morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Port Clinton

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

FOR IT IS WISDOM THAT WE SEEKBy James Davis (Brush Strokes)Katahdin, you glorious mountain.I see you in my dreams; your primitive nature;Towering high up into the sky; bold and proud; a stone monument.Your spirit speaks of the earth; of Genesis, a time of chaos;Forging the crust of the planet.Some people would say you are merely rock piles of stone;Dormant, void, cold and foreboding; just a mountain.But to the AT hiker, you have great meaning; enormous significance.You are the essence of life.You give us nature.You give us the soul of our spirit.You give us meaning and purpose.You challenge us to be more than what we are as humans.You are a designation in our lives.You push us beyond our capabilities of everyday life.You give us a dream.You seek out the wonderer in us.You give us hope.You test our strengths and our weaknesses.You give us courage.We long to stand on top of your summit on journey¢s end; humbled and triumphant Knowing we faced our darkest fears and know ourselves in a different way;Changed forever.Not everyone heeds your call, great Katahdin.You only call a few each year.I have learned lessons.I have stumbled and fallen.I have questioned myself.And at times I have no answers.I stand on the horizon and look off into the distance.The sweat burns my eyes; I feel tired and lethargicThe miles seem un-surmountable.I try to think what it must be like to stand on top of the last mountain,The great Katahdin.At journey¢s end, a feeling like no other;I realize only then will I understand why I came and that gives me solace.That¢s my reward.The sacrifice we make to go to you is hard to bear.The cold, the wet, the nights alone;The overcoming our fears, our anxieties;Our determination, the time spent away from our families;The people who say we are crazy.Yet we endure it all.We say never give up.For our reward is greater than gold.For it is wisdom that we seek.And get to know who we are.We get to know our limitations.We get to take the adventure of a lifetime.We get to explore ourselves in a different way;And find out who we really are.It is a spiritual awakening and it rejuvenates meI image I can see Katahdin far off into the distance;And I say to myself I can do this.I adjust the straps on my pack;And lift my head up high and hike for another day
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 86.4
Weather: clear sky

July 11 (Friday)A good friend, Brian, from New Jersey met me to hike a section of the trail with me. Brian had been training for this stretch with me. We hiked 15.2 miles, a fun hike. We arrived in Port Clinton about 4:30 pm; we hiked good and fast today. We checked into the Hotel, got cleaned up and went to dinner. We went to an Art Show at the Goggle Factory in Reading, PA with Matt (friend of Brian). The city has renovated an old Goggle Factory and gives (free) studio space to artists. Reading has become a center for art with a great vision for promoting the arts. I am going to strongly consider moving to Reading to be part of this center. We then went to a Gaelic concert (Burns and Neals from Nova Scotia, cloggers) in an amphitheatre in Reading. It was just the best night.July 12 (Saturday)Brian took me to the trailhead and I hiked 15 miles, tented close to Route 309.July 13 (Sunday)I hiked about 14 miles over Bear Rock, tough hike. My hips and knees really are hurting. The winds picked up late afternoon with winds I know were over 50 miles an hour; and I know wind as I live in Wilmington NC ¢ hurricane capital!! I knew I could not make it to the next shelter, so I called for a shuttle from Slatington PA. and stayed in a hotel of ¢sorts¢. I shared a room with 2 other hikers ¢ Zephry and Serene. July 14 (Monday)The wind and rains were tremendous again today. I knew I could not attempt to go over Leigh High Gap; it is the most dangerous section of the entire trail. It scares to me to just to look at it. It would be crazy and dangerous to over the wet and slick rock. So a 0 day for me, staying at the hotel of ¢sorts¢ with Zephry and Serene.July 15 (Tuesday)I hiked 21.8 miles today from Slatington PA to Wind Gap, PA. It was a very, very hard day. I felt I needed to make up some miles since I took a 0 day yesterday. The rocks are sharp and jagged; this has been the worst part of the trail. You have to take one step to make sure the rock is secure before you take the next step. It makes for a long, tedious day. I now have a blister on the bottom of my foot ¢ 1st blister. I am totaled tonight.July 16, 2008 (Wednesday)My feet are so sore; they feel like they have been beaten with a hammer. It took me 2 hours to come down off the mountain. Today was a long day, but I made it 20.4 miles to Delaware Water Gap, PA. I plan to stay at a Church Hostel tonight.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 51.0

