morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Highpoint Shelter

To: Mayors House
Miles today: 7.1

Day 104 weather: nice& sunny We headed to town to resupply. It is a very friendly town here in Unionville,NY. We resupplied & noticed on the door that the mayor offered shower and laundry for hikers. So we called him up and ended up staying at his house. We had a great time. Decided to redo my icecream challenge here @ the Mayor's. Finished in 29 minutes with cookies and cream icecream. I am now happy with that time. Mayor is planning on going to trail days in VA. When the group came to pick him up Stride was in the car too. I have not seen her since Erwin, TN when we had our snow storm. We all had dinner and caught up with what is going on with us on trail. We were surprised and happy to see her again.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Mayors House

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 105 weather: humid rained overnite We hiked around a pond area. It was a beautiful morning. We saw swans, ground hogs, rabbits, and ducks. Being on top of a mountain looking across seeing where we were just yesterday amazes me. Looks so far away yet it did not take long to get to this side of the mountain. We got some trail magic from Clearcut and Twinkle. They left a cooler full of stuff. I had a snicker and a juice box. Thanks! Norm walked over a snake and I almost stepped on it. It did not flench! It did scare me though. I noticed through hikers Adam and Samsa passed us some how. Hopefully we will meet them soon.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Day 1065/16/08 weather: rainy & cold We planned on getting up early to do big miles. I woke up at 5am and Norm said, "No point leaving early its raining yet he wakes me up at 7am. We did not start hiking until after lunch. So much for that early start/sleeping in....however you want to look at it. Hiking in these conditions brought me roan mountain flash backs. Pouring rain and we are soak and wet. We hiked up lots of bolders and most of the trail was puddles of water. Tried to dodge all these orange salimanders. Top of the mountain was real windy. I can feel water in my shoes why I hike. Its funny how we can hike 12 miles with out stopping in the rain and yet any other day we stop every 2 hours or so. I dis See my first lady slipper (flower). Here at shelter trying to stay warm. Turned my shoes up side down & out came lots of water. Tilted my shoes against wall to help dry more and water is still draining out of my shoes.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Wildcat Shelter 

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

5/17/08   weather: sunny & nice We had wet boots and clothes to put back on. Took a long time before it dried. We had some tough wet bolders to climb. The creek waters did not seem good to drink so we are very thirsty. As we were passing this guy on the trail, I asked him if there were any good water sources coming up ahead. He asked if we were thru hiking and since we were he brought us to his truck where he had tons of drinks and food. His name is Paddy-o. We hung out on the back of his truck and got rehydrated. Thanks for everything! Got to shelter & met Adman & Samsa.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Graymoor Spirtual Center (baseball field)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 108 We had some tough climbs. Seen a group of army men run in this tough area. Got to see NYC. Well from the mountain top from a far distance. Amazing how the buildings are as tall as the moutnains. We crossed a road that said NYC 34 miles. I tried to beg Norm to go into NYC but didnt get to. Came up on group of kids and family. They asked where we came from and we replied GA. They clapped and cheered. It was cute. Said we had another month or 2 and one kid replied you are doing this for months! Got to the park area & it started to rain. We ate under a canopy and ordered from a concession stand. Spent too much but it was good. I had 3 hot dogs nachos and fries with cheese for $11. The rain cleared and we headed onward. I pressed the pedestrian walk button to cross and did not think that the cop car was going to stop. Then the trail ran through a small zoo. These animals were hurt and can not live back in wild so that is why they are there. weird seeing them in cages after seeing them wild and free. Here at the shelter (has electricty) with Titeloops, Adman, and Samsa.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Graymoor Spirtual Center (baseball field)

