morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Plateau Campsite

To: Campsite on top of Mt. Everett
Miles today: 12.2

Today was another hot day. We climbed four Mtns. on our hike today,Lions Head, Bear Mtn., Race Mtn, and Mt Everett for a total of 12.2 miles. When we got to the top of Mt everett we found a flat spot for the tent and called it a day. After coming down off of Bear Mtn. we crossed into Massachusetts! Only 676.8 miles to go! But to be honest i'm really staring to feel the miles. Every morning is harder then the morning before. I can now understand why so many people drop off. To stay committed to something day after day week after week and month after month. Some people for one reason or another can't do it, decide they don't want to do it...whatever. I've been on the trail for 5 months now,1497.9 miles, It's hard to say the least, the daily grind really starts to get to you. Thoughts of going home float around my head. Gong home to my family seems like the right thing to do sometime. But my family is behind me on this. New Day understands and supports me on this. SO I'll deal with the hardships of the trail and suck it up! I've made a commitment, I think that i have the will power to do it. I'm going to finish what I started, I'm only going to Katahdin! Only 676.8 miles to go! BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!                                 Old School
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: 0

Tired, homesick, sore, I smell, my knee doesn't feel right, it's hot as hell and the bugs are worse. I want a cheesebuger & coke. But I'm still heading North! Only 650.1 miles to go!                                 Old School
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Camped on top of Becket Mtn.
Miles today: 12.8

We woke up this morning with no food. We hiked to Main Rd and hitched to Lee Mt to resupply. We hiked all day... till 7:30, only got 12.8 miles. I feel like I'm hiking in slow motion, it seems like i'm not getting anywhere. But today got me 12.8 miles closer th Big k, only 637.3 miles to go. Tonite we're camped on top of Becket Mtn. we made a fire to try and keep the bugs away, had dinner and hung our food bags. In the morning i'll put on my pack and Keep Heading North!                              Old School
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Camped on top of Becket Mtn.

To: Dalton, Ma
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: 0

We hiked into Dalton today after 17.7 miles. Thats the most miles I've gotten in a while. It was cooler then normal, so we didn't take very many breaks. We were in town by 6:00. We should be in Vermont by Thursday. After getting some good town food and washing our stinking clothes & bodies we're ready to call it a night. I'm tired, my feet hurt, my right knee hurts. But only 619.6 miles to go. I can do it.... I hope I can do it. BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!                                 Old School
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Dalton, Ma

To: The Cobbles
Miles today: 7.6

We're camped at The Cobbles, 7.6 miles from Daton. As we were hiking today thoughts of al kind were going thru my mind. When we got the The Cobbles with it's great view of the Mtns and dwn in the vally was a beautiful lake and the quiet litte town of Cheshire, it was like WOW. This is where I wanted to just chill and reflect . To just think. Sometimes this whole hike seems surreal. I've been hiking this trail for over 5 months. It seems like forever, and then sometimes it seems like I started last week. How will things be when i get home? Will I be the same? Will I have changed? I don't even know if i'll have a job when i'm done. 612 miles to bog K . Its so far but i'm going any damn way. Still Heading North!                              Old School
Date: 2006-08-09
From: The Cobbles

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-To
Miles today: 12.7

We really enjoyed our campsite at The Cobbles yesterday. We would not have known about that great spot had it not been for "God Speed." He has been out on the AT section hiking with his family and his dog Honeybear. We hiked the last couple of miles to the cobbles with him. He seemed to be a great guy with some rally good ideas about some projects that hes been planning. Maybe I can get in on some of the projects. I think that when this trip is over that I might want to do something, maybe with some youth groups. For the first time since VA. we got back up to 3000' on our climb up Mt. Greyback. Sometime inthe morning we will be hiking into Vermont. Only 599.3 miles to go.                           Old School
Date: 2006-08-10
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-To

To: Consulation Peak
Miles today: 14.1

We hiked into Vermont today.One more state down and only 3 to go. After a couple of hours I started getting a feeling of remoteness that I haven't felt since getting into N.J. The trail today was a lot of climbing and a lot of downs. There was a lot of spots where the trail was all mud. If we weren't carefulo we would find ourselves in the mud almost up to our knees. The temps have really cooled down. I'm beginning to feel like i'm getting my strength back. I've been eating more lately, I'm starting to feel good about the rest of the hike. I think I might really make it, only 585.2 miles to go. BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP! Still Heading North                              Old School
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Consulation Peak

