morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Somewhere past Blue Mtn lakes Rd

To: Deckertown Turnpike - Mike's Apt in Madison, NJ
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: moderate rain

Rainy day yet again on the Appalachian Trail. Luckily, I was able to get a hold of my brother's SOBO buddies from 2005, Mike (Don King) and Blake (Super T), while we were taking a break at the Brink Road Shelter during today's hike. They offered to pick us up tonight at the Deckertown Turnpike. So we pressed on knowing thankfully we'd have a dry place to rest our heads tonight.Before long we were at Culver's Gap. Since we weren't getting picked up until 8 p.m. tonight, we decided we'd stop at Gyp's Tavern and have a warm bowl of chili, hot dog, and a few refreshments to pass the time.Once at the Deckertown Turnpike, are wait began in the cold rain. Before we knew it, Mike and Blake showed up. They let us (two wet, dirty, smelly hikers) ride with them. On top of that they bought us Wendy's and a few rounds at a local tavern to become better acquainted. They have really taken us in -- just what we needed!They offered to slackpack us this weekend, but a zero is calling our names. Haven't had one of those since Harpers Ferry. Ahh a warm bed tonight. Amazing.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Deckertown Turnpike - Mike's Apt in Madison, NJ

To: Deckertown Turnpike - Mike's Apt in Madison, NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up this morning and watched TV. Mike and Blake took us to breakfast which was sweet. Went to Costco where they bought us a killer supper. Tonight we'll be having a huge steak, salad, hot dogs, and more. Being at Costco, however, felt a little strange. Nothing bad or anything just felt weird to be around large crowds...perhaps a culture shock?!Today was the perfect zero. These guys know how to treat hikers. Takes one to really know one I guess. Can't say enough. They've gone above and beyond. Really lifted Spencer and me up.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Deckertown Turnpike - Mike's Apt in Madison, NJ

To: Walkill Road - Mike's Apt in Madison, NJ
Miles today: 18.9

Once again Mike and Blake have seriously outdone themselves. They dropped us off at the Deckertown Turnpike this morning where we began today's slack. About 13 miles into today's hike, they met us with Subway. We ate in Mike's car where we sought refuge from the rain; it worked out nice. Thought about calling it a day as it was raining but they convinced us to walk without our packs completely as there are lots of road crossings between our lunch spot and 6 miles north. Well, that walk turned into a great opportunity for a run since I wasn't burdened with the weight of my pack. So, we came to the 1st road crossing where Mike and Blake had Van Halen blasting "Right Now" on the radio -- it was hilarious! At one point, they were riding beside us chanting "Get Motivated" through a Bull horn Mike strangely had in his car. But that 1 mile run turned into a 5.7 mile run which made me consider getting a support team so I could run the last 800 miles -- only if I could afford it:-)Call me a Hayniac if you will, but something tells me that word will be in the 09 edition of Webster¢s:-) Anyway, it was a great day and we're sad that our time with Mike and Blake is nearing its end. These guys have treated us like family.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Walkill Road - Mike's Apt in Madison, NJ

To: Some Stream along the AT?
Miles today: 17.7

We told Mike goodbye early as he was off to work around 7 this morning. Blake drove us back to the trail shortly after on his way to work. But not before stopping at Dunkin Donuts and buying us breakfast. Kind of a bummer that our weekend with them is over. Sure was fun escaping from the daily grind of the trail.The trail was nice to us today. Had fun walking on a mile and 1/2 or so boardwalk through some wetlands. Blake even left us Gatorades about 6 miles up the trail from where he dropped us off. Crossed into New York today. Crazy. After crossing the Stateline, we found a sweet campsite about one mile later and decided to call it a day. Hoping we can have a day without rain tomorrow.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Some Stream along the AT?

