morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter, MD

To: Tagg Run, Fry Shelter, PA
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Tom and I left this morning at 6:30 am and arrived at the half way point at 11:00 am. The Pine Grove Furnace Park is considered 1/2 way. I did not take the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge but I did have 2 cokes and a bag of chips. There are alot of places close to the trail to eat too. So far, the weather has been great and warm at night. There's been no more trail magic to report but I know Hermanator will be meeting us soon. Lauren - Hi - thanks sweetie for the email. I love you too. David Horton - "weenie" is NOT in my vocabulary!!
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Tagg Run, Fry Shelter, PA

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 12.2

We hiked 12.2 miles today and stopped at the ATC Mid Atlantic Regional office. They had cake and friendly people waiting for us. Today was out 5th day out and we really needed a shower and clean laundry so I asked John Hernerson,a volunteer at the office, if he would shuttle us to a hotel. John is a retired teacher and ex-school Superintendant in 2 Pa districts. John was very gracious and drove us to town. He'll pick us up in the morning and return us to the trail too. Lauren - please keep my lazy boy warmed up and the remote in your hand, I love you. Hermanator - thanks for the email, you are such a good friend, I'll see you in a week. Donna - Tom loves Old Bay and is ready!MarBabe - the Seafood Team was a great idea, Tom loved it. Paula & Russ - it was tough leaving the home front again but we are back in the groove now, thanks. Larry - do you miss your motorcycle? Congrats on the retirement. Siesta - hurry up and catch up to us so we can hike the 2nd half together. Mrs. Friday and Lauren are doing great, thanks for asking.   Charlie - great talking with you at the shelter, thanks for the food, I ate it all, keep in touch. Deirdre - we had 5 sunny days and it was warm today and felt great. Big Bob - how is Fla? Did I hear Dunn is moving north??Kevin - you were right, four of us did start together, Hermanator was hurt and tried to come back, Cougar is now a section hiker planning to continue at Clingmans Dome, Saucy Dog left the trail at Harpers Ferry, but Tom of Maine is with me who I met in Erwin, Tenn.   Kevin - you better be working those legs brother, not just the forearms. Harry - thanks for the email and prayers. Joanne - Good to hear from you, keep Jayne straight please.   New York is closer.
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Carlisle, PA

To: Cove Mt. Shelter, PA
Miles today: 21.6

We are 21.6 miles closer to NY and my feet are sore. John Henderson picked us up this morning at 7:00 am and we were on the trail at 7:15. The first part of the hike was fields, roads, and farms. As we passed the cows, Tom sang "Baby Face" and the cows ran away. The mud was over the tops of our boots and we were slipping and sliding. We met 2 hikers, Spiderman and Better Days. Better Days is a section hiker and has followed us on the web site. Then we climbed Cove Mt. which was rocky. We are at the shelter along with a father and son, weekend hikers, Bob and Rob. They are very nice people. Saucy Dog - thanks for walking 1000 miles with me, best of luck in the future.   Ellen - thank you for all your encouragement and emails.   Jan - try this for dinner: turkey and stuffing covered in gravy, side order of fries covered with real butter and a chocolate shake with whipped cream. Top it off with "real" cokes. I loved it.   Mrs. Friday - I love you and will talk to you soon.
Date: 2003-06-14
From: Cove Mt. Shelter, PA

To: Peters Mt. Shelter, PA
Miles today: 0.0

This morning we hiked into Duncannon with Bob and his son, Rob. At the bottom of the mt. that leads to Duncannon was a cooler with cold drinks placed by a trail angel. Great way to start the day. We entered Duncannon and met John Henderson who slack packed us to 12 miles = more trail magic. While in town we went to the post office and I got a great gift box from Tom and Vicki McDonald and a really nice card. At approx. 2:30 we met up with John and got our packs. We met Mrs. Henderson too - thanks Maryanne. John is a very, very nice man. Rich - I got your letter and will try to pass or spend the money in one of the small towns, I'll let you know - thanks for thinking of me.   Icky Doodles - great card and "yes I can!" Thanks, I love you too. Thanks for the Father's Day message.   Tom & Vicki - the cookies went really fast and they were great. I shared them with some other hikers but the jerky went right into my food bag for later. Thanks again for your kindness, I think of you often.   Chief - thanks for checking in on me! Hermanator - I'll call you later, thanks for being a friend.   Tom - I am haing in there. Tell "Jr" hi. Brian - thank you for the prayers, they are being answered daily. Mark - the only way home is through Maine - Mrs. Friday said so.
Date: 2003-06-15
From: Peters Mt. Shelter, PA

