morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-15
From: My brother and his fiancee's house

To: Eric and Chase Johnson
Miles today: 0.0

by PickleWe slept great. I ran a few errands in the morning to help out with the wedding and relaxed for the most part, something we haven't gotten to do much of.We dressed up and Peanut looked wonderful. I'm so used to her wearing the same clothes and she was a whole different person. The wedding was held outside at the Botannical Gardens in Asheville, NC. The place is perfect, except there isn't much parking so we were shuttle there by some trolleys. It was really cool.Everyone was surprised to see me and it felt as if I was really meant to be there. I'm glad we made it. I ran into some great friends from my childhood and I got to see my family, all 5 of us. The weather was perfect and the wedding went really well. I got a little emotional being there. I now have a sister-in-law and I absolutely love her. I think she is wonderful and I've always liked her.The trolleys dropped us off at the reception where we were treated to some heavy hors d'oeuvres, but it just wasn't enough for our hiker appetite. So we ordered a medium pizza from Mellow Mushroom (the best pizza place ever) across the street.People laughed. The festivities were fun and I think everyone had a great time, some maybe had too much fun. It's been a great day!
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Eric and Chase Johnson

To: Pickle's house in NC
Miles today: 0.0

by PeanutToday was a very happy day for me! I got too meet my niece for the very first time. I also got to spend time w/ my sister and my mom.She is a very beautiful, sweet baby. I think she's destined for great things - but I guess I'm a little biased. I can't express how great it is to see my family on our short little break. I miss them more than anything else while I'm out on the trail. Thay you for your help so far - I love you guys.I'm heading to Pickle's house tonight so we can get a VERY early start tomorrow morning. We've got to get the rental car back by 4.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Pickle's house in NC

To: High Point Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 1.7
Weather: broken clouds

by PickleCrazy day! Woke up at 5am and left right away. Drove the 10hr drive back to Pennsylvania from NC. We left our soul around Northern VA by driving so fast.Enterprise drove us back to the trail, but we got lost twice and the drive was an hour longer than it takes. We were thrilled that they dropped us off at the AT.Hiked into the shelter to find Aron. He was glad to see us!
Date: 2004-05-18
From: High Point Shelter (2*)

To: St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 18.9

by PeanutOur first full day back on the trail. It feels good to be back out. I'm not sure if I'll be sore tomorrow, but I'm okay for now.We caught up to Dusty & Lefty today! It was so great to see them. The last time we hiked together was around Daleville, VA. It's nice to see some familiar faces.We hitched in with Dusty & Lefty to the church hostel - only it's not really open yet. They let us stay in an old chapel that isn't used often. It was kind of cool sleeping in a church - a first for me!The folks were very nice at the hostel. Thanks!
Date: 2004-05-19
From: St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

by PickleMade it back to the trail around 9am. It was rainy and our goal was to make it to the shelter. It was so warm out that I decided to hike topless, hehe!It stopped raining and became a gorgeous day - NY has lots of ups and downs. It's either straight up or straight down. It seemed like it took forever to get to the shelter.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Wildcat Shelter (3*)

To: Wm. Brien Memorial Shelter (?*)
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

by PeanutWe shot for 22 miles, but made it only 19.6. Not bad, but the trail kicked our butts today.This morning we saw a pretty waterfall - It looked like it should be on an Irish Spring commercial! There was another view where you could just barely see NYC. Pretty cool!We are still hiking close to Dusty & Lefty and Flash. It sure is nice to have their company!
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Wm. Brien Memorial Shelter (?*)

