morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Dennytown Rd. Camping

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Spent the day hiking alone. Went 20.3 miles, made it to the shelter before it started raining. Sharing the shelter with four kids from NY, and a father and son from Conn. it rained all night. No Boomerang, he is meeting his wife this weekend. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Lean-to
Miles today: 20.6

It's Merlin again. T-Rex is now in New England. The Connecticut trail is patroled by "Ridgerunners", people who serve as caretakers of the trail, and help hikers if they have a problem. The terrain will become more rugged, its a warm-up for whats ahead (mountains). Monday Rex will be in Kent, Conn. I sent a package to the post office there and it should arrive on Tuesday. The shelters in Connecticut are now called "lean-tos". He hiked 20.6 miles and is staying at the lean-to with a weekend hiker and his dog. Uneventful day. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Ten Mile River Lean-to

To: Kent, Conn
Miles today: 9.0

T-Rex called, he is in Kent, Conn. Staying at the Fife 'n Drum Inn. The town is artsy-crafty, up-scale a yuppie town. Rex tried to hitch a ride with a guy who had been hiking, and left the trail about the same time. When the guy drove past Rex he turned his head the opposite direction. Rex walked to town. Rex hiked 9.0 miles today. Earlier in the hike he was attacked by a large dog (? Great Dane mix) on the trail. The owners were camped at the Schaghicoke Mt. Camp-site with two dogs. The dogs started barking when they saw Rex coming down the trail. The owner told Rex they were on leashes and they wouldn¢t bother him. After Rex pasted their camp, one of the dogs broke his leash and was hell bent on eating Rex. The dog ran and jumped on him, knocking him to the ground. The owner pulled the dog off Rex, before he had a chance to do any bodily harm. The dog knocked the valve tip off of Rex¢s water hose, the water started pouring out onto the ground, he lost most of his water supply for the day. Rex said a few choice words to the guy, and went back hiking. A few minutes later the guy came running down the trail he had found the valve tip. Rex thanked him profusely.Today was definitely not a walk in the park. I hope his package arrives tomorrow, so he can get out of town. Happy Anniversary! Love Merlin
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Kent, Conn

To: Kent Conn. 
Miles today: 0.0

Rex called, he¢s staying another night in Kent Conn. He went to see a doctor Tuesday morning. He¢s having problems with swelling and pain in the lower left leg. The doctor told Rex he needed to see an Orthopedic Specialist. The closest Medical Center with a specialist was 30 miles away. The doctor in Kent made arrangements through St. Andrews Church for a person to give him a ride. Katie, the church secretary, offered to drive him to the New Melford, Conn. to see the specialist. His leg was x-rayed. He has no noticeable stress fracture or blood clot.   If his leg doesn¢t improve in ten days, he will need to have a CT Scan. He was told to take it easy for the next ten days, hike until his leg hurts then rest for awhile. Thank you Katie for your time and kindness.The package I sent was waiting for Rex at the Post Office, this time it arrived when it was suppose to.   It actually cost more to send, than what the contents inside cost      Go easy!   Love Merlin
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Kent Conn. 

To: Sharon Mt. Camp-Site
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

Rex Called, left Kent, Conn. It was a warm sunny day. He had to ford across Guinea Brook, (more like a river) the stepping stones that were installed for crossing were not visible, the water was to high.   He followed the brook down stream, found a log jam, made it across OK, didn¢t even get his shoes wet. Hiked 19.4 miles, staying at a camp-site with Chase, Traveler and Bedroll. The mosquitoes are coming alive. His leg is still sore, but not as bad as last week, two zero days probably helped.   Go easy. Merlin
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Sharon Mt. Camp-Site

To: Sages Ravine, Camp-Site
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Rex called, left the camp-site. Weather is sunny and warm. The trail went over Bear Mountain, this is the highest peak in Connecticut, at 2,354 feet. The descend into Sages Ravine, where he is tent camping tonight was rocky and steep, water steeps out of the rocks and makes hiking slippery and hazardous. He is camping alone. There are signs posted, that warn of bears in the area, and all food should be put in the provided bear safe containers, located at the camp-site. He is now one fourth of a mile over the state line into Massachusetts. He went 21.0 miles today.   Merlin
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Sages Ravine, Camp-Site

