morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-10-26
From: New York City, NY

To: Travel day to Home
Miles today: 0.0

At 3:00 a.m. I caught the train to Newport News and did not get to the train station there until 12:00 noon. Hadn't had much sleep and was really tired. My brother (also "trail angel") Steve came and picked me up and drove me home.It is hard to believe that my A.T. adventure is over for this year. Even though I did not finish the whole trail, it has been an experience that I will never forget. With about two-thirds of the trail hiked, I plan to come back next year and finish what I started out to do - hike the A.T. With only about 782 miles to go and with what I learned this year, it should be easier. Ha! Ha! One thing that I did learn was that no matter how many mountains I climbed, about 250 so far, they never got much easier. I may have climbed them a little faster but they were always difficult. So why do people like me decide to go out and climb them? I guess the reason is because they are there and we want to see what is on the other side. There is no deep hidden reason, it is just for the fun and adventure. Thanks to all the people who helped me on the journey, especially my understanding and loving wife, Nadine, whose support helped make my dream come true. To my daughter Kelley and granddaughter Shanna who mailed me brownies and came to visit me on the trail a couple times. It was good to hear from my son Jeff, who called from Japan a few times. Thanks to my brother Steve and friend "Shoe" who also came and gave me some slack packing and trail magic when I needed it most. And finally, thanks to all the other hikers I met and hiked with, you will be in my memories forever. See you on the trail next year.So long,"Whimsey"
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Baxter Peak
Miles today: 5.2

   Hiked up Mt Katahdin to Baxter Peak. The northern terminus of the trail. It was a very difficult climb up and down. 5 hours up and 4 hrs. down. I did 10.4 miles but only 5.2 of them actually count as going to Georgia. Baxter park is beautiful. I saw a moose at a pond last night. I will hike out of the park tommorow.   David
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Katahdin Stream 

To: Hurd Brook Shelter
Miles today: 13.4

   Left Katahdin Stream Campground for the 100 mile wilderness. Hiked 10 miles to Abol Bridge. Stopped at the store there for a cold drink. The last one for a couple of days. Then hiked 3.4 miles to the shelter. Very hot and humid. The trail is very wet and swampy. I was very tired when I reached the shelter. I laid on my sleeping pad for about an hour and half before cooking dinner. David
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Hurd Brook Shelter

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

   A thunderstom last night. Stayed dry in the shelter. An older couple camped here as well. They are hiking for a few days and then getting flown out. The hike today was long. I do good in the mornings but the afternoons I seem to lose steam. I am learning to eat and drink more as I hike. I was a little dehydrated yesterday. Arrived at the shelter around 5. A couple Southbounders and a group are here as well.   David
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to `
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

   A shorter day, the first under 10 miles. It is a little bit cooler. The trail is still very wet and swampy. Went over Nesuntabunt Mountain. Good views.There are also a lot of lakes and ponds through here. Wish I had time to stop and fish. I am trying to not push myself too hard and let my body adjust to the effort. It is hard to eat while hiking, my appetite hasn't ramped up yet. I am sure it will soon.    David
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-to `

To: Potaywadjo Spring Lean to
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: moderate rain

   Today was a good day. I went to Whitehouse landing for lunch. Whitehous landing caters to hikers, fishermen, and in the winter, snowmobilers. They have lodging, meals and a small store. I had a 1lb hamburgur for lunch. Also a mountain dew and chips. I bought a box of Mac and Cheese b/c I am going slower than I thougth I would. Didn't need to eat dinner b/c I was still full from lunch. Just a few snacks. Started hiking some with Grizzly Bear. I met him at the shelter last night. He is from Anderson, SC.      David
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Potaywadjo Spring Lean to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean to
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: few clouds

   Started early this morning. The mosquitos were bad at Potaywdjo Spring. There were some Norhtbounders there as well. It was fun sitting and talking with everyone. Got to the shelter about 2:30. There is a nice waterfall and swimmnig hole here. Washed out my clothes. My socks are thick, and hard to dry, so I built fire and laid them around it. Grizzly Bear and a couple of Section hikers frome Vermont are here as well.         David
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean to

