morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-14
From: PORT CLINTON

To: ECKVILLE SHELTER
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

RAIN ALL DAY AND THEN IT RAINED MORE. I STARTED WITHOUT MY RAIN PANTS AND SAID WELL IF IT GETS WORSE I WILL PUT THEM ON BUT BY THAT TIME WHY BOTHER. WE COMPLETED THE HIKE AT 12:40 PM. AP & LINDA MET US AT SHELTER AND WE SWITCHED TO DRY CLOTHES AND THEY HEADED FOR STRANTON NJ. I FORGOT TO PUT MY BOUNCE BAG BACK IN THE VAN SO I WILL GET TO CARRY SOME EXTRA WEIGHT THE NEXT 4 DAYS. THE SHELTER FILLED UP WITH SQUIRE, LWOP (LEAVE WITHOUT PAY) BEAR BAG HANGER AND WHIZ KID. WHIZ KID HAS HIKED FROM THE BEGINING AT SPRINGER MTN GA. TO HERE. RAIN ALL NIGHT. AP LEFT HONEY BUNS (12) THEY WERE GONE BY 5:00 PM. AP ALSO BROUGHT KZ AND I SUBWAY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER. KZ'S LEG IS REALLY BOTHERING HIM.TODAY WAS WORSE BECAUSE OF THE RAIN WE NEVER STOPPED TO REST ALL DAY.SLACK PACKING COULD BE A WAY OF LIFE FOR ME
Date: 2009-05-15
From: ECKVILLE SHELTER

To: BAKE OVEN NOB SHELTER
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

1000' UP TO START THE DAY (MAKES ME TIRED JUST TO WRITE ABOUT IT) KZ JUST GOES UP NEVER STOPS (HIS HIP IS GOOD GOING UP I WISHED THERE WAS SOMEWAY TO TRADE THAT ABILITY TO ME) LOTS OF ROCK TODAY KNIFES EDGE AND BAKE OVEN NOB MOST NOTABLE. I WAS JUMPING FROM ROCK TO ROCK ON THE KNIFES EDGE AND LOOKING AT MY LANDING NOT THE SPACE BETWEEN I HIT MY HEAD ON A TREE LIMB WHICH MADE ME LOOSE MY BALANCE (BEING THE FENCEMAN I AM I RECOVERED BEFORE FALLING DOWN HOW FAR) THEY AIN'T COMING FOR ME YET. WE HAD LUNCH WITH BEER AT A B&B CLOSE TO THE TRAIL WHICH WAS VERY NICE. SHELTER WAS OLD AND SMALL. DUBS, SQUIRE, KZ & MYSELF FILLED IT UP. SIGN SAYS 6 PEOPLE BUT THAT WOULD BE A LITTLE CLOSE. LOTS OF DAY HIKERS ON THE TRAIL TODAY.I SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF DAY HIKING????? MAYBE TWO BEERS PRIOR TO ROCK JUMPING IS ONE TOO MANY
Date: 2009-05-16
From: BAKE OVEN NOB SHELTER

To: PALMERTON
Miles today: 7.4

OUT OF SHELTER BY 6 AND INTO TOWN BY 10. WE HITCH A RIDE (HARD FOR US TO DO) TO TOWN. THE HOTEL DOESN'T RENT ROOMS SO WE WENT TO THE FREE HOSTEL AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING IN THE BASEMENT. NICE TOWN JUST NO WHERE TO STAY.GOOD REST TODAY AND BACK AT IT TOMORROW.WALK TO THE LIBRARY (FROM THE PARKING LOT)
Date: 2009-05-17
From: PALMERTON