July 19 (Saturday)I hope to make it to Unionville today. I left at 5:30 a.m. and it is over 20 mile hike. The day is hot and humid so I will take it slow. And of course, the rocks. The tips of my hiking poles are gone from these rocks. Mission Control (my lovely wife) is getting me some new ones and sending them to me. The last outfitters did not have any.On Thursday and Friday, the weather was hot and humid. I know the danger of exhaustion in this weather so I drank plenty of water and took my time. In these 3 days, I will have hiked 51 miles. At least today I will be in NY even though I will go back to NJ for just a little bit. I cannot tell you how great it feels to cross into another state. Yea!!! Also, I am into 1,300 miles; I feel as I am making progress. I am missing home a lot and am anxious to complete this journey. CHECK OUT NEW PHOTOS!!
Date: 2008-07-20
From: Unionville, NY

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 8.0

I did not make it to Unionville last night. It rained so much that I had to stop 8 miles from Unionville. I am mad at these rocks, I am going to beat them. Today, Sunday, I hiked the 8 miles and stopped at a general store in Unionville about 4 pm. I talked with the Mayor of Unionville who was in the store. He invited me to stay at his house for the evening and fix some hamburgers. What a generous trail angel!!! Of course, I took him up on the offer. He had amazing art in his house which I enjoyed. I washed my clothes and dried my tent out. And I got a wonderful shower! Thank you Mr. Mayor!!
Date: 2008-07-21
From: Unionville, NY

To: Glenwood NJ
Miles today: 18.8

Monday, July 21, 2008The Mayor of Unionville cooked me a great big breakfast, absolutely delicious. He then drove me to the trailhead, and I started out early in the morning. Another hot and humid day, I made good time for the first 11 miles, then I slowed way down ¢ the heat just drained me. It is still rock after rock. I have been eating a lot of blueberries this week on the trail. The Mayor had told me if I could go 18.8 miles to Glenwood NJ, he would pick me up there and bring me back to his house for dinner and shower and nice bed. I made it there by 4:30 p.m. The Mayor made homemade chicken soup, excellent! I got a nice shower after a hot day. The Mayor of Unionville is the Ultimate Trail Angel!!! He will take me back to the trailhead at Glenwood tomorrow morning. Then just 4 miles to New York. I feel good where I am on the hike and feel confident that I will make it to Katahdin by my 60th birthday¢¦September 14. Mission Control tells me that I must average just over 15 miles per day to make it by September 14.
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Glenwood NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Tuesday, July 22, 2008The Mayor took me to the trailhead to start out early this morning. The Mayor cooked another great breakfast. Thank you Mr. Mayor, I have enjoyed my time with you!!! I hiked just over 13 miles today. I had to climb most of the day over the mountain using wooden ladders to go straight up the side of the mountain. There was no water anywhere, so I had to carry 6 liters of water.   Heavy load and horribly hot.   I am now in NY - yes!!! I had to stop around 4:30 because a big storm was chasing me in to the Wildcat Shelter. I really wanted to do more miles today, but the rains came.
Date: 2008-07-23
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Arden NY
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Wednesday, July 23, 2008It rained all night. Absolutely everything is wet. I had to pack up (weight was heavy) and hike in the pouring rain storms ¢ all day long. It took me over 14 hours to go 12 miles, landing at Arden NY. Serene, Zephyr and I shared a room at a motel for the night. Water is deeper than the bucket on my tent ¢ I could not tent tonight.
Date: 2008-07-25
From: Arden NY

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Friday, July 25Up at 5:30 a.m., the rain has finally stopped. I am so ready to hike today. I plan to hike about 15 miles today, getting close to Bear Mountain. About 4 miles up on a mountain, I could see New York City, looked like an enchanted city. Terrain is still rough, going through "Lemon Squeeze" today. I have to be conservative with water - New York has not been good with water supply. I stopped at 4:30 at Fingerboard Shelter, and there was no water. I hiked 14.3 miles today. Trail Angels Martin and Sally were section hiking. They came upon me and Serene and Zephry at the Shelter. They were driving back to the hotel in Arden and offered to take us back¢¦.we went!!! Martin and Sally will bring us back to the trailhead at 6 a.m. on Saturday. We will load up on water before our hike tomorrow morning.
Date: 2008-07-26
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Ft. Montgomery NY
Miles today: 20.0

