morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-14
From: US 9

To: Foot Bridge (Sunk Mine Road)
Miles today: 17.1

Well, I am back on the trail after spending the last week and a half working a bike tour in Nova Scotia. It is hard to get back into the swing of things after so many days off. It is amazing how quickly the body goes to pot!I have a great day for hiking today, the sun is shining and the woods are very active. Unfortunately, so are the bugs! But even so, I am glad to be back on the trail to finish my journey.I just had some of the worst water yet on the trail. I followed a blue blazed side trail leading to a water source, which turned out to be a swampy water hole. I was hoping it didn't taste as bad as it smelled. I ran it through a bandana, purified it with my Steri Pen, and boiled it. It was still brownish in color and smelled like swamp. I masked the taste with a berry flavored energy drink and drank it anyway (what can I say, I was thirsty). I chose to put it in a disposable water bottle, so I wouldn't end up with my camelback smelling that way.After another mile of hiking I saw another blue blazed trail, apparently leading to the REAL water source. The one I followed was just a side trail to a vista, that happened to have a swamp along the way. Oh well, live and learn.I took the trail leading down to the Graymoor Friary, I have heard so much about. In past years hikers were taken in, given a place to sleep, and had meals with the Friars. They have since stopped providing that service, but offer a pavilion with running water, electricity and cold showers for hikers to stay in. While I was eating at the pavilion, a Friar came by to check to see if there were any hikers sick or injured that might need a trip to the clinic. There were a couple of other hikers there hanging out, so after talking with us for a while, the Friar left and came back with Klondike bars for all of us. What awesome trail magic!! I decided to hike on before I could get sucked into the invisible hole that many hikers fall into around nice places like this. My first day back on the trail feels much like my early days in Georgia, I am exhausted and my feet hurt!! Hopefully this won't last long.
Date: 2007-08-18
From: CT 341

To: Pine Swamp Brook Campsite
Miles today: 17.0

Wow, what a terrible storm last night. The lightning and thunder were bad, but the wind was the worst. There were tree branches flying everywhere. The wind was so strong it lifted the edges of my tent enough to allow rain underneath, in between my tent and ground cloth. The water soaked through the floor and drenched the stuff around the edges. Fortunately the top of my thermarest and my sleeping bag stayed dry.This morning was chilly and still windy, but at least it wasn't raining. Actually, it is a nice hiking temp., as long as you keep moving. I have to keep moving, if I do 16.4 miles a day for the next 43 days I will be done by Sept 30th. Although, it is crazy to think I can go that long without a zero day. If I want a day off, I can earn it by hiking a few longer days. I am sitting here on Caleb's Peak taking a lunch break. I have my stuff spread out to dry, but it is almost too windy. I am afraid something will blow off the mountain. The views are great up here, even though it is only at about 1200'. The good thing about the wind...NO BUGS!!I walked past an apple orchard on my way to take pictures of Cornwall Bridge. There was a man on a tractor who stop and asked me if I was a thru-hiker. I said I was and he told me to grab an apple from the driveway as I pass by. He had bags of apples for sale as well as a few loose ones in a bowl. The apple was excellent. If they weren't so heavy I would have bought a bag. People have been very friendly through out this section. I also went into West Cornwall to take a photo of the covered bridge. The town is an old railroad stop that doesn't have much, but it was neat to see anyway.   I only hiked 17 miles on the AT, but with the extra miles to see the bridges my feet ache. It may also be time to change boots, these have close to 1000 miles on them and have lost their support.
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Pine Swamp Brook 

