morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Blackburn A.T hostel
Miles today: 27.0

Day 64:My biggest mileage to date.Today i walked to roller coaster: a series of ten acscnts and 10 decents over razor sharp rocks and boulder fields called the Devil's racecourse.I stopped at Bears Den hostel for some soda pop.Crossed into the west virginia line. Awesome!Walked into the darnkeness of evening.I was blessed with the hospitallity of bill and sarah (hostel caretakers)They served pert, burger, and me pasta, and a bbq. A great place to be.I slept on the porch and fell asleep to the humming of the humming birds.Walking happily`
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: historical district
Miles today: 0.0

After pushing big miles for seven straight days, i needed a day off from thet trail. Today was this day. Pertinax and Burger had decided to take thebus in to D.C for the day, but I was leaning towards relaxation. Walking around in a big city would hardly be a day of rest. I slept in this morning and eventuallly made my way over to the library to update the this journal which was nearly three weeks behind. The day was hot and humid, so I ate at a local bar and grill where the air conditionor was booming. I walked through the historical district of town visiting the musuems and taking in the sities. The side walks were mostly cobblestone and old bricks. Many weeping willows lined the streets where storefronts of old once prospered. The town is a hot spot for tourists and civil war history buffs so i fit somewhere in between each category. I see a return trip in the near future.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Pine knob shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I didnt get out of town until 10:30 am. But, i had to stop by the post ofice to send a few things away. I crossed out of west virginia and into maryland for 40 miles. The trail was flat for three miles as it followed the C & O railroad and the Potomac river. It winded its way under the turnpike and interstates and eventually climbed (in true out of town fashion)up to weverton cliffs. I had lunch at the Ed Garvey Shelter where i met Mitch, an out of work finanical advisor,who was chewing into his retirement in order to hikethis trail. He will most likey be unable to hike when he retires anyway.The trail goes through several civil war battlifields in maryland. Many are crownd with statues and plaques descirbing its historical significance inthe Civil War. Maryland was a busy place during that war. The trail passes through a park where a monument to george washington stands tall to the west. I climbed the monumentand watched the sun set over maryland and Pennsyvlania. I was going to spend the night up there but decided to turn onthe head lamp and night hike into the next shelter five miles down the road.Will be leaving maryland and crossing the mason dixon line tommorow!
Date: 2003-09-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Greetings friends and family,Basecamp here, or as you may know me better, Christina. In case if you have been wondering, Sage is alive and well (on the AT). Yesterday he set off from Stratton Mountain, Vermont and has roughly 550 miles left in his journey. He has decided to finish his trail journal when he has time, AKA when he finishes his hike sometime in mid-October. Sage still checks his e-mail (andyturchon@yahoo.com) so drop him a line if time permits!
Date: 2003-09-06
From: Thistle Hill shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

It has been a long long while since i last updated my journal. I must apologize tothose of you who have been loyally keeping up with my journey. There will be more to come post hike which will be sometime in mid october.Today September the 6th i crossed the VT/NH boarder into Hanover. I had to wake up before the sun rose in order to get to the post office before it closed. This gave me 6 hours to hike around fourteen miles. Ordinarily being late for a package wouldnt be a big deal, but his package contained all my cold weather gear including; pants, jacket, shirt, gloves and hat. I wasnt about to enter the whites without the proper gear knowing all too well the undpredictabilityh of the weather. I made it into town at 11:55 am. Just in time.Hiking in the wee hours of the morning I watched the sun rise over the mountains, shining her rays upon the little mountain communities. Although i couldnt see them, i knew they were there. My boots were sopping wet due to the morning dew on the tall grassy fields. i marched on eventually crossing the Conneticut river and the New Hampshire boarder.I spent the rest of the day catching up with old friends who had passed me when i took 8 days off in Massachusetts. I hope the weather cooperates in the great Whites.
Date: 2003-09-07
From: Hanover, NH

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

After a night of camping on the Dartmouth College soccer field i awoke and made my way over the local Co-op for some breakfast at the bakery. I called two former professors from Saint Anselm College and made plans to meet each of them on separate days in the mountains of New Hampshire. The sun was high in the sky by the time i broke camp and began my daily walk. Temps were in the mid seventies and the humidiy was quite low. The terrain was moderate with some small ups and downs neither of which could have bothered me on this day. I was thrilled to be in a new state and very excited to have met up with the group of hikers who i had been hiking with since souther PA: ie "Snotrocket", and "Iceburg Slim".Its good to be in NH.
Date: 2003-09-08
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 19.3

