morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Shenandoah National Park

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This section of the trial is really beautiful - the majority of it runs along the Skyland Drive. We've been through Beagle Gap, walked on Bear Den Mountain, overlooked the Doyles River and camped at the Loft Mountain Campground. We're hiking between 15 and 17 miles every day so the four of us (yes, Rocky and Parker too) are really tired at the end of the day - but it's a good kind of tired! No thoughts of coming home yet!!
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Fort Royal, Va

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 828.6
Weather: clear sky

We stopped in Fort Royal to pick up our bounce box (full of food!) at the Post Office and to buy new boots for Sarah - she can see her socks through both boots! Time to toss them out! We also have now hicked 1,030.9 miles!!!! It feels so great to be over the 1000 mile mark! We're getting close to half-way - right on schedule! Change of plans for mom and Uncle Steve - we're not going to stop in Harper's Ferry (in 3 or 4 days) - instead can you meet us at Duncannon PA?? Also found out that Sarah's "cousin" Joey Robibero lives in Vernon NJ - we will be hiking right through there and plan to stop and see him at his fire station - for a shower and dinner of course!
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Front Royal, Va

To: Harper's Ferry, W Va
Miles today: 53.3

We finally have finished hiking through Virginia! Feels so good to be moving into another state - West Virginia - but we were only there for about 14 miles (long enough to go through Harper's Ferry) - then we headed into Maryland. It really feels like we're making good time! Oh - forgot to tell you that we hiked to "Mary's Rock" in Virginia (3,514 feet up!) - we called my mom to tell her hello from her rock! Too funny! While we were in Harper's Ferry, we spent some time in the AT Conservancy. We've been hiking near some really famous Civil War battlefields like Antietam and Manassas - wish we had time to go visit them but we'll have to do that another time - have to keep pace to get to Maine on time! Hey to Tigger & Chuck Norris - you're right: the 10 hills in 13 miles were a killer!
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Harper's Ferry, W Va

To: Boonsboro, Md
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

We're staying at the Dahlgren Back Pack Campground right outside Boonsboro - it even has free showers! Donnie walked down the hill to Boonsboro and got us cheeseburgers for dinner - so good! Tomorrow we're going to try to get to the Mason Dixon line near Cascade Md. We'll have to toast the crossing. By the way, Sarah's new boots are doing great. And thanks to everyone that has been sending us messages, food and support for our bank account - WE LOVE YOU!
Date: 2007-07-21
From: Cascade, Md

To: Fayetteville, Pa
Miles today: 18.1

we're excited to pass from Maryland into Pennsylvania! We had to catch a ride into Fayetteville to pick up a bounce box from the PO - then right back out on the trail - we may get to Boiling Springs before Thursday - wonder if Mom can come a day early since we're only 40 miles away?? by the way, we are over half way to Katahdin, Maine - only 1,031.9 miles to go!!!!!
Date: 2007-07-22
From: Fayetteville, Pa

To: James Frye Shelter
Miles today: 27.1

Early this morning we passed the "official" 1/2 way mark - the tradition is to eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream - but neither one of us could do it - so Donnie had a burger & fries!! We've decided to send the dogs home for at least two weeks (to vacation with Donnie's Aunt Terry) - their pads are pretty beat up so they need a break and a visit to the vet. One of Donnie's friends is going to drive up to PA on Tuesday to pick them up and take them to Durham. We'll miss them but it's best for Rocky & Parker to have a break - plus Parker is too skinny and needs to rest and put on some weight. We'll keep you posted on how they're doing - no need to worry. Plus we'll be in Boiling Springs tomorrow so we have to figure out another destination for Mom to try to come to on Thursday. We're actually a little behind on our schedule by almost 100 miles (we were supposed to be in Boiling Springs on the 16th) so if you're mailing us anything, leave a message on the guest book so we'll know to check the Post Office.
Date: 2007-07-23
From: James Frye Shelter

To: New Kingston/Carlisle, Pa
Miles today: 20.2

We have made all the arrangements for Parker and Rocky to go on vacation - they get picked up tomorrow in Duncannon - about 18 miles from here - We stopped for a while in Boiling Springs - it was a beautiful place (we will want to come back there for a longer visit - lots of history there) - by the way, thanks to Aunt Terry for taking care of the dogs for us the next two weeks - we'll have to figure out where and how to get them back to the Trail - more on that later...
Date: 2007-07-24
From: New Kingston/Carlisle, Pa