To: little pond lookout
Miles today: 13.1

Today I passed mile 1600! Sometime as I'm hiking and I know that I'm going tomake it to Big K I get chill all over. WOW! I know that 572.1 miles is still a long way but damn I've hiked 1602.5 miles. " I'm not "Low Gear" but I still get excited! When the sun goes down in Vermont it gets cold. Last nite it was so cold that I could hardly sleep. Its time to get my winter gear back. I don't have many clothes right now, but I have them all on, and I'm still cold. This fleece sleeping bag just doesn't cut it up here. My gear is in the mail, I hope I don't turn into an ice cube before I can get to them.                                    Old School
Date: 2006-08-12
From: little pond lookout

To: Black Brook
Miles today: 15.8

It was so cold last nite that I didn't get much sleep, we started hiking when the sun came up so that we would warm up. The trail in Vermont runs along with the Long Trail for about 100 miles. We've been seeing a lot of hikers thats doing the Long Trail instead of the AT. We're still seeing a lot of Sobo's going to Springer. They have a long way to go. But at least they aren't hiking with a deadline like we are. We're camped next to Black Brook and have only 556.3 miles to go. When this is over i'm going to miss life on the trail. But not as much as I miss life with my family. New Day and my kids, I miss yall so much.Old School
Date: 2006-08-14
From: VT 11/30

To: Griffith Lake
Miles today: 5.44
Weather: 0

We got to the Post Office in Manchester Center today and picked up some of our winter gear. We'll get the rest of it in Killington on Wed. Kinda funny, we get some winter gear and then its hot us hell as we hike today. But thats O.K. because I know when the Sun goes tonite its a whole new ball game. We didn't get back to the trail till after 12:00. While in town we resupplied and got some Mickey D's. after a long wait while hitching back we finally got a ride. it was much easier to hitch when new Day was with me. As always, leaving town we had a big climb up bromley Mtn. After a little break in the warming Hut we headed up the trail. After a good down we climbed up to Styles Peak were we had some lunch. Then we pushed on th Griffith lake tenting area. As we were coming down off of Styles Peak i found a pair of crocs in the middle of the trail. I tied them to my pack thinking that I might find the owners up the trail. When we got to the tenting area we find Mudflap & Daisey and I-path. We haven't seen them since N.J. It turns out that the crocs belonged to Mudflap. Needless to say he was happy to have them back. Well its time to eat some dinner. Still Heading North!                              Old School
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Griffith Lake

To: Mill River
Miles today: 21.7

Today we hiked 21.7 miles. My first 20 since VA. The weather was perfect for hiking, nice and cool. The only time that I really sweated today was that climb up Bear Mtn. Plus I think that it's the pull of Katahdin, and I really miss my wife and kids. This hike has really been amazing but I'm ready for it to be over. I've been out here for 165 days and its taking its toll. I'll be in New Hampshire this weekend. The Whites, I've been looking forward to them since GA and I'm almost there, wow. Its going to be great. All of the Sobo's say that I'm going to love them. I'll have the rest of my winter gear in a couple of days then I'll be ready for them. Bring them on, I can hardly wait. Still Heading North!                              Old School
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Mill River

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: 0

We're camped next to Churchill Scott Shelter after a long hard 15.6 miles. Our campsite last nite at Mill River was at 860 feet and we climbed up to 3900 feet. Tonite we're camped at 3400 feet. We're going into Killing ton in the morning to resupply and to pick up our winter sleeping bags from the post office. And to get a Cheeseburger and cold coke. We hardly see and hikers lately. the ones that have made it this far are spread out. We see 1 or 2 Sobo's a day and they clue us in on whats ahead, and we tell them whats in store for them. Only 489.9 miles to go. Barring an injury I'm really going to make it. I get chills when I think about it.                                     Old School
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Campsite 1/4 mile passed VT12