To: WIND GAP
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

WALKED FROM PALMERTON TO LEHIGH GAP 1.5 MILES. STOPPED AND GOT COFFEE AT A GAS STATION ON THE WAY. RAIN STARTED WHILE WE WERE DRINKING COFFEE. AT LEHIGH GAP THE TRAIL BOES VERTICAL FOR A 1000' WITH THE UPPER END BEING CLIFF CLIMBING WITH A FULL PACK. KZ'S HIP IS REALLY BOTHERING HIM TODAY. THE RAIN SUBSIDED BUT THE WIND STAYED WITH US FOR MOST OF THE DAY. WE MADE IT TO LEROY SMITH SHELTER AND HAD SETTLED IN (AIR MATTRESS BLOWN UP AND IN BAG TO WARM UP) WHEN LWOP SHOWED UP AT 4:00 PM. HE WAS EATING A LATE LUNCH AND THEN GOING TO WIND GAP WHERE THERE WAS A MOTEL ON THE TRAIL. THAT SOUNDED TOO GOOD TO PASS UP SO WE PACKED UP AND FOLLOWED HIM IN. WE ARRIVED AT 7:00 PM. TOTAL MILES TODAY 22. WE HIKED ABOUT 3 TO 4 MILES OVER A SUPER FUND SITE AND HAD A CLEAR VIEW OF A HUGE OLD PLANT (MAYBE A STEEL MILL) PART OF THE RUST BELT MAYBE.KEEP ON TREKING
Date: 2009-05-18
From: WIND GAP

To: DELAWARE WATER GAP
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

WE WALKED INTO TOWN (WIND GAP) ABOUT 2+ MILES FOR BREAKFAST AND THEN CALLED THE MOTEL OWNER FOR A SHUTTLE BACK TO THE MOTEL. WE CARRIED OUR PACKS FOR 8.7 MILES MET AP & LINDA AND SLACKED THE LAST 7 MILES. THIS WAS THE LAST PART OF PEN. AND HOPEFULLY THE ROCKS. KZ IS REALLY HAVING A HARD TIME AND I THINK WE SHOULD GET OFF. HE IS GOING TO GO TO A DOCTOR TOMORROW ON OUR SHEDULED ZERO DAY.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Monson

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe Me(fiddler) and Alex(homeschool) finished the 100 mile wilderness already, we started out slow the first 3 days and took a 2 mile day after we stopped at a hostel in the 100 miles. there we were served and amazing meal, took well needed showers, slept, played chess, and went conoeing. While coneoing we seen a moose and a calf. At the shelter after that we met some great Southbounders, Rojo(spanish for red), Striter, Juice box, Brewer, Chow-down, and Angus-con. Rojo, Striter and Juice box continued to hike the 100 mile wilderness with us. we also met three north bound hikers Magelan, Trek, and some one else. Two days ago we put in a big day and hiked 17 mile over four mountains and the day after that we did 16 miles, today we only did 3 mile into Monson where we will be staying for the night at Shaw's hostel. I had and amazing big, big, big, breakfast this morning, OH it was so good. I think I lost 10 pounds over the last 9 days and grew about a centermeter of face hiar. The next town that I will be headed for is Caratunk, can't wait to get there!
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Caratunk

To: Stratton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

15 days on the trail and loving it. My shoes are holding up fine and are treating my feet well but my crocs gave me a sore on the top of my foot, the sore is not hindering my walking. I'm staying at a logding place tonight for about 8 dollars, and going to eat an amazing breakfast tomorrow morning before heading for a coneo farry to cross the Kennebec River. The lean-to that I will be staying tomorrow is the West Carry Pond Lean-to. In the Last 3 days, me and Homeschool and a bunch of other guys hit two mountains, the Moxie Bald Mountain and the Pleasent Pond Mountian. One thing is for sure is that I did not see any hiking yet that was harder than the 100 mile Wilderness. Seems like walking is becoming easier. My next stop is Stratton and hopefully there will be a package there waiting for me so I can post some pictures. I'm in Numbers 17 in my Bible reading and sill playing my fiddle.
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Stratton

To: Rangeley
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After staying at Northern Outfitters Logde, we started out on a 14 miler with easy hiking and stayed at West Carry Pond Lean-to. The sore on the top of my foot is healing after Mike and Bob gave me a spiecal banage for it. It had gotten a little swoulen but the swelling is now down. After West Carry Pond Lean-to, me and home schooler headed over Round top Mountain which was an easy hike, but then we hit little Biglow Mountain which did not seem to little, that night we stayed at the Safford Notch Campsite. We went to bed at 7:15 and woke up at 3:00 so we could see the sunrise on Mount Avery. On Mount Avery we could see the last of Mount Kathtatin and seened the first of Mount Washington. Also we cross the officail 2,000 mile marker of the north-bound A.T. on Old Mans head peak. We ate our breakfast there to celebrate. That day we ended at a 5 dollar campsite in Stratton, where we picked up our packages, I had trouble getting mine because my Dad put my trail name on instead of my real name. Tonight I mite play fiddle at this pizza shop open mic. I'm in Deutaronomy 15 in my Bible reading.
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Rangeley