To: Sydney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Big day. Highest mileage in one day. Went over Whitecap Mtn. It was a steep climb that I started at 4 in the afternoon. I used my tent for the first time. I am camping alone, Grizzly Bear went on to the next shelter. It's 8:30 when I make camp. It has been a good day though.
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Sydney Tappan Campsite

To: Chairback Gap Lean to
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 5:00 and it started raining. It figures that the first time I use my tent it rains. I got everything packed up w/o getting too wet. I started hiking at 6. It was a pretty good day. Chairback mountain was a tough climb. Had to go up a steep rock slide just before the top. The shelter is nice but not a very good water supply. I have enough to make it to the next spring though. Used my tent as a bug net, just laid it out in the shelter and crawled inside without putting in the poles. Works pretty good.
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Long Pond Stream

To: Leeman Brook Leanto
Miles today: 12.1

   Another tough day. Some tough climbs and difficutl terrain. Had to ford a couple streams. My Teva ankle straps are broken so they are like regular sandals. It's easier to cross barefoot than try to keep them on. Still didn't make Monson. Only three miles to the road in the morning. Then: HITCHIKING 101.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Leeman Brook Leanto

To: Monson
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

   Finally made it through the 100 mile wilderness. It has been a tough stretch. Got to the road about 10. Started walking towards town and got a ride after about 10 minutes. Nice younger guy took me into town. Got checked in at Shaw's Hostel. Now being run by some very nice ladies. Grizzly bear and I are the only ones here. Got my first shower in almost two weeks. Clean clothes and went to the Library and used e-mail. Grizzly Bear and I split a pizza for dinner. We had heard a lot of good things about Monson, but everything is closed on Monday except for the gas station where we got the pizza. Looking forward to nights sleep in a bed.
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Monson

To: Horsehoe Canyon Lean to
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

      Had the famous Shaw's breakfast. I had a number 4. 4 eggs, bacon, sausage and 4 french toast plus homefries. Went to the library again to update trailjournals. Only got about 1/2 done. Mailed some stuff home to cut down on weight. Shaws gave me a ride back to the trail about 10. Hiked 9 miles to the lean to. Got some trail magic at a stream crossing. A former thru hiker left a cooler with fruit and sodas. Grizzly Bear stayed in Monson another day b/c he wasn't feeling well this morning. Trying to decide if I should stay in Caratunk or not.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Bald Mtn Brook Leanto

To: Caratunk, Maine
Miles today: 14.7

   A pretty long day. I decided to go to Caratunk and take a zero day tommorow. I got to the road about 6:00. I was beat, my legs were dead. I got a hitch up to Norhtern Outdoors. I am staying in a tent cabing for two nights. Northern Outdoors has lodges and a campground. They do rafting trips in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. They have a restaruant with reasonable prices. I will stay here tommorow and do laundry and rest. They also have a pool and a jacuzzi.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Caratunk, Maine

To: Caratunk Maine
Miles today: 0.0

   It was nice to have a day off. Got my laundry done and hung out at the lodge. I did have to move tents b/c it didn't work out for me to stay in the same one two nights in a row. A heavy rain storm this afternoon. Glad I am not hiking in it. Grizlly Bear and some other NOBO's were here for dinner. I ate with them. Tommorow I cross the Kennebec and hike toward Stratton.
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Caratunk Maine

To: West Carry Pond Leanto
Miles today: 14.0

   Hiked down to rivers and trails this morning to get some food. Steve has the best resupply possible. It is all hiker food. He gave us a ride down to the trail, then we got ferried across the Kennebec river. The "ferry" is actually a canoe. The Kennebec is a dam controlled river that has a swift current. They release water at randoom times. The ferry service is provided as a safe way to cross the river. A good day hike to the shelter. Had lunch at another Shelter that was on a pond. It was hard not to just stay there the rest of the day.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: West Carry Pond Leanto

