morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-10-13
From: Spruce Pine Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Last night I stayed at the Spruce Pine shelter which was actually a beautiful log cabin with three windows, a table, plenty of room to move around in and a wood stove! I arrived early in hopes of making it further, but decided to gather wood and stay the night. I spent the afternoon reading on the porch until it got too chilly, then I moved inside, got the cabin heated up and cooked dinner. It got so warm that I could lay on top of my sleeping bag in short sleeves and be comfortable. It did snow a bit last night, but only a light dusting, which has not completely melted at higher elevations. Today I climbed Stratton Mtn--another ski area in Vermont. I climbed the firetower, snapped a pic, and hurried back down to get out of the bitter wind that was whipping through the metal structure. I was greeted by Alex and Yan, two day hikers from Boston, who invited me down to their car for a sandwich and a bottle of Gatorade. Trail Magic! It came at just the right time. I needed to refuel and was thinking I might be low on supplies this week. I then pushed another 3.5 mi. to the next shelter where I met Rambo Ron, a southbounder I had only read about in the shelter registers. He started one month before I did, but has been taking his time. He's a friendly older man with gray hair and beard. I suppose he got his trailname from carrying a bunch of Army gear. Nearly everything I've seen of his is camoflauge: canteen, bivy, pack...everything but his combat boots, which are black--Rambo Ron.Another day on the trail,Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-10-14
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

There's still some remnants of snow left at elevations above 3,000 ft. I've been starting out in the mornings wearing my polar fleece, but by 1pm I can usually take it off so long as I keep moving. And that's all I've been doing here lately. I did stop at the Goddard shelter and ate the rest of the food Alex had given me the day before. It was one of the cleanest shelters I've seen yet. I wanted to stay, but I've been trying to catch up with 46er and Storyteller. By the way, I found out from my friend Joelle, who had been reading 46er and Storyteller's journal, that the girl and boy that had gotten lost in the woods a few days ago have been found, and both are o.k. 46er and Story stumbled upon them that same morning before the rescue team got to them. I believe they were both in short sleeve shirts, and one of them had on socks, but no shoes. Strange... They did spend the night unprepared in the wilderness, however, they did have a lighter to start a fire--and right next to a bridge on the trail. So Storyteller and 46er gave them H20, granola, and set them on the right path to the trailhead parking lot. Apparently, before they got to the trailhead, the rescue team found them. Peace,~~Easy Feelin~~
Date: 2006-10-15
From: Bennington, VT

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday I pushed 19 miles to reach Bennington, where I met up with 46er and Storyteller. I finally caught up with them at the Autumn Inn, a very low-class, over-priced motel where the fella running the place wanted to charge me 50 bucks for sleeping on the floor of 46er's room. So I called the outfitter in town and they gave me Chris and Arla's number--very friendly locals that let me sleep in their barn. (thanks guys, you're great)After I got settled in, 46er, Storyteller and I went to eat pizza and subs nearby. This morning I woke up and hiked 11 miles to meet up with them.I'm off my feet and off to sleep.Peace,Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-10-16
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to
Miles today: 10.0

Last night I wore every article of clothing I have to bed. The cold was creeping through my 20 degree down bag. But once I got settled in, I fell asleep and rested well enough.I was hiking by 7:30, and 3 miles later, I entered Massachusetts. I said my goodbyes to Vermud (as hikers call it) and was welcomed into MA by the state sign and a trail register. About a mile later I had another moose sighting! This time it was a big cow moose that crossed the trail about 40 yds ahead of me. That brings the moose count up to five. Still haven't seen any deer or bear. About 8 miles into the hike I came to Williamstown, MA, where I stopped by the post office and picked up a maildrop--much needed winter gear, encouraging letters, goodies and some beautiful artwork from the little girl who stole my heart (Sarah Beth!!!) Thank you Alyssa, Caleb, Nicholas, Sarah Beth, Kenny & Beth, Keith & Patty and anyone else who's hands may have been in on the maildrop. It's awesome to receive encouraging letters and surprises when I get to town. I can't wait to get back and go on a bike ride with the Trinity gang! I bet you've got one planned this week!Well, it's off to sleep in this cold shelter. Mt. Greylock tomorrow.Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-10-17
From: Wilbur Clearing Lean-to

