morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Stratton, ME

To: Andover,ME
Miles today: 73.3
Weather: broken clouds

Well I arrived in Stratton this morning around 9:30Am. Just a hop and a skip(5 miles) from my tenting last night. I am not too excited(but still lil bit) about getting into town because of the great hiking weather and AMAZING mountains that I have been so blessed to come across. I just wake up and thank God everyday for my health and ability to do what I do. Well its been about 75 miles or so since my stay at Monson. The past 4 days of hiking have been great! Yesterday was my favorite day of hiking yet!!!! Went over the Bigelows which were everything and more than I expected. Beautiful. Enough said. Lots of friends and good people around on the trail. A big group of boyscouts I ran into gave fresh fruit and trail mix ontop of little Bigelow. Fruit=delicious. Then I adventured my way up to above 4000 ft at Avery peak. great climb. Met 2 hikers from Canada who insisted that they give me some food since this was their last day on the trail. V8 juice, and bar, and an orange. Oh so good. Now in Statton. Another small but great town. Just got out of the shower and now doing some laundry. Great mail drop mom and dad!! Well I am off to watch TV on the couch...my oh my. Have a great one because I sure am. By the way, I've picked up my trail name......Sweet Tea.....Gotta love it!
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Andover,ME

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 77.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Off and into another town. Got into Andover this afternoon after a tough 19 mile hike out. The mountains are starting to get bigger and the views are getting even more awesome. The weather since Stratton has been not so good..very humid and rainy with thunderstorms. Today was a fabulous day though. Temperature in the mid 60's and the skys amber blue. Amazing. Next stop is going to be Gorham, NH. Caught up and passed about a dozen other Sobo's this week. Staying here in the Hostel with about 6 other thru-hikers tonight. Cruising into Gorham next week..taking it easy and plan to arrive around July 4th. Time is passing by so quickly out here..Still loving it. 30 some odd miles and I'll be out of Maine..hard to believe. Well time to socialize with the others and will probably head out to the trail sometime tomorrow afternoon. Hastas lluego.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Andover,ME

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Matthew just called from the top of Old Speck Mtn. He was on top of an observation deck at an elevation of close to 4200 ft. Had a great view of Mt. Washington. Looks like it is snowing there. Weather is very cold....probably close to 30 degrees with heavy wind. He is just below the clouds and has a beautiful view. Plans are to meet several other thru hikers at a shelter tonight. Hopes to be in Gorham Tuesday afternoon. Pictures have been sent home and some will be posted after they arrive. As told by Sweet Tea
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Gorham, NH

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 32.4

Well...I am writing on here from the local Library in Gorham, NH. The first town in NH! Nice rock climber picked up myself and 2 other hikers to give us a hitch into town. He didn't have room for us all so he made two trips! What a nice guy. Well the hike out of Maine was incrediable. The mountains as always have been really great. I have been hiking with four other hikers since Andover and that has really been a good change of pace. Relaxing and full of good times. To start off where I left off at Andover. Didn't get out of town until late that next day. Probably not until around 5:30, so I just did 5 miles to the first shelter. Stayed alone at the shelter the first night. It was very relaxing and peaceful. Met up with the 4 other thru-hikers(Dreamer, Rambo, Prancer, and Teapot) the next morning. We decided to go another 12 miles to the shelter just past the "notch". Long story short we lost a hiker...and ended up hiking the crazy notch(1 mile of a jungle gym) at night. That was an amazing time. It was so much fun. Got to the shelter and still no sign of the other hiker (Rambo). Slept a cold, cold night there and slept in until really late...trying to find the other hiker. She ended up showing up late..around 2pm exhausted. She had gotten lost on anther trail the previous day and ended up to 12 extra miles!! really stinks for sure. Long story I know but it was a very stressful time. Me Prancer and Dreamer then go a late start 10 miles over to the 2nd lean-to from there. Great time. Got sleet on top of a crazy big bald mountain that night...slept there..and then left this morning to get to town tonight. It has been a really good time. Trail life is so great. Enjoying hiking more than ever. So this past stretch I did 2 nights of night-hiking..which I love. This is it for now..but I will be soon to update you again as soon as I get the chance. There is so much to say with so little time. Limited to a 30 mintute session on the computer, so I must hurry. The Whites are going to be AMAZING..so I am slowing down and enjoying them to the MAX. Staying at the "Barn" tonight and taking a zero day tomorrow..4th of JULY!! Time passes by so quickly. Cannot believe that I have already been close to 300 miles. OH! and one more thing...The pizza place in Gorham is amazing.   I got a 14 inch BBQ chicken pizza, cheese sticks, and Mountain Dew..great way to start the adventure in town!
Date: 2007-07-07
To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 28.9

