morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-19
From: Lula Tye Shelter

To: Mile 1667
Miles today: 13.0

A bad day today. I am about sick from some canned ham last night. Hawkeye, Bluejay, and I hitched in to South Wallingford, VT. I got two hamburgers and french fries at Mom's Cafe and thought about staying in town, but everything was over $100. I bought enough groceries to go to VT 100, where Bruce, his wife Jan, and Carol are meeting me Wednesday. It took about ten minutes to hitch back to the trail. A nice lady with two kids took me back. The people of Vermont are real nice. I was going to try to get to Clarendon Shelter, but ran out of gas about 8 pm. I am now stealth camped about mile 1667. Only 13 miles today.
Date: 2004-07-20
From: Mile 1667

To: Churchhill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Not a big mile day, the uphill to Killington Peak took a lot out of me. I took a picture of a black capped Chickadee who lit on a limb about four feet from me. There are lots of roots and rocks in the trail here. We had a big thunderstorm about eight this morning. I tried to get as close to Hwy 100 as I could. Carol, Jan and Bruce are to meet me there about noon. I am at mile 1682, the Churchill Scott Shelter. That's five miles from road 100. 15 miles today.
Date: 2004-07-21
From: Churchhill Scott Shelter

To: Hwy 100
Miles today: 5.0

I got out early from the Churchill Scott Shelter. I only had 5 miles to make, because Carol is to meet me at VT 100. I went through Gifford Woods State Park and took a much needed shower, so I wouldn't smell up the car. A nice man gave me four quarters to shower with. I walked to a store nearby and met Bruce, Jan and Carol. We are in the Edelweiss Red Carpet Inn on the road to Rutland,VT.
Date: 2004-07-22
From: Hwy 100

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here I'm in a motel with Carol, Bruce and Jan. We've been eating lots of food. I resupplied at the grocery store in Rutland, VT. Bruce and Jan went to Woodstock, VT and looked around, Carol and I went to the outfitters and the library. My pictures on TrailJournals are better than I expected. They leave tomorrow and I am on my own 'til the big "K".
Date: 2004-07-23
To: Chateauquay Road
Miles today: 12.0

Carol, Bruce and Jan put me back on the trail about 12:30 pm. I sure did hate to see them go. I hiked 12 miles and am tented down in the rain just past Chateauquay Road. Since I got everything wet last week, I am scared it will happen again. It's raining hard. I'm at mile 1699.
Date: 2004-07-24
From: Chateauquay Road

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I never got my sleeping bag out last night. The floor of my tent is worn out and water came through it. I got some sleep, though. When I get to Hanover, NH I'm going to the outfitter in West Lebanon and buy a new tent. Today was gorgeous, the sun came out about 9:30 and I dried the tent out. Good trail most of the day, but some ups and downs. I got a phone signal late, and called home to see if Carol got home ok. They did, with a delay at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC. I am in the Thistle Hill Shelter now. I am at mile 1716. Today's miles 17.
Date: 2004-07-25
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: West Lebanon, NH
Miles today: 14.0

Very good trail today. I got out of the shelter about 6:50 am. We got to West Hartford, VT about 9:30 and there is a cafe ! Well, I just had to have eggs and pancakes with genuine Vermont syrup. I made it in to Hanover, NH about 4 pm. We found out at Dartmouth Outing Club that no one was being housed on campus. I need to get to West Lebanon to the outfitter, so with good advice from Baltimore Jack, I am now in the Sunset Motor Inn near West Lebanon, NH. It took me 5 minutes to get a hitch. People are so helpful here! The owner of the motel gave me a brochure of the bus service, so I can get to the outfitter store. 14 miles today. I stopped at mile 1730.
Date: 2004-07-26
From: West Lebanon, NH

To: New shelter near Moose Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

I'm now in New Hampshire. I went into West Lebanon to the EMS outfitter and replaced my leaky tent. I also treated myself to a good Thermarest sleeping pad. Baltimore Jack came in while I was there and I got a ride with them back to Hanover. After a Subway sandwich, I started hiking about 1:30 pm. It has been pretty good trail all day. We had a real experience on top of Moose Mtn. I saw two hikers who were ahead of me come running back toward me, they had seen a bull moose. He came out behind them and proceeded to browse on trees, walking within 50 feet of the three of us! We were very wary of him because he probably weighed 1500 pounds ! He finally got far enough away so we could go on up the trail. I went .4 miles to the old Moose Mtn Shelter, but there were too many hikers, so I went on to the new shelter, which was occupied by Boy Scouts. They moved around, though and made room for me. It's supposed to rain tonite. I am at mile 1741. That's 11 miles today.
Date: 2004-07-27
From: New shelter near Moose Mtn Shelter

