morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

6/12It's about 6 PM, but I'm gonna start writing now. It's been a good day. Nothing too eventful, but with Drew away at work, I was left alone to explore Salem, get my medication and rest. I pretty much spent my morning playing Mario Kart on a Nintendo! That's right, Aaron has one! I then surfed the net a bit at the library, and got my prescription. I'm currently at a quaint little coffee shop across from Drew's appartment. 'Mill Mountain' I think. Nice place - good food. Now I know I don't really look too great these days, but I just can't get used to people looking at me differently...my face, my clothes, my odor....not everyone, but most people keep their distance. Makes me feel isolated. Today has been all about thinking. Once again, in a spirit of reflection, I looked deep into my life. I looked at where I've come, where I'm going, and how the trail has been a good metaphor for that. I tried to discern what things in life really matter, and how to avoid getting caught up in the things that don't. As a Christian, I've come to learn that my life is not my own. God created me, and Jesus bought me with his life. In the midst of my reflection, I recommited myself to Him and to His cause, whatever form that takes. I came to realize that I have one life and I don't want to waste it. I don't want to be 'old & gray' with a 'mountain' of regret. It's been good for me to explore these thoughts as I've been off the trail. These thoughts are related (though not exclusively) to something else I've been considering for a few days. If the Lord allows Paul & I to reconnect in Troutville tomorrow & to make it to Front Royal in a week, I'm thinking of letting Wag Daddy press on alone. (gasp!) What did I say? Please don't misunderstand. This has nothing to do with ill feelings toward the trail, Wag Daddy, or my personal health. A lot of things factor into it and though I'd love to complete the trail someday, something is telling me that now may not be the time. I've not fully decided yet, but it is the direction I'm leaning. This has been an incredible adventure! One for the books (& hopefully, one for a homemade DVD!), but I'm trying to find adventure not in the trail, but in life. Maybe that's what today's thoughts have all been about, (and maybe that's what Qohelet was on to when he wrote Ecclesiastes!) What is an adventure? What is really living? Is it hiking the AT? Is it climbing Everest? Is it motorcycles? Is it how much money I make or how beautiful my wife is? As amazing as those things are, I don't want to fool myself into believing that that's what life is about. Mmmmmm...I should end here! I have more to consider & more to think about- yet Ecclesiastes says 'too much study wears the body' Oy, I love that verse! If only I had a nickel for everytime I used that one in school! Good night everyone. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon!
Date: 2005-06-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

6/13 Truly, everyday out here is an adventure! Every sunrise brings a new surprise. Today was no exception. Drew, in another display of humble service shuttled me over to Troutville to meet up with Wag Daddy. All went well as Paul and I caught up over an extraordinary Shoney's breakfast! It was good - I missed him more than I realized. Turns out he's been doing quite well since we split. He's over his sickness and even posted his first ever 40+ mile day! All I can say is, 'good for him!' That's his style of hiking - not mine. One of the great lessons I've learned on this trip is trying not to compare myself to others. It's a never-ending goose chase! Because there's ALWAYS gonna be someone ahead and ALWAYS gonna be someone behind! Why not just do your best!? Hey, I'm not trying to take away from Wag Daddy's big day. I only hope he remembers to stay grounded amidst his giftedness - that's all. Anyways, by the end of our breakfast I had gotten my appetite back, but I still didn't feel healthy enough to tackle the trail, so I decided to hold back, hitch into Waynesboro, rest up, and meet up with Wag Daddy there in a few days. While I was initially nervous about hitching such a large distance, God's provision prevailed again in the form of a local trucker named Del. Del took me the whole way. He was kind enough (he let me sleep!) but it was a bit sad for me to watch him try to flirt with another young hiker... just sad! Anyways, as we approached the town, I became nervous again because Waynesboro didn't show a shelter/inn/hostel on the map. As I was preparing myself with the prospect of sleeping under a bridge, I learned that a local Lutheran church had opened their doors (for this week only!) to launder/feed/cater to AT thru-hikers! Baruch Hashem! That's where I find myself now. Though I'm still hurtin' a bit, and bummin' that I'm not on the trail, I feel truly blessed to be here and to be doing as well as I'm doing. Tomorrow's another day - hopefully for me, a day closer to recovery. Good night everyone. Thanks for reading!
Date: 2005-06-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

