morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Northern Virginia

To: DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I am safely in DC with Jill. I was able to do some slackpacking prior to getting off the trail with Angrist. We hiked 10, 20, and 10 miles consecutively. We stayed at the Quality Inn in Waynesboro the last night and weathered a huge t-storm with Dragonfly, Old Ben, Syracuse, Mad Libber, Hoss, Wounded Knee, Honey Pie, and ??? (Can't remember the other guys name off the top of my head). We drove to Staunton and watched the movie Troy.I'm off the trail for 5 days to hang out with my NoVa friends and Jill. I've been eating constantly and taking 3 showers a day. Jill says that I'm finally starting to smell less and less like B.O.Now that I've been off the trail for a couple days, I figured that my legs would be loving it. But my legs are achy. And my heel blisters are still not completely healed. I have another 3 or 4 days of zero days and then I get back on the trail with Frank, my sis, and Kerry. Currently, I'm 10 miles into the Shenandoah's. I think that my friends will really enjoy that area and the trail is much easier in that area. Should be fun!
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Boiling Springs, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's been an interesting week since leaving Harper's Ferry last Sunday. Miles-wise, I did awesome. I hiked 18 miles, 28, 22, 26, and 6 to get to Boiling Springs. I didn't hike as much as Litefoot and Over-Under. They did the Maryland challenge - 41 miles in one day to start and finish Maryland. But I did end up at the same place as they did after 2 days because they had to zero after hiking such big miles.So, my one night in Harper's Ferry was fun. I went to a big hiker party at the outfitter and the next morning hit the trail with a headache. I wasn't sure how far I'd go and ended up stopping at the Dahlgren Backpackers Campground where I met a trail angel, Fozz, giving out sodas and snacks. At this campground they had a bathroom with hot water and showers. You don't see that too often in the woods on the trail!The 28 miles that I hiked was tough. I ended up having to night-hike for the last 5 miles. I think I finished about 10:30pm. I arrived at the shelter to find Litefoot, Over-Under, and Syracuse. It's difficult to say who was more excited to see who. Syracuse had just finished the Aqua Blaze - rafting the Shenandoah River instead of hiking thru the park.The next few days I hiked with Litefoot and we continued to make big miles. At Furnace State Park we joined the 1/2 gallon club. Both Litefoot and I chose Moose Tracks and it was a good choice. It took me 45 minutes to down the whole half gallon and it was difficult. Once there was a softball sized scoop of ice cream left, it hurt. It hurt bad! But I did it. Litefoot took an hour and 10 minutes. We sat around for about an hour after eating and continued our hiking. I was a little concerned that eating a half gallong of ice cream might do wierd things to the body but it worked out great. I didn't even need to eat a snack while hiking because I was so full.On Thursday morning, we made it Boiling Springs within 5 minutes of my Uncle Pat arriving to pick us up as planned. Talk about lucky! Pat drove Litefoot and I to Philly where we got to see the Phillies whup up on the Detroit Tigers in Interleague play. The Phillies are lucky to have such a nice and new stadium. That night we were treated to Hoagies and Cheese Steaks at Pat and Karen's house. Kate, Joe, Lindsay, and Sean joined in as well. Also got to see my Grandpop. It was great seeing everyone.Friday morning Litefoot and I were hurting pretty bad thanks to Bill spiking our margarittas the night before. Boy did we hurt... But we traveled up to NY City to stay with Litefoot's friends and go see Phish in Brooklyn. The show was incredible. Jayzee played two songs with Phish and I was glad to have seen that!Now I'm very ready to get back on the trail. I've been staring at concrete buildings and racing cars for too long. I need to get back to the hills. It's still undetermined how we will be getting back to the trail. My preference is to rent a car but we shall see...
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Darlington Shelter Area

