morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Silers Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 17.2

Morning weather: sunny & coldTemp.: 28Breakfast: Tuna & Trail BarStarted hiking @ 9:07amLunch: Pita Bread, Sardines & Pecan Pie, other snacksTrail description: Some nice climbs. Went over Rocky Top at 5441 feet & Thunderhead at 5527 feet both with good vistasPeople: Animals: noneAfternoon weather: Sunny & 50 degreesFinished hiking @ 7:10pmDinner: RicePraises & thoughts: Luke 19:38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!",Praise be to Jesus our King!!!Other info: My hiking buddies, The Smoky Mountain Chicken Gang have been where my hike finished today, Silers Bald, not to far from Clingmans Dome. Getting started this morning was a test. I had to put on wet cold clothes & put my dry clothes back in my pack. My socks & underwear were frozen stiff. I just couldn't put them on. I kept the dry ones on and hung the frozen ones on the outside of my pack to dry & they did.http://www.the-roots.com/Hike.htm
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Silers Ridge Shelter

To: Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Morning weather: SunnyTemp.: 40 Breakfast: Tuna with Pita Bread, Trail BarsStarted hiking @ 9:04 am Lunch: gorp, cheese crakers, snickerTrail description: Great day to hike. Went over the highest point of the entire A.T, Clingmans Dome at 6643 feet.People: Stayed at the shelter with & hiked for a while with Banjo Man & his daughter Rocket. Very talented guy. He could play and sing about anything. I met and hiked with Stump Knocker this afternoon. This is his 5th Thru Hike. I won't hike with him much. He says when he gets in shape he will be doin about 28 miles a day. My old body could not handle that.Animals: Seen a couple deer and got pictures of them.Afternoon weather: Sunny & cool, 50 degreesFinished hiking @ 8:15 pmDinner:Chicken strip Meal @ K.F.C.Praises & thoughts: I went into Gatlinburg to pick up a mail drop and eat dinner. I praise the Lord for sending those to give me a ride. They were J.R into Gatlinburg & Sherry Lomison & Jack Blevino(hikers) a ride back to the Trail. Keep Jack in your prayers. He is a Marine and will soon be going to Iraq. Thank God for these trail angels and may God bless them for being thoughtful of my needs.http://www.the-roots.com/Hike.htm
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Morning weather: SunnyTemp.: 40Breakfast: Tuna, 2 Trail BarsStarted hiking @ 9:15amLunch: with Seattle, Pita Pocket with Sardines & Cheese CrackersTrail description: Mt. Chapman @ 6250', lot of Razor Backs & Ridges, great viewsPeople: Enjoyed hiking with Seattle. I had met him early in the hike & it was good to see him again.Animals: noneAfternoon weather: Sunny & 60 degreesFinished hiking @ 4:15 pmDinner: 2 packs of Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes & 2 packs of TunaPraises & thoughts: Psalm 48:1-2, "Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. It is beautiful in loftiness, the joy of the whole earth." I had a great time of worship this afternoon. It was a great day. Sharon, I love & miss you!!Other info: I did a couple less miles today, my body needed an easier day.On the bright side I am 10% DONE WITH THE HIKE!!!! Visited one of our favorite spots in the Smokys today, Charlies Bunion.http://www.the-roots.com/Hike.htm
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Interstate 40
Miles today: 17.6

Slept in: Dr. Joseph & Mary Miller's home. God bless them.Morning weather: Cloudy Temp.: 42Breakfast: Trail BarsStarted hiking @ 6:02 am, Yes it was dark, used a headlampLunch: 2 Snickers, 2 Cheese crackers & snacksTrail description: A little climb to start the day. Up the Guyot Spur to 6360'. A few climbs after that, one out of Low Gap. A little climb out to Sunup Knob & Mt. Cammerer. From Guyot Spur to Davenport Gap it dropped to 1980'People: Did not meet to many hikers today.Animals: NoneAfternoon weather:7 0 degrees & sunnyDinner:Cheese Buger & Fries At Mountain Moma's Had a second dinner at Joe & Mary Miller's, Pizza, Mary's special salad, cake & ice cream. I must be getting my hiker's appetite.Praises & thoughts: Praise the Lord for helping me make it through a tough day. With a couple side trips my total miles for the day was a little over 20 miles. Only 17.6 of it counts for the A.T.Other info: I passed my wife's(Sharon) favorite spot in the Smokys, Snake Den Trail,(NOT) she hated that trail. It was a tough, steep downhill, that is tough if you have bad knees. Hey Smoky Mountain Chicken Gang, I missed you on Mt. Cammerer.Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Interstate 40