6/14 Today was good - not a very eventful day, but definitely one step closer to recovery! Most of today was spent at the local Waynesboro Library. Good reading, net surfing and napping! The highlight for me today (like yesterday) was found in talking with other Thru-hikers at the church. Topper, Knees, Hooky, and Butterfly Moon were among my favorites. But the one who struck me the best was a young guy from CT named 'Steppenwolf'. I just felt a connection with him. He's the son of missionaries from Spain and we're pretty much at the same point in our lives; lots of promise with lots of questions! Anyways, it was good to talk with him. Another character I met at the church was an eccentric Amish man named Rusty. Rusty noticed I was reading the Bible so I guess he felt comfortable asking me about it. We talked for a while and he must have shaken my hand about 4-5 times! He was kind, and it was good to meet him. Well, I'm now looking forward to a good night's rest and another Shoney's breakfast buffet tomorrow morning!
Date: 2005-06-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

6/15 It occurs to me that today marks my 1 month anniversary on the trail! Congratulations to Wag Daddy and me! Though I'm not actually on the trail - I wonder if these journals even count! Anyways, I'm happy to report the old body is feeling much better! Hopefully it'll continue into Friday so I can meet back up with my partner and conquer the Shenandoahs. Today wasn't all that dissimilar from yesterday, except for that the library treated Thru-Hikers to a free lunch and local musical talent! I loved it. They did everything from Simon & Garfunkle to Peter, Paul, & Mary. And the appetite's definitely back! I took full advantage of their free food, and packed in about 22 inches of submarine sandwiches! Afterwards was more of the same; net surfing and reading. I think I'll check out the local YMCA & swimming pool tomorrow. Tonight was highlighted by quality time spent with my Lord! I loved it! Through prayer, I shared my life, future, loved ones back home, friends in ministry, friends in the marriage covenant, friends entering the marriage covenant, and just how wonderful this whole experience has been. I was strengthened by it and it just feels good to say that I love Jesus more than I ever have! What a journey it's been! Thank you everyone back home for reading and for being a part of my life! Good night.
Date: 2005-06-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

6/16 While it's been good to stay and rest here in Waynesboro, I cannot deny the feeling of guilt that has arisen due to my lax lifestyle the last few days! I'm anxious to get back on the trail. After a slow morning, I went for a 'mini-hike' across town to meet up with some other hikers at Shoney's Restaurant. Turns out they've been there since morning, and their breakfast buffet transitioned nicely into a lunch buffet for the price of one! Quite the steal. After some great food and good laughs, I was blindsided by a moral dillema! Because I joined the group late, the waitress didn't include me in the bill! She even told me 'not to worry about it'. Oy, what to do! Now to most, this may not seem like a big deal. And I know it wouldn't put Shoney's under; but a wise man once said that 'he who is faithful in little is also faithful in much'. So, in defiance of my peers and my own selfishness I decided to 'do the right thing' as Mr. Zarnosky would say. I looked at the small bracelet on my wrist with four little letters and for me, that's all it took. Interestingly, what ensued was an interesting conversation concerning morality, justice, and right living with my peers. I was glad to be a part of it. It never became personal or heated, and we were actually able to listen to each other! It was good. I should mention the people I dined with were fellow thru-hikers Butterfly Moon, Late Start and Snowman - a delightful Brit who even sports a kilt on the trail! I pretty much spent the rest of the day with them, shopping, hitching and swimming in the Y's pool (free for thru-hikers). We catch all the breaks! I'm pretty beat (I have no idea why!) so I think I'll head to bed. On second thought, they're watching 'Chicago' upstairs. Might check it out.
Date: 2005-06-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

