morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Calf Mtn. Shelter

To: Loft Mrn. Campground
Miles today: 20.0

I was one of the last out of the shelter this morning, leaving after 9am. I hiked to Blackrock Hut, just missing a quick storm. I was here the same week last year, and met two thru hikers, Grey Matter and Lady Bugs. I also met two who had met hiking in 92- Sharkey and Wolverine (from Michigan). Talking to them and hiking with Wolverine for a day was one of the deciding factors for me to start this hike. A couple of guys from the shelter last night showed up and I walked with them to enjoy the view from the top of Blackrock, a series of jagged boulders with 360 degree views at the top. This was the third time I had climbed this mountain, the first was with Wolverine, watching the sunset, the second with Jess, when I took her for her birthday in November. I sat and chatted with the guys,Alabama (guess where he's from)Sunpig (hmm, an interesting dude- check out his journal.)Whistler (he whistles a lot)Nightrider (a former truck driver, he hitched 3 rides in the middle of the   night to get to the start of the trail)Dutch (from PA, I hadn't seen him since Georgia)Climbing down from there. We walked to the campground, I got a little ahead. I took a break for a snack, and they come past, saying hello. I reached to pet Kaya, Alabama's dog, and at the same time he says "No, she got sprayed." I only had a faint transfer from the skunk to my hand. As I hiked behind them to the campground, I could tell when I was getting close because of the smell of the dog. We got to the campground around 8, with just enough time to yogi a beer and a free site to stay. I went to call Jess, who wanted to see me for the weekend, and we made plans to meet at Big Meadows Thursday morning. I didn't get off the phone til 10, and just laid down to sleep on the ground, forgetting about dinner.
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Baldface Mt.
Miles today: 5.5

Mom drove me back this afternoon. She had prepared a bunch of cookies and several pans of brownies to leave for hikers, seeing as I had been treated so many times along the way. We picked up a case of sodas and some juices as well, and put them in a cooler a day ahead of where I got dropped off. I started hiking around 5:30 and settled down on a small site a few miles past the south river falls picnic area.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Baldface Mt.

To: Hawksbill Gap
Miles today: 16.9

I hiked past Big Meadows, taking a good break there. A few folks- Doc, Dolphin, Big Tree- were at the Rock Spring Hut, where I ate dinner. I hiked on for dessert to the cooler Mom and I left, where I got the last two brownies (out of 60) we had left just a day before. I camped again in the backcountry.
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Hawksbill Gap

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Feet are aching today. I really didn't think about buying bigger shoes when I went home, but my feet certainly have grown a bit. I'm getting pinched at the toes and the heel. I called REI and they said they would replace them but first I'd have to send the others back. It would take weeks, and what would I have to hike in?I called Jess, who was baby sitting for the week, and couldn't help me out. My mom was at the beach. I hiked on a bit and camped again, setting up at 9pm.I bought a $17 breakfast at Skyland this morning. The food was pathetic.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Campsite

To: Mosby Campsite
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I ate a breakfast at Elkwallow restaurant (only $6 this time) and called Jess who was trying to work something out so I could get some shoes. I didn't leave the breakfast unti 11:30 , but I did see the first bear of the trip! ( I would see two more later that day) I hiked pretty much nonstop until 10:30 at night, where I found a campsite (finally) and set up the tent, ate dinner, brushed teeth, and was asleep by 11. There was only enough room for me to set up right next to someone else, I tried to be as quiet as possible, eating away from the tent.
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Mosby Campsite

To: Manassas Gap
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke to see Nitro come out of the tent next to me, who I hadn't seen since Damascus in May. I limped to the road, where I hitched to the Apple House restaurant in Linden Va for breakfast. I called Jess, who was having trouble getting me, and I told her I coudn't walk anymore, I'm going to hitch. She was able to get a couple hours away from the kids to come get me. I exchanged my shoes for a full size bigger.
Date: 2004-07-03
From: Manassas Gap