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Alright, made it to the Doyle Hotel and am with Timber, Tumbleweed, Koi, Goldfish, Litefoot, N-R-Chi, Jake, Snail, Over Under, Flippy, and about 5 others I haven't met yet. This is a great reunion. Had a great time at Phish and seeing the Phillies game. The last few weeks have been a blast and I need to get back on the big miles to finish soon. Sorry this is short but gotta join the crowd!
Date: 2004-07-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Trunks telephoned today for an update: He's at the New York - New Jersey State Line. He's been hiking about 25 miles per day; today he plans on doing 30 miles. (At this pace he could reach the end of the AT by the end of July! Hang in there Jill!) On July 4th, tomorrow, he'll be attending a picnic with friends and then he plans to be on a hilltop overlooking New York City and watching the fireworks. He reports he may have lost another 10 lbs (down to 170 lbs?) and plans to start training for a marathon to keep in shape (hope there's one in the Bay Area!). Jill and I will be posting more photos on this website starting today, so check them out. There has been a delay in posting photos due to my having serious computer problems. Trunks sounds well and is ready to enter the New England Woods soon.-Old Trunks (Trunks' Dad)
Date: 2004-07-10
To: Kent, CT (approximately)
Miles today: 0.0

Made it to Kent, Ct. Having a blast still. We were surprised to see that N-R-Chi hiked 44 miles yesterday to catch us. Crazy! Good to hear that Koi, Timber, and Tumbleweed made it to Bear Mnt. Only 5 days behind. You guys need to catch up! We have a great group and are averaging right around 20 miles per day.I have successfully switched into a small backpack. It's really small and I have a bunch of stuff strapped to the outside. I think it only weighs 30 pounds or so. Great! The denatured alcohol stove was the final thing I needed to switch to so that I could fit everything. And using that hasn't been so bad.Got to swim yesterday afternoon at the Ten Mile Shelter. Oh, yeah, I'm in Connecticut. There are only 50 miles in Ct. Then into Mass. The terrain has started to get a little steeper. Lots of ups and downs. I think it's just a warm up for NH, VT, and Maine.I can't wait to get home and have drinks by the pool. Only 5 weeks or so left. I'm hoping to be flying home on or before August 22nd. I have a few days of leeway there in case I'm not averaging 20 miles per day.So, now the group that I'm hiking with is Litefoot, Mt. Doo, Snowman, and N-R-Chi. They are all younger and ready to keep doing big miles. I hope I can keep up. Snowman is taking 5 days off to go home to Buffalo and hang out with his wife.Anyways, enough for now. Gotta put the laundry in the dryer and visit the outfitters.
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Falls Village, CT

To: Hemlock Lean-to
Miles today: 19.0

Alrighty, I'm at Salisbury, CT at an internet cafe with lunch. The grocery store is right next door. Gotta resupply for 2 days to Tyringham. Then 2 more days until Dalton, Mass. Hard to believe that I'm already going to be out of Connecticut today. It's gone by quickly.Today Snowman has left the group for 5 days to be with his wife. I'll still be wife Litefoot, Mt. Doo, and N-R-Chi. Actually N-R-Chi didn't make it to where we were last night. So, I don't know what he's up to.The mosquitos have been terrible! I had to lay down in my tent as soon as I had it set up. Otherwise, I'd get bit non-stop.Yesterday we passed a Hydroelectric plant that had an outdoor shower. We took advantage of that and cooked dinner there.The evenings have started getting a lot cooler. The days are still warm but we are under the canopy of the leaves, for the most part. There need to be more swimming pools and showers on the AT. And the occasional elevator. Some of these hills we're getting into are difficult. And it's just a warm-up for what is to come.Thanks to Peter Haefner, I will have a new pair of trail shoes. Mine are almost completely gone after the last 500 miles. Thanks Peter!Time to run and get some groceries. Still have 10-12 more miles to hike today.
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Goose Pond Cabin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 838.0

Spent the night last night at Goose Pond Cabin. It was $3 and included a blueberry pancake breakfast and coffee. It was awesome. I hiked 18 miles to get there and arrived a little late in the evening last night. I decided not to eat dinner since I had a huge lunch of burgers and hot dogs from another thru-hiker's Grandparents. They live in Tyringham, Mass and gave me a ride to the post office. I wasn't counting on the lunch or the shower. It worked well. On the down side, I'm no longer hiking with Litefoot. He's staying at Over-Under's Grandparents place for a night or two. N-R-Chi is there as well. I don't know when I will see them again but I would guess that I will at some point. They can all do the occasional 40 mile day.I'm traveling now with Mt. Doo and another guy I just met, Eels. We are in Dalton at a trail angels house, Tom. He cooked us pasta and we had a huge bowl of ice cream. Tom has been helping out thru-hikers for 20 years. We're going to tent in his back yard. Down the street is a pub and I can't wait to have a few beers.Tomorrow I'm hiking 20 miles over Graylock Mt, the highest summit I've done since southern VA. The weather has been a lot cooler recently and we've had some showers. Today I hiked in rain for about 30 minutes. Hopefully I smell better.I plan on being in Vermont sometime Saturday afternoon. It's hard to believe that I have only 617 miles to go.I got news that my Dad will be joining me the first week in August. I think that's going to work out well. Dad, I need to keep my miles up!!! So, hopefully you will be happy with some slack-packing.Anyways, hope all is well. Thanks for signing the guest book. It's great to hear from eveyone.
Date: 2004-07-21
From: Wallingford, VT

