morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-19
From: Clarence Fahnestock State Park

To: Mountaintop Market Deli
Miles today: 12.1

Not sure when but the rain had stopped when I woke up.We took our gear to the bathrooms and hung things up to dry til the sun came out.After b-fast I took a hot shower and while getting stuff together I met a camper and Yogied a couple sodas from her!When I told O.S. about it he gave me credit for it so the challenge is still on!It was almost noon by the time we started hiking and at first I didn't think we would get to our planned destination but the trail was like Magic!We were at RPH shelter in no time.Had a little lunch there and thought about staying but we wanted to get to the store for our soda!The last 5 miles were a little rougher and took a little longer but there were some nice switchbacks and rock walls with sitting spaces built in!That wasn't the only surprise in this section.About a mile from the road we ran into 6 Pink Flamingos!Don't know how or why they are there but I thought about taking one and making it our mascott but who would want to carry it?Decided to take a picture instead.When we got to the store we met a guy called Elvis Trailsley and it turns out they were his Flamingos!The reason had something to do with being observant.Anyway we chated for awhile and he didn't want us to be hiking in the dark so he asked Melissa to let us pitch the tent in back of the store.So here we sit with our ice cold coke and Large Pepperoni Pizza from Danny's next door enjoying the end to another day on the A.T.Keep on watching as I Finish What I Started!                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Mountaintop Market Deli

To: Campsite past Hurds Corner rd.
Miles today: 15.4

Sure was nice to have a cup of Real coffee and have someone else fix our b-fast.After a bacon ,egg & cheese we headed up the trail.Lots of good hiking today.Had hopes of a hot dog on NY55 but no such luck. We passed the Telephone Pioneers Shelter to get to the Deli on NY22 for a few groceries before they closed.Because of todays easy terrain we made it in plenty of time.Got that Hot Dog too!Tim's Tasty Dog and was it ever.It's the little things in life ya know?Almost for got I had a Red Fox run up on me today.Scared him as much as me cause he ran off so quick B-rad didn't even see him. Anyway we got what we needed at the store and as we headed back the sky got dark and the rain began.Just a little evening sprinkle so it didn't last long.We hauled freight anyway and got up that first climb and scouted a place for the tent.Just chillin now and it feels good to say I'm only 740 miles away from Finishing What I Started!                           Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-06-21
From: Campsite past Hurds Corner rd.

To: Schaghticoke Mtn. Campsite
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Another State Down!See ya later NY it was a BLAST!Connecticut ain't looking bad either cause at Bulls Bridge we got a cold coke and Ben & Jerrys.It was so hot today but we passed on stopping early and going swimming.B-rad was bummed at first but I reminded him of our town stay when we pick up YoungBlood and he got over it.Two more days til a hot bath and clean clothes.WOW the things you take for granted.Only 726 miles to go!                           Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-06-22
From: Schaghticoke Mtn. Campsite

To: Stoney Brook Campsite
Miles today: 10.6

Still got an early start even though we were only going 10 miles.We tend to do that when going into town.Our stop was in Kent just to get a few things and have a real b-fast.It rained just enough to make things slick.Most times this would be no big deal but the thing is that right before Kent you do St.Johns Ledges then go down something like 91 rock steps down to the boulders from Hell!Did I mention it just RAINED?All I could think of while looking down was this is a joke right?They can't be serious.One wrong step and there could be a disaster.As you can tell I made it down and safely too I might add. We couldn't get a ride so we walked into town.We had aa huge b-fast,got a few groceries and headed back to the trail.While making our last stop on the way out I got a call from Old School saying he was comming a day early!Not much notice but i'll be there.Looking out the window it has begun to pour rain and we still had miles to go.The rain didn't last long and the rest of the day was easy.Got to camp,set the tent,had the steak we packed out and now it's time for sleep.Gotta beat Old School & YoungBlood to the road in the morning.                                       Tomorrow is a...                                  New Day!
Date: 2008-06-23
From: Stoney Brook Campsite