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero day with Joe & Mary Miller. Joe & I served today at a Soup Kithchen called The Open Door in Waynesville N.C.. We are going to Church at Long's Chapel tonight. They will be doing a presentation of the Last Supper. I met Pastor Perry at the Open Door who will be doing the part of Jesus. Looking forward to hiking Friday.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Interstate 40

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 10.6

Morning weather: sunnyTemp.: 65Breakfast: Cereal, Berry Pie,fruitStarted hiking @ 9:22amLunch: Pita Pocket, Tuna, King size Snicker Bar(thanks to Mary Miller)Trail description: Long climb from I-40 ,1455' to the top of Snowbird Mtn. at 4265' over about 5.2 miles. Also the other usual ups and downs.People: Transcriber, Heartfire, Chetos & Puppy Nipples(Not a trail name I would want & this is a guy)Animals: noneAfternoon weather: 85 degrees, sunnyFinished hiking @ 5:30pmDinner: noodles, 2 packs of tuna & mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: I hope you all had a good, Good Friday in remembering what our Lord & Savior did for us. We Praise Him!!! Praise Jesus!!! The Church service Dr. Joe, Mary & I went to last night, The Last Supper, was great. I am not normally an emotional person, but I was in tears many times.    Thanks again to Dr. Joe & Mary Miller for treating me like a family member on my zero day. The zero days means no miles hiking, the quality of the day was not zero, it was 100%, thanks to a loving brother & sister in Christ. God's blessing to Joe, Mary & their family.    I miss everyone back home. Thanks for your prayers, I can sense them.Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Brown Gap

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning weather: sunnyTemp.: 62Breakfast: breakfast barsStarted hiking @ 8:15amLunch: All kinds of snacksTrail description: From 3500' at Brown Gap to 4629' at Max Patch Summit. Then the regular ups & downs.People: I had a great hike with Dr. Joe Miller. Joe hike over 5 miles with me, then he had a return trip. Joe probably put in about 11 miles and did a great job.Animals: noneAfternoon weather: 75 degrees & mostly sunny.Finished hiking @ 8:15 pmDinner: Tuna & Pita Pocket, snacksOther Info: Slept on a Park table, then under the table, then in some bushes in Hot Springs. I got into town to late to get any accomodations.Praises & thoughts: I pushed a little to get into town with hope to do sunrise service. I praise God for a good day, but I'm tired. I will probably do a short day on Sunday.God is good. Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Campsite near Rich Mtn Fire Tower
Miles today: 8.5

Morning weather: sunnyTemp.: 65Breakfast: At Hot Springs Free Will Baptist Church after sunrise service.Scrambled eggs, fried eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuts & gravy, fruit, orange juice it was greatStarted hiking @ 10:30amLunch: snacksTrail description: steep climb out of Hot Springs, few ups & downsPeople: Bunch of nice people at churchAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: 90 degrees & sunnyFinished hiking @ 5:00 pmDinner: chicken & rice, Mashed potatesPraises & thoughts: Rev. Larry Arrowood did a super job in presenting God's Word at the Sunrise Service.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Campsite near Rich Mtn Fire Tower

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Morning weather: cloudy Temp.: 65Breakfast: tuna, breakfast bars, gorpStarted hiking @ 9:15 amLunch: Trail Magic with Fal & Hercules(99 thru hikers) at their home, about 300' off the A.T. I had a large waffle with pecans, stew, large Fudge Brownie with 3 kinds of ice cream and 3 glasses of lemonaid, it was great!! Trail description: Not to tough, few ups & downsPeople: Rainbow Brite, Fortune Cookie, Yoshi & Burkenstock. I have hiked with these guys on & off for several days.Animals: A large wild turkey took to the air right in front of me & startled me. He made a lot of noise. The guys I was hiking with got a picture of a fairly large Copperhead snake on the trail.Afternoon weather: Rain & 75 degreesFinished hiking @ 4:57pmDinner: Spiral noodles & tunaPraises & thoughts:Psalm 37:23-24,"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."Other info: Fal & Hercules shared Christ with those they were feeding today. They have a great ministry. It also gave me a chance to share at the end of the day. God is good. The heaviest rain fell while we were in Fal & Hercules home.Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Campsite past Flint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.7

