morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-09-24
From: AT Lodge - Millinocket

To: Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I honestly don't know what to write about today...Thank You, Lord! No injuries. No falls. And, with You by my side, I did it.Thanks to my sweet husband, Garry and my daughter, Danielle. Also to my friends and all those who read and signed my TJ or Facebook for your support. It all meant so much to me and I truly felt covered in prayer and positive thoughts.I hardly slept last night. Not sure if it was anticipation and excitement or just not being used to a bed. I got up before the alarm which I had set for 5:07. The rain had started. When I was up, not an hour before, it wasn't raining. I was a bit disappointed but I knew there was a 40% change today which means a 60% chance for sun.I had my last indulgent breakfast for a while: pancakes with raspberries, 2 eggs and bacon and real coffee. Then I got a donut to go. Dave drove me over to Baxter; I registered - #399 finisher - and started hiking at 7:46. I was so pumped I had to think consciencely of my surroundings and try to take them in. I took one break around 9am and hike the rest straight thru summitting exactly at 11:00.With no views because of the rain, fog and clouds I was concentrating on the climb and there were challenges. That rock scramble before the Tableland is 2+ miles and it is exhausting. My knees and shins are battered. I told everyone hiking is a full body experience for me...so much for showing my legs any time soon.I started tearing up and worked myself into a full sob about half mile from the summit. It was overwhelming: I'd walked this far, fulfilled a dream; I'm tired, what comes next, what am I doing tomorrow?As soon as I saw the sign I walked faster to it - kissed it and let out a loud WHOPPEE! Then said, 'Holy Shit, I can't believe I walked this far'. It was the most unbelievable feeling to stand at that sign; just to see it in the mist then touch it and realize, I've done it!After a few pics I ate my cheese sandwich and the other half of my donut. I watched several groups come up, including one with two naked hikers. Too funny, they put socks on when they got to the top.Then the climb down which was my real concern. It's one thing when you're pumped and excited to climb up. It's totally different when you're done to have to descend those boulders. It was during the decent that I realized how God was again protecting me by having fog on the North side of the mountain - if I had been able to see there was nothing over that edge I probably would have taken 6 hours to climb down. It was scary enough without the added pressure of 5000' of sheer rock. I finished right at 15:00. Not shabby at all.I sat around with some parents of the young folks I'd been with until the shuttle came and took me back to the Lodge. Cleaned up, started repacking, had some dinner, watched part of the LSU came and am ready for bed.Tomorrow Bangor and Monday evening I fly home. Can hardly wait to be home.Tonight I'm so thankful for the fulfillment of my dream - without injuries! Praise God!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-09-29
From: AT Lodge - Millinocket

To: Home - poems
Miles today: 0.0

I want to share some poems I wrote. This first one was written quite a few weeks back when the leaves were just starting to turn.Pinkish red and yellow leaves on the forest floorI'm not readyFor Autumn in New EnglandI want to stay out deep past the lightsWhere nothing dims the starsTo push myself past the limitsUntil this dream that's barely half awake comes trueTo let go and know I'll be alrightTo beliveThe train whistel sound our departureAm I readyFor Autumn in the SouthThese two were written very early in my hike and I never got around to adding them to the journal.(27 May)I awaken to birdsongI open my eyes to the faint glow of the rising sunI breath air that is rain washed and sun cleansedI talk to myselfI talk with GodI smell the wildflowers and magnoliasI drink cool clear water from bubbling springsI fall asleep with the wind whispering through the treesI am nourishedI am blessedMountain vistas fill my eyes with the wonder of creationTo wake with the songs of birds, to hear the creek babbleI am awed by what God has create for my pleasureA cloud caught in the treetopsSunlight refracted through mistA speckled fawn in a field of Queen Ann's LaceThe splendor of creation takes my breath awayTo be able in some small way to sayThank You, Lord! Brings me to my knees in tearsFor I am so blessed to be so lovedThis one is not finished...(30 June)I lift my hands to YouTo give all the praise that is dueFor all the blessings in my lifeCome from the pain of Your strifeI'll never repay that great debtYet You ensure all my needs are still metHike on!Scribbles
Date: 2012-07-19
From: Harpers Ferry