To: Safford notch Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

      A pretty long day but a nice hike. Good views off the mountains and more blueberries. When you hike, it's hard not to keep eating blueberries when you see them. A couple guys we saw in the 100 mild wilderness caught up with us. They had to take a couple days off b/c of health issues. They are hiking to raise money for disabled veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. Their website is: trailtorecovery.org. They have a couple active duty guys hiking with them. They are getting flown out by helicopter on tuesday. Cold this morning and tonight.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Safford notch Campsite

To: Stratton Maine
Miles today: 10.4

   Hiked on to Stratton today. Got here about 6. A tough climb over the Bigelow mtns. Staying at Stratton Motel. There are some more southbounders here. Nice to know we are not the only ones hiking south. Will pick up some supplies from home in the morning. I don't expect to get on the trail until 10 or so. It's hard to believe I've hiked 187 miles. I am finally caught up on the journal here. Don't know when I'll get to update again.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Stratton Maine

To: Crocker Cirque Campsite
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

   Woke up at the hostel this morning to rain. Went and got breakfast and resupplied. It cleared up a little bit and got a a ride to the trail from Don, the owner of the hostel. The trail immediately went uphill for a couple miles. It started raining again, but not too heavy. Got to the campsite about 4:30. Grizzly Bear hiked on to Summit house, I thought about it but decided to camp. About 8 or so, started seeing a lot of heat ligthning. Talked to Andrea for a while, then about 10 the bottom dropped out. It rained hard for a long time. I stayed dry in the tent. Tommorow will be a tough 14 miles or so. David
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Crocker Cirque Campsite

To: Poplar Ridge Lean to
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

   What a day. Woke up at 6, started to get up, but it poured rain again. Finally stopped about 8. Took my time getting packed up, started hiking about 10. It was a day I just didn't feel like hiking. I was going up Sugarloaf Mtn, which was steep but not too hard. About 3, I got to Spaulding Mtn Lean to. Thought about staying there, but there was a group there and it was still early in the day. I had 8 miles to go, but it was mostly downhill. About 4, it started raining again. It wasn't too bad, I took shelter under some trees during the worst of it. Got to a logging road about 6:30 or so, thought about camping there but decided to press on the 2.5 miles to the shelter. Well, it started raining again. The trail was steep, it was raining, and then it got dark. I hiked the last 45 minutes by headlamp, I got to the shelter about 9, didn't cook dinner, just ate a snack and went to bed. Hope tommmorow is better. David
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Poplar Ridge Lean to

To: Piazza Rock Lean to
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

   Well today wasn't too bad. It was raining when we woke up, it didn't stop until about 9. I didn't start hiking until about 11. I cooked Mac and Cheese for breakfast b/c I didn't have dinner last night. I hiked 9 miles but it was pretty tough. About 6000 feet of elevation change! I got to the shelter about 7. Had my mountain house spaghettin dinner that Mom sent for my B-day. Great stuff. Mixed some cheese in with it as well. The trail was very wet, more like hiking in a river, but the weather cleared up some.    David
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Piazza Rock Lean to

To: Little Swift Pond Campsite
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

   In town to do laundry and get some food. Will hike out later today. Got into town about 9. Did laundry, had lunch, dried out some gear at a park, bought a new watch, a good timex one this time. My six dollar one only lasted two weeks. Got some food and a ride back to the trail about 4. Hiked to the campsite about 5 miles. Nice evening, long day tommorow.David
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Little Swift Pond Campsite

To: Bemis Mtn Lean to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

   Got a good start this mornig about 7. A good day to hike. Some easy miles and then a good climb up to Bemis shelter. Some northbounders and a southbounder named Combat are here as well. One northbounder is name Reddane. She is from Denmark but has live in Tennessee for several years. She can do a very good southern accent imitation. It is cold tonight. The coldest on the trail so far. A long up and down day tommorow.    David
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Bemis Mtn Lean to