Morning weather: FoggyTemp.: 48Breakfast: Tuna, cheese crackers, snickerStarted hiking @ 8:20amLunch: all kinds of snacksTrail description: Steady climb out of camp this morning. Some big ridges & large boulders to climb over and around. Did not take to many pictures because of the fog.People: No new people. There have been a few more leave the trail.Animals: noneAfternoon weather: partly cloudy, 67 degreesFinished hiking @ 5:00pmDinner: Chicken noodles with tuna & two servings of mashed potatoes.Praises & thoughts: I was able to share my faith in Christ with a person today. Fellow believers pray the person (the Lord knows who it is) will yield to the Holy Spirit & give their life to Christ.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Campsite past Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning weather: Thunderstorm, hail, lightning, heavy rain, some fogTemp.: 55Breakfast: gorp, trail barsStarted hiking @ 8:23amLunch: snacks, snickers & more gorpTrail description: the trail wasn't to tough, but the weather made it a challengePeople: Just Jesus & me all dayAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: partly cloudy, 68 degreesFinished hiking @ 6:15pmDinner: Noodles, tuna & potatoesPraises & thoughts: I had to lean on Jesus and pray to get through the day. He helped me through some tough times today & I praise Him!!!!Other info: I am having some trouble with my right hip & right knee.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Low Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning weather: sunnyTemp.: 55Breakfast: breakfast bars, gorpStarted hiking @ 8:15amLunch: snacks of all sortsTrail description: climbed from 4300' at Low Gap to 5516' at Big Bald in 2.4 miles, then more downs than ups to the shelter on No Business KnobPeople: Merlin a Thru Hiker from MichiganAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: cloudy, 67 degrees, then rain & some thunderFinished hiking @ 4:15pmDinner: Mac & Cheese, 2 packs of tuna & mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: Psalm 18:46, "The Lord lives! Praise be to my rock! Exalted be God my Savior!Other info: Keep me in your prayers. My right knee is swollen & stiff & painful. I wrapped it and took some motrin, it got me through the day. I am going to take about a day & half off in Erwin, Tn. My body needs it. Its taking a real pounding.Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-21
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky River, Erwin,TN
Miles today: 6.3

Morning weather: Thunder showers & heavy rainTemp.: 55Breakfast: Trail bars, gorpStarted hiking @ 8:00amLunch: All You Can Eat (AYCE) Pizza BarTrail description: A couple of small ups, but mostly down, very wetPeople: Uncle JohnnyAnimals: some dogs & cats at the HostelAfternoon weather: Heavy rain, then partial clearing late in the day, 70 degreesFinished hiking @ 11:07amDinner: Cheese Burger, Chips & PopPraises & thoughts: The Lord is giving me a day & a half to rest my knee and get the swelling down. Thank God for Ibuprofen, ice & elastic wrap. Thanks to those of you who are praying for my wife & myself. My wife is doing a great job of sending supplies & being my connection to home. God bless her!!!Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Nolichucky River, Erwin,TN

