morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Doyle Hotel Duncannon PA

To: Peter's Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.3

The shelter was huge and very well put together but the bugs at night were horrible. Mama Maple (3CGs) moved out on the deck during the night to get away from them. Others at the shelter were Spiller, Borders, Jam, Lily, VooDoo, Last Minute and Hungry. Nice day of hiking after a wild night in Duncannon.
Date: 2008-07-13
From: Peter's Mt Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today it threatened rain so I stopped earlier than expected at Rausch Gap. Others did the same and most of us avoided a downpour. Rodeo, Wavepool and Teen made it in with me. The 3CGs came just after the rain started and Borders, Spiller, Hungry and Achilles all arrived drenched. We all had a good time listening to my iPod and playing 'guess the movie/TV show' from theme songs.
Date: 2008-07-15
From: 501 Shelter

To: Pavillion - Port Clinton
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Met Mountain Squid for first time since Coopers Gap (first stop over Springer Mt at beginning of trail). He supplied the first trail magic that I experienced and helped by carrying away 8 pounds that I had carried separate from my pack for sixteen miles. Mt Squid shuttled hikers around Port Clinton and was very helpful.
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Windsor Furnace

To: Bake Oven Knob
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day of hiking. Stopped at a B&B bar and enjoyed appetizers and drinks with Rodeo, Bulldog, Y & Vigil Auntie. Later hiked on in the rain with Rodeo. Fell on my back twice going over large boulder fields. Did not get hurt but looked like a beetle on my back. Rodeo had all she could do from laughing.
Date: 2008-07-18
From: Bake Oven Knob

To: Filber B&B - Danielsville PA
Miles today: 12.7

On advice from Y and Vigil Auntie, spent the night at the Filbert B&B. Was hosted by Kathy who was the supreme hostess. Got my second massage on the trail and slept great. Kathy cooked a country breakfast (5 egg omelette). What a gret stay!
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Wind Gap

To: Church of the Mountain Presbyterian Hostel - DWG
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: few clouds

Caught up with Blazing Star after two months. Met Mas and Pastor Karen. Lots of people at the hostel. Tented in the back. Spent a zero and saw the new movie Dark Knight with a group of eight. Went to Stroudsburg and was shuttled back by Geoff and his dad 'Big Joe Naiman'. Thanks Geoff!With Delaware Water Gap came the end of Pennsylvania. Borders, Wurm and I went across the bridge to NJ and swam in the Delaware.
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Church of the Mountail Presbyterian Hostel - DWG

To: Camp Ken Etiwa-Pec
Miles today: 17.8

Hiked with Last Minute, Just Mike and Mash. Saw a small bear on the trail and dubbed him 'Just Right'. First one I have seen since Tennessee. Finished the day late but found the shelters by dark. Last Minute wanted a showdown with Yogi the Bear as we had word there was bear activity in the area. Last Minute figured we could handle a bear 5 on 1 easily.
Date: 2008-07-23
From: Camp Ken Etiwa-Pec

To: Gyp's Tavern - Culvers Gap
Miles today: 10.6

What a rainy day. Last Minute, Just Mike, Mash and I stopped at Gyp's Tavern in the afternoon and decided to try and find local accomodations. Everything was booked and the bar patrons took it upon themselves to help figure out our options. In the endwe decided to sleep under the awning in the back on the crushed-stone patio.Saw a porcupine earlier in the day. First one I have ever seen live.
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Gyp's Tavern - Culvers Gap

To: Mayor's House - Unionville NY
Miles today: 23.1

Extreme downpour in the morning made the going slow. Sun came out and we were able to put in the miles. Arrived in Unionville and called 'the Mayor' for shower and laundry accomodations. He came and picked us up at the General Store and took us home where 8 other hikers already were enjoying a barbecue dinner. The Mayor, Butch and Bill host hikers regularly (over 460 so far this year). He requires everyone to view an inspirational video to keep everyone motivated for the final 1/3 of the trip. What a great host!
Date: 2008-07-26
From: Mayor's House - Unionville NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Travelled with a large group today including VooDoo, Twinkletoes, Wurm, Bandana Man, Speed Racer, Bulldog and Hell on Bad Wheels. Most of us stopped at a farm stand and enjoyed lots of treats including various fruits and ice cream.
Date: 2008-07-27
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Trying to average 17 miles/day this week to reach Kent by Friday but the NY delis are too tempting. Shared the shelter with VooDoo and Twinkletoes. I don't know if I'm a bad influence on them or them on me but twelve miles just won't cut it.
Date: 2008-07-28
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Budget Inn Southfield NY
Miles today: 9.9