To: Rausch Gap Shelter, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thank you to all the "Friday" girls for my Father's Day messages. There was no trail magic today but Tom and I hiked 17.2 miles. We're closer to NY! Tomorrow is an 18 miler and we should be in Port Clinton on the 18th. The trail is rocky and we had a 1 hour climb on nothing but rocks. Your feet don't even touch the ground and the flats are rocky too. My feet are sore but not bad.
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Rausch Gap Shelter, PA

To: Camp above 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We have trail magic to report... After 17.9 miles today, Tom and I decided to hitch into Pine Grove (3.5 miles away) for a burger. We stuck out our thumbs and the 3rd car, Dave, picked us up and took us into town. He even said he would be passing back through in about an hour and would return us to the trail if we needed a ride. We ate burger(s), chips and 3 20oz Pepsi's. A man was delivering soda and I asked him if he was going out of town and he offered us a ride back to the trail. Thanks Steve Miller!   I'm in my tent and another couple is tenting nearby - goodnite.
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Camp above 501 Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter, PA
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we hiked 14.8 miles. We stopped in Port Clinton and met some very nice people. Vernon from the Outfitters store really went out of his way to help me. He charged my phone, downloaded my email and held out packs while Tom and I went out to eat at the Port Clinton hotel. I had the biggest and best burger yet! We had massive amounts of cheesie AND gravy fries (for Tom) and real Cokes. Then we hiked another 6 miles to reach this shelter.
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter, PA

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It was raining again this morning but the sun finally came out. We hiked 16.5 miles total today. We made a stop at the Eckville Shelter for lunch. It is the home of an ex-thru hiker. He gave us sodas and food and there's a REAL bathroom and bunkhouse attached for the hikers. What a nice change. Then we continued another 7+ miles to the Allentown Shelter. I am tenting tonight a short distance away from the snoring!!Steve - thanks for the kind words, how do you like being a 9-Paul person?   Cougar - thats great, you have some beautiful country in front of you, let me know when you are close to Erwin, Tenn, I know some great people there.   Icky Doodles - I love you, thanks for the Father's Day note, go girl!!!   Bob and Rob - it was my pleasure spending the time with you, please keep in touch.   Grammy - thanks again for the great article - which one was I supposed to get?? Donna knows! John - thanks again for your kindness while we were in Dunncanon, tell Maryann Hi.   Little Laurie - thank you for the Father's Day email, I love you and have fun in Va. Mrs. Friday - you are the best, I love you   We're moving through PA and looking forward to fun in NY.
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter, PA

To: Slatington, PA
Miles today: 17.4

It was quite a day. We were rained on all day and it had been 8 days since a shower and clean clothes. We hiked into Slatington and got a ride to Mooney's Motel. We had trail magic from Butch Cassidy who had left food and snacks in two different spots along the trail. Hermanator had met him in Georgia. Butch is following the herd up the trail. We will be taking a "0" day tomorrow after hiking 17.4 miles today. The day is much needed. We will head out Sunday and hopefully out of PA by Tuesday. Tim and Lona - great to hear from you. You two are great trail angels, thanks for your help. I will be sure to tell the Hermanator. Lauren - take 8 tea bags, place them in a pot of water, let it boil and place contents in pitcher and chill - I love you!   Josh - I can't pass up the donuts until September. Thanks for the email.   Hermantor - anytime you want to test out the RV we will be glad to help - maybe NJ or NY?   Susan - I am glad things are going well at GIS. Tell the gang Hi, call Mrs. Friday, she'll give Dave the numbers which may help.   Rich - that is great news about the knee, I always thought you were older than 58! Thanks for being such a good friend over the years. Erin - WHAT??? Steve always was a charmer. I am really looking forward to the wedding and seeing you in March. Should I bring my sleeping bag?   Things are good here at Mooney's, warm showers, rides, cokes and food.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Slatington, PA

