morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-24
From: Story Spring

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This morning Tink and I received some Trail Magic at the shelter. We slept in something serious. Later on that day we received Squash and Zucchini at a road crossing in the middle of nowhere. Not only that, we also got plums, peaches and apples. Life is great. I think Tinkerbell is good luck!I took Tink on her first night hike to Melville Nauheim Shelter. It was such a beautiful day. Couldn't ask for anything better!
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Harmon Hill
Miles today: 0.0

Tinkerbell and I decided to hop into Bennington, Vermont. We ate breakfast at some little French joint. After that we ate some ice cream from the St(?) Shop. At the hardware store we got free fuel then went to find a store called boxes and cans. No one in town knew where it was, but they tried to help anyway.When we finally found boxes and cans we were amazed at what we saw. This place is heaven. We had about $60 worth of groceries for only $10.We sat and talked to Michael and Nancy Jordan, the owners, for some time. They kept hooking us up with everything! Vermont is cool!We were on our way to the grocery when all of a sudden we hear a voice. ¢Need a ride?¢ Vince was his name, he was a true trail angel. He drove us all over town and even back to the trailhead. Thanks Vince!Tink and I bought some asparagus and salmon, along with dessert and wine. After 2 miles of uphill we ended up camping on Harmon Hill. It was the best view in Vermont yet. We had to stay!So for dinner¢¦ Salmon, Asparagus with cheese, squash, zucchini, snow peas and cheese, split pea pilaf, no-bake cheesecake with wild raspberries and Shiraz wine. This had to be one of the most beautiful nights yet.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: Harmon Hill

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean to
Miles today: 0.0

Today Tink and I crossed into Massachusetts together. Finally another state down. At first the terrain was tough but after our first up, things began to clear up. What did this state of Massachusetts have in store for us?Tonight we stay at Wilbur Clearing Lean-to.(597 miles) Some Camp Counselors felt bad for taking up all the room in the shelter, so he hooked us up with two Hershey Bars. Thanks Guys!
Date: 2004-07-27
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean to

To: Cheshire
Miles today: 0.0

Short day to Cheshire(608 miles). Gotta stay when it's free. St Mary's Of the Assumption Catholic Church was our goal only because of the torrential down pour that saturated our spirits. Thank God for Tinkerbell's company or today would have been unbearable. We were walking up a watershed. Thankfully we climbed the steepest part of the Graylock Mountain the night before.(this was the steepest climb yet!) When we arrived at the lodge the warmth was inviting, for we were enveloped in a rain cloud with no view at all.We made calls and Tinkerbell bought us a couple of cheeseburgers. As we sat down to eat, I met my evil twin. He was a northbound section hiker named Tapeworm! We dueled to the death and I won! Okay, not really, he was a cool kid. We sat and chatted till the weather cleared.I asked the Ranger for the time and it was 2:15 p.m.. The Post Office that was 7 miles away closed at 4:30. I was on a mission...I ran that 7 miles and made it to the Post Office at 4:20.When Tinkerbell arrived she looked down, so I took her to Christina's Pizza Place for dinner. We ate more than we could eat and waited for the rain to stop. A couple gave us some birthday cake and the waitress hooked us up with free coffee.We chatted with Father Dave and hung out with Def Balance, Steadfast, Bert, Spence and Windsock.
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Cheshire

To: Dalton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This day was so relaxing. 10 miles to Dalton to stay at the Birdcage (for free) thanks to Rob Bird. The coolest Trail Angel yet. But first a Pub Break with old friends Def and Steadfast.Rob hooked us up with free bed, shower, laundry, beer and slack packing. He took us to the Old Country Buffet's All You Can Eat Buffet. 8 of us hikers were completely torn up with overeating. We couldn't move, but we were in heaven. Rob talked Def, Tink and I into slacking for the next two days and staying at his home for two more nights. How could we refuse?!Rob played his guitar for us as we all tried to drink the 80 some beers that appeared in the fridge thanks to Windsock and an easy $5 donation! I'm going to sleep well!
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Dalton