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

weather: nice & sunny There is not much to say about the hike. We did see some nice views. On top of one of the balds we can see some dark clouds out in the distance and also rain. we never got any rain. The shelter had lots of people. Adam and Samsa (thru hikers), Titleloop, Diansour, and some week end folks. This shelter has 6 bunks, but there was no room so we slept on the floor. The shelter is beside a neigborhood road and has houses all around it. So we ordered pizza again! Titeloops and I brough chairs out toward the road to wait for the pizza. I ended up falling backwards out of my chair and barely missed the medal chain that was blocking the driveway. I felt clumbsy but at least I was fine. Norm and I had our own 16 inch pizza. It did not stay in me to long once I was finished. I was going to use the privey but the week end folks were using it as a dressing room so I had togo deep in the woods. When I really would like to have the enjoyments of a seat. Oh well the hiking life has its advantages.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: RPH Shelter

To: -
Miles today: 17.3

Day 110 We have now hiked 1433 miles miles: 17.3 weather: nice & sunny then rain We kept waking up to being thirsty from pizza and hearing mouse chewing on Adam and Samsa's trailmix bag. We stopped at a great deli on route 52 and had breakfast. We hiked beside Nuclear Lake. We called Sasquatch (big foot) to see if he could pick us up. He is the guy that we met back towards Harpers Ferry. He drove us to a grocery store to help us resupply. He and his wife were generous to have us stay for dinner and the night as well. We showered and did laundry. We ate a delicious bowl of chili plus cheese with cornbread and butter mixed all together. We heard that Katahdin is still closed and has snow. We also heard that northern Vermont there is 2 feet of snow. We hope it will be decent by the time we get there. Waterbear 46 vs Mtns. 48 The moutains are still beating me but not by much. Leaving NY tomorrow into Conneticut (New England!)
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Mile 1433

To: -
Miles today: 20.4

Day 111 weather: sunny & nic then cool & rainy We are at mile 1433 We started our day with a great breakfast french toast & bacon instead of our everyday poptarts/honeybuns. Thanks for all your hosbiltality! We had a great time. He dropped us off before dropping his kids to school. We got to see the largest oak tree on the AT. We have been seeing more lady slippers (flowers) on the trail. We passed by a small train station on the right on the AT that takes you into NYC. It was just a platform with a bench to wait for a train. I tried once again to talk Norm into going to see the city but better luck next time I suppose. During one of our breaks we sat on top of a mountain. We heard thunder and rain. We ended up getting wet but the storm went away fast. We met a guy named Blazer and had great company. My knees and feet hurt lots from up and down hills on rocks.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Mt. Lago

To: Pine Swamp
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

Day 112 weather: spotty drizzle/ cool We hiked to Kent, Connecticut to go the post office and find Norm some new shoes and repair his liki poles. My $15 poles have held up since day one of the trip. Norms poles (since waynesboro) has been falling apart. Norm got new shoes and poles repaired. We had a school cross guard guide us across. Everyone is nice except for the high school kids. I do not care if people do not say hi back, but hate it when they do not even look at you as if we were scum...it just bothered me. We are not any better because we hike the AT or how much money someone has.. Where has the love and respect gone to? All I siad was,"Hi and good morning" and get nothing in return...not even a smile. During the hike we seen some school kids rock climbing. That was neat.Had to cross a COLD river..Once I got to the other side, I realized I had left my boots back where I stopped and took them off..so I had to go back. We have been seeing lots of birds building their nest in shelters which is very fascinating to watch.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Pine Swamp

To: Riga
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 113 weather: clear sunny yet really cool & windy. Night-rain We heard racecars for miles. Even seen them at one point. Even though i like racing, i'm not so sure if I care to hear the cars that loud in the mountains. Seen some more good views. My favorite for today was the Rands view. It would be a good picnic area with mountain views. This shelter is looking straight out from the mountain. We could see for miles. Not too many shelters have a view like this. The lady next to us shared some Amos cookies and McDonalds applepie with us. What a nice surprise! First incident being around weed smokers on this journey.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Pine Swap

