morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-11-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday tumbler and I headed to NC to go to the summitt of mt.mitchell the highest pt. in NC. It was a perfect day with the temp being 60 degrees at the top. This is our third state in our quest to reach the highest pt. in each state. We are not hiking to everyone of them, if we can drive up to the top we will. We just want to go and see each one in each state. On the way to mt. mitchell we stopped at starbucks for our coffee fix then made it to mt. mitchell around noon. After taking photos we headed to the smokies for the rest of the day. We hope to knock out Kentucky and Georgia before the end of the year. Tumbler will be adding photos in a few days. We have started counting down until we leave for Spain we are both so excited. We watched the movie about the camino called The Way and by the end of the movie we were ready to go now. Hope all is well with everyone and God Bless.
Date: 2012-12-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

First we hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Sorry it has been awhile since we have journaled. Over the past few weeks we have been busy helping with shoe boxes for children overseas. also for Thanksgiving we helped the church serve over 400 people in our hometown. We had a really great time and are blessed that we were able to help and serve others in need. It is a great feeling to give. We spent Thanksgiving in Cherokee, NC with some friends. We had dinner at Cracker Barrel. We will be having Thanksgiving at Ratmans moms tomorrow, yeah I know its late but things happen. Besides its not about the date but about spending time with family and friends. Thanksgiving should be everyday, we should always be thankful for what we have. Today we went to the highest point in KY, which we realized was almost in our backyard. Black Mountain is 4,179 feet. There is a radar ball up there as well.Tonight we will be attending my company Christmas Party at Bonanza. We will try to post another journal soon. Also pics are posted.
Date: 2012-12-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello friends. First we want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!! Always remember that God sent us His wonderful Son, Jesus Christ to die upon the cross to save us from our sins and to give us eternal life and this is the season for remembering His glorious birth and to enjoy our family and friends. Christ is found in our hearts, not under the tree or on a price tag. Since our last journal we have applied for our passports and started saving for our Camino hike. We plan to fly out June 2. We hope our friends connie and daughters get to join us for the journey.We have been busy the last few weeks with church activities. Last week we attended the adult Christmas play, which was very enjoyable. Yesterday we went with the Keenagers to watch "A Christmas Story" performed at Barter Theater. We had a great time of fellowship. Then today after church we had christmas dinner at Ratman's dads. The family had alot of fun. We taught some to play Up and down the river, a card game that Y's Guy had taught us to play on the AT. After opening gifts we headed back to church for yet another dinner. Yeah!! We had our church dinner and man were our bellies full.. After dinner we enjoyed watching the children's Christmas play on the birth of our Saviour. It was a joy to watch the little ones and to hear them sing to the Lord. We both have to work tomorrow but plan to spend Christmas together and enjoy one another. new pictures are posted. God Bless and have a blessed and safe Merry Christmas!!!
Date: 2012-12-25
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello friends just wanted to let all know that rat man became a grandpa today. Caroline jade terry was born at 2:47 this morning becoming the first Christmas baby born in our area. Best present ever,cant explain the feeling of your first grand baby but it feels great. God bless and we wish u a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Date: 2013-01-12
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0

Hello friends we hope everyone had a blessed Xmas and a happy new year. Our Xmas grand baby is doing well. We spent new years camping on a beach in Florida. We r now getting excited about spending June and part of July in Spain. Today we hiked up to beauty spot because it was 73 degrees and we wanted to hike some on the AT. It was a perfect day to be hiking and we both say we miss the AT so much. We wish everyone the best and god bless. We posted new pics today as well.
Date: 2013-01-13
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We just wanted everyone to know that we have had a change of plans. We had planned to hike the Camino this year; however we have decided to take 2 months and travel around the US and hike the JMT and the LT. Plus we will have the opportunity to visit several places we have always wanted to visit as well as visit some friends along the way. Also we hope to help out at the church hostel in Waynesboro, VA for a week. We ope that you will continue to follow us. God Bless.
Date: 2013-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