To: Graymoor Friary Pavilion
Miles today: 15.2

by PickleToday we crossed the Palisades Interstate, the busiest road we've had to cross thus far. 34 miles to NYC it said, one of the largest cities in the world and we're so close to it! We originally planned to visit there, but my brother's wedding put us behind on miles and it will always be there.We had a long talk today about why we are hiking. Some days are not as fun as they should be and we're learning that the AT is more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge. We'll keep pushing on. (I can't say truckin' or Rob will make fun of me, hehe)We hiked through a zoo today right before crossing the Hudson River. Bear Mtn. Bridge is really nice and very high up.We hitched a ride to Peeskill, NY from some Hispanics which dropped us off at the Hispanic grocery store in the Hispanic part of town where nobody speaks English. Everything was made by Goya and nobody seemed to speak English. Peanut said that it reminded her of Italy. It felt like a different world; I thought it was fun! We had a hard time hitching back to the trail, but we made it.We'll be sleeping at the Graymoor monastery where I plan to shave my eyebrows and freak my parents out. Just kidding. The place is very spiritual and I think it fits in beside the AT. We met a trail angel today that wanted to take us to the grocery store from the monastery, but we were well supplied with egg crackers and Guava danishes and had to turn the offer down. He was really cool and I enjoyed hearing his poetry.Dusty & Lefty and Flash will be sleeping here as well. Good night!
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Graymoor Friary Pavilion

To: RPH Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

by PeanutHOT describes today. It was very humid and hot today. I never knew that I could sweat so much.Along with the humidity came the mosquitos. I put on 100% deet in the morning b/c I knew they were going to eat me alive if I didn't. Pickle is very anti-bug spray . . . or at least he used to be. He broke down today and joined me on the dark side. He used 100% deet bug spray too!I'm sure that this is not that good for you, but itmakes our lives out here just a little easier.
Date: 2004-05-23
From: RPH Shelter (3*)

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

by PickleFirst thing in the morning we went to the Mtn. Top Deli to get some sandwiches. I feel like we are always stopping somewhere to eat lately. We watched Flash drink 3 Manhatton coffee sodas. He was so energized that we caught him climbing trees later.Flashed hiked on today and we will be staying with Dusty & Lefty tonight. I'm very tired so I'm going to bed.
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter (3*)

To: Mt. Algo Lean-To (3*)
Miles today: 21.4

by PeanutWe crossed the railroad tracks where you can catch a train to NYC. It is called the App. Trail Station - how appropriate! You can only catch the train there on weekends so no NYC for us.We were eating a snack when out of nowhere came the train. It was going incredibly fast that we had to grab our stuff to make sure it didn't blow away.All-in-all today was a great day. I'm looking forward to washing my stinky clothes in Kent, CT tomorrow.
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Mt. Algo Lean-To (3*)

To: Silver Hill Campsite 
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

By: PickleToday was planned to be a town day, but we still managed to hike 10 miles. We hiked into Kent, CT where we drank Coffee, ate breakfast, washed clothes, bought groceries, made phone calls, ate lunch and back to the trail. Oh, and we received out mail drop.Peanut got a new shirt, new shoes, and a bug screen. The shoes didn't fit so she bought some at The Outfitter while I typed journal entries at the library. The trail was fairly easy today with the exception of a 1/2 mile of rock steps straight down.We made it to the campsite where we met section hikers from the last shelter and also John and Beesknees and Relentless. The campsite has a pavilion, privy, and a well. There is about 10 people camping here tonight.
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Silver Hill Campsite 

To: Limestone Springs Lean-To (3***)
Miles today: 19.1

I love it when timing works out. We made it to a shelter this morning just as it started to rain and left just as it stopped. Yesterday, I got new shoes and they are working well, so far. As we were hiking, I told Pickle how they had really great traction. As I said this, I fell flat on my butt in a puddle of water on a rock. I was fine and I just laughed it off. I guess I shouldn't have been so cocky about my shoes.We're both sleepy from today, but the campsite is pretty full tonight with about 20+ Princeton College students on a backpack training class. They are a nice bunch, but don't seem to like to go to bed as early as thru-hikers!By: Peanut
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Limestone Springs Lean-To (3***)

To: Hemlock Shelter (5*****)
Miles today: 17.5

By: PickleWe were glad to be in the shelter last night; it rained cats and dogs. We got a late start this morning because we lost sleep due to the loud tin roof.We hiked into Salisbury, CT to resupply. It's a nice New England style town, except people threw Dun-Dums at us as we were walking. We got back on the trail and hiked up to 2500 feet. We haven't been this high since the Shenandoahs. We've officially crossed over to the Berkshire Mtns. of Massachusetts. It feels good to be in the mountains again! It's gorgeous here!!Got to the shelter around 7pm where we experimented a meal of chilli beans, and Vermont cheddar cheese wrapped in a tortilla shell. It was delicious. We also met Jay, a section hiker from NYC hiking to Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Hemlock Shelter (5*****)