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 26.0

Trunks called today and asked that I post the following: He's in Wallingford, Vermont, and will be at Killington Peak tomorrow. He "slacked packed" 26 miles today and has about 510 miles till Mt Katahdin, the North end of the AT. He has cut his average miles-per-day needed to finish by Aug 20th from 17.5 to 17 miles-per-day. (This 1/2 mile per day might not seem like much, but it will mean finishing the AT one day sooner than recently anticipated.) Oh, by-the-way, I will be joining Trunks on the AT on August 1st for 5 or so days, as long as my hiking legs hold out. (Don't worry, Jill, I wont slow him down!)            -Old Trunks (Trunks' Dad)
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Gordon Pond

To: Undert the bridge
Miles today: 13.0

Well, been slowin down a little due to a bum ankle and all the good views of the White's. It's completely awesome and the weather is great. Unfortunately, my ankle is really bothering me and I'm going to zero tomorrow here in North Woodstock. I'm with Sugar Daddy and Meerkat. We're at the Pig's Ear Brewery now and going to either get a cab or a hitch back to the AT where we can sleep under a bridge. The bridge is I93. Hoping that the day off tomorrow can heal my ankle because I'm going to have a week of hiking with my Dad. I can't wait!!!   So, last night we stealth camped at Gordon Pond. It was beautiful!!! Apparently, while we were sleeping a moose was in the pond right next to us splashing around. Of course, I slept right thru it all. Oh well, I'll see a moose soon, I'm sure. Back to the beers and dinner. Dad I'll call you tonight and tell you the change of plans. I think you'll have to meet me off of I93 instead of Rt 302...Hello to everyone and thanks for signing in to my guestbook!
Date: 2004-08-07
From: I-93

To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

From Tacoman:(Trunks asked me to update his journal with his activities last week.)I arrived to hike the AT with Trunks on Sunday, August 1. We left the I-93 overpass where Trunks spent the night of July 31st and hiked up Franconia Ridge. After 2 1/2 days of hiking and passing numerous peaks, we emerged onto Rt 302 on Tuesday, August 3rd. This particular segment of the AT is noted for a long, high ridgeline above tree level, steep ascents and horribly rocky trails. (More like scrambling than hiking). We camped on a mountain peak and watched both a spectacular sunset and sunrise (the sunrise over Mt Washington); check out the photos. (We camped on the peak because to go any further on the rocky trail would have been detrimental to Tacoman's health; ie: Was I fatigued!!!)Tuesday evening we visited Trunks' Aunt Fran, Uncle Joe, and Cousin Matthew in Naples, Maine. We rested and chatted late into the night catching up on old times. Wishing we could have stayed longer but anxious to get back on the AT, we left Wednesday morning to resume our trek starting at Crawford Notch on Rt 302.Wednesday, Trunks raced up Mt Washington leaving me in his dust. This was planned as I drove the car up the Mt Washington Toll Road to meet Trunks at the summit about 5 hours after he started. I walked down alittle in the direction Trunks would be coming up, but not far as I knew he would be charging toward the summit. When he arrived we had spectacular views but it was chilly and windy.Wednesday night we lodged at Libby House B&B where owner Doc made us comfortable in the historic surroundings. Libby House is a home built by a logging barron from lumber harvested in the Gorham, NH, area. Libby House is also a hikers hostel called The Barn. Here Trunks met up with Dragonfly whom he had not seen for months (?).   Thursday, We rode the hikers' shuttle to the summit of Mt Washington. We hiked down (and alot of up!) to Rt 16 thru the Presidential Range. I emerged from the woods just as it was getting dark and Trunks, who had gone on ahead with Slainte, met me with the car. Thursday night we stayed in the Town and Country Motel in Gorham.Friday Morning, August 5th, I dropped off Trunks at Rt 16 on the AT and he began slackpacking the Wildcat Mountain Range. Hiking the 21 miles in about 8 hours, I met Trunks at Rt 2 near Gorham. I hiked in about 3 miles and then out while waiting for Trunks and was sitting and dozing in the car when he came running out of the woods. Friday night we lodged again in Gorham. We dined 3 times in Gorham at Mr Pizza and had some great meals, not just pizza.Saturday, I left Trunks with Dragonfly and they planned to hike in at Rt 2 and be in Maine that day. I drove back to Boston Logan Airport with Suntag, a Southbound hiker who was taking a break from hiking. Other hikers we met along the way were Adrian, Voyager, Machine, Waterloo, Alright, Pennsylvania Mule, and several others. Trunks has 298 miles left and hopes to finish his AT experience about 25 August.Tacoman
Date: 2004-08-11
From: Maine

