morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Mile Marker 1388.3

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: broken clouds

I have said before that Mr. Ed's trail experiences have renewed my faith in the humanity of man. Well, this has been just one of those days. I want to send a very special thank you to Socks and her husband. They traveled over 40 miles looking for a complete stranger named Mr. Ed. They had learned about him through his journal. Socks had been a thru-hiker in 2005. She knew first-hand how hikers suffer and what they endure. What she did not know was how sick Mr. Ed had been just the evening before. It takes alot to make him leave the trail for some rest and medicine. Socks and her husband appeared on the trail at the end of the day walking into the RPH Shelter asking if anyone named Mr. Ed was there. Mr. Ed had just taken his shirt off. He had set up his tent, and was preparing to climb into it. He answered that he was Mr. Ed. They had so much trail magic that it was unbelievable. Invisible Man and 5 or 6 others were there. They had estimated that Mr. Ed would be at that shelter. Thankfully, they were correct. They did so much to lift his spirits. They came with bananas, apples, water, Coke, and all the ingredients to make Smores. They had candy and other things. They make Smores with all of the hikers. Everyone shared in the bounty. Mr. Ed ate 2 bananas and an apple. He saved an apple for tomorrow. He drank 2 Cokes. He loved the Smores. He enjoyed talking to Socks and her husband so much. I cannot thank you enough. The Great Spirit of the AT sent you at the perfect time. Mr. Ed and I will never forget your kindness.I had to relate all of that even before I related Mr. Ed's journey today. Here is what happened today. He was up at the motel by 5:30 AM. He had a much needed night of sleep. He took a taxi to the trail where he got off of it. He crossed Bear Mountain Bridge. Earl Shafer had paid 5 cents to cross the trail when he first walked the trail. Now, thru hikers cross for free. Walking the trail was great today. There were no serious ups or downs. He traveled through a fragrant pine forest. Because there was little underbrush, he could see some great views. He noticed many old rock fences. He guessed that pioneer farmers had built them. They looked like they had taken much work when originally constructed. He met about 70 people on the trail. Due to it being a week-end, many groups were out on the trail. He met some Boy Scouts and many section hikers. They asked him many questions about what he ate and how he managed the trail.He stopped at the Shendoah Tenting Area. It had nice camping facilities and water from a hand pump. He almost decided to stay there. However, he felt good, so he decided to walk on to the RHP Shelter. He is very glad he did, and so am I. He walked 25.2 miles today. He is at the mile marker 1,413.5.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: RPH Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Mr. Ed was up at 5:00 and on the trail by 5:30. He was still a little tired from yesterday's miles. Some young man had been in a hammock beside Mr. Ed's tent and stayed on the phone until 10:30 PM. Mr. Ed has always been an early to bed, early to rise person. I don't think too many people have that habit anymore.Most of the morning, Mr. Ed was thinking of Socks and her husband and how wonderful of her to bring food and great conversation last night. It was such a morale builder for him right when he needed it. Acts of kindness like that make the trail possible to complete. Mr. Ed walked 5 miles to Rt. 52. He then walked .3 miles to a deli where he enjoyed a ham and egg sandwich and coffee. Fresh coffee is such a treat. Today was a great day to be hiking the AT. The temperatures were in the 70s, and the terrain was easy walking. He met 11 section hikers. He stopped at the Dover Oak. This is reported to be the largest oak on the AT. It is over 300 years old. It was quite a site. The circumference of the tree is over 20 feet. Two women stopped Mr. Ed and offered him water and snacks. Trail magic again. The water is so appreciated in this area because there is so much distance between sources. Hikers need alot of water because of the water they lose through sweat. I remember when I did my hike of a few days on the AT that you no sooner put your pack on your back and start walking that the sweat starts to flow. I am sure that it is very healthy as long as you can resupply your need for water. A special thanks to anyone who supplies water to hikers on the trail.Mr. Ed walked 25.3 miles today. He is tenting at Wiley Shelter. The mile marker is 1,438.8. He is 1.2 miles from Connecticut. Go, Mr. Ed, Go!
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7