In preperation of hiking the JMT and the LT we went to Galingburg planning to hike MT. LeConte however when we got there road 441 was closed due to a landslide toward New Found Gap. So we hiked 2 other trails that amount to about 7.3 miles. Afterwards we went to the NOC in Gatlingburg, they had some great deals. We are planning to do trail magic on March 22-24 with Spirit and Y's Guy whom we hiked with. The following weekend we will attend trail days in Franklin, NC. God Bless!!
Date: 2013-01-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday we met Spirit who we hiked with on our thru-hike of the AT, in pigeon forge. We ate at Olive Garden and talked about how we missed the trail life but were looking forward to our weekend in march when we will be providing trail magic for this years class of thru-hikers. We then hiked 6 miles on a trail above sugerland visitors center. We have finalized our hiking plans for this summer. We will be helping out at the church hostel in Waynesboro,Va. The week of June 17. Then start our hike of the Long trail on June 24. Then we will spend two weeks driving out west and hike john Muir trail on July 27 finishing on Aug 16 then travel for two more weeks before heading home and starting back to work because we are planning on hiking the PCT in 2014. Hope all is well and God Bless.
Date: 2013-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everyone hope all is well, we are getting excited daily about this summers hikes of the JMT and LT. It was tumblers birthday Saturday so we went to REI and purchased our remaining gear for our hikes. We then hiked 7 miles in Cherokee on the Smokemont trail then went to the casino and did well on the slots. We are getting things together for our trail magic weekend in march. We are expecting Spirit and some of her family, also Y's guy and his family. Also sipsy might be coming and bringing his BBQ smoker. In all we hope to have 10 to 15 people helping with feeding hikers on Friday,Saturday, and Sunday. God bless to all and we will see you on the trail.
Date: 2013-02-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday we drove to Indiana to see the highest point in the state. This makes 5 states down now on our bucket list of attempting to see the highest point in each state. We plan on seeing many of these in between hiking the LT and the JMT. The highest point in Indiana is Hoosier hill at 1257ft. When we arrived it was snowing and at the highest point was a mailbox with a ledger to sign. Also a rock with the engraving of the highest point in Indiana. The point is on private land but the family was real nice and enjoys people stopping by. We also have purchased our backpacks which are the Gregory Baltoro 65 and the Gregory Diva, boots are Vasque Breeze, tent is a REI Passage 2 Dome tent. If anyone reading our journal first thank you and second if you how and where to purchase permits for the JMT drop us a line. We called them and all passes have been issued thru 1st of August but we were told we could walk up and purchase two on first come first serve basis. If anyone knows where to purchase and what time to get in line please let us know. We plan to hike LT end of June until 16 of July then hike JMT last of July and first two wks of August. Thank you and God Bless.
Date: 2013-03-16
To: home
Miles today: 0.0

