morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Glen Brook Lean, Mass

To: Tom Leonard Lean-to, Mass
Miles today: 14.3

An injury along the trail can be devastating. It can send you home. Today was definately a reminder of how you need to respect the terrain and always be aware of your footing and surroundings. The bad news.., I fell. It happened so quickly, just my boot stubbing a sharp, slippery rock and down I went. Face first, arms stretched out with poles in hand and the next thing you know, smack! I hit my knee, chest and hands. There I was just sprawled out not really knowing my injuries. But here's the best news...some wonderful people immediately came to help me, picked me up, dusted me off, wrapped my fingers, and ran for help. A lady drove me to the hospital and the doctor "relocated" my "dislocated" finger (after some great shots of novacaine)wrapped me up and sent me on my way. More trail angels assisted in giving me rides and food to get back on the trail and with a throbbing knee and swollen fingers I managed my way to the shelter 10 miles away. It was great to see Four Bears - perfect timing. Jan Liteshoe was really kind to wrap my hand - thanks Jan! A huge thanks to all the great, generous helpers through this craziness. After talking to Mrs. Friday I decided to continue on. She had to remind me that I didn't stop riding my bike after each fall either! I'll call her in the morning with a health update and get the final "go." We agreed that I don't want to be taken home from Mass, just Maine.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Tom Leonard Lean-to, Mass

To: Goose Pond Cabin, Mass
Miles today: 0.0

Damp Dan pulled me all day to accomplish this 21 mile hike. It was like drafting on a bike. We started at 6:00 and arrived at 4:45. It was a long day but the scenery was beautiful and the mts. are getting bigger. Dan is really kind and it was really encouraging to have help today since I was pretty sore. I hope to be in Williamstown, Mass on Sunday, Lord willing. Lauren - have a wonderful time at the beach. Tom of Maine - are you still in Conn?   MarBabe & Mel - thanks for the drop box, it was great, I was even able to share some goodies with Paparazzi and Truckin. They both send their thanks.
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Goose Pond Cabin, Mass

To: Kaye Wood Lean-to, Mass
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked 17.6 miles today with a few ups and downs, mostly flat with more rocks and roots. It rained most of the day too. I hiked with Damp Dan and we ran into Jan Liteshoe and Itchy Foot. There are 2 other section hikers staying at the shelter. Tomorrow we head for Mark Noepel shelter which will put me 9 miles outside Williamstown. Lauren - thanks for the message - I love you, Happy Birthday I really miss my family.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: Kaye Wood Lean-to, Mass

To: Mark Noepel Lean-to, Mass
Miles today: 16.7

I can't wait for tomorrow - Mrs. Friday is flying into Williamstown. I hike with Damp Dan today and we will be in Williamstown tomorrow by noon. We stopped in Dalton and ate at Ozzie's for breakfast - Texas french toast, 2 large sausage links, tea and cokes. Then we packed up turkey sandwiches to take for lunch. The place was great as were the people. Then we walked through Cheshire and met 2 ex-thru hikers, BlueJay and Not-so-helpless. They offered us "adult beverages" but we had to decline because we had too many miles in front of us. We stopped at the local Sunoco and purchased 3 cokes for the up-hill climb. Once at the shelter we met some nice people who were day-hiking. One man was a doctor and he examined my injuries and advised my fingers were doing well. A lot of hikers are pouring in now at the end of the day to find tent space for hiking Greylock Mt. in the morning. Things are going well - I see Mrs. Friday in a few hours.
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Mark Noepel Lean-to, Mass

To: North Adams, Mass
Miles today: 0.0

We hiked Greylock Mt. this morning. At the top is a monument to the veterans, this is a beautiful area with great views and a lodge. We had breakfast (eggs, pancakes, bacon, tea, juice - great food), took some pictures and arrived in Williamstown at 12:30. A short time later my hiking buddy, Damp Dan, spotted his wife, Mary. Then, as another trail visit surprise, who pulls up in a bright red Mustang (??), yep, Mrs. Friday. And yes ---- tomorrow is a ZERO day in North Adams! Mrs. Friday and I will enjoy ourselves seeing the town from the red machine. GIS - thanks and I will see you soon. John - great to hear from you, how is Jack? Autumn - loved the verses, they made me cry. :-) Thanks Big Mel. Lauren, I am proud of you. Denise - tell the gang hi and thanks for the email. Jukebox - great song; thank you; how's the weather? Steve - loved the real McCoy's, thanks for the laugh. Paula & Russ - good to hear from you, if Sean is getting it together I may be done before it arrives. Sara - you have a Liberty lady now, great. Ed - sometime in ealy Sept. I should be finished; then we will talk. Thanks for the email. John - I saw another rattle snake, it was nice enough to let me know where he was. Gerri - thanks for the email. Charlie - you gave my reports a lot of attention. Good to hear from you. Jan - thanks for the bear poem. Nan - please tell Art "hi" Joanne - thanks for the nordic track story. Danny boy - in late Aug I should be in Maine. Mrs. Friday is here and I LOVE IT!
Date: 2003-07-14
From: North Adams, Mass