To: Andover
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Last couple days was interesting. It rained and rained. June 18, we went about 14 miles before stopping at a shelter, the next day we hike over Saddle Back Moutain and the Horn, in the rain. once we eached the top we had constent 50mph wind wipping around us with a 10 foot visablelity. it was extremely cold and my hands started to feel numb, we had to keep hiking or we would get cold. It was a relief when we got of the mountain to the Plazza Lean-to. There was a care taker there, we had fun talking to her and found out that she plays the cello and even recongize some of the songs I played on my fiddle. The next day we hiked 2 miles to Rangeley were we rented a cabin with 6 other guys to split the cost making it a good deal. I took a shower and ate breakfast. One of the guys, Rojo, said he will cook meals in the cabin to help save eating cost. I finished Duetironamy in my Bible reading and will be starting Joshua today. I Can't wait to get to Andover!!
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Andover

To: Gorham
Miles today: 41.4
Weather: mist

The Last two days it rained, everthing got wet and stayed wet. In Rangeley I attended church with two other hikers. I almost got Animal to come, who never attended church before in his life. The next day me and homeschool continued to the Sabbath Day Pand lean-to, which was a nice shelter. The next day we woke up and found it raining we started late and hiked in the rain, that night we camped at the ME 17. The rain stoped long enough to set up ou7r tents, we also met some south bournders there, 4 brothers and one sister, from Mount Carmel PA. The next day we packed up our tents in the rain and hiked into Andover. We stayed at a Hostel to let our stuff dry. I also recieved my vitamins at the Post Office and sent my raincoet home since it is starting to warm up. Homeschool did not get his hiking poles as planned but a fellow hiker gave him a extra pole. I am in 1 Samual in my Bible Reading. I Can't wait to get out of Main! This evening I was playing my fiddle for the hostess who really enjoyed it and I was playing with some Bluegrass CD that where there.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Gorham

To: Northwoodstock, NH
Miles today: 94.9

We crossed the New Hampshire border! I was starting to get sick of Main, roots and rocks and every mountain the trail could go over it went over. New Hampshire is different in that it is kept by a different Hiking club. Instead of the trail going over ever peak possible, they go around the mountains and only go to the peaks that are worth seeing. On Friday We hiked the hardess mile on the AT, Mahoosuc Notch, it was a lot of fun and was not as hard as one mite think, until it started to rain the last .1 mile. At one spot we had to take off our packs to get through. I also hit Homeschool with a snowball, the tempiture was about 20 degrees cooler than the normal tempiture. At night we stayed at Full Goose Shelter, it was a full house that night and I was able to meet Six Strings for the first. Saturday we Crossed the Main-New Hampshire Border. To celebrate we took some silly pictures and played The Swallow Tial Jig on my fiddle. That song was becoming a favorite for many hikers lately. we also ate lunch there. That night we stayed at Trident Col Tent Site, at night we heard some coyotes. In the morning we started early to get to town. I Seen a Moose that morning, about 10 feet infront, I got so close because I was not paying attention when I was walking. Now we are in Gorham NH, we end up staying the night because I will have a cousin and his Dad joining me on Wednesday in the Pinkham Notch. Also Homeschool had to pick up a package at the post Office on monday. We went to Walmart to get supplies for 6 or 7 days till we get to Northwoodstock. Sudaynight I Played with six Strings on his guatar which was a lot of fun Monday we are planning to do a short one. I am in 1 Kings in my Bible reading and still playing the fiddle.
Date: 2009-07-09
From: Northwoodstock, NH

