morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: haze

Hiked into Salisbury today and felt like staying in a hotel again. I've been splurging quite a bit lately...but I've been kind of pooped lately. Don't know why, but my joints are really starting to hurt. I just don't feel like hiking. Gotta push on though...will check my email and myspace tomorrow morning. Going to be out of CT and into MA tomorrow. Bad thunderstorms tonight.From My Myspace Blog the following Morning:Appalachian Trail - Update 12I am just leaving the small town of Salisbury CT (1485 miles // 689 miles to go) this morning and heading up Bear Mountain (CT's highest peak). By the end of the day, I'll be in Southern Mass. Less than 700 miles to go now...and honestly I'm very glad. I am starting to get the "hiking blues" as they are called. Just kind of want to sit on a couch for a few days and do a whole lot of nothing....But I know I've come way too far for that. I didn't hike 1500 miles to quit now. Besides New Hampshire and Maine are still to come...the best two states on the trail.Don't know when I'll be able the write again. I hope everyone is doing well, and I'm looking forward to starting the new chapter of my life this fall at Penn State.If everything goes according to plan, I should summit Mt. Katahdin on or around August 12-14.....so basically, I have one month left.-john
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: few clouds

Another short day. Again I didn't feel like hiking today and splurged on a room in Great Barrington. It was a nice day for scenery though. Bear Mtn CT and Everett Mtn MA were both very nice. Tomorrow is going to be rought. I have to get up early. Can't wait to be finished hiking....I'm really starting to get burned out.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Upper Goose Pond Shelter
Miles today: 27.5

Did a long 27 today and ended up at Upper goose pond. Really nice here. Mosquitos are relly BAD in MA. I'm going thru DEET like crazy. Going into Dalton tomorrow. Hoping to sleep in some guys back yard...and then it's Cheshire. I looked at the A.T. maps tonight and its amazing how far I've come. Can't wait till VT.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Upper Goose Pond Shelter

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Made it into Dalton tonight. Hiked with "Widowmaker" and we ate a really nice irish pub. They had an available room there too and so I decided to splurge yet again.   Didn't do much tonight. Trying to give my body a rest. I have an easy 8 miles tomorrow into Cheshire. I am going to relax big time tomorrow. It is probably the last real good break I'll get on the hike.
Date: 2007-07-15
From: Dalton, MA

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 8.7

Had a nice short nero today. Went a measly 8 miles from Dalton to Cheshire. Normally I wouldn't have stopped but I need stuff at the P.O. tomorrow morning. Also, this is basically the last time I'll have easy hiking for the rest of the trip...so I'm really trying to enjoy a relaxing day. I climb Greylock tomorrow and then its up into VT. Can't wait for NH and ME.-lakewoodFrom My Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 13I am writing this from Cheshire Massachusetts (roughly mile 1560...or 614 to go). Today marks a pretty important day on the trail. It marks the last "easy" day I will probably have. I hiked a short day today and am purposely sucking the proverbial marrow out of this near-zero day. I have stuff to get at the post office so I had to stop for the day and wait until tomorrow morning. I got here about noon and am staying at a small B & B. Tomorrow I head out and up Mount Greylock....MA's highest peak. From there I head into Vermont and into tougher mountains again. After 100 miles in VT, I turn east and head into NH and finally get to tackle the White Mountains......arguably the toughest part of the entire trail. So like I said, today is my last day to enjoy taking it easy. Believe it or not, a lot of people quit the trail at this point because they see the elevation profiles for VT, NH, and ME...and lose hope. Again I will say that I have come too damn far to quit now (as tempting as it is....and oh man is it tempting). I know if I quit now, I would be sitting on my couch roughly one month from now saying to myself, "had I not quit, I'd be summiting Katahdin right now...DOH!" I have spent too many nights dreaming about what it will be like to summit Mt. Katahdin to give up. ...anyway...I was talking to another hiker here about just how much faster the 2nd half seems to be going. We both agreed its because there's no Virginia. No state of 500 + miles. I remember hiking in Maryland right after my break and it seems like only a week ago. Yet North Carolina seems like last year. NJ, NY, CT, and MA have all gone by so fast.I can't wait to be writing an update from Caratunk Maine, my last PO stop before Katahdin.Thank you everyone for all your words of encouragement the last few weeks...it has certainly helped.....next major stop will be Killington, VT. Right at the Maine Junction. (where the Long Trail and A.T. Split)till then,-a tired and sore, john.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