To: Fire Warden's cabin shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

The Boy Scouts and I got up early enough and I got started about 6:45 am. The trail was not too bad, but two pretty good climbs were tough. It rained lightly all day, and began to pick up around 5:00 when I got to the Firewarden's cabin shelter. Several of the hikers left, heading for Hexacuba Shelter. I wimped out and am staying here for the night. Only 13 miles today. I am at mile marker 1754.When I was in the library at Woodstock, VT, I saw my journals. I guess nobody is looking at them, for there are very few guest book entries after April.
Date: 2004-07-28
From: Fire Warden's cabin shelter

To: Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It sure was cozy in the Fire Warden's Shelter last night, it rained part of the night. I hiked hard on pretty good trail and made it to Glencliff, NH about 8 pm. I am now in the Hikers Welcome Hostel. Washed, and clothes are in the dryer. This is really first class, the shower is outside in a wooden fence-like place under a tent along with the washing machine. There was a skunk nosing around the compost bin near the shower. The sleeping area is about 8 small mattresses on the floor upstairs. But it is dry and I am clean. 20 miles today. I'm at mile 1774. Less than 400 miles to go now!
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Hikers Welcome Hostel, Glencliff, NH

To: Beaver Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Very tough trail today. Mt. Moosilauke was all uphill, it took 5 hours to make 5 miles ! I got up this morning and Fat Chap, the man who drives for the hostel, and I went to breakfast and the grocery store. By the time I got on the trail it was 10:30 am. I am now in the Beaver Brook Shelter with 6 small boys and their counselors, we'll see how this works out. I was told to cut my expectations down in the White Mountains. Now I know why, they are tough! 8 miles today. I am at mile 1782.
Date: 2004-07-30
From: Beaver Brook Shelter

To: Eliza Brook Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Beaver Brook Shelter about 6:50 am, after seeing a gorgeous sunrise. It was more tough downhill for a while, then to the road which led to a snack bar. More food! Then it was lots of ups and downs all day with lots of rock. I made it to the Eliza Brook Shelter about 6:30 pm. There are about 10 people here, all but two of us are tented. 9 miles today. I am at mile 1791.
Date: 2004-07-31
From: Eliza Brook Shelter

To: Campground
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I started out from Eliza Brook Shelter about 6:40 am. The trail was all uphill to the top of Mt. Kinsman, then all rocky, steep downhill until the hut at Lonesome Lake. I was with Pastor John, Arrow, and Fenway a big part of the way. This was the last section for Pastor John, so we had a small celebration at the end. They had a car and took Chigger and me into town to resupply. I could not find a motel vacancy because of some music festival in town. I took a tent site at a local campground close in to town, got a shower and walked in to a laundry. It is now raining, thundering and lightning here. I am snug so far in my new MSR tent. If the rain continues tomorrow, I may stay. It's no time to be on Franconia Ridge in the rain! I'm at mile 1800. 9 miles today.
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Campground

To: Campground cabin
Miles today: 0.0

A zero day today, there was an ugly black cloud over Franconia Ridge, so I wimped out and stayed at the Maple Haven campground in a cabin. The owner, Ray, agreed to take me to the trail tomorrow. I guess the promise of the race from Pocono had a little to do with the decision. I went to my pack's worst enemy, the grocery store, and it is real heavy with 5 days food. No miles today.
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Campground cabin

To: Garfield Ridge Campsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Ray, the owner of the campground, was gracious enough to take me back to the trail about 8:00 am. It was uphill for the first 6 miles, which took 'til about 3 pm. But was it gorgeous!! The views from Mt. Lafayette, Mt. Lincoln and Garfield were spectacular! It took me until 8 pm to get to Garfield Ridge Campsite so I could pay $8.00 for the worst tent site I've ever used. Ten miles today. I'm at mile 1810.
Date: 2004-08-03
From: Garfield Ridge Campsite

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This completes nine weeks since I started in Virginia. Today was a little better because of not so much to climb, but that also means not as much scenery. Part of the trail is on an old RR path. I did get a few photos of Mt. Lafayette and Garfield, which I climbed yesterday. I went through one thunderstorm this afternoon and another one started just as I got to the Ethan Pond Shelter. I am really glad I got in here before my clothes got wet again. There are only 5 of us here in a good-sized shelter, so we've got plenty of room. 14 miles today. I'm at mile 1824. This puts me in a good position to be at Mizpah Hut tomorrow so will have a full day to try the 12 miles Ridge from there to Osgood Junction.
Date: 2004-08-04
From: Ethan Pond Shelter