Today began the first of the big climbs in NH. We climbed up and over the the steep, rugged Smarts Mountain. Although it stood onlyh 3200 ft high I was happy to get it over with first thing in the morning rather than savig it for the end ofa long day. On the top was a fire tower we enjoyed 360 degree panoramics of the northern kingdom of Vermont, northwestern Massachusetts, and some of the greatest mountainous ridge walk in the White mountains of NH. Only 400 miles remain.
Date: 2003-09-09
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Beaver brook shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Today i met up with Brother Andrew at Wachiapauka Pond. He came baring fruits including grapes, apples, oranges, and the nutella and pepsi that i requested. We walked the couple of miles down to the road new glencliff. There we jumped in the car and drove into town but not before several hikers including Nova, Bosco, MOnk and Scabs jumped in the car and came to town with us. WE went to the only local eatery called the Garlic Clove. There we ate to our hearts content and whenw we were done there i got icre cream at the local market. It was great to meet up with a friendly face and share a part of my journey with an old friend. Ba dropped me at the trail mid afternoon full of food (in belly and in pack) right before the monster 4 thousand foot climb up and over Mt Mo0silauke. At the peek i spent over an hour admiring the mountains that i had climbed and "spying" on the mountains yet to be climbed. If you dont know where the trail is heading just look on the horizon and point out the tallest peaks; and there is where the trail goes.
Date: 2003-10-09
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

And so it came to be...At 10:37 am on October the 9th, 2003 "Sage" finished his pilgramege at the Summmit of Katahdin (the "greatest" mountain). Some 45 newly crowned "thru-hikers" followed in what turned out to be a ripping summit party complete with champagne, irish whiskey, some nudity, foot-long cigars, and a whole lot unabashad behavior. More to follow when time permits.
Date: 2003-06-02
To: The Pub
Miles today: 0.0

Absolutey buzzing about the thought of getting back on the trail after the disapointment of having to leave the "Flying Scotsman" in Helen in janurary only 50 miles into the trip.The knees feel good and ready for the next adventure to begin!!! So after hearing all of the stories of what the "FS" had been up too and all the people he had met along the way and the bear that he scared away by singing "donald weres yur troosers" at the top of his voice (that made the national paper at home) I cant wait to get going now.
Date: 2003-06-07
To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well back on the dreaded greyhound bus tonight. Not looking forward to it after the last expierence down to Georgia. Its not looking good for this one as I am nursing a serious hang-over (thanks to the "FS" and Heather). Just doing the final bag check and say good bye to Sally who had to put up with me staying at her house (thanks alot) then its off to Elma and Marco's ("FS" anut and uncle's house) to say thanks for their hospitality and a goodbye.
Date: 2003-06-08
To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well am I glad those bus journies are out of the way although not with out some stories to tell.The Greyhound drivers were their usual happy selves,you must have to have the personality part of your brain taken out as part of the job!!!I decided to kill some time in Bangor at the pub (suprise,suprise).It was called the Tavern and it was as if I had walked straight into Moes (The Simpsons),the locals slumped at the bar over their drinks pissed.I met an english couple on the bus and ended up going out to dinner with them in Millinocket.They had just finished teaching here and decided to have a go at the trail whilst in the States.Laura had 18lbs in her pack but Reese had 70lbs!!! I have a feeling it is going to be like following Hansel and Gretel but instead of bread crumbs there will be excess gear everywhere.
Date: 2003-06-09
To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A few final things from the store and some laundry was all I had planned for the day,but whilst killing time (in the pub) waiting for the laundry I met a local who was an art teacher at the high school.He invited me to one of his students graduation parties.Their house backed on to a beautiful lake with Mt. Katadyn on the horizon and with free beer and moose ribs it turned out to be quite good,apart from the ass I made of my-self playing hacky sack.So back at the pub and after a drink and a few games of pool against Mt. Katadyn him-self (a local called John who wieghed at least 350lbs) it was off to bed to get a good night sleep before the trail.
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Millinocket

To: Katadyn spring camp ground
Miles today: 10.0

Up early at 5:15 am to get a good start on the trail.In the taxi over to Baxter State Park I saw my first Moose,well of the four legged kind,I have woken up to many of two legged kind before!!! It was big despite the taxi driver telling me it was a small one.I decided to hike up the Abol trail to the summit as I thought it was sensless hiking the same one twice.It started of nice and easy and then all of a sudden I was faced with this wall of rocks and boulders.I saw another first on the climb.......rain that was actually going up!!! I imagine it is quite common with the wind rushing up the moutain.The higher I climbed the worse the weather got and by the time I reached the summit I was sure the mountain did not want me up there,the winds were up to 50 miles an hour and viibility was down to about 25 metres,so after a few pictures I placed down the stone I picked up from the summit of Springer and made my way down.By the tme I got back to camp I was soaked through as the rain seemed to get heavier.I got out of the wet clothes,had some food and heard that the weather report tomorrow was for 80 dergree sunshine,so hopefuly I can get some of my clothes dry.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Katadyn spring camp ground

