morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Morgan Stewart shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Another early start. A very hot day and we needed to drink lots of water which was in short supply. We had heard there was a hot dog wagon at the RR crossing near RT 22 NY so we were fantasizing about chili dogsand fries. Funk told us the wagon was there M-Sat 11 to 5. We arrived after 12 and there was no wagon!We were so bummed out! We had lunch on the porch of the Nursery next to the trail and filled up our water bottles. We made good time and got to the shelter by 5:15. the pump was non functional at the shelter so we had to conserve our water. We were in good spirits because Funk had left the van at the NY/CT line 1.5 miles from the shelter and there was plenty of water in the van. Funk's plan was to arrive late when they completed the 51.8 miles and cook hot dogs and drink beer at the trailhead and sleep in the van as they would be too tired to drive so we had the van at our disposal. I slept in the shelter and my buddies tented. The bugs were minimal and I slept well.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Wiley Shelter

To: River Road Kent CT 
Miles today: 17.4

An easy 1.5 miles down to the Van. We filled SimBA 's water bottles and he headed on and King Krawler and I took the Van to Gaylordsville and got a breakfast sandwich and a sandwich to go for lunch plus a bunch of Gatorade and then we returned to the trailhead and headed into CT. NY now done and 5 states to go!!!!! We caught up with SimBA and found CT much more difficult than NY or NJ. SimBA stopped at the Mt. Algo Shelter for the night and King Krawler walked down the .5 miles to 341 and left for a trip to the outfitter and a stay in Kent. I really enjoyed my days with my new found friends and hope to reconnect along the way. I the did the 4.7 miles to River Road over Skiff Mtn and Caleb's Peak and down the treacherous St John's Ledges. I was exhausted from the heat and all the climbs and did not make it out until 7:30. What a relief to be picked up but we had to drive back to Bear Mtn Inn to pick up the Subaru. We got home late and I just crashed into bed. Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-07-23
From: River Road Kent CT 

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Zero day yesterday and then a drive back to River Road in Kent. Funk is doing the Challenge today and we will cross paths as he is going south. I left 4 liters of Gatorade and a gallon of water for Funk and his buddy Bret. A fairly cool day after yesterdays tornados and hailstorms. There were many blowdowns to try and pass over and the ground was littered with green leaves and the fragrance was intense from the leaves. I crossed Funk and Bret near Rt 4 by Cornwall bridge at 11:30. They were about 28 miles in and looked awful!!! I had my doubts whether they were going to make it as they had left the CT/MA line at midnight. I met Eric the Red a few times. He is young and a fast hiker and I just watched him fly by. Got water at the spring at Pine Swamp Lean To and true to its name the water despite being filtered was swamp tasting. Many climbs along the way and I had a great view of Lime Rock Race Way but there was nothing going on.Arrived at the camp site and Eric the Red was already set up and chilling after a log day. There was a nice spring and I tossed out the rest of my swamp water and filtered nice cool spring water. Funk called at 8:30 and they were 4 miles from the NY line at Bull's Bridge. They were both hallucinating at times and really hurting and had a big climb to go. Finally at 10:00 he called. They made it! Funk said it was the hardest thing he has ever done in his life. I finally was able to fall asleep knowing he was OK.SW
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Belter's Campsite

To: CT/Ma line
Miles today: 17.9

Left very early but Eric the Red was out at least an hour before me at 5:45. I got down to the RT 7 and 126 road crossing. There was a 2 mile AT detour around the bridge construction on RT 7 but since I knew the way of the real AT I just raced over the Bridge construction as the crew was getting started and saved myself 2 extra miles. It rained all day and there was about 3000 feet of climbs and the going was slow down the steep descents. After descending Bear Mtn I had an additional 3.2 miles to go to get to RT 41 where Funk had left the car when they started their quest of CT. Out off the trail at 5:20 and home soon thereafter. Will take another zero day tomorrow as Funk will be in no shape to hike. SW
Date: 2010-07-28
From: CT/Ma line