To: Mizpah Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful scenery today. There were some great views of the mountains I'd already climbed, as well as some that are coming up. I made about 10 miles and got to Mizpah Hut about 6 pm. I've got to climb Mt. Pierce and Mt. Washington tomorrow. I called home, but could not hold a connection. I'm in my tent now, getting some planning done for some mail drops in Maine. This terrain in the White Mountains is taking a lot out of me, it's very steep with lots of rock scrambles.
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Mizpah Hut

To: Mile marker 1845
Miles today: 11.0

I left camp this morning at 6 am. I needed to get past the 12 mile ridge walk and within a days range of Hwy 16. I saw some of the most gorgeous scenery in the worth this morning from around Mt. Pierce and Mt. Franklin. All I could say was "WOW, LORD" over and over. Beautiful mountains, white puffy clouds, some of the bluest sky I ever saw! Mount Washington is the highest, but it is all messed up with towers, buildings, and the like. I had lots of big ups and downs, making for a tough day, especially since lots of it was over rock slides. I had to go .6 miles almost straight down off the trail to get a tent site. I have to go back up it tomorrow morning. 11 miles today. I'm at mile mark 1845.
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Mile marker 1845

To: The Barn Hostel, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a tough pull just to get back to the trail from my campsite. Then it was 2 hours to go the first mile of rock-walking over Mt. Madison. It is amazing to look back at Mt. Washington and some of the others I hiked yesterday. I made it to hwy 16 about 3 pm and hitched in to Gorham Post Office. I am now in the Barn Hostel, showered, clean clothes, fed and resupplied. 8 miles today, I am at mile mark 1853.
Date: 2004-08-07
From: The Barn Hostel, Gorham, NH

To: Carter Notch Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

A very slow up and down day, I didn't get started 'til 9 am when Doc, the hostel owner dropped me at Pinkham Notch. I didn't think I could get to a campsite, so I stopped at the Carter Notch Hut and am entertaining for my keep. I plan on quoting "Casey At The Bat" for my keep.
Date: 2004-08-08
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Barn Hostel, Gorham, NH
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I left Carter Notch Hut about 7 am. The trail started up almost immediately toward Carter Dome, then 6 more peaks. Up and down all day. No switchbacks here, just straight up until I can only take about ten steps without taking a break, then straight down until your knees are pounded into a painful, irritated pulp. I stopped at Imp Shelter for lunch, and there sat Traillite, he had flip-flopped and is coming south. I hadn't seen him since Pennsylvania. 15 miles today. I pushed hard and got to Hwy 2, and hitched in to Gorham to the Barn Hostel, where I got a shower, washed clothes and ate supper. I called Carol, and Bill Holzhauer, who lives in New Hampshire. He's going to pick me up in the morning and take me home with him for a zero day. It's hard to turn down that deal. I'm at mile 1872. Under 300 miles to go no. Katahdin beckons!!
Date: 2004-08-09
From: Barn Hostel, Gorham, NH

To: Holzhauer home, NH
Miles today: 0.0

A great zero day! My friend, Bill Holzhauer picked me up at the hostel about 8:30 am and took me home with him to Lake Winnipasakee (?), I think this is correct spelling. His wife, Grace, and mother-in-law Ruth and he treated me like royalty. We went to the store in a boat! I washed my pack, restocked food, and loafed all day, and was treated to a great steak at a local restaurant. No miles today, but great rest !!
Date: 2004-08-10
From: Holzhauer home, NH

To: Near Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Bill and his 96 year old mother-in-law brought me to the trail about 9 am. I sure had a great time at their place. I hiked 12 miles to Gentian Pond Shelter by 6:30 pm, but the shelter was about full, so I am tented on a platform. I'll be in Maine tomorrow, the last state, HOORAY !! I am at mile 1886.
Date: 2004-08-11
From: Near Gentian Pond Shelter

To: Full Goose Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I don't know how many mountains I climbed up and down today, but it was a lot! A lot of the trail was just like rock climbing, holding on to limbs and roots. I've only done ten miles, but my legs are in rebellion. I'm in the Full Goose Shelter with Cimarron, the only hiker I've seen who is older than me, he's 81! I have an insatiable appetite, I stopped at 11:30 am and 4 pm to eat, then again at 6 pm. Hooray, I crossed into Maine today, the last state! Only 276 miles to Katahdin. I called the school at 8 am and they put me on the intercom and I talked to the kids. Awesome!
Date: 2004-08-12
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Top of Baldpate Mtn
Miles today: 12.0