6/17 Hmmm.... today started out pleasant enough, then I met up with Wag Daddy. It was good to see him again (though he hasn't bathed since Damascus - over a week!) and he just keeps right on truckin', turning out even bigger miles than before. He's pretty hyped, hoping to tear through Shenandoah and even trek on past our agreed-upon stopping point considerably. Which I guess is great, if you don't have a partner. Oh boy. That kind of mileage is beyond me and what's worse is I don't feel it's worth disrupting all of our previous plans. We talked of splitting up and having him find his own ride home, but that's not going to be easy with only one stove, one water purifying method, one tarp, and one camera. I guess at this point I'm... bewildered. I really don't know what to do. I find myself wanting Paul to continue to excel through his hike, but at the same time resenting him for being so stubborn and uncompromising. I'm truly doing the best I can. Since that's not good enough for him, he simply seeks to discard me like unnecessary pack weight. I wonder if that's all I mean to him. I certainly don't mean to slow him down or hinder him, but are all these big-mile days necessary? Is a little compromise in order? I've already decided that I'll be finishing hte trail without him, but I was hoping he would exhibit a little more sacrifice and compromise for the sake of our friendship. I feel like a deer caught in headlights! Just caught off guard, that's all. And betrayed. Before we left, 25 mile days were our agreement (minor fluctuations when necessary). I feel Paul has violated that, seemingly without remorse. What's going on?! Am I holding him up because I'm not game for 2-3 40+ mile days? Or should he better learn the precious art of compromise? I still love Paul. He's like my brother and I'm sure we'll get through this. Our friendship means infinitely more to me than a big mile day, or even the AT. I only hope the feeling is reciprocated - that's all.
Date: 2005-06-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 26.0

6/18 My goodness, what a difference a day makes! First, I need to catch you up on a few things. Not even an hour after I finished journaling last night, my buddy came and sat next to me and told me he wanted to finish out with me. That... was good news! I was so relieved. The rest of the night got even better! Someone busted Scrabble out, and I won! (Blue Gill offered great competition but he was no match for Puppy Power, not even with a 50 pt. bonus!) Next, they popped in my all-time favorite movie, 'Braveheart'. It was like Christmas, my birthday and my honeymoon all rolled up into one! So I had good reason to feel good about today, and it didn't disappoint! Even with a late start, we took 26 more out of the trail. Shenandoah's great, and lives up to its mild reputation. Oh, it was SO GOOD to get back on the trail again. I was feeling pretty good too. My legs were pumping along like brand new pistons! Speaking of which, I heard my boys in Detroit pulled even with the Spurs! Good on em! After lunch, we had fun climbing some rocks and getting acquainted with a great looking deer! A young buck - the pictures will explain it better. And our dinner (my favorite on the AT - chicken tacos) was made even better with our Crystal Light packets "Shaken not stirred!" Well, Wag Daddy and I are now in 'Super Stealth Mode" as we're trying to keep under radar of the Park Ranger cause we're staying in a non-camping zone! Rather pristine spot though - right by the Amplitheater. My only 'other' concern is my body. Though I started off well, I think my week off the trail softened me up a bit. Most of the pain is in my knees and 'ol lefty (my foot!) Well hopefully a good night's rest and IB Profin will do the trick. It's great to be back out here though - truly is! Good night everyone! Can't wait to see you all
Date: 2005-06-19
To: Back off the Trail, sought shelter in Skyland, VA
Miles today: 0.0

6/19 Shabbat Shalom everyone! And Happy Father's Day to dads and pops everywhere - especially mine! Love ya Pop! Well if yesterday was a day of promise, today brought some reality to the mix. Remember my 'achy' foot from yesterday? Well, the injury proved more serious than I had thought. After limping a few miles after breakfast, it became clear to me that I could no longer continue. I mean every step was a painful effort! I stopped frequently to rest, to pray and even cry. I just wanted the pain to go away. It was hard for me to finally stop. I enjoyed some lunch with Paul (PB&J with Beef Jerky!) then decided once again to part ways and meet up with my mom in Skyland, VA. It was a hard hitch! After almost 2 hrs, a local Park Ranger picked me up and took me about half the distance, then a trail volunteer named 'Chief' finished the job. Once I arrived, there wasn't much to do aside from reading (I'm finally through 1 Kings!), eating (a whole bag of Frosted Mini-Wheats), and TV (Spider-Man on TBS!). I must say I miss the remoteness of the trail already. All the voices.. cell phones.. noise.. man, it just gets to me! It all seems so loud! Anyways, mom and Mary arrived a short time later and it was a sweet homecoming! We laughed over my appearance and odor, but it was truly good to see them. Mom even put me up in a cabin, complete with shower & TV! Guess I can enjoy Game 5 tonight after all! Hopin' to meet Wag Daddy tomorrow for lunch, then spend more time with the girls. Since I can no longer hike, the thought of home sounds better and better. Won't be long now. Good night everyone. Hope all is well!
Date: 2005-06-20
To: Skyland Resort, VA
Miles today: 0.0