To: Plateau Campsite 
Miles today: 16.6

Brrr!!! It was cold last night! It is definitely time to get some warm clothes back. I only have shorts and short sleeves. Last night I had to put on my rain gear during the night because it was so cold. My sleeping bag was still wet from the night before, so that added to the damp chilly feeling. It was hard to get motivated to get out in the cold this morning. I like the comfort of my tent.I really enjoyed my hike today. The trail runs along the Housatonic River, where there is historic view points showing the history of the Hydroelectric plant. The waterfall near the plant is, by far, the best so far on the trail. As I was looking at the falls, a kayaker pushed off and went over them. It was really neat to watch, but there is no way I would ever try it.The hydro plant has an outdoor showerhead on the side of the building, complete with a bar of soap. I wanted to shower, but the side of the building faces the swimming area across the river. The area was packed with people, so I got in and soaped up with my clothes on. The needed to be washed anyway! Once you pass the falls, the trail turns away from the river. I stayed down by the water and walked the historic trail, showing the remains of the old iron works plant. It added a few miles, by the time I went down and then returned to the AT, but it was worth it.After climbing Prospect Mountain, I stopped to take pictures of Giant's Thumb, a large rock formation sticking up out of the ground. One of my favorite things about my hike is seeing all the odd looking rock formations.
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Housatonic River

To: UpperGoose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 26.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I crossed into Massachusetts yesterday, 10 states down only 4 to go! I also passed 1500 miles hiked. I actually feel like I am getting close now.I was on the trail by 5:45 this morning, I couldn't sleep so I decided to hike. It was very cold and rainy last night, actually the last several nights have been cold.I have passed through a lot of swampy and boggy areas today. I guess that is why Mass. is the worst state on the trail for bugs, it probably also has to do with the time of year most hikers hit this area. It is cold enough that the bugs aren't too bad today. I am considering getting rid of the bug spray I've been carrying, anything to save a few ounces!I am staying at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin tonight. This is a really neat place. The cabin has 2 floors, with sleeping bunks upstairs, and cooking and eating areas on the main floor. The is no electricity or running water, but the cooking area has a propane oven and lanterns. There is also a fireplace inside, which we have going tonight to take the chill out of the air. There is a large porch with a picnic table outside as well. It is a shame it is so cold and windy, because the cabin sits on a large pond with a couple of islands. There is a canoe available for hikers to use as well as docks to swim off of. The caretakers are volunteers that come in for a week long shift. Apparently, they load the canoe each day with empty jugs, paddle across the pond to a spring, and fill the jugs with fresh water for hikers to use. There are 12 or 13 of us tonight using water for drinking, cooking and filling water bottles for the next days hike, so we have gone through a lot of water.   The caretakers this week are Joanne and Bob. Joanne has been doing this for 20 years and really goes out of her way for hikers. She baked an awesome blueberry dessert to share with us, and rumor has it that she makes pancakes in the morning for everyone. I'll let you know tomorrow if it's true! This is a place I will definitely return to in the future. Anyone considering hiking in this area...It is a must see!!
Date: 2007-08-22
From: UpperGoose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton Ma
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The rumor was true!! Joanne made pancakes for all of the hikers this morning, and had freshly brewed coffee waiting for us. Breakfast was amazing. She wouldn't even allow us to wash dishes afterwards. Although, I don't blame her. Most hikers wash their dishes by the lick it-dip it method... lick off the food, dip it in the stream, and call it good.The trail crossed over Interstate 90 today. The bridge was a fenced in walkway with a large Appalachian Trail sign facing the hwy. Cars and trucks beeped their horns and waved as I crossed. That is such a great feeling. I can remember driving under one of the trail crossing, honking at some hikers and thinking...that will be me someday. I'm living what others are only able to dream about. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Each day, good or bad, is all part of the experience.
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Dalton MA 

To: MA 2
Miles today: 23.3

The trail goes right into the town of Dalton and passes through a residential area. A couple of the residents allow hikers to camp in their yards, some even take hikers in and give them a bed and shower. I came down into town after dark last night, so I set up my tent in Tom's yard (a well known, hiker friendly local with an AT sign in his yard). He does allow people inside, but it was late so I set up my tent and walked into town to find food.I woke this morning fairly early and am setting out in search of new boots. I am having a lot of foot pain and have had several falls due to my boots being worn down to the point where the traction and support is gone. There is a local bus service that goes out to The Berkshire Mall, where there is an Eastern Mountain Sports store. So that is where I am headed.Well, I was waiting for the bus and the owner of The Bird Cage, a local hostel, offered me a ride to the outfitter in the next town. I took him up on it since it was closer, and I didn't want to make this an all day event. He actually hung around as I tried on boots so he could give me a ride back. Again I am amazed at how helpful people are.I bought a pair of boots that I thought would work with my hard to fit feet and set out to get back on the trail. After walking around town a bit, my feet were already hurting. I decided to get the bus to the mall after all. I am glad I did. Although I didn't find any boots there, I did realize after spending more time in the ones I bought, they are not going to work for me. So, I got a bus back to the original town to return the boots. Back to square one! I am heading out on the trail and will deal with this later.
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Williamstown

