morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-03
From: Garfield Ridge Shelter, NH

To: Ethan Pond Shelter, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

We hiked 14.5 miles closer and have hiked 1,850 miles. We are more than halfway through N.H. and still on schedule. Today we had one long climb, South Twin Mt. and Mt.Guyot. We have offically finished Franconia Notch and going to Crawford Notch. We stopped at two of the huts along the way; the first one, Galehead, who gave us food that was left over from the night before, $1.00 is all they charged. The second one, Zealand Falls, was nice too and we got more water.Hydromagnet - great job on the trail magic, one of the best. It was great meeting you. Maybe I will see you in Maine; Drew - If I did this again I would be living at your house; Deirdre - thanks for all the emails, I am looking forward to the visit at the academy; Tom-Dog - thanks for letting me know, it should be interesting; Jim - right now we don't have any plans for a party, but maybe later, I will let you know after I finish;Rob - great to hear from you; Tom of Maine is off the trail due to medicial reasons, let me know when you start the A.T.Mrs. Friday - I CAN't walk faster!!Jean - the feet are holding up but sore;Billy - good job in the acting position. Thank you for the email;Nan & Art - I will try to get a picture. You may see her in person.Big-Mel - Lance is "the man"; Thanks;Bob - Cracker Barrel sounds great; I wonder if they serve a 14 egg omelet? Mrs Friday - I love you and thank you.
Date: 2003-08-04
From: Valley Tent Site, NH

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I got great news about Hermanator driving Mrs.Friday to Maine. We are at one of the huts tonight along with 60 other people. It is like a hotel with bunk rooms. We met other thru hikers but most of them hike in from a road close by and then hike hut to hut. We are in the Presidential Mt. range and we walked over Mt. Webster and Mt. Jackson which was a little over 4,000 ft. The trail was wet and the rain fell most of the day. I did not run into anyone I knew, I thought I would. We hiked 9.3 miles and arrived at 1:30. Tomorrow is a big day when we tackle Mt. Washington a 6,000 ft.climb. We will be staying at the Madison hut. Mrs. Friday - see you in a few days, I love you, Love your man.
Date: 2003-08-05
From: Ethan Pond Shelter, NH

To: Valley Tent Site, NH
Miles today: 0.0

We left the hut this morning at 6:30 am after eating 3 bowls of cereal. First thing was a climb up Mt. Pierce and it was up the rest of the day. Next was Mt. Franklin; we stopped in the Lakes of the Clouds Hut and ate leftover pancakes and coffee and tea for a tip. That helped us up Mt Washington 6,288ft. We had no views on Wash. but as we were leaving the clouds moved out and we had great views. They have an old steam engine train that shuttles people to the top and it was busy. No, we didn't take the train! While on top we ate, I had a coke, 2 slices of pizza and two bags of Fritos, Dan had a ham and chesse sandwich, cookies and a coke. We then hiked over Mt. Adams and halfway up Mt. Madison which we will finish tomorrow. The hut we wanted to stay in was full so we walked another.6 miles to this tent site. We are both under Dan's tarp hiding from the rain. We will be hiking down to Pinkham Notch staying at a hut. We hiked 12.4 miles closer.
Date: 2003-08-06
From: Valley Tent Site, NH

To: Pinkham Lodge, NH
Miles today: 0.0

Guess what? We finished the Presidential Range. That's right, no more Madison, Adams, or Washington, WOW, it was rough! We left the tent site and hiked .6 miles up to the A.T. and started climbing Madison. Once on top it started to rain and the wind really picked up. Then we had a really long down hike of 3,000 ft to the river. It was very interesting trying to cross that thing, the water was high and fast but Dan and I got across. We are here at Pinkham Notch which is a hut but more like a hotel right on a main road. There are alot of people here sightseeing or day hiking. We ate first thing and took a shower and SHAVE. Dinner is at 6:30 which is buffet style, "not" Mrs. Friday's favorite!Mrs. Friday - you're the best and I will see you soon, I love you.Erin - I am so looking forward to your wedding. Do you think I will have enough time to talk with Stephen?Hermanator - thank you for being such a good friend. If I finish before you get to Maine I will wait with my feet UP!Jan - Mrs Friday said she would "love" to continue doing all the yard work ("not") - thanks!Bob - thanks for keeping in touch, let me know what your next hike will be; Rob - it will be hard to keep up on those hills. Mrs. Friday - I miss you like crazy, keep praying, harder!
Date: 2003-08-07
From: Pinkham Lodge, NH