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to, Mass.
Miles today: 20.0

T-Rex called, he spent Friday night at the Tom Leonard Lean-to, Mass. The lean-to had four bunks, all with the edges chewed off. A hiker named Mudeye left two Pepsi and two Sprite at the lean-to. Rex had a Pepsi, it was a refreshing treat. One other person came into the shelter late in the evening. During the night Rex found out what was chewing the edges off the bunks, it was porcupines!. Three times he had to chase them off, because of the loud gnawing on the corner of his bunk. During the day he hiked over Mt. Everett, the second highest range in Mass. on the AT. He went through a swampy area, the mosquitoes were so thick it was like walking through a cloud of bugs. He put his bug net over his head and neck, sprayed his body to keep from getting chewed up. Rex met Odyssa on the trail, she has numerous mosquitoe bites.   He went 20.0 miles. Remember to go easy!! Merlin
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to, Mass.

To: Lee, Mass. Motel
Miles today: 23.0

After hiking all day with swarms of mosquitoes, Rex was looking forward to staying at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin. The cabin is enclosed with bunks, a fireplace, and a covered porch. There is a pond for swimming. When he arrived there was three guys working on the cabin, they told him he couldn¢t stay inside, but he could sleep on the porch. He declined, to many mosquitoes to stay outside. Rex met Odyssa earlier on the trail, she told him, she was going to stay in a motel because of all the bugs. Rex called her on her cell phone, to see about sharing a motel room. She had just hitched a ride with a couple, Shaun and Mary, they were going to give her a ride to Lee, Mass. They waited for Rex to hike to the road, and gave him a ride also. Shaun said, he would come back in the morning and give them a ride back to the trail, approx. five miles. Shaun and Mary¢s reason for helping others, is because people had helped them over the years and they wanted to give something back.   Rex and Odyssa thank them for their time and kindness, also their advise about the trail.Later at the motel Odyssa counted her mosquito bites, she had thirty on one leg, she was using 100% deet bug repellent, the mosquitoes liked her a lot. Rex had a few bites. Rex hiked 23,0 miles today. Found four morel mushrooms. I¢m not telling him to go easy any more, he doesn¢t listen. Merlin
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Lee, Mass. Motel

To: Dalton Mass. Motel
Miles today: 19.0

Staying in Dalton Mass. at the Shamrock Village Inn. Had a good meal at the Shamrock Resturant and Pub. Hiked 19.0 miles, it was a nice day, the bugs were not to bad. Met a few south-bounders and section hikers on the trail.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Dalton Mass. Motel

To: Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 17.0

Rex called, his hike today took him over Mt Greylock, at 3,491 feet, its the hightest peak in Massachusetts. At the the top there is a stone tower memorial for the state's war dead. He is staying at Bascom Lodge, the upstairs has a bunkroom for hikers. Odyessa is also staying at the lodge. Rex hiked 17.0 miles today. Merlin
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Bascom Lodge

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Went from Bascom Lodge to Congdon shelter. Saw some Moose droppings and tracks, but no live sightings. The weather has ben hot and humid with lots of biting insects. Thank God for Deet! Merlin will be here tomorrow, but I don't know yet where we will meet.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Kelley Stand Road, Arlington, Vermont
Miles today: 27.0

Very interesting day. Merlin and I planned to meet at Forest Service Road 71. We had spotty contact with our cell phones and couldn't communicate very well. I got to 71 at about 5:30 and Merlin was within 10 miles of where I was, but, she could not locate the road. She talked to several local residents and a local police officer about directions to where I was, all to no avail. Finally, a young man in Arlington gave her directions to where he thought she might find me. While she was driving seven miles down a remote dirt road, I decided to hike another couple of miles to a road that might be easier for her to find. This is where we missed each other. A storm moved in and knocked out power and cell phone service. I was completely drenched from the storm and it was getting late when I got to Kelley Stand Road, and still no Merlin. Two gentlemen from Chicago that had been hiking sections of the trail, offered to give me a ride to the Inn where they were staying. This sounded like a great idea since I was soaking wet, cold, and it was starting to get dark. Stil no contact with Merlin because of the power outage. Norbert and Marshall, the two gentlemen from Chicago, proceeded to improve my sagging morale. They were a real delight to be with. In the meantime Merlin had given up on finding me on this night and had checked into a motel in Arlington. She was able to use a land phone and left a message on my cell phone as to her location. When I got service on my phone I was able to retrieve the message and call her. She got directions to the Inn from the motel owner, who also offered to drive her the 30 miles to pick me up. Merlin thanked her for the offer, but decided to drive herself even though she was dead tired. This was after an already 800 plus mile driving day. In the meantime Norbert, Marshall, and I arrived at the Inn at 9:30, where we ordered hamburgers, the first food I had eaten since early afternoon. Norbert and Marshall are in their mid seventies and have been hiking sections of the trail together once a year, since 1992. These two awesome gentlemen are out here doing what they love to do, and enjoying each other's company. I am very grateful I had the privilege of meeting these fine men. Merlin arrived at the Inn at 10:30 and we went back to the motel in Arlington. What a rendevous!!!!
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Kelley Stand Road, Arlington, Vermont