Weather is rough....lightning,freezing weather and winds seemingly 70 MPH. Rocks are slick and traveling has been difficult, feels like you can be blown off the mountain. Hope to get to Mt. Washington tomorrow, weather permitting. Tonight at 7:00 PM, arrived at Madison Spring Hut (8 miles from Mt. Washington) Will work for stay. Enjoyed ham, mashed potatoes. sweet peas, cookies for dinner. The crew here is very nice.
Date: 2007-07-08
To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 7.0

Reached the summit of Mt. Washington! Temperature around 40 degrees with wind gusts of 40 MPH. Zero visibility. The rain is horizontal so everything gets soaking wet.Spent last night at Madison Spring Hut and enjoyed 16 pancakes this morning after cleaning the bunkhouse for stay.The hike up Mt. Washington was not too bad compared to Mt. Madison yesterday.After eating a big bowl of chili in the snack bar, the plan is to hike only one and a half miles more to Lakes of the Clouds Hut to try and dry clothes out. Hope to work for stay tonight there.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 25.9

Good News and Bad news!Good- Hiking in the White Mountains and able to work for stay at the huts maintained by the Appalachian Trail Club.Bad- It has rained for a week and the trekking poles broke in half.Last night's stay was at the Zealand Falls Hut. Washed dishes and cleaned the refrigerator and enjoyed soup, lemonade and lasagna. Walked to Zealand Falls for a shower. Tonight is the Galehead Hut. Hope the weather clears tomorrow. Will hike Franconia Mountain Range tomorrow no matter what. Plans are to hike on to North Woodstock and resupply with snack food.Surge has caught back up. Also hiking with Quasi and Mountain Mike. Plan to make it to Glencliff, NH Friday or Saturday. Sweet Tea
Date: 2007-07-12
To: Glencliff NH
Miles today: 13.0

News from Sweet Tea:He had a great day crossing the Franconia Range. Near the end of Franconia Ridge, he ran into Martini and Rossi, a couple he met in Georgia in March. They were beginning the hike north then, and he was out backpacking for the weekend. He enjoyed visiting with them. He noted that they had both lost a lot of weight! Traveled with Surge today and ran into T Pot and Dutch as he was getting ready to go into N. Woodstock to resupply. They are all staying in N. Woodstock for the night at a hostel a thru hiker from several years ago (Chet) is just opening. He was enjoying Italian food in town and will be in Glencliff for his package Saturday morning.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Glencliff NH

To: Hanover
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: few clouds

Well I am here in Glencliff NH. There is no cell reception and the only pay phone is 10 miles up the road. Needless to say this is a tiny town with about 10 houses total that live here. Well all has seemed to be going well..my knees have hurt a little bit more than normal. It is the big decents and no poles. Other than that I have been having a good old time. Hope to be in Hanover on tuesday night or wednesday morning..all depending on how I am feeling in the next 50 miles or so. I am offically out of the white mountains now..Glad to be out of there only because the weather didn't treat me too well. Happy trails/
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Hanover

To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 43.4
Weather: moderate rain