To: Mt. Wilcox South (Lean-To)
Miles today: 19.6

By: PeanutThe day started off very nasty with a steady, cold rain. However, as the day progressed, it turned to sunny skies with cool breezes. We met back up with Easy One today. He's been hiking south from Hanover, NH. It was great to see him again. He told us something that helped us a lot, though I'm not sure he knows it. We talked about why we are doing what we're doing-even in cold rain, mosquito swarms, and mucky swamps. It's because we have so much freedom. We only have to worry about food, water, and each other. It's much easier than all of the responsibilities that will surely await us at home!
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Mt. Wilcox South (Lean-To)

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin (shelter)
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

By Pickle Today was the perfect day. The temperature was cool and we got moving quickly. The terrain was filled with pine needles and the mosquitos were blown off the mountain. There was a lot of people out for Memorial Day weekend.We realized we could make it to the shelter early and that's just what we did. We met Voice in the Wind (V.W.) and Kathy and Fletch, the maintainers of the shelter. V.W.'s dog had 10 porcupine quills in his mouth and we spent time tying up the dog and pulling out the quills. It was horrible! The dog was fine afterwards.We canoed at the pond a little, and came back and drank lots of coffee. The caretakers are really friendly, and we spent many hours talking.It's remarkably cold right now, and we've got the fire going to keep us warm Good night!
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin (shelter)

To: Kay Wood Lean-To
Miles today: 17.6

By: PeanutFletch and Kathy made us pancakes this morning before we headed off. It was wonderful. Upper Goose Pond Cabin is a very special place and our short time there totally rejuvenated me.We ran into several people who are part of the Appalachian Trail Project. To the best of my knowledge, volunteers are given a 10 mile section of the trail to photograph. These will then be assembled together in a book that will show what the A.T. looked like in a day. How neat! I think this is a great idea. A group of ladies took our picture--so maybe we'll be in a book one day and become famous for hiking the A.T. ( www.atphotoproject.com )
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Kay Wood Lean-To

To: The 'Birdcage' Hostel in Dalton, MA
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

by PickleWe hiked 3 miles into Dalton, MA where we stopped by Tom Levardi's house to get some water. We didn't meet Tom, but he lets hikers stay the night on his front porch. We stopped at the Dalton Restaurant to eat an outstanding breakfast. It was so good that there was a line outside the door.We were rushing to get out of town because a parade was about to begin for Memorial Day. As we were leaving, a guy named Rob informed us that he ran a hostel and let many hikers that we know stay the night and catch a shower, etc. We wanted to push some miles so we turned him down. He wouldn't take no and told us that he would drive us to Cheshire, MA and we could slack-pack back to Dalton, MA and he would drive us back in the morning. (Slack-packing is not carrying a full pack) How could we resist?We carried day packs from Cheshire to Dalton and it was fabulous!!! We made it to Rob's house where he washed our clothes while we took showers. Then he drove us to a grinder shop for dinner. Grinders are subs for you Southerners.Rob also housed 4 other people that night, some were just friends. He is the man!
Date: 2004-06-01
From: The 'Birdcage' Hostel in Dalton, MA

To: The 'Birdcage' Hostel in Dalton
Miles today: 14.0

by PeanutWe stayed another night at the Birdcage and slack-packed again. We climbed to the top of Mt. Greylock in MA. I'm sure it's beautiful up there, but it was a huge cloud while we were there.On the way back down, we got caught in a big thunderstorm. I was totally drenched. Having a rain jacket didn't even help. When we got to town, we were supposed to call Rob to come pick us up, only we didn't have to call. He was waiting on us in his heated van. I'm so overwhelmed by his kindness!In general, I'm just overwhelmed by people's kindness on the trail. A woman at the lodge [on top Mt. Greylock] bought me a piece of apple pie and I talked with her and her friends about the trail.The AT is such a special place - I hope to share the joy with others off the AT when our journey is finished.
Date: 2004-06-02
From: The 'Birdcage' Hostel in Dalton