To: Riga
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 114 We had some tough up and down climbs. Many times I had to sit to get my self down some of these bolders. I had a fun day. Made it to another state- Massachusetts! Seen more great views. Feels good to be back in real mountains with good views. We seen a beautiful flower that looks like a wind mill. We had to cross some swampy areas where it seemed ALL the mosquittos lived. We had like a hundred on each arm & leg. Bug spray didnt help too much. Norm is stubborn when it comes to spraying bug spray but he broke down today & used it. Stayed the nite in a business green house where we met Poz. He is doing a big section of the trail. We came in and he was eating pizza and beer he shared some with us. Great guy. It was intersting staying there...its kinda neat to living each day & not really know where you'll be sleeping. Hiking today was the first time I felt so tired that I could litterlly fall asleep right then & there no matter if i'm standing or laying.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Riga

To: East Mtn. Retreat Center
Miles today: 8.4

Day 115 weather: nice & sunny It's norm's golden birthday! Not much happen during hiking. Mosquttos & black flies are BAD today. Met a past thru hiker name Bobcat & his group. He works at a fitness club where times he takes them outdoors for exercise instead of being inside all the time. Bobcat gave us some wonderful fruit. THANKS! Once we got to the road. We had to walk an extra mile & then another half mile up the driveway to this place. Realized a bird pooped on my bag. Surprised it didn't happen sooner. Had a relaxing day and ordered pizza. Took 2 hrs to get it but it was good. I tried somerthing new which was good. It is called sweet and sour pizza. It is a white pizza with chicken, barbque sauce, pineapples, recotta cheese, halapenios, & red onions.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: East Mtn. Retreat Center

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 116 weather: HOT sunny and windy We tried to hitch but no luck. We had like 5 cars go by and after walking half mile while hitching we decided that it was no point to hitch the last half mile so we walked. We heard fighter jets. Decided to do two 20 mile days so we can have a zero day in Dalton. Met the first SOBO this year name Timber. He had special permission to climb Katahdin and ski down it. Right before cabin, we seen a beaver swimming near its home. Here at the cabin ( .5 off trail) back w/ Poz & met Big Bob & Commander Joe. Great company. The caretaker for the cabin. Slow Foot cooked us egg noodles w/ sausage. What a nice surprize. Great cabin & wonderful company.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: 1566.6 Toms House
Miles today: 0.0

Day 117 weather: Hot & sunny Slow Foot cooked us pancakes w/ cranberries in them all which is a donation. Food was great. What a great way to start off the morning. Unlike yesterday there is no wind only heat. Had to walk in beaver area where you couldn't see planks to walk on so we had to bush wack through the pine trees & such just to try to stay dry. It kinda hurt. Hiked w/ Poz & Big Bob into town. We then seperated. We heard that some of our friends were @ Tom's & that's why we decided to go there. He inivted us in & they (Just Hiking, Double Cheese, & Offseason) were already @ the table eating. What a great way to end the hike w/ coming straight in eat at the table & then shower. He was cool to let all of us wear his clothes if we need to. So i dressed in hawii trunks & tank. We plan on zeroing tomorrow & tackle the Godzilla Omeltte. (12 eggs, meats, veggies, 4 cheeses + 2 whole pieces of toast + home fries) If u eat it all in 30 mins. You get free shirt saying that u tackled it.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: 1566.6 Toms House

To: Toms House
Miles today: 0.0

Day 118 ZERO DAY! Even on zero days I dont even get to sleep in. Not sure if I'll ever will within these 5 months. Went to Misty's Moonlight Diner for the Godzilla omellete. Twelve eggs that comes with tons of veggies, 4 cheeses, sausage, and ham., spinach + served with home fires and two whole pieces of toast. If you can eat it all within 30 minutes you get a shirt saying you conquererd it. Cute diner..played '50's music. Norm & I had our own. We both ate it all except half of the omeltte. I wasnt full but I had a hard time eating that since it had spinach in it. Tom has bikes for us to use. So we rode bikes to the laundry mat & post office in Tom's hawii trunks. Had a great time. Thanks mom for the goodies! Thanks Luke amd Laura for the wonderful surprize of picture of my neices. Cant wait to see everyone again. Ate dinner at a kitchen table and watched a movie with pop corn. I have not felt relaxed in along time. It was nice. THANKS Tom for everything! You are truly wonderful!
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Toms House