To: Imp Campsite, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked 13.1 miles closer today over Wildcat Mt. - 4,380 ft, Carter Dome - 4,832 ft, and finally Middle Carter Mt. - 4,600 ft. We then hiked down 3,250 ft to this shelter. It was a long, long day. We left Pinkham at 7:00 am and arrived here at 6:00 pm; mostly ups all day. I am so looking forward to Gorham and maybe a zero day. The feet and knees are extremely sore but God is allowing me to make it this far. Mrs. Friday - I met a man at Pinkman that has been following the journal and he said he likes it alot - especially the pictures. I am sending another stick home and should reach you soon. You are doing a great job Honey. We are still on schedule even if we take a "zero day" so I will be seeing Mrs. Friday and Hermantor soon.
Date: 2003-08-08
From: Imp Campsite, NJ

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

We have less than 300 miles to go - It is so hard for me to beleive it is almost over - I can't wait to see Mrs. Friday. We hiked 8 miles today over Mt Moriah - 4,050 ft. Then we had a long downhill hike to the Rattle River. I was surprised when there was a 4 mile flat walk to Rt.2, Gorham. That was a good surprise! I had called ahead and had a shuttle service pick Dan and me up at the trail exit. We were driven to the post office, McDonalds, and then to the hotel. At 2:30 pm the shuttle returned and drove us to the laundry mat, food store, then to Subway for a foot long sub with Everything! We returned to the hotel and kicked back. I've got to take care of the knees. We plan a zero day tomorrow and then onto - Maine 280 miles. I don't want to get so burned out that I will be miserable through Maine. We need prayers.   Mrs. Friday - it is so close and yet far away with alot of hard work for both of us ahead. I will keep the faith if you will then we'll have an awesome celebration!   Hermanator - have a great vacation, check with Mrs. Friday for the updates, thanks.Lauren - I will be seeing you at Liberty soon, I love you.MCP-Pals - thanks for the "cheer", it helped get me up and down Mt. Moriah!Jay-Bird - thanks for the trail magic, it will be put to good use, tell the gang hi, see ya soon. Have a Super Big Gulp ready!Deirdre - the word on the trail is 10%.Paula / Homicide - I will be getting your package at Rangeley Maine. I was past Hanover when it arrived and Mrs. Friday had it bounced to Maine for me, thank you; if you need to talk to her give her a call to confirm and thanks so much to everyone!Ellie - you are something else Lady! Thanks so much and thanks for your prayers. See you at NorthStar soon!!To our family and friends, please pray for Dan and me as we get closer to Kahtadin. We're ready!
Date: 2003-08-09
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We switched hotels from the Town & Country Motel to the Moosebrook Motel. The Moosebrook is clean and nice. The owners are friendly and ready to help where they can. We were picked up early by the shuttle service and driven to the Moosebrook. The motel is about 1/4 mile off the main road which is Rt. 2 close to the food store. Tomorrow morning we will get a ride back to the trail to begin our final leg of this adventure. Neither Dan nor I know much about Maine - so here we go...Lauren - I love you, and I am sorry I won't be there to carry all your gear up all those steps at school.Mary - thank you for being with us and we are looking forward to seeing you in Maine. Rich - Congrats on your 5th grandchild, thanks for sticking with me on this journey and I will see you at HQ soon,if they let me in.Mrs. Friday - thanks for the A, one of the few received in school. I love you.
Date: 2003-08-10
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentian Pond Shelter, NH
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

We hiked 11.8 miles from Gorham. It was raining most of the morning and all last night and the trail was flooded. My boots need replacing but they held out the water for the first couple of hours. Then, I stepped into a mud sink hole up to my calf it was all over. :-( We are four miles from Maine! Then I can say we hiked from Georgia to Maine. By continuing this schedule I would have been on the trail 180 days, or less than 6 months for making this goal.
Date: 2003-08-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: Full Goose Shelter, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Guess What? We are in MAINE! We entered Maine between 9:00 & 10:00 and hiked 5 miles to this shelter. We hiked a total of 10 miles today and right now we don't see a lot of terrain difference between New Hampshire and Maine. Therea aree many steep ups and downs and we can't make very good time, but it will get better about 100 miles into the State. I can say for sure now that I have hiked from Georgia to Maine = almost 1900 miles!!! Thank you Lord!!! We have been hiking with Snort & Clover today, they are thru hikers from Canada. This shelter is crowded with groups and it is full, and so is the tenting area. I asked the Lord for something special today and not even thinking about it we walked into Maine - the 13th state out of 13 states on the A.T. We hiked over Mt. Success, then down, over Mt. Carlo and Mt Goose Eye north and east peak, then down to the shelter.We are still on schedule (Mrs. Friday will be very happy to hear that!)and I pray it stays that way!
Date: 2003-08-12
From: Full Goose Shelter, MAINE