To: Cheshire, MA
Miles today: 11.5

Clouds moved in early this morning which seemed fitting for my climb up Mt. Greylock. The summit was vacant, the trees were leafless, and the gray stone monument hiding in the misty background made the scene lifeless and surreal. I would've hung around longer, but the wind made it too cold. A mile or so later it started raining, so I kept moving toward Cheshire, where I am staying at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church with 46er and Storyteller. The father let us stay in one of the classrooms here. We figured out the bus system and went into Adams, MA for an early supper and resupply. I ate a bowl of soup, 1/4 lb. cheeseburger, rueben, side of fries, bread and potato chips. Then, right before bed, I ate a huge slice of pumpkin pie. I love eating, but I don't love being so hungry--all the time. Storyteller sewed up my water holster which hangs by my side. It had started to un-thread itself, but now it's like new!Life is gooood,--Easy ME-->GA (and beyond...)
Date: 2006-10-18
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Cookie Lady's yard
Miles today: 18.4

Woke up this morning to a light drizzle. It rained non-stop since yesterday morning, but finally let up around 7:30 this morning. Needless to say, the trail is flooded. I moved fairly quickly this morning and got the first 9 miles knocked out well before noon. The trail passed through the center of Dalton, MA, so I was able to eat human food again--hiker food tastes bland after a while.I must have walked another mile in search of alcohol for my stove, but finally found some at the Dalton lumberyard for free. The trail passed right by the lumberyard before entering the woods again. I thought I would give it a shot. Sure enough, they had a can of Coleman and a can of denatured right by the entrance.It was 2:30 when I entered the woods again, and spent the rest of the afternoon hiking towards the "Cookie Lady's" house. She lives .1 off the trail, has a blueberry farm and allows hikers to camp in her yard. She also gives away free cookies! But when Storyteller, 46er and I rang her doorbell, we were told that it was too late in the season for cookies! Instead, we were given delicious blueberry cakes!The A.T. community is full of amazing people.P.S.--I have had various people offer to send a care package. A package is not expected, but is greatly appreciated IF you feel led to do so. Packages should arrive in Delaware Water Gap, PA, no later than November 2. The address should appear like this:------------------------------Gray Spainhourc/o General DeliveryDelaware Water Gap, PA 18327------------------------------** No UPS or FedEx** The message: -->"Hold for A.T. Hiker"<-- should be written in some obvious place on the box. Possible things to send in a maildrop:-A nice letter.-Snickers bars or any chocolate with caramel, or any chocolate bar that does not contain coconut. The sky is the limit...- Maybe a dozen Q-tips- Maybe a "Mountain House" or "Natural High" dehydrated meal!- Maybe some Beef Jerky or real Spanish Chorizo from the Fresh Market!- Or a surprise of your own choosing!What an experience to hike the A.T!Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-10-19
From: Cookie Lady's yard

To: Tyringham, MA Fire Pavilion
Miles today: 18.0

Today's hike seemed to go on and on... I had planned to make it to the Shaker Campsite, 3 miles past Tyringham. But when I arrived at the trailhead I saw a man running down the street and asked him about the weather forcast. He told me that rain was on the way, and that it was clearing sometime tomorrow. Then a man pulled his pickup over to see if I needed a ride into town. I told him that I was waiting for my friends, but asked him about staying at the fire pavilion in town. He said that hikers do it all the time.However, the thru-hiker's Handbook says that "hikers must have express permission from the fire chief" in order to stay there. About 10 minutes later, 46er and Storyteller come walking out of the woods. I tell them the news, and we start hitching into Tyringham. A minute goes by and a red pickup pulls over. The fireman inside asks where we are going. "To the fire department" we responded. The Lord was looking out for us! And so now we've got a roof over our heads with a post office and pay phone down the street. What will tomorrow bring???Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-10-23
From: Wilcox South Summit Shelter