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

June the 30, me and Homeschool stayed at are first Hut for work for stay. When we got to Carter Notch Hut, the lady there named Stevy was having trouble with the propane stove, so we help her get it started. Her fellow crew was out rescuing a hiker who got hurt. Homeschool then ran some ice and crutches out to them. for work for stay I did the dishes. That night we where able to stay in the bunk house. I played my fiddle that night with Six-strings. Stevy had a mandolin that we played with. The next day We were going to meet Earl and Jorden, my Uncle and cousin, in Pinkham notch, but we didn't get there till 12:00, so they left a note saying that they would meet at Madison Hut. The climb up Madison Mountain was great, there were no big rock scrambles. Hiking on top we had 40-50mph wind with rain. I had to use my fleece to stay warm. When we got to Madison Hut we didn't find Jordon or Earl there. I went down to a campsite .6 miles off the Mountain to see if they were camping at the valley way campsite, I then decided to camp there for the night. The next morning Earl and Jorden showed up, cold and wet, apparently they took a wrong trail and became dark before that got to Madison Hut, and end up camping on the top of Mount Adams. They decided to go back to Pinkham Notch to go Home. I think they under extamated the conditions. That day we hiked over Mount Washington, we did not have any view but the rain really strong. That night we stayed at Mizpah Spring Hut were we worked to stay. for work we had to do a speech about Thur-hiking for the guest, which was very fun. Homeschool couldn't because was too sick. The next day we hiked to Crawford Notch were we stayed there at the Crawford Notch Campsite. That night we took good showers but Homeschool still felt sick and also missed being at home with his family. The next day we hiked up the trail a little bit then Homeschool felt extremely sick and weak so we turned around. That day he made the decisions to stop thru-hiking so the next morning I continued without him. After 26 days of rain the weather is starting to irritate me. I can't wait to get some sunny weather! The hike to the next hut was picture worthy. It was the first smooth walking I ever experienced. I took a picture of the first 10 feet of trail of no rocks and no roots. That night I stayed at the Galehead Hut were I fiddle for the stay and even made 10 dollars in tip. That night I stayed at Northwoodstock at a campsite. I wasn't able to pick up Homeschools package because I ran out of time and was not able to update my journal because the Library was only open for three hours during the week days. I took it easy the next two days to make it for a non-rainy day over my last 4,000 footer, Mount Moosilauke. I am now at a Hostel for tonight. I am in Psalm 17 in my Bible reading and still fiddling.
Date: 2009-07-12
From: Hanover, NH

To: Woodstock, VT
Miles today: 0.0

July 10I am enjoying myself, the terran have become extremely easy. Today I walk over two mountains without realizeing it, I had to look at my trail book twice to make sure I was reading it right! I did about 20 miles today and stayed in Glencliff last night at the Hikers Welcome Hostel.July 11I decided to write my trail journals a little different, I dicided to devide them up into portions like this. Last night I decided to sleep in the Firewarden's Look out Tower, where I was able to see the sun set from the top of the mountain and the sun rise, which looked amazing. I was planning to get an early start but I did not end up leaving till 8:00. The north bounders are saying the terran will be hilly and up and downing, but I did not find to many hills. I think the North Bounders are in for a surprise when the get to Main. Towards the end of the Day I met a two people that I had never met before, It was an alsome surprise, I met Paul and Loretta, Homeschools 2nd cousin(i think). They must be people set from God, They took me out to eat at a pizza place in Hanover and also at Ben and Jerrys icecream place. They resupplied me with enough food to last me for 5 days and gave me some money. Thank you Paul and Loretta! I hope Homeschool is feeling better. Tonight I stayed at the Velvet Rocks Shelter wich was full but the Siblings were nice and gave me place.July 12Today I am in Hanover, its a Sunday and I was hoping to find a church to attend but the churches did not suit me. I was knocking on peoples door to see if I could use a shower, but apparently people in Hanover don't answer there doors on sundays. I also looked around for a Cumputer to us for interenet because the libary was close. I found a bunch at the College libary. Tonight I might Stay at the Happy Hill Shelter or move on and camp since the weather has become good. I am in Paslm 42 in my Bible reading and I played fiddle at the collage today.Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteausness shine like the dawn.
Date: 2009-07-13
From: Woodstock, VT

To: Rutland
Miles today: 0.0

7/13 mondayEasy going some more. I can't believe I'm loving it. A sunny day! Couln't ask God for better. Today I felt a little homesick when I came through a farmers field, he was round bailing at the time, the field smelled great. to my surprise they were trail markers going right through the field. I miss Home school lately, I hope to find a phone somewhere so I can call my folks. I can't wait to stop in South Promfret tomorrow for my new shoes that Merrel is sending me for the warrenty of my origanal ones that fell apart. I am still in Psalm in my Bible reading and it is really encourageing me. I read so much that I forgot to play my fiddle.7/14 tuesdayToday I stoped in South Promfret to pick up, my shoes. I walked partly there then someone stopped and gave my a ride. I mete a horse farmer there and asked him if he needed some help one the farm. My new shoes are alsome, and they are very tuff. that farmer then gave me a ride to Woodstock where I was able to use the internet and by myself a little journal. I am in Psalm 123 in my Bible. I mite do some night hiking for the fun of it tonight so I better buy some extra batteries for my head lamp.Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Rutland