To: Duncannon Pa
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We got into Duncannon in time to meet up with Jason, our friend from Raleigh who will be taking Parker and Rocky home tomorrow - they're all set for a visit to the Vet and then on to Aunt Terry's. Tt was good to see the Exterra too! After you've walked as long as we have, our car looks good!! Jason says that Donnie is really skinny - we'll send pictures. We're staying tonite at The Doyle, a hotel built in the 30's - it is beautiful - even though we have to share the bathroom with everyone on our hall - like a dorm - but really comfortable and the food was really good, especially Sarah's hamburger. Before heading out tomorrow, Sarah is getting a much needed haircut for only $15 but Donnie is opting out on that one. Later...got to get back to my beer in a glass (for a change!).
Date: 2007-07-28
From: Duncannon Pa

To: Port Clinton, Pa
Miles today: 69.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocky and Parker have headed back to Durham to hang out and rest - thanks so much to Aunt Terry for helping us out! We're going to pick up our pace a little now that we don't have to stop for the dogs - trying to make 20 miles per day so we can get caught up on our schedule. We'll let you know how we're doing early next week.
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Port Clinton, Pa

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 28.5
Weather: clear sky

The weather has been really nice but hot - need lots of water! Yesterday we made it as far as the Windsor Furnace Shelter and started out early today. We had planned to spend the nite at the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter but kept on going past the Blue Mountain Summit on to New Tripoli, Donnie was lucky enough to catch a ride into town for some cold beverages before dark! Our plans are to get to Delaware Water Gap, PA by Saturday morning so we can get to the post office for packages - Thanks Grandpa for the new maps!
Date: 2007-08-03
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Wind Gap, Pa
Miles today: 32.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Oh my gosh - it's SOOO HOOOOOOOOT - almost 100 today - we thought we left the sount miles ago! Just like Chuck Norris and Tigger said, the "hills" in Pennsylvania are killers especially when we got to the Lehigh River Bridge in Palmerton Pa - Thank goodness it's beautiful up here - we'll probably make it into New Jersey by mid-morning tomorrow - just after Delaware Water Gap - So far, we've hiked through 7 states (Ga NC Tenn Va WVa Md Penn) - only 7 more states to go to get to Kathadin (NJ NY Conn Mass Vt NH Maine)!! We're only about 80 miles from Vernon, NJ - that's where we're planning to spend the nite with my cousin Joey and all the firemen! Can't wait to see you Joey!
Date: 2007-08-09
From: Unionville, NY

To: Vernon NJ
Miles today: 11.8

We really want to thank everyone that have been leaving us messages on our website - it's really fun to hear from you - especially since we've been gone so long - so keep in touch as much as you can! Thanks a bunch from Grandpa Z for our package of goodies, especially the fuel and the water purifier (always needed!). Late this afternoon, we finally caught up with my "cousin" Joey who is a volunteer fireman in Vernon - we plan to tour the firestation! plus do laundry and EAT of course!! We've been dreaming of sleeping with air conditioning (can't tell you how hot we are carrying our packs in 100 degree temperatures!) Tomorrow will be our last day in New Jersey - then on to New York - wish we could get to the train stop (that goes to NYC) by Saturday so we could visit in The City but it doesn't look like we can cover 90 miles by then & the train only runs on Saturday and Sunday - so no rendevous again for Mom and Uncle Steve. Time for sleep...Later..
Date: 2007-08-10
From: Vernon NJ

To: Vernon NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Hey guys, we're at my cousin Joey's house in Vernon, NJ. He's been carting us around for the night and I'm sure he's ready to get us out of his hair. We've been on the border of New York and Jersey for a few days now. We're about to head out into the rain (boo) for the day with our buddy Dirt. 17 miles to the shelter we're shooting for, but now that we're fed and clean, we should make it! We both look pretty different than we do in those old pictures from way back in NC you've been looking at - Donnie's really skinny and i (finally) got a haircut! We miss the dogs and hope they're not driving Donnie's aunt too crazy (we owe her huge for keeping the for us). Only 831.5 more miles to go!! Miss you all, see you sooon!
Date: 2007-08-13
From: Vernon NJ