To: Hall Mtn Lean to
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

      A long hard day. It was cold last night and this morning. No one really wanted to get up and movign. Finally got on the trail about 8:30. The first 8 miles weren't too bad. A little bit of up Bemis mtn. Then down and up Old Blue mtn. After Old Blue came Moody Mtn. It was straight up, then Straigh down, Then straight up again to the shelter. Got to the shelter about 7 or so. The last 1.5 miles my mind did not want to hike. My legs still felt good, but mentally, I just wanted to sit down and stop. Tommmorow I will go into Andover for resupply and a night in town. Will probably stay at the Cabin, Reddane and others have highly recommended it.      David
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Hall Mtn Lean to

To: Andover Maine
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   Not as cold last night. Got an early start and hiked 6 miles to East B rd. The owner of The Cabin was waiting there for some other hikers, so we did not have to hitch. They have a very nice place at a good price. We had leftovers for lunch and I am currently doing laundry and updating this site. Dinner and Breakfast are included in the stay.    The terrain is getting tougher and will continue to be difficult through New Hampshire. A lot of elevation change coming up. Will update as soon as possible.         David
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Gorham
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

      Hiked to Gorham. Staying at "The Barn". Got laundry and food. The weather is colder. A cold front is moving in. Will hike out late tommorow afternoon. Starting into the White mountains of New Hampshire, some of the toughest terrain on the trail.      David
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Imp Campsite

To: Carter-Notch hut
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: fog

   A cold day to hike. Didn't really want to hike at all but it was the only way to keep warm. Got to the hut about 2:00 to warm up and rest. Was able to get work for stay. In the White mountains, they have huts for tourists. They are expensive to stay in, but thru-hikers can stay for free in exhcange for some light chores. I had to change the pillow cases in the bunkrooms. They were not fully booked so I got a bed to sleep in as well. Also, met a guy from Durham. He is the equipment manager at Duke, for all the teams.   David
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Osgood Campsite

To: Lake of the Clouds hut
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

   The first three miles today were really tough. Almost all uphill. It is cold and windy. Stopped at Madison Hut for lunch. Got some good soup and cookies. Also some fruit and candy from a day hiker. Got to the top of Mt Washington about 5:30. Windgusts in the 60-65 mph range. It was pretty clear. The hike down to Lake of the Clouds was really pretty with the sunset. Got work for stay with some other hikers. Good food and all we had to do was sweep and wipe the tables after meals.   David
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Lake of the Clouds hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: fog

      The weather is clearing up some. A bit warmer today. Hiked to Carter notch. Got to the road about 6. Met some other people from Raleigh. Stayed at a campground in a bunkhouse. I was the only hiker here tonight. Got a little more food to make it through the next couple days. The presidential range has been great. A lot of good views, although it has been cold so I haven't taken much time to stop.   David
Date: 2006-08-17
From: Crawford Notch

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

      A good day of hiking. I made good time today. Some of the miles were pretty easy though, but still 15 miles through the whites is good. Got work for stay at the hut as well. Not as much food b/c it is smaller but still it's food I didn't have to carry and cook.
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Galehead Hut

To: Liberty Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 10.2

   It sounds crazy, but I took it easy today and did 10 miles. The beginning of the trip, 10 miles was a lot. It was a beautiful day. I took some long breaks on the mountain tops. I only did 10 miles so I can go into North Woodstock tommorow and hopefully pick up a package from home. Met a girl from Raleigh and a guy hiking with his grandson. His granson lives in Wilmington. They have hiked almost 700 miles of the trail together. I am almost out of the difficult terrain. It gets a lot easier soon. Hopefully I will be able to do more miles per day starting next week.   David
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Liberty Spring Tentsite

To: Lonesome Lake hut
Miles today: 5.5

   Hiked into North Woodstock. Got a ride in from a former thru hiker. Pick up a package and letter. Ate lunch and resupplied. Got a ride back to the trail from a manager of the restaurant I ate lunch in. Went to lonesome lake hut and got work for stay with several NOBO's.
Date: 2006-08-20
From: Lonesome Lake hut

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: light rain

   A dreary day. Started out raining then stopped for a while, but still cold. I didn't leave the hut until about 10 or so. Stopped for a little while at Kinsman pond Shelter then Hiked onto Eliza brook. Intended to go farther but the weather was dampening the hiking mood. Met up with Cohiba and Otter at the shelter. They ended up staying the night there as well.
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