To: Hurd Brook lean-to
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Well after being told that I was camping illegaly and that I was liable for a fine for camping in a day use area I had the choice of what wet clothes to put on.Once the pack was on I was buzzing at the thought of another day on the trail.It turned out to be a very easy hike.The scenary was fantastic,beautiful lakes with mountainous back drops and the sun had come out,what more could you ask for.By the time I got to the exit point of the park I was really suprised to see that I had already hiked 10 miles. (not half as suprised as the "wild turkey" will be when he reads the craa-p!!!).I had lunch at Abol Bridge,peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies.I had so much peanut butter I could hardly wash it down.Then came the first visit from a trail angel,somebody had left some long distance hiking ale..........come on trail angels sort it out B-U-D-W-I-E-S-E-R.So of into the 100 mile wilderness.As I was filtering some water I heard a loud grunt (s**t what was that!) I heard it again and realised it was a truck on a nearby logging road...phew!!!I am sharing the shelter tonight with a frienly couple from Iowa who are also doing a so-bo-.They told me that Laura and Rease had to pull of the trail as Laura had hurt her ankle,I hope it is nothing to serious and they had also heard about Me as the guy who went up Katadyn with a full pack.I hope the Mosquito's don't suck me dry or worse still if these two snore!!!
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Hurd Brook lean-to

To: Rainbow Spring lean-to
Miles today: 11.5

Last night just before I went to sleep I saw the first no-bo- hiker,his name was the "Walking Man" and he was living up to it,he had just hiked 44 miles and was going on another four.He should have finished now so well done.Today was another easy day with alot of flat ground and alot of water logged parts of the trail.As I was passing a lake I saw that there was some rocks I could hop out on to,it looked to be a good place to get a rest-bite from the bugs and have a much needed wash.I was not hungary after my choc chip cookies peanut butter and oat breakfast so I decided to push on to the lean-to for dinner.Once there I decided to stay as My knee felt a little sore.I pitched the tent for tonight as I wanted a bug free sleep.It has been raining for a few hours now so I hope it has cleared for the morning.Oh yeah I thought up of a little poem for our friend the "wild Turkey" and left it in the log book,there is a note on the shelter so he cant miss it......Wild Turkey you have hiked from Georgia to Maine,You have walked through the snow,wind sunshine and rain.So when you finally climb Katadyn and call it a wrap,Look back on your adventure and think..........      IF ITS NAE SCOTTISH ITS CRAA-P!!!!!
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Rainbow Spring lean-to

To: Nakahmanta Lake
Miles today: 10.7

After a cloudy start to the day the sun broke through and it has been fantastic weather all day.I stopped on a logging road for a break from the bugs.The couple from Iowa came and sat down and we chatted away for 20 minutes.They had given up a law practice to come and do the trail,bored with the monotany of 9 to 5 work after nearly 30 years they are out looking for adventure.He also told me about a trip he wants to attempt.To kayak from the St.Lawrence sea way to Alaska along the old fur traders route,it sounds amazing and I hope he gives it a go one day.I passed another lake and couldn't resist getting in as it was getting hot.The cold water done the trick and really refreshed me for the afternoons hike.There was some excellant views from of the lakes below and Katadyn on the horizon form the top of Nesuntabunt Mountain.I could see Abol trail stand out like a big scar down the side of Katadyn.I got to the shelter quite early and after some dinner decided to push on a little further.I set of into the fading light and arrived at the south end of Nakahmanta Lake where there was agroup of guys out camping and fishing for the weekend,there is beer everywhere and bar-b-q's,yes this looks like the place to stop!!!
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Nakahmanta Lake

To: Cooper Brook Falls
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Well those tight b*******'s didn't invite me over for a beer at all.The only thhing that happened was that I was kept awake by their load voices and their stories that got better after each beer.Never mind today was another day of fantastic sunshine of which I spent most of it in the trees.I met another three so-bo- early on in the day but they were heading to Whitehouse Landing for beer,pizza,burgers and to kick back.It sounded great but I decided to push.I had my lunch at a fantastic alke on a sandy beach and before long I was in skinny dipping.It had been a very easy morning trail-wise and it proved to be the caes for the rest of the afternoon.So I decided to make up some ground before the half a dozen or so mountains that were coming up before Monson.I was hoping that there was some people at the shelter (as I am affraid of the dark........only kidding) with a fire burning as I needed to get away from the bugs.Well I met another 9 so-bo- at the shelter,four of which kept to their tents and the five who were in the shelter turned out to be good fun.Two girls Harold and Maud,and 3 guys from Alabama.We made up a good chat up line quite by accident which the girls said could work..."hi I'm Girth but you can call me Length"........cant wait to try that one out!!
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Cooper Brook Falls