To: campsite close to Rodunk Brook
Miles today: 14.0

Day 169, its Saturday. Its hot. the trail today was a Rollercoaster. I told B-rad Oh Yea! This Is The Ride! B-rad was to pick up a package today from his family in S.C. He jetted ahead to try and make the P.O. before they closed. He made it in time but for some reason the P.O. closed early. So he'll have to pick it up next week. but he sends thanks to all in S.C. for the care package. All is well on the trail, we'll be in New Hampshire some time tomorrow. We only have 450 miles to go. The trail is getting harder the closer we get to the Whites, but I've been looking forward to them since GA. We're going to try and in ME by the end of the month.                                 old school
Date: 2006-08-20
From: campsite close to Rodunk Brook

To: Hanover, N.H.
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: 0

we walked the 8.4 into Hanover N.H. today. It rained the whole time. But I didn't care i was in N.H.... Wow. After finding the Subway I enjoyed my meatball sub and cold coke. It was raining and we had to find a place to put our tent up for the nite. We were walking up the sidewalk and I heard someone shout... hey Old School. It was E-Rock, and he clued us in on a cool student center that allowed thru hkers to crash in the basement. It was nice....couches and chairs and pillows and a big screen T.V. wow. Sure beats tenting in the rain.                                 old school
Date: 2006-08-21
From: Hanover, N.H.

To: Hanover, N.H.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: 0

Hanover is such a great place that we decided to take a 0 here since we had a free place to rest. I had a package waiting for me at the P.O. from "Lipstick"...Thanks Lipstick, it was a perfect drop box. B-rad and I loved everything in it. We met a reporter today while in town. She was doing a story on thru hikers and wanted to interview B-rad and me. Her name is Carrie and shes from Minnoplies. She interviewed us over breakfast(her treat) and then offered to drive us back to West Hartford so B-rad could pick up the package from his family in S.C. For the rest of the day i just slept and ate Subway.                                    old school
Date: 2006-08-23
From: South Peak Of Moose Mtn.

To: Smarts Mtn. Tentsite
Miles today: 13.1

13.1 miles today. Al lot of climbing. The last climb of the day was a 2300' climb up Smart Mtn. There was a lot of nice views today amd we took a break at each of them. but i'm tired so i'm going to bed. Still Heading North!                              old school
Date: 2006-08-25
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Oliverian Brook
Miles today: 7.5

We stopped early today. Only 7.5 miles. We resupplied in Warren and got back to the trail to make camp. We'll start early in the morning and start our climb up into the Whites. our first climb is Mt. Moosilauke at 4802 feet. Thats where we get about treeline for the first time. i think that its going to be really interesting from here to Big K. We found a great campsite next to Oliverian Brook and we're going to cook some hot dogs over the fire. Only 398.4 miles to go!                           old school
Date: 2006-08-26
From: Oliverian Brook

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: 0

Well I've made it to the Whites, Wow! Today we climbed Mt. Moosilauke. It was a long climb but not when we got about treeline and saw the 360 degree view it was worth every step. We came in to Beaver Brook Shelter to just take a break. But the view of the Mtns from the shelter is great, so what the hell we'll just chill here for the rest of the day. Its getting cold again. When we stop I have to put on more clothes. But when hiking shorts and a short sleeve shirt is still all I need. Well its dinner time. Still Heading North!                                    old school
Date: 2006-08-29
From: Woodstock

To: Garfield Pond
Miles today: 9.2

Hiking In the Whites is like nothing i've ever seen. The terrain in the Whites is some of the most rugged to be encountered anywhere on the AT. We're hiking all day and not even getting 10 miles. The ascents and descents involves some really hard rock scrambles. Coming down Mt. Kinsman yesterday B-rad had 4 falls. One of those falls had me thinking for a second that he was hurt. The trail came to point where we had to get down a 5 or 6 foot drop. B-rad was looking for some foot holds when he lost his balance and fell the 5 or 6 feet. I was about 10 yards back when I saw him fall. I shouted OH MY GOD, are you alright. Thank God he said I'm O.K. He just ended up with a long cut up the back of his leg. We bandaged it up and we headed up the trail with B-rad being a lot more careful. I'm really going to worry about him when he goes back to fill in the miles that he missed. But he really wants to finish so I'll support him on it. On todays 9.2 miles we started at 1450 feet and climbed up to 5249 feet. We crossed Little Haystack Mtn., Mt. Lincoln, and Mt Lafayette, all of which was above treeline. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I was a little dissappointed, because of the weather it was all socked in. Every once in a while the clouds would clear a little and I would get a hint of the great views. I saw some plants today that I've never seen before, and i have no idea what they were. More big climbs in the morning ao I'm going to try and get a good nites sleep. Still Heading North!                                 old school
Date: 2006-08-30
From: Garfield Pond