Mr. Ed was up at 5:00AM and on the trail by 5:30. He has seen many sunrises, but missed a few sunsets. The first part of the trail was easy today. He traveled through pine forests which held many creeks and rivers. That is a welcome change from the dry areas he has just passed. He had a hard climb up Schaghticoke Mountain. As you might guess, that is an Indian name. The AT actually crosses an Indian reservation. This tribe played an important part in communications during the Revolutionary War. They transmitted signals along the ridges between Long Island Sound in NY and Stockbridge, Massachusetts covering a distance of about 100 miles in 2 hours.After climbing Schaghticoke, Mr. Ed found a trail town named Kent. He went to an IGA to resupply. Next, he ate a big hamburger, fries, and a Coke at Caralee's Restaurant. Then he found the Library where he read his journal and guest book. After that, he went to a market for 2 pints of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. When I chided him for all of the junk food he is consuming, he told me that Invisible Man had eaten 1/2 gallon of the ice cream. I don't think he can keep the name Invisible Man if he keeps that up for long. Mr. Ed said that trail towns are like a big magnet - easy to go to, but hard to get away from.He did not leave Kent until 3:30. As you leave any town, you have a hard climb. With all the extra food you packed in your pack and in your stomach, you are slow moving. Mr. Ed climbed from an elevation of 350 feet to 1160 feet. He walked to Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to where he is tenting. This place is very pretty and sits right beside a river. Mr. Ed took off his boots and got into the river to swim with all of his clothes on. He figured that would be the easiest way to swim and wash his clothes at the same time. He said the water was so refreshing after a day of climbing and sweating. He has another blister on his foot. However, his boots seem to be doing a good job for him. Mr. Ed traveled 19.7 miles and is at mile marker 1,458.5.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Mile Marker 1.483.0
Miles today: 24.5

As usual, Mr. Ed was up at 5:00AM and on the trail by 5:30. It had rained a little throughout the night. That made the air fresh and clean smelling today. Mr. Ed had to put on the wet clothes he swam in last night. He said that they felt good after he got started on the trail. He did have dry socks. Your feet are the most important thing to take care of on the trail. The first mile was very nice. The trail wound beside the river and the smell of pine forest filled the air. Next, the trail went into the meadows where the grass was arm pit high. Since the grass was wet, everything else got wet. Then he had several small climbs. By 2:00, he had walked 16 miles to get to the Mountainside Cafe. Walking 16 miles to get a meal does not seem unrealistic now after so much time on the trail. Finally, Mr. Ed ate something green. He ate a spinach salad, a philly cheese steak sandwich, fries, 2 raspberry milkshakes, 2 cokes, and water. I know, I know. He ate plenty of junk food,too. He did not leave the cafe hungry. He said that Plod had gotten to the cafe before he did and ate even more food than he did. It is amazing how much a thru-hiker can eat. Mr. Ed and Plod walked together a few miles before coming to the hydroelectric plant and Great Falls Dam. They found a wonderful place in the falls. They took a shower with their clothes on. They spent at least 30 minutes there and hated to leave. However, many of the locals had arrived to swim and play in the falls. Plod and Mr. Ed had miles to go before they sleep so they started off again. They walked another 8 miles to make today's total 24.5 miles. They are tenting at mile marker 1,483. They saw a deer today. They met a few people including a girl and guy out for a 2 week section hike. They are camping on a mountain top only a mile out of Salisbury. Their plan is to hike in to get coffee for breakfast. Of course, that will include many eggs, pancakes, bacon, ice cream and other goodies. I don't know how I will get Mr. Ed back on a decent diet when he comes home. I will probably find him sneaking out to McDonalds in the middle of the night. I just hope he can sleep in a bed again instead of a tent.Thanks to all who have read and commented about this journal. It has given me a way of sharing the adventure with Mr. Ed. If I have done his journey justice, then I am happy.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Mile Marker 1.483.0