Did Greylock today and I'm writing this from the lovely state of Vermont! today went well. I go tmy P.O. Boxes and left Cheshire at 9:00 am. Greylock wasn't too bad. Kind of a rough day for me....being the 16th and all. I took some pics for dad at the top. VT hopefully will go by pretty quickly. The profiles look pretty bad.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 30.5
Weather: few clouds

Very long day today. Lots of climbs too. Just didn't feel like stopping. Hiked on and off all day with a guy named Rangoon. (very fast hiker). He was definitely good company. I'm going to try my luck at Manchester Center tomorrow....probably have to hitch. Starting to get antsy for the Whites. Looking forward to Killington though. VT has been VERY muddy...all around. But great views. especially on the Mt. Glastonbury fire tower. Get to climb Stratton Mtn. tomorrow.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Bromley Sun Lodge
Miles today: 21.1

Made it to Manchester VT...well...actually Peru VT. Staying at the Bromley Sun Lodge. It rained all day today. Hopfully tomorrow is dryer. the next few weeks are going to be real tough. No easy days. Passed my first 2 SOBOs today. Also passed the 75% mark. Crazy.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Bromley Sun Lodge

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: light rain

Made it to Greenwall Shelter. It rained again...all day. That's 3 days in a row. VT = Mud. supposedly it is going to rain for up to a week longer. I just hope its clear for the Whites. Going to push for Killington tomorrow...1 day early. Can't believe NH is almost here already. I'll be in Maine soon!!
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today was the first time in a long time where I opted to hold up short. I got to cooper lodge at 4:00 PM and climbed the steep blue-blaze up Killington. As soon as I got there it started raining and the temp plummeted. I went back to the lodge and decided to make some tea and enjoy an early evening. some other hikers came in later. tomorrow I will head into Killingont and take a Nero. Passed so more SOBOs today. Tomorow i say goodbye to the Long trail.
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Killington, VT

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 28.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it my 28 out of Killington today. had breakfast and shot out early. Quimby Mtn was fun. Gonna hit Hanover tomorrow. I will be out of VT and into NH! I might try another 30+ day tomorrow so I can get to Glencliff early.
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 31.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it 31 today and still had time to eat a breakfast in west Hanover...and mull around Dartmouth at lunch time. I had a banana split at the Ben and Jerry's store too! Thinking about night hiking tonight to get into glencliff early. We'll see though. Definitely want to enjoy som time off at the hostel. Whites in 2 more days!
Date: 2007-07-24
From: Trapper John Shelter

To: Hiker Hostel, Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 26.7

Well...I made it into Glencliff tonight...and still had time for my post office stop. This was possible because I started hiking at 3:45 AM. It was actually really kind of fun. Tough day though. The hostel is ok...staying in the outside bunkhouse. Went into warren for Dinner w/ "Spartan". The Whites tomorrow!
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Hiker Hostel, Glencliff, NH

To: Kinsman Pond Campsite
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

today was both amazing and brutal. Moosilauke was awesome. The summit was so beautiful and breathtaking. I pushed so that I could have a short 11 tomorrow. I paid for it. The boulder scramble up KInsman was tough....especially at 6 PM. I am staying at Kinsman Pond Shelter tonight (cost me $8.00) and am going to try yogi a breakfast from Lonesome Lake Hut in the morning. Then its Franconia Ridge!
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Kinsman Pond Campsite

To: Greenleaf Hut
Miles today: 11.2

Well....today was amazing. I started off hitting Lonesome Lake hut for breakfast. Then I hiked up to the Franconia Ridge and hiked along Haystack, Lincoln and Lafayette. Absolutely amazing. Possibly one of the best views/hiking experiences I've had yet. I'm working for a stay at the Greenleaf Hut tonight. Awesome place, but it is 1 mile off the trail and 1000 feet down. I'll have a fun climb first thing tomorrow morning. I did a nice 11 miles today and am shooting for another nice day tomorrow of 14 miles. Lovin 'the whites!
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Greenleaf Hut

