morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got out early, as planned. Hurray! 7AM. Got 7 miles done in 2.5 hrs. but here comes the hard part. It took me the rest of the day to finish out the last 12 miles. Basicallly, that in 8 hrs. Slow going , but worth it. Got up to elevation slow and then above treeline. I tell ya, that's great. Just continuous views all around and the sunset was great. Lake of the Clouds Hust was all I believed it would be. Also the highest elevation that I have slept at, too. Just a geat time.Well, time to sack up.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-07-01
From: Pinkham Notch Camp

To: Pinkham Notch
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Beautiful day to go up to the mountain that normally has some of the worst wweather in the world. Only 20mph wind with gusts in the 30's. Yes, only 20 mph. The average wind speed on top is in the 60's so 20mph was nice. Also at 6280 or so feet, it's usually cloudy, but today it wasn't. Hurray! Just beautiful weather..Got going about 9:30 am because of "work for stay". Had to sweep up the dining hall and that was it. I also silled my belly which mad it worthwhile. Not very often that I get to do that while on the trail. Unfortunately today, I will be leaving the best of the White Mountains. Hopefully, someday I will be back and I will definitely go slower. Doing these kind of miles on this terrain saps my energy reserves.Finally made it to Pinkham Notch Camp and just in time. Just a few minutes later, the bottom fell out and thunder was rolling over the mountains. During that time, I decided to go into Gorham and stay for the night. The Hostel was called "The Barn" and for good reason. Obviously, it was a converted barn directly attached to the house. Kinda' cool, never saw that kind of setup before. Very advantageous if you don't wanna get wet running to the barn while it is raining. Well, that's the story and time for sleep.Mellopeace, out
Date: 2004-07-02
From: US2-Gorham

To: NH 16
Miles today: 21.0

got out about 8am and hitched to US2 trailhead. Slacked the 21 miles south to NH16 and it took a while just to slack this section. Lots of steep up downs, but the views were terrific. Got a good view of the Presidentials from Cater Dome. Got another view north from one of the Wildcats. Mt. Moriah had a good view also. The views slowed me down some. If there were no views, I wouldve done the miles faster, but when they come, I GOTTA LOOK, YA KNOW.Well, I finally got back into town about 8PM. Finished sorting out my food and went to buy some and wouldn't you kow it, Doc drove up in a Lamborghini Bull and gave me a RIDE in it! That is one SWEET car. He took off for a few seconds one time and I was relly pressed back into my seat. Pure exhilaration! Also, like Kung Fu said, "Probably my first and last time to ride in a Lamborghini". Maybe not an exact quote, but close. I will remember that ride for a long, long time. SSWWEEEEET!Well, time to get my everloving sleep.MelloPeace, out!
Date: 2004-07-03
From: Gorham, NH

To: Carlo Col Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today turned into a long afternoon of hiking but it was alright. Didn't get out 'til 11:30 am or so. Not a good time but something i can work with. Eventually got in about 8:45 pm. A long haul over that kind of terrain. . Just about stayed at the Gentian Pond Shelter b/c of the view but I moved on. Lh, yeah, almost forgot. No more states left. I'm finally on the home stretch. Maine, finally!! Tell ya' the truth, I'm ready for this to be over but it'll definitely not be something I forget or something that I will not try again. Just that gut feeling that i'll be back again someday. I wonder what will change by the time I try this again. Who knows. I'll see it when I do. Met another NOBO today. Numbskull. Not exactly what I thought he would look like but that's not unusual. Well, time for some shuteye.MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-07-04
From: Carlo Col Shelter

To: Baldpate Lean-to
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a slow go and I mean a really slow go. Took me 3 hrs to get to Mahoosuc Notch over what seemed not so tough terrain or maybe I was wrong. Mahoosuc Notch was everything I thought it would be and maybe a little over the top. It was fun though going through, around, over, and under al those gigantic boulders. Even better, there was still plenty of ice left. Yes! Ice in July. Somehow it has survived and I've got a pic to prove it. Finally got to the shelter late and on one there. I guess when you get ahead like this into the unkown, it happens. Oh well. Not like it is the first time or will be the last. Man I'm ready for this to be done w/. Be patient. Soon. MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-07-05
From: Baldpate Lean-to