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

I just want to thank everyone who has been following along in this journey. It has been quite an adventure physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am learning many things about myself, my relationship with God, and my relationship with others. In response to a guestbook entry--"It is IMPOSSIBLE to miss God out here!" I walk about 9 hours/day, sometimes more. About 95% of the time, I am alone.I came to a cliff today overlooking a big valley. I have moved further south where the red and yellow leaves are still hanging on for dear life, and as I stood there, alone, I praised God for His enduring promise of never leaving me nor forsaking me. Sometimes it gets lonely out here, but I never walk alone. God is constantly reminding me of His love.I obviously do a lot of thinking and praying. I've got plenty of things on my mind. For one, I have two family members that are ill: My Father and my Grandmother. Please pray for FULL RECOVERY for both of them. It's hard being so far away and out-of-touch while wondering about the health of loved ones. I am also trying to discern "what to do after the trail." Please pray that God directs my path and that I trust in the promise that "He knows the plans He has for me." While hiking, I also sing some of my favorite songs:Eagles' "Peaceful Easy Feelin" among other songs. My favorite here lately though has been a praise song I learned in Chile: "Venga tu Reino."I am starting to miss friends and family, but am reassured that friendships of love last forever.Thanks again to all my readers!!! Please continue to follow along, sign the guestbook, and send emails: easyfeelin@pocketmail.com God Bless,Easy Feelin
Date: 2006-10-24
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Hemlocks Lean-to
Miles today: 8.0

A whopping 8-mile day! It's been overcast all day, with sleet showers on and off since this afternoon. I'm ready to get back down South. New England has been nice though. I love the churches around here. I've taken loads of pictures, and can't wait to get them posted. I've also been on a search for a blaze-orange pack cover. I need it for hunting season, but can't seem to find one in any of the recent outfitters. The only thing I've found is an orange vest that says: "Don't shoot! I'm a hiker!" It would probably work, but it's not quite what I'm looking for..."Them mountains thar is as purdy as the mayor's daughter on Easter Sunday" (random shelter register entry)Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-10-25
From: Hemlocks Lean-to

To: Limestone Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 18.0

I started hiking in the snow this morning. There wasn't much accumulation, but on the peak of Mt. Everett (which I summitted without the use of supplemental oxygen) it was a winter wonderland. The sun has been peeping through the clouds all day, and the winds have not let up. Thankfully there was no rain, just snow flurries in the morning. I did pass by one of the most beautiful sections of the trail so far. It was a quarter-mile of ridge-walking just south of Race Mountain. The trail skirted a cliff with beautiful views into a valley full of forests, farmhouses, pastures and a giant lake. I descended into Sages Ravine and walked along a stream with cascades and falls, before ascending Bear Mountain, Connecticut's highest peak (ele. 2,316--Not much elevation over 3,000 until N. Virginia). Lately, I have been walking through some thickets of mountain laurel. It reminds me of hiking in the south. I didn't see any in ME, NH, or VT. A few days ago I mentioned in a journal that I had not seen any deer...Well, the following day I saw two...Today I saw three. Numbers Numbers--Miles and Miles,Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-10-26
From: Limestone Springs Lean-to

To:  Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 23.0

Started out the day with a .5 mile climb out of the hollow where the lean-to was located. Less than a mile later I spotted two deer silently leaping through the forests. Shortly thereafter, I saw four more. They are so graceful. The entire forest floor is covered with leaves, still they move around without being heard.The last 3 miles of the day was spent walking alongside the Housatonic River. Good flat trail! More miles ma±ana,Easy
Date: 2006-10-28
From: Mt. Algo Lean-to

