morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Ensign Corwall Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I must say I'm really testing my own patience here! In fact, I may be past frustration and onto fury at myself. Maybe that's getting a bit carried away, but...So, I'll start at the 24th, had a long day into Harpers Ferry with Mother, but it was well worth it 'cause I met my Mom and Aunt there. They brought me clean, dry COTTON clothes! We had a wonderful dinner and stayed the night locally. Sat. we woke up leisurely and went to the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conference HQ)where I got my picture taken. I'm #430 to come through this yesr. Saw a bunch of people, handed out sodas and then drove to my Aunt's house outside of DC. What a nice way to spend 2 days off the trail. They REALLY pampered me. Thanks again Aunt Mary Jo for all of your patience with errands, etc. A true trail angel! And much thanks to my Mommy for making the trip from home. It was wonderful to see you! Thanks to the Daddy for finding the cheappy flight for the Mommy, can't wait to see you too! So all in all, the visit was superb! Until...they dropped me back off at the trail. I started following the blazes just fine, until they stopped. I really thought I was in the right place, but two guys told me I was not on the AT. One offered their cell phone which I used to call my mom, thinking they might still be in town and I could meet back up with them for lunch....turns out I WAS going the right way, but I had already told my mom to meet me back where they left me. So we ate...I was frustrated. It was hard enough to walk away from the women who represent home the 1st time, now I'd have to do it again, and in the same day! In addition, I was supposed to be meeting up with PB & J later that night or early the next day and mow I was behind schedule for the day. So we eat, I ponder and decide to YELLOW BLAZE! 18 miles! NOT a good idea, at all. First of all I feel terrible about it and now I'm ahead of those I was trying to catch and I don't know if they know I'm here. Grr! Its also HOT and my knee hurts and I'm kinda missing home. A perfect recipe for some tears, which I shed. Now, I promise I don't write this crap for pity, just to vent. So here I am just sitting around waiting for my friends being annoyed for no freakin' reason. But...tomorrow I'll hike my tail off and hoepfully feel much better! Peace Out Yo!5 hours later: Mother, PB & J, Buffett and Goat, some of the short short guys and Piker and MS. Mileage (Who I haven't seen since GA) all showed up. AMAZING what a few familiar faces will do for a discouraged person. And another much more satisfying Peace Out to y'all!!
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Ensign Corwall Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace St. Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was another great day on the A.T! Woke up at a great shelter, got out super early, hiked fast on nice trail, and ended up at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the physical 1/2 way point and home of the 1/2 gallon challenge. I wasn't even planning to attempt the 1/2 G.C. but gave in to the peer pressure. I was able to eat about half of my 1/2 gallon of Neopolitan ice cream. A fun tradition, but REALLY stupid actually! I've felt better! I'm now camped at the park with a slew of hikers, totally decent. A fun group actually. We are no longer in the void, which is fun right now with all these fun things going on! Looking forward to Duncannon for the 4th. I'm out of words right now. Should probably sleep now. Peace!
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Pine Grove Furnace St. Park