To: W.Cornwall Rd.
Miles today: 8.5

We were up super early to get to the road to met up with my other men! Of coarse it began to rain so instead of having b-fast and coffee we started hiking.The first few miles were easy cause we were walking by the river.Then you go thru a field with tall wet grass.Makes for a wet morning.We did get to the road first and waited almost an hour while a light rain continued to fall on and off.I was fussing about a cup of coffee and kept saying I was gonna break out the Jet Boil but a soon as I do they will drive up.After they got here we headed off to get that cup of coffee and then headed to a hotel to the worst rain I've seen in a while.Time for rest.                        Tomorrow is a...                              New Day!
Date: 2008-06-24
From: W.Cornwall Rd.

To: Sharon Mtn.Campsite
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: few clouds

We headed back to the trail late today.Hello's & Good-Byes are real hard.It's been raining on and off all morning and Old School felt a little bad cause it seems like every time he's visited when he leaves me it is raining.We didn't hike far cause we felt kinda down and then you feel sluggish.Stopping early has it's perks though,when we re-supplied we got some more steaks,froze them back in the hotel and now we are chillin and making plans for tomorrow.Sure is good having YoungBlood with us.I've missed him alot!                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-06-25
From: Sharon Mtn.Campsite

To: Plateau Campsite
Miles today: 14.2

Did alot of road walking today.Not a bad day for milage though.We took lots of breaks too.The boys went for a swim when we got to the Housatonic River and I took a little chill time.It was almost dark when we reached camp cause we had to dip into Salisbury for snacks for B-rad cause he didn't stay with us during the last re-supply.Bet he won't do that again.The town is cute but it closes early!It's been a great day but now it's time for sleep.                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-06-26
From: Plateau Campsite

To: Sages Ravine Campsite
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Another State Down!Hello Massachuttes!The state where I was born.I haven't been here in 20 years and it sure don't look like Boston!It was quite a rainy day so it was a short day.The climb down Bear Mtn. was a little scary with the rocks being wet.But it didn't stop us cause we're still Heading NORTH!                        Tomorrow is a...                           New Day!
Date: 2008-06-28
From: Corn Crib Campsite

To: Mt.Wilcox North Lean-to
Miles today: 13.5

Got another late start.It was sunny,hot,& very humid with alot of going up!We wanted to take a break and go swimming in Benedict Pond but the swimming area is .5 off the trail so we passed.Cut or day short and not bad timming either cause after the tents went up the rain came down.There was some dry wood at the shelter so after it stopped raining we built a fire.That was nice too it's been awhile.Time for bed now.Trying to push a couple big days to get to Dalton on Monday.Only 654.2 miles til I Finish What I Started!                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-06-29
From: Mt.Wilcox North Lean-to

To: Becket Mtn.
Miles today: 16.9

Up & rolling early.Almost had 10 by lunch.It was hot &humid again and the trail was muddy.We by-passed Upper Goose Pond for burgers in Lee.Packed a few out too so I guess it makes up for the missing of a must stay.Found a good spot for the tent right before dark and now we're just chillin.Getting up early again so it's time for sleep.                              Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Becket Mtn.

To: Dalton
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

It was easy to get up and start hiking ,it always is when you are heading into town.It rained all nite so we had to pack up the tent wet.The trail was like magic trail today,even though everything was wet and muddy we were making great time.We went by " the cookie ladys " but she wasn't home but Roy and Rufus were,they treated us to some awesome chocolate chip cookies and good conversation..thanks so much it was a much needed sugar fixI was worried we wouldn't make it to town before the P.O. closed so B-rad hiked ahead and picked it up.When we got to town B-rad was at Tom's,and we were all invited to stay the nite.Root,Pusher,and Highlife were there too,last time that I saw those three were going over Bear Mtn. in Conn.Tom fixed up a great dinner and man was it good,we got a hot shower and a space on the floor,what more could a hiker ask for....Thanks a lot Tom we really can't thank you enough..Well its time for bed cause I got to hike out of here in the morning,can't let the town Vortex get us.We will be in VT on Wednesday and then it will be 11 down and 3 to go                  Tomorrow is a                                                New Day
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Dalton