To: Becket, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a 10 mile slack pack. Tink has a massage at 4:oo so we are calling today a relaxed day. Def, Tink and I were dropped off and Becket, MA on Pittsfield Rd. Right away we hit Trail Magic-Orange Juice, Blueberry Muffins and candy. It was a beautiful thing!We ran into Smokey the Bear, Pig Cig, Windsock, Jeremy, Bert and Spence. They all looked really confused "Why are you walking NORTH to Dalton?" We explained and all was forgotten. Tonight I mowed Rob's lawn for re-payment for all he has done for us. He bought Tink and I two 10 inch subs-Possibly the best subs in the world! Tomorrow, slack 20 miles.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Becket, MA

To: Tyringham, MA (645.5 miles)
Miles today: 0.0

So we slack 20 miles today from Tyringham, MA to Becket, MA. Also today we moon the Mass Turnpike. The legend says Massachusetts residents streak it and all other hikers moon it. This we did, Def Tink and I got so many honks, it was well worth it! Everyone seemed to get a kick out of it down below. Lights were flashing and horns rang out loud. Mass Rocks! We also stopped at Upper Goose Pond to swim and check out the cabin. Jeremy was there and it was good to see my old friend once again.That night Rob picked us up at the trailhead.   We went and eat Italian, after that I received the best Trail Magic. Rob gave me a new bag that was so much nicer than my Go Lite Bag. Thank you so much Rob! You really made my hike! We passed the night away with laughter -Tomorrow no more slacking and no more bed to rest my weary head.
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Tyringham, MA (645.5 miles)

To: Mt Wilcox South Lean-to (654.2 miles)
Miles today: 0.0

Tinkerbell took me to breakfast. She really is such a sweetheart. I have enjoyed her company so much. Today we were dropped off in Tyringham. We're doing a short day since we can't get to the trail till about 1:00 p.m.Tinker, another Trail Angel volunteered to give us a ride back to the trail. He had Tupperware after Tupperware full of food, snacks, fruit and soda. Thanks Tinker!Tonight Tinkerbell and I stayed at Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to with Jeremy and a shelter full of North bounders. It poured on me all night. I was in a tent! Oh well, all part of the journey huh? The worst day out here is like your best day at the office. I must just remember that.
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Mt Wilcox South Lean-to (654.2 miles)

To: Fruit Stand on US 7
Miles today: 0.0

Tinkerbell and I pushed on to hit the supposed Fruit Stand on US 7. When we arrived the stand was just closed. I promised Tinkerbell I would buy her some ice cream and fruit so we back-tracked to the Housatonic River and camped along side the rushing water. We swam and cooked up a few good meals soup kitchen style.
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Fruit Stand on US 7

To: Riga Lean-to (683.9 miles)
Miles today: 0.0

First thing in the morning Tink and I hit the Fruit Stand. We had plums, peaches and bananas, native plums, Klondike Bars, carrot, tomatoes, watermelon and oh...A SODA, can't forget that-It was heaven!Our mission today was to make it to Connecticut and we did! We made it to Glen Brooke Lean-to for a break and pushed on to Bear Mt. Connecticut to watch a gorgeous sunset and eat dinner. You couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. We planned on night hiking 3 miles under starlight which was great. Then drama struck. Two elderly women with only one headlight and a whole lot of bickering. We head them to safety, very slowly if I say so myself and on to Riga Lean-to where we camped out.
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Riga Lean-to (683.9 miles)

To: Salisbury, CT (687.3)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Into Salisbury we went for my radio show and Postal Drop. Tink and I did 5 miles in 1 hour and 10 minutes. We were very early into town.Everything went well (you can listen to the interview by going to www.thehains.com) We hung out all day and ate. Kurt bought us Ice Cream and Lunch which was unbelievable! THANKS KURT!!! Then Tink and I waited for the heat to disappear.Before we left Tink had to make a phone call as she does so, Kurt drove up in his car and said that a certain someone donated Tink and I a room (with double beds) since I was walking for Alzheimer's. Thank you to the beautiful Trail Angel in Salisbury!
Date: 2004-08-23
From: Salisbury, CT (687.3)