Well here I am again! Right now I am blessed to tell you the news of my previous days in the luxury of a warm, cozy hotel room, away from the cold rain outdoors. Well from Glencliff, I got off to a relatively late start on my hike. It was another truly amazing day of hiking. The weather for a change has been absolutly gorgeous. Wow, and the terrain is night and day(hard to easy) from the white mountains. I have currently been hiking a lot with three really cool people. Teapot, Dreamer and Rambo have really been encouraging and a blessing to hike with...Really good times. Yesterday we stumbled upon a huge field and decided to just lay around and hang around...it turned into a 3 hour event..Oh how much we appreciate the good weather after having such poor weather during the Whites. Ended up hiking into the night to the firetower. Clear skies at night with a beautiful glow of the moon and stars. Life is oh so good. Got into Hanover yesterday. We did 24 miles in. Beautiful, beautiful section of the trail. Absolutly loved it. Walking thru meadow after meadow and thru canopy trees that make you feel as small as a little bug on the ground. Great weather again! Yummy. Picture this...I am walking into town(Hanover) which begins by descending thru the woods into the Dartmouth practice fields. There were about 11 other Sobo's hanging around on the field with tents and gear spread all over the place. This was a great feeling meeting back up with all the amazing people I have been so fortunate to surround myself with. Even better yet. My friend Dreamer's parents were in town and they decided to put a few of us up at a really nice hotel(for free)...really really really great people. So, I was able to get a nice shower and comfortabe bed for the night. Good times. Tonight, I am still here because they have decided to let several of us Sobos(Prancer, Surge, Dutch, Andrew,Teapot, Rambo, and Me) stay another night at the hotel. Awesome zero day for sure. It was filled with swimming in the pool and hot tub...eating...and just enjoying the great stories and laughs with the other hikers. Thanks for all the comments. Look forward to hearing from you guys..and until then...Happy Hiking
Date: 2007-07-22
To: Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 42.8
Weather: broken clouds

From Sweet Tea:Arrived in Killington, VT with Andrew and Dutch on Saturday. Had a beauiful day. Hiked 21 miles on Friday then 17 miles on Saturday. Stays so hungry that he needed to come in to resupply. Sweet Tea needed more snack food. A wedding was taking place as the group was coming into town on the trail. That was fun!Congratulated the couple as they walked past. Had trail magic today!! Mountain Dew, Coke and bottled water was in a stream as they walked by!HP, Twix, and Surge arrived in town today. Will work for stay tonight at the Twelve Tribes Hostel and leave for Manchester Center, VT tomorrow...approximately 53 miles away. Will arrive later this week.Posted new pictures today.......Stratton to Hanover
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 53.1
Weather: clear sky

Arrived in Manchester Center around 11:00 this morning with HP and Prancer. Have had good hiking days but the weather is really hot. Came into town to pick up a mail drop. Ran into Dutch and Andrew at the post office. While in town, resupplied with a few items and washed clothes at the local laundromat. The clothes needed it! Ran into Twix in town, as well. Enjoyed a good lunch and Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Plans are to leave today and hope to reach Dalton MA early next week.
Date: 2007-07-28
To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 40.1
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Arrived in Bennington, VT this afternoon with Prancer, Dutch and Andrew, who now has the trail name "Juice". It has been real humid with a lot of rain. There are a lot of Northbounders and the group passed 48 hikers this morning. A porcupine showed up in the shelter last night gnawing on the shelter's wood. Dropped the packs off in the basement of the local outfitter and plan to get some good food and a free shower at the local rec department before heading back out again.The group did enjoy a "Vermonster" at Ben and Jerry's before leaving town in Manchester...This ice cream dish comes in a huge container loaded with a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. It didn't take very long to consume it all!Hope to arrive in Dalton, MA within the next few days.
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Dalton, MA