To: Corn Crib
Miles today: 23.3

Plod and Mr. Ed were up at 5:30 and on the trail by 6:00. They made it to Salisbury by 6:30. They wanted to purchase breakfast and coffee from the Roast Coffee House. The restaurant did not open until 7:00, but the nice manager let them in and served them early. Mr. Ed ordered coffee, bagels with cream cheese, and oatmeal with raisins. The food was excellent. To get to the Roast Coffee House, Plod and Mr. Ed had to walk 1/2 mile off the trail and 1/2 mile to get back to the trail. I, personally, would walk 5 miles if it meant fresh coffee in the morning. They made it back to the trail by 7:30.As usual, leaving a town meant a steep climb from 720 feet of elevation to 1,738 feet. That part of the trail was fairly easy. They met several section hikers and had good views of Bear Mountain. They crossed the state line into Massachusetts. Here, they were greeted by Sages Ravine Brook. This was a beautiful area with a pretty stream of water, water falls, nice valley scenery, and the smells of a pine forest. Next, came climbs up Race Mountain which was 2,365 feet in elevation. It contained lots of rocks and ups and downs. Then on to Mount Everett which was 2,602 feet. There were plenty of rocks, ups, downs, large boulders to climb over, and nice views.Mr. Ed walked till 6:30. He made it to US 7 at a place called the Corn Crib. It was a beautiful place with nice shrubbery, flowers, and a small store. The store closed 15 minutes before Mr. Ed arrived. Thankfully, Plod had gotten their just before it closed. He purchased ice cream and Coke for Mr. Ed. That was very thoughtful. They both set their tents up in tool sheds due to the threat of rain tonight. Plod and Mr. Ed are at mile marker 1,506.3. They walked 23.3 miles today. The Corn Crib provided a bathroom with hot water. Mr. Ed shaved and said he almost felt normal. His only complaint is with the mosquitoes. He said he thought they would eat him alive at one point. Even after he got out his can of spray, they seemed to come in waves.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Corn Crib

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 27.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Mr. Ed sounded really tired this evening. He and Plod burned up the trail today by traveling 27.5 miles. They started out today at 6:00. The trail was not bad. They had a couple of good climbs early on. Views were limited due to the woodland surrounding them. By 2:00, they had covered 18 miles. Mr. Ed needed a break and a chance to eat. Plod, however, felt like hiking further. Mr. Ed ate some lunch and hit the trail again. He walked until 6:00 PM when he caught up with Plod at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin. This is a really neat place. The cabin has bunks, a fireplace, a covered porch, a privy, a lake for swimming, and tent platforms. A caretaker brings water by canoe from a spring across the lake. She is supposed to cook pancakes in the morning. Sounds like a treat.The weather was overcast and in the 70s until noon. The afternoon skies cleared and make a beautiful, clear day. Mr. Ed said his feet and back hurt due to all of the miles he put in today. Plod inspires him to walk long distances. They hope to do 21 miles tomorrow. Both feel like a zero day is coming in about 3 days time. Mr. Ed said he finished his 3rd bottle of Motrin since starting the trail in March. He says he is averaging one Motrin for every 8.5 miles. I guess a person can keep statistics on anything. They are at mile marker 1,533.8. Mr. Ed has about 640 more miles to reach Katahdin. I hope his body and spirit hold up to the stress.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, Massachusetts
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Mr. Ed is finally traveling with someone who gets up earlier than he does. That would be Invisible Man. Today he was up at 4:30 getting the caretaker, Bambi, to cook those pancakes and coffee she promised. Mr. Ed got up at 5:00 and joined Plod and Invisible Man for blueberry pancakes(he thinks they were blueberry - it was still dark so he could not see what he was eating). However, they were very good, so he ate 12 of them. He said Plod who is only 5 feet, 7 inches, and weighs 145 pounds, ate more pancakes than he did. Invisible Man took off hiking first. Mr. Ed started out at 6:00, and soon caught up with him. That is unusual, but Invisible Man has a sore muscle in his leg which slowed him a bit. The trail has taken its toll on everyone still walking.The hikers walked the first 10 miles and arrived at the home of the "Cookie Lady". Hikers sign a register on the steps and enjoy home-made cookies. Her real name is Marilyn Wiley, and she lives on a blueberry farm. This is a pick your own for a small fee farm. I would like to be there. The hikers walked on to Dalton by 2:30. That made them 20.6 miles for the day. They stopped at the home of Tom Levardi who does trail magic for hikers. He allowed them to take a shower. That is a great treat for tired hikers. Plod and Mr. Ed went to pick up supplies. Mr. Ed ate 1/2 gallon of ice cream while sitting at the store. Then they stopped at a tavern for a couple of cold beers. Beer and ice cream! What a combination! The hikers returned to Tom's house. He took them to the Old Country Buffet, an all-you-can-eat place. Mr. Ed says he is hurting from being so full. Serves him right. Now, Tom is providing the hikers with beds, TV, and Internet service. Mr. Ed weighed himself today at Tom's. He weighs 180 pounds. For a man who usually weighs 205 and is 6 feet 4inches tall, that means skinny.He says he feels well except for sore feet. He has been traveling with Plod and Invisible Man. He has a lot of respect for their hiking abilities. They are at mile marker 1,554.4.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: North Adams, MA