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

These are entries for my SoBo hike from Harpers Ferry after hiking in Montana.Whew! What a day. Where to start?I got off the train and the first thing on my mind was getting my pole fixed - I walked up the stairs to where the Outfitter used to be only to find out they had moved across the street from the train station....back down the hill. They fixed my pole for free. Very nice. Then I walked all the way up that hill. I'd forgotten how tough a walk that is. Stopped at the ATC to say hello and change clothes. Peter Pan was there, we talked for a few minutes but he was busy with guests. One other NoBo was there - he was headed out. I ate my lunch, went to the PO then se out. I really wanted one of the raspberry custard ice creams but not enough to walk back up that hill. It was about 13:21 when I set out SoBo...Kind of strange yet wonderful to see those White Blazes - I think I had white blaze fever. It's a good climb out of HF after crossing the Shenandoah. I met two NoBo section hikers. They didn't know much. I took a couple of breaks - one at Keys Gap - before making the climb up to the David Lesser Shelter and Spring where I am for the night. If it wasn't for the water I would have stopped else where but there isn't any around and it's a half mile hike to the spring on top of the 8.6 I hiked to here. Not bad; I got here at 17:27.Checking for cell-phone service - oh! I have service! Messages from G - everything is done with the movers - he says he is driving back tomorrow to finish up. Not sure what that means.Hot hiking today. It's cooling a bit. Praying to sleep well tonight.Time for dinner and plan for tomorrow.19:14 In my tent, all the flies open - birds singing, lite breeze blowing and a deer grazing near by. The AT is enchanting. I saw 3 deer and lots of squirrels and chipmunks not to mention the birds singing almost all afternoon.I am blessed! Thank You, Lord!
Date: 2012-07-20
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

L-O-N-G Day! I'm at the Rod Hollow Shelter - in the tonight cause it's raining again and my tents is sopping wet. I'm surprised at the number of people I've seen. There was a guy in the David Lesser Shelter last night. Wish I had been quick enough to gather my stuff and run up there out of the rain myself.Then I met Hopeful and Sweatmilk later. 3 Shorts, Tramp and her mother - Snoopie or was it Spooky? I took a long break at Bear's Den. I really wanted ice cream but I couldn't get any. Took another long break at the last shelter where I met Cooper and his dog JoJo; there was another guy there - can't recall his name. Also saw 3 deer, lots of squirrels, butterfly, too. The birds sounded so pretty this morning - my favorite way to wake up. I saw at least 4 other folks whose names I didn't get. I thought I might see a bear hiking so late tonight - but no. It took me about an hour longer to do the 'roller coaster' than I thought it would. So glad it's done though. 21 miles today. So, my heart really isn't in this. With the rain, too. I'm really read to go home. Thank You, Lord, for this opportunity.
Date: 2012-07-21
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain lasted all night and until late this afternoon. Putting on wet clothes this morning and the hiking in heavy rain was no fun. It certainly gave me incentive to get to a place where I could be dry and clean. Reminded me of hiking into Damacus last year. I was doing my best to boogie. I ended up doing a 16.4 mile day plus a few extra road mile walking to Front Royal before I got a hitch. More on that in a moment but first I met a woman hiker named ZigZag who know me from my TJ and through Funnybone. Very weird. I met up with she and her husband and I tell her my name and she says, 'you're suppose to be on the CDT'. Then she goes on to tell me about hosting Funnybone. She attempted a thru last year but had to get off twice for medical reasons. Anyway, I hiked a ways with them, she was going sort of slow, it was raining and I was getting chilled. Not a bad hike. I kept telling myself to enjoy. My mind and my heart just aren't here.So, anyway, I tried hitching a couple of times with no luck so I kept walking on. Even tried to pay someone at a corner store - no go. I gave it one more try and Tom picked me up - he told me to put my pack in the back and when I did I saw his pack and poles so I said, 'ah, another hiker' and thanked him. He asked where I wanted to go and I told him a hotel in Front Royal. Tom then says, 'a hotel will cost you money; we have a hiker loft in our home and you are welcome to come stay...' what Trail Magic. I needed it after the frustrating couple of weeks. His wife, Sharon, is so sweet! She does hiker shuttles, the both work the loft and he is on several boards for the hiker associations. Not slowing down any time soon.I have this whole huge room to myself. Nice shower; bed on the floor. Laundry done. And, the fed me dinner and breakfast is at 7. They have agreed to let me stay two night and Tom is taking me to Enterprise on Monday. Thank You, Lord, for such wonderful, giving people.I really needed this and it feels really nice. Amen.
Date: 2012-07-25
To: Home in Saluda
Miles today: 0.0