To: South Mountain Pass, NY
Miles today: 48.2

Before we left Vernon, we went out to dinner with Joey - he was a big hit - knew everyone in the restarant! On Friday, we left Joey's and have been hiking ever since - the first day out it was really really cold and drizzling so we only made it about 5 miles but since then we did 11 miles on Sunday and 19 1/2 today! We made it through Bear Mountain today and are camping just outside of Peekskill NY. New York is really hilly so hiking has been tough and we're dragging tonite. The days seem to run together - hard to remember that today is Monday! There aren't many towns close to the trail and since they don't allow you to hitch hike in NJ or NY, we can't get into towns too far away for food. We spent Saturday nite in Tuxedo Ny with our friends Susan and John - they had the biggest house we'd seen since beginning our hike - it was like a beautiful B&B - they even fixed us a really big breakfast (mmm-omelets!) - Luckily we were able to get pizza delivery to the trail since (like all the other hikers) we are definitely tired of eating noodles! Heading out early on Tuesday - so signing off now.
Date: 2007-08-16
From: South Mountain Pass, NY

To: AT Railroad Station
Miles today: 42.5

The trail through NY is really beautiful - we've been through spots with funny names...Canopus Hill, Sunk Mine, Stormville, Mt Egbert and Poughquag!! Today we hiked to the AT Railroad Station - wait til we send the picture - it's basically a bench beside the train tracts that takes you to New York City - unfortunately the train only stops on Saturday and Sunday so we simply watched the train "fly by" with the whistle blowing really loud!! Wish we could wait around for this weekend's train but that will put us way behind on our schedule. We'll have to visit the Big Apple another time Tomorrow we'll make our way into Connecticut - only 4 more states after that!! Hopefully tomorrow we'll make it to Kent, Conn so Sarah can get new boots!
Date: 2007-08-17
From: AT Railroad Station

To: Kent, Conn
Miles today: 18.6

We've crossed over into Connecticut - our 10th state (only Mass, Vt, N Hamp and then Maine!!) We actually crossed the state line twice before getting down to the road to Kent. See if you can pronounce this mountain - "Schaghticoke" - we had a hard time with it. We needed to get to Kent to buy supplies so we went down to Schaghticoke Road to hitch a ride and you wouldn't believe it, but a tour bus stopped and picked us up (heading to Kent to pick up a real tour group) so we traveled in high style, complete with music and a video for the ride. The bus driver was really really nice! While in Kent, Sarah finally got those new boots so her feet are doing much better - sent the old ones home to Mom (beware of the stink! I'm sure Mom will wonder why I didn't just throw them away but they're part of our experience, so hold on to them but keep them outside!) Unlike NC, the weather is getting cooler and so much more bearable than the 100 degree days in Pennsylvania.
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Kent, Conn

To: Cornwall Bridge, Conn
Miles today: 11.1

We got into Cornwall Bridge this morning - just wanted you to know that it is getting colder every day - we are going to need our "winter" clothes really soon, including hats, gloves and a coat. Seems like forever since we've worn them - many many miles ago. Connecticut is really beautiful - it's been one of our favorite states to hike in - you should come up here sometime soon.
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Cornwall Bridge, Conn