To: Harmon Hill
Miles today: 15.5

 I crossed the Mass/Vermont border today!! 11 states down 3 more to go! I came down to Rt 2 last night and caught a bus, from the trailhead, into Williamstown. It was only 2-3 miles, but it is not part of the AT so why walk it. I camped in the backyard of The Mountain Goat Outfitter. It turned out to be one of the best spots I've camped yet. The place is right on the river, so I listened to the sounds of rushing water all night. There were several swirling pools to soak my feet in (I am too whimpy to submerge my entire body in the frigid water.
Date: 2007-09-04
From: Lyme-Dorchester rd 

To: NH 25A
Miles today: 14.0

I have some company hiking today. Nicole and Lisa were looking for some abuse, so I took the opportunity to make them miserable. I bounced around on the trail a bit, to hike an area that has better views (more mountains to climb). Today's hike, where I am on the trail, has a lot of road crossings and stays at a lower elevation. So, we are doing "tomorrows hike" today, and when they leave I will go back to where I skipped. We had a beautiful day for hiking! We started out at about 900' and climbed up Smarts Mtn, elevation 3240', over a few miles. There were several open rock face areas with breath taking views (I don't know of it was the views or the climb that took their breath away). The summit of Smart has a fire tower, and on a clear day like today you can see for miles. There is also a Fire warden's cabin where we stopped for lunch (yes, I let them take a few short breaks). The nice thing about having people hike with me is...they always bring REAL food to share. I ate well, and didn't even have to carry it! After lunch we climbed down for a couple miles to Jacobs Brook at 1445', and then back up to get to Eastman Ledges 2010'. The ledges were worth the climb (I don't know if they would agree). We had one more mountain to climb, so we stopped by a brook for a quick dinner. The climb up Mt. Cube was a long one, with several false summits. The sunset was amazing and made for some great photos. I think this evening on Mt. Cube was one of my top 10 on the trail.The climb down was never ending and quite steep (2000'). It was a tiring day, but well worth it. All kidding aside, I didn't set out to cause any torture. I wanted them to have a realistic trail experience, and I think they did. No pain, No gain.
Date: 2007-09-05
From: Hanover NH 

To: Lyme rd
Miles today: 17.6

I am back on the trail today alone, although I will have company for the last couple miles of the day. Tom, a guy I know from the bike tours, is meeting me at Holts Ledge. He is hiking with me and then taking me back to his house. He and his wife, Paula, have invited me over for dinner and a night off the trail.The trail was a fairly easy start today, a lot of gentle ups and downs. I did have the south and north peaks of Moose Mtn to climb, which wasn't too bad. The 1000' climb up to the ledges was a bit tiring, but knowing I was getting a shower and a bed made it that much easier! Wow!! What an amazing dinner, Paula is a wonderful cook. I really enjoyed talking with them. They took me in and made me feel at home. Not many people want a smelly hiker staying in their house! Thanks Tom and Paula for a really nice evening!!
Date: 2007-09-13
From: Crawford Notch