To: stealth campsite .25 mile past Zealand falls hut
Miles today: 10.8

Today the cloud cover finally lifted and we got some great views from atop Mt. Guyot. The view of the surrounding Mtns. was truely a sight to behold. They are really amazing. All we could say is Wow. We had a 360 degree view and these things are steep, and tall, some reaching into the cluds. We got our first look at Mt. Washing ton today. It didn't look that far away but by trail it was still 24 miles away. I could see the black smoke from the cog train that goes to the top. We won't get there until Friday, I can hardly wait. When we wget to Mt. Clinton the next 12.7 miles will be above treeline. So we'll time it to start the climb up Mt Clinton early in the morning to make sure that we get back below treeline before dark. I hope the weather holds and view is clear. Only 352.7 miles to go!                              old school
Date: 2006-08-31
From: stealth campsite .25 mile past Zealand falls hut

To: Mt. Clinton
Miles today: 14.9

Today the trail cut us a little break. The first 7 miles we were able to do in 3 hours. It was pretty easy, at least compared to the last week or so. But after that last week or so. But after that it was crazy hard. Climbing Mt. Webster my treking poles were useless, I had to put them away so I could use my hands to climb up the Rock Mtn. but I have only 337.8 miles to go so I don't care what this trail throws at me I'm going to the end. In the morning I'll get to the Presidential Range which is above treeline for almost 13 miles. The weather is supposed to be good so we should be anle to make it across O.K. We're feeling good and I'm ready to get to M.E. We're camped on top of Mt. Clinton and it's cold, about 35 degrees. But we have our winter gear on and we're warm in the tent.                                 old school
Date: 2006-09-01
From: Mt. Clinton

To: USFS OSgood tentsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: 0

Day 182 on the Trail. Today we crossed the Presidential Range, all above treeline. We started on top of Mt. Clinton and passed Mt. Eisenhower, then we climbed Mt. Washington, the highest mountain on the AT. at 6288 feet. There was a snack bar on top and we got hotdogs and a cold coke. After a couple of hours on top we got on our way. On the way down from the summit, as is the thru Hiker tradition we were able to "moon" the cog train and the conductors threw coal. Pretty coal. After our bit of fun we continued on our way. We passed Mt. Clay, Mt. Adams and the last climb of the day and I think the hardest was Mt. Madison at 5363 feet. We could not have asked for a better day to do the Presidential Range. The weather was perfect for hiking, the sky clear, not much wind and the views were awesome. Wow, what a day. It was just starting to get dark as we got back below treeline. We were looking for a place to pitch tent but could find nothing, so we put on our head lamps and kept hiking. Finally after about 2 miles we came to USFS OSgood tentsite which had tent platforms because of all the rocks. Our tent isn't freestanding so it doesn't pitch very wel on platforms. We decided to just "cowboy" camp. First time on te hike that we've done that, hope it doesn't RAIN. Wow what a day! Still Heading North!                              old school
Date: 2006-09-02
From: USFS OSgood tentsite

To: Wildcat Peak E
Miles today: 7.5

Day 183, after cowboy camping last nite we hiked the 5 miles to Pinkham notch which is the end of the Whites and hitched into Gorham to resupply for the next 5 days. While in town we picked up a mail drop from New Dayand I had to get new tips for my treking poles, the Whites really did a number on them. I guess i'm kind of hard on them. I use them all the time except when I need my hands to climb. I don't think that I could have made it this far without them, plus they've saved my ass more than once. After hitching back to the trail we only got a couple of miles up Wildcat Peak when I called it a day. Don't know what tomorrow holds, I hear that bad weather is working its way up the coast. I don't want to be on top of a Mtn when it hits. We just have to play it by ear.                              old school
Date: 2006-09-03
From: Wildcat Peak E