To: Rausch Gap Village
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe how long it's been since last I've written! I want to start this entry by going back to mention that my Post Office in Harpers Ferry was the BEST ever!! Not only did I have my regular mail drop of food from home....but I received cards and notes from family and friends....not only the cards, but another box filled with AMAZING cookies and other goodies from Ann Arbor friends who hiked in '01! Thanks EVERYONE for your truly amazing words of encouragement! They all really meant a lot at a crucial time on the trail. THANKS!So, I guess since the 1/2 gallon challenge the focus was really on hiking to enjoy the hiking. It can be very hard at times, but I think I found it again. Oh, I forgot to mention a large part of why that is, I purchased a RADIO! I thought I could hike this whole thing with only myself as amusement, which I probably could do, but...WOW, what a little music can do for the feet. They just seem to go. It's GREAT! For the next few weeks I'll definitely be enjoying the wounds of Kelly Clarkson more than chirping birds! Oops. Did I say that out loud? As of Caledonia State Park we've (Mother & I) have been with a large group of hikers. The Gypsy sisters and Sunshine (All three are on trailjournals) the "Sleaze Bags" (A group of guys from the Midwest who really aren't that sleazy. Actually there are a few assorted others....and they can be sleazy. But HI-LAR) Buffet and Goat and assorted others. Everyone cruised into Duncannon, PA on the 4th and had a great time, even saw some fireworks over Harrisburg. Everyone stayed at The Doyle which is one hell of a dump, but AWESOME! The first floor is a bar. Had a HUGE burger there with about 6 slices of cheese. To Die For! The rooms were hilarious with no screens in the windows. I felt like I was sleeping outside with all the bugs. Seriously though, the Hotel is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year, so the character is just unbeatable! With so many hikers around it was great fun.I'm sad to report that my fun friends PB & J are off the trail and have gone back home to VT, but for only good reasons and I'm very excited for them even though they will be greatly missed! Love you guys!!!I'm excited to be heading toward the end of PA. Not only is that another state down and to be done with the ROCKS, but I'll be visiting family, friends & JIM in Philly!! CAN'T WAIT!!
Date: 2005-07-10
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

WOW, this place is cool! One of a few shelters in PA that have caretakers. This one is near Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, just off of one of the roads. Basically behind someone's house. There is a great spigot for H2O and more importantly a fridge on the porch of the house with sodas and ice cream sandies for donation. What a treat! Unfortunately, this is only a lunch stop...a LONG lunch stop...but won't be staying overnight, what a shame! At least I was able to take my time though. Just another day of hikin' in PA. The excitement came yesterday, however. Mother and I walked into Port Clinton for lunch. Hoping to eat a meal, resupply for ONE day and move out. Turned out the outfitter had NO food so we'd have to go to a neighboring town that actually had groceries. Luckily, we didn't have to hitch 'cause Hooky and Tiny Dancer drove up. They were our Trail Angels for the afternoon. Thanks Kids! So grocery shopping was uneventful, but on our way back we decided to stop at the Cabela's that was on the highway. Now, I had been to the one in Michigan, but the others hadn't experienced one before. It's the ultimate outfitters for those who like to kill things! You know, LOTS of guns and ammo, fishing rods, etc. Camping stuff, too, but not a HUGE selection. My favorite...a hunting camo bikini! Are you kidding me?!? Who would wear such a thing? Crazy Ladies I guess! I guess it was a productive trip, I was able to talk on the phone and arrange my trip to Philly and Mother bought a new pair of boots. Funny to be so filthy dirty in a tourist trap, but comforting that we saw other thru-hikers there. All in all, a good afternoon, but probably a little too much "town" time for my tastes. the last few weeks have been filled with attractions along the trail and just off it, which was great, but I'm looking forward to just hiking and lounging on the trail for the next few days (remainder of PA) before my family/friends/Jim visit. An update on pace...I think I may be on a comfortable track for an October 1st summit. How exciting, yet I feel like this second 1/2 of the trip is FLYING by!
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Eckville Shelter

To: The Chiles Household, Bethleham, PA
Miles today: 0.0

So, i think some sort of bug is floating around these days. Mother is super ill at the moment back in Palmerton at the Jail (A hostel in the basement of the old jailhouse). When we got there a few days ago Apple Pie was lying in her bunk recovering from some sort of something and now I am nor in peak form. Not sick, just not, ya know, awesome. I did wake up super early yesterday to hike out of Lehigh Gap and do a 20 mile day to get here last night. Lehigh Gap is all exposed rock, not something you'd want to climb in the heat of the day! it was a long day, but I think it feels good to do those miles. the best part, I wsa picked up by Eric, who I met last year on the trail and father of '04 thru-hiker Pacemaker. He brought me back to their great home for a fabulous meal, a hot shower and warm bed. because I'm a bit ahead of Plan B to meet my uncle, I'm zeroing here today, hiking tomorrow to Delaware Water Gap and then taking another 4 days off. It's a little strange to think I'll get back on in a few days and not really know who will be around me. Thrifty and Easty may be going to NYC for a few days so I may see them. But, right now I'm in a GREAT mental state and am just so excited to be able to be out hiking right now! Thanks again to the Chiles! This stop has been wonderful!
Date: 2005-08-07
From: Salisbury, CT (staying at Cousin's house)