To: Westside
Miles today: 12.2

Today is much nicer then the last few days. It was around 43 degrees this morning, but the sun was shinning and skies were blue so I wasn't complaining! It is lunchtime, so I am taking a break on a large rock face, up on Webster Cliffs. I have amazing views of the mountains the AT goes over, south of here. I couldn't ask for a more beautiful day as far as visibility. It is still very cool, actually quite cold, up here on the exposed ridge line, but no rain so all is well. Todays hike was mostly above the treeline, so the wind is tough even on a nice day. I climbed Mt. Webster, Jackson, Clinton, Eisenhower, and Franklin today. I started out at 1200' and ended up at 5700'. That doesn't count all the ups and downs in between the different mountains. I am exhausted, but the views are unforgettable!! p.s. Thanks again Larry for the camera. I have taken some awesome photos.
Date: 2007-09-22
From: Sugarloaf Mtn 

To: Trail update
Miles today: 137.0

Packages will get to Shawn if mailed 2-3 day priority mail on Mon. 24th or Tues.25th.Last Mail drop pickup for Shawn is 09/28/07 Miles have been added to this one entry to update Shawn's Journal. The miles that are shown are current as of 09/22/07. The Journal will be corrected at a later date.
Date: 2007-09-27
From: Long stream pond 

To: Monson (SOBO)
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I am heading out into the hundred mile wilderness for my home stretch. I am near the end of my journey and at the moment at a loss for words. I have mixed emotions about reaching my goal. I will say, it has been a long hard road (or should I say trail), but it is an amazing feeling to be this close and to have come this far.I have had such a wonderful support team of family and friends. I would not be here approaching my final goal if it wasn't for all of you. I still have a lot of big mile days ahead to finish on Oct 3rd or 4th. I will totally be out of contact heading into the wilderness this next week. I will take time and fill in all the blanks in my journal entries when I return home.Thanks for following my journey and all the words of encouragement!!
Date: 2007-09-29
From: West Branch Pleasant River

To: Logan Brook
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept next to the river last night which made for a peaceful sleep. I woke around 6:30 and decided to sleep in a bit (I got in late last night). After about an hour I woke for the day. It was a cool morning, low 40's, so I lazed around in my sleeping bag, drinking coffee and eating breakfast (oatmeal again!). The sun was out and a breeze was blowing, so hanging out for a while gave my tent a chance to dry from yesterdays rain. My tent is only 3lbs, but when it's wet it is closer to 5. I finally got on the trail around 9:00. What a beautiful day, blue skies and sunshine. I only went a couple hundred yards before having to take my boots off to ford the river. Brrr...That water was cold this morning!! I always wake up with swollen feet, so I guess it was good for them. There was a large group of high school kids crossing the river in front of me. By the time I got to the other side they were receiving an informational talk on back country ethics and leave no trace practices. The ATC has a caretaker in this area to oversee the trails. There is a 5 mile loop hike that branches off the AT to go down to The Gulf Hagas Gorge. It's a popular hiking spot that is fairly accessible by logging roads. It is known as the Grand Canyon of the east. I would love to hike it, but I don't have time to add 5 miles to my already long day. Tennis just walked up while I am sitting here at a stream taking a short break. He and I were camped within 100 yards of each other last night and didn't know it. We had both arrived after dark. We hiked together the rest of the day, which was nice because we haven't hiked together since New York. We had several mountains to climb today and it is easier to stay motivated uphill when you're hiking with someone. The final mountain of the day was White Cap, which is above tree line and extremely windy. The temperature dropped drastically as the sun set up on the top. There was a great view of Mt. Katahdin. That was my first view of it, any other views have been clouded in. What an awesome sight! My destination within sight!!
Date: 2007-10-02
From: Rainbow Spring Campsite

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Abol Bridge Camp Store...FOOD!!! I just ate the best frozen/microwavable double cheeseburger I have ever had! Not to mention the pizza burger sub, a cheese danish, 2 ice cream cones and a bag of chips. Oh yeah, 2 sodas, a snickers bar and a cup of coffee. My lunch was only half the size of the one Tennis ate! Today is a wonderful, clear day with great views. Although it is cold and windy, I am too pumped up to even feel it. I can't believe we are almost there. It is kind of sad to me that it is almost over. It's a feeling I compare to graduating from high school, you're glad you made it, but you know that there is no reliving it once it is over.
Date: 2007-10-03
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Summit Mt. Katahdin (Baxter Peak)
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