6/20 Given the circumstances (my foot), today was fun - better than I could have hoped. Enjoyed a great night's rest and then shared a breakfast with mom & Mary. They were so full of questions about the trail! It was fun. I like how they share my excitement over what I've done for the last five weeks. Later on, I played chaffeur as the two of them explored Shenandoah. Ironically, while they were on the AT, they met up with Wag Daddy (who, surprise surprise, was ahead of schedule!) and the four of us enjoyed lunch together. Afterwards, Wag Daddy headed back tot he AT and we made arrangements to bunk together tonight in my cabin (apparently, his sleeping conditions last night reached a new low!). While mom & Mary have been most accomodating to Wag Daddy & I, they are obviously becoming rather weary of our smell! I guess we're just used to it. Tonight, I set the Greenhouse up for mom, Mary and some neighbors. I think they liked it. When Wag Daddy comes back, we'll show em how to do a hot meal - AT style! Should be good. Good night everyone. Looking forward to Thursday!
Date: 2005-07-13
To: Home in Grand Rapids, MI
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everybody. Puppy Power here. Well when I last checked, I was enjoying a few restful days in Skyland Resort, VA. Since that time, I've returned to Grand Rapids, MI, watched my good friend Casey get hitched, watched my other good friend Wag Daddy return to the AT, and have started the long process of readapting to life post-AT. Yes indeed, I had decided on the trail that at this point it would be best to stop. The new perspective from the simplicity of life out there is one of the many gifts the trail has given me. Back when I first started at Amicalola several weeks ago, my mindset was that anything less than Katahdin would be a failure. Thankfully, I haven't been able to look at my adventure that way. The AT was tremendous - it's everything people say it is, and I can't wait to see it again! But over and over, as I ambled through those 675 miles, I was reminded of how precious the journey itself was. I can't honestly say that I loved every moment of it, but as I look back, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. And thankfully the journals that I kept won't ever let me forget it!As most all thru-hikers would probably agree, something like this is never accomplished through one's individual efforts. Even solo hikers would be lost without the help of other people - whether it be a little trail magic or an encouraging word or package from a loved one back home! The special people that made this adventure possible for me are my parents, family, and good friends. Through their kind, encouraging words and acts of service, they've given me a wonderful gift. I'm truly indebted to them, and I'm sure they'll be around to collect! : )In other news, I've begun work on a bit of a thesis/reflection paper on the AT (like there aren't enough of those already!). Though it is rather daunting, I'm looking forward to exploring my thoughts, convictions, and feelings, and how the AT has confirmed some, and changed some others. It's truly had a profound influence in the way that I view the world, and other people.As I 'temporarily' prepare to end my journaling at this point (I'd love to return someday, finish, and conquer the K-rock!), I'd like to encourage those reading to help keep Wag Daddy going! Last I heard, he's tearin' up the AT! He's already through PA and doin' great, but I know him, and I know how much a letter or email would mean to him! Thanks for reading everyone, and for sharing this wonderful adventure with me! Blessings.
Date: 2005-02-23
To: Almost time to go
Miles today: 0.0