To: Baldpate Lean-to, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

Mrs. Friday, I love you and we hiked 12 long, hard miles today. When we left this morning we climbed Fulling Mill Mt. 3,400ft then down to Mahoosuc Notch which is a 1 1/2 mile obstacle course over, under,around gigantic boulders, HAND OVER HAND. It took us 2 hours to get through it. Then we climbed Mahoosuc Mt, 3,800 ft, then the trail went down to a shelter,then back up Old Speck trail 4,000 t. GOOD GRIEF!!! Then down to Grafton Notch which was 3 1/2 miles -not too bad. The lean-to is 2,660 ft up and I am tenting because the shelter is full. There is also a large group from Quebec here tenting. Tomorrow is another long day and we plan to pass Andover Maine. We are still on schedule Mrs. Friday!!! - I can't wait to see you.
Date: 2003-08-13
From: Baldpate Lean-to, MAINE

To: Hall Mt. Lean-to, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked 14 miles closer. Today's hike was rough at the start but got better in the afternoon. Baldpate Mt's east and west peaks were first thing, each close to 4,000 ft. then it went down from there. I miss "Jukebox"! The songs in my head today were "If you're happy and you know it", and "I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee". I think I am going crazy!!! Don't let a shrink read this - I'm too close to the end !
Date: 2003-08-14
From: Hall Mt. Lean-to, MAINE

To: Bernis Stream, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked 16.6 miles closer to the end at Katahdin today and are tenting next to a large stream so we will have a shorter hike into Rangley, Maine tomorrow. As we were coming down Bemis Mt. there was a box next to a tree saying "for thru hikers". We opened it and all the magic was gone :-( except for one bag of oatmeal and some asprin. The Southbounders got to it first! We saw Ranger Rick, a thru hiker, we have not seen since Hot Springs, NC area. He has slowed down alot to enjoy the final days. We worked pretty hard today with 3 ups and a 2,000 ft down, but we are feeling good. I've pretty much worn out my boots and Mrs. Friday will send back the pair I started with in Georgia.
Date: 2003-08-15
From: Bernis Stream, MAINE

To: Rangeley, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Mrs. Friday - I hiked 14 miles closer to you today! We only have 10% of the A.T. remaining - 220 miles to go, it is hard to believe I am still here. Damp Dan's wife, Mary, picked us up on the A.T. and drove us to the Motel. She had subs, Frito's, cokes, cookies and a celebration cake for us. We were able to get alot of things accomplished and after dinner we had the cookie monster cake which said, "Congrats to Dan and Don." What a great surprise. We also met up with Ranger Rick at the Motel where he is spending the night.   Mary - Thank You for helping us in this adventure and for being such a great, great, Trail Angel. Mrs. Friday - when we are on the walking tour in New England, please put me in a stroller. :-) I love you.MCP Pals - Atlantic City is NOT one of our stops, but have a good time.Joanne from BDL - I think I will shower, and some of the clothes have to be destroyed. Mrs. Friday plans to have a bonfire. Jean - thanks and I will watch for the eagles.Jan - I am ready to finish!Icky Doodles - John Wayne is great, I loved talking with you and I will see you soon, and see you as "Frenchy" in Grease! I love you.Trudie - So sorry to hear about Tom, I will call later, give him my best.Nancy W. - thanks for the email and tell the gang at North Star Hi. Turnbill - hope to see you soon, Maine is beautiful and the people are very friendly. Harry - thanks for keeping in touch.Elizabeth F. - thank you for the email and the very kind words.
Date: 2003-08-17
From: Orbeton Stream, MAINE