To: Clearing Wilbur
Miles today: 20.3

Day 119 weather: sunny/windy-nice I did not want to throw down the hammer but norm made me. We had to start hiking again. Met Cowboy Killer (thru hiker) on trail. He started March 6th! The blazing on trees were horrible to follow it was not well done. Stopped in at this little stand for icecream. Stayed the night with Double Cheese & Cowboy Killer.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Clearing Wilbur

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 120 weather: hot humid w/ no wind As we were hiking a porkie pine was heading our direction on trail until it realized we were there and then it headed up the tree. Went into town ( .5 off trail ??) to resupply. It took me forever just to buy a few days worth of food. Shopping is still over whelming with lights, people, & too much products. Really thirsty today. Seen more moose poop & today tracks but no moose. We walked on planks and the pond were the beavers damed the water was about eye level. It was tretty wild. At the shelter we finally got a chance to talk with Pace and Chase (big section of trail) enjoyed talking with them. A group of kids who were camping near by brought us the rest of their hotdogs. Boy did it taste good over fire! Thanks!
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

weather: humid & sticky then rain & slight hail Mosquittos woke up early and they were eating us while we were eating breakfast and sleeping. As soon as we got started I tripped and fell flat on my face. Looks like im not going to have a good day today. Pace and Chace had to cut their trip short. They gave us the rest of their bug spray - thanks! Every bit will be used thats for sure. Couldnt enjoy lunch for long for we were getting eatin. We had some tough climbs today but made it just in time before it poured & hailed. Its so cold at this shelter that i could see my breath. We both have all of our winter gear on. Apparently a rabbit lives at this shelter. Many people have seen it. It is huge! Enjoyed watching it when ever it was around.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Started off cool and windy. Seen tons of moose poop. It's either moose poop or a really big gerbal. Feelin' good after a good nights rest. I felt so energized that I felt like I flew up the 2,500 ft. Stratton mountain. Gone up the fire tower which had a lovely view of the mountains. It was even more windy and cool up there. Here at the shelter with several people who are doing the Long Trail. They were a hoot. Didn't have any bug problem until we got to the shelter. Nothing but laughs tonight....meaning more breakfast to eat in the morning. (LOL)
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: manchester
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Privy is the worst one I've been to so far. Peoples poop was filled to the rim of the seat. Lovely, I tell ya. Lovely. Had to hitch into town. Longest for us so far--20 minutes, but that isn't bad. A lady and her dog in a pickup truck was headed to McDonalds were they dropped us off. Tried staying at the Suttons place, but no one was home nor did they return our call. As we were resupplying and hanging around town we ran into Hammer again. Heard that Hammer might have lime disease. Hopefully, things will work out for him again to were he is feelin' him self again. Hammer was staying at the Avalanche motel so all three of us hitched aride up there. We didn't get to wash our clothes at the laundry mat so we had to do the best we can in the bathroom sinks at the motel.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: manchester

To: manchester
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Unexpected ZERO DAY!! Norm and I ate at Bob's Diner for breakfast. As we were talking, we just realized it has been forever since we had a true zero day where we did absolutely nothing. No laundry, resupplying, etc. We didn't really feel like we had a half a day of rest yesterday. We did nothing but lay in bed the ENTIRE DAY. It was a tv programs marathon. Friday and Saturday is suppose to have a heat wave of at least 80. Heard gas in Knoxville is $3.77. I can't believe it has gone up a whole dollar since we have been gone! Hammer planned on visiting some people so he is headed off the trail for a bit. Norm and I ordered pizza in considering we didn't feel like hitching. Besides, it ended up raining. Enjoyed the day.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: manchester

To: Big Branch
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Wasn't in the mood to leave (like usual). We waited til the rain died down before we tried to hitch. Luckly, ten minutes later a guy and his pick up truck gave us a ride back to the trail. The first 10 miles of the trail had tons of trees blown over. We either had to climb over/under or bush wack around. Weather was perfect for today. It was nice and cool. Part of the trail took you up part of a ski slope. It is a full house at the shelter tonight. Got to meet Indian Summer (thru-hiker). Had good company for the night.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Big Branch