   Another cold, dreary day. A lot of Rain last night. The day turned out good in other ways. Just before reaching the road at Kinsman notch, there was a cooler with drinks and snacks. Got a ride down to a tourist attraction with a snack bar. It wasn't really worth it but I ate a hot dog and snickers since I was there. When I got back to the trail, an older couple was doing more trail magic. I got more soda, cookies, and brownies. MMMB and Batch are '92 thru hikers who make goodies and then go look for hikers a road crossings. The 1.5 miles up to the shelter flew by b/c of all the sugar I had in my system. David
Date: 2006-08-22
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 7.9

   Hiked into Glencliff. Stayed at the Hikers Welcome Hostel. Resupplied and pick up more mail. It is nice to get mail. I ate a whole 12" pizza for dinner. The trail is supposed to get a lot easier from here. Next town is Hanover.   David
Date: 2006-08-23
From: Glencliff

To: Hexacuba Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

   Got a good start out of Glencliff. Wanted to try to hike 20 miles today but by the time I got to Hexacuba shelter, my legs were spent. Most of the terrain has been easier though. Hexabuba shelter, as the name is implies, is a six sided shelter. Tommorow should be an easy day as well.   David
Date: 2006-08-24
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Moose Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

   A long day, but good. Got to the shelter about 6:30. The water source here is not too good. Ate two liptons for dinner. My appetite is really picking up the last couple of days. Tommorow I go into Hanover. The biggest town yet on the trail.
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Moose Mountain Shelter

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Hiked into Hanover, NH. Ressuplied and got a haircut. No hostel here and I couldn't find any of the free places I heard about from NOBO's so I hiked out of town about 7:00. Got to the shelter about 9:30. It is a stone shelter and was pretty nice. A couple of owls were making a lot of racket though. Listened to some John Piper on my MP3 player that Rob sent to me in Hanover. Good stuff, thanks Rob      David
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Happy Hill Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

   Got to the shelter about 2:00. Planned to only stop for a break, but my legs were pretty tired. I guess the last couple days have taken their toll. So I took the afternoon off. Read my John Grisham book and listened to some more John Piper.      David
Date: 2006-08-27
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Thistle Hll Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up and it started raining. The day didn't look very good and I wasn't very motivated to hike. So I decided to take the day off. I haven't had a zero since Caratunk so I decided I needed one. Spent the day reading and resting. David
Date: 2006-08-28
From: Thistle Hll Shelter

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

   My first twenty mile day. I've been trying to do one for a week or so now. I was pretty tired and got to the shelter just before dark, but overall it was a good day. A lot of elevation change over the 21 miles. Twenty miles is as much a mental landmark as physical.       David
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Rutland VT

To: The Secret Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

   Hiked out of town late in the afternoon. Intended to get an early start, but I spent some time making some phone calls and looking at gear. I arranged to get a smaller pack sent to me in Bennington. I also bough an alcohol stove and smaller pot. I am trying to cut down on weight so I can hike longer, easier.The secret shelter is owned by some former thru hikers. The live about .25 miles off the trail and built the shelter for thru-hikers. I heard about it from some NOBO's a week or so ago. Got to it after dark and left early, so I didn't meet the owners, but did get a coke they left in the stream for hikers.         David
Date: 2006-08-31
From: The Secret Shelter

To: Greenwal Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

   An enjoyable day. Got trail magic twice this morning. The weather cleared up and the sun came out for change. It has been overcast and or raining for several days now. Stopped at Whistle Stop Cafe for lunch. A small diner about 1/2 mile off the trail.       David
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Greenwal Shelter

To: Bromley Mtn
Miles today: 21.6

   Another 20 mile day. This one was easier than the 1st. Not as many hills and a beautiful day. Took a couple nice breaks and got to the mountain top just before dark. Bromley mtn is a ski resort and at the top is a warming hut. It is unlocked and available for hikers to stay in . The only downside was I had to carry cooking and drinking water up b/c there is no water source on top of the mountain. Tommorow in to Manchester Center to resupply.      David