hiked the Bemis Range, crossed Maine 17, passed Moxie Pond, and Long Pond to the Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to where I tented for the night. I put my tent up in the shelter. North Bounders will fine that the shelters are almost empty now. Not like in the South where they are always crowded. Most hikers have dropped out by now. Deva and her parents left trail magic, Gatorade & Donuts, at Maine 17. The next day I went by Little Swift River Pond, Maine 4, Sandy River, up Saddleback Mtn., and down to Orbeton Stream where I tented with Deva. We are tenting right by the Falls. I have been hiking off and on with Deva since leaving Andover. On Saddleback Mtn. there is a ski resort on one side of the mountain. I understand now why they call Maine the state of a 1000 lakes. They are everywhere. Up early the next day and went up Lone Mtn., Spaulding Mtn., and Sugarloaf Mtn. On Sugarloaf Mtn you will fine a ski resort. Continued pass South Branch Carrabassett River (ford), Up Crocker Mtn., and arrived in Stratton 7/25. The hitching into Stratton was easy. Most of the fording on the Appalachian Trail will be found in Maine. Fording is crossing the rivers a hiker will encounter. The Kennebec River is the only river that a hiker on the A.T. will get help in crossing. There is a ferry that crosses the Kennebec River on the A.T. It is deemed too dangerous to be crossed by hikers. Hikers have drowned in the Kennebec River. Here at the Stratton Motel Hiker Hostel with me is Silver Fox, Calf, One Grey Wolf, Diablo, and two other hikers. The hostel is run by Susan Smith. She will give me a ride back to the trail. I am using the hostel's internet. Will buy 5 days of food here in Stratton, to get to Monson. I will also take a 0 day here, do town business, eat a lot of food, and get ice cream. Maine has been beautiful. The hiking has gotten easier. Only 187.8 miles left. Keep me in your prayers and know that God hears your prayers. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-07-30
From: Stratton,ME.