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a ride back to the trail from a friend, and hiked again, my heel still swollen, and stayed at Rod Hollow Shelter. On the way there I heard bass heavy music getting louder as I got to the shelter, thinking there was a party nearby. I arrived suprised that I was the only one there, the party was off in the distance.
Date: 2004-07-04
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

I woke to someone else coming in the shelter at midnight. I went back to sleep and at dawn, I met C-Legs, who came from Gravel Springs Hut yesterday- a 37 mile day, and was going to Harper's Ferry, 30 miles today. He asked if I was going. No Way. It was pouring outside as he left at 7am. I left as the rain stopped a couple hours later. In the afternoon I went to Bear's Den Rocks, a center for the environment and hostel. I had a coke and Ben&Jerry's for lunch, and called Jess to see if she wanted to come out for the 4th. She wasn't happy as I woke her from her nap. She'd been babysitting 2 little kids all week. She agreed to come meet me at the Blackburn Trail Center. I expected the worst, being an hour late, but she greeted me with a hug and a smile. We were treated to a dinner by the caretaker, and I just couldn't get enough food. My foot problems weren't getting better, so I thought about getting off the trail. Jess was going to the beach the next week so I thought, here are my options:1) hobble on by yourself in the woods for the next week 2) go to the beach with your girlfriendIt was an easy decision.We watched the fireworks in Leesburg from the porch of the trail center. On really clear nights the caretaker says you can see the Capitol and Washington monument.
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 12.7

I couldnt sleep. Restless and full of energy, I told Jess that I wanted to hike to Harper's Ferry before going home. Somehow I had the desire to hobble a little more pain into my feet before taking a break to rest them. Somehow that made sense to me. I left in the dark before 5 am with no breakfast and no food to take with me, and was at the ATC office by 10:15. I took only 5 minutes of break the whole time. Jess (the angel) had breakfast waiting for me and a big smile because I made it. I had my picture taken at the ATC office, number 536 or something on the year from GA. She drove back to Falls Church, dropped me off, and went to VA beach, where I went the next day.
Date: 2004-07-15
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Compton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I left home to come back on the AT after 9 days off. I've taken so much time off recently that today seems like the start of a new hike. It certainly feels that way to my feet. The weight of my pack will make my feet swell in the next few days. Still, I'm happy and lucky to be out here.Jess gave me a ride back- it was tough knowing we wouldn't see each other for a while, maybe til the end of this trip. I left Harper's Ferry around 4, crossing the Potomac River on a footbridge next to the railroad. The first 2.5 miles were on the C & O canal, an easy graded trail next to the river. Much of the walk was easy today. At the Ed Garvey shelter I ran into some overnighters, but no thru's- that said Wipeout had come through there an hour ago. I had heard a rumor she was back on the trail, so I left and made the Compton Gap shelter by 8:30, and had dinner, some uncle ben's wild rice, it was actually really good, even after all the real food I've been eating.The shelter is full tonight, I didn't know this many people were this far back. People told ghost stories around the shelter tonight, in honor of being near the town the blair witch was filmed.The gather was here- I hadn't seen him since Tennessee.
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Palmerton, PA

To: NJ state line
Miles today: 0.0

John called tonight and left a message. He's in Palmerton, PA, in the Borough Hall where the town lets thruhikers stay for free. He says he's right on schedule to summit Katadhin by October 1. He should be entering New Jersey by August 1. He's looking forward to seeing three generations of NJ cousins!He loves to read messages from friends and relatives in his guest book so keep those words of encouragement coming!--John's mom
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Palmerton, NJ