What a crazy couple of days this has been.The story with Tom and Sharon only gets better. She and I really hit it off. She is so sweet, loves to cook and what a talker. I helped her with food preparation and we got along well. She mentioned needing help during May/June - the heavy hiker season - and I volunteered. I think it would be fun to help with the cooking, the loft, shuttles, whatever.In the meantime, Garry's cousin Tracy, was driving back from PA with a girlfriend after dropping their girls at camp - she volunteered to pick me up and drive me to Charlotte. So sometime around 15:30 Tom drove me to the Park 'n Ride at 66& 81 where I met Tracy, climbed in her SUV and headed south. We talked non-stop for 5 hours. She is funny, smart and very engaging. We talked about my hike, work, kids, life...everything.Danie and Chris picked me up close to Hickory - bless their hearts! We stopped at a Subway that was closed then went to Ingles trying to find something to eat. We sat on the porch when we got to BM and had a beer. It was nice to sit and relax with them. Jake was so excited to see me and, of course, had to sleep with me. What a hoot - I'm just not a sleep with my dog kind of person. We survived. Danie and I went to breakfast at Louise's - pretty good! We bought coffee and gas and she drove Jake and I to Saluda. G had an eye doctor appointment in the morning and I figured he would be home in Saluda in the early afternoon so Jake and I hung out on the deck. The weather was nice. I was happy to be there. All my plants were outside just mushed together; the grill was on the bridge; tables and chairs all crammed together - I straightened all that out; fixed a nice place to sit by the creek. It looks better. It took G about an hour longer to get here than I anticipated. In that time a thunderstorm struck. jake and I were huddled under the eve of the house - he got soaked and was shaking like a leaf. When G finally arrived we were able to get in and dry.Unpacking and settling in is ahead of me....so glad to home safe and sound.Thanks to Tom and Sharon, Tracy and Danie and Chris for helping me make my journey home. God Bless!
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Amicola Falls

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked up from Amicola Falls to the top of Springer Mountaim the actual start of the AT the falls were beautiful, however there were about 500 steps to the top plus a healthy climb after that. I did make it to the top and spent the night at the shelter. I had the the first of many thunder storms that night. We had fifty MPH winds and a torrential downpour. This was the start of the weather for the next few days. Excuse the typing and spelling mistakes as I am lousy at this. When I figure out to post pictures I will. So the first night I met Cotton, Traffic Control, Bismark, Fiber One, Carlos and Stick and his dog Sammy. Sammy only liked me when I had food in my hand. So for the first day it was not too bad. Met a whole bunch of people at the Hiker Hostel, but have not seen them since, other sorta come & go. Halo and Steve with Honey Bunny thier dog are keeping up, but using blue balzes and shuttles. They are hiking to raise money for care of damaged dogs for the SPCA. I guess that is it for today. i have to get my journal to compete the next few days. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement.
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

Morning came cloudy, 30 and windy, a trait that was to continue for a few daysHiked into Hak Mt shelter, got there abot1.00 pm. Did not want to go the next eight to the next shelter.I have too much weight and years on these bones . Shoulder hurt and feet are cold , but other than that, I am still in good shape. Figured out Franklin and JimThe other hikers are nice and we have a good time at the shelters.Met Traffic Control, Bismark, Stick and his Dog Sammy, Cotton, a young Menonite boy from Ohio,Fiber One.
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Goouch MT Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