To: Zealand Falls Hut
Miles today: 13.6

Well, I made it to Zealand Falls by 3:00 and the croo here seems great. THey even let me charge my iPod. I'm waiting to eat now....have to wait for the guests to finish. gonna shoot for 19 miles tomorrow. I should hit the Presidentials too. The whites have been extremely tough so far. they are really breaking me. I hope I can last till Maine.
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Zealand Falls Hut

To: Madison Hut
Miles today: 25.9

Days like today...it would be hard not to believe in a God. I made it to Lake of the Clouds hut at 4:00 and it was packed. Something told me to move on...even thought it was late and crappy weather. I pushed on over mt washington and just as I was starting to get really nervous, I ran into fellow hiker "truffles". We night hiked into Madison Hut and got there around 9:30. We thought that they'd be pissed off...but instead fed us well and were greatful we showed up. Apparently...no thru-hikers showed up today. As soon as we ate, it started pouring outside. I am very thankful tonight....very thankful.
Date: 2007-07-29
From: Madison Hut

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

Well...made it to the last hut tonight and got work for stay again. There's only 8 guests so I even got a bunk! No kitchen table tonight! A sobo came in late and got denied work for stay...I felt bad. Tomorrow I finally leave the whites. Thank God. Looking forward to maine. Can't wait for the 100 mile wilderness. Gorham tomorrow.   gonna get a hostel room somewhere. I will miss the Huts.
Date: 2007-07-30
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: mist

I'm offically done with the Whites! woohoo! In Gorham tonight, staying at the Hiker Hostel in a private cabin. Gonna take it easy the first few days in Maine. Really going to try to enjoy the scenery. THe climb down today was tough on the knees. Going to sleep in a little tomorrow too.
Date: 2007-07-31
From: Gorham, NH

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: few clouds

I'm in Maine!!!! Woo Hoo! I can't believe I had my last border crossing today. I did a hard 21 out of Gorham with fellow hiker, Michael. (no trail name). Tomorrow morning I tackle the "Notch"....bum bum buuuuuum. It should be fun. 276 miles to go. Tonight is the first time on the entire trail where I'm cowboy camping...sleeping under the stars! No tent...no shelter, and it's great!
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Pine Ellis, Andover, ME
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Very hard 20 today. Started off with the Mahoosuc notch...which was fun. There was a moose that fell into the notch and died a few weeks ago....and it was still there, rotting away. Pretty gross. Lots of PUDS today in Maine. Can't wait to be finished. The past 2 days have been some of the toughest hiking of the entire trail. Shooting for 18.5 tomorrow. In Andover tonight at the Pine Ellis hiking lodge. Great place. I'm exhausted.From My Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 16 - Southern MaineI don't have much time to update so real quickly here's an update from Andover Maine (mile 1909...~265 to go):I would love to tell you all that I tackled the Whites with fortitude, bent them over my knee, and spanked them...but the thruth is that they quite literally destroyed me. I never could have possibly imagined just how hard that they were going to be. Don't get me wrong...it had the best views of any part of the trail, but I am in the roughest and most banged up shape I've been in yet. Here's the ultimate kicker though: When I finally got to Gorham I though, "thank god its over, now i just have 280 miles of maine and I'm home free". Well...Southern Maine has actually been more difficult than the Whites. Even the guide book describes Southern Maine as the "most difficult and challenging part of the trail". I honestly don't know if I physically can stand one more day of hiking in these conditions. It is very frustrating to get this far and have to deal with such horrible trail conditions. The good news is that I am two days ahead of schedule and can afford to slow down a little. I have also unofficially found a hiking partner (guy named Michael) for the last few days. It's nice to have someone to talk to and to keep my mind of the horrible climbs and descents. We may end up keeping the same pace all the way to Katahdin...don't know.I may stop in Rangely or Stratton on my way to Caratunk. I don't know yet. Today is going to be a horrible day hiking though....and it is supposed to reach 92 degrees.well gotta go. only 265 to go....-john
Date: 2007-08-02
From: Pine Ellis, Andover, ME