To: The Porches Inn, Mass
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a "zero" day spent in North Adams, Mass with Mrs. Friday. We are at a beautiful inn (Porches) and woke up to an excellent breakfast. We zoomed into Williamstown in the red mustang and walked through main street - I DID NOT want to walk! There were a lot of young students around - probably visiting the campus, registering, summer school classes, etc., but the ice cream shop was closed. We then drove around the country side which Mrs. Friday loved - she wanted to stop at all the shops. Once back at North Adams we went to a local pub for a late lunch and then back to Porches to hang out by the pool. It was wonderful getting to spend time with Mrs. Friday. Tomorrow it's back on the plane for Mrs. Friday and back on the trail for me. I'll head into Vermont and reunite with Damp Dan in a few days.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: The Porches Inn, Mass

To: Congdon Shelter, VT
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

I hiked 14.1 miles today and have approximately 581 miles remaining. The trail was mostly uphill today and I met two south-bound hikers, Cephas and Smokey. They started in late May. Cephas told me I was the only person he had met the knew Cephas meant "Peter." I also met two local hikers who are teachers at an area private school, one thru-hiker named The Hiking Viking from Denmark and there is another young couple tenting in the woods nearby. The shelter has tons of flies and mosquitos so everyone is tenting. Bob - I have seen 2 rattlesnakes one in PA and the other in Conn.   Jayne - Mrs. Friday sent me a new blue shirt.   Jukebox - I heard part of a song from Barry Manilow, Time In New England; would you please check the lyrics and send them to me? Thank you.   Mrs. Friday - I love you and will see you again soon in Maine.   I am 14.1 miles closer.
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Congdon Shelter, VT

To: Goddard Shelter, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Mrs. Friday, thanks for the days in New England. I hiked 14.4 miles closer to Maine today in the rain. The A.T. and the Long Trail are together for 70+ miles. The LT then goes north into Canada while the AT heads east to New Hampshire. There are a lot of people hiking sections of the LT. Last night there were 2 school teachers at the shelter, Mary and Tim. Tribe was there and all are hiking the L.T. I hiked with Tim today and we are 3,500 ft up - tenting. The shelter is full and people are still coming.   Tomorrow I plan to hike 9+ miles and wait for Damp Dan who should arrive sometime Friday.
Date: 2003-07-17
From: Goddard Shelter, VT

To: Story Spring Shelter, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Dan met up with me today and we are back on schedule. I walked 8.9 miles with Tim Gore, a school teacher from Vt. His grandfather has a shelter that we passed named after him "Kid Gore" Shelter. Tim says his grandfather was the quarterback for the U of Mass and was smaller than most of the other players and looked like a kid - "Kid Gore." Tim's grandfather hiked in these woods since 1930 and lead many groups on treks. Dan made it here late in the afternoon after putting in two days of big miles. Ilama, who I met in PA and Plato came into camp also with two other guys. They're pushing 6 more miles - youth! Mrs. Friday - Dan has made out a schedule all the way through NH and says we will be finished September 2 without long, hard days - THANK YOU LORD!!!!
Date: 2003-07-19
From: Story Spring Shelter, VT

To: William Douglas Shelter, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We will be in Manchester, VT in the morning. We hiked 15.2 miles today and climbed Stratton Mt. which is almost 4,000 ft. At the top is a firetower that we climbed and the view was beautiful.   We saw signs of moose everywhere - I would really like to see a moose. These mountains are beautiful, there are a lot of people hiking and the shelter is full. There are also many people tenting. One of the couples cooked all their food because they are section hiking and going home tomorrow. They were so nice to share and then Dan and I ate our dinners too. My dinner usually consists of cheese & sausage or pepperoni wrapped in a tortilla, mixed nuts, snickers, tootsie rolls, pretzles with peanut butter and tea. I drink real cokes whenever I can get them. I am really starting to get excited about finishing this adventure. I dream of the day I climb off the Mt. and into a car with Mrs. Friday.
Date: 2003-07-19
From: William Douglas Shelter, VT