To: upper cold river rd.
Miles today: 21.3

Good day with some tough sections. Hiked alittle bit with Long Trail folks--Night Hawk and The Chief. As Norm and I were headed down one of the hills, I said to him "move out of the way, slow poke" as I was headed around him. At the same time, I slipped on the rock that is covered in moss. Got winded, but was laughing at the ordeal. Norm said "that is why I am going slow so I don't fall on bust my ass". I was ready for the day to be over with. This section wore me out. The shelter that we stayed at is known as the "secret shelter". The second one we know of yet the first one we stayed at. Nothing different from the other shelters. There is another shelter a mile or two from this one that apparently people can drive right up to it and party. However, things this year are changing. After many generations, they will no longer be able to drive up to it. So that is why we stayed at the secret shelter. Night Hawk and The Chief stayed with us there.
Date: 2008-06-06
From: upper cold river rd.

To: Rutland--twelve tribes
Miles today: 12.0

Started raining around midnight. Plans were to go into town resupply and carry out some hotdogs to cook over the fire for dinner. Considering it rained off and on through out the day, we stayed in town instead. We didn't get wet at all really. We were lucky and dodged the rain from shelter to shelter during the hike. Had to hitch once again. Many cars went by, but not one stopped. 15 minutes later, a guy yelled from his house near by asking if we needed a ride into town because that was were he was headed. Cool guy. Started talking about skiing and marathons. Turns out he qualified for the Boston marathon (3:15)! Here at the tweleve tribes eating at their cafe called Back Home Again Cafe. GREAT organic food and such loving people. We were going to head to one of their gatherings to see what it is all about, but they wouldn't get back until 10:30pm. Hiker bed time is by 9:00...many times earlier. We resupplied their, showered, and done laundry. Ate chinese for dinner. I didn't care for that place. Food wasn't kept up like it should. I ended up getting sick and throwing up all of my food at the hostel. I know. I know. TMI (too much info.). The guys had their own dorm and the women had theirs. I had the room all to my self which was nice. Didn't have to worry wether or not I will be bothering anyone. However, I wished I could have hung out with the guys and catch up on things. While we were there, we met a thru-hiker name "Yedi" and "Just Hiking" was there. Yedi told us that Liquid broke his leg not long ago. I hate hearing that. I know that he is bummed. Liquid, hope you get well soon. Keep your head up. Hugs.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Rutland--twelve tribes

To: stony brook
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up til 1:00am sending my journal entries to my friend Benny to post on trail journals. However, slept GREAT for the remaining of the night. Wished it couldv'e last longer. Took the bus back to the trail. The bus driver knew where we were going, but if I wasn't paying attention who knows where we wouldv'e ended up. Had to walk an extra 200 yds back towards the trail since he past it. I'm not complaining. Just informing that we do MUCH MORE miles than the AT just to get things done. Today was the beginning of the heat wave. We took our time and many breaks. Shortly after lunch near Kent Pond, we seen our very first moose! Wasn't quick enough to get a picture of it. I was so excited that I finally seen a moose! Talked with some maintainers who were repainting the white blazes. Climbing up the mountain was harder than ever before. The heat really took a toll on me. We decided that we would go to bed early and start night hiking since we can't hike in this type of weather. Bugs were bad here too. Had to sleep with our bug nets over our faces.
Date: 2008-06-08
From: stony brook

To: mile 1713.4
Miles today: 15.2

We got up @ midnight and started hiking by 12:30. At first I was hot, but then as time went on the night got cooler. MUCH BETTER hiking in this. Mosquittos and black flies weren't a bother--thank goodness. However, the moths were a pain. Still, I rather deal with them the the mosquittos and black flies. It was a VERY quiet night. Surprisingly, we didn't hear much movement nor animal sounds. My body felt confused throughout the hike. Considering it was dark, it wanted to sleep. When a few hours went by, I felt like it was lunch time. Sunrise came up around 4:45am. Set our tent up under pine trees. Too hot to sleep nor even lay there. Dreaming of hotdogs and icecream. We sat in the creek for most of the day. Then after dinner, we went to bed.