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

Saw something this morning that got my blood pumping quick...a bear. Yeah, that's right, I saw a 400-500lb bear about 50 feet away from my tent. After making some racket, he quickly scurried off into the forest. Hopefully, this will be the last bear I see on this trip.New York has proven to be much tougher than I had anticipated. Today consisted of mostly 1000 feet rock scrambles. It reminded me of a mini North Carolina! Rain yet again today, however, the bright side was no bugs. Had some nice hiking along some rocky ridges. Towards the end of the day we negotiated the Lemon Squeezer. The Lemon Squeezer is a huge rock formation that proved to be a little difficult to pass through. Nothing crazy...just a little extra work.We caught up with our buddy Chuck again at the shelter tonight. Nice shelter, too, I might add. It's just right off a long ridge and looks like a good place to crash for the evening.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 20.5

Today started around 8:30. Not long in today's hike, we phoned Blake to tell him we'd be passing through the Bear Mtn area around lunch. Much to our surprise, he was there waiting on us when we came out of the woods. He even had subs for us. Just as we were eating them, the rain started up again. No worries though as we were in his car eating. Thanks, Blake. That was an awesome treat!After we descended Bear Mountain, we passed through the Bear Mtn Zoo. Since we were thru hikers, we didn't have to pay the admission fee. After the zoo, we crossed the Hudson Bridge which was really cool. Such an unexpected and diverse day. Even got a view of NYC from Black Mountain. Currently we¢re at the Graymoor Friary. Pretty cool place. Just surreal to be out here. Loving it.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Graymoor Friary

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

Today was easy. It was rain again off again. Same old same old. Had a couple of sweet vistas today, but the one I remember most was overlooking this mountain lake. Wish I was down there floating on a tube! It's nice to see some mountains again, too!Currently, Indian Summer, our new thru-hiking buddy from VA, Chuck, One-Flop and I are all chowing down on some Pizza. Who would have guessed you could order pizza from a shelter on the Appalachian Trail. Guess that's what you get when you've got a shelter so close to a major road. Good opportunity for the pizza companies to capitalize on, too. I'd be willing to say there's no better customer than a hungry thru-hiker!!!
Date: 2008-05-23
From: RPH Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Ahh, the feeling after a great day. Absolutely gorgeous out here! Stopped about 5 miles into today's hike and picked up enough rations to get me to Kent and a cold cut sub to go. The clouds today looked like something off of a computer desktop. I must have taken 30+ pics today of just clouds. Currently, One Flop, Indian Summer, and I are camped about 2 miles from Connecticut. Seems like the trip is flying by. Meeting up with Mr. Mannion, Blake's Dad, tomorrow in Kent. Looking forward to that!
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Kent, CT - Mannion Household
Miles today: 12.7

Today was phenomenal. Left camp around 7 a.m. made it into Kent by 11:30. Super T's Dad, Dennis Mannion, drove an hour out of his way from Cheshire, CT to pick us up and bring us back to his place. Dennis even took us by a Verizon store so that I could get a new phone (mine died in the NJ rain) and One Flop needed a battery.The Mannion Family has completely taken us in like their own. We're all washed up now, have a bed, and his wife, Joan Mannion, has fixed us an unbelievable meal...Steaks, green beans, twice baked potatoes, ceaser salad, ice cream...ahhhh! Mike even showed up for supper, too. I find it amazing to experience such hospitality...especially when we are so far away from home! Never want days like these to end!Thanks again to the Mannion family! I cannot begin to thank you enough!
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Kent, CT - Mannion Household

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 7.0

Hanging out with the Mannion's yesterday and today didn't exactly put us in a hurry to get back to the trail. We had such a great time. So, we decided to ease back into it today. Connecticut is a beautiful state; glad we had a chance to see more of it aside from the trail.Dennis drove us to the grocery store, Subway and then all the way back to Kent this afternoon. Awesome guy! Right now I have my tent set up by a river. It's going to be a good night.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Glen Brook Lean To
Miles today: 24.7

Departed from camp around 7:15 this morning in an attempt to beat the heat. We're back in the mountains again...yeah baby. Bear Mountain, Lion's Head, Race Mountain, Mt Everett...ahhh. Love the scenery -- mountains are so soothing to me. The terrain appears to be getting sweeter and sweeter.Just washed off in the Glen Brook. Amazing how much better you feel after a personal appointment with Dr Bronners all in one soap:-)
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Glen Brook Lean To