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Morning weather:Heavy RainTemp.:55Breakfast:3 egg cheese & bacon omlette, 3 pancakes & toastStarted hiking @Lunch:Late lunch & dinner together from Long John Silvers, fish, shrimp, fries, cole slaw & rootbeer floatTrail description:People:Animals:Afternoon weather:rain then partly cloudy 69 degreesFinished hiking @Dinner:Praises & thoughts:Isaiah 41:10,"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." This verse is for my brother-in-law Donnie Canan (keep him in your prayers, he is back in the hospital),the verse is also for my wife, myself and anyone in need of strength and encouragement from the Lord.Other info:I had to move from the hostel, there was no room for me there tonight. Taking a zero day to try a get my knee straightned up. It is still swollen and so is my ankle. My hip is feeling better.   Thanks for your prayers. I want to thank all that have signed my journal guest book and those who have sent e-mails. I was reading the guest book entries on the computer in the lobby of the Holiday Inn & I was in tears. I praise God for each of you and the encouragement I have received from your entries. I pray the Lord has encouraged many of you through the Trail Journal.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Morning weather:Partly cloudyTemp.:55Breakfast:Breafast bar at Holiday Inn ExpressStarted hiking @Lunch: Double Cheeseburger, Fries, Rootbeer Float Trail description:People:Bunch of nice people at Riverview Baptist Church in Erwin, TNAnimals:noneAfternoon weather:partly cloudy, 70 degreesFinished hiking @Dinner:Ate at the Azteca Mexican for dinner, it was great!!Praises & thoughts: Attended Sunday School & Worship Service at Riverview Baptist Church. Had a good scripture lesson in Sunday School.Pastor, Dr. Alan King gave a good sermon. You could tell he had a real love for Christ in reaching out to the lost. He also had a deep love for the congregation and their welfare. They, like all church families that follow Christ can use your prayers.Other info:Taking another zero day today. The knee and the swelling seem to be somewhat better. I hope to hike monday.       I love and miss you all. My prayers are with you. I ask today that you lift those who are serving in Iraq. May the Lord watch over and protect you. God bless, Jericho.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Nolichucky River, Erwin,TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning weather:cloudyTemp.:60Breakfast:breakfast bar, snickers, fruit juice, potatoe chipsStarted hiking @ 9:15amLunch:snacksTrail description:steady climb all day. Climbed over a bald called Beauty Spot at 4437', nice view.People:Erock came into camp as we were eatingAnimals:noneAfternoon weather:cloudy & 67degreesFinished hiking @ 5:15pmDinner:Tuna, Noodles & Mashed PotatoesPraises & thoughts:The Lord helped me through another day.Psalm 18:46, "The Lord lives! Praise be to my rock! Exalted be God my Savior!"Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Deep Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.2

Morning weather:rainTemp.:55Breakfast:breakfast bar, potatoe chipsStarted hiking @ 8:15amLunch:snacksTrail description:steep climb out of camp 4100', up Unaka Mtn 5180', in about 1 1/2 miles. We had several steep climbs & also rocky, rough trail, a lot of tree roots on trail.We did not do a lot of miles, but they were tough miles. People:Connie & Phillip Edmondson owners of the Friendly, hiker at the Friendly, One WorldAnimals:noneAfternoon weather:partly cloudy, 75 degreesFinished hiking @ 4:30pmDinner:Nacho Salad , Angus Cheeseburger, SpritePraises & thoughts:Connie & Phillip Edmondson owners of the Friendly are Christian believing Jews. Really neat people willing to share their faith. They have a great ministry. Praise God for their willingness to share their faith. Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: moderate rain

Morning weather: heavy rain Temp.:50Breakfast:hot chocalate, peanut butter toast, egg, bacon sandwich Started hiking @ 11:45amLunch:snacksTrail description:the toughest 8.3 miles I have ever done. Muddy, slippery steep climb. Went from 4040' to 6285' in the last 3 milesPeople: Shelter full of people.Animals:s een a dead wild pig with big tuskAfternoon weather: heavy in afternoon then heavy rain as I am writing this journal at 9:00pmFinished hiking @ 6:45pmDinner:mac & cheese, tuna, mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts:The Lord helped us through a very hard day.I praise Him. The shelter is shaking with the thunder as I finish this journal.Other info:Roan High Knob Shelter is at the highest elevation of any shelter on the A.T.Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Hump Mtn.
Miles today: 9.8

Morning weather: foggyTemp.: 35Breakfast: breakfast bars, gorpStarted hiking @10:00amLunch: snacksTrail description: Hiked up & down, but stayed at fairly high elevation all day. Started at 6285'(Roan High Knob Shelter) Finished@ at 5587' (Hump Mtn)People: One WorldAnimals: Just heard a coyote, pretty close.Afternoon weather: clear 50 degreesFinished hiking @ 6:30Dinner: Rice, Tuna, & mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: God is good, all the time. We praise Him!!!Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Hump Mtn.