To: South Arm Rd. and Andover, Maine
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Easier day today even though it was raining. Hoping to get out of it and come upon Mrs. Gorp slack-packing. Thanks to her, I was able to get a ride out at South Arm Rd. She was getting picke up a 3 pm on East B-Hill Rd so she got some people at the Andover Guest House to pick me up at 5 pm. I owe you one Mrs Gorp. Thanks a bunch. Got me a shower, clothes washed, and watched a Braves game. Perfect ending for a day. melloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-07-06
From: South Arm Rd. and Andover, Maine

To: Maine Rt 4 and Rangeley
Miles today: 26.0

Decided to slack the whole 26 miles to Rangeley today and I owe a big one to some section hikers who took my packto the Gull Pond Lodge in Rangeley. Yet another cloudy and rainy day. 2 days like this get monotonous and my feet are hurting me now from 2 days of wet shoes. I think I'm gonna zero tommorrow while it's forcasted to rain yet another day. melloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Maine Rt 4 and Rangeley

To: rangeley
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero. Zero. Zero. Delight. Delight. Delight. Nothing like a zero to ease the pains. My feet still hurt. Bob here at the Gull Pond Lodge is a fabulous host. Went to the store and got some goodies and makings for spaghetti. Yum. I really gorged myself from it all. At least a pound of noodles. I was really hurting from eating too much. Sweet bliss. Watching TV and catchin' up w/ the new. MelloPeace, out..
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Rangeley, Maine

To: Spaulding Mountain lean to
Miles today: 18.7

Rainy day, just plain rainy. Soaked to the bone, but what could I do. Either rush it for a July 20 finish or take it easy with a few big days. So I left after 2 zero day in the rain. Hopefully, it clears up for tomorrow. I wish the saddlebacks had been clear because there would have bben quite a view up there. Tooooo bad. Thak you to Bob, owner of Gull Pond Lodge, for all the hospitality over the past 3 days. It has been great. My stomach still hurts from all that spaghetti I ate. It was good though. Well, time to hit the sack and pray for no rain. MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Spaulding Mtn Lean to

To: Avery Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

Long day, but not as long as yesterday. Still cloudy with plenty of gray views. Supposed to clear up tomorrow, but that's what they said about today. I hope it is not raining in the morning because it would be a drag to break camp wet. Ran into a lot of SOBO's, around 10 today. Most in one day for me. One was from Georgia. It was good to hear that Southern Accent again since I have bben ahead of the rest of the Bama crew for over a week. Missin all them fellas. Wish they'd hurry up, but I don't think they'll catche me since I'm doing a 20 miler just about every day. Maybe, maybe not. Who knows?Well, time for some sleep.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Avery Memorial Campsite

To: Pierce Pond Lean to
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: few clouds

Woke up to sunshine this morning. That was a sure vote of confidence. Got up to Avery Peak and had my first view in a while, too. Couldn't see Katahdin because it was still hazy. Oh well. Give me a few day. Finally flattened out to where I could stretch my legs out and move. Did 10 miles in 3.5 hrs First time in a long while. Felt good. Saw lots of hikers today. A large group of French-Canadians who didn't let on that they knew english and about 10 SOBO's. Quite a few but NO NOBO's. Scratch that, Nick came into the shelter late. Only NOBO I have seen in days. Good to see a familiar face. Heading across the Kennebick tomorrow and on to Monson the next day.Time for sleep.Mello,Peace out.
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Pierce Pond Lean to

To: Moxie Bald Mtn
Miles today: 20.7

Got up about 5:30 a.m. b/c the bugs were so bad. Felt like the mosquitos got me on the lips, forehead, ear, and more. Got moving by 6 pm and arrived at the Kennebec River at 8 a.m.. I could have crossed the river by foot but decided to wait on the ferry. Read a little and we got ourselves hungry from talking about food we missed. Fried chicken, fried okra, banana pudding, sweet tea. It'll be great to ne back home and on time w/ my set date of when I wanted to finish. Kinda' funny that i'm finishing on the day I originally thought would be a good day to end. Talk about timing. I'll also be finishing in time for my cousins wedding. Hoorah! And now my sister is engaged to the fella' of her dreams. What a summer. Almost. Too much stuff to keep track of. Well I'm gonna camp on top of Moxie Bald Mtn tonight. Actually I'm gonna cowboy right under the stars. Just for understanding sake, it's where I camp w/out setting up my tent in clear view of the stars. Well, I'll be home in about 2 weeks. Yahoo!MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-07-18
From: Mahar Tote Rd. and White House Landing Hostel