To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

Glad to hear that Koi, Goldfish, Timber, and Tumbleweed are still at it on the trail. I find it interesting that I'm so far ahead. I didn't think I was moving that fast but I guess I am. Not many NoBo's are catching me from the south.It was great hiking with Tacoman. I had a total blast! Thanks so much for the good company and helping me out. After I left you, Dragonfly and I stopped off at a convenience store and hiked in with some beer. After 2 miles of hiking uphill we decided that we didn't want to carry the weight - big mistake. So, we drank the beer and kept hiking. About an hour later a HUGE T-storm hit us and we took a side trail to seek shelter. We didn't find any and decided to get back to the trail but we took a wrong turn and headed south by accident. We hiked backwards for an hour or so and camped. There was no stream so we gathered water in our cooking pots from the runoff of our tents. That morning we were directed in the correct direction to our amazement. That's the worst I've been lost but it wasn't so bad...We hiked thru the Mahoosic Notch together and that was some serious hiking. Dad, if you thought what we did was tough, I'm glad you didn't do this section. The 1 mile section took 2 hours. We had to climb over boulders, and under them too. Crazy!That night we were reunited with Sugar Daddy. But he decided to hike south to meet with Litefoot. He had recieved incorrect information that Litefoot was right behind us. Hopefully he didn't hike too far south...Dragonfly got off the trail to go to 3 Phish shows. Suddenly, I was all alone again. Not a big deal tho because I was able to meet some new people. For the past two nights I've been staying at The Cabin in Andover. This place is awesome! I don't know if I've ever eaten so much food. My belly hurts. Oh, I weighed myself again this afternoon and I was at 170. I'll be weighing myself again tomorrow morning to see if I'm in the 160's. Wow! Also, I borrowed size 33 inch waist jeans to wear while my clothes were being washed. I could have fit in to a 32. Incredible!Still haven't seen a moose...Tomorrow I'm heading out again to spend my nights in the woods again. I should be in Stratton on Sunday. I still haven't figured out exactly when I'll be done but it won't be on the 20th like I had planned. Maine is just too tough.   I hear it gets easier, so we'll see. Only 250 more miles to go!!!
Date: 2004-08-13
From: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to

To: Rangeley, ME
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I hadn't planned on it but the rain has brought me into the town of Rangeley, Maine. Apparently, the rain is remnants of huricane Alex. The bad news is that there are two other huricanes in the Gulf of Mexico right now that are supposed to be up this way in a few days. Hiking in the rain really sucks because it's so hard to keep anything dry. While hiking today, I had to go thru a bunch of bogs and I wasn't even worrying if I was stepping in a mud puddle that went up to my knee because my boots couldn't get more wet. I've been soaking wet for the past 3 days. Last night I got in my sleeping bag soaking wet. This morning I had to put on wet clothes. Fortunately, the weather is warm, in the 60's. If it was colder, it would be terrible! I decided to come to Rangeley because I was due to summit Saddleback Mountain this afternoon and be above the tree line for several miles. The mountain is fogged in and I had a feeling that I'd have trouble seeing the white blazes and cairns on the trail. I also got some advice from SoBo's to avoid Saddleback in the rain because there are several sheer cliffs that I have to climb and it would be very slick. Tomorrow it's supposed to be a little nicer, I hope! So, I'm staying at Gull Pond Hostel. It seems like a nice place and I'm sharing the a bunk room with several other hikers that I don't know. My plans for this evening are to go to a sports pub that I saw in town. Jill, I'll be calling you this evening at 8:15 my time, just like you said on the voice message.So, only 220 miles or so to go and I think I may have figured out my finishing date. Of course, it's not set in stone yet because you never know what's going to happen. I'm going to try really hard to summit Katahdin on the 25th or 26th. That way I'll be able to fly home on the 27th and still be able to relax in the comfort of the living room in Los Altos with a beer as the Hokies destroy #1 USC on the 28th. So, all I need to do now is average 18 miles per day from here out and I think I can do it. The last two days the terrain has gotten a little easier. I've heard that there are still some difficult sections but that it will definitely be getting easier. I hope to have most of my remaining days over 18 miles per day. Yesteray I hiked 17 miles and could have done more but the rain shut me down. With the occasional town visit, I think I can keep the miles up.The last week has been pretty tough for me because I've been missing Jill and Porter. I wish I was summiting Katahdin today! I guess only a little bit longer!!!
Date: 2004-08-15
From: Stratton, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 196.0