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 0.0

John called from High Point Park in New Jersey (according to the online companion, it's about 1325 miles from the start--http://www.aldha.org/companyn/nj-ct04.pdf).He said the mosquitos are driving him forward. He tries to walk about 3 miles an hour and only stops in the sun where they are not so numerous. He got up in the middle of the night to pitch his tent with mosquito netting since the shelter is open to the night air.Hiking in New Jersey is much easier than the Pennsylvania rocks and he has been covering about 18 miles a day. He said his "new shoes" are pretty beat up after hiking more than 300 miles in them. He only saw three rattlesnakes in PA. So far he has not seen any bears in NJ where there is supposed to be one per square mile. He hopes to meet up with his NJ cousins in the next couple of days. If you want to follow John's journey on a map, here's a good site: http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/appa/ppMaps/ATmap%2EpdfJohn's Mom
Date: 2004-08-07
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Bear Mountain, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today John's cousins Jackie, Paul, and McKenzie picked him up in Bear Mountain park and took him home where they treated him like visiting royalty. They prepared an "awesome dinner" attended by cousins Diane, Steven, De, Megan, Kenny, Richie, Jeannie, and Cristine. He amused the grownups and frightened the children with his "mountain man" appearance. He entertained them with stories and photos of the trail. He then fell asleep in "the best bed in the world" in a "humongous" bedroom. The next morning he had a fabulous breakfast with wonderful companionship, and then his cousins returned him to the trail. Many thanks for a wonderful visit!--John's mom
Date: 2004-08-11
From: NY/CT state line

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0

John called from a convenience store where he was waiting out a rainstorm after just crossing into Connecticut. He said the forest was beautiful--all evergreens and ferns. He's been enjoying the hikers and people he meets along the way. His ankle and feet are doing fine. He hopes to be in Salisbury, CT by the end of the week and to Cheshire, Massachusetts, by the middle of next week.
Date: 2004-08-12
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0

Hey all-I stopped in the town of Kent, CT to put a quick note on here.The bad news: I haven't put any real updates up and probably won't for a while because I am trying to hike a bit faster than usual. I will continue to log in and put my location down.My camera is broken. I am waiting on a new one to be delivered to me in MASS.I won't have any pictures from somewhere in PA to that point. I probably won't have any new ones up til the end of the hike. I do have some spectacular shots and short movies.It is raining.The good news:For the most part things are going well. I have been averaging about 15 miles a day from Harper's Ferry.I'm trying to pick that up a bit- 17 per day would be great.As long as things keep going on well I should finish the trail around late September- early October.My pace will have to slow down at the end of the month as I am coming up to the hardest (but most beautiful) part of the trail.I won't be passing through as many towns, and they will be smaller all the way up to Maine. At this point I have a little over 700 miles to go.Something cool:I have the potential to set foot in seven states this month.Here's how its going so far:PA: 8/1NJ: 8/1-8/5NY: 8/5-8/11CT: 8/11-?MA:VT:NH:
Date: 2004-08-16
From: Tyringham, MA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

John called from Tyringham, Mass. about 2:30. It's raining-still--and he got pretty wet last night in the tent. He left his stove there last night and hopes that Brood X and Kathy find it and catch up with him soon. He left a note in a register telling them where he'd be staying.Tonight he plans to stay in a dry cabin where they serve pancakes for breakfast(possibly Goose Pond Cabin). He expects to be in Cheshire, Mass., on Wednesday where he will pick up another package containing long pants. He should be in Vermont by Thursday.
Date: 2004-08-19
To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 0.0

I'm taking a zero today.I was invited by Brood X, who I've been hiking with since Kent, to stay at Bluejay's house (AT 98)So today we're loading up on food and listening to good music and watching the olympics. It was a much needed day off- I have been tripping over the trail for the past 3 days, feeling tired and beat up. Already I'm feeling more energetic- We're staying at a very cool place in Western New York. Bluejay picked us up yesterday and brought us here, and showed us his cabin in the woods- complete with a mini donkey and horse that stand about waist high. I've stayed at some very cool places- the night before last was at Tom Levardi's house in Dalton, Mass. He fed everyone huge ice cream sundaes. The night before that I stayed at the Upper Goose Pond cabin, where I went swimming, canoeing, and bunked with about 15 other hikers. The caretaker fed us blueberry pancakes in the morning for a $3 donation.
Date: 2004-09-01
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hanovah!I made it to New Hampshire yesterday, my 13th state on this walk.Dartmouth College is in town and its a nice place- it feels kinda funny to be back in a college town but refreshing at the same time.Onward to the Whites!
Date: 2004-09-05
From: Hanover, NH