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was awesome. Hiked into Great Barrington, Mass to this amazing supermarket called the Big Y. This place had everything -- I felt like I had found gold. There was a deli which we promptly ordered a sub and the selection was outstanding.Laserchuck, One Flop, and I are all in the shelter and having a blast. Pumped about tomorrow as it's supposed to be beautiful.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was a long day but well worth it. The scenery is getting more and more beautiful every step of the way. We're at Upper Goose Pond Cabin tonight. It's about .5 miles off the AT and is more like a house. It's awesome. There is a caretaker here and his name is Slowfoot; very nice guy.Although the weather wasn't permitting, I just couldn't resist the urge to jump into the pond. Yet again Dr Bronners has turned me into a new man. Cool crowd here tonight. Slowfoot has a fire going and has us drooling at the thoughts of Blueberry pancakes in the morning.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Kay Wood Lean To
Miles today: 17.6

Pancakes, pancakes, coffee, pancakes, privy -- no better way to start the day! Today was an easy walk. One of the highlights I can recall was being able to see Mt Graylock from Warner Mountain. We also stopped by the "cookie lady's" house. After we rang her doorbell, boom there was a cookies. Sweetness. Looking forward to a hot shower tomorrow in Dalton, MA.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Kay Wood Lean To

To: Dalton, Mass - Tom Levardi's House
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

Last night a gang of folks showed up at the shelter. Apparently a boarding school was having a field trip that ended up at Kay Wood Lean to...late...really late. Really starting to wish I wasn't such a light sleeper, especially last night. Those little ----- kept me up until 2 in the morning. To make myself feel better I woke up at 6 as did Chuck. We took pride in banging ---- around and being loud as possible...it felt great. All part of community space I suppose:-)As we were walking into Dalton today, we saw this guy sitting on his porch and reading the paper. He struck up a conversation with us which we then learned who he was -- Tom Levardi. He has been helping hikers for over 20 years and is an amazing person. We're now holing up here at his place and are heading into town shortly for a resupply and new shoes.I'm never ceased to be amazed at all the people I've met out here who just want to do ¢good¢ in this world. It's refreshing.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Dalton, Mass - Tom Levardi's House
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

Tom offered to slackpack us Southbound today. So, he drove us all the way (over a 1/2 hour) to Williamstown, Mass where our day began. Climbing up Graylock was the day's biggest challenge. The rest of the day's walk was cake. One of the highlights was the view of Graylock from the Cobbles. Once we made it back to Tom's, he had supper waiting on us. Amazing.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Williamstown, MA

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Today was easy for us as we rolled out of town in our usual style of late. Tom brought us all the way back to Williamstown (where we started yesterday) around 12:30. Crossed into Vermont not too long after today's hike started. We're now in the "Green Tunnel" as most of the trail in Vermont, from our understanding, is supposed to be enveloped by a green canopy. Only three more states to go; jeez, loving the lifestyle.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Vermont is living up to its reputation of being the Green Tunnel. There was more green today than there were views. Gorgeous up here though...absolutely gorgeous. Warner Hill was a sweet spot that I remember. Met another thru hiker today who started in January! Stride is her name and she's from Savannah, GA. That's where my sister-in-law is from -- small world, right?! Nice to hear a familiar accent:-)Whew! Wasn't planning on such a big day. We were planning on stopping about 4 miles ago but the shelter was packed. Staying in the shelter as they are calling for rain tonight.¢Wundaful¢ day here in Vermont.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Today was wet; lots of rain. But on the upside there were no black flies and I wasn't sweating profusely. So funny how things just don't get to you out here -- by that I mean walking in the rain. Perhaps I'm getting used to it...Prospect Rock was a nice spot today. It allowed a nice view into Manchester Center, VT. It's unreal we're in VT! Stride, One-Flop, and I are all neroing into Manchester tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Suttons Place -- Manchester Center, VT
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It's great when everything just falls into place...got a hitch today in less than two minutes, ate breakfast at a fabulous joint, did laundry, re-supplied, bought a NEW pair of hiking shorts. After that we checked into Sutton's Place, a hostel/house, and got comfy. Went to a Mexican restaurant and had a couple of Dos XX's...ummmumm¢¦and had a great conversation with One Flop and Stride. It¢s great to be alive!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Suttons Place -- Manchester Center, VT