To: Mooney's Motel, Leighton, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Bill, the owner's son-in-law drove us to breakfast this morning then to the store to re-supply for tomorrow. At 5:00 Bill picked us back up and drove us to the Traveler's Restaurant. We had huge foot long steak and cheese subs and suds. I am back in my room and Bill will drive us again in the morning to return us to the trail. Thanks so much Bill. Jayne - thanks for the email, as I go further north, the Mts. get taller and more scenic, I'll be sending more pictures.   Deirdre - thanks for the encouragement, tell the old guys "hi".   Peggy - how are you - "go Peary", congrats on the retirement, I bet Wally misses you.   Tom and the Silver Spring traffic squad - thanks for following the journal; see you in Sept.
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Mooney's Motel, Leighton, PA

To: Leory Smith Shelter, PA
Miles today: 0.0

I am 16.1 miles closer to the finish. It rained again all day and I am tenting close to the shelter with 20 other hikers. Boy Scouts are everywhere! Plato, Llama, Re-Bob and other thru hikers are here too. I met 2002 Liberty U. graduate today, Rob Babbington. Rob plays in the band called Zoom. I only have 20 more miles to go in PA and should be in NJ on Tues. To my "Friday"{ girls - I love you.
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Leory Smith Shelter, PA

To: Kirkridge Shelter, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I will finally be out of PA tomorrow. We hiked 13.8 miles today and I'm tenting at the last shelter area in PA. We have a 6 mile walk into Delaware Gap PA in the morning and then only 890 miles remaining. We'll hike 10 more miles and plan to sleep in NJ. Today's hike was rocky. I hope the terrain changes in NJ.
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Kirkridge Shelter, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center, Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Thank you Lord for getting me through PA. I am 10 miles inside NJ and we hiked 16.9 miles today. The views were beautiful but the rocks are still here. The outdoor center is for hikers and they are super helpful and friendly. They even have a snack bar and I drank 4 Pepsi's in no time. Mrs. Friday - the drop box, cards, etc were great.   Dear Betsy, I am so sorry to hear about John. I will be sure to let the other men who met him know. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.   Donna R - thanks for the consideration about the Chief's job; I think Ronnie would do a better job; we will get together once I am finished.   Icky Doodles - I bet you had some laughs talking to my picture, did I say "cotton picking" at any time during your conversation? I love you.   Little Laurie - did you have fun at lunch with Kevin??? I love you.   NY in 98 miles and getting closer. ...
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Mohican Outdoor Center, Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Bet.Brink Rd Shelter & Culvers Gap, NJ
Miles today: 16.3

I'm tenting at a spot tonight that reminds me of a place in Georgia where a guy rode up on horseback. I'm overlooking the mountains, lake and beautiful homes. It is so pretty here. Tomorrow we hike into Culvers Gap for resupplies and breakfast. The store are right on the AT here. We hiked 16.3 miles today and we've been walking with Mule, Dirty Bird and FidoDido. The Brink Road shelter was very old. There were bugs everywhere and they were winning. I got water and prayed that God would prepare a place for us to sleep tonight and 1 hour later came across this spot. God is soooo good!!
Date: 2003-06-26
From: Bet.Brink Rd Shelter & Culvers Gap, NJ

To: High Point Country Inn, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked 15.9 today. It was hot, rocky and alot of small ups and downs. We had a trail angel leave jugs of water along the trail for us. Once at the hotel I met Butch Cassidy, the notorious trail angel that has been following her herd up the trail. He wanted to drive us to the local pizza place but I had already ordered delivery. Tom and Mule decided to go with Butch. Bears have been seen by everyone except me which O.K. Jukebox - you hit the nail on the head with your last song; Mrs. Friday and I send a BIG thanks; that's going to be really hard to top. Thanks for taking the time to send all of the words. It was perfect.   Chiefs - thanks for the encouragement :-)Mrs. Friday - Honey, I miss you, and I'm being good, and I long to be with you, if only I could - Jukebox Jr!
Date: 2003-06-27
From: High Point Country Inn, NJ

To: Pochuck Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 14.1

I slept 5 hours straight last night in the AC. Carla from the Inn had breakfast ready for us at 6:30 and dropped us off at the trail at 8:00. The people at the inn were very nice. We hiked 14.1 miles through hot, super buggy weather. We stopped at Unionville, NY and I got 2 cokes and chips from the store. Then we put in 5 more miles to a wildlife sanctuary = more bugs. I hiked to the top of the mountain to the shelter only to learn there was no water there. I had to hike back down to the water source then back up the mountain. Next time I'll verify my data book!
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Pochuck Shelter, NJ