I can't believe how soon my journey will start. It seems like forever since Gerald and I first decided to do this 2 years ago. This is Wednesday night and I am leaving for the lodge Saturday morning. Sunday morning I will start the approach trail to Springer Mountain with my good friend Gerald. I am 53 and he is 62. Both of us feel confident in completing our through hikes. Starting Sunday morning will be a bitter-sweet experience. I am excited about the trip but also I am very sad about leaving my wife, family and friends for such a long time. I would like to thank all of the people who have given me support and have faith in me. I am about as ready as I can be. My gear is ready, my mail boxes are ready and I feel that I am mentally ready. I have done about as much preperation as possible. Gerald and I have spent many days putting together a preliminary trip plan. We feel confident in our plans realizing that they must be flexible. You just never know what might happen or how you will feel.Quick Step
Date: 2005-02-27
From: Amicolola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, we left Amicolola Falls State Park at 9:30 this morning. Leaving Char, my wife, was very hard. The hike up to Springer Mountain Shelter was very hard. I don't think I have ever been so tired and sore in my life. We arrived at Springer Mountain Shelter at about 4:30 p.m. On the way up to the shelter it was very windy and cold. We had snow flurries on the way. The present temperature is about 35 degrees and it's spitting rain. It is now 6:00 p.m. and after I am done with this journal I'm going to sleep. There are 9 people in the shelter and a group of about 8 tenting. I have to quit writing this because I am so cold. My hands are numb. We walked 8.8 miles up the approach trail and then .2 miles on trail to the shelter.
Date: 2005-02-28
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light snow

Left Springer Mountain Shelter at 8:30 a.m. Had cold drizzling rain all day. Hiked in full rain gear thru very muddy trail. Temperature all day hovered in the upper 20's. I arrived at Hawk Mountain Shelter at 1:30 p.m. Will stay here tonight. Hiking today was a little easier. Not as severe ups and downs. Still my whole body hurts. Sleeping last night was interesting, it was cold, rainy and windy all night. Mice were present in the shelter. There were 9 of us in the shelter plus 2 dogs. It was crowded. Pixie, one of the thru hikers caught 2 mice and threw them out of the shelter. I am currently writing this in my sleeping bag trying to stay warm. Miles hiked today were 7.4 Total trip miles 7.6 Quick StepP.S. First trail magic today. Got to Hawk Mountain Shelter and there was a bag hanging on the bear cable labeled trail magic. Inside was many, very large hershey bars and other good sweets. I took a almond hershey bar, very good.
Date: 2005-03-02
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Jarrad Gap
Miles today: 9.6

Yesterday, 3/01/05, was too cold to write. When we got to Gooch Mountain Shelter the temperature was about 25 degrees and very windy. It was about 4:00 p.m. We went to bed shortly after arriving there just to try and stay warm. We left there about 7:50 a.m. this morning. It was cold. It got down to around 15 degrees last night and was about 28 degrees when we left this morning. We had a hard days hiking today. We didn't make Woods Hole tonight, so we are tenting at Jarrad Gap. It's currently 39 degrees and windy. Tenting with me tonight is Steady Step, Old Yeller and Miles. We got here about 4:30 p.m. totally exhausted. The ups and downs are very rough for us. But everyone seems ok and in pretty good spirits. None of us have had much of an appetite, but we are forcing ourselves to eat. Tomorrow we are going to try to make Neels Gap, the Walasi-Yi Center. It is about 5 miles and will be a struggle. We have to cross Blood Mountain which is very difficult. We have seen some fantastic scenery. I haven't taken too many pictures because I've been afraid my film would break due to the cold. 9.6 miles today - 25.5 total.
Date: 2005-03-03
From: Jarrad Gap

To: Neels Gap, Walasi-Yi Center
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up this morning and left camp about 7:40 a.m. The temperature was mostly around 30 degrees today and very windy. The hike up Blood Mountain was not nearly as bad as we expected. We arrived at Neels Gap, Walasi-Yi at about 12:15 p.m. We checked in for the night. I resupplied and bought a few items. I called home and asked Char to send me some more gear at our next resupply. We caught a shuttle and went into town to an all you can eat buffet. It was great and only cost $6.99. Last night Old Yeller ran a knife completely through one of his fingers. He patched it up with duct tape and later this morning on top of Blood Mountain he patched it up with my first-aid kit. He had left his at one of the shelters we stayed at. When we got to Neels Gap he went to the hospital and got a tetnus shot and stitches. We have seen some wonderful scenery so far. We will leave here in the morning and try to get to Low Gap Shelter. 5 miles today - 30.5 total.