Enjoyed early trail magic with trailside water after a disappointment of bad information in our trail books about a deli a half mile off the trail. The cooler with water had a card and number for trail angels. We called to get a shuttle to town but ended up visiting Susan and John's home where we found Blazing Star and Mas who was convalescing form a high fever. We all enjoyed a burrito lunch and then I decided to march on to make more miles. I only made it another five to finish with ten on the day. Am I getting lazy or worn out? VooDoo and Twinkletoes stayed the night at the trail angel's house.
Date: 2008-07-29
From: Budget Inn Southfield NY

To: Bear Mt Observatory
Miles today: 18.0

VooDoo and Twinkeltoes caught up...errr yellow-blazed their way ahead of me and I found them at the Bear Mt Observatory. With darkness approaching and the observatory tower supposedly closed at 4pm, we waited out the last few local visitors and locked the observatory doors behind us to stealthily sneak a sleep hideaway. Other than a visit from the police (clearing the parking lot and writing an unruly pair a ticket) we slept peacefully and safely.Earlier in the day I passed through the 'lemon squeezer'. It's a good thing I've lost weight!
Date: 2008-07-30
From: Bear Mt Observatory

To: Dennytown Camp
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

During the day I decided to follow my trail guides information about another deli and went a mile and a half in search of good food. Unfortunately, the way was almost all uphill and wore me out. I ate myself into a food coma anyway and then was fortunate enough for a local to ask me if I needed a ride back as he was going right by the trail. Good thing since I was in no shape to make the trip and then hike some more. Arrived at Dennytown camp area and found Bulldog and Extra. Bulldog enjoyed my playing Robin Williams comedy routines from my iPod.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: Dennytown Camp

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Felt strong again today as I haven't all week. Got in some good miles. The roadside deli was only half a mile off the trail this time and on a flat road. Enjoyed a roast beef sub with a big bag of chips. Also drank a liter and a half of soda. Arrived at the shelter to find the New Hampshire boys - Smiles Davis and his brother Hot Flashes along with Freestyle, Jack, Hungry, Bulldog and Orion. Pulled out the rest of my sub as the others had their ramen noodles. Later we discussed the ominous 'bullseye' rash on my leg. All were convinced that I had lymes disease and should get it checked out asap.
Date: 2008-08-01
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Bulls Bridge Rd to Hornby Residence
Miles today: 21.3

Found another good deli today and had a corned beef on rye with swiss along with another pickle and a liter and a half of orange soda. Planned on a big day as I needed 29 miles to reach Kent CT and meet up with my friend Mike and his family. Met up with Kickit and Castaway at the Wiley Shelter mid-afternoon and hiked with them across the CT state line. They then went to meet Castaways uncle. I went on to Ten Mile River Lean To and called Mike. We discussed my need for an emergency room visit for the lyme disease and he offered to come get me at the nearest road crossing which was fortunately less than a mile away from me. Mike brought me to New Milford Hospital where the Dr confirmed that I had lyme disease but caught it in plenty of time. He prescribed a three week course of medication and we went on our way. When I arrived late at the Hornby's home, his daughters were waiting for us. Mike had prepped them for my visit by creating an Appalachian Trail test for them i.e. How many bee stings has Mr. Foley had? We had a great time asking and answering all kinds of trail questions. I then slept very well in an actual bed. Thank you so much Mike, Kim, Laura, Sarah and William!
Date: 2008-08-03
From: Bulls Bridge Rd to Hornby Residence