Saturday, July 26Started out at 6:00 a.m. It was nice day, and I hiked 20 miles today. Successfully climbed Bear Mountain ¢ what a challenge!! I hiked across the Hudson River, it was just beautiful. Then another big climb after the Hudson River. I am tired and happy for a good hiking day.
Date: 2008-07-27
From: Ft. Montgomery NY

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Sunday, July 27It rained all night and all day today. It was a rough day with rain and up and down rocky mountains. But I made it to Morgan Stewart Shelter wet and okay. That was about 20 miles for today. I got in about 7 p.m. So glad I made it the Shelter because I have no tent and it is raining. I already am thinking about getting up in the morning putting on wet socks and wet clothes¢¦.ugh!!!!
Date: 2008-07-29
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Kent, Conn
Miles today: 32.0

Tuesday, July 29Yesterday, I hiked hard to get to Pawling NY to meet my good friend, John Domney. He lives in Wilmington NC and was in Connecticut. He came to take me to lunch. We had a great time talking and eating. John took some wonderful pictures ¢ THEY ARE IN MY PHOTOS ¢ CHECK THEM OUT. I hiked into Wiley Shelter for a total of 18 miles. That¢s a pretty good day.I left Wiley Shelter about 9 today. As I left the sign on the Shelter said 724 miles to Kathadin ¢ that made me feel good.It has stopped raining today, but all is wet and muddy. The terrain is rough again today. I bent one of poles yesterday; so I will have to get used to this crooked pole.I got to the shelter at Kent, Conn, that is 14 miles for today. I was so tired and really hungry. I had just gotten my spam out to eat when Serene came and told me his friend was coming to pick him up and asked if I wanted to go with them. Of course I did. His friend - Spirit Walker (trail name) is a doctor in the town of Lynchfield, CT. He picked us up at Kent and drove us about 40 miles to his home in Lynchfield. And what a home - he has wonderful art and sculptures. He fed us and let us wash our clothes. What a wonderful trail angel - thank you Spirit Walker. He will take us back to Kent tomorrow morning.
Date: 2008-07-31
From: Cornwall Bridge, Conn

To: West Cornwall, Conn
Miles today: 13.0

Thursday, July 31, 2008The doctor hiked with us today aggain. He has invited us to his home again tonight. I saw a baby eagle in a squeeze today, and I took a picture. It was slow day over big rocks and over cliffs. We hiked 13 miles today. Then we went to the doctor¢s house for a shower and out to eat.
Date: 2008-08-01
From: West Cornwall, Conn

To: Salisbury, Conn
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Friday, August 01, 2008I was up at 5:30 and off to the trail head. The last 3 hours I was coming straight down a mountain with slabs of stone, dangerous hike today. I am so glad I made it without any injury, and my body aches all over. I hiked 20 miles today. I stopped at a hostel in Salisbury, Conn. A sweet lady named Maria was the trail angel there. I am really homesick.
Date: 2008-08-02
From: Salisbury, Conn

To: Brasie Brook Lean to
Miles today: 11.0

Saturday, August 2, 2008Maria took us to the trail head early this morning. We hiked about 11 miles and the rains came, pouring rain. So we had to stop earlier than I wanted to. I broke 1,500 miles today, this is significant to me. I arrived at Brassie Brook Lean. Zephry got off the trail for a few days to visit his son who lives in the area. So Serene and I are hiking together.
Date: 2008-08-03
From: Brasie Brook Lean to

To: South Egremont, Mass
Miles today: 14.0

Sunday August 3, 2008I hiked 14 miles today to South Egremont, Mass. I got ice cream at the Corn Crib Restaurant that was right on the trail, what a nice break. I went by the Shay Rebellion of 1887. The day was a nice day, threatened rain. I had a good day of hiking. I had some nice view over Massachusetts and took some pictures.
Date: 2008-08-04
From: South Egremont, Mass

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin, Mass
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Monday, August 04, 2008Up early, the day is good. Hiked up and down mountains all day long. Then the rains came. I got soaked. It stopped raining as I got to the shelter ¢ Upper Goose Pond Cabin. I put all my wet clothes out, hoping they dry some before I have to put them back on in the morning. A good hike of 20 miles today.
Date: 2008-08-05
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin, Mass

To: Dalton, Mass
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tuesday, August 05, 2008At Upper Goose Pond Cabin, breakfast is served; and what a wonderful breakfast: coffee (good coffee) and pancakes. I was up at 6 a.m. and eating. About 11 miles into the hike, I came across the Cookie Lady (that¢s what the hikers call her). She has homemade cookies for the hikers. Wow! After more than 20 miles, I reached Dalton, MASS. A Trail Angel named Tom is fixing me dinner and letting me take a shower and do laundry at his home. Then I can sleep on the front porch. A great day of hiking.
Date: 2008-08-12
From: Dalton, Mass