To: Bemis Mountain Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Very tough day today. Left Andover w/MIchael at 9:00 and had 3 tough mountains to climb. First Wyman (not bad), then Moody and Bemis. Was ablt to make it to Bemis Mountain Shelter as planned. Setting myself up for Rangely tomorrow. Can't wait. Looks like a pretty big town. Getting kind of excited that the hike is honestly almost over. Almost at 2000 mile mark.
Date: 2007-08-03
From: Bemis Mountain Lean-to

To: Gull Pond Lodge, Rangely, ME
Miles today: 17.7

Had a nice easy day into Rangely today. Got here by 2:30 and have taken off the entire afternoon. I feel so much better. Went shopping at the IGA and go some food/supplies. Tomorrow is going to be a very tough day. 18.7 of climbs and descents. Next stop Stratton!
Date: 2007-08-04
From: Gull Pond Lodge, Rangely, ME

To: Sugarloaf Mountain Summit House
Miles today: 21.6

Did a good 21 out of Rangely today. Ended up at the old summit house on Sugarloaf Mountain. It's great here. Under 200 miles to go now. Can't believe it. I want the hike to end...really....but a part of me doesn't want it to end too. I've met some amazing people on this adventure. Tomorrow morning I head over Crocker Mountain and into Stratton early.
Date: 2007-08-05
From: Sugarloaf Mountain Summit House

To: Stratton Motel, Stratton, ME
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it into Stratton early today about 11:30, and I am enjoying a nice Nero. I have one more formidable mountain to climb tomorrow (Bigelow) until Katahdin. Southern Maine has been extremely difficult, but it's almost over. I can't wait for the wilderness. Under 200 miles to go, and less than 2 weeks. I can't wait to be done. My body is pretty much destroyed. I constantly think about what is going to feel like on Katahdin's summit.From My Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 17 - Stratton, MaineI'm writing this message from the Hostel in Stratton Maine (Mile 1986). I'm not quite sure how, but I have managed to make it past most of "Southern Maine". There is not a square inch on my body that doesn't hurt right now. I have one more big mountain tomorrow (Bigelow Mountain), and then I actually get a break from the climbs until the end at Katahdin. It is impossible to do big miles through Maine and I am glad that I was 2 days ahead in New Hampshire. I've been able to add those days in giving me shorter days of hiking. In a few more days I'll be in Monson, the last town before the "100 mile wilderness". Then all I'll have is the finish up Katahdin. As bummed as I'll be to go back to "real life", I absolutely cannot take any more hiking and will be so glad to be done. I don't know how anyone can want to do this trail more than once. I have my reasons for doing this...and once finished, I don't plan on ever doing it again.On a positive note, I'm still hiking with Michael and it's made the days go a little faster. Yesterday I hiked up and over Saddleback Mountain...probably the best above-treeline hike in Maine. Tomorrow I will hit the 2000 mile mark too, so I'm pretty pumped about that. Last night from the summit of Sugarloaf, I could actually see Katahdin 198 miles away...It definitely got me excited.Gonna go and enjoy my short half day now. Hope everyone is well back home. Can't wait to see you all.-john
Date: 2007-08-06
From: Stratton Motel, Stratton, ME

To: West Carry Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: light rain

Made it up and over the Bigelow's today. Also made it past 2000 miles. Great day for Milestones. tomorrow I head into Caratunk and get to ride the "ferry" across the Kennebec. Can't wait. It rained quite a bit today, but I still made it to the shelter by 6:00. Still hiking with Michael too. It's cool having some to talk with while hiking.
Date: 2007-08-07
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to

To: Steve Longley's, Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.0

Made it to Caratunk today by 3. Got to take the "ferry" (..canoe) over the Kennebec and I'm staying at Steve's hostel. Already took care of my P.O. stuff and sent my bounce box home. Kind of weird....no more P.O. stops. Still hiking with Mike. Tomorrow we head out (probably in the rain) for Moxie Bald shelter. 100 mile wilderness is 2 days away.
Date: 2007-08-08
From: Steve Longley's, Caratunk, ME