To: Logan Brook Lean-To
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

I was woken up to the sound of rain hitting my tent and unfortunatley the weather had got it right for a change.I learned from my earlier mistakes on the trail and decided not to wear anything under the rain gear.I had also decided to not to bring the pack cover to cut down on wieght so I had to impeovise and make on out of a trash bag and tie it on with guy ropes,It actually worked better that the proper pack cover as no water collects at the bottom.The persisted all day which was nice as it kept the bugs away,but on the downside it also took away all the views.There was also a trricky ford to cross and by the sounds of things I was the only person to get passed with-out getting wet or falling in all together.The rain has still not let up and the shelter is full,it is sleeping bag to sleeping bag and someone is starting to snore!!
Date: 2003-06-15
From: Logan Brook Lean-To

To: Chair Back Lean-To
Miles today: 17.1

I made sure I was first up and away from the lean to as I did not fancy being one of seven hikers packing up at the same time.So to get the day of to a good start was a climb to the top of White Cap mountain.The climb was fairly easy with a few steep parts but as the rain had still not let up the views were again masked by low clouds.It did not look like stopping either so I decided to push on to the lean-to before stopping for lunch.When I got there a little Squirel came running out and i thought ha nice one somebody has left some food.I was right,it was vegan maccaroni and cheese....serves 2 fed 1 and it tasted great.So fueled up and ready for anything that the trail had to offer I headed off.A few miles down river I came to a river that I had to ford.I turned around to the two guys behind Me and said "You know we could just take route one." "Where's that," they replied,and I just took of like a mad man running across the river,it got some laughs and I thought I was pretty cool until I relised I had now got my boots soaked right through.What a bloody daft idea that was.I had to stop and ring my socks and insoles out four times before I got to the lean-to.So after dinner I held my boots over the alchol stove and to my suprise got them just about dry albeit using nearly half a bottle of fuel and nearly setting fire to My flease.I am stuck next to "Mode" again and he is snoaring away.Jus about to get the weather report.....anything to drown out his snoaring.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Chair Back Lean-To

To: Wilson Valley Lean-To
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I managed to get a suprisingly good sleep last night.I was up earlyish and away by 7:45.The plan was to get as close to the Maine Highway as possible to leave an easy hike to Monson the following day.The sun was out and the views were great on top of the first Mountain of the day,Monument Mountain,so I got "Mode" to take a picture of Me doing my finest hikng pose.The black flies found us pretty quick and so it was time to head on.The climb on the next mountain was long and hard and all I wanted to do when I got to the top was admire the views which were great but again short lived due to the amount of black flies.So on to the next mountain,the climb was alot easier and at the top of Barren Mountian was a fire tower.So I climbed up to the top of it and the views were fantastic.It took the black flies about 10 minutes to find where I was so it was a great place to have a break.I stopped at Long Pond lean-to for some lunch where "Mode" caught up and joined Me.It was about time to stop as I had only had three mouth fulls of oats and half a cup of water all day."Mode" found some bug spray and covered him-self in it and then decided to read the label...."Do not get in contact with skin,wash immediately.If irritation persists see a doctor".I couldn't help but laugh as he ran down to get washed.There was another tricky river to ford,no route one tactics though.The hike up to the shelter was again quite flat.Early to bed as I want to be up at 4 a.m. and get to Monson early and guess what?I have "Mode" next to me again and his snoaring
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Wilson Valley Lean-To

To: Monson
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

I was up at the crack of dawn and after a quick bite to eat I was away like a mad man.The trail was again flat so I could make some good ground.Apart from the two fords I was on the verge of running,the way I like to hike.It was the first day I really went for it and it felt so good.I covered the 10 miles or so to the highway in good time and after about 30 minutes got a hitch into town.First things first....junk food!!!I had a large steak sandwhich,three slices of pizza and a packet of choc chip muffins,I was still hungary!!!I went and got some laundry done and had a shower at the laundromat.I had decided to stay as my knee was quite sore,but I can still take my wieght on it easily enough so it should all be fine and dandy in a few days.As I was walking up the main street an old guy pulled up in his car and it turned out to be Mr.Shaw.His rates were to high and so I decided to stay at the Pie Ladies where I got a single room,use of the shower and all you can eat breakfast.The room was $15 and breakfast $3:50.I was out and about in town and decided to go to shaws to get some hiking supplies,the only place in town where I could get what I needed.The ignorance I was greated with was shocking.He point blankly refused to help me out or even to let me buy the equipment as I was staying at the pie Ladies.He said that the only people he helps are the ones that stay at his hostel!!!Now what is the sign on his lawn doing there that says that they welcome ALL hikers!!!I felt like giving him a piece of my mind but the guy is about nine years younger than God so what was the point.I went off and got the trail essentials...a six pack,playboy oh yeah and some food.Later on after a few beers M and "Mode" went to the gas station to get some food.The lady that worked there had a deaf daughter and we had a converstation with the lady translating into sign and vice versa,it was quite interesting.After I headed home to get an early night so I could get back on the trail tomorrow