To: Killington VT
Miles today: 135.0

So sorry for no entries for 1 week. Mission Control has had a lot going on at Home Base. Vermont has just been a mud slide. Every day into mud 4 to 5 inches deep. Really makes your legs tired. And it seems that it has rained nearly every day. All I remember in the last week is being cold and wet. I am so glad Mission Control sent my jacket back to me before I started into Vermont. Serene and I have decided we will hike the rest of the way together. My birthday is Sept 14 and Serene's birthday is Sept 19. Our hope and wish when starting this journey was to arrive on Katahdin on our birthdays or very close to it. We will both turn 60 in September. We have done some 135 miles in 7 days - all long days and late nights - not much sleep. We have to keep the pace up to make it on our time schedule.CHECK OUT NEW PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2008-08-13
From: Killington VT

To: Stony Brook Shelter, VT
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another rainy day. They tell me they have had 27 straight days of rain. There is mud everywhere. It is like quicksand mud - hard to get your feet up on each step. It is a cold rain. I thought maybe in August I would get warm; but not. Only 13 miles today. The forecast "says" sunny on Sunday - I cannot wait! My shoes are falling off of my feet. As soon as I can find an Outfitters, I need to purchase a new pair of shoes. I am excited that I am now under 500 miles to Kathadin!!! Serene and I both fell once today - it is slippery on those rocks. We are a little beat up but nothing broken - pretty lucky for 2 old fellows.
Date: 2008-08-14
From: Stony Brook Shelter, VT

To: Woodstock, VT
Miles today: 12.1

No rain today!! Good day. We went about 12 miles today. We are still exhausted from the past week; so we are shorten up our miles per day. A radio announcer from Prince Edward Isle in Canada (Mitch Comier) called Serene to tape an interview from the trail. He also interviewed me. That was fun!!
Date: 2008-08-15
From: Woodstock, VT

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 11.8

Another sunny day!! We hiked 11.8 miles today. We are still keeping our miles down so we can get healthy. Only 450 miles to Katahdin!!! We must get healthy so we are taking it slow the rest of the month of August. We figured we will be in Maine on September 1. And we have realized we cannot make it to Katahdin by September 14 & 19 for our birthdays. We will probably finished make it the last week of September.
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Happy Hill Shelter, VT

To: Hanover NH
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Up from the loft of the barn early today. Sure enjoyed the beauty of the end of Vermont. Got to Hanover early afternoon. What a great college town this is. I am definitely coming back here. Got a free piece of pizza Roma Bitsies and it was really good. Went to the outfitters and got me a new pair of boots. A stick went through my boot today and I literally had no shoe left. That pair went over 700 miles. I think the rest of my equipment will last for the remander 442 miles. There is a hostel here that Serene and I will stay at tonight.
Date: 2008-08-24
From: Hanover NH

To: Lincoln NH
Miles today: 56.0
Weather: clear sky

It been about 5 days that I have been in the Whites. No cell phone coverage. Serene & I have been doing 15 to 18 mile days, going from 5 am till dark. The weather has been good so we take advantage of these sunny days. Nights are cold. The hostel we are in is a dome tent with cots in it. The shower and privy is out doors. Not much around these neck of the woods. We are hoping to be in Maine - yes, Maine - by September 1. It is so hard to believe that we are almost there. We are tired but very excited. In Maine, we must prepare for 11 days with no food stops - so we will be carrying a lot of food - heavy pack. The scenery in New Hampshire has been breathtaking. CHECK OUT PICTURES - NEW ONES HAVE BEEN ADDED!!!A storm is coming in today so we are going to take a 0 day tomorrow, Monday. We hurt all over. My whole body hurts - nothing does not hurt.
Date: 2008-08-25
From: Lincoln NH

To: Lincoln NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Serene and I took a 0 day today. We slept in till 9. I could barely move. My body is so sore from the last few days of heavy miles. We know we have to cut our mileage in 1/2. This terrain is just too rough - the roughest on the trail. I am mostly crawling over the rocks. It was nice to get clean clothes and rest today. Up at 5 tomorrow, plan to do about 10 miles. About 36 days from Katahdin.
Date: 2008-08-26
From: Lincoln NH