To: Moxie Bald Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: moderate rain

Made it to Moxie Bald Shelter by 5:30 tonight...but soaking wet. Tomorrow I'll be in Monson...my very last stop on the entire trail. I'm very excited about it. Hoping to stay at the Lakeshore Hostel and get my last private room. Then, its the wilderness. Its all coming to an end...and fast. Less than a week now.
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Moxie Bald Lean-to

To: Lake Shore House, Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

Made it into Monson tonight...the last town on the A.T. Tomorrow I head in to the Wilderness. Shooting for a long 26 day to set myself up for the white house landing. Still shooting for an August 15th Summit. I'll the the town visits.From My Myspace blog: Appalachian Trail - Update 18 - Monson, MaineWell I made it to Monson Maine (Mile 2060) ...the last town on the A.T. From here, all that remains is the 100 mile wilderness and then the climb up Katahdin (114 miles to go). I wish I could explain just how glad I am to be almost done, but there's just no way to put it into words. I am very ready to be done though.Tomorrow I head in to the "100 mile wilderness" which is considered the most remote part of the entire trail. There are no roads, no stores, and no places to go. Just me and the wilderness. Supposedly there are a lot of moose and other wildlife in this area. In less than a week, I'll be on Katahdin.I have a load of videos and pictures that I will post as soon as I am finished.See you all soon.-john
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Lake Shore House, Monson, ME

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First day into the wilderness went well...but was very long. Had to deal with the Barren Mountain Range all day. Leaving Monson was tough. Made it ot the shelter late...had to headlamp (9 pm). LOT of mice here. Tomorrow I climb Whitecap and should get a great view of Katahdin for the first time.
Date: 2007-08-11
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Stealth Camp site on trail
Miles today: 21.0

Made it to the shelter tonight only to find it packed. Mike and I hiked out of there and are stealth camping a few tenths further on. TOday was a good day. Summited White Cap...the last mountain before Katahdin. Also got to see Katahdin for the first time. Passed the 2100 mile mark. Heading into the White House Landing tomorrow.
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Stealth Camp site on trail

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 21.6

Made it to the White House Landing on Pemadumcook Lake today. Sounded an air horn and they picked me up in a boat. Had a great dinner and will be having an even better breakfast. Was woken up earlier tonight by a bat flying around my room. This trail never ceases to surprise me. Planning on an easy 20 tomorrow and then its on to the Birches. Katahdin is so close now. It was towering over the lake today.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: White House Landing

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 27.3
Weather: few clouds

Pushed on today just to make it ot the last shelter and set ourselves up for a short 13.5 into the Birches tomorrow. Can't believe I'll be out of the wilderness and at the foot of Katahdin tomorrow morning. Got a great view of Katahdin from Rainbow ledges tonight. Looks like there'll be about 5 of us at the Birches tomorrow. Can't wait to see that Katahdin sign
Date: 2007-08-14
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: The Birches Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

Sitting here at "The Birches" in front of a nice fire. My last night on the trail. Got here around 2 pm na dhave been relaxing and preparing myself for tomorrow's big summit. I'll be heading back to real life soon. I'm very happy that I am able to finish this huge goal that I set for myself. I know that I could not have done it without my family and friend's support. I also know dad was with me the entire way. The journey's been a blast. signing off the last time from the trail:   GA-->ME 2007 -lakewood
Date: 2007-08-15
From: The Birches Shelter

To: Baxter Peak, Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light rain

Well...this is it! My last entry. My '07 thru-hike came to an end today. At approx 11 am, I made it to the summit of Katahdin. Mike ("movin' on" / "wrongturn") ended up hiking all the way from Gorham to Katahdin w/me. I honestly don't know if I would have survived Maine without the good company he gave me. (Good luck on your PCT or CDT attempt mike!) I still can't believe I did it. I know dad had a big part in keeping me motivated. I went through a lot on this adventure...and learned a lot too. Signing off,(see my conclusion entry from Millinocket....)