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

This morning I woke up and decided to take a hot shower (just like old times right?!). Then we all walked to McDonalds and had a cup of jo and a couple of Bacon Egg and Cheese biscuits. After the feast, off we went back to our home, the AT -- and I mean that. It's so strange how this trip has been. Towns are fabulous, no question about that, but out here everything just feels right. It makes sense to me now. Currently, we are chilling out by this sweet shelter on the river and life is good. Even went for a swim earlier. Keepin' on Keepin' on. That my fellow American's is my occupation.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Governor Clement Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

White Rock Cliffs! What a great way to begin the day. Vermont is a beautiful state, but in the "Green Tunnel" as we call it, you rarely are awarded such vistas. We also met up with Tennessee 2 today (two older section hikers from Erwin, TN). They are funny guys! There was a sweet place to swim today that I took advantage of. Today was great, but I was glad when it was over. Today was tough and it got to me a little. Ready for Mt Killington tomorrow!
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Governor Clement Shelter

To: Stony Brook
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

It was fortunate to have a crazy climb like Killington early in the morning...tough climb. The views were socked in but I decided to take the .2 mile detour to it's summit anyway. Went into Killington today and got a HUGE sub for dinner tonight. Starting to get pretty dang hot out here!!!I plan on rinsing off my stink and bug spray in Stony Brook very soon.
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Stony Brook

To: Thistle Hill
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Today was tough but enjoyable. It was hotter than last month's rent check! We stopped at a little store off the trail called the Edge Farm. Great place as I bought a pint of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream and a Mountain Dew. I probably wouldn't have survived without it:-) It was just plain hot!Hanover, NH awaits tomorrow -- our 13th and 2nd to last state! And I hate to be a "Negative Nancy" here, but it's so freaking hot I doubt I'll sleep much tonight! This heat wave is supposed to pass soon but not soon enough. Oh well, goodnight America.
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Thistle Hill

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Today proved to be as hot as yesterday...but who cares as we're in NH baby! To top it off, Stride met this nice guy who thru-hiked last year, "The Brain", who invited us into his place. He and his family have cooked us supper, let us do laundry and blew up air mattresses for us to sleep on. The trail is full of ups and downs but times like these are definitely one of the ups! The NBA finals are on Comcast. Peace.
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Hanover, NH

To: Velvet Rocks 
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: clear sky

Today One Flop and I decided not to get into a hurry. So we decided to nero out of town and it felt great! Stride hiked on and we'll probably meet up with her again in Glencliff, NH.Met another thru hiker while chilling in Hanover, NH today (The trail goes right through the middle of this Ivy League college town -- home of Dartmouth). His name is Don Jaun. He's a cool guy who just graduated college with an engineering degree. Always great to meet new people out here. Looking forward to some cooler weather coming up and the Whites!
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Velvet Rocks 

To: Firewarden's Cabin
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was super easy. Definitely didn't feel like we laid out a 20+ miler. Don Juan, One Flop and I just enjoyed taking it super easy today and enjoying the views. Holt's ledge was a memorable vista. We are camped out tonight at the Firewarden's Cabin. Just came down from the fire tower where we watched the sun set. Sweet day and we're all stoked to be in the Mountains! Glencliff tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Firewarden's Cabin

To: Happer Hiker Hostel - Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 20.0