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: moderate rain

What a great day on the A.T! Why? Well, for one, I was able to see a covered bridge. I've always wanted to see a covered bridge. I don't know why life had to postpone this little moment of joy--but it did--and I don't care, because now I've seen a covered bridge. George Washington crossed it "thrice." I would've crossed it thrice but I had to get back to the trail, so I crossed it four times! B/W, Sepia, Color...Yes, I'm a sucker, I couldn't resist. Next. What happened to be near the covered bridge? A general store...With human food! Canadian bacon, egg & cheese on english muffin, Buffalo chicken filet sandwich, coffee, blueberry muffin, tall orange juice. Ahhhh...Then the trail followed the Housatonic River (again) until it met with the Ten Mile River. The water was up and it was constant, roaring class V rapids. Easy Feelin on a tranquil hike next to rushing waves of water crashing on rocks. Righteous! I have been feeling a little out-of-touch since I've been out here. So every chance I get, I try to pick up a newspaper. Boston Globe, NY Times, USA Today if I have to... So I picked up a Sunday NY Times at the general store--plenty of reading material tonight, then burning it tomorrow! As I came to a pasture, I met Barry and his daughter Alyssa, who were out on a hike. Barry has seriously got hiker-fever and is looking to thru-hike in '07. It was awesome experiencing his enthusiasm.   Animal encounter. I got a decent shot at a buck. (With camera of course) 30 yds away, frozen for 2 minutes staring at me.Now I'm at the Telephone Pioneers Shelter which is clean, roomy and has a view!A good finish for a 21-mile day that has been mostly sunny, windy, snowy, rainy and 55 F! My only response: "IT MUST BE NEW YORK"Did I mention the fact that I crossed another state line.An awesome day full of God!Peace,Easy Feelin'ME~~~>GA   (and beyond...)
Date: 2006-10-30
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

The heavens were dominated by high pressure all day. It was nice to see no threatening clouds looming in the distance.A couple weeks ago I posted a journal (10/5) encouraging readers to send me new lyrics to the tune of "Yellow Submarine" so that I could keep my sanity while I lived and walked in my own yellow submarine (aka "the forest").      Well, I am pleased to announce that I have a winner! (I must admit, it wasn't a tough decision. Especially considering the fact that only one entry was made...) At any rate, it would've been hard to beat. This prize goes to a dear friend of mine that has stood by my side for many years, and has pulled through for me on many occasions--and, once again! Yes! The gold medal winner goes to Joseph L. Peters from Asheville, North Carolina. (crowd goes wild...)Here we go!============================In the town where I was born,Lived a man who hiked the trail,And he told us of his life,In the land of rice and beans,So we hiked off to the sun,Till we found a trail of green,And we lived beneath the leaves,On our pasta, rice, and beans,We all live on pasta rice and beans,On pasta rice and beans, pasta rice and beans,We all live on pasta rice and beans,Pasta rice and beans, pasta rice and beans,And our friends are all so bored,With the food we once adored,And the band begins to play.(Trumpets play)We all live on pasta rice and beans,On pasta rice and beans, pasta rice and beans,We all live on pasta rice and beans,Pasta rice and beans, pasta rice and beans,As we live a life of ease,Everyone of us has all we need (has all we need)Sky of blue (sky of blue) and trail of green (trail of green) On our pasta (on our pasta) rice and beans (rice and beans. Blaha)We all live on pasta rice and beans,Pasta rice and beans, pasta rice and beans,We all live on pasta rice and beans,Pasta rice and beans, pasta rice and beans,We all live on pasta rice and beans,On pasta rice and beans, pasta rice and beans. ============================== HAHA!!!~Easy~Maine to Georgia!
Date: 2006-10-31
From: RPH Shelter

To: Graymoor Monastery
Miles today: 19.0

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!No trick or treaters tonight though. I think they avoid monasteries. Not much to say today, except that Graymoor is located atop a beautiful mountain which has a constant passing of low-flying jets bound for NYC I imagine. I am thankful that the monastery allows hikers to fill up on water because the sources I'm seeing around here are murky. Anytime I see water coming from a rock at elevation, I dump out the nasty and fill up the pure. I'm looking forward to gaining elevation.Easy
Date: 2006-11-01
From: Graymoor Monastery