To: North Adams, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a zero day for Mr. Ed. He did not get up until 6:30. He took a shower, and Plod and he went to the Super Stop N Shop for coffee and danishes. They were very good and fresh. Later, Plod walked 2 miles to a laundromat to wash his clothes. The laundromat was closed. Feeling exhausted, he got a taxi to the other laundromat in town which was open, thankfully. Then he got a taxi back to the motel and reported that he was in need of rest. Mr. Ed washed his clothes in a sink and hung them on a line outside the motel to dry. He was too tired to walk to the laundromat. Mr. Ed spent the rest of the day with his feet propped up to prevent swelling and to rest his feet and body. Around 2:00, he went back to the Stop N Shop to resupply. Looking ahead, there will not be many opportunities to resupply when they leave this place. Mr. Ed is back to a heavy pack - around 45 pounds, but he likes to eat. For lunch he got a salad and 2 yogurts - finally, something healthy. Tomorrow they will be in Vermont. But for the rest of the day, they are going to watch the U.S. Open Golf Championship. Mr. Ed has no idea how far he will travel, but,as the trail gets harder, he should be slowing down. Hopefully, his feet can hold up to the trail.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: North Adams, MA

To: Little Pond Lookout
Miles today: 24.2

It had rained very hard last night. When Mr. Ed got up at 5:00, the air was clear and cool. He was on the trail by 5:45. Plod slept in due to an 8:30 mail drop that is waiting for him. This was a good day for hiking as far as weather goes. However, the terrain was rocky, filled with tree roots, and surrounded by swamps and mud holes. The vegetation obscured any views of the surrounding area. He had two good climbs from Mt. Adams. The elevation changed from 660 feet to 2325 feet. Then he descended to 1360 feet to Bennington and back up to 2350 feet. He met several hikers from the Long Trail. The AT and Long Trail come together in Vermont. Mr. Ed is tenting alone tonight. He has walked from 5:30 AM until 7:30 PM today. Bugs, gnats, and mosquitoes have him penned in his tent. He traveled 24.2 miles and is at mile marker 1,601.9. He is beside Little Pond Lookout.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Little Pond Lookout

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: clear sky

Mr. Ed was up at 5:00 and immediately fighting bugs. He had to use repellant just to get his tent taken down. He was on the trail by 5:30. He walked to Goddard's Shelter where he saw several people in the shelter and several tenting around it. Only a few people were moving, and it was already 7:30. Mr. Ed continued down the trail finding it to be full of rocks, roots, swamps, and with no views due to vegetation. He did see lots of moose tracks and droppings. He stopped at Story Spring Shelter for lunch. Then he tackled Stratton Mountain with an elevation of 3936 feet. That is the highest point in Vermont. He passed through pine forests with lots of undergrowth. He wandered how moose get around in this area because the vegetation is so dense. There are many ponds filled with frogs and mosquitoes. The bugs have given him the biggest problem. They are almost unbearable all day long.He has not seen Plod. He heard from another hiker that Plod stayed in a shelter behind him last night. If you tried to talk much, you would get bugs in your mouth anyway.Mr. Ed walked 23.7 miles today. He is tenting beside Stratton Pond Shelter at mile marker 1625.5.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: Mile Marker 1,651.0
Miles today: 25.4