To: Dalton MA
Miles today: 62.8
Weather: clear sky

We dropped off one car at Dalton and drove back to the CT/MA line on the Mt Washington Rd. We slept in the Van and made an early start on a blue blazed trail to the AT at the base of Bear Mtn. Difficult day as there were climbs up Bear Rock Falls, Race Mn and Mt Everett. 21.2 miles plus the Blue Blaze hike. We stayed at the Tom Leonard Shelter where we cowboy slept in our bags on a tent platform but could dash back to the shelter if it rained. It was a full moon and we were overlooking a great view. Absent the mosquitos it was a fabulous night. The second day Funk and I had poor energy possibly from bad water and we did not make it to Upper Goose pond where there is a pond for swimming, a canoe and a caretaker that makes a pancake breakfast. We stealth camped about 3 miles south of the cabin and the next day did 24+ miles to Dalton arriving at 10:15. It was a long day but we had better energy but our GI tracks were still reacting to the water. In Dalton there is a Hostel run by Tom Levardi. One cannot say enough good things about Tom. He opens his home to Hikers as many as 20+ at times, gives shuttles to North Adams 30+ miles away and frequently prepares group feeds for all the hikers staying there. He refuses to accept any money for any service including the shuttles. He is such a kind and gentle man he gets my vote for the AT person of the year. We were sitting on his porch after our return enjoying a cold beer and he told me that he noticed the Subaru was dirty so he washed it! Simply amazing. Another great set of experiences on the ATSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-07-30
From: Dalton MA

To: Rt 2 North Adams MA
Miles today: 23.5

We broke up a possible long slack pack into 2 days. 9.5 to Cheshire and drove back to Tom's in Dalton and the next day did the 14 miles over Mt. Greylock to Rt 2 in North Adams. We gave a thru-hiker Duchess a ride into Williamstown to the outfitter where she could tent. We are now 4 miles from the VT border! We then drove to our cabin in Wilmington VT and what a pleasure to see the cabin after my last visit in Feb. We were a bit overwhelmed to think we had walked all this way from GA. We planned to take the next day off and were invited to dinner by Freda and Alan whose land the cabin is on and who do an incredible job of maintaining many hundreds of acres in a pristine condition. We are getting tired of the long days of big miles and as the journey gets closer to the end we want to savor our time living the dream of a lifetime and not push the daily miles. When we get to the White Mountains big miles are nearly an impossibility given the vertical climbs and rocks.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-01
From: Rt 2 North Adams MA

To: Rt 9 VT
Miles today: 18.4

We are officially in VT! 3 states to go. 1600+ miles done and less than 580 to go. Funk and I did a North south slack passing along the way and then went back to the cabin. It has been wonderful to be at the cabin and enjoy the rustic VT way of life. Sleeping in a bed is also a nice added attraction! It is definitely cooler and the humidity is much less. Another great day on the AT.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-02
From: Rt 9 VT

To: Kelly Stand Rd VT
Miles today: 23.2

Probably our last big mile day. We slacked again passing North and South. Funk being much faster got done earlier and brought takeout steak dinners to the cabin. I had left early to get a head start but the bridge was out on the Kelly Stand Rd and I had to drive all the way to the bridge to ask the workmen how to detour around so I lost about an hour and a half and did not finnish until 8:45. We are both very tired so will take tomorrow off and do 2 more slacks before heading home for me to work the weekend starting the 6th.My feet have been very painful despite my orthotics the last 2 months. I realized the orthotics were fairly bulky so I got a pair of boots 1/2 size bigger and the last 2 days bingo no pain! This part of VT is very beautiful and reminds me of sections of Maine with many ponds and lots of moss. Starting our next hike we hit the mountains and the degree of difficulty will increase.Still living the dream.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-04
From: Kelly Stand Rd VT