Boy was this a day to remember! First thing I went through the Mahoosuc Notch, which is a great big gully full of great big rocks. It took 3 hours to get over, under and around all of them. There was ice down under some of those rocks. I spent the rest of the day going up mountains and down mountains. I tried to make it to Baldpate Lean-to, but I missed it somehow. I hiked in the dark in the rain until I got to the top of Baldpate Mtn about 9:45 pm, where I found a halfway good tent site and set up in the rain. There were no tall trees up this high, so my food bag is only about six feet off the ground. I hope no bears show up tonight. I am here in the rain at mile marker 1908. 12 miles today, all hard ones.
Date: 2004-08-13
From: Top of Baldpate Mtn

To: Andover Guest House Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Not too bad a day, except for packing up everything in the rain. The tent is very wet because of all night rain. The rocks, especially on Baldpate Mtn. were wet and slick, making for slow hiking. Only 8 miles today. I waited 15 minutes for the first vehicle to come by, but he picked me up, I am now in the Andover Guest House Hostel, most of my stuff is reasonably dry, but it's still raining. I only have 256 miles to go.
Date: 2004-08-14
From: Andover Guest House Hostel

To: The Cabin Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Didn't leave the hostel 'til 8 am after a big breakfast at the next door cafe. I got a roast beef sandwich for my lunch. Not too bad trail the first 6 miles and then it went uphill for a long time. I got to South Arm Road about 5:30 pm and "Bear" the man from The Cabin Hostel was waiting. There is big time rain for tonight and tomorrow because of a hurricane. I may zero here if the rain is too bad. We had a great spaghetti supper for about 15 people. Scott Rogers, "One Leg" is here with his family, as well as No Worries from Australia, and Scuba and Bandicoot. Bearbag showed up for the supper. Only 10 miles today. 246 more to go.
Date: 2004-08-15
From: The Cabin Hostel

To: near Bemis Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a great breakfast today. All you can eat of eggs, biscuits, blueberry pancakes, and home fries. I got shuttled to a small church this morning, and we had a good service, and then some food afterward. The first hymn we sang was my favorite, Victory in Jesus. Bear put me on the trail at 12:30, and I made it to Bemis Mtn. Lean-to, but it was full, so I'm tented down on a moss-covered rock back up on the trail. 8 miles over 4 mountains isn't too bad, I guess. Only 237 miles to go now.
Date: 2004-08-16
From: near Bemis Mtn. Lean-to

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

Today was a day of looking at the ground. If there was any beauty here, I missed it. The trail is a rocky, rooty, sloppy mess, with bogwalks thrown in. I did see a grouse close up, and some lakes that were pretty, however. 13 miles today, only 224 to Katahdin!
Date: 2004-08-17
To: Mile 1958
Miles today: 10.0

I hiked the 5 miles to Hwy 4 by 9:30 am and hitched in to the IGA store and bought groceries, then walked 1/2 mile to a cafe. It took 45 minutes to get a hitch back to the AT. Scuba was with two Marines and they picked me up also. I knew I couldn't make it 11 miles to the second shelter, but I hiked on a ways. After going up Saddleback Mtn, I found several solid rock sites up high. The hang up is no trees tall enough to hang my food up in. I finally managed to get it up about 8 feet. I am now tented on solid rock about 4000 feet above sea level at mile 1958. Only 214 miles to Katahdin!
Date: 2004-08-18
From: Mile 1958

To: Spaulding Lean-to
Miles today: 12.0

Not too bad a day, I woke up to a dew-covered tent and a cold morning on that mountain top. I put on my rainsuit to keep warm. It got warm soon while hiking, so I took them off. This afternoon I was walking near a brook, so I took off my boots, emptied my pockets and got in a small pool. Boy, was it cold! I took my shirt and shorts off, wrung them out, put them on and was cool for an hour from the water still in them. I am now in the Spaulding Lean-to. 12 miles today. Only 201 to go.
Date: 2004-08-19
From: Spaulding Lean-to