To: Mark Noepel Lean to
Miles today: 13.7

Its seens it is alway late by the time I get out of a town and back to the trail...I think the boys wanted to stay but we packed up thanked Tom again and we were off.We had some breakfast and mailed some things home then we did the road walk back to the trail.We didn't get back to the trail till Noon.But Root was right the first 10 miles was easy.We got to Cheshire at 4:30..thats really good for me cause the ups are still kicking my ass.I got a sandwich and a few grocerys at the Shell station,chilled for awhile and started off for Mt.Graylock..I was told it would be a gradual climb up..Yeah rightWe stopped at the for the night at the Lean to,we still have 3 miles to the summit of Mt Graylock..Wow guess I better get some sleep...                           Tomorrow is a                                  New Day
Date: 2008-07-02
From: Mark Noepel Lean to

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We started today's hike began with the 2nd half of Mt.Graylock.I thought it was much easier than the 1st half and WOW what a down!I was fixing my shoe and having a snack when we finally met Certain.She had been a few days ahead and I enjoyed her journal entries so had to put a face to the name.Ran into Root & High Life doing a little slackpacking. Then met Twiggy & Sparks.All going south to spend another night in Dalton.We had fried chicken from the stop & Shop for lunch and after a long break we head back up the trail.We crossed into Vermont and got to the shelter just before dark.I made a pot of Potatoe Soup and now the day is done.11 down 3 more to go!                           Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Bennington,Vt.
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Well so far I must say Vermont is muddy too.I woke up tired and feeling run down.Looks like we are back to Big ups.The weather was clear for most of the morning but the clouds started rolling in after lunch.We were at the road to Bennington with 2 more miles to go when the sky opened up and the rain began to pour down.We managed to stay mostly dry under the information board and I called home to get a weather update.Old School said a big storm was passing over and it looked like rain for awhile.There was a number for a shuttle service so we decided to go into town and get a room at the Autum Inn.It was a bit out of town but it's DRY!We'all cleaned up now and dinner is done so now it's time to enjoy the comforts of a bed and get a good nights sleep!                        Tomorrow is a...                           New Day!
Date: 2008-07-04
From: Bennington,Vt.

To: story spring shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Happy 4th of July!Hard getting a hitch back to the trail,but we still got some good miles todayNo fireworks for us but we could hear them.Phone service not to good around these parts so I didn't get to talk to Old School today.another big day planned for tomorrow so its time to go to sleep..Im tired                              Tomorrow is a...                                       New Day!
Date: 2008-07-05
From: story spring shelter

To: Spruce Peak Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally had service at the shelter when we finally stopped for the night. The day was sunny & hot but then we had afternoon rain.The climb up Stratton Mtn. was eaiser than I thought.I'm really loving Vermont.We've decided to sleep in the shelter so we can get a early start.We need to go into Manchester Center to get some food.In for the night with Crumbs & Pounder and Cricket came after dinner.We are now back on track to meet up with Old School when we get to Hanover.I'm really looking forward to hiking with him again.Still Headin NORTH!                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-07-06
From: Spruce Peak Shelter