To: Rainbow Spring Lean-To
Miles today: 15.9

Did a slightly shorter day than the more recent ones. Didn't feel like headin' on out to the next shelter and meet up w/ Stiffarm/Mighty Malyuh Man 2. It was just too far for my liking for today. I'll just head on into the Birches tommorow and up the next day. Sounds like a plan. Beautiful day today. Lots of sunshine and not too warm, but it's supposed to maybe rain tommorrow. Just hope it doesn't follow up on the next day also. Just pray for a good day. Well, time for some sleep. Mello Peace, Out.
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Rainbow Spring Lean-To

To: The Birches Campsite
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: moderate rain

woke up and it was raining. Great! Well, not like that hasn't happened before. Just another day. Got a long ways to go so it's up and out. Easy walking. No big elevation gains, nothing more than 250' at one time so I'll be cruisin' today. Abol Bridge was a nice place to stop. Enjoyed a lot of doughnuts and some icecream. That was nice before I headed on to the Birches.
Date: 2004-07-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Alex and brother, Aaron and their dad are on the way home to Troy from the Atlanta airport as I am writing. It has been one INCREDIBLE journey for our son. Sweet home Alabama is calling his name. They are going to eat breakfast (ayce) and then probably eat lunch here at Alex's favorite ayce Julia's. Banana pudding, ya know. Love and blessings to all who have been around our son.Susan
Date: 2004-08-18
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I've been home now for several weeks and it's about time for college to start up again. Done a lot of thinking since I've been home but not as much as I did out on the trail of course b/c there's to much going on here to allow that kind of thinking. I've been thinking about how I have changed or how I haven't changed and tell ya what. I don't think that I've changed much at all except for being even more quiet than I used to be, especially during the day. Mainly b/c I didn't talk to anyone much during the day b/c I mainly hiked alone during that time. Some of the people at work say that I am a bit more quiet now than I used to be. But I can say this that sometimes I feel a little more bolder than I used to be too. I don't know. Maybe I did go crazy out there and I ain't any closer to solving some of my own questions now than I was before. Actually, now, I think I have more questions. If I hike much more, I think I'll be all questions and no answers. Not very good humor either. HA! I'm also trying to get over calling myself Mello. Just about every time I've tried to introduce myself to someone since I've been home, I have just about said "mello" instead of my own name, Alex. I'm even starting to forget my own name since I would forget other things while on the trail. I do not know how many times my visor was brought back to me after I had left it out on the trail somewhere. Very forgetful. Boy-O-Boy. I was good at that sort of stuff. Well, I've gotta go to work so adieu. Alex "mello" LongPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-08-25
From: Home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, it's schooltime again and my class schedule is a mess. Didn't register until the week before school so most of my classes were full, and w/ 1800 incoming freshmen, the vast majority of all classes were full. Calculus II wasn't though and that's the biggie. For the rest, I just scraped together the rest of my classes to get a full load. I sure do feel restrained a bit in those classroom and maybe a bit claustrophobic. It's kinda hard to sit around for about an hour and just stare and listen w/ a little writing on the side. Almost had to learn how to take notes again since I hadn't done it in so long. I have noticed something though. I do seem to have a bit more patience than I used to have. I guess when you have to wait most of the day to go only 20 miles you get like that. Congrats to all the other hikers who have finished and best of luck to the ones still enroute. I hope you make it. Adieu.Alex "Mello" LongPeace Out
Date: 2003-11-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, its November 14th and im getting ready for the trail which im starting late june early july, heading southbound. So far, it looks like my Best friend dave will do half of it with me, and my Girlfriend wants to do about a month with me. Sweet sweet. Im am saving money, 1400 so far. I think this will definaetly be a budget hike, not to mention the crossing over into the real world. I will be fresh out of highschool, taking a year off before i go to college. Im practicing alot, not to mention getting my plans together. Well see how I do, well onto more later! Peace.
Date: 2003-12-03
To: Shiza news.
Miles today: 0.0

Life's is one huge journey. eh, im really unhappy to say, that Deb wont be doing as much of the trail as i had hoped. eh se la vi. She will still do as much as she can, thats what counts. Christmass is coming, yippeee. ill get the last bit of equiptment needed, the stove and purifier. my Ipod is shipping today. Just need the solar charger and car adaptor. another 100 bucks to go. This trail, will totaly be the true discovering myself. I need that. Time. I cant wait. I welcome the future. With open arms.
Date: 2003-12-04
To: the future
Miles today: 0.0