To: Monson, ME.
Miles today: 73.3
Weather: clear sky

On 7/27, Susan from the hostel have me a ride back to the A.T. I am entering the the Bigelow Mountain Range. I hiked pass Stratton Brook, Cranberry Stream, and Pond, Horns Pond, over Bigelow Mtn.,and down the Safford Notch to Little Bigelow Lean-to where I stopped for the night, because of the weather. A SoBo hiker, and One Grey Wolf are here with me. Here in Maine the shelters are called Lean-tos'. The next day 7/28, I hiked up Roundtop Mtn., passed West Carry Pond, Pierce Pond, crossed the Kennebec River, passed Caratunk, Me., at U.S. 201, to the Pleasant Pond Lean-to, where I put my tent up in the shelter. I also went swimming in Pleasant Pond. It was a 27 mile day. I hurried to get to the Kennebec River, so I wouldn't miss the ferry. My Thru-Hikers' Campanion book told me the ferry's schedule for crossing the river. Stephen Longley is the ferryman. I also had trail magic at Caratunk, by Craig & Donna Dickstein. They gave me water and all the homemade cookies I could eat. They are A.T. Trail Volunteers that I met on the trail. The next day 7/29, I went up Pleasant Pond Mtn.,passed Moxie Pond, up Moxie Bald Mtn., passed Bald Mtn. Pond, forded the West Branch Piscataquis River, and stopped at Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to for the night because of rain. I will eat down my food bag here at the shelter. Tomorrow I will arrive in Monson. It is only 9 miles to Monson from the lean-to. Arrived in Monson on 7/30. Got my maildrop, ate, cleaned up, and doing internet at the hostel. I am staying at the Lake Shore House. It is ran by Rebekah Santagata, and cost a hiker $25 for a bunk. You may also get work for stay here. Taking a 0 day here before going into the 100 mile Wilderness. I went to the Shaw House this morning for AYCE breakfast. Yeah! It was only $8. Diablo took me to Wal-Mart in Palmyra to replace my boots. I had the receipt so I just replaced them. This is my 6th pair of hiking boots. This will be my last pair before getting home. Diablo is such a kind fellow. I remember him from the internet, when I was researching the A.T. for my magical journey on the Appalachian Trail. What a dream come true. Got some seam sealer for another hiker while I was at Wal-Mart. Here in Monson I have seen Silver Fox, Calf, Tiger, One Grey Wolf, and Deva, and her parents. I have hiked with all of them off and on. Deva is the only one that I remember from Georgia. Going out on the lake today. Also planning to use the hammock at the Lake Shore House. Saw an airplane taking off of the water here. Got more ice cream. Ice cream is my go to food on the A.T. Tomorrow morning Rebecca will take me back to the trail to start the 100 mile Wilderness. I have decided to take 6 days of food out of Monson to complete my hike. Five days to do the 100 mile Wilderness, and one day to climb Katahdin. I have sent non essential items home through the mail to lighten my pack weight. My pack weight with food and water is 30lbs. To every dream there is the first step. Put your trust in Jehovah and Jesus Christ, and all things are possible. DreamWalker
Date: 2012-02-20
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am back home now, and learning to adjust to society. My grandchildren were waiting for me when I got home. A wonderful surprise it was. What a wonderful journey I had with God. It took about 4 months for my body to recover from the trail. Here are some of my stats:Trip Miles - 2191, Longest Day - 31 miles,Shortest Day - 3 miles,Number of Days over 20 miles - 42,Number of Days between 15-20 miles - 38,Number of Days between 10-15 miles - 33,Number of Days between 5-10 miles - 8,Number of Days between 1-5 miles - 1,Longest section with no days off:501 miles -Days - 32. In the Smoky Mountains I learned to hike bigger miles, because you are required to stay at the shelters,or around them. This helped me to get my trail legs. After Damascus, Va. most of my hiking days were over 20 miles if I wanted too.Most consective days off - 1,Gear Weight at start was 36 lbs. This included gear, 2 liters of water, and 4 days of food.At the finish my gear weight was 28 lb.Total money spent was $3500. This included my gear and transportation to the trail by Greyhound Bus. Total spent on transportation to and from A.T. was $326.50. The Ratio Dollar/Mile is about $2 per mile. Total Number of days - 133, Number of 0 days - 8,Hiking Days - 125,Average miles per Day - 17,Average miles per week - 119,Number of Days in Trail Town - 8,Number of nights in Shelter - 45,Number of nights in tent - 46,Number of nights under the stars - 2,Number of nights in hotel - 2,Number of nights in hostel - 21,Number of nights in house - 5. I stayed 1 night at a TA Truck Stop, 1 night at the Pavillon in Port Clinton, 1 night at a cemetery in Salisbury, 1 night at a fraternity house in Hanover, 1 night at the Graymoor Spiritual Center, 4 nights in the Huts, doing work for stay through the White Mountains in New Hampshire, 1 night under my poncho tarp, and 2 nights in a cabin. If I were to hike the A.T. again, I would have less maildrops. I had 12 maildrops. To those that comtemplate the A.T., I say research it well. Anyone can do it if they apply themselves to the task.Trust in God and yourself, and remember it takes only the first step. Happy Trails - Always go far, for by going far, is the only way of knowing how far we can go. Planning to do the Transamerica 76 bicycle route from Virginia to Oregon in 2014. You can see my journal at louisayers30@wordpress.com. Then click on TransAm2014louisayers30wordpress. -DreamWalker- Ga.>Me. 2011
Date: 2008-07-15
From: Benson Trailhead

To: Rock Lake
Miles today: 4.5

Turtle and I are sitting by Rock Lake. Beautiful! We could not ask for better weather! 88 degrees according to my watch ¢ but not hot and muggy like it would be in the city. It¢s perfect! The sun is shining off the lake and onto us¢¦.aaaah! We got dropped off at the trailhead and said our goodbyes by 12:30. Walked the 4 1/2 miles to Rock Lake by 3:00 or so. What a great way to start our journey! So relaxing! We planned the low mileage because it seems like we always start the first day off later then we plan ¢ though not so today, only 12 hour behind schedule. And, it sounded like this was a pretty little lake that would offer seclusion ¢ indeed it seems to offer just that! I am a little confused about whether this is actually a legal campsite. There are no DEC disks to say it is or it isn¢t¢¦.which worries me that technically it isn¢t. Yet, the guidebook says you can camp here and that there are many sites¢¦.Hmm¢¦.Turtle is cooking us one of our all-time camping faves ¢ tortellini with dried mushrooms, peas and Parmesan with a Knorr creamy pesto sauce. We added veggie Bacos, which will be our faux-prosciutto (not that I would ever eat the real thing). Yum! It¢s a bit of a hi-maintenance meal but so delish and since we arrived so early it is no problem! The Ziploc bag cooking will come later and Turtle agreed to cook most of the non-bag meals after insisting on having some. So, lucky for me! I get to sit here, looking at the lake and writing¢¦Funny moment of the day: When turtle peered into the food bag looking for dinner and said, ¢Uhoh, I saw the Oreos¢¦No, no, I had better save my altitude for dinner¢.So many months of planning¢¦and training with our daily walks¢¦.and we are finally here! Yay!