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Glencliff, NH!Today I hiked into the Hikers Welcome hostel in Glencliff, NH.I have been hiking for several days with Crazy Legs and Tall Tales, a couple who are getting married in a month, and Brood X, who I've been hiking with since Conn.Tomorrow I will enter the famous white mountains of New Hampshire, some of the toughest and most spectacular hiking on the trail.At this point I have less than 400 miles to go- around a month.I'm thrilled about getting into some higher mountains- signs of fall have been evident for a couple weeks and there are more leaves falling every day. Yesterday the four of us sat out on some sunny rocks and laid out watching the planes fly far far overhead. We are working on our "lounging." Tall tales says I'm a master. We also got several days of practice on the Dartmouth Green. On the second we hiked out to the shelter less than a mile out of town- then decided we didn't get enough- and hiked back in to hang out for another day.   Going back to the green is always a joke in the back of our minds- I've been having a blast on the trail over the past couple weeks and I'm feeling very relaxed about the hike.
Date: 2004-09-12
From: Crawford Notch, NH

To: Mt. Washington, NH
Miles today: 0.0

John's mom here:John left a message saying that he is still hiking with Crazy Legs, Tall Tales, and Brood X. They have been hiking from hut to hut doing work for stay. Today was a beautiful day as was yesterday. The had had to spend three nights in the Greenleaf Hut because sustained winds of 50 mph or more had made it too dangerous to continue hiking. They are looking forward to hiking Mt. Washington tomorrow if the weather continues to be good. Mt. Washington, you may recall, is the place where the highest winds on earth have been recorded (231 mph). When they are hiking above the tree line, storms and fog can come suddenly and temperatures can drop, so they really need to be mindful of the weather. Here are some other fun facts about Mount Washington:Elevation: 6,288 feet Latitude: 44° 16' N Longitude: 71° 18' W Highest wind (world record, April 12, 1934): 231 MPH Average wind velocity for the year: 35.3 MPH Lowest temperature (state record, January 1934): -47°F Highest temperature (August 1975): 72°F Average temperature for the year: 26.5°F Average annual snowfall: 256 inches Maximum snowfall in a season (1968-69): 566.4 inches Maximum snowfall in calendar year (1969) 495.2 inches Winds exceed hurricane force (75 MPH) on an average of 104 days a year The summit is in the clouds about 60% of the time
Date: 2004-09-13
From: Mt. Washington, NH

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 0.0

Today John called from Mount Washington. He and Brood X, Tall Tales and Crazy Legs had reached the observatory about noon. It was a clear day and someone showed John that they could see Katadhin from the observatory. They have been hiking 12-14 miles a day. It's 50 miles to Maine and 300 to Katadhin. Frost warnings tonight in the Whites.
Date: 2004-09-16
From: Madison Hut

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

Made it into Gorham- Yesterday Brood, Crazy Legs, Tall Tales and I decided to slackpack the 21 miles over the Wildcat and Carter Range. The good news is that without the full packs the hiking was easier. The bad news was that we didn't start until 10:30 AM.I got very tired during the day and was by far the slowest hiker. It got dark at the last five miles and luckily Brood stayed behind to walk with me. I was dragging and tripping over roots and rocks. We got to the road around 10 pm and I was almost asleep on my feet. We walked the four miles back to town and I was stumbling all over like I was drunk. Luckily we found a convenience store and I got a drink and some food and we made it back to Brood's friend's place a little after midnight. None of us has slept well in three days and we're all very tired. We plan on hiking a mile or two out of town today and camping for a good night's sleep. The good news is that we should hit Maine tomorrow. We now have only one state and around 300 miles left in the journey...
Date: 2004-09-20
From: Gorham, NH

To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

John called from Andover, Me. He said it was hard to get a ride into town(not much traffic), and he had almost given up when a nice man from Portland vacationing in the mountains picked him up. The place he had planned to stay was closed so the owner of the general store let him stay next to the store. The only thing he lacked was heat, which he had been hoping for. The man from Portland has offered him a ride back to the trail at 8 a.m. Monday morning.John said the trail in New Hampshire and Maine is absolutely beautiful. The trail is really steep--almost vertical--and his legs are getting stronger every day. He hiked yesterday with two brothers--the Blues Brothers. He hopes that Brood X, Crazy Legs, and Tall Tales catch up with him Monday.The weather has been mostly good though he was happy to have a good book to read in a shelter while avoiding a downpour. He asked for a warmer jacket and his Tevas for fording streams--and some shoe glue for the tips of his shoes.
Date: 2004-09-22
From: Andover, ME