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 41.7
Weather: clear sky

Well here I am again, now over 600 miles into the trip. Passed the 1/4 mark just the other day. Seems as though I just left Katahdin yesterday. Good times on the trail account for time flying by. Amazing group of guys to hike with. Been hiking with Dutch, Prancer, and Juice lately. Pushing our way into Dalton. 17 miles out of Bennington and then another 26 here into Dalton. Hot days, but they have been full of nice sunny days as well...this is nothing to complain about for sure. The trail seems to be flattening out a good deal compared to the Whites...the terrain is much different. Well nothing too exciting went on during the hike over the past two days besides the usual crazy talk and obnoxious talk of the crew...that is the hacky sac crew(juice, dutch, prancer, and me). This is our new motivation...make it to camp before dark so we can have some time to play hacky sac...northbounders find us to be crazy and full of energy..gotta love it. Well, we got into Dalton on Monday night. Spent the night here at Tom Lavardi's place. He cooked us up a nice huge pasta dish with a salad and cokes..mmmmm...he is such a giving and humble guy. Spent the day yesterday relaxing and taking it easy. Went to the local swimming hole and hung out there with the guys for a few hours, then back into town for laundry(Much Needed already). Lot of hikers here last night. 18 on my account. 6 Sobos and 12 nobos. Another nice dinner with sasauge, carrots, pasta, and greens. Here for another day. It is so hard to leave town it seems like. More great times to come. WE might head up to Bennington tonight for the B'town Throw down(event for thru-hikers with free food)...did somebody say free food for hikers???? That is a no question a place that you must..MUST go. Well this is all for now. Thanks for all the nice comments..it really does mean a good deal to me...just to know all the support I have out there from all of my friends and family...and even strangers...Thanks..Happy hikingSweeeeett Tea
Date: 2007-08-04
To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 48.1
Weather: clear sky

The group (Dutch, Prancer, Juice, Thorny, Yellow Bird and Sweet Tea) went into Great Barrington, MA yesterday to grab a cold drink. Two people stopped them and offered a free shower and place to sleep on the floor of their home. So they spent the night and will head on towards Salisbury this morning.The group went to the B-Town Throwdown in Bennnington, VT this past Wednesday night. There were 30-40 Thru Hikers there and the town had live music and free hotdogs, hamburgers, and cokes for hikers. Dreamer, Teapot, and Rambo were there along with Siesta and Fiesta- from Tennessee, Connor and Amanda, other SOBO's. HP and Twix are only a day or so behind them now on the trail.Thursday, they hiked 20 miles to Upper Goose Pond. Someone had left blueberries in a big sack on the trail so they enjoyed blueberry pancakes at the Cabin Friday morning as well as a chance for some swimming at a nearby swimming area. Hiked 27 miles into Great Barrington, MA yesterday. Plan to cross into Connecticut this afternoon.As told by Sweet Tea
Date: 2007-08-07
From: Salisbury, CT

To: New York City
Miles today: 54.8

Arrived in Kent, CT with Prancer, Thorny, and Juice late this afternoon just before the post office closed. It has been a good few days of hiking although the weather has been really hot. Ticks have been bad and everyone has had to get them off of them all day. Just into CT, we slept on Bear Mtn. and observed a beautiful meteor shower. The stars were brighter than I had ever seen. I've also seen a couple of bears in the last two days. Talk on the trail is that a real estate agent in town will allow hikers to camp in the backyard of the business. Laundry had to be done again. There is no shower available so I was limited to washing my hair and face in the sink at the laundromat. Hope to get into the state of New York tomorrow, and get to the Appalachian Rail Station in a couple of days. Want to get into New York City! Got to go eat!
Date: 2007-08-11
From: New York City

To: Fort Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 20.7

Despite the heavy rains and thunderstorms, the group of Me, Dutch, Prancer, and Juice went into New York City yesterday. We rode in on the train and were welcomed in by Juice's sister, who has an apartment within walking distance of Grand Central Station. Thanks, Madelyn, for your hospitality!The rains stopped around 4:30 PM, so the we headed to Times Square for several hours. Well, I am writing you from the Library in Pawling. In and out of NYC. This was quite an experience. Going from such a slow, easy-going pace out in the woods with little noise to a place like NYC is something like night and day. I was a little overwhelmed by the fast movements and the constant commotion going on all around. But this was a good experience...my first time in New York City. Well, looks like it's going to be a gorgeous day out today...just going to do about 8 miles to the shelter....New York, New Jersey, and then I'll be in Penn. before I know it. Great times. Prancer had to leave today..back off to finish up his undergraduate degree. We are all going to greatly miss him and his company. I've been hiking with him since Andover, Maine...its going to be a big change w/out him around...but its nice to still have a good bit of other great guys to hang out with. Well its about that time to go play in the woods....yeeeehawww
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 42.5

Arrived in Fort Montgomery, NY late this afternoon....delayed because of a swollen foot due to some kind of insect sting. Had a long day. thank you Laura and Ashley for the nice package. Plan to go back on the trail and pitch a tent on the trail.New photos entered today- Hanover, NH to Kent, CT
Date: 2007-08-17
From: Unionville, NY