To: Port Clinton, PA (970.7 miles)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So the journal entries have been slim, I am very sorry. I'll fill in the hours as I go, and from now on I will write something daily.One day on Kinsman Mt I lost many Journal entries to a crazy river gone bad. Then after meeting Tinkerbell, my head has been in the clouds and I just haven't cared to write. It's a lot of fun to have someone around to share the experience with but it's not the reason I'm out here.It's a journey I had in my mind to get to know myself and lately I haven't been doing that. I've slowed down more than I have wanted.Right now I find myself in injury and it is horrible. The pain in my ankle is so excruciating that every step makes me want to scream in anguish. I held up here at Port Clinton and hope tomorrow that I can walk with success.Tomorrow I'll fall even more behind the second crew I've hung with now on the hike. Once my foot is better it will be a race to catch Gnome Sherpa and to do what I came here to do. I came here to hike. The experiences have been great but I need to focus a little more on my goal and myself. Tomorrow I leave Port Clinton.Mom's note...This is the last entry for a while. Hopefully the next time we hear from Trevor his ankle will be healthy and he will be happier than he sounded here. :-(
Date: 2004-08-24
From: Port Clinton, PA (970.7 miles)

To: Hertlein Campsite
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up still in pain with a twisted ankle. Today I lost two packages and forwarded them to the next PO, lost in limbo. Which is the feeling of today. Will I be able to walk normally again? This crosses my mind through every mile I walk. Time will heal however my spirits will remain high. The only bad thing about the day is that with every single step there is excruciating pain that rushes through my foot and shins as if my ankle could very well split in half. But as the day went on and others passed I trudged on with to hike 18 miles to Hertlein Campsite. Tinkerbell also had the same in mind. She was having a bad day and we ended up cheering each other up quickly. On arrival to the campsite my foot locked up immediately. Close by was a doctor who said to give a call when I got to Boiling Springs. We set up camp, I had a beer with my dinner thanks to Burt and Spence and the night was history.
Date: 2004-08-25
From: Hertlein Campsite

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early, couldn't walk at all 4 Ibuprofen, one vitamin, coffee and nap. Short day today, soaked in the stream and hobbled only 6 miles to 501 Shelter. Tinkerbell kept me company. It hurts so bad but at night Tink bought me a pizza. What a good friend. Tomorrow I'll only shoot for about 15 miles and then work from there. Supposedly the rocks are supposed to stop
Date: 2004-08-26
From: 501 shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

18.5 miles, can I do it? My foot's bigger than it's ever been and bending is not an option. I was dedicated to get to Rausch Gap. It was a late start but time really makes no difference-It is all relative when it comes to living to the American Dream. If only the American Dream was to live a complete life of freedom in the wilderness. This is the place to be. I did make it that night. Def Balance caught up to us and the trio was back together again.
Date: 2004-08-27
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Peter's mountain shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today's goal is 18.5 once again. When we woke Tink, Def and I hang out a bit and Def ended up leaving his tent poles behind. This wasn't a good thing considering he was considering stealth camping later on. When I summited at about 1500 ft. early in the morning I was greet by a united states air force copter. He was eye level with me 100 yards to my right. I had no clue what was going on, I hadn't been watching the news. Then bombs blew and machine gun fired. The mountains the west was ebing blow apart. Was this war?On arriving to stony mountain I met Tinkerbell for lunch. I decided to take a quick nap an I was awoken by the sound of missiles aimed right at us. Everything turned to slow motion. My jaw and fists clenched. Tinkerbell suddenly grasped onto my arm. The noise was so loud that your vision blurred and it just got worse and worse as they got closer. I felt as if I was going to die. Then 5 fighter jets flew overhead at full speed. They were about 40ft above our heads, all in formation. And then all of a sudden the mountains to our west were fired upon.With bleeding eardrums and a broken foot, I limped on to Peter¢s Mountain shelter. For there is no peace to be found upon stony mountain. Later I found that I was right near the training grounds for the military. Thanks for the warning.Two miles from the shelter, I realized that I was going to be night hiking. I sat down at an overlook, more piles of rocks. I stared at the beautiful sunset and started shuffling through my gear. About 5 min had passed before I realized that there was a rattlesnake in striking position, only 6 inches from my left. He looked pissed so I slowly gathered my things and walked away. From now on I will remember to look under the rock before you sit down.Peter¢s mountain shelter is a 30 person shelter with 2 floors. Kind of like the Hilton. There are also 326 stairs leading you straight down to the spring. E.T.A. of about 30 min. thank you Def Balance for filling a jug for us.
Date: 2004-08-28
From: Peter's mountain shelter