To: William Brien Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to rain this morning, but it let up right before I got going. The sun came out, then it actually turned into one of the warmest days I've had on the trail. I had about an eight-mile hike to the Hudson River, then I crossed it on a really sweet suspension bridge called the Bear Mountain Bridge. After crossing the surprisingly wide Hudson River, I walked another mile to Fort Montgomery where I finally got to satisfy my craving for a sausage, egg and cheese croissant. 3 actually. I also ordered two sandwiches to carry with me so I would have enough food to get me to Vernon, NJ.When I got back to where I left off, the trail led me through a zoo. Most of the zoo animals have had some kind of injury, and can no longer survive in the wild. In front of the bear exhibit is the lowest point of the entire Appalachian Trail (124'). I really enjoyed Bear Mountain Park, but I was pressed to put more miles in to reach the shelter that was still 9 miles away. But I would love to someday return for a visit. I finally got to the shelter at dark, and found it to look more like a filthy dungeon. Then, right before I got in the sack, I spotted a deer tick crawling on me. So I started looking all over, and found one right after another. Only one was attached, and it was on my stomach. This really gave me the eebie geebies 'cause I've heard so many stories of hikers getting Lyme Disease this year. I basically postponed sleep for a while to closely examine all my clothes and body. I think I pulled a total of 5 ticks off me. And these deer ticks are extremely small...much smaller than the typical woods tick. So, I've walked through the woods since August and didn't see a tick til November! It's got to be this warm front we're experiencing here in NY. Just one more benfit of cooler weather. But what or whom shall I fear when the Lord is my strength!   Peace!EasyME~~>GA and beyond...
Date: 2006-11-02
From: William Brien Shelter

To: Fitzgerald Falls
Miles today: 17.8

Woke up to rain this morning, but once again it had stopped by the time I got going. But when I finally did get going, it was already 8:00, which made my 20-mile day a bit tough. I could've made it, but I'm not a big fan of night-hiking like many nobos. It's hard enough for sobos to manage the trail in the daytime with the leaves covering the trail...Much less at night! So I pithced my tent near Fitzgerald Falls and called it a day. I don't like it getting dark so early...Then I looked down and found two ticks crawling on me. That's just driving me mad. But I did see the NYC skyline from the Mombasha High Point. It looked like a square box in the midst of the rolling hills. There's a lot going on over there...Glad I don't have to deal with it right now.Vernon, NJ tomorrow,Easy
Date: 2006-11-03
From: Fitzgerald Falls

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 19.1

Whenever I thought about New Jersey, what always came to mind was Hoboken, or some of the other cities across the Hudson. What I didn't think about was Vernon, or "rural Jersey." When I came to the NJ94 (two-lane highway) trailhead after a long day of hiking, I was greeted by a friendly couple who not only directed me to the nearby country store, but also offered me a ride to the church hostel in Vernon. That trailhead experience really reminded me of home. The farms spread out along the road that connected the area's small towns, and friendly people in t-shirts and jeans offered their help to a stranger in need (me). I guess we all have preconceived notions about all sorts of things...(they're most likely misconceptions)...but don't you love it when they prove you wrong! Now, when I think about New Jersey, I'll include my trailhead experience to lighten the graffitti painted alleys of Hoboken.Easy
Date: 2006-11-04
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Pochuck Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

Just an easy day out of town...I stayed at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Vernon, which had everything I could possibly need. The pizza place was right across the street (along with Dunkin Donuts), the supermarket was within a short walk, washer/dryer, kitchen, internet, tv and hiker box. A hiker box is always good, especially during peak nobo season. It's basically a catch-all box loaded with pasta, rice, beans, ramen, fuels, candy, hot chocolate, or anything else that a hiker is either sick of eating, or sick of carrying...and sometimes sick of wearing (I've even seen underwear in one). First, I went to eat...6 buffalo wings, a pizza, a doughnut and a bottle of chocolate milk. Then I let my clothes soak in the washer to rid them of the funk, while I soaked my feet in a tub of hot water to boost morale. For breakfast I had 3 sausage, egg and cheese croissants (I've been craving them), hashbrowns, coffee and a half-dozen doughnuts from DD. I crossed another suspension bridge, but this time over a small stream, then walked for about a mile on a raised wooden platform through some marshlands (it was flat, and it was cool). They must've spent a fortune on that section of trail. Now I'm tented next to a shelter full of boy scouts...strange thing is that there's 3 adults (one of which is a lady) and one boy. But hey, they came explaining that they were a boy scout group from Rhode Island. I figure it's pointless to ask questions...EasyME~~>Springer