To: St Andrews Episcopal yard - Kent CT
Miles today: 7.8

Mike and his son William and I spent the afternoon performing trail magic at the Kent trail crossing as we supplied a baker's dozen of hikers with sandwiches, cold soda, cookies and fruit. They all appreciated it very much. It was so much fun for me as I already knew 10 of the hikers two of whom I had not seen since Waynesboro VA. William had a great time with his dad roaming around the trail with his new net. He was also very friendly with the hiking crew even though they smelled of the woods, dirty socks and days without showers.
Date: 2008-08-04
From: St Andrews Episcopal yard - Kent CT

To: Ceasar Brook campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Met Powder River who started the trail on the same day I did back in APril. We had not met until now. Once we set up camp, during the night we all heard a loud crash. A portion of a tree came crashing within four feet of Powder River's tent. Other than the noise and the obvious concern, everyone was all right.
Date: 2008-08-07
From: Race Brook Falls trail

To: Woods near Housatonic River and Homes Rd
Miles today: 11.3

Borders caught up again after not seeing him since Mohican Outdoor Center just inside New Jersey from PA. Dan a.k.a. GT1 appeared the day before at the top of Lion's Head. He lives in CT and we had met early on in Georgia. He hiked through Pearisburg VA. Today he supplied trail magic near the Shay's Rebellion monument in the form of beer. After taking six of us into town for McDonalds and a resupply we headed back onto the trail. I was the last to leave the cornfield and ended up losing the trail through poor trail marking. My mistake cost me two miles and an hour of time. When I finally got reoriented, it was getting dark and rain was imminent. I set up my tent just in time for the downpour.
Date: 2008-08-08
From: Woods near Housatonic River and Homes Rd

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to
Miles today: 4.9

Arrived at the shelter and pulled my went tent and clothes out to dry on the tent platform and rocks on an overlook. A ridge runner named Greylock warned of more rain so I decided to spend the day. MEt So-crates, Remi and Highlander (from FL). Powder River also caught up again.
Date: 2008-08-09
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

What a nice shelter. The place is run by a caretaker who served pancakes and coffee in the morning. After relaxing on the porch I spent an hour down by the dock soaking my feet in the water. I was also glad to see that even though the Lyme Disease did not appear to affect me, I was able to crank out another 20+ mile day.
Date: 2008-08-10
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: the Birdcage - Dalton MA
Miles today: 20.6

Rob Bird is another trail angel that opens his home to hikers. What a great place and great hospitality. Mountain Squid was there helping out as well. Hadn't seen him since Port Clinton PA. Reconnected with Castayw, Kickit, Borders, Wurm, Thor, Hornswoggle, Wavepool and others. Finally met Barfight, Cookie Monster (from Haverhill MA)and Motor Giggle Bootie Butt (from Strafford NH).
Date: 2008-08-12
From: the Birdcage - Dalton MA

To: Mt Greylock summit - Emergency Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Finally climbing mountains again. The way was EXTREMELY muddy. Trails were actually streams or six-inch deep mud in most places. Borders, Big Ease and I made it to the Mt. Greylock Summit in time for a beautiful sunset. We took pictures of the lighttower and then settled into the nearby shelter where Big Ease built a fire in a wood stove. The shelter was enclosed so we had an extra measure of comfort from the usual three-sided shelters. The climb was expected to be tough but I was at the summit without much trouble. I guess the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet at lunch helped fuel me today.
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Mt Greylock summit - Emergency Shelter

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

I don't know if it is the number of miles I have now done (1600), the Lyme Disease or the current weather and terrain but I'm getting tired. I've been thinking that I have some slack time in my schedule and could use an extended rest. Today I targeted 20 miles and by the end of the day thought I had missed the shelter. So I looked for a decent tent site and found one across a stream. The stream, however, was raging and I had to remove my boots and roll up my pant legs to cross it. My first step was on a losse boulder that flipped onto my ankle. After the requisitew time swearing like a longshoreman, I continued across with more determination (a la: this ain't gonna stop me). As I reached the other side, I set up my tent in a very nice spot. While I was doing this, along came Bingo Pajama, her boyfriend Willin, and Borders. They said the shelter was actually another half mile ahead. I decided to break camp and follow them to complete my 20-mile day. As I reached camp, it was now dark and my ankle was bloody and swollen. A somewhat gruff hiker took pity on me and made room in an otherwise full shelter.I'm getting real tired of this mud!
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Bennington VT - Ann's home
Miles today: 4.3