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

11 miles to Duncannon in the infamous Doyle Hotel built 100 years ago by Anheiser Busch. This place is a bar/hostile. 17 dollars an night 24 for 2. Can't beat the price, looking forward to the fun. The past 4 mornings have had the same beginning and it's getting old. I wake-up to use the privy about 4am. I feel like my foot is healed and I go to take my first step. Suddenly both legs are dead and I¢m kissing the floor of my shelter. Tonight I'll have a bed and maybe some of the stiffness will go away. On arrival to town I was in sever pain. I could barely walk. I called home and felt like today would be my last day on the trail. My friends Def Balance, Tinkerbell and Epiphany, were there. Tonight could be my last night with my friends. Tomorrow I'll go see the doctor. The 4 of us went downstairs and hang out with Vicki the bartender/owner. The townies call her QB (Queen Bitch). QB warned me about the face when I'm in trouble. We weren't any trouble however I must say, Vicki made it tempting to play on the fire escape. Tuxedo a section hiker came down to join us. Later a guy named Chris, now known as "Tuber", came around. Tuber had accidentally showed up at the Doyle after a long bike ride. He had ridden his bike from Oregon to the Doyle; he was finishing his trip by D.C, 4000 miles by bicycle. Tuber resides in Denver, he fit right in with the crew, and in fact it was hard to say goodbye to this kid. Mainly because we envied the kid because he had wheels. What a concept. There was live music that night by a girl named Sue Grace. The five of us ended up closing out the bar that night.
Date: 2004-08-29
From: Port Clinton, PA (970.7 miles)

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is an entry taken from Tinkerbell's journal. (Added by her Mother)I have just learned that Crazy Pace transported Tinkerbell's friend, Tapeworm, 31-miles ahead to Port Clinton where he'll take a couple zero days/rest a very hurt ankle/wait for an air cast mail-drop from home. He's hiking for the Alzheimer's Assoc., a very worthy cause, so please keep him in prayer for a speedy and full recovery.Heartfelt thanks to Crazy Pace and his family, all Trail Angels extraordinaire, for helping Tinkerbell and Tapeworm. They fed them well, loaned them daypacks, coordinated plans, and then drove 60+ miles round-trip in an effort to keep Tapeworm healthy enough to continue his hike. Remember, they did all this for two strangers! No wonder so many hikers (as well as their families at home) finish the AT hike with a new/renewed perspective on what's really important in life. God bless you Todd, wife Michele, and daughter Amanda for ministering to my beloved child and to her friend. As a mother, words escape me, in trying to adequately thank you...robin sue purcell] Since this entry we have heard from Trevor and he is now walking with the air cast and doing great! Thanks to the many Trail Angels along the way....They couldn't do it without you! - Tape Worm's (Trevor's)Mom
Date: 2004-08-30
From: Duncannon PA

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Alec Kennedy Shelter (1,070.2 miles)So Doc Ryan says I can wlak. I walked to Alec Kennedy Shelter to meet Def B and Epiphany. Tink was gone. I was hooked up again by a local Trail Angel. I was just happy to be walking once again and focused on reaching Springer Mountain. I'm not going home!!!
Date: 2004-09-01
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter 

To: Mid Point
Miles today: 0.0

Today Barb , Chuck and Dottie took the three of us in. (Thank you so much) we got a shower and a home cooked meal. This means so much to me. The people you meet out here are spectacular. Today was Barb's birthday...It was great to share the day with her.We walked 19 miles today to Caledonia State Park. Today we also crossed the "official" midpoint for the class of 2004. Later that day Barb picked us up at the park and took us home for the big birthday celebration.
Date: 2004-09-02
From: Mid Point

To: Pen Mar Park
Miles today: 0.0

Today Tink, Def and I are doing 19 miles to Pen Mar Park. This section is where I began last year with my Uncle Kurt. I'm so happy to be here and to finally cross into the South. Today we cross the Mason Dixon Line. I also get to meet Tink's Mom today...Hopefully she likes me! When we arrived at the park Miss Purcell was there with goodies galore. She ran out of the car and gave Tink a huge hug a tossed me some soda. We hung out and watched the sun go down while eating blackberries, chips and slasa.Miss Purcell took Def, Tink and me to Terra's house. Terra is a classmate of Tink's that went to Sweet Briar. She was such a sweetheart. Terra put us up and made us feel at home. Thankfully I was able to finally rest my foot and take a little time off. The Doc said I needed it if my foot was going to get better.
Date: 2004-09-03
From: Pen Mar Park