To: Manchester, VT
Miles today: 6.0

We hiked 6 miles this morning into Manchester, VT. As we came out of the woods two other hikers were along the side hitchhiking. A truck stopped for them and picked us up too. Dan and I jumped in the back and got a ride to the post office. As we left another man picked us up and drove us to Friendly's for breakfast. We called and reserved a room at the Carriage House Motel where we will stay for the night. Chris drove us from one side of town to the other and we were able to do our laundry. Jackie, from the motel, will drive us back to the trail in the morning. Jackie told us a funny story about driving her car into a telephone pole(!) and not knowing she hit it until smoke came out of her engine!! Tomorrow's ride in her Lincoln should be very interesting! It is beautiful here, tall green mountains surround the town. There are a lot of hikers here and most are heading out of town tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-20
From: Manchester, VT

To: Lost Pond Shelter, VT
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

We hiked up Bromley Mt., Peru Peak and Baker Peak today - 14.5 miles. This was a pretty good warm up of what is to come in New Hampshire and Maine. The views were amazing and beautiful. We met three Southbound thru hikers, Waldo, Little Moose and Ashley. This morning Dan and I ate at Friendly's and I had a three cheese omlete, homefries, sour dough bread and iced tea. Damp Dan had the lumber jack breakfast. Jackie from the motel met us and drove us to the trail and we started at 8:15. The packs are heavy, filled with 5 days' worth of food and our knees feel it. Mrs. Friday - thank you, I loved the card.   Kevin and Mary - I got the box, it was GREAT. All the items will be put to good use! I even shared some with Damp Dan and he says thank you too. I'll see you when I get back. Thanks again, I really appreciate it - I love jerkie. Harry - thank you for keeping in touch, see you soon.   Patty - H&S is on my list to visit, I will make sure I call first, thanks. Tom-Dog - I am STILL out here ! and will be for a few more weeks, look forward to seeing you. Donna R - dinner sounds great to me, keep trying Mrs. Friday.   Gucci&Puch - I am sorry too that we missed each other. Please stay in touch. I told Mrs. Friday "hi" for you.      Autumn - hose drag, Grease, Sunday Grill, WSET; I can't wait to see you, I love you.   Frank - I have had a moustache since 1975.   Jan - Itchyfoot is one day in front of us, we will see him soon.   Andy - tell Tom and the gang hi. I will see you guys soon. Thanks.
Date: 2003-07-21
From: Lost Pond Shelter, VT

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked 14.7 miles closer to Maine today. We had pretty good weather today until 4:00, then the storm came through. We were ready for it at the shelter.   Hikers are everywhere, it seems that we are all meeting in VT. Alot of hikers from Canada are here and Hiking the Viking from Denmark.   I'm praying for my family and Autumn auditioning for Grease.
Date: 2003-07-22
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter, VT

To: Cooper Shelter, VT
Miles today: 0.0

We stopped at a diner today called the Whistle Stop and had breakfast. I ordered a 3-egg omelet with cheese, bacon and sausage, Dan ordered 3 pancakes, 2 eggs and ham. The omelet was the biggest I've ever seen; huge, 8" long, 2" high filled with goodies! Dan's order came on two plates. As I was checking out the cook told me she put 14 eggs in the omelet and that on the weekends all the locals pack the place for her omelets. She said eggs were cheap!The rain continued most of the day and overcast. We climbed Killington Mt. today and I am tenting above the shelter. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have surrounded me - I was alone about 1 hour ago. The shelter is also full. Sometime last week we passed the 3/4 marker and are rapidly approaching 1700 miles.
Date: 2003-07-23
From: Cooper Shelter, VT