Seven of us decided to head into town after only a short day. After ten minutes of 'thumbing' we were picked up by Bob in a cool poshed-out sixties style van replete with acoustic guitar, DVD and TV. We crammed all seven of us, Bingo Pajama, Willin, Borders, Thor, Canuck, and myself into the van and caught Hornswoggle further up the road. We enjoyed our time in downtown Bennington as we split up and found the library, outfitter and food. Later on as some of us were standing in front of the outfitter, Ann approached us and asked if we needed a place to stay which wood include laundry, shower and a pool. After some discussion, we came to the conclusion that this was a great opportunity and called Ann back to set this up. By this time there were three others that joined us including Paul the Canadian, Big Ease and Wurm. Ann is a single mom with four kids. It simply amazes me that someone can be so open, generous and trusting with so much on her plate already. As we arrived at her home we were taken aback by the beautiful setting. Her home is a beautiful wood-tone exterior with post and beam interior. The yard is huge and the views of the mountains from the deck are incredible. As we set up tents in the yard, Hornswoggle mowed the lawn and most of went to the grocery store with Ann to prepare for a barbecue. We overwhelmed the little country store but made off with burgers, sausage, drinks, corn on the cob and ice cream. We had a great feast and I was able to contribute by doing the grilling. Everyone enjoyed the meal and the company of Ann and her four great kids. I felt more at home than at any other point on this journey.
Date: 2008-08-23
From: Bennington VT - Ann's Home

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Spent the night after a short day started afternoon. Bandit, Kovis, Gummy Bear and Naps arrive. Saw Spot the next day for the first time since Catauba in VA. Was alos told that Flip and Flop were just ahead. I need to make big miles to catch those that passed me while I stayed in Bennington.
Date: 2008-08-25
From: beyond Stratton Mt peak

To: Green Mt house - Manchester Center VT
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Met Spot in town after doing a post office stop. Emptied 10 pounds out of my pack into my bounce box. Finally took my saw, swiss army knife and weenie stick out of my pack. Stayed at Green Mt House. Jeff has a great deal going for hikeers with a fridge stocked with Ben & Jerrys and soda. Allows use of internet, showers, laundry and phone. Great place!
Date: 2008-08-28
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Winturri Shelter
Miles today: 21.8

Met up with Rain and Barley. Last saw them at the half way mark at Pine Grove Furnace PA. Stopped at a buffet breakfast at the Mountain Lodge.Dedicated this day's hike to John Webb. John passed away a few days ago while camping with his son near the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. John is my friend Jeff's brother-in-law. I tried to make a personal best in miles (over 27) but ran out of steam and day light. Twenty-two is pretty good though. My thoughts are with Jeff, his sister Sharon and their family.
Date: 2008-08-29
From: Winturri Shelter

To: woods beyond Joe Ranger Rd
Miles today: 13.4

Spent a great afternoon with cousin Neal and his wife Gail. They brought me out to dinner and loaded me up with all kinds of goodies. Enjoyed gorton sandwiches and pork pies as well as party pick mix. They also made sure I was prepared for the cold by bringing lots of clothes including a fleece pullover and new socks. Nice to have family that looks out for you so much!
Date: 2008-08-30
From: woods beyond Joe Ranger Rd

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived in New Hampshire! While walking into town I was on the cell phone with my friend Dan who attended Dartmouth College. He was calling out landmarks that I was passing. Met up with a large crew in town at the Ben & Jerry's. They were enjoying an extremely large bucket of ice cream and making a huge mess. We later went up a mile and a half to the Velvet Rocks Shelter where thirteen of us partied around a bon fire. Here I saw Charlie and Tower for the firsat time since Duncannon PA, Geoff for the first time since Delaware Water Gap PA and Woofman for the first time since Pearisburg VA. We had a great time.
Date: 2008-09-01
From: Lyme-Dorchester Rd