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just want to give a quick shout out to Troop 56! I met them quickly at the Mashipacong Shelter in NJ. Hope the rest of your hike went well!Welp, I might actually be feeling better. We're talkin' mentally and emotionally here. Physically, I've been awesome for almost all of the trip. Yeah, my stay in Salisbury was good for the soul, if you will. And something my Dad said to me on the phone the other night has stuck with me. He said, "Don't try and overdo it kid!" Simple, yet VERY important advice! I'm out here to ENJOY myself, and pushing for big mile days was NOT enjoyable! So, since Salisbury I've done a 12 mile day, a 16, an eleven today and tomorrow will be a whopping 9.8 to Upper Goose Pond Cabin which has a pond, (duh) with a canoe (not so duh). And believe it or not...I've had a bit of fun again!! I've given up on trying to catch people ahead of me. There are ALWAYS more cool people behind to walk with!Terrain update. Mass. is BEAUTIFUL, we've had some pretty nice views the last few days and some nice and soft pine needle footbed. I gotta say, UPS and DOWNS are back! PA spoiled us! I know it was super rocky, but whoa, much flatter. Well, I guess those Mountains had to come back sometime, guess they are re-trainers for the Whites! Which, I am SO looking forward to by the way!PS: to some friends back home...Jen...took a look at the dress, it's BEAUTIFUL! You'll be stunning as always!Laurie...I'm counting down the days, as I'm sure you are! Happy early B-day, by the way. Manders...I can't beleive I have NO idea what is going on, wish I could be there MOMMY!Shan and Kel...Miss you guys too, can't wait to catch up!Jules...sorry you didn't hear from me, I ended up not coming into the city 'cause my momentum was all thrown off and I probably would have bee-lined it for home...So better that we visit later than, huh? Jess...as always it was great to see you, hope you are enjoying your freakin summer at the freakin BEACH! Just kidding, I'm just jealous!Alright, I'll stop wasting your time..Oh wait, Another shout out to Spud, Ma-Gellen, Vollydoll, and Martin (sorry, can't remember your trail name), all I know is that its NOT Algonquin)! Should probably get some sleep here in MOSQUITO land. Peace!
Date: 2005-08-08
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Finerty Pond 
Miles today: 0.0

Well, hiking may actually be fun again! The beauty factor is up again which is encouraging, it's only going to get better. or so they all say. And...as I said yesterday, I've stopped pushing for those bigger miles. An example: today was only supposed to be 10, but we (Mother & I) got to Upper Goose Pond early enough to take advantage of the pond for swimming/bathing and canoe, eat a leisurely lunch and decide that we could still move on another five miles. A great move I think cause now we don't have to do 20 into Dalton, MA and pass up the blueberry farm along the way. i'm SO excited to go pickin'! Dalton should also be fun, sounds like a cool trail town.Only 2.5 days 'til VERMONT! Seeing Southbounders lately and hearing some of their stories is really pumping me up for these next 7 weeks, should be a good time. Soon, it'll be 11 down, 3 to go. UNBELIEVABLE!So...I think I've finally learned something worthwhile out here. And it's not at all what I expected! I've come to realize it is TOTALLY OK to be "normal" and follow convention. I think I've wasted a lot of time trying to be different fomr other people in the past. I don't even know if that shows in real-life, but yeah, I'm looking forward to normal things when I get home after this abnormal trip. And there you have it...Life Lesson #1 for VOGUE, ar at least that I can remember right now. Peace Yo! I'm sending all my love out to the MOSQUITOES again tonight!
Date: 2005-08-12
From: Finerty Pond 