We our counting down the days until we hike the LT in June and the JMT around first of August. We went to Bays Mtn park today and hiked 5 miles. They also have a wildlife preserve in the park where we saw bobcats,wolves,hawks,turkey,deer,snakes and many other animals. This Friday we are meeting up with spirit and wise guy near Franklin NC. We are going to have a hiker feed Fri,Sat and Sun morning, we can't wait to meet back up with them. We all finished the AT together last Sept 17.We also seen where the ferryman passed away who takes hikers across the kennenbec river we had the pleasure of meeting him twice and he was such an amazing trail angel. He is now an angel with God. We wish all the best and God bless. Also ratmans son just texted us and has 4 free tickets for Bristol race tom.'
Date: 2013-03-25
From: home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This past Friday we met up with Spirit,Y's Guy,Bird man,Labrat and family members of spirit and y's guy to do trail magic near Franklin,NC. We set up at Wayah bald on Friday and Saturday to feed any hikers that were hiking the AT. We had eggs,bacon,pancakes,hamburgers,hot dogs,snacks and deer meat stew. The weather held out and only rained Friday night and Saturday night. We had around 30 to 40 hikers stop by and eat with the group. It is always great to give back to the trail because so many people helped us along the way when we hiked AT last year. It was great to see spirit and y's guy who we hiked the last three months with and summited katahdin last September. We plan on making this a yearly trail magic get together. God bless and counting down until our LT and JMT trail hikes only 80 days to go.
Date: 2013-03-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This weekend we went to trail days in Franklin,NC. Friday we drove over to Brasstown Bald which is the highest point in Georgia. The elevation is 4783ft and when we reached the top we could see for miles in all directions. We will post pictures of Brasstown Bald and trail days. We met up with miss Janet a legendary trail angel on the AT. Also we saw sticks and psycho who also were known on the trail as twisted sisters. The funny thing is they were on their way up to wayah bald to do trail magic which is where we did trail magic last week. We have 11 more weeks of work before heading up to Vermont to hike the LT. God bless and happy Easter.
Date: 2013-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We are still counting down until we leave to hike the LT, it is only 9 wks to go. This Thursday we are going to myrtle beach for ratmans birthday. We met a guy playing bingo who has a condo in myrtle and he is letting us use it for four days. Next weekend we are taking the youth group on a overnight hike up to the sand cave and the white rocks. Then the next weekend we are going to Boston to go to Fenway Park. We met some people on the trail who live in Boston and their son sells tickets for Red Sox games. We hope to do trail magic at least one more time before trail days in Damascus. Happy and safe hiking God Bless.
Date: 2013-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We are in myrtle beach enjoy a great weekend for ratmans birthday. The weather has been great around 70-75 but a little windy. We walked on the beach last night and gathered shells this morning. We have 7 small lakes around the condo we are staying in, we caught 4 LG mouthbass weighing around 3-4 lbs. Also caught the biggest crappie I've ever seen before. We are going to a seafood buffet this evening to celebrate ratman turning 21 again. We have enjoyed it on the beach but its nothing like hiking in the mountains with all our friends. We can't wait until trail days which is only one month away and two months until we start hiking. God Bless to all.
Date: 2013-04-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We had a great weekend in myrtle beach and on the way back we went by the highest point in South Carolina. The mountain is called sassafras mtn at a height of 3554 ft. This makes 7 states so far with 43 to go to see all 50 states highest points. We are taking our youth group hiking next weekend then we are going to Boston to watch a game and visit Mr. Fab who we met on the AT in New York City. God Bless and hope to have pics on tom.
Date: 2013-05-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We have 5 wks to go until we start our journey to start hiking the Long Trail. We are still volunteering at the church in Waynesboro Va. We will help out there June 17-23 then start at North Adams and start hiking north on the LT. We plan on finishing around July 14. We plan on driving out west after finishing before coming home so we can save some money for the PCT, which we plan to start April 23, 2014. We are getting excited about trail days which are only 7 days away. We found out that Squatch who we met on the AT last year is showing the movie he filmed last year, which we are in 3 differ ant times. Squatch summited with us last year and we are looking forward to seeing him at trail days. God Bless to all. Also we have great news about our van ministry that we started about 2 months ago. We have 22 kids we pick up and take with us to church on Wednesday nights, God has blessed us with answered prayers. We have a total of 73 kids in awanas on Wednesday night.
Date: 2013-05-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We went to trail days yesterday and had a great time. We went to the viewing of the movie produced by Squatch called flip flop flipping 2 which we are in a few times. We also went to Jennifer Pharr Davis's talk about the AT she also holds the record for fastest thru hike. We seen Y's guy,Fab,Overdrive,AT Troll,Sammy,Mark,Kyle,Fraklinstein,Browser,Tag along and heading out,Dan,Hopper and Bismark,Polaris,96. The parade is at two today and hope to meet up with more friends from the AT. God Bless to all.
Date: 2013-05-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We woke to a rainy morning. Headed to Damascus for the day. We saw several hiker friends. Everyone lined for the parade and headed thru town. Taking pics and having a good time when n all of a sudden we hear thump, thump, thump. We turned and saw a car crashing thru the parade running over and hitting hikers in its path. The driver was slumped over the wheel and several hikers grabbed the car and lifted it to stop it until someone could turn it off. It was only a few feet from us. Everything happened so fast. We are OK just very upset. Many prayers to those who were injured. God Bless.
Date: 2013-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend we went to Indiana on sat, then went to the highest point in Ohio on Sunday which is Cambell Hill at 1549 ft. That makes 8 down and 42 to go. We went to the Reds and Cleveland Indians game today. The reds won 4-2 but it was a great day for baseball.We now are only 17 days away from driving to Vermont to start the Long Trail we can't wait. Tumbler is adding some pics from trail days and this weekend in Ohio. God bless to everyone.
Date: 2013-06-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We spent the weekend in Cades Cove in Pigeon Forge camping with Spirit and her grandson. Saturday we sat around camp and discussed our hike of the AT. We tried something new, we grilled hot dogs then put them on a stick and wrapped a biscuit around the hot dog and roasted over the fire. The treat was great we also had grilled chicken, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes. That evening we rode around cades cove and seen deer,turkeys and were hoping to see a bear r two but didn't see any sign of bears. Sunday morning while packing spirit went to fold her tent up and found out a copperhead had decided to crawl under her tent for the night. The snake struck at her but missed we will b putting pics of snake on our journal. We got good news from spirit when she told us she was joining us on the PCT next April. We have 10 days until we head to Vermont to hike. God Bless
Date: 2012-04-04
To: Got My Bag Packed!
Miles today: 0.0