To: rt 25A Wentworth NH
Miles today: 14.0

Met my friend Jeff at rt 25A. Jeff travelled 2 hrs from the NH seacoast to meet me. He brought a cooler full of soda and learned how much hikers appreciate trail angels. He later took me out to dinner in Plymouth before dropping me off back at the camp site. Thanks Jeff!
Date: 2008-09-02
From: rt 25A Wentworth NH

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

Met up again with VooDoo, Twinkletoes, HoBo Joe and Zemora at and near the hostel at the end of the day. It's great meeting up with hikers I haven't seen for a while.Stayed at the Hikers Welcome Hostel where I also ran into Y and Vigil Auntie, Wavepool and others. Freestyle, Geoff, Snap, Snack and Savannah stayed as well. The hostel was great and a lot of usd went into N Woodstock for dinner at Truant's Restaurant. Back in mid-May when I was at the Trail Days Festival in Damascus VA, I met a couple (Nokia and Holly) that told me to look them up when I arrived in N Woodstock. I asked for them at Truants and a within minutes Holly walked in. I didn't get to see Nokia but it was good to catch up.
Date: 2008-09-03
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel

To: Chet's Hostel - Lincoln NH
Miles today: 9.5

Hiked over Mt Moosilauke. This was supposed to be the first challenging day in the White Mountains. It was quite a climb up 3500 feet but what an incredible day! I was cruising up the hill while listening to Led Zeppelin on my iPod. When I reached the summit I found most of the crew including Geoff, Snap, Snack, Savannah, Kaya (Savannah's German Shepherd), Y, Vigil Auntie and the Weatherman. It was such a sunny day and beautiful weather that we stayed on the summit for hours. This was one of the best days hiking on the trail and what a feeling I had of being home in New England over looking the mountains in the horizon!Once we reached Kinsman Notch, the whole group, which now included wavepool and Freestyle, caught a shuttle to Chet's hostel in Lincoln NH. Chet is a former hiker who became disabled from a camper's stove accident some years ago. He has an incredible and infectious positive attitude and outlook on life and is very open and sharing with hiker guests. He opens his home as a stopping point and resting place to weary hikers. The hostel was full tonight with 22 hikers. MEt up again with Thor, Hornswoggle and Tower and was treated to an impromptu rap session by Giggles the Warrior and Nenox (lil' Giggs and Hard Nox - rapper names). This evening I displayed my eating talents by consuming 3 cheeseburgers, a filet-o-fish, McTasty, Chicken wrap, two french fries, two sodas, a chocolate milk shake and chocolate sundae. I continue to surprise myself and others but burn all this junk off as fuel.
Date: 2008-09-04
From: Chet's Hostel - Lincoln NH

To: Chet's Hostel - Lincoln NH
Miles today: 0.0

Found out that my Dad was not far away in Ossippee NH a day earlier than I expected. He came across the Kancamagus highway to meet up with me at Chet's on Saturday morning at the same time that my friend Joe was to bring my winter gear that I had mailed to him in early June. We had a great morning and went to breakfast with a group of huikers from the hostel. Dad was very impressed with Chet and with what he was doing for hikers.It was great seeing Dad again and Joe and knowing that I have such support from my family and friends.
Date: 2008-09-05
From: Chet's Hostel - Lincoln NH

To: Chet's Hostel - Lincoln NH
Miles today: 16.3

Caught the shuttle back to Kinsman Notch and Hiked a good day to Franconia Notch where we were picked up again and dropped back at Chet's. The hike was great and ended with finding trail magic under the I93 northbound bridge. The cooler was filled with apples, peaches, candy, juices, noodle dinners, etc..
Date: 2008-09-06
From: Chet's Hostel - Lincoln NH

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Dad and Joe took eight of us and shuttled us back to Franconia Notch. The hike up to Mt Lafayette was difficult since it was very windy. I was with Freestyle going over the top and it started to rain makin the going very difficult. When I reached the shelter, I found Freestyle and a bunch of section hikers from Dartmouth College. They shared there burrito meal with us which really hit the spot. My pack was soaked through as my pack cover turns out is useless.