SUMMIT DAY Well, the day is finally here! I have the last 5 miles of my journey in front of me (and it is all uphill). I have a calm feeling, almost as if climbing this last mountain doesn't matter. I made it to Katahdin and somehow feel like I have completed my goal. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to climb it! The weather today is windy, cold and foggy (what else would I expect!). That's ok, I made it here and that's all that matters right now. I am just hoping the weather clears enough, when we get to the top, for a photo by the summit sign. The park ranger came around last night to register us as thru-hikers and to tell us that daypacks are available for our use. That is tempting... climbing the mountain with a daypack of snacks and water. I decided that since I carried a full pack for 2169 miles, I can carry it another 5.2 (actually 10.4, I have to carry it back down the mountain!) I haven't slackpacked yet, why start now!!
Date: 2007-10-04
To: Conclusion
Miles today: 0.0

I awoke on Oct. 4th (the day after my summit), and my first thought was...Wow, I don't have to hike today!! My body definitely needed the break. Then, I awoke on Oct. Th (as my alarm went off for work), and my first thought was... I wish I could be back out hiking!!I have been thinking a lot about my time on the trail, and the effect it had on my life. What stands out the most is the people I met along the way. I set out on the trail with the thought that I would avoid people as much as possible. I wanted to have time to myself, to really get to know me. Time to feel like I was connecting with nature. So it is ironic to me that some of my most treasured memories revolve around other people. Whether it was time spent with family and friends that hiked with me, meeting other hikers, or a chance encounter with a Trail Angel, these experiences had a profound effect on my journey and ultimately, my life. Anytime I was ever in need, there was always someone there to help me out. Sometimes it was a complete stranger. I think about what the world would be like if more people took time out to help a stranger.I am so thankful that I had an opportunity to fulfill this dream. I could never have had the strength to push on day after day with out the patience, love, and support, (not to mention the many pep talks and goodie packages!) of my family and friends. I know that the people closest to me had to make huge sacrifices in their lives, to allow me to live my dream. I am forever grateful.
Date: 2006-11-13
To: The Trail calls.
Miles today: 0.0

The trail calls. It¢s always there. It is waiting. You can only put the trail off for so long. You have to go there. It must be done.We who decide to go are very lucky. I felt it last year and it was a rush of emotions and experiences that will always be there in my memory to make me happy make me laugh, and make me cry. I could go back to where I went off trail last summer and go forward from there, but I think it would be better to start over and begin hiking again at Springer and thru hike to the northern terminus at Katahdin. I yearn to be a thru-hiker, a 2000 miler. I want to complete this journey in one year.This journey will probably be different. I know the trail will be familiar, I¢ll recognize the vistas and the landmarks, but the experience will most likely be different. The one thing I never expected last year was how much the community would impact the journey, and how much it would impact me. This year I hope that I will meet and get to hike with great people again, but I don¢t know how I can ever equal the experience I had last year. But who knows maybe this year will be better. I hope so¢¦
Date: 2006-11-13
To: Conditioning
Miles today: 0.0

I am going into this hike better prepared and in better physical condition than last year. Last summer, I felt like I would have completed my hike if I didn¢t get ill. I could feel the conditioning and focus was there. It was just a matter of going out every day and getting positive miles toward my goal. It was so close I could feel it.As for conditioning, I have begun going to a gym. Here¢s a recap of what happened last summer. I became ill and had to go off trail, I was hospitalized for 10 days. At first I couldn¢t stand up without assistance. After a while I could walk using a walker. After a few weeks I could lean on Lynne and walk short distances. I then went to therapy and walked in a pool and did exercises to build balance and leg strength. I thought the exercises were so beneficial that I pledged to start going to a gym. Now that I am home in Florida, I¢ve been going to a gym every other day and walking every day. I¢ve kept my weight down and now feel stronger than when I started the trail last spring. My favorite and most challenging workouts are on a Stairmaster. I¢m hoping these Stairmaster sessions will help get me through Georgia so I can start the hike in proper condition. I¢ll still respect the trail and plan on starting off slowly to allow myself time to get in trail condition.