To: Stratton, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked 12.4 miles today and offically went over the 2,000 mile mark! I now get a patch saying I hiked from Georgia to Maine - I could stop now, NOT!! Today we crossed over Little Bigelow Mt. and walked around Flagstaff Lake, it is quite a picture, post card quality. The trail was easier and a welcome change. Tomorrow we stop at Caratunk, Maine to resupply for Monson. I will call from there. We have been seeing Home Run and Tucson at the last 3 campsites, looks like we are on the same schedule. Hazmat came through here on the 12th, he is close to the finish. Speaking of finish, I can't wait to see Mrs. Friday and relax for awhile together.
Date: 2003-08-18
From: Stratton, MAINE

To: Caratunk, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

13 more days till I see Mrs. Friday! We hiked 14 miles today to the hikers B&B in Caratunk. The trail was easier and we made good time to the Kennebec River where we would have had to wait for a canoe ferry to take us across. But, as we watched a group of canoes come down the river, two stopped asked if we wanted to go across. They dropped the passengers off and took Home Run, Tucson, Damp Dan and myself across, just for fun = Trail Magic. We got here early and will be spending the night heading out in the morning. Prior to getting to the river we stopped at a camp and were given food {peanut butter} and large cups of lemonade.   We crossed the Kennebec River and the next stop is Monson on Sunday. The count down is counting down!
Date: 2003-08-19
From: Caratunk, MAINE

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

We left the Caratunk B&B this morning and hit the trail at 7:45 am. The owners treated us really well - free shuttles, laundry for a small fee, food, ice cream, cokes and a giantic breakfast in the morning; french toast, eggs, potatoes, muffins, fresh fruit, drinks and more. They even had a camp store for short term resupply. We hiked 14.7 miles and as we were coming down a hill toward Moxie pond we spotted a cooler and tupperware near the trail. Trail Magic! Are we in time or is it gone?? I opened the cooler and found ice cold cokes and tea. Inside the tupperware were snickers and cakes provided by Spike and Hopper. This is the second time they have brought us trail magic. The first time they left us treats at the bottom of Mt. Moosilauke in NH in July. Thank you again, Spike and Hopper! John - you are a very smart man to realize how blessed I am and the snakes are still here. Jukebox - you made us cry - or should I say, Mrs. Friday! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the words to that song. Hope to hear from you soon. Rich - you can look good but only if you retire! Sorry. Beezer - how about breakfast and lunch? I will call you soon.   Andy - I think Vermont is beautiful. Thank you for your prayers for my family and me.   Ed - as usual, you have a very keen eye for details, love ya. John - thank you for the encouragement, I will stop by soon.   Tom - there is only one O.W.   Condor - see you soon, thanks for thinking about my family and the invite to the beach. Mrs. Friday - as I write the journal, only 12 days left till our eyes meet! Can I shave my legs for the bike ride home?
Date: 2003-08-20
From: Monson, MAINE

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We just finished 13 more miles. We have hiked more than 2,050 miles as we approach the 100 Mile Wilderness. It is not that bad here. 75 miles into the hike we'll have a hostel stop where we can resupply, clean up and get some "real" food. then, it's onto the "big boy" in Baxter Park at the end of this journey - Katahdin. Today's trail was nice, only a short climb over Moxie Bald Mt. I was able to call Mrs. Friday. Dave, The Man - it was nice to hear from you.   See you in Lynchburg.   Lauren - thanks for the message, I love you and will see you soon Sweetie. I'll have to store my journal for several days as we hike the wilderness.
Date: 2003-08-21
From: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to, MAINE

To: Monson, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Let the countdown begin! We are in Monson after hiking 9 miles today. The trail was pretty sweet. Once we hit Rt. 15 to hitch into Monson a pick up truck stopped and drove us here in a very short time. We got cleaned up and resupplied and will be heading out after a stop at the post office. The hostel is getting full with a lot of thru-hikers. One young guy started May 30 and will finish Aug 30. His hiking buddy started May 15. It got cold last night, down into the 30's but the trusty sleeping bag kept me warm. The hiking in the cooler weather was nice - no bugs. Autumn - "Grease is the word", I love you and will see you soon.   Lauren - I love you, thank you for all your prayers.   Nan & Art - thanks for the prayers, see you soon.   Mrs. Friday - see you soon, very soon, I love you and see you at "The Park."
Date: 2003-08-22
From: Monson, MAINE

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

PLEASE BE ADVISED--- I HAVE 3 DAYS LEFT!!! AND, YES, "I CAN BELIEVE IT!" Lord willing, Damp Dan and I will climb Mt. Katahdin on Wed morning - straight up then straight down - please keep us in your prayers, we need good weather. Mrs. Friday - the party begins Wednesday afternoon !!To my girls - I love you, I got your messages, thank you for your prayers, I'll talk to you soon.
Date: 2003-08-23
From: Monson, MAINE