Mr. Ed reported that it rained hard last night. Since there were so few people in the Stratton Pond Shelter, he just set his tent up inside the shelter. He was trying to get some protection from the mosquitoes. He said he was bitten all over. He just hopes he has enough blood left in him to make it to Katahdin. I read in a novel once that Indians smeared themselves with bear grease to keep the gnats off of them. Perhaps I should report that to Mr. Ed.Mr. Ed said that it was still raining this morning at 5:00, but he got up and took off anyway at 5:45. His clothes were still wet from swimming in a pond last night with a beaver. The beaver did not take kindly to the invader in his pond, so he swam around and smacked his tail so loudly that it sounded like a big rock splashing in the water. It rained for the next 4 hours, so Mr. Ed is thoroughly soaked. He stopped at Bromley Mouontain and finally got to see some great views. It is a ski resort in winter. He then had two good climbs up Styles Peak, 3394 feet and Peru Peak, 3429 feet. He saw more great views at Baker Peak - mountains, lakes, homes down below. Mr. Ed stopped at mile marker 1,651. He hiked 25.4 miles today.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Mile Marker 1,651.0

To: Mile Marker 1,678.0
Miles today: 27.0

Right when you think the AT has provided all of the new experiences it can, you find out it has more in store for you. To most of us, June 21 means beginning of summer. We now know that it has a special meaning for hikers on the AT. It is the day that hikers hike naked. Mr. Ed was up at 5:00 and on the trail by 5:30. He noted that the Little Rock Pond area was very pretty. He met a man and his two sons going southbound. Up to this point, noone seemed to know about the "hike naked day". Around 9:30, Mr. Ed heard someone coming up the hill behind him. It was Boy, a young 20s man whom Mr. Ed had encountered several days ago. Today, Boy was wearing a smile, a bandanna, a backpack, and shoes - nothing else. Mr. Ed suddenly remembered hearing about the practice at a shelter a few nights ago. Mr. Ed reported that he was glad that Boy hiked at a fast rate. He wouldn't want to see that all day. Mr. Ed did not feel compelled to join in the hike naked practice. At 10:30, Mr. Ed discovered that Boy was not the only hiker observing the practice. Five men headed southbound passed Mr. Ed. They were wearing nothing but backpacks and shoes. They did not even have bandannas. Mr. Ed wondered what it would be like to be the 2nd -5th hikers in the group. He is not sure he would enjoy the scenery provided. When you are 60 years old, new ideas are hard to adopt.Mr. Ed stopped later at the Whistle Stop Restaurant and got inside just in time. A rain storm blew by. The restaurant was 1/2 mile off the trail but worth the walk. He had a cheeseburger, chips, 2 milkshakes, and a Coke. He didn't meet anymore hikers today. It was a good day for hiking with temperatures in the low 80s and a nice breeze blowing. Finally, he traveled in a few open areas with pretty streams. The bugs are still nasty, but he used some cream and spray sent by Brandy and noted that they really helped.Mr. Ed walked 27 miles today. He is tenting at mile marker 1,678.0.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Mile Marker 1,678.0

To: Back Home Again Hostel
Miles today: 22.7

Mr. Ed was up at 4:30 and on the trail by 5:00. It had rained last night, so everything was wet. He started out with a climb up Killington Peak. The elevation changed from 1900 to 3900 feet. The trail was rocky, but the views were good even on an overcast day. When it is clear, you see a panoramic view of the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Adirondacks of New York. He had several ups and downs after that. He was wet by the time he got to Kent Pond. He would have liked to swim, but the temperatures were in the 60s and just too cold.He had an opportunity to eat a meal off the trail, but he wanted to lighten his pack. Another climb up Quiley Mountain was coming up soon. As he was coming down the mountain, he met a day hiker named Dave. Dave was very familiar with the area. They hiked together several miles and had good conversation. Dave offered to take Mr. Ed to town and pick him up the next morning to return him to the trail. Dave told him about a street party held by members of the Back Home Again Hostel in Rutland. That sounded interesting to him, so he decided to spend the night in the hostel. Rutland is the second largest city in Vermont. He estimated it to be about the size of Charleston, WV. He reported that the people and service at the hostel were wonderful. They told him to eat free since he was a thru hiker. At 9:00, they blocked off their block and put up displays. Activities were put on including dancing, music, food booths, and other entertainment. Mr. Ed helped one of the people with his tent. In return, he gave Mr. Ed a neck and back massage. He was a healer specializing in massage therapy. Mr. Ed said the people who run the hostel practice some form of religion. He was not exactly sure of their beliefs, but they were certainly nice to him. Mr. Ed walked 22.7 miles today, and is at mile marker 1,700.7. Tomorrow is his birthday, and he turns 61 years young.