To: Greenleaf Hut NH
Miles today: 8.0

August 26, 2008 (Tuesday)Serene and I hiked over 9 miles up 5,200 feet. The views were absolutely amazing. This climb was the most spectacular and scary that I have had on the trail. It was thrilling and full adventure ¢ I love the Whites. Late afternoon the weather started to turn, the wind blew so hard that I had to use my poles so I would not be blown over. The fog came in and cold winds. We decided that 9 miles was enough and went to Greenleaf Hut to spend the night. This hut costs $66, has no heat, a communal shower ¢ New England has been expensive. I look forward to getting up tomorrow and back into the Whites ¢ I am pumped!
Date: 2008-08-27
From: Greenleaf Hut NH

To: Crawford Notch NH
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

August 28, 2008We had a really tough day. But the weather is just beautiful. I am still enjoying the Whites. We did good going 14 miles. We stopped at Crawfords Notch at a hostel late tonight. Now under 350 miles to go. YES!!!!!!
Date: 2008-09-02
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin, Mass

To: Madison Spring Hut
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tuesday, September 2I am here!! Standing on top of Mt. Washington at 11 am. Views are incredible! Can see 100 miles in every direction. Weather is beautiful, cool at 40 degrees ¢ 40 to 50 mile an hour winds. We had to hold up and wait a day to climb this monster; but I am so glad we did. I am truly enjoying Mt. Washington. Now to go down ¢ 5 miles heading to Madison Hut.I arrived at Madison Hut about 5 p.m., hungry and tired. But feeling good ¢ had such a great day!! The sunset tonight is lavender and peach with purple mountains ¢ taking my breath away. It is like walking across a canvas.The Whites have taken my breath away ¢ literally by climbing and their amazing views.
Date: 2008-09-04
From: Madison Spring Hut

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

I survived the Whites. Making a charge to the Maine border this weekend ¢ only 297 miles left. I climbed 2800 feet straight up out of Carter Hut, left about 8:00 a.m. I arrived in Gorham, NH early evening. Whites were amazing ¢ hard climbs but beautiful scenery.
Date: 2008-09-05
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gentain Pond Campsite
Miles today: 14.0

Friday, September 5, 2008Very tough hike hike today and very long. Serene and I are still together hiking. We made it to the campsite, 14 miles today. I was worried today about my wife as hurricane Hanna was making it towards her. So I did not sleep much.
Date: 2008-09-07
From: Gentain Pond Campsite

To: Bethel, Maine
Miles today: 7.0

Left Spect Pond Shelter and went over the Arm and the Eyebrower today - raining and windy and cold. Climbed on all fours. These mountains are dangerous and tougher than the Whites. Have to watch every step you take. Went about 7 miles today and hitched a ride to Bethel, Maine. Taking a nero day to heal up, took a fall and my body needs some rest. Serene has a terrible cold and needs to rest.
Date: 2008-09-08
From: Bethel, Maine

To: Andover Maine
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Left at 6 a.m. this morning, cold rain all day. We did not hike too far today with the miserable weather. We are at Ella¢s Hostel in Andover, Maine.   Hopefully, it will clear up tomorrow so we can make so more miles. Cell phone is limited.
Date: 2008-09-16
From: Horns Pond, Maine

To: Little Bigelow ME
Miles today: 10.0

September 16, 2008 ¢ TuesdayFrom Horns Pond to Little Bigelow today, about 10 miles. Climbing was better today. Beautiful day! Came upon a lake, heard and saw my 1st loon ¢ what an interesting sound! Sure enjoyed the hike today. Over 2,000 miles now!
Date: 2008-09-25
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean to

To: Hurd Brook Lean To
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am only, only 10 miles from the Big "K". I can see it. It has been very cold and very rainy. I have forded 5 streams in the last 2 days, they were over knee high - cold!!!!! I plan to scale Katahdin on Tuesday. I am so very ready to complete the dream.
Date: 2008-09-29
From: Hurd Brook Lean To

To: Kathadin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It is the night before I summit Mt. Kahtadin. My wonderful wife flew today from Wilmington NC to be here for this awesome day. We ate dinner the AT Cafe with Serene. Serene's wife and son came in today from Canada. His son will go up the Big K with Serene and me tomorrow morning. It feels like the calm before the storm.   All is peaceful tonight. The weather broke today. No sun but no rain either. Tomorrow we hope for a clear day; well, at least no rain. I have packed my back pack. I am so ready for this climax.