To: Griffith Lake Tenting
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Slept in a little late,but we were still enjoying b-fast at Mickey D's by 10am!Our ride was the Mom of a 07 thru hiker who told her to always pick up the hikers and she did.Thanks Mom! Man this is a great town!It has everything and it's all close together!As always it was hard getting my boys back to the trail.They get real crabby and just get on my nerves! B-rad got to the shelter first and while filtering water he ran into Dinosaur of 06.Turns out she is the caretaker.She said it was her way of hiking and getting paid to do it!What a lucky girl.The mosquitoes here are awful so after dinner it was right in the tent.Trying to hit 20 miles in the morning so time for bed.                          Tomorrow is a...                              New Day!
Date: 2008-07-08
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early and hiked to the Whistle Stop Cafe to get breakfast but to our surprise they were closed and up for sale.Makes you wonder if the guys that put out these books even checked on these places.Very hot today and it seemed like all we did was to go up. Trail Magic today By Mad Hatter....that coke was really goodThe last climb of today was Killington Peak and all I can say is ..Wow,about 1/2 mile from the shelter I had a Roam Mtn. flashback.Anyway,I'm beat down and hurt in every fiber of my beingB-rad had to put the tent up twice cause I didn't want to fight with the folks camping next to us.Seems her husband is allergic to cigarette smoke and we were brothering them.I can't believe i'm evengettin hassled in the woods'Time for bed.Just 494.2 till I've finished what I started.               Tomorrow is a....                     New Day!
Date: 2008-07-09
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Stoney Brooke Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We jumped off trail just to have some lunch at the pub at the Long Trail Inn.Cheeseburgers with Vermont cheddar & chips!They were so good.We took a long break and did a little relaxing.The sky started to get dark and you could see the clouds rolling in so we decided to get back to the trail.Didn't make it very far before the bottem dropped out.Started with a few big drops then became a down pour.Thank God our packs didn't get too wet.Good news is our clothes dried before we got to camp.At the shelter it's a full house.Meltdown,Joker,Postman(night hiker headin south)and 2 out for a few days.Arrived late so we're having dinner in the dark.After some good conversation I went to bed.Got to be in Hanover by friday.Can't wait to see Old School I've missed him.Only 470 miles to go!                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Stoney Brooke Shelter

To: Campsite on Mtn.
Miles today: 17.8

Great day for a Hike!Started with a climb down a ladder and ended with a beautiful sunset!We found a nice spot on top of a random mtn and called it a day. We hade trail magic Thanks to "Ranger Rick" and got some treats on our own at the On the Edge of the Farm store on VT12.A very nice place and the owner is super.We had a cold soda & ice cream bought a few snacks and now we're just chilling.Got to beat Old School to Hanover so I got to get some sleep.                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-07-11
From: Campsite on Mtn.

To: Hanover,N.H.
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and fixed a GOOD b-fast,grits and scrambled eggs!Bought the eggs yesterday at On the Edge Farm.Wow it was sooo good.The trail is like magic today.We couldn't belive how fast we were hiking.No problem getting to Hanover by 4:30.We stopped in W.Hartford and had a awesome Philly cheese & fries at the General Store,you can't help but stop cause it's right on the trail!The rest of the day was easy too,couple ups and then we were in N.H.Took our photo at the line and saw Old School ride by.We would have beat him to the hotel but Brain left some trail magic and you can't pass up Watermelon! We had a package at the P.O. so after getting it and having some Quizzno's we decided to get a room at the Sunset Motor Inn (real hiker friendly).Feels great to have a bath and get clean clothes.Just chillin now.                           Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-07-13
From: Sunset Motor Inn

To: Etna Center rd.
Miles today: 5.9

Old School was real excited about getting on the trail.It's been awhile for him so we'll be easing him into it.We did a re-supply at the co-op and headed up the trail.B-rad seems to be back in swing cause he has planted himself behind Old School just like in 06.We stopped kinda early to have the hotdogs the boys packed out and to get to sleep early.I felt strong today,the rest was wonderful but I'm glad to be back on the trail.                           Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-07-14
From: Etna Center rd.