To: Manchester Center
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked from Kelley Stand Road to route 11/30, at Manchester Center. Went a total of 17.5 miles. Marilyn had planned to hike with me, but she didn¢t want any part of all the blood-sucking insects. The trail had a lot of water and mud today, with more moose tracks, but no moose. We are staying in Bennington, Vermont, which is where Vermont¢s first oldest church is located, and Robert Frost is buried adjacent to the church. There are several covered bridges in this area, which we visited. It¢s hard to believe I¢m in Vermont already. Only 538 miles and two more states to go!
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Manchester Center

To: Littel Rock Pond, Tent-Site
Miles today: 20.0

After a restful four days with lots of good food, T-Rex is back on the trail. I dropped him off at 6:30 a.m. at the 11/30 trailhead near Manchester, Vermont. I told him the next time I see him would be Mt. Katahdin, Maine, at the end of his hike. The cell phone service from now on may be scarce. Rex will leave a message or call me when possible. The hiking will become harder, with lots of mountains to climb and streams to cross. The towns are smaller and further from the trail. There will be times when his only source of food will be from me, to a post office along the way.This is a message from Rex about Monday¢s hike. He went 20 miles, very hot and humid. The black flies, mosquitoes, and deer flies were relentless, he had to wear a net over his head to keep the bugs off. He spent the night at Little Rock Pond tent-site. It rained all night. The tent leaked, his sleeping pad got wet, he wasn¢t using a sleeping bag because it was so warm, otherwise, he would be hiking with a twenty five pound wet sleeping bag.There were twelve hikers that went ahead of Rex while he was off the trail for my visit. They all started at a later date, he didn¢t recognize the names, in the registry at the shelter. He had a cell phone call from Boomerang and Biscuit, they are about two days behind him, so he may see them again on the trail.   Merlin
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Littel Rock Pond, Tent-Site

To: Governor Clement Shelter, Vt.
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Message from Rex. He had to ford a stream today, the water was knee deep and the current was fast. He took off his boots and wore his rubber sandals in the water. Later he met a hiker at the shelter, that had slipped and fell in the water while he was crossing the stream. Not so many bugs today, it¢s cooler and a little windy. Lots of moose tracks and droppings, but no moose. There was trail magic about two miles before the shelter, cokes and M&M¢S.Rex stayed at the Governor Clement Shelter, the trail book advises hikers to be wary of staying at this shelter, because of the close proximity to the road. The local kids like to party at this shelter, and have caused lots of problems with hikers. Rex didn¢t know about the problem until later in the evening, and it was to late to move to another shelter. There was some partying going on later by local kids, but they didn¢t bother him. Two other hikers stayed at the shelter also, both are guides, who will be hiking the Long Trail with thirty kids this summer. After today, Rex has 498 miles left to hike on the A.T.Merlin
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Governor Clement Shelter, Vt.

To: Stoney Brook Shelter, Vt
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: moderate rain

Message from Rex. Spent the night at Stony Brook Shelter, no other hikers. It started raining in the afternoon and continued all night. It was cold and damp, he had to put on his fleece jacket to keep warm. He hiked in mud and more mud and water ankle deep most of the day. Not as many biting insects, probably because the weather is cooler, and the elevation is around 4,000 feet. Friday he should be in Hanover, New Hampshire for re-supply and to dry out his tent, boots, and clothing. Hiked 20.6 miles.   Merlin
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Stoney Brook Shelter, Vt

To: Thistle Hill Shelter, Vt.
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

T-Rex called, it was nice to talk to him, instead of listening to a recorded message. He is staying at the Thistle Hill Shelter, with a hiker named Restless. It rained all night and all morning. Lots of water on the trail, at times ankle deep mud. The forest was very foggy, like in the thriller movies. Lots of climbing (500 foot ups and downs). 100% humidity all week, nothing seems to dry out, he will stay in Hanover, N.H. Friday to dry out.   Hiked 21.0 miles.   Merlin
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Thisle Hill Shelter, Vt.