Made it to the shelter around 1.00 pm, was going to go on, but developed a pain in my left calf near the tendon. Thought that would be prudent to rest it. Would have liked to gone on as it was supposed to rain tomorrow. Sassyfrass MT was alittle tough today, but I think my lung power is getting a little better. Tomorrow is Blood Mountain, the higest point in GA on the AT. Before I forget, our driver from the Hostel is going to attempt a 57 day unsupported hike starting May 5th. Follow him on trailjournals as Nature Boy. Yesterday we were concstantly being buzzzed by an Osprey aircraft, big, noisy, and at tree top level.I was frigid last nigt, down to about 25. We had some animal chewing on the shelter half the night. Sounded like it was trying t chew through the beams. Kept me awake - can't sleep anyway. Today we met two brothers, Hill Billy and Pappy. Both about 70 years old, real mountain men.Have a 12 mile hike tomorrow, hope the rain holds off.
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Goouch MT Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Today was a real bummer, I got about six miles in, and took an offered shuttle to Neals Gapfrom woody gap.. By the way, the word Gap in Cherokee for a big hill coming up. It was pouring a very cold rain, thunder & lighting- which is an expeirence when hiking on top of the mountain.Made arrangements to huttle back to Woody gap tomorrow and day hike the 11 miles over Blood Mt. Got my pack weight down to 45lbsand the food will be eaten. The local church gave us a free lunch and dinner, very nice of them. Everybody bailed out here, I am stayng down stairs at the hostel. It has 10 bunk beds holding 20 people with wet cloths and boots. It got better as the clothes dried out. I got shaved and showered and felt a lot better. All walks of life, half young, 25% middle, 255 like me. Pirate runs the place, nice guy, looks like pirate, just needs a bird on his shoulder.
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Woody Gap

To: Neals Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got the shuttle back to Woody Gap, weather was cold foggy as it has been for three days. Day packed the 10 miles to Neals gap. It was quite a hike over Blood Mountain. It was cool and foggy most of the way and at one point I had ice dfalling off the trees. When I got to the top, the sun shone briefly, it got a little better as the day went on. Can't use tumblr, called McCoy with my schedule, should reach franklin by the 2nd. Sent som emails. Looks like I will be losong both of my big toe nails. Very common problem
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Neals Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain early, crappy the rest of the day, coll, foggy, misty all day. I went pass three listed view points. All were the same, white fog.The shelter was full so I had to tent. I did trek in about six hourswhich wasn;t too bad. I have to do 15 tommorrow, two 1,000+ ft climbs. I hope all goes well. The weather is supposed to get better. So far no injuries, trying to stay dry and warm.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Cold foggy in the AM, strong cold winds in the PM, needed to wear my balaclava. Did the 15 miles to Tray. The last six miles included a 1,00 up, a 1,000 ft descent, and then finished with a 1,500 ft ascent to the shelter. I did all of this in 8.5 hrs, not bad. Total gain for the day was 4,669 ft and total loss was 3,519 ft. Had to tent as the shelter was full of hippies and wannabes. Sun came out at 6, not for long. Supposed to rain tomorrow. If you are wondering what a shelter is like it os similar to a 5 star hotel except for. No sign in, no bed, no flush toilet, no bath, no cable, no internet, no phone, no heat control, no lights, and missing one wall. The price however is just right. I have pictures of them all, i hope upload some day.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Foggy, cool, and some light rain. Took refuge in the Mull Motel, aka bates Motel.it was warm and resupllied for the trek to Franklin. We are supposed to have two more days of rain and then two good days. Maybe snow tommorrow night. Last night we had a huge thunder storm, bolt of lightinh light up the tent and then a very loud bang. About a quarter of a mile or less down the trail was a tree blown to bits.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Warmer during the day, no rain, but a severe temperature drop about 1 Pm and now it is really cold, less than 40 degrees with a wind. Passed into NC, one state down. Trail got real steep, they say welcome to NC, straight ahead and straight up. We climb to 4,580 ft. Total gain was 4,079 ft, total loss 2,154. Hope the weather stays nice, got my trail name, "Sgt York" today. No cell svc, not a bad day overall. Walked up the trail with "Hopeful", made the trip easier. Tenting again and I can hear someone snoring and it is only 7.00 pm. No bear cables.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Muskrat Creek shelter