To: Camped near Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

by PickleI had a great time at the Birdcage Hostel last night. Rob dropped us off at N. Adams, MA near the grocery store with Voice Within Wind, a guy we've been hiking with for the past few days. He is really cool and he has an awesome dog!Rob may be the most giving person I know. Peanut said that he reminded of her of Jesus and we were very touched by all the great things he did for us.It felt great to be back on the trail today. I can hardly believe that we crossed into VT today on the Long Trail. We'll follow the Long Trail for the next 130 miles and the LT was a big inspiration for the AT. 3 more states to go, but we still have a 1/4 of the AT left. I've got Katahdin fever all of a sudden!The shelter tonight was full. We could have made room, but we would have sacrificed a much needed rest. This is the first time this trip that we've had any trouble getting into the shelter. We'll sleep good tonight on pine needles under out tarp.
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Camped near Congdon Shelter

To: Goddard Shelter (5*)
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

By PeanutThe sunshine was out as we started our hike today. [We met a kind woman named Ester who offered to take care of us as we went through Hanover, NH. We're planning on staying with her.] We stopped at Harmon Hill to admire the view looking over Bennington, VT.We met Yogi (former thru-hiker in '98 & '00/'01) there. He was very nice and we enjoyed chatting with him.We made it to Goddard Shelter early and decided to stay. The view is awesome here - you can even see Mt. Greylock. There is a firetower close by with some good views. Pickle is going to try to catch the sunrise tomorrow.The rain (and a little hail) just started. I'm happy to be here.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Goddard Shelter (5*)

To: Spruce Peak Shelter (5*)
Miles today: 27.2
Weather: clear sky

by PickleWe started at 5:30 am to climb Glastenbury Firetower. We missed the sunrise by about 30 min., but what a way to start the morning! VT is gorgeous and so is today!We met A-Train at the next shelter. He thru-hiked last year. He gave us some informative advice about what's ahead. You could tell he was excited for us and he missed the trail. He had us very excited! We'll be in the Whites in NH in less than 2 weeks. He was very positive and we enjoyed his company! We climbed Stratton Mtn where Benton MacKaye once envisioned a trail across the Appalachian Mtns. We climbed the firetower and the views were amazing. We could see what we hiked and where we're going to hike. You won't get much better views than what we saw today!Today became our longest day ever. I've always wanted to hike a marathon and that's just what we did. We're proud of ourselves! We'll sleep wonderful tonight!
Date: 2004-06-05
From: Spruce Peak Shelter (5*)

To: Bromly Mtn Warming Hut (5*)
Miles today: 5.5

by PeanutWe made it to Manchester Center, VT today. Early this morning, we made it to town, we made phone calls, and did the typical town chores.Our plan was to make it 12 miles today, but Bromley Mtn. was just too cool to pass up. It is a ski slope here in the winter, but this hut is open to hikers in the summer. The ski patrol uses this building in season [so it is well insulated]. The cool thing is that there is an observation deck that gives a 360 degree view of the mountains.To top it off, there is a phone in here! We are chilling with A-Train and having a great time. We just decided to make the miles up tomorrow. We've gotta run - the sun is about to set - be sure to check out the pictures.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Bromly Mtn Warming Hut (5*)

To: Greenwall Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

by PickleThe sunset last night was outstanding. We got up to see the sunrise and it was just as good! This is such an awesome spot and we're so glad we decided to stay!We left early today to make big miles not seem so hard. We keep seeing moose droppings, but no moose in sight (nor bears). VT is beautiful. Every vista is outstanding! We are loving it!People on the trail seem amazed by how early we are up in VT. It won't be long until we're in the Whites. Still have 513 miles to Katahdin. Peace.
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Greenwall Shelter (3*)