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

it's been an eventful last few days. Last I wrote, I was only 7 miles from the Cookie Lady and her blueberry farm. Got up early that morning and headed down to fill up my Nalgene full of berries. Arrived to be greeted by Rufus the dog, but no Cookie Lady. I picked, left my money and came to terms with the fact I was going to miss the cookies, but alas right before I started packing up to leave, she and her husband pulled up. Mmm, yummy. They were worth the extra wait!!The second goal for the day was Dalton, Mass. Not quite what I expected from the actual town but man, "The Birdcage" was AMAZING! Rob Bird is the coolest guy right off the trail! Ended up staying there two nights with a slack from Greylock the second day. What an awesome day. It was quite relaxing and the hiking was pretty easy and suprisingly beautiful. I really can't express my feelings about the Birdcage and Rob at the moment. it was just such a nice place to chill out and rejuvenate with great people. Thanks Rob, you da Man! The next day was down Greylock, back up another mountain, and to the freakin' VERMONT border! I was with Mother, Magic Touch and To-phat, We arrive relatively late and just hung out there for a while. I was amazed to find that I actually got chilled for the first time in a while, which is a great sign of weather to come! I think that was the most satisfying state line crossing since TN/VA. It feels good to be here. I really feel that this is what the big push was for and here it is. Time to just hike leisurely and enjoy the surroundings and the people! This is my goal between here and the Big K!So far, so good. In fact today, I had to go into Bennington to pick up a mail drop and had a VERY positive town visit. The lady at the post office was very nice, our waitress at Freindly's was nice and the woman who gave us a ride back to the trail was super nice. Definitely not the trend lately. Glad to see attitutes towards hikers are sort of changing a bit. Seeing lots of Southbounders these days, which is fun. Alright, time for sleepy.
Date: 2005-08-13
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So, last night was Hi-Lar! It rained most of the inght and for some reason I couldn't sleep...but most importantly, I was floating on my Therma-Rest in my tent by about 2am! There were four of us tented about 100 yards from the shelter in a relatively tight area and for some reason I picked THE worst spot to pitch. My tent was in a fresking lake 'til about 8:30 am. Didn't get a whole lot of sleep, needless to say.Did a 17.4 mile day. I like Vermont still, a few ups, but nothing that I can't handle at this point. We'll see how my feet feel tomrrow, but it may be another big day. I'm trying to learn to keep things loose.I'm stuck in this group of ALL boys. It's kinda weird 'cause until, oh, 2 weeks or so ago there were ALWAYS other girls around. i miss 'em! No girly camaraderie and the guys are always willing to do bigger miles and I usually feel that I want to keep up with them so I know people at the shelter. So funny how this whole thing works.Today is also the 31st Celebration of Life for my Mr. James Hollar! Congrats and sorry I can't be there for your big day! Know that I love you. Which you do by now from all the cute monkey cards I keep sending CHEEZE!Well, I guess it's time to sleep so I can go HIKING tomorrow! Sure hope it doesn't rain tonight like it did last.
Date: 2005-08-14
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wow, today was a GREAT hike! Up Stratton Mtn. and down to the pond. Just beautiful! I'm really enjoying Vermont. The love of the trail is slowly seeping back into the blood. I can honestly say my favorite part of the day today was climbing up the mountain, it was so beautiful and oh so satisfying! The smell of the pines has made a welcome return. Loving it!I guess everything is going well though, in a really nice group with beautiful scenery and plenty of WATER! Couldn't ask for much more on the AT! Yeah, I noticed I sort of bashed the guys, but really they are all very nice. I ended up doing a 18.4 with them today, which puts us 3 miles from breakfast in town tomorrow morning. I'm getting sucked into town once again, but at least I'll get out in the early afternoon. I guess I'm feeling boring today, sorry.Oh, here is a thought I've had the past few days....Martha Claus, you would be the ultimate Trail Angel if you lived around here. Just a feeling I have.
Date: 2005-08-15
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Yep, breakfast was gooood! I guess the town visit is well worth it. Did the 3 miles from the awesome shelter this morning, got a hitch and was in town by 8:00. Pretty good. Had some pancakes at Friendly's, went to the bookstore to read some e-mail and made some phone calls. Was back on the trail by 11:40 am for another 10 miles. A nice climb, great pine smells, but no vista, too foggy. Good company though. Can't complain these days at all!Oh...big news from back in WI! My friend Mandy is a MOMMY!!!! Truly amazing, can't wait to see the new Mr. Vedder in October. I'm sure he is just precious! Time to sleepy with the "miceys". My 2nd night in a shelter in months!
Date: 2005-08-16
From: Peru Peak Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a GREAT day on the AT! (I love how positive I can be about this hike again.) Started off with a bang, a climb up Baker Peak with a great view. then coming down Baker Peak I walked through a section of really amazing forest, fairy tale-like. A stretch of flat, soft walking and then came to an amazing spring-fed pond with a great little spot to get in the water and swim across to some great jumping rocks. I almost didn't want to get in, but thanks to Wolfman and GMC caretaked Kelly I did. And boy am I glad! It was GREAT. Right out of a postcard! After the pond was a nice stroll up another mountain and to a section of rocks called White Rocks cliffs. AMAZING views! And then only a VERY short distance to this really cool shelter area! A seriously kick-ass day! And only 14.5 miles to boot! I was actually able to enjoy each and every portion of my day. they even built a fire at the shelter this evening. Tomorrow should be nice too, another 14+ day with a possible restaurant stop for lunch. Perfect! Oh...couldn't have asked for better weather too. Livin' and Lovin'!
Date: 2005-08-19
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Inn at the Long Trail
Miles today: 0.0