I slept great last night as I was in my tent! Was on the trail by 6:47 as I needed to get to the P.O. in Glencliff before it closed. Took a snack break on top of Mt Cube. The views were awesome! It was a little hot today but not near as bad as it has been. Walked into the Glencliff, NH post office at 2:30. My Dad mailed me my winter bag and long pants as this is the southern end of the Whites and the weather is very unpredictable at elevation. But (and I hope not against my better judgment) I decided to send the bag home but keep my long pants. It's bulky, heavy, and it's been hot lately. I think I'll make it. I also picked up my memory disc for my camera that my brother mailed. Thanks guys!After the p.o., I checked in over at the Happy Hiker Hostel. This is a sweet place. We met up with other thru hikers today: Mockingbird, Little Miss Sunshine, Waterbear and Stormenorman. Great crowd here. Phatt Chapp, the guy running the hostel, took us into town to resupply. We even got to grill out some fine chicken breasts -- real protein. The night ensued as did an awesome party. Tis the life.
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Happer Hiker Hostel - Glencliff, NH

To: Kinsman Notch - Chet's hostel -- Lincoln, NH
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was only 9.5 but it was a tough 9.5. The views, however, were incredible. Mt. Moosilauke was unbelievable. This is what it¢s all about!!! The memory stick my brother mailed is dead and incidentally so is One Flops. So, after our treacherous descent down into Kinsman's Notch, into Lincoln, NH we went. We're here now at Chet West's. He's an awesome guy who has been letting thru-hikers chill in sweet garage for a while. It's raining out and we have a roof over our head and full bellies. How good can it get?!
Date: 2008-06-15
To: Franconia Notch -- and back to Chet's Hostel
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Chet offered to slack us today into Franconia Notch. Well, as expected, the Whites have proven to be quite challenging even with the full weight of a pack. And particularly when they're wet... Today was pretty much fogged in, however, when we were descending into Franconia Notch, the clouds cleared for about two minutes which allowed us a glimpse of what was to come. Incredible. These are some BIG mountains!This part of the trail is like the birthday cake at the birthday party. It's what its all about! We're going to play tomorrow by ear. If the weather is bad, we may hole up yet again at Chet's place. We would hate to cross the White's with no views!
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Franconia Notch -- and back to Chet's Hostel

To: Chet West's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today was our first zero since Jersey and it felt great! Slept in until 9:30 today -- this is the latest I've slept since I've been on the trail. Chet West has been such a great host. This place is great! Strides, not Stride, made it here today. All of us are just chilling here right now: Strides, Stride, One Flop, Waterbear, Stormenorm. We're preparing for feast tonight. There will be Chicken, Potatoes, mac and cheese! What a great zero!
Date: 2008-06-17
From: Franconia Notch

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Wow! No other way to describe what we saw today. It started with a pretty good climb out of Franconia Notch. The Franconia Ridge Trail was on of the best (if not the best) places on the AT thus far. From Mt. Lafayette we were able to witness how fast the weather changes up here. It went from sunny to a full on lightening storm and hail within about five minutes. This proved to be rather intense as we were above tree-line. The staff here at Galehead Hut has given us their leftovers and a place to stay. Feeling good and loving the Whites.
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Galehead Hut

To: Mizpah Spring Hut
Miles today: 21.1

Last night was great night for sleeping. I rested really well. Today One Flop and I were on the trail by 6:30 a.m. No rain all day which meant we were awarded with awesome views. It's so incredible up here: South Twin Mtn, Mt Guyot, Webster Cliffs...wow. Today was tough but eventful and enjoyable except that my camera broke...and at the best time, right?! At least One Flop's camera is working. I'll get his pics later on. On a brighter note, we have Mt Washington tomorrow, home of the world's worst weather, and over 12 miles above treeline. Hope the weather cooperates.Tonight we're working for stay at the Mizpah Spring Hut. As a reward, it's all you can eat soup, ham and rice -- and a place to stay. The AMC, Appalachian Mountain Club, operate huts within the Whites. It's the only place that I know of along the AT that charges you to stay. They, on occasion, allow thru hikers the option to work for stay in exchange for the fee. Pretty good deal if you ask me!