To: Hanvoer, N.H. / White River - Motel
Miles today: 17.0

Hanover, New Hampshire home of Dartmouth College. Rex arrived in the afternoon to Hanover, he was ready to get a motel room and get dried out. All motels, hotels, and Inns were full, this is the big weekend for commencement and class reunions. He had to take a bus to White River, aprox. 10 miles from Hanover to find a place to stay.Back to the beginning of the day. Rex left Thistle Hill Shelter early morning. He had to put on wet clothes, socks and boots because nothing dries out overnight with the high humidity. The hiking was good today, overcast, no rain. He¢s having a problem with slippery tree roots and rocks on the trail that are covered with leaves, he has fallen down several times. When carrying a heavy backpack, if you trip, slip, or lose your balance you may end in the mud, or at the bottom of the mountain, or hit your head on a rock, preferably land in the mud its softer.Good things do happen to T-Rex on the trail, he met Marshall and Norbert the two hikers from Chicago, who gave him a ride when I couldn¢t find him last week. They had a nice visit and exchanged addresses. Rex won¢t see them again on the trail, because they will be going home, they have finished their annual A.T. hike for this year.Saturday will be a zero day for T-Rex . Merlin
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Smarts Mountain, tent-site

To: Glencliff, N.H.
Miles today: 22.0

Rex called, he's doing lots of climbing again. He's staying at The Hikers Welcome Hostel in Glencliff tonight. Tomorrow he will pick-up his package from the post office, that I sent Saturday, with food for the next five days.Tomorrow he will climb Mt. Moosilauke, elevation 4,800 feet. Rex is now in the famous White Mountains of New Hampshire. Merlin
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Glencliff, N.H.

To: Eliza Brook Shelter, Tent -Site
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

The White Mountains are one of the most impressive sections of the Appalachian Trail, with fantastic views from the top, and miles of above tree-line hiking. Due to rapidly changing weather, ice, snow and strong wind conditions are possible on the high ridges year-around. The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains many of the trails. The alpine zone above tree-line is home to very fragile plants, one boot-step can destroy them. There are designated tent-sites, shelters and Huts. The huts are enclosed lodges, that sleep 36 to 90 people and are full service with trained wildness staff, all charge a fee. An overnight stay includes a bunk, pillow, blanket and bathroom privileges (no showers) and potable water, some huts provide breakfast and dinner,(bigger fee). Hikers may exchange work, 1-2 hours, for their stay at a hut on a first come first serve basis.Tuesday, message from T-Rex. Lots of climbing, one mountain after another, tough going, having to use arms to pull himself up and over big boulders and rocks, very steep descends. Hiked 14.3 miles, he¢s staying three miles south of Eliza Brook Shelter at a tent-site, rained all night, tent leaked. I'm going to find him a new tent soon and mail it to him. Elevation at the camp-site 3,800 feet. Merlin
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Eliza Brook Shelter, Tent -Site

To: Liberty Springs Tent-site
Miles today: 14.2

Left the camp-site, stopped by Lonesome Hut, had some lemonade. It was a little foggy in the morning. Climbed Mt. Moosilauke, elevation 4,802, clear day with fantastic views from the summit of Franconia Ridge (Haystack, Lafayette, and Garfield Mts.) and the rest of the Whites Mountains. Sections of the trail use rebar, rock-steps and wooden blocks for footing, lots of climbing using hands, Mt. Moosilauke is noted to be slick and steep. It¢s the first Mountain above treeline in the Whites. Rex hiked 14.2 miles, he is staying at Liberty Springs Tent-site, elevation 3,800 feet, at 8:30 p.m. it was down to forty degrees, and windy. Merlin
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Liberty Springs Tent-site