Well, i finally got my ipod. Holy balls! this this is sooo sleek and sexy. Its definaetly going with me on the trail. I need two more pieces of equiptment to go with it, to keep it running, a car charger and a brunton solar charger. It holds SOOOOO much music, its rediculous. Ive had a really really good day today, for various reasons, EEnyway; anyone know of a site that has tips on keeping a balanced diet for the trail? I dont really have the best diet now; three food groups, Starch, Meat, and Dairy. this could lead to problems on the trail. Im guessing i should throw in some dried fruits, but what would i do for veggies? V8s would be nice, eh, ill figure something.
Date: 2004-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Damn, its been a while since ive made an entry. Well, i really need to git ready. ive been excersizing, more or less. ive got a three months left, i need to make them count.Ive gotten all the gear i need sofar. ive got 4 phonebooks loaded in my pack, ive been doing alot of walkign everyday. but not enuf. round 7 miles a week. good times right? now, i need to focus on FOOD! im thikning rice, ramen, landiega (sp? ITs a type of german jerky), Maseca (kinda like flour), trailmix(specificaly fruits), gatoraide mix, and i leave the rest to be baught in stores. if this looks not smart, let me know!
Date: 2004-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Alrighty! well, im plotting my itenerary. looks like my departure date is gonna be july 2nd. im gonna have to keep a pretty quick pace, if im to get home before thanksgiving. 15 miles a day, give or take. So, im graduating tommorow! whoo hoo! Ive descided that im gonna dye my hair blue, to do something crazy. Hope i make quite the impression, hehe. aww, im definaetly goign to miss everyone. Carole and my family especialy. ill be backsoon enough. just you wait.I still have yet to gather my food stocks, gonna go do a lil shopping. but i have all my gear. oh well, im out.
Date: 2004-06-14
To: Down to the wire!
Miles today: 0.0

WHooo hoo! July 2nd is comign closer and closer. Im a bit of a Procrastinator, ive finnaly finished my complete itinerary today. I have all my mail drops, but i still need to purchase my food. IM gettign there. Belive it or not, im in Nicaragua right now! Yeah, i woulda started the AT sooner, but i had to go see my grandparents here. Its sorta like the AT here, hiking everywhere, using pans and buckets to shower, pretty medieval like. Something else is different, ive dyed my hair green. its quite the sight, seeing a green haired gringo walk through the streets of nicaragua.Im gonna get a bit of a tan, take it easy, and pack on some GOOD food, before i start my hike.OH yeah, i Ordered and recieved around 130 pounds of grain, trailmixes, dried fruits, and CANDY! its sittign in my room right now. Another addition, my Aunt and Uncle had given me a pretty snapptastic watch as a graduation present. Compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. SOme other last minute stuff ive collected: first aide kit, walking stick, underwear, 'true'hiker companion, thru hiker workbook, packtowel, and a few other nik-naks.Well, ill prob put up another entry pretty soon.
Date: 2004-06-27
To: CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
Miles today: 0.0

Ive changed my plans! Looks like im hiking with a Partner, my uncle's long friend, Brandon. So im gonna leave a week or so later that i thought ide be leaving. THats a delay im more than willing to make, someone to hike with will make it much easier to be modivated. -more to come soon!-Oh im going to miss Carole Sooooooooo much! i thought the 2 weeks without seeing her were hell, 5 and a half months: murder.
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Katahdin Stream Camp