To: Inn at the Long Trail, VT
Miles today: 0.0

8 miles closer to Maine - we arrived at 10:30 this morning and took showers first thing. Then, we took a bus into Rutland, Vt to get supplies for 3 days. We returned and did our laundry and got our things in order for a long hike tomorrow. I ate a Rueben for dinner. We are approx. 40 miles outside Hanover, NH. The Long Trail and AT split 1 miles from here. The LT heads north to Canada as the AT turns east to New Hampshire. Jan - I am looking forward to hearing about your vacation. Condor - make it a diet super big gulp please. Gotta watch my weight. Paul - see you soon neighbor and we will talk.   Tracy - keep the prayers coming, thanks.   Arlene - thanks for following the journal.
Date: 2003-07-24
From: Inn at the Long Trail, VT

To: Wintturi Shelter, VT
Miles today: 0.0

We passed 11 southbound hikers heading to Georgia today. They all say the best is yet to come, we will see. We have hiked over 1710 miles, approx 460 remaining. I know Mrs. Friday - you want me to walk faster!! We saw 3 small snakes today but I don't know what kind. Good thing they got out of the way fast. The hills are getting steeper and longer, I will probably lose 20 more pounds by the end - Just kidding!! We had a big breakfast at the Inn before leaving this morning which they include in the price of the room. We didn't get to our shelter this evening until 6:30 and it rained most of the day. I think I am growing gills! Tomorrow we move on and should be in Hanover, NH late Sat.
Date: 2003-07-25
From: Wintturi Shelter, VT

To: Thistle Hill Shelter, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's 12 mile section is really tough. We are changing mountain ranges. It is a lot of long ups and downs with no flats on the tops. You just hike straight up the mountain with no switch-backs then straight down to either a road or stream. The views are beautiful and well worth the long walks up and down. We met only 1 southbound thru-hiker today then we met a northbound thru hiker that was putting in 30+ miles to get to Hanover before 9:00 p.m. I hurt just thinking about it. Chillout - how are you? Keep in touch and jump back on.   Tom - good to hear from you; tell brother John hi and thanks for the report on Mom Friday.   John - Damp Dan got the message and I love the schedule.   Tampopo - where are you?   I told Hermanator I saw you and he sends his best; you may see him in Maine.   Jan - don't let work get in the way of trail journals.!!! See you in Sept.   Missing my family.
Date: 2003-07-26
From: Thistle Hill Shelter, VT

To: Hanover, NH 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

We hiked 14.6 miles today and entered New Hampshire! While we were hiking, Dan was greeted by his family on the trail, Mary, Emily, Tom and his girlfriend, Sara. They hiked into New Hampshire with us. Mary and Dan took us to a restaurant in Hanover for lunch. Mary then drove us to the Econolodge in Rutland, VT and then we had dinner and bought more supplies. What a very, nice family. We will leave in the morning to take on New Hampshire. Chickenfeet & Flanders - great to hear from you. I hope we see each other before Maine.   Steven - glad that your new job is going well; see you soon.   Joanne - Thanks for your prayers.   Mar-Babe - you are sooo funny, love ya.   Big Mel - thank you for your prayers.
Date: 2003-07-27
From: Hanover, NH 

To: Velvet Rocks Shelter, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

It's great to be in New Hampshire. Sometime tomorrow we would have completed 80% of the trail, thank you Lord! Damp Dan, his wife, Mary, and I drove back to Hanover and met their daughter, Emily, son, Tom, and his girlfriend Sarah. We had breakfast and then around 1:00 Dan and I hiked approx. 2 miles tho this shelter. In 5 days we should be in North Woodstock,NH - ready to take on the White Mts. Dan has a great family, they treated me like gold - they're super kind, friendly and very generous. Thank you.
Date: 2003-07-28
From: Velvet Rocks Shelter, NH

To: Hexacuba Shelter, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I SAW A MOOSE!!! - that's right, a moose! Dan and I were walking down Smarts Mtn. and off to my left a moose went crashing into the woods. I started to laugh and threw my poles down. I was so excited I didn't get a picture. Dan confirmed it was a female moose and told me if I was quiet it may stop a short distance in the forest and we would see her again. I'm thinking I probably caused that moose to run into Maine! The climb up Smart Mt. was great, then to top it off a 60' fire tower was at the peak. We climbed and took some great pictures. I'll send the stick home and Mrs. Friday will load more photos for everyone to enjoy soon. There are others at the shelter tonight, Itchy Foot, three section hikers and a German couple. I can't wait to see Mrs. Friday and play on the New England coast.
Date: 2003-07-29
From: Hexacuba Shelter, NH