To: Rt 11 VT near Manchester
Miles today: 17.5

Funk and I did another North South slack pack today. His friend TJ came up to visit and they hiked South and we passed at the midway point. I got done early and hit the nearby lake for a swim and cooled down. Today was one of the most perfect days ever on the AT. The weather was mild a little fog at Stratton Mtn. but the terrain was easy and I flew through the 17.5 miles without any effort. Tomorrow will be our last of 4 slacks over 4 peaks before heading home for me to work the weekend. It has been great staying at the cabin and a nice bed at night is a dream. I am feeling completion setting in as we hit the 3/4 mark today. I am anxious to get on with my life but still love living the dream. Funk has been wonderful and one cannot describe what all this time together has meant to our relationship. I am indeed a lucky man. Another great day on the AT and keeping the dream alive.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-05
From: Rt 11 VT near Manchester

To: USFS 10 near Darby VT
Miles today: 18.5

A nearly 2 hour drive to the starting point! It turns out there was a detour due to a bridge being out and the trail was detoured by about 3 miles. Still using 18.5 as the distance.   Rained all day 4 peaks Baker,Peru, Styles and Bromley. Lots of mud and muck and slip sliding along the slippery rocks and roots. Funk's friend TJ was still with us holding his own and kept up with us. The last hour or so the sun came out and it was beautiful and we made it back to the car and headed back to the cabin after a 45 mile drive. Still dealing with the joy of finishing and the loss of the freedom of living the dream. Will head back to CT early in the AM for call starting at 5 PM.
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Inn at the long Trail

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

After returning from Ct from my weekend on call we started south from the Inn, My friend Lou (50/50) joined us and we hiked together, Funk drove back to Rt 10 and headed north to the Inn, I am using my iPhone so the info will be brief. I will download photos when I get back to CT when I work Labor Day weekendWe climbed Killington Mtn and met Little Aspen and Toothpick who we had not seen since the Smokies, We shared stories and would see them again at the Inn since they were going north. The shelter was beautifully maintained with a mowed lawn and flower boxes! It rained once we arrived so we stayed in the shelter rather than tent
Date: 2010-08-11
From: Clarenden Shelter

To: Rt 10 near Darby
Miles today: 15.6

We hiked Back the car. The weather was beautiful and 50/50 and I had another great day together catching up on events and sharing our inner thoughts. We picked up a couple of Long Trail hikers and dropped them off at EMS in Rutland on our way back to the Inn. Another great night at the Pub with our fellow hikers. Another great day on the AT.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-12
From: West Hartford VT

To: Inn at The Long Trail
Miles today: 36.0

50/50 and I drove to West Hartford and hiked south back to the Inn over 3 days. We stealth camped both nights and saw many of our fellow bikers going north. The weather was cool with no rain. The maps showed flat terrain but there were many roller coaster climbs that seemed endless. 50/50 and I continued to have a great time. Funk passed us going north and drove back to the Inn where was an Irish band as it was a Saturday night. Funk's friend Tropper shared the room with us   They partied late and the old guys went to bed early! Another great experience on the ATSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-15
From: West Hartford VT

To: Hanover. NH
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

50/50 drove us back to West Hartford after we left the cars in Hanover. He headed back to the airport and it was sad to see him leave. Trooper Funk and I did the 10 miles to Hanover in 3 1/2 hours where we got a room at the Days Inn We had a great dinner and celebrated arriving in NH. 12 states down and 2 to go! We now have 440 miles to go! Once I get to a computer I will expand my thoughts on the final phase of our journey. Still living the dream!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-16
From: Hanover. NH

To: Moose Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got a late start as Trooper needed to get to the post office and we had to shift cars and then we did lunch at a local pub. 1 climb up Moose Mtn and a beautiful evening at the shelter. NH is very different and they take you straight up the mountains. The weather is still holding ,cool slightly humid and not too much mud. We are heading toward Glencliff where the Happy Hiker Hostel will be a place for laundry and a shower.We brought up the supplies for car bombs and did a set of car bombs at the shelter and had a very solid nights sleep! Who said you cannot party on the AT!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-18
From: South Jacobs Brook