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 57.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Sweet Tea arrived in Unionville, NY late yesterday afternoon with Quasi and Stoker. His feet were cut up and he was thrilled to pick up a new pair of shoes. His first pair had completely worn out. He was very grateful to the mayor of the town who invited the three of them to spend the night. A spaghetti dinner was provided as well as a big waffle/sausage breakfast. He plans to get to Delaware Water Gap, PA this weekend.As told by Sweet Tea
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 51.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived in Delaware Water Gap this morning after a pretty easy 10 mile walk. The past few days have truly been amazing. Beautiful weather and the wildlife is abundant. I was actually, by surprise, very impressed with the wonderful views and terrain on southern NY, and all of New Jersey. I absolutely loved it. My eating habits are growing to a scale beyond comprehension now...I stay hungry. ALWAYS. Times out on the trail have been some of the best times of my life. You learn to appreciate the little things such as water(especially in NY!) and even just a gentle breeze on a hot summer day. Like I just said...These truly have been the best times of my life. I haven't found a way to put my experience to words..but when I do..I'll try my best to explain the things you feel and experience after being in the mountains for over 2 months. Times like these would not be possible if it weren't for the support given to me through my friends and family back home. Nana and Pop...Thanks so much for the mail drops you have been so generous to send to me. Also, thanks Laura and Ashley for the Delicious cookies, letters, and resupply. IT really helps me out on tough days!! And I also have a huge thanks for my parents. Mail drop after maildrop...It's always something new and amazing. Well, I would have endless thank you's..but the stomach is growling for more food..This means it's time to go get more grub with the guys...Time to eat me a good ol moosenSweet Tea   SoBo 07
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 76.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrived in Port Clinton yesterday afternoon with Brit, Thorny, and Stoker. Before getting into Port Clinton, the group enjoyed electricity, a flushing toilet and padded bunks at the Eckville Shelter the night before. There has been lots of rain and the trail is wet. Enjoyed a hot shower with a towel and washcloth for $1.50 last night before spending the night in the town pavilion. Breakfast at the 3C's Restaurant was great! Plan to hike about 8 miles today, then to the 501 shelter on Sunday. Plan to be in Duncannon, hopefully, by Wednesday.
Date: 2007-08-29
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 70.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Here I am already a good way through PA...at the Doyle Hotel. Quite the experience. The weather has been great for the past few days into Duncannon. You really learn to appreciate the good weather after having a spell of bad weather for a little while. Got a great night's sleep last night and lots of great food in my stomach. I hear the part of the 'crew' is just behind...good news. Hopefully they will be catching us in the near future. Yesterday was filled lots of relaxation. 5 mile day into town. HUGE breakfast at the local diner "Goodies." Then it was off to napping and taking care of the usual tasks that are a necessary thing to do while in town...picking up package, grocery store, and sending things home that are no longer needed. Seems as though my competitive spirit sparked up yesterday during our many games of pool. I really hate to lose..so I refuse. Just going to do a nearo "near zero" day out of town today. The rocks don't seem to be nearly as bad as all the NoBo's complained about. Less than 150 miles until I will be in Virginia. MMM maybe some sweet tea?????...Updates in Harpers Ferry, WV. Hastas Lluego
Date: 2007-09-04
To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 123.8
Weather: clear sky

Another big mile-stone passed. Into Harpers-Ferry, WV after successfully completing the "Maryland Challenge"...about a 43 mile day...pretty tired when I was done, but my body seemed to be really prepared for it...guess I am in some of the best shape of my life. Nothing to complain about. All is going well on the trail...and the weather has been abosolutely gorgeous. You couldn't beat it with a stick...(as Quazi would say). It has been a well deserved and needed zero day full of food and more food. My ability to consume large quantities of food is growing each and every day. The half gallon of ice-cream was not even a problem. Not many choices at Pine Grove so I decided to go with chocolate..mmmm delicious. Got a chance to talk to and catch up with some friends and family back home. Seems as though all is going well back in "Gods Country"...aka Georgia. Onwards to Virginia. About 1000 miles to go..wahoo