To: Down the Potomac River
Miles today: 0.0

Today Miss Purcell took us tubing down the Potomac River. (Thank you Miss Purcell!- You truly are a sweetheart!) We had so much fun!The driver (Dave) took us to the river drop and told us so many funny jokes. He was great entertainment.1. Q. Who's the richest person in VA?   A. The Tooth Fairy!2. Q. Why do birds fly upside down over VA?   A. There's nothing worth shitting on!3. Q. How is a Kansas tornado and a WV divorce similar?   A. In both, you lose a trailor!4. Q. How can you tell the toothbrush was invented in WV?   A. If it was invented anywhere else it would have been called a teethbrushThat night Tink and her Mom spent some time alone while Def and I went to Terra's with her and Kim (another one of Tink's classmates) We stayed up and played Scrabble....For the record - I WON!
Date: 2004-09-07
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry (1,164.1 miles)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke today with fierce winds and pouring rain. I knew the walk to Harpers Ferry was easy, because of last year's walk. The C&O Canal is flat as can be. Tink and I made breakfast and waited to see if maybe the rain wouold stop. Not going to happen. It had to be around 9 AM. Either of us had a watch so it was a good assumption. We put our rain gear on and headed out. It's so easy to walk in the rain when Tinkerbell is around! She is such good company. By the time we hit Harpers Ferry we were both a little irritated since the rain had been blowing sideways and drenching everything. We walked past the side trail to the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conference)Headquarter and had to backtrack. When we finally found it we got our picture taken together and went to find the post office. They had managed to lose 2 of my packages. Now I was VERY irritated! We went to eat and found that we didn't get to town till 3 PM! Obviouly we didn't leave at 9 AM because it was only 6 miles and flat!!! Now both of us were irritated and we had to stay in town....We stayed at the Historic Hilltop Hotel. Sorry I was grouchy Tink! :-(
Date: 2004-09-08
From: Harpers Ferry (1,164.1 miles)

To: David Lesser (1,173.3 miles)
Miles today: 0.0

When we awoke the rain was still coming down. 17 tornadoes had hit West Virginia that night according to the news. We decided to stay until checkout and see if the rain would clear.Tink and I were is better spirits this morning. She took me downstairs and bought me a steak and eggs breakfast. She is so sweet to me.As we sat and ate the clouds began to clear and we were able to see the sun again. Today began beautifully. We planned only to do 10 miles to David Lesser...We made it and enjoyed our clear night together.
Date: 2004-09-09
From: David Lesser (1,173.3 miles)

To: Dick's Dome Shelter (1,203.3 miles)
Miles today: 0.0

It's Friday and Tink and I have to get to the Post Office 37 miles away in Linden, VA by noon Saturday.   30 miles today to Dick's Dome Shelter.We started at 6 AM and spread the miles out over the day. All day we stayed near one another keeping each other company and keeping each other motivated. We even stopped for a nap for a couple of hours at noon.Everything was going well until the last couple of miles. We both got very tired...stayed with Nightrain
Date: 2004-09-10
From: Dick's Dome Shelter (1,203.3 miles)

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter (1,213.2 miles)
Miles today: 0.0

Tink and I made it in time to the Post Office. In fact we had time to spare. Tink's Mom tried to get my mail because whe knew I wasn't going to make it. The Post Lady said "FINE" after a long debate. "What's the name?" "Trevor Hain" said Miss Purcell. The Postmaster replied "He was just here!"Miss Purcell took us out to eat and I finally got to meet Tiffany, Tink's sister. Aiden, Tink's nephew was also there. Tink's Mom also bought me new tips for my poles. (THANKS MISS PURCELL!)Later we hiked to Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. Tink's Mom and Aiden stayed with us for the night. Miss Purcell brought salad and apple pie. I made burritos and Chai. What a great night!
Date: 2004-09-11
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter (1,213.2 miles)

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tink's Mom took Nightrain, Tink and I to do laundry and grab some small re-supply things. I got the tips on my poles changed and then we went to eat. The three of us stayed at the same shelter as the night before. Days like this can be good!