To: Happy Hiker Hoster Glencliff
Miles today: 16.5

Another challenging day with several climbs. We tented at the hostel and went into town for dinner. I had a pound of chicken salad with walnuts and cranberries,a pulled pork sandwich and a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream!Tomorrow the first White Mtn -- Moosilauke. From prior hikes it is very difficult with re-bar foot and hand holds for the steep cliffs. I am feeling a bit worn down but the spirit still pushes on. We are now less than 400 miles to the Great Mtn.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-19
From: NH 112 Kinsman Notch

To: Happy Hiker Hoster Glencliff
Miles today: 9.5

We did the nearly 3000 ft climb up Moosilauke. Our first White Mtn and very challenging. The weather was perfect and we had a 360 degree view from the top.My legs did well going up but I hit the wall coming down and my pace slowed. I filtered 2 liters of water and after re-hydrating I felt considerably better. We will stay at the hostel again tonight and move the cars tomorrow and take the day off and start again on Saturday. I think the days will be long coming into the Whites and the miles will drop. Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-20
From: Happy Hiker Hoster Glencliff

To: Rt 112 North Woodstock NH
Miles today: 0.0

Today will be a day off as we move the cars. My body needs it and I am a bit weary of the 10-12 hours hiking days and a change of pace is needed. Funk is doing well and other than general aches and pains I am holding up. I have had to stop taking Aleve due to side effects so I am more sore than usual. It was a bit unrealistic to take it 2 times a day for months and not expect problems.Since I have access to a computer this AM I thought I would add some late thoughts at the 1800 mile mark.The group of hikers left are very committed and also fairly ragtag as the Trail has beat us up pretty good. I have so many mixed feelings. Living a dream for such a long time is such an unusual experience that I still feel at times that I am imagining it is really happening. Having Funk with me has been great and has kept my spirits up and made me feel young as all his friends are much younger than this old guy he is hiking with. The AT is very unusual as young and old are all in the same boat as nature treats us all equally. After I work Labor day weekend we hit the last stretch in ME. What will my life be like after I finish? Will I still be the same or have I transformed in ways that I cannot recognize? I cannot imagine retiring as I enjoy what I do so much but I suspect my continence will change and the daily stresses of life will affect me less after solving all the problems that the AT has thrown at us and we had to find the correct solutions in order to continue or journey. I am excited about the White Mountains as thay are both magnificent and challenging especially with a full pack climbing 4000+ peaks. Finally I would like to thank all my friends for their encouragement and support as it has helped enormously and made quitting or stopping impossible!!!!!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-08-21
From: Rt 112 North Woodstock NH

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 91.1
Weather: broken clouds

We made it through the White Mtns with some difficulty as the weather was bad at times and a combination of high winds,fierce rain and difficult terrain made it slow going. We ended in Gorham and planned to do 3 more days of hiking into Maine before I had to come home to work the Labor Day weekend but Funk developed a bad case of a Flu like illness and we stalled in Gorham. We head back tonight for the Trail with only 298 miles to go and just 16 miles before we get to Maine - the promised land! The photo installer on Trail Journals is not working so cannot load any new images.We are both pretty weary and the grind of daily hiking has taken its toll but the time off for Funk to recover and me to work may help us be fresh for the final phase. If all goes well we will summit on Sept 29th or 30th
Date: 2010-09-14
From: Gorham NH

To: Highway 17 ME
Miles today: 66.0

We made it to Maine!!!! The weather has been miserable with rain 6 of the last 7 days. The final 16 miles in NH and the first 50 miles in Maine have been extremely difficult with many climbs and slippery rocks and slimy roots. We have not been able to make good time or distance and it has been very frustrating. I caught Funk's cold and it has lingered and I have very little stamina and the rough terrain has taken its toll. We did a slack pack out of Pine Ellis hostel yesterday and returned to a warm dry bed which was wonderful. All the hikers are worn out and tired and doing less miles daily. The end is in sight but as Paul Simon song "Slip Sliding Away" goes "The near your destination the more you seem to slip slide away" as we keep slowing down and slide over the roots. It seems as if we are not making progress and it is very hard to keep your spirits up. I am determined to make it so we will keep going one step at a time.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-09-18
From: Highway 17 ME