To: Between Prospect Rock & Rt 17A, NY
Miles today: 0.0

I am in New York, that's right, we hiked somewhere between 16 and 20 miles today. We didn't plan on doing that much but there was no place to tent, only rocks and views. Another lake, nice homes, boats on the water below and maybe fireworks later tonight - so the locals say. We hitched a ride into Warwick, NY earlier. Tom, Paparazzi from Alabama and I. We heard it would be hard to get a ride but I said the trick was to say a prayer. Tom put out his thumb and in 10 minutes we were picked up. We went into a store and spoke with a nice couple inside and a lady asked us if we wanted a ride back to the trail. Thank you Lord! More heavenly trail magic. We continued on and stopped at this spot. We are about 2 days from Bear Mountain. Icky Doodles - remember Stevie Wonder's song - "Isn't She Lovely?" and how special that is to me? I love you. Little Laurie - thank you for the messages and I am so proud of you; I love you "Big Girl!"
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Between Prospect Rock & Rt 17A, NY

To: Past West Mt. Shelter, NY
Miles today: 16.0

Mrs. Friday - I wish you were here in this stinky tent with me! We are past the last shelter over-looking the Hudson River - who would've thought. The hills are short but they run you straight up to the top and the ground is covered with rocks. The views are great, then you have to go straight down and back up another. It will take some time getting used to this, but I will. No trail magic today but only 780 miles remaining. I have hiked close to 1,400 miles! Love to my girls.
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Past West Mt. Shelter, NY

To: Spruce Lane, West Nyack, NY
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked 5 miles this morning to Bear Mountain Inn. Our great friends, Renata and Dave are hosting us. Renata and Camden picked us up and they surprised us with orange juice and donuts. Renata drove us to their home, did our laundry and prepared a wonderful, huge meal - it was GREAT. Dave joined us and it was so good to see him and have some great laughs. After lunch, Dave drove us to the mall for hair cuts and re-supplies. Absolutely wonderful, generous friends. Looking forward to having a fun evening with them in West Nyack, NY.
Date: 2003-07-02
From: Spruce Lane, West Nyack, NY

To: Dennyroad Camping Site, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Today we are 15.3 miles closer to Maine. I tell myself the only way I am getting to see Mrs. Friday and go home is by getting to Maine so it drives me on. Renata fixed us a great breakfast this morning and Dave drove us back to the trail. The hike today was not too bad. We got turned around and were walking up the highway looking for the trail when a car stopped and a nice lady asked us if we wanted cold water and food. It was Wally Gator's wife (!) with a cooler of trail magic. We had met Gator several states back and had walked with him for a long time on and off. We even saw each other for a while in the outfitters store in Troutville. Mrs. Gator drove us back to the trail and gave us more trail magic - Thank you! We walked 5 more miles and came upon a cooler filled with Pepsi and snacks which had been left by an ex-thru hiker, Ranger Rick. Thank you Rick. We were drinking our Pepsi's and another lady stopped and asked us if we needed anything. What a great, wild day for trail magic. Hermantor - jump into the luxury liner and meet us in Mass; bring Tom Dog and Danny for some fun.   Pat - how are you? Thanks for following the adventure. The Posse picked all their own trail names but sometimes others pick it for you from something you may have done, said or possibly the way you look. Beezer - great to hear from you; how are things at GIS? I miss you too and will see the gang in Sept. Billy D - tell the guys at 6D "hi" and thanks for the email. I'll see you in Sept. Rich - glad to hear the knee is healing better than expected. Thanks for checking in and the prayers. Icky-Doodles - "go Footloose!" I hope to be able to see it when I get home; I am so proud of you and love you.   Kevin C - I am looking forward to Vt and the drop box - thanks buddy.   Harry - thanks for checking on the progress and your kind notes; see you at breakfast soon.
Date: 2003-07-03
From: Dennyroad Camping Site, NY