To: Lyme-Dorchester rd
Miles today: 11.7

Happy Birthday to ME!Today I am 40!And yes I feel Great!We hiked a good hike today.Old School is such a trooper.He feels he's slowing us down but it's not so.He is realing holding his own and just like when I got back on trail in M.D. he'll get stronger too.After a celebration with a lit stick as a candle & a candy bar as a cake we called it a night.Starting out early to tackle Smart's mtn.Also known as White's 101!Keep checking in to watch me Finish what I Started!                              Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2008-07-15
From: Lyme-Dorchester rd

To: South Jacob Brook
Miles today: 9.7

Started the day with ice cream at the Ice Cream Man's house.Didn't have to go far off the trail cause we camped in the field accross the street.We chatted for awhile got some water and started up the trail.The climb up Smarts Mtn. was grooling.Had a good laugh at some teenagers hiking to the campground by the fire tower.We were having lunch on the ledges where you get your first view of the tower when they asked where the shelter was so we pointed it out and they said no the one near here,Old School laughed and said that's it about amile over there.The look on their faces was so funny!Made it to the shelter and met Catfish & Bad Idea.They were stopping for the day but we just got water and started down the mountain.We found some level ground just before the brook and called it a night.It's been a hard day but we're still headin North!                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-07-16
From: South Jacob Brook

To: Rt.25A N.H.
Miles today: 6.3

We had gris with bacon for b-fast then headed up the trail.Climbing Mt.Cube today.I was really surprised at how easy the climb was,I felt like we were at the top in no time.I belive we have one more easy day before we get to the Whites. We found a great campsite so we decided to call it a early day and just enjoy the company of each other a the extra camp time.As for Old School,he's hanging in there.Lots of pauses but a little less everyday.I'm fine with it cause I'd rather do short days with him than just the adverage without him!                           Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Rt.25A N.H.

To: Oliverian Brook Campsite
Miles today: 9.9

Got up and going early today.Wish I could do it everyday cause Old School does better starting early.I was very surprised when we were at our destination for the day by 2pm!We were needing to go into Warren to pick up supplies to make it to Woodstock.B-rad went in on a road 5 miles before Glencliff and took Old Schools pack too!Sure did envey him for a moment or two.It took awhile to get a ride though and it was the Hostel shuttle that picked us up.He was a friendly man who told us about Massholes (not knowing I'm from Boston)and he showed us a small version of the Old Man of the Mountain.Real cool.The store had a decent selection of groceries and we got what we needed and got back to the trail.We passed on the hostel and went into the woods where we found another perfect spot and called it a day.Got dinner at the deli so no cooking tonight.Just chilling after another interesting day on the A.T.Only 398.5 miles left.                              Tomorrow is a...                                    New Day!
Date: 2008-07-18
From: Oliverian Brook Campsite

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had a great night sleep by the brook lastnight.The sound of the water was very relaxing.We started out early which was a good thing cause the climb up Moosilauke was long.When we got up there we had no view and it was getting very cold and windy.We tried to hang out for awhile but the weather was getting worse and it began to thunder so we took a few pics and headed for the shelter.Catfish was there when we got there and then a few others arrived.Trail maintence was going on so we had a hard time getting the tents up.As I started dinner the sky got real dark and the rain started pouring down.Sure was glad to be done hiking for the day.Old School went to the tent first and found his side of the tent under water.It had rained so hard that the water went right over the floor and into the tent!Turns out no one had a real good site cause we were all wet to some extent.In the morning we go down the cascades so I better get some sleep.                           Tomorrow is a...                              New Day!
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early but got hiking late cause we had to try and dry out the tents cause everything got soaked in the storm.Came down the Cascades without falling.Yea for me!But I can't say the same for the climb up and over Wolf mtn.Again because of the rain lastnight the woods & trail are soaked!At times to stay on the trail we were walking in ankle deep water!Then to make things even more interesting about 30 minutes past Kingsmans Notch it started to rain and rain and rain some more.It was truly a most miserable day.The shelter was full when we got there and most of the tent sites were gone too.So soaked to the bone we found the last group site and did our best to stay out of the puddles.Not the best but it's a place to get some sleep.                              Tomorrow is a...                                 New Day!