To: Carter Notch
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: 0

Day 184, as Ablejack would say, Worst Day Yet! As we were breaking camp it was cold and started to rain. But not wanting to take a 0 day we put on our rain gear and started hiking. 2 miles and 2&1/2 miles later I told B-rad that when we came to a spot to pitch tent we would call it a day. climbing up and over Wildcat Peak D, C, B, and A was hard and slow on the steep wet rocks. i had falll #15 as I was starting up one steep wet rock wall, I was able to grab onto a tree to keep from rolling down a steep enbankment. I said a few not nice words and tried again this time making it to the top. man, these N.H. mountains are no joke. The wind was strong, blowing the rain sideways. i was really cold. We needed a place to camp and get into our sleeping bags. Finally after reaching Carter Notch we came to a clearing big enough for our tent. Now, in our sleeping bags we're warm and dry. ONLY 313.2 miles to go!                                    old school
Date: 2006-09-05
From: North Carter Mtn

To: .9 South of Cascade Mtn.
Miles today: 14.6

Today the weather cleared and the terrain wasn't so crazy hard. We started todays hike at 6:30 am on top of North Carter Mtn. after a good night sleep. We made the first ten miles by about noon. When we got to US 2 we hitched into town for some cheeseburgers and cold cokes and we picked up some supplies for the next four days. Our next resupply will be in Maine! 11.6 more miles miles and we'll be at the Maine border. I can hardly belive it, after 187 days on the trail i'll finally be in Maine. Less than 300 miles to go to bring my 10 year dream to an end. After tomorrow I will have walked from GA to ME., now I just need to get to Big K. For a while I dreaded get up in the morning and walking all day. Not anymore, now when I wake I'm excited , I'm so close. but I need to be careful. I could still have a hike ending injury. i have to be careful! ONLY 293 MILES TO GO!                              old school
Date: 2006-09-06
From: .9 South of Cascade Mtn.

To: Maine Border
Miles today: 11.6

It rained all night and didn't let up till 9:00 Am. When it stopped for a few minutes we packed up the wet tent and started hiking. We hiked thru mud, deep mud, thru swamps, up over down wet rocks. It rained off and on all day, we kept hiking wanting to make it to maine today. We took a break at Gentain Pond Shelter, it was about 3:30. Some thru hikers were there and said that the next five miles were hard and said that we should just stay there till morning. But I said that we would make it to Maine today and we pushed on. Well they were right, it was hard, but so was all on N.H. we made the 5 miles to the Maine border in 3&1/2 hours. Wow, what a feeling to walk up to the sign that said Welcome to Maine! After 187 days I walked into Maine at 7:00pm est. I HAVE WALKED FROM GA TO ME. It was getting dark so we just pitched tent right on the border. Only 281.4 miles to go! old school
Date: 2006-09-07
From: Maine Border

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: 0

After 4.9 miles and 6 hours we stopped at Full Goose Shelter and pitched tent. All the research that I have done said that it wold be wise not to start into the Mahoosuc Notch midday. I've heard that it takes some people 8 hours to do this 1 mile. So I thought it would be wise to wait till morning. I sure don't want to be doing those rock climbe all night. Today the trail wa again crazy hard, 4.9 miles in 6 hours, WOW! But I'm in Maine. Only 276.5 miles to Big K. BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!                              old school
Date: 2006-09-08
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Grafton Notch
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: 0

Day 189: I wrung out my wet, stinky socks, put on my wet muddy shoes, and we started up the trail. After a mile and a half we were at the infamous Magcosuc Notch. The Notch has a certain rep and it lives up to it. It was hard but at the same time it was fun. For a solid mile ther ewas huge bolders and big slaps of rock and the trail would go over, under, up, down, it would go thru little caves that we would have to crawl thru, sometimes having to either throw your pack ahead or drag it behind you. It was hard, it was amazing. We did it in 1 hour and 45 minutes . Some say that it is the hardest mile on the AT. But for me the hardest mile is still the first mile out of Daleville, VA. Walking up the trail without New Day.......only 266.8 miles to go.                                 old school