It has taken me several days to finalize my pack. I have packed and repacked several times. Amanda (my wife) thinks i packed too much food. I will weigh my pack this weekend and if it's too heavy I will have to figure out what to go without. I'm ready to get started, can't hardly wait. I think that my father-in-law has decided to take this challenge with me... he'll make a great hiking partner.
Date: 2012-04-09
To: Headed out in the Morning
Miles today: 0.0

I went and bought a 1 man tent yesterday, just over 3 pounds (3lbs, 4 ounces). The 4 man I was going to take was over 7lbs. Now total pack wait including 2 liters of water is 36 lbs. I will be leaving first thing in the morning. Amanda and her mom will be dropping tommy (her dad) and me off.   I probably won't get any sleep tonight...
Date: 2012-04-10
To: The Journey Begins
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, it's 8:00 and I'm waiting on Tommy (Firebreak) and Lynn to pick us up. My starting the trail body weight is 169 lbs. I tried to pile on the calories this week gaining 5 lbs. Mathematically, those 5 extra should get me a third of the way since the average weight loss for a thru hike is 15 lbs. Firebreak just arrived...leaving now, next stop Springer!
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Springer Mountain

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

OUT OF WATERYesterday,  We got to Hawk Mtn. Shelter around 2:00 and since it was still early we decided to push forward to Justus creek.  I thought I had enough water, but ran out shortly after Sassafras Mtn. I should have checked my camel pack at HAwk's which had the only water source until Justus creek.  Got pretty thirsty going over Justus Mtn.  Very cold night at Justus creek!  Over 13 miles for the day.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Justus Creek

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 11.9

DEADLY ENCOUNTERToday, we hiked another 11+ to Jarrard Gap.  Rattlesnake crossed trail 5 ft in front of me. It rattled for a couple of secs.  Bout had a heart attack! Firebreak took a pic of it... Another cold night, cold front came through...
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Neels Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.2

FIRST BLISTERSuppose to hike 12 miles today but ended up over 13 miles.  Great views.  Destination was Poplar Stamp. Ended up missing our destination so camped at unknown site! Got my first blister, not bad but we'll see how it goes...
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

HITCHHIKED!Hiked up strenuous terrain today! Downhill was a killer!! Ended day stopping at Hiawassee, 11 miles from Tray shelter. Staying at the Inn here. Bad news, firebreak hurt his knee and will be coming off the trail. Guess I'll be going solo for now. Hitchhiked for first time since Hiawassee was 11 miles from the trailhead. Took 30 minutes before someone finally stopped...
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