To: Stream crosses A.T.
Miles today: 18.5

Morning weather:sunny, breezyTemp.:32Breakfast:chicken noodle with tunaStarted hiking @8:55amLunch:Trail Magic(Coke & Little Debbies, snacks)Trail description:Not to tough, big drop in morning from 5587' on Hump Mtn. to 2820' just before US19E, then some mild ups & downs.People:Met a couple of new hikers, Indiana from Bloomington, Ind. & Rev a pastor from Ga.Animals:seen a couple deerAfternoon weather:70 & sunny,greatFinished hiking @ 7:00pmDinner:noodles, tuna & mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts:Praise the Lord for a good day!!!Other info:I forgot to tell you I missed a turn on the A.T. yesterday. I got caught up in the great views & missed a white blaze. I walked about 3 miles extra & it does not count on my log.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Stream crosses A.T.

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 10.7

Morning weather:SunnyTemp.:42Breakfast:snicker, GORPStarted hiking @ 7:51amLunch:More GORPTrail description:Not to difficult, the usual ups & downsPeople:Hostel full of people, including Banjo ManAnimals:noneAfternoon weather:partly cloudy, 68Finished hiking @ 1:50pmDinner:Going into Hampton, TN for my birthday dinner.We(Banjo Man) & myself ate at Great Wall Chinese Buffet. Then Banjo Man picked up some Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream to celebrate my birthday. When we got back to the Hostel, Banjo Man had everyone sing Happy Birthday. It was good. Thanks to the Lord for putting special people in my life. Also thanks to Banjo Man for making it a special day.Praises & thoughts: I'm thankful for the Lord's presnce & help in my life.I thankful for the 58 years He has blessd me with. God is good!! It was good to talk to my wife today, she is so special.Other info:I got to talk to several family members today, for which I am thankful.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Dennis Cove

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning weather: SprinklesTemp.: 55Breakfast: 2 Bagles with peanut butter & jelly & orange juiceStarted hiking @ 9:15amLunch:snacks, beef jerky, gorpTrail description: Laurel Falls was neat. We had some good climbs, great views around Watauga LakePeople:Just Jesus & me most of the day.Animals: noneAfternoon weather:Partly cloudy & 60Finished hiking @ 7:00pmDinner:Mac & cheese, Tuna, & Mashed PotatoesPraises & thoughts:I hope you all had a great day of worship. I was able to listen to about 9 hours of praise & worship on my mp3 player. It lifted my spirit, I had a good day, Praise the Lord!!!
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning weather:partly cloudyTemp.:48Breakfast:Noodles & TunaStarted hiking @ 8:26 amLunch:snacksTrail description:mostly on ridges, ups & downsPeople:Just Jesus & me most of the dayAnimals:noneAfternoon weather:sunny, 58 degreesFinished hiking @ 5:00pmDinner:2 bags of mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts:The Lord helped me through a tough day. I had flu like symtoms. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning weather:clearTemp.:45Breakfast:Trail BarsStarted hiking @ 7:25amLunch:snacksTrail description: mostly down into DamascusPeople:Ate dinner with BanjoMan & IndianiaAnimals: A few hikers(Ha!)Afternoon weather:Partly cloudy, 70 degreesFinished hiking @ 4:00pmDinner: 4 piece chicken dinner combo with salad & 2 spritesPraises & thoughts: I have been leaning on Jesus a lot the last week & a half. My right knee and left shin have been causing a lot of pain. I am not to concerned about the shin, I think it will heal. The knee concerns me though. I was taking a lot of pain killers to be able to hike and now my stomach is messed up. I gave most of my dinner away tonight. The pain killers enable me to hike, but I don't know what it is doing to my knee. I still feel like I have a touch of the flu. I am going to take a zero day tomorrow in Damascus. Thanks for your prayers. God is good!!!Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Morning weather:partly cloudy, nice dayTemp.:50Breakfast:pancakes, scrambled eggs,couldn't eat all of it, but my stomach is feeling a little betterStarted hiking @Lunch:ate some sugar pops cerealTrail description:People:Animals:Afternoon weather:partly cloudy, 68Finished hiking @Dinner:I was able to eat all of my dinner, Cheeseburger, fries & a milkshakePraises & thoughts:The Lord is answering some prayers. When I came into Damascus I was feeling real rough. With a zero day today and a couple of prescriptions from Dr. Swabb and I hope to do better each day. There are plenty of other hikers with health problems. The Trail just beats you up and the pack weight pulls you down. I did send home a box today with items I was not using, I got rid of a couple of pounds.