Tacoman sends:Trunks asked me to update his journal:Tonight he is lodging in Stratton, ME, and plans to slack pack with some other thru hikers for a day or two. Tomorrow they plan to hike the Bigelow Preserve.Recently Trunks hiked the "hardest part" of entire Appalachian Trail at Mahoosuc Range. He says the weather has been OK, A few showers but no heavy rain from Hurricane Charley. Trunks had to ford a thigh-deep river due to the heavy rains from the previous storm. He did so with boots on for safety.Trunks plans to summit Katadin on 25-26 Aug; and then be home in Los Altos by 28 Aug to see the VT-USC game.Oxymoron and Main Dish caught up with Trunks and will be doing some slack packing with him.Only about 10 days to go! Tacoman
Date: 2004-08-19
From: Monson, Maine

To: Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 88.0
Weather: light rain

Another update by Tacoman:Trunks called Thursday night from Monson, Maine, where he's staying in a hostel. It was raining as he called from a payphone at an abandoned gas station, but the weather did not dampen his spirits. Today he hiked 23 miles, yesterday 16 miles. He has a little more than a hundred miles to go and plans to average 18 miles per day. After hiking tomorrow, he will be well under 100 trail miles. He expects to be summiting Mt. Katahdin on Thursday, August 26th. Family plans to be there, Aunt Fran, Uncle Joe, and Cousin Matthew.
Date: 2004-08-22
From: White Cap Mountain

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: few clouds

Tacoman again: Trunks called Sunday from White Cap Mountain, Maine. He has about 50 miles (as the crow flies) remaining and can see Mt Katahdin from White Cap Mountain. He is on schedule to be summiting Mt. Katahdin on Thursday, August 26th. The weather looks good for Thursday. Aunt Fran, Uncle Joe, and Cousin Matthew will meet Trunks for the big day. Trunks will be home with Jill Friday afternoon.Tacoman
Date: 2004-08-26
From: Mt. Katahdin

To: Mt. Katahdin Summit
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: overcast clouds

From Jill:Just wanted to let everyone know that Mark, or should I say Trunks, made the summit of Mt. Katahdin today! He is really excited and is feeling great. He reached the summit around 10:00 am on Thursday, August 26th. He is waiting at the top for his aunt, uncle and cousin to arrive and join him in his celebration. They are driving him to Bangor, ME tonight and he is flying from there to come home tomorrow morning. Thanks to everyone for all your kind words and support. I can't wait to see Mark and I know he is very anxious to get home.P.S. Dods I can just taste the Cristal!!! Thanks for winning the bet for me Mark!
Date: 2004-02-17
To: Decision and first plans
Miles today: 0.0

The decision to advance my previous start date from 2005 to 2004 occured this week. I realize that putting my life on hold another year or two would be a very bad mistake. I have the time and the desire to hike this year, even if my financial situation doesn't seem optimal for this undertaking. With the hike from this past summer and the many lessons learned added to my past AT experiences, I have a reasonable chance for successfully hiking the entire 2160 + miles for a complete thru-hike. Still, finding some information on the trail, such as people who are hiking and their departure dates for this year has elluded me thus far. Those things are more to enhance my first few weeks back on the AT. I am still unsure of my actual start date. As I take care of the things here that I need to do, that date will become more apparent. Right now I am looking at Early to Mid March as a primary target. I should be able to tie up loose ends within 2 weeks. And then to arrange my travel plans.