BYE BYE GAGot dropped off at the trailhead today by Firebreak and Lynn (mother-in-law).  Lynn brought me my Timberland boots from home since my Merrells were killing my feet.  Left Hiawassee trailhead at 9:20am,  hiked 16 plus to Standing Indian Shelter, NC.  Entered NC at 1:20pm. Got to shelter at 6:15pm.  Adios GA!  I decided to sleep in the shelter tonight (first time) since thunderstorms are in the forecast...
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

ALBERT MOUNTAIN RULES!Today, hustled 20 miles to Rock Gap.  Thunderstorm arrived minutes afterwards! Albert Mountain was tough, difficulty level crazy high! Over 100 miles and counting...A lot of hikers here; Impulse, Guy Line, Bear Cub, Chewy, fudgy, and Sanjo...
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

RAIN AND MORE RAIN!Rained all night. I had to take my tent down in the rain this morning. Hiked 7 miles today to Siler Bald Shelter.  Met up with Eddie on my way to Siler Bald.  Eddie is the only hiker on the trail that I've hiked several miles with.  His journey ends at Nantahala.  I've met two  other hikers that have hiked the AT already.  Tugboat is on his second run and Stick Walker is on a section hike.  Got some good shoe advice from Stick Walker!
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

DEER BURGER!Woke up to an amazing sunrise at Siler Bald Shelter.  Had to sleep in the shelter since tent was drenched from day before at Rock Gap. Tent dried out nicely and is a lot lighter when dry! Hiked close to 18 miles today to Wesser Bald Shelter.  I've been using spoons from people that I meet to eat since I can't keep up with mine.  I'm glad that's the only item I've keep losing so far.  I found a hiking partner today...a deer!  Thought I would give a trail name, Deer Burger! It followed me for a while before a little kid scared it off...at Wesser Bald Tower.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTERHiked 12 or so to Sassafras Gap Shelter.  Ate lunch at (NOC) River's End Restaurant.  Great stuff! I had Veggie  Rolls with ginger sauce and a "Tail of the Dragon" sandwich.  Ruff hike up Swim Bald, approximately 5 miles up (1600+ft)...Nantahala Lookout was pretty cool. I will be meeting Amanda and the kids tomorrow.  Can't wait!!
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap (NC 143)
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

REUNION!Didnt sleep at all! Guess I was anxiuos to see the family. I will hike to NC 143 (Stecoah Gap), 6 plus miles where the plan is to meet Amanda and  stay at the Microtel Inn in Robbinsville, NC. Going to refuel, relax, and get good family time in! Next stop will be Fontana Dam...
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Stecoah Gap (NC 143)

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

It was awesome hanging out with Amanda and the kids yesterday!  We found an all you can eat pizza place then had ice cream afterwards.  They dropped me off at the trailhead this morning and I hiked around 15 miles to Fontana Dam Shelter.  A lot of the same hikers here that I met at Sassafras.  Great Smokey National Park next up.  Might see a bear this week!
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Spence Field shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light snow

SNOW...WHAT!Hiked 16 plus to Spence Field Shelter. Very cold, in the 30's!  Maybe in the low 20's tonight.  Snowed today during my hike!  Going to be tough getting going in the morning, COLD, COLD! The sleeping bag liner and super light down parka jacket I got from Amanda will definitely be handy!!
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Spence Field shelter

To: Double Springs Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

STILL COLD, STILL SNOWING!Woke up in the low 20's or maybe TEENS! Hiked close to 14 miles today to Double Spring Gap Shelter.  I Walked up on wild pigs this morning... Piglets along with parents! Thought I was going to get gored...Pretty scarey!  Snowed half the day.  I would say that today was probably the toughest day yet.  I've a good idea now when I'm going to arrive at the next shelter or campsite based on the number of miles I'm hiking.  So far I've lost my sunglasses, leather gloves, and fuel.  Luckily I have a reserve (fuel) packed.  I've been staying  in shelters due to the weather.  Can't wait till it warms up!