To: White Wolf Inn, Stratton, ME
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day of rocks and roots. Also 2 high peaks to climb. It rained hard this afternoon and I was wet when I got to the road. That was no problem, the 6th or 7th vehicle picked me up and took me to the White Wolf Inn. It's good to be clean and full of hamburger and ice cream. I'll get washing done tomorrow morning and buy groceries. I'm at Stratton, ME. 13 miles today. I'm at mile 1984. 187 miles to go.
Date: 2004-08-20
From: White Wolf Inn, Stratton, ME

To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0

I got my laundry done by 7:45 this a.m., then went to the cafe across the street. I ate steak and 3 eggs, 3 pancakes and 4 cups of coffee. I already had eaten a honey bun and drank a pint of milk. I managed to get over one of the Bigelow Mtns. No more over 4000 feet mtns. until Katahdin! Bearbag brought me up to the trail at 10 am. He's a great guy, and is helping Cimarron, age 82, get through the trail. Only 8 miles today. 179 miles to go.
Date: 2004-08-21
To: Little Bigelow Lean-to
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

Boy, was this day a mess! It rained last night. I broke camp in the rain (wet tent). I hiked in a steady rain all day 'til 2 pm when I arrived at Little Bigelow Lean-to. I took a hard fall today on my left knee and elbow, I was soaked to the skin, so I decided to wait out the rain here and dry out some. It was good to eat a hot Lipton dinner and crawl into my sleeping bag. Only 8 miles, but I passed the 2000 mile mark. Only 172 left!
Date: 2004-08-22
From: Little Bigelow Lean-to

To: Pierce Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Got up bright and early (5 am). Very cool starting off, so I wore my rain suit for a while. I had the best trail I've seen in Maine, that doesn't mean no rocks, roots or mud! My goal was to get to Pierce Pond Lean-to, and I did at 6 pm. It's on a beautiful pond. So far I'm alone here. I passed the 2000 mile mark at Long falls Dam Road. 17 miles today, only 155 to go. Katahdin beckons!!
Date: 2004-08-23
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Pleasant Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I ferried across th Kennebec River in the canoe of Steve Longley. I met a man named Jimmy, who took me to Steve's hostel, the grocery store, cafe', an PO. After losing 3 hours doing all that, I made it to Pleasant Pond Lean-to. 10 miles today, only 145 to go.
Date: 2004-08-24
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Mile 126
Miles today: 0.0

I pushe hard today so I can get into Monson tomorrow afternoon. I had some pretty good trail, but there are still a lot of roots, rocks, and sloppy mud. The view from Moxie Bald Mtn. is supposed to be Mt. Katahdin, but I don't know which one it is. There were lots of ripe huckleberries up near the top. I forded 2 streams today and have one first thing in the morning. In to Monson tomorrow to load up for the 100 mile wilderness. I've got a box of food at Shaw's. 19 miles today, only 126 to go.
Date: 2004-08-25
From: Mile 126

To: Mile 114
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up to a cold morning, and had to ford Piscataquis Creek first thing. Then 12 miles in to Monson. I had one more ford on the way. Lots of roots and rocks and mud today. I got to the road about 2:00 and there was Keith Shaw to take me to Shaw's Hostel in Monson. I got cleaned up, washed my clothes, and fed twice. My mail drop of food is here, so I pack it up. Food for 5 days is heavy! I've got to get to Mahar Tote Road in 5 days.Two of my friends I've not sen since PA showed up, Snowman and Bearbehind, so we had a lot to talk about. Pat Shaw fixed a great meatloaf and potatoes supper. Only 114 mile to go!
Date: 2004-08-27
From: Mile 99.4

To: Chairback Gap Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This was another rocky, rooty, muddy day of Maine trail. Not to mention several ups and downs. I am now in the Chairback Gap Lean-to with Just a Lad, Snowman and Fish Boy. 10 miles today, 88.5 to go.
Date: 2004-08-28
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Mile 73.9
Miles today: 0.0

My best day in Maine. Some good trail for a change. Just a Lad (age 70), stopped at Newhall lean-to, but it was too soon for me. I got over 3 more mountains before dark. I've only got one more high one to climb, and it's first thing tomorrow, then on to Katahdin. 14 miles today, only 73.9 to go!
Date: 2004-08-29
From: Mile 73.9

To: Cooper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 0.0

This was a good day, good trail and only 2 climbs. There are no more high mountains 'til Katahdin. A golden-crowned Kinglet flew to within 3 feet of me on the trail (see pic). I saw the largest rabbit I've ever seen, as big as a Jackrabbit, it's a Snowshoe Hare who is still brown. 14 miles today, I'm at the Cooper Brook Lean-to only 59.7 miles to go.