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter (5*)
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

by PeanutToday is our 4 month AT anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been out here so long. Where has all the time gone?We hung out a lot with Dusty & Lefty today, which was nice. We all went up to the top of Killington Mtn to watch the sunset. All of us climbed the firetower for a view as well. Killington Peak is supposedly where VT was named. The name came from the French word 'verd' meaning green and 'mont' meaning mountain. Betcha didn't know that. Well now you do thanks to our guidebook!
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter (5*)

To: Camped at Lakota Lake lookout
Miles today: 22.0

by PickleWe didn't sleep well last night so we had a later start than usual.We caught up to Dusty & Lefty and hiked with them all day. We really like them!We got to take a shower at Guillford State Park, which was much needed! I started to have a jerry curl. It's been a long day because the heat is terrible. We just sort of trudge along hoping for cooler days ahead.Sometimes it is hard to have creative energy to write at the end of the day because we're so tired. This is why several entries are kind of short. I'm hoping to get a good night's rest!
Date: 2004-06-09
From: Camped at Lakota Lake lookout

To: Thistle Hill Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

by PeanutIt was HOT today! We were dragging a little because of this and also because we wre running low on food. Lately we just can't seem to eat enough.For lunch, we headed to a deli in the quaint town of S. Pomfret. Teago General Store had great sandwiches and the always essential Ben & Jerry's. [We are in VT you know ]It was still hot back on the trail, but later in the afternoon a thunderstorm came a dropped a lot of rain. As it started, we're about to head over an unprotected field so we decided to just wait it out in the woods. There was quite a bit of lightening. I'm glad Pickle was with me b/c he is always so calm, whereas I freak out.Dusty & Lefty are sharing the shelter with us tonight. They are stopping in Hanover, NH for a few days to attend their son's college graduation [at Dartmouth]. How cool!
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Thistle Hill Shelter (3*)

To: Ester's House in Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

by PickleThe past few days we've encountered hoses running from the trees and I thought is was some kind of irrigation project. Finally, I asked some hiker what the hoses are for and they are used to tap the Sugar Maples for syrup. This is new for me. I thought is was kind of stupid to water the trees, but now I know.We hiked into West Hartford, VT to grab a bite to eat and get enough food to hike 10 more miles, except the storm had knocked the power out. The guy at the store let us buy some groceries though.I was afraid the PO was going to be closed because we needed to pick up our maildrop, but thankfully the clerk was in there sitting in the dark. She gave us our packages and told us that she hopes we don't plan to send anything out. We told her we really needed to and came up with a plan to mail stuff out when the power cuts back on.In our packages, we got lots of food (which is about the best thing we could get out here) from people and I got some new shoes. My boots are shot. The New Balance 716's have a hard sole and are much lighter than my boots, but they are just a little too small. I'm just going to wing it and try to make them work. I think they might stretch a little.The next few days are supposed to be gorgeous and not so hot and hazy. We're really glad!We pushed on to Hanover, NH where we plan to call a woman named Ester who we met on the Long Trail. She told us she would take good care of us.As we were walking into town, several people honked and waved and you could tell this was a very supportive town for thru-hikers. We saw a note on a trash can that read "P & P --->, around back." We walked a little further and saw another note and found the final note on a door.Dusty & Lefty directed us to their son's apartment. Their son is about to graduate and they hiked to his graduation. I don't know who's cooler, the son or the parents?Joe, their son, is really cool and he had let other hikers stay at his apartment. I was impressed that he had Bud Light and Budweiser on tap. Supposively, Dartmouth is a big party school. The movie "Animal House" is based here.Joe offered us a shower and the Internet and food and anything we could really want. I needed to get on the computer and type journal entries, and Peanut went to town to try and find Ester.I got done with one entry and Peanut told me Ester was outside so I had to leave. We said our goodbyes to Dusty & Lefty and off to Ester's house.She had a dinner party she needed to attend and basically gave us her house. It was really nice of her. We got our laundry and showering done and eating as well. She returned later that night to make us a Maple Syrup sundae with Walnut flakes on top. Mmmm! The bed we're sleeping on is really soft and we'll sleep very comfortably tonight. Sure does beat the 2 x 4's we're used to sleeping on!