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter, NY
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Mrs. Friday has told me that many people have asked her "why?" Why is he doing this? Why the AT? Was this a lifelong dream? At first I wanted to hike the trail for the adventure, a great post-retirement accomplishment. But honestly, this wore off by the time the Posse left Georgia. Since then, the spiritual element of this mission has grown beyond belief. When I look back over my life, one of the thoughts I will have is that by hiking this entire Trail I will have accomplished something very significant, very positive, and most definately with God's presence. I am now 19.6 miles CLOSER to Maine. Met another section hiker today, Tom, from Texas. Today's hike was not too bad and I realize I am almost 2/3 to the finish! I should be in Conn. soon then on my way to Mass.
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter, NY

To: New Milford, Conn
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked to the AT railroad station today and were met by Art and Nan Gagnor. Their minivan tail gate was in party position and cameras were clicking! Nan had prepared fresh fruit, cokes, shrimp, and brownies. A real feast. We drove to their home in New Milford and Nan then prepared another feast of ribs, fresh baked bread and more. Nan then washed all of our laundry and transported us around town to run errands. Tonight's feast will include steak and potatoes. I must be dreaming! Art has even taken off several days to help us slack pack. We'll be staying for 2-3 days. They are just wonderful. We've been blessed with great, generous friends in NY and now CT. Tomorrow we will start in Kent and walk to the train station to finsih that section and we will officially be in New England. It feels great to be here. Lauren - thanks for saving the honey, honey. Love ya.Steve - how is NorthStar? Thanks for the email.   Hermantor - bring your Dad to Mass in the "bus" and we will compare waist lines. Mar-Babe - thank you, I will pick it up on Sat. I love you. Big Mel - good to hear from you; thank you for your prayers.
Date: 2003-07-05
From: New Milford, Conn

To: West Cornwall, CT
Miles today: 15.6

I hiked 15.6 miles closer to Maine today - ended up in West Cornwall. Tomorrow I will be solo. Tom is taking a few days off, staying longer with Art & Nan and he'll catch up later. Nan and Art, you are such wonderful people. You are so friendly and I am blessed to have met you. I will keep in touch and hope you do the same.   Lauren - How was the trip? I am praying for you. Mrs. Friday - I love you and thank you for everything.   Phil - good to hear from the vein man. let's get together in Sept. Jerry - thanks for the email and encouragement. Jim - West Nyack has some great people living there. Stay safe.
Date: 2003-07-05
From: West Cornwall, CT

To: Plateau Campsite, CT
Miles today: 0.0

I was visited today by the "Nancy" trail angels! It was so good to see the "Nancy's from Maryland." Trail magic included M&M's, snickers and more. Then, I got my drop boxes today which were great. A new shirt from Mrs.Friday so I "tossed" the old one (still wearing blue though) and a very generous box from Mar-Babe and Mel. Art drove me to the post office and Nan fixed me another great breakfast. Tom was still in bed (!) so I didn't get to say "good-bye!" I was able to share some goodies with Paparazzi and Truckin at the post office and then Art gave them a ride back to the hostel in Kent. It is thunderstorming now but I prayed God would let me get to the shelter area and set up - God said "OK" and here I am, dry!Amizi - It is so good to hear from you; thanks for following the journal and keeping me in your prayers - Luther.   Jerry - if you saw Hermantor's father you would think that somebody already beat you to it.   Joe - thanks for the laugh when you said they were holding calls - I will see you soon.   Barabar - I was so glad to get email from you! Thank you for such kind words.   Nan - Art hiked to the top of the Mt. with me after he dropped me off!! :-)Sgt.Major (Sonny) - thank you for the email and prayers, I will see you after I am finished.   Dave - you are a good cop; good job putting "Danny" away, I have a list of all the states, birds,etc. I will quiz you in Sept.; thank you for your prayers.   Raining again tonight...
Date: 2003-07-07
From: Plateau Campsite, CT

To: Glen Brook Lean, Mass
Miles today: 13.3

I hiked 13.3 miles today. Alot of ups and downs; the rocks were very slippery due to the rain last night. I am in Mass and have hiked 1500+ miles thus far! I met Damp Dan at this shelter. We had met previously. Chill Out, a section hiker has showed up too. He plans to hike for approx 1 month to get to New Hampshire.   A group of young people just walked in the shelter area and one of their leaders grew up in Rockville, Maryland - all right! God has answered Mrs. Friday's prayer and people are with me. Oh, and today... I walked into another rattle snake before entering Mass. It was moving across the trail, I stopped, it rattled it's tail but didn't coil so I walked on by.....