To: Trapper John Shelter, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We saw some beautiful sights today which included Holts ledge. Once at the shelter we met up again with Julia and John. We also reunited with Itchy Foot and Bud. We probably will be seeing each other until the end. The mountains and views are beautiful. I pray we have good weather in the White Mts.
Date: 2003-07-30
From: Trapper John Shelter, NH

To: Jeffers Brook Shelter, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We only have 395 miles remaining; we're still on schedule. Dan and I left the shelter this morning at 6:00 a.m. and hiked 3 hours before we took a break. As we approached Rt 25A I could hear voices, thinking it was Itchy Foot talking to other hikers. As we got closer, I noticed Itcy Foot's pack was off. Then we saw the trail magic! Itchy Foot points to me and tells this big guy with a gigantic handlebar moustache that I am Detective Friday. The man introduced himself as Hydro-magnet and said that he's been following our journal and wanted to meet us. Hydro-magnet brought us Pepsi, bagels, donuts, bananas, coffee, hamburgers, lunch meats, chairs and was putting together a stove. What a fantastic treat and a great break together. The Lord placed this fantastic surprise before us today - thank you.   Hydro-magnet lives in Maine and found us on the trail in New Hampshire - what are the odds?? Thank you so much, I hope to get the photos of us on the site soon. A great trail angel. I cannot wait to see Mrs. Friday; we'll be together in approx. 35 days.
Date: 2003-07-31
From: Jeffers Brook Shelter, NH

To: Eliza Brook Shelter, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I am surrounded by giant mountains. Yesterday we climbed Cube Mt. and Mt. Mist. Today we started the White Mountains which they say has amazing views, above tree line and the weather can change instantly. We climbed Mt. Moosilauke and Wolf Mt. and the views were just great, not a cloud in the sky. I pray it stays this way. As we came down Moosilauke, two trail angels, Skip and Hopper, had left a cooler filled with drinks and food and it was perfect timing - lunch. Thank you! We ran into other hikers today too, Iron ToothPick was one. The climbs are long and hard here; both up and down and they will continue through Maine. I dream of getting into a car with Mrs. Friday, heading to the coast and relaxing. Right now my feet and knees hurt but it won't be much longer.
Date: 2003-08-01
From: Eliza Brook Shelter, NH

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 8.8

We put in 8.8 miles today,hiking South and North Kinsman Mts. It took all morning. Dan calls the mts. "boney", meaning a lot of rocks and roots. The going is slow, but we are moving according to schedule. On top of South Kinsman it was just beautiful, the wind was blowing and it was dark, ready to rain. I watched the clouds fly by. We hiked to a boarding house and will sleep here tonight after we eat, do laundry and resupply. I am counting the days to see Mrs. Friday - "Calgon take me away!"
Date: 2003-08-02
From: North Woodstock, NH

To: Garfield Ridge Shelter, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Mrs. Friday, I am 10.3 miles closer to you. We left N.Woodstock this morning around 7:00 and were on the trail a little later. We hiked up to Franconia Notch and walked the ridge for miles. We were 5,300 ft up, it was windy and had just stopped raining, the clouds were very thick. As we walked along I asked the Lord to let me see his creation. At Mt. Lafayette the sun came out and the clouds were rolled back and I saw the most wonderful scenery. Thank you Lord. The walk was tough and we averaged 1.4 miles per hour, we have been doing a little over 2 mph but not here. The trail then went down and brought us back up to 4,500 ft. What a workout! Tomorrow is another long, tough day, please pray hard for me and I will for you.Mrs. Friday - I love and miss you alot and I'm counting the days;   Kevin & Mary - thank you for keeping in touch, see ya at the "Y";Rich - you are such a busy man, do you remember how to do the job?   Icky Doodles - good job on the pull ups, I love you; Tim - believe it or not my hiking partner is Dan Dempsey, and his son is Tom. It's a small world;   Hazmat - great to hear from you. The Whites are doing the same to me. Keep in touch and good luck the rest of the way;   Eric - thanks for the laugh, I will see you soon!   Diane - peachy hearing from you. Tell Mike hi;Betsy - thank you so much for the email, I pray and think of you often.Bob - thanks for the heads up on Dunn, I will keep a look out.Bonnie - I am sorry we will miss the trail magic, We should be in Maine at that time.Little Laurie - we still have a date, I love you.