To: Cornwall Bridge, Conn
Miles today: 0.0

So far, Connecticut has by far been our favorite state! We climbed into Cornwall Bridge the day before yesterday on the winds of a free beer rumor! We met the owner of the package store, drank our free beers!, and ended up camping out behind the store for the night with Hank & Terd Nuggat, Skiptrace, Ryder, & Lentil...in the rain. When it was still raining at noon yesterday and we were still sitting at the picnic table of the deli (where we had migrated across the street from the beer store), we met Terri. She and her husband, Carl, have adopted us, Terd, and Skip for two nights (even taking us to a party tonight!) They are the best hosts yet on the trail and might end up stuck with us if they keep being so nice. We met their friend Martin who was hilarious. We helped him clean house, paint a ceiling (three mountain men painting a room pink was pretty entertaining for me to watch), and get packed. Terd is currently driving Martin to the airport to fly to Hawaii where he's moving today. Terri, Carl, Marvin, and their friends who'll we'll meet tonight are all performers. Terri ate fire for us in the front yard last night!. All three are stilt walkers, fire eaters, etc. and they are all very talented (they've got Donnie hooked, thinks he's figured out what he wants to do when we finish). So for the time being, we're holed up here in Terri and Carl's house which is actually an old restored church from the 1800s (which I love). Terri has a whole closet full of costumes, shoes, and hats for me to try on! Donnie's getting to help Carl do a sculpture installation, Terd's on the road to NYC and the airport with Martin, and Skip and I are being a very captive audience to Terri's balloon-making practice session before we hit the library and grocery store to get stuff for dinner tonight. We're all pretty excited about meeting their friends, I'm sure we'll have some stories for you all next time! But for now, I'm on Hank duty until Terd returns and he's being louder than usual so I'm off to hound-sit for a while. I MISS YOU!-Sarah
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Cornwall Bridge, Conn

To: Salisbury Conn
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We finally left our good friends Terri and Carl and their hospitality to get back to the trail - but we really had a great time - especially at the birthday party! Our buddy Terd Nuggat left to go back to college - we will really miss hiking and hanging out with him - it's really cool tonite but tomorrow is supposed to be warm again - that will be good!
Date: 2007-08-24
From: Salisbury Conn

To: South Egremont Mass
Miles today: 17.8

We have now passed into Massachusettes - only 3 states left after this one (VT, N Hamp and Maind!!) - Can't believe how far we've come - we've been talking about all the fun we had in Conneticut - especially in Kent and Cornwall Bridge - definitely want to return there!
Date: 2007-08-25
From: South Egremont Mass

To: Great Barrington Mass
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We didn't make as good a time today but it was a really pretty day for a change - no clouds or drizzle. Heading into town for a burger and a beer for dinner! No cooking on the trail - save that for another day! If anyone is planning to send us anything, we'll be stopping at the post office in Williamstown Mass 01267. By the way, we only have a little less than 675 miles to go - can you believe it!
Date: 2007-08-31
From: Vermont-Massachusetts Line

To: Bennington Vt
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Caught a ride into Bennington to shop for food and do laundry. Found out that Mom is coming to Manchester on Sunday - and staying til late Monday - bringing a suitcase full of warm clothes and cold weather sleeping bags - it's going to be in the 40s tonite so we're needing to transition from light weight to "warm" weight! We'll be staying at Julie & Frank Hanes' B&B - the Inn at Manchester - can't wait to see them and Frank-O too!
Date: 2007-09-03
From: Kelly Stand Road - Vt

To: Manchester Vt
Miles today: 0.0

We spent the day in Manchester at the Inn at Manchester - owned by our "first neighbors" in WS - Julie and Frank Hanes - and got to see Frank-O (their son) who is a great chef! The Inn is beautiful - we highly recommend it! It was great to spend the day (finally!) with Mom who flew up yesterday. And we managed to convince her to stay an extra day so she's not leaving until tomorrow! We did a little shopping for food and clothes to keep warm over the next several weeks - we'll be slack-hiking tomorrow so should be able to do at least 18 miles or so. It is beautiful up here in the mountains - a great way to relax before the final stretch! Donnie went cliff jumping with Frank-O at the marble quarry - he said it was scarry but lots of fun. I just stayed at tne Inn and caught up on email and sleep! We'll be staying here tomorrow nite - Julie and Frank are the best hosts!!!!
Date: 2007-09-04
From: Kelly Stand Road - Vt

To: Manchester
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Julie took us back to Kelly Stand Road so we could slack pack back to Manchester and have our last nite at the Inn at Manchester - once again Julie and Frank are great hosts! We spent out last nite eating mexican food with our hiker friends from Boston - hopefully we'll catch up wtih the others over the next several days since we'll be putting in lots of miles the remainder of this week. We only have 538 miles to go!! If we can average 15-18 miles per day, we should get to Kathadin in about 36-40 days
Date: 2007-09-11
From: Killington Vt