To: Carter gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Very cold last night, it snowed and the temp was supposedly 19 in the morning. Sun shone most of the day although cool and windy. The trail that was muddy yesterday was now frozen. Felt good today, did a number of 750 ft climbs with out much stoppng. I decided to tent as it would probably be warmer than the shelter.Feet got cold last night, working on a solution. Hoping for warmer weather and no rain. It was realy nice of the NC Wildlife Bureau to put there Bear Sanctuary right along with the AT.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Carter gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Cool, sunny, and windy. Nicest day in a long time. Had areal treat going over Mt. Albert, at one poinr t it was about straight up. The view at the top was unreal, you could see forever. When I got to the shelter, two trail angels, Jaonitor and EmmaLee had Subway subsm chips, and cold beer.. Real nice ending to a goos day. Left knee is staring to ache, could be busitus according to Infidel, a medic.Last cold night, will be in Franklin tomorrow. Met Doulbe Check, Sherlock, & Circuit Rider two days ago. Circuit gave me my name. Nice guys, doing trail Ministry for the fith year. All of you know how much coffe I drank, well I have not had much at all oall this nor any alcoholic beverage, and I am still doing well
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked 4 miles into Franklin to meet up with Jim McCoy. jim is a friend of mine from the hiking club. We have back packed before. he will be hiking with me to Harpers Ferry, WA. I did the 3.6 miles in about 1hour 20 minutes not bad considering a bum knee. I am staying at the Ron Haven Budget Inn. Ron runs a shuttle evry day to take hikers into town for foof, gear, etc. All of this free. Went to eagle Outfitters for some gear and resupply. Bought too much food, but at least I can eat that weight away. Had a great lunch at the Blue Ridge steak house. good food and really reasonable. Went back for dinner. Knee is still kicking up will get a brace tommorow to be on the safe side. Got to love Vitamin I (IBP). there are a lot of young people hiking spending a lot of time smoking and drinking. I can't do it anymore nor do I need it.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took a zero day. weather was beautiful, big storm coming in tonight and be gone by tomorrow morning. Had a fre breakfast at the local Baptist Church, all you can eat pancakes and bacon, juice and fruit. Would not take a donation.The temperature was near 80 today, is suposed to drop like a rock afterthe storm goes through. The next five daye are supposed to great. temps in the 60s-70s and lows in the 40s.Have reservation in fontana Dam at the hike Inn. the y will have the PO send over the mail drops. Thank you Hon for your assistance in this . Got my brace, wore it some and it seems to help. Here's hoping that this works and everything turns out ok.Three days to the NOC and then 2.5 days to Fontana dam, then the Smokies. File will go dark until out of the Smokies and into Hot Springs. Hope you enjoy this journal.Please log in that you read any of this. thanks for all the support. Bye for now - Sgt York
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayhah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Got my knee brace, knee was still tender at the start. Had a fairly easy day for the 11 miles. Only one steep part and that was not too bad. Most of the climbs between 500 and 1,000 ft. Should not have been difficult, except the knee kept getting worse. Thought I could walk through it and it would be okay by the time I got to Fontanna dam. Going up was a lot better than going down or on the level and after a stop the first few steps would hurt like H. I never thought I would ever look forward to long climb, teels you how crazy hikers can be. By the time I reached the shelter, I could not put any weight on the left knee. Still made good time, 11 miles in 6 hrs. Jim showed up about 45 minutes later and said he had to go home, bad knees. I think he jinked me, just kidding. Because of the pain I decided to back to Franklin and have a doctor take a look see. 1,600 mgs of Vitamin I seems to knock the pain down to a bearable level. We are having communication problems in arranging a ride, but we will see what happens in the morning. It is already cold and it is only 8 pm, but the wind has dropped. Another cold night, yeah!!! Yesterday the temperature in town was in the 80s and after the huge storm last night the temperature all day today never got above the mid 40s with a faiirly stiff wind. Welcome to the mountains!!! Wish me luck tomorrow.