To: Leeman Brook Lean-to, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

We started the 100 mile wilderness today and hiked only 3 miles just to get out of town and back into the woods. This morning at the B&B we had what they call the 4x4 breakfast. It is 4 pieces of french toast, bacon, sausage, egg,& ham. I had 3 of everything and Dan had a combo of some things. We are still on schedule and tomorrow is day 8! I will try and call when I can. Mrs. Friday, I hope these last days go by quickly and we are off to new and exciting places. See you real soon.
Date: 2003-08-24
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to, MAINE

To: Long Pond Stream Lean-to, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We have less than 100 miles to go! The wilderness is not that bad as we crossed logging roads, streams {and I did not fall in!} and I saw the backside of a moose as we walked the 12 miles today. Yes, there are moose in Maine.   We spotted a cooler in the woods by the trail and the top said cokes inside for hikers. I lifted the lid and all the cokes were empty, darn, must have just missed it. We have 2 days ahead of climbs, then level hiking into Baxter State Park, the home of Mt. Katahdin. Mrs. Friday, 7 days and we will be back together, I pray they go by fast.
Date: 2003-08-25
From: Long Pond Stream Lean-to, MAINE

To: Logging Road, Pleasant River, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mrs. Friday, thank you for making all those wonderful plans for the finish -it's almost here! We hiked 14.8 miles today and both of us are under Dan's tarp because there is not a large enough area for two tents. We finished 4 "little" Mts today and were on our way down the hill when we met a lady hiking up. She advised that there was trail magic at the logging road. We found it! Cream- filled cakes and soda, "man" did that taste good! A note inside said it was from Whispering Pine, a thru hiker in '97. We set up camp and the snacks did not spoil my dinner.Mrs. Friday - 6 days and I will see you again. I am starting to get excited!!
Date: 2003-08-26
From: Logging Road, Pleasant River, MAINE

To: East Branch Lean-to, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

I saw it!!! - Mt. Katahdin from the top of White Cap Mt. It was BIG and Beautiful!! I will climb it in 5 days. The Mountain sits alone and the clouds were just covering the top. - Just amazing. We climbed the last 3,000 ft mts today and then came down 2,500 ft to this shelter where I am tenting. Other hikers at the shelter are Jollie, Home Run, Tucson Dan, Spike and his wife, Hopper. Spike and Hopper have been leaving trail magic since the begining of N.H. Spike is ex-law enforcement from Calif. Tomorrow and the next 3 days look good, no big climbs until the really big one, Katahdin. There is also a group of college people here from N.H.Mrs. Friday - 5 days and we will be together again, "man", I can't wait!
Date: 2003-08-27
From: East Branch Lean-to, MAINE

To: Antlers Campsite, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked 16 miles today passed some of the most beautiful lakes and ponds. At Mud Pond we saw a moose and her calf in the water, I was able to get some good pictures of them, they later spotted us and took off. The Loons are calling here at the Jo-Mary lake. We are tenting with Spike and Hopper. Tomorrow we are hiking to the White House Hostel for food, resupply and clean up. They are supposed to have big burgers and pizza, and of course Cokes! Mrs. Friday, it was wonderful to speak with you, your plans are a dream come true and I am really excitied about it! Thank you.
Date: 2003-08-28
From: Antlers Campsite, MAINE

To: White House Landing, MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

We only have 4 days till we are together again. Maine is so pretty but the sites are rough to get to. We hiked 7 miles today and arrived at the White House Landing Camp. This camp has bunk houses and semi private rooms. The first thing we did was eat - 3/4lb hamburgers with everything fixed by Bill and Linda who own the place. I am staying in the cabin with Dan, Spike, Hopper, Home Run and Tucson. The laundry was done by Hopper who got the water out of the lake, washed the clothes in a tub and then rinsed in a tub of lake water then pulled through a old time ringer and placed on the line to dry.    Everyone is excitied about the end of the hike and can't wait to climb Mt. Katahdin, we can see it from the lake about 10 feet off the shore. We have 46 miles left to hike.    We hiked to the lake shore, sounded a horn then Bill came across the lake in a boat picked us up and we drove back across the water. After breakfast tomorrow we will be returned to the trail by boat, very neat!Mrs. Friday - see your pretty face soon!