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Fall is here!!I stopped in Rangely, ME for a quick break, the trail has been beautiful the past few days. The leaves are changing and I have been surrounded by a sea of colors; in the trees, the skies, the beautiful lakes, and the forest floor. I still haven't seen a moose, which I am eagerly anticipating, but I am in good spirits as the weather has warmed. Today it reached 70 degrees and is sunny!!I should be in Monson in about a week, which is the last town on the trail. After that I have about another week in the hundred mile wilderness and then finally, Katahdin. I am hoping the nice weather and the beauty of the Maine woods will continue!!
Date: 2004-09-25
From: Stratton, ME

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 0.0

John called this morning from Stratton. He said the weather has been beautiful--warm with clear skies. He had encountered lots of trail magic along the way. Since it has not rained much in the last week or so, the fords have been very easy and he is able to rock hop or walk across boards when he comes to a river or stream. The hiking has been less strenuous the last few days (not so much bouldering). On the negative side, he rolled his ankle pretty badly on Friday, but it sprang back okay. Maine hiking is all roots and rocks so he has taken a lot of falls and has a lot of bruises to show for them.He's not hiking long miles, hoping that Brood X will catch up. He had heard that Brood has been waiting for shoes to arrive. He assumes that Crazy Legs and Tall Tales have gotten off the trail to prepare for their wedding on October 3. John had requested some Shoe Goo to reglue the toe tip on his shoes so they can last out the hike. His tent pole broke and he is expecting a replacement to arrive in Monson. He hikes into the Bigelow Range, ferries across the Kennebec River, then Caratunk on Monday and Monson on Wednesday. Then about another week to Katadhin.
Date: 2004-09-27
From: Caratunk, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Stopped in at Northern Outdoors lodge and brewery outside of Caratunk, ME. Chilling with Traildawg, Mr. T, and Flint, who hitched from Rangely and will do that section later. The trail has been easier past the Bigelows with lots of lakes. Two nights ago I couldn't make the shelter to get out of the rain, but found a cave to sleep in instead. Last night I slept out in the open by a lake and then hiked ten miles to the Kennebec River. I caught the afternoon ferry across the river, which was flowing quickly. I bought supplies from Steve, the ferryman's store and am now hanging out at the bar, going to hot tub it later with the crew and hopefully catch the Redskins/Cowboys game tonight.Less than two weeks- about 150 miles to Katahdin!!
Date: 2004-10-01
From: Monson, ME

To: 100 Mile Wilderness to Katadhin
Miles today: 0.0

John called today and left a message. He had arrived in Monson on September 30. Things are going well. He will leave Monson today with Trail Dawg and two others whose names I have now forgotten. If all goes as planned, he will summit Katadhin on October 7.
Date: 2004-10-07
From: Birches 

To: The Summit!
Miles today: 0.0

John completed his journey 6 months from when he started (almost to the minute). He was the last one out of the shelter and was surprised at the adrenalin rush that powered him up Katadhin. When he noticed the group from the shelter standing around, he looked up and saw how close the sign was. They had been waiting for him so they could all finish and celebrate together. Brood X and NightRider had hiked two 30-mile days to catch up. Among the group was Gather, whose brother Slimer had summited on October 2 and whose father (Mr. Hale) had been supplying thru-hikers with burgers since his arrival. The Hales have offered John a ride back to Virginia on their way home. He expects to be back in Virginia late on October 8.I'm sure John will have much to add to these sparse entries in the journal once he returns to Virginia.   Many blessings to all of you who have shared John's journey and been so generous to him along the way. Hikers on the AT have been fortunate to experience not only the beauty of nature, the joy of solitude, and the support of companionship, but also the amazing kindness of strangers.