To: Maine 17 Stratton
Miles today: 43.0

The last entry had the wrong date. I edited it to the correct date of 9/14. It has been the most difficult 2 weeks on the entire AT. It has rained all but 2 days and the terrain has been brutal. Very difficult climbs and descects with wet rocks and treturous footwork. Each step has to be tested before you move making the pace incredibly slow. We have made it from Andover over Old Blue and today landed at Rt 27 near Stratton. We hitched in and have a bed tonight. I am close to hitting the wall. I have to play mind games to keep me moving forward. Not ready to give up but I am the limit both physically and mentally. Hopefully my MOJO will be back tomorrow, Spirit WalkerSpirit
Date: 2010-09-21
From: Maine 17 Stratton

To: Caratunk Maine
Miles today: 38.0

Thanks to all who have encouraged me. My cold seems to be improving as I did the 14 miles to the Kennebec River in under 6 hours today. It has been so demoralizing to have no stamina and do short days. The 120 miles from Gorham (to the 2000 mile sign) have to be the most difficult on the trail. Then you add in rain, gale force winds and very cold nights and the misery index goes way up. The trail today was incredible, smooth and easy to make time. I felt like I was in hiking heaven! We are at an Inn with a hot tub so I should unwind a little and relax my stiff muscles. 150 miles to go!!!!! We are going to make it no matter what!!! Monson is next then the 100 mile wilderness then Baxter State Park. I think I will be able to push past the pain, fatigue and mental weariness and get this baby done. Funk is holding up well also but we both want to be home in our nice warm beds. I met a hiker whose dog is named YOLO for you only live once. I am dedicating this hike to the YOLO concept and plan to live that every day. I have learned a lot from this hike but YOLO is the seminal mantra.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-09-25
From: Caratunk Maine

To: Monson Maine
Miles today: 37.0

We made it to Monson the last trail town on the AT! Leaving today for the 100 mile wilderness. I have not been able to receive email or hear voice mail even though on occasion I can get cell service but the data and voice is unavailable.I suspect there will be no service until we summit and get to Milliniquot. We hope to summit on the 3rd or 4th depending on the weather and whether they keep the Mtn open. Our spirits are high and it is hard to believe we have 115 miles to go! The end of a lifetimr dream! I am living every moment of it but am ready to get home. Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-10-03
From: Monson Maine

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 115.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Summited Katahdin on a beautiful sunny day Will update my final thoughts when we get homeSpirit Walker10.14.10Arriving home without having to plan a frenetic return to the trail after a weekend on call was very comforting but it made me wonder how we did it with all the logistic difficulties of returning to work a weekend a month. Funk and I talked about it and looking back it seemed overwhelming and impossible but somehow we did it. Add in my early injuries, the severe burn in PA, our miserable flu like illnesses and the horrible weather the last month; it just amazed us that we actually did it. Final thoughts. As I descended the great mountain I was filled with very mixed emotions and I wanted to get down as fast as possible as I was starving and wanted to get a celebratory meal. I realized that the prolog I wrote which appeared on every journal entry would actually become the epilog for the rest of my life. Once the journey of the next phase of my transformed life begins there would be no turning back and the images of my new journey would again capture me. Not to climb another mountain but to live my life with the mantra YOLO ( You only live once ) I promised myself that I would live each day with a new purpose and be more conscious of every moment and savor the beauty of living completely in the present. I had lived the last few years going from one obligation to another but with little outside social interaction which I vowed to change. I am ready to leap off the mountain of life and soar with love for living and savoring loving relationships.I had treasured all my moments with Funk and learned so much about him that was new and refreshing. We had neither tension or conflict on the trail only 2 wandering souls making their way to completing a dream. Red Stick told me he was married to life and was very loyal. His comments stuck with me as I committed to expanding my life with renewed gusto and purpose, savoring all of life's complex nuances and finding meaning in living fully in the present and sorting out all the difficulties we face everyday.I cannot thank enough all the people I met who enhanced my experience on the trail and my friends and family who constantly encouraged and supported me. Finally to Zubie who made everything work and who turned the logistical chaos into workable solutionsSpirit Walker