It's been another great few days! Simply...I LOVE VERMONT! Two days ago was highlighted by food. We (Break a Leg and I) had a nice lazy morning walk up and down a mountain and ended up at the Whistle Stop Restaurant just a 1/2 mile from the trail after Clarendon Gorge. I think I had the most AMAZING sandwich of my life! Called the Gobbler..Toasted and buttered white bread with grilled turkey, swiss, stuffing and cranberry sauce all grilled together into greasy goodness! Soooo GOOD! Magic Touch and To-phat were there hangin' out as well as Beekeeper and Rest Step, Fun times, fun times. Walking out of there up a HUGE rock pile was hilarious on a full tummy!The destination for the evening was orginally a shelter right on the trail, however there was a warning in our book not to stay there. At other shelters throughout the day we were tipped off to an alternative that we actually found. An AMAZING place with amazing people. Thanks Swansong and Riverdog!I woke up the next morning to VERY brisk air and headed out myself. It was time to conquer Killington! The climb was nice and gradual and fun actually and it was such beautiful weather that I was just trying to soak it all in. At the top of Killington on the AT there si a shelter where I left my pack and walked the blue-blaze trail STRAIGHT up to the summit. So totally rad! In the book it says your able to see a handful of states and even Canada on a clear day, which it was, but I had no clue as to what I was looking at. So worth the extra few minutes to get up there.Walking down the mountain was a little boring, but I knew at the bottom was Inn at the Long Trail where I am now. A shower, a bed, and laundry. All much needed, well guess I didn't REALLY need the bed. Gonna take it lazy. It's so nice to be clean. Awesome surprise: Southpaw and Nipnuck came to visit with me here! So great to see them. I guess I'll be in Hanover on Monday and Glencliff on Wed. or Thursday. New Hampshire here I come!!!! White Mountains here I come!!!! Hope it doesn't get too cold, too quickly here. Alright, better get hikin'!