To: Galehead Hut
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Rex called, he hiked the Franconia ridge today, the views from the ridgewalk were spectacular, the best so far. He met Scrubs and Jay on Mt. Lafayette. On the trail he met Robo from Grand Rapids, Mi. he started at Harpers Ferry, W.Va. and is going to Maine.Rex is staying at Galehead Hut, he worked at the hut to pay for his stay, which includes breakfast and dinner, (fee $85.00). His work was to shovel compost on a grate, work it back and forth to sift. The sifted compost is used in the privy¢s to help break down solid waste. Earlybird stayed at the hut also, she washed windows for her stay. She started hiking the trail in Georgia one day before Rex, this is the first time he has met her, their paths have not crossed until today.   Merlin
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Galehead Hut

To: Crawford Notch
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rex Called, he had his first glimpse of Mt. Washington today, the highest mountain in New Hampshire, he will climb it in a few days. He met Beebe, a south bounder, who started in Katahdin, Maine June 1st, 24 days ago. If it took Beebe 24 days to get where Rex is now, maybe Rex will be in Katahdin Maine in 24 days. High elevation today 4,002 feet. Gusty winds, 60 mph at times.Rex is staying at Crawford Notch Lodge, AMC ( Appalachian Mountain Club), he is in a shared room & bath, no one else has arrived so far. The stay includes a breakfast and dinner buffet, overnight stay, $65.00.   Tomorrow he will be in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, the highest part of the trail in New Hampshire, with 25 miles of ridge-walking, most above tree-line.   MERLIN
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Crawford Notch

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Saturday 4:30 p.m. Rex called from a pay-phone, he is staying at Lakes of the Clouds Hut. The hut was built in 1915, elevation 5,050 feet, this is highest, largest, and most popular hut in the White Mountains, Presidential Range. The AMC was having a Presidents Club Meeting at the hut with about 60 people. Rex worked to stay, his job was to pick up nails from earlier construction projects with a metal detector. He worked about 30 minutes for a free bunk, turkey dinner and pancake breakfast. Also staying at the Inn was Earlybird, Robo and Java Pete. The Inn has "The Dungeon" a small damp basement shelter for hikers for $8.00 a night, or $80.00 a night for a bunk with meals. Daytime temp was 69 degrees, (the record high is 72 degrees) winds 10 to 15 mph. Rex hiked 11.0 miles today.   Merlin
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Lake of the Clouds Hut

To: Pinkham Notch, Joe Dodge Lodge
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: haze

After Rex left Lakes of the Clouds Hut Sunday morning, he had to hike 1.5 miles to reach the summit of Mt. Washington. He called at 8:30 a.m. from a pay-phone at the Summit Building. Elevation 6,288 feet. It was a little hazy, he was told it was unusually nice weather, he made to the top at the right time. Mt. Washington, is the highest peak in the northeast. The peak is accessible by hiking, car and cog railroad. There are many touristy services; the Summit Building, Mt. Washington Observatory and Museum, a Post office. The summit is under cloud cover 55% of the time, average temp in the summer is 52 degrees. In 1934 an on land wind speed of 231 mph was recorded at the summit, which still holds the world¢s record. Lots of building have come and gone at the top. There is absolutely no over night stays at the summit. There is a list of 150 people who have lost their lives for one reason or another at the summit.After the summit Rex hiked 14.8 miles of tough mountainous terrain, the weather was good all day. He is staying at the Joe Dodge Lodge, Pinkham Notch.   The Gaps and Knobs are now Notch¢s.   Merlin
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Pinkham Notch, Joe Dodge Lodge

To: Imp Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: fog

One hour after Rex left Pinkham Notch, he met Odyssa, Running Moon and Jukebox on the trail, it was nice to see them again. Rex said, the White Mountains were the toughest to climb, but had the best views on the A.T. so far. He also climbed Mt. Madison, elevation 5,363 feet, it was very steep, like climbing straight up.After Pinkham Notch he climbed Wildcat Mt. Peak E, Wildcat Mt. Peak D, and Wildcat Mt. Peaks C, B, & A. Lots of 2000 ft. ascends and descends, all the peaks were over 4,000 ft.. Then he moved on to Carter Dome elev. 4,832, and South, Middle, & North Carter Mts. Also Mt. Hight and Zeta Pass all over 4,000 ft. During all that mountain climbing he was dodging thunder storms, at times he had to go below tree-line due to lightening. Rex heard there were flood warnings for the valley¢s later that evening.Rex had a tough day in the mountains, he stayed at Imp Shelter, hiked 13.1 miles. Later Earlybird came in to the shelter.   Merlin