To: South Pomfret Vt
Miles today: 27.4

It's been raining for several days - and cold too - we are soaked but lucked up by being invited to stay with some folks that have a horse barn and only two horses - so we get to stay here for the nite - everything we own is laid out so it can dry - at least we don't have to sleep in the wet tent tonite! Our spirits are good but pretty damp! Tonite we celebrated being dry and warm by eating some really good " Bratzs" - Donnie is happy! Hopefully tomorrow will be a little prettier and not too wet! We'll check in again Hanover - which is in New Hampshire - only one more state after that!
Date: 2007-09-19
From: Hanover

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 69.2

The past couple of days have been "slow-going" - cold in the morning and at nite - warm during the day - so layers are a must - Tomorrow is supposed to be really nice though - sunny with highs in the 70s! We are glad about that. The stretches are longer between towns now - Two days ago we were in Glencliff and went into town for supplies but no access to computers, so we're not able to post many journal entries - but we'll try to keep you posted as often as possible. The AT up here is really beautiful and we're just beginning to see some changes in the leaves so pictures are a must! Let us hear from you often - cause we don't much farther to go - only 90 miles or so til Maine - Can you believe it!
Date: 2007-09-21
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: Mt Guyot, NH
Miles today: 15.8

The hiking is really hard - LOTS of rock to climb - we hike all day and only cover about 8-9 miles - very discouraging but we're pressing on - the weather has been good though - it's been getting in the high 70s during the day and low 60s at night - hopefully we'll get to Maine soon - only 75 more miles to the "final" state line!!
Date: 2007-09-25
From: Mt Guyot

To: Gorham NH
Miles today: 59.0
Weather: broken clouds

So today I'm in Gorham, NH at a hostel called "the barn" waiting for Donnie to hike in (my knees were screaming and requested a ride into town). He's got about twenty miles to get here so he should be here tonight sometime. A bed was pretty nice last night (not to mention a shower!) We're traveling in a little bubble of last minute hikers, maybe about fifteen of us, and are looking at around the 16th of October or so to finish up. Just like us to squeeze in on the last possible day, but we'll make it. For now, we're happy to be in Gorham and to see our buddy Ping who we've missed since way back in Virginia! And hopefully we'll drag ourselves out of here in the morning and get back to the trail (and closer to Maine) without getting sucked into town for another day. Only 16.5 miles til we get to Maine!! See everyone very very sooon...
Date: 2007-09-29
From: Gorham NH

To: Bethel, Maine
Miles today: 24.0

Yes - we are finally in Maine - we can hardly believe it ourselves! oh so long ago we were just starting out in Springer Georgia! We've been talking about all the great people we have met on this journey - both hikers, trail angels and others along the trail - such a long and fabulous list! Today's hike was truly a struggle: it took us 12 hours to hike just 12 miles - we left at dawn and kept on going until it was dark! this is truly the hardest miles on the Trail - last night we made it to Mahoosuc Notch and then hiked into Bethel today. We'll be up early again tomorrow to push on - we need to get to Rangely Maine so we can pick up our supplies and Sarah's "winter" backpack (since the one she's been using has broken straps) - Weather is ok - in the 40s and damp at night and in the 60s and cloudy during the day. We're definitely on the downside of the trip - only 270+ miles to go - Keep pulling for us!!
Date: 2007-10-02
To: Andover, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is our second night at "the cabin" in maine. This is the home of Honey and Bear and we're here with Dirt, Hawkeye & Wyoming, Lazy Legs, and TDS. Easy day of slackpacking today and now we're stuffed full of dinner (after being stuffed full of breakfast this morning!) We're glad to catch up with Wyoming and Hawkeye finally, knew we could do it before Katahdin! Only a few miles to go before we're over 2000 miles and into the hundred mile wilderness!!! Back home soon and we're getting pretty excited about it...
Date: 2007-10-05
From: Saddleback Mountain

To: Stratton Me
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was a beautiful day - sunny and high in the high 60s - perfect for a long hike - we made great time today 20+ miles - we were really excited about it since we hadn't been making as good a time the past couple of days. Since Saddleback Mountain, we have caught up with Hawkeye and Wyoming - it had been a while since we had seen them!! This part of Maine is really "rural" and finally flat - we are staying in a nice hostel for the nite and will head out early to hopefully have a great hike before the rain. We hope to be in Caratunk by Monday morning so we can hit the post office and raid the bounce box! It's getting closer and closer!!