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 117.8
Weather: light rain

So! ive sumited katahdin, a ruff 10.4 miles, was rudely told to leave the park, because there is no camping allowed in Baxter state park. (Shhh... i stealth camped. Take that Gov Baxter!) well, that was 10 days ago, ten LONG Tuff, arduous days. Through the Hundred mile wilderness. my favorite vantage point HAD to be barren ledges, 2300 feet of so, but DAMN! it was nice to see a little bit of the spiderweb of civilization. I finnaly made it out, to route 15, hitched to Greenville with this cooky young animal vet, said he was going to look at a sick horse, he dropped me off at this themed-pseudo-walmart indian hill trading post place. alot to cheapy-cheapy gear, didnt really see much that i needed. i regret that i didnt but a new thermarest pad. my 30 year old anteaque is wicked heavy. Well, got to the postoffice, picked up a letter from carole(!) and my maildrop! Wont you know it, my dad had rented me a satalite phone! ITs a hefty 13 oz, but shit! its a great thing to have, at least untill im not going solo anymore. (Maine/new hampshire state line) Thanks dad and mom! So im already in that ounce shedding moood! sent hope 6.7 lbs of stuff. i might be getting an alchohol stove to replace the multi-fuel stove (Brunton's Optimus Nova) i have (by 1/5 the weight) Brasslite is the brand! im gonna go alchohol, at least untill the colder months. IM staying at Lindy's Trail Magic place in monson. Two nights. to wait out some yucky weather. then its OFF! back on the trail, with 100+ miles under my belt, im a little better prepaired now! PEACE!!!(some trail names ive seen: Red dog (first hiker i met, cool guy with alot of tips. Thanks for the innertube), Waterfall, numskull, Curious, sojurner, happy (serious ultra lighter), dirty bird, Porkchop (soboer!), surf (soboer), mad dog, first light, touch of time, bone dancer, unfinished, iodine, cowboy (I think he got giardia), the divas (Alvin, Simon, THeodore), the Bald legal, Haiku, and many more (Sorry if im leaving you out)
Date: 2004-08-13
From: Rangely, ME

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 97.0
Weather: overcast clouds

SO! im on an on, this epic journey. Stopping in Rangely/Oquossoc for a mail drop, a viewing of spiderman2 AND some changes to my gear. From my stove to a brasslite alchohol stove and a 1976 thermarest inflateable to a 2004 Thermarest Z-lite! Torso size (even lighter!) 11 oz or so. Hmm so im in the library, i think im kinda stinky. Sorry fellow patrons! The past 100 miles have been a trip, Bigelo mnts, Saddle Back mnts and lots and lots of bog walking! yuk! I was caught in some pretty nasty weather for the past few days. (AND FULL SHELTERS) Slept of the ground last night, in front of the shelter. At least i stayed dry. The only bad part was the cold ground and the many many many many mice. if i could have cought one, i woulda eaten it! good chow! j/k Ive made a few friends out here, fellow southbounders. First Henry (Pokey), one of those, aw well, alot have bad things have happened to me lately, im gonna take to the trail and have a fresh start people. Pretty nice guy, even if he is a little rough around the edges. Ive also made the hiking buddy, SKY. Being a very upstanding charachter, I became friends with him in an instant. We had hiked for around 4 days or so, but he pushed a 21 mile day, leaving me in the dust. that what being 6ft 4., and having super long legs will do to ya. shame, i really felt comfortable around him. So im dirty as hell, a bit water logged. My stupid bag cover leaked a bit, but thank goodness i have such a kickass back pack, it didnt let any of the water in my clothes or speeing bag. Im thinking of makeing the invesment of a bivy/goretex bag liner. I think the cold is coming sooner than i anticipated. Hurricane Charlie isnt gonna rile me up! HA I HAVE SUPERIORITY OVER THE ELEMENTS! Speaking of which, I was caught in a hail storm on the top of little biggelo mnt! NO fear, have I. it did hurt a bit. YESTERday i was runnign late, caught up top of saddleback mnt in a 40 mile per hour winds, with bone chillign rain. Thank goodness for my kickass REI Elements jacket, without it i would have gottten hypothermia out there. Thanks for the jacket Mom and Dad! Well, my time is up, ill try to add more and email everyone later today!
Date: 2004-08-18
From: Bethel, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 50.0

SO! Im in Bethel maine, a bit off course, But its nice to catch a $4 movie while waiting for my bivy and tent to come in! its a little bit harder to get around here but i stopped into this Chamber of Commerce, and i recieved all the maps and info i need to get around. Lucky for me, the chamber of commerce is right next to the movie theater! So the entire movie theater is run by 2 teenagers. skater kids. I thought that was funny. Well, ill prob stop by and make another entry after the movie!
Date: 2004-08-18
To: Bethel Me
Miles today: 0.0

SO! Ive just finished watching the Village. Ha ha ha! I COMPLETELY saw that coming. NIce little cameo, by Mister M. Night himself. Well, i think i acctually just SAW that UPS truck that i was waiting on! It even made the right turn on the road, torwards the drop location. whoo hoo! Well, Adviterseine!