To: Delton MA
Miles today: 0.0

7/15 wednesdayWell I didn't do a night hike but I made it to Rutland MA. This morning I woke up around 6:30, a little late did't get started till 7:30. I ate the last of my oat meal. Hiking went quike today, took a Shurburn pass trail to Rt 4. for some reason I had trouble getting a hitch, till I got a hitch I was were the AT crossed so I pretty much walked a extra .8 miles. I hitched with a fellow who works at The Back Home Again Cafe. The Cafe was a Hostel and it being 5:45 pm I decided to work for stay. they end up being an extremely nice group of people who fed me free supper. I was able to talk alot about God with them. I am thinking of doing a zero on at least a nero but I don't plan on deciding till tomorrow this is a perfect place to doit since it doesn't cost me anything. I finaly was able to get a waterproof camera at Walmartand resupplied for four days. Lot of hikers telling me that I should zero in Delton MA. But whose sais' that I can't take one here. I played my fiddle on the street and was able to draw a small audience. I am in Proverbs 4 in my Bible reading.How good and pleasent it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1PS-- If anyone would like to send me a card or anything I will be able to do a mail drop in Delton MA. The letter or package should contain my real name and address of post office. if you send a package make sure it is priority mail and make sure it can arive at the post office before 7/26/09, and make sure you write on it, Hold for AT thru-hiker.this is the address you send to: Eric Zimmerman(Hold for AT thru-hiker)/609 Main St./Dalton, MA 01227
Date: 2009-07-15
From: Rutland

To: Manchester Center VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

7/16 thursdayI had an alsome zero day today. The town of Rutland is a pretty cool town. This morning I watered the flowers then I went to the Libarie and updated my trail journal. I also visited a music store and bought a music book, so I can learn more tunes. I also bought a calling card so I could make calls home since all the Hostels I went to so far would not let me use there phone unless it was with a calling card. I called home and was able to talk to my Mom. My brother Randall mite meet me in the near future. I also called Paul and Laretta, they are planning to meet me at the roed to Manchester on Monday afternoon, but till then I will try to keep my trail journal updated so they can track me easer. I am in Proverbs 13 in my Bible reading and still fiddling.
Date: 2009-08-01
From: Cornwal Bridge CT

To: Greenwood Lake NY
Miles today: 0.0

7/31/09 fridayThis morning I woke up late around 8 oclock. I araved in Salbury early, so I ate breakfast here. I don't think I will be aeting out in Conneticut because food is pricy. I used the cumputer at the Library to update my trail journals and check my e-mail. For lunch I had a half gallon of icecream and then I headed for the limestone Lean-to. Conneticut does not have nice lean-to's like Massichutes. I am in Isiah 61 in my Bible reading.But he was pierced for our trangressions, he was crushed for iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed. Isiah 53:58/1/09 saturdayWow! 2 months on the trail and over 715 miles down. Today was a very exiding day. This morning the bugs were not too bad. I took a early lunch break on a look out were I could see the race track. There were motercycle racing and car racing. I could her the nose from 10 miles away. I was able o talk to a rigde runner who was not to enthused with the nose of the loud cars. I also left some of my stuff dry after going through waste deep water on the flooded section along the Mohusic River. Around 4:30 I decieded to stop for 10 minutes at Rt. 4 and if I got a ride in that amount of time I would go into cornwall Bridge and get something to eat. Well to my surprise in 3 minutes I had a very pretty nice girl pool over and picked me up for a ride to town. When she dropped me off I forgot my head band in her car and now I mise it. If she checks my trail journal maybe she will be nice a send it to my next mail drop. After a nice sub cornwall bridge I head out to the trail and had a beautiful walk along the mohosic river. It was late in the evening around 7:30, the bugs weren't byting, and the crickets were singing. I had a nice walk between the fields and River. tonight I decided to stay at the Steward Hollow Brook Lean-to there was no one there nor any bear box and I had no bear rope, so it looks like I will be chancing it tonight. I am able to hear the river from the shelter. sound amazing. I finally finished Isaih in my Bible reading.