morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 30.4

Day 7 on the trail can be summed up in one word, "UPHILL." Wow, what a climb! I forget what mountain it was, but it was definately the most challenging rock we've seen yet. One finds it necessary, on days like this, to keep their minds preoccupied with other things, because if you think about the trail "too much", it gets overwhelming very quickly. Thankfully, Wag Daddy and I usually have this area covered. Whether it be prayer, or a song, or future plans. We most always have something to talk about. Today was a special exception. Paul (not fully knowing what he was getting himself into), remembered that I know several movies by memory. Hoping to put me to the ultimate test, he asked me if I'd be willing to recite the animated Disney Classic, "Beauty and the Beast" by memory as we ambled along. Not being one to back down from a challenge, I was off, reciting the opening lines in the best French accent I could muster! What started out to be a few minutes, soon became an hour, and I became oblivious to the slope of the mountain or even the distance we had covered! This was quite the gift! We perservered into the night, eventually (and painfully) knocking off 30+ miles on a single day! Ooh, I forgot to mention our brief stop at NOC---still not sure what it stands for, it's a neat little place along the river that the trail passes through. We enjoyed a BBQ sandwich at "Slow Joe's" or "Pokey Joe's Cafe." Anyways, the sun was well down as we finished our day and we paused near a road in the clearing. We looked up and saw flashers from a police cruiser. There were a couple of them, and they had pulled over a few "hillbillies" in a truck and were doing a little interrogation. Things really got good when one of them ran off and tried to escape. Bad move pal! So, they "took care of him," and then a few more cruisers showed up. Because Paul and I were at a gap (gap-that is the base between two mountains), we figured we weren't gonna get any better a camping spot so we decided to pitch our tarp, about 10 yards from all the action! Because we were so beat, it didn't take us long to get settled and fall asleep. Wow! One week down...bout 11 more to go - if the Lord allows. Thanks for reading! Good night.
Date: 2005-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.0

Day 8. Today is the Sabbath and thankfully, Wag Daddy and I were able to enjoy some much needed rest. I'm STILL feeling the effects of that 30+ mile day. Anyways, we still got an early start and hiked a relatively short distance to Fontana Dam. Nice little place. More like a resort really. We arrived around 2 pm this afternoon. We could have stayed at a hostel, but a room at the Inn (with showers, laundry, dinner and sauna/pool) was just a few dollars more! Giddy up! So that's where we are now. We just cleaned out another buffet, and we're making plans for the coming week. We're both a little scruffier and a bit sore, but still committed. Still taking it one day at a time. Today, I prayed "the Hiker's prayer." It goes, "Lord, if you pick my feet up, I'll lay them down." Simple, yet quite profound! All right, gonna make some phone calls and head to bed. Got the "Great Smokey Mountains" coming up tomorrow! I sure hope all is well with everyone back home- including Ms. Corrie Zarnosky who (hopefully) arrived safely in Grand Rapids after spending a few weeks ministering in Russia! Can't wait to hear about! Good night everyone---from Fontana Dam! Thanks for reading.
Date: 2005-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 24.1

May 23, 2005Joey Puplis, welcome back to the Great Smokey Mountains! It's been about 15 years. Day 9. You know..I just gotta say that today was fun. For whatever reason, it was just a fun day. It may have something to do with the fact that I slept in a warm, cozy bed last night...maybe it was the Wag-Daddy made 6 egg omelette for breakfast. Perhaps it was the fact that I was able to catch up with some loved ones back home on the phone last night. Whatever the reason (likely a combination of all of them), today was fun. We left Fontana Dam and pulled 24.9 miles out of the Smokies. Boy, the Smokies are great. The trail so far through here has been both challenging and accomodating. I've also noticed the trail is much better tended than down in GA and NC. Maybe it because the Smokies bring in a lot more visitors. That's what Paul and I figured at least. Over the last few days, we've noticed the trail itself has lots of big rocks thrown about at points- probably intended to keep the brush and rustic growth from overtaking the trail. Not so here (at least until the last few miles that we did). The scenery is wonderful, and the well-tended trail mades for easy miles- even with a late start this morning. Paul and I spurred each other on and met up with several other hikers- which is most always a hoot! One older man trailnamed "Lovely Day" kept talking to me and I wasn't even paying him any attention! A couple of guys were very generous to us and offered us some of their food! Again, that's something Wag Daddy and I will NEVER turn down! They even brought a frisbee along wo we threw that around for a bit- which was really great. I like frisbees! As one walks this trail, their mind will wander all over the place and for whatever reason, today, I just paid special attention to the way my legs worked! It's quite remarkable really. The joints, the range of motion, the stride, the way your ankles and feet adapt to uneven terrain----the fact that you can pound on them ALL DAY, and they'll still be ready to go for you tomorrow morning! Well I for one happen to think that's really cool. Our "designer" must have really known what he was doing! Hey, speaking of walking, I think my walk has evolved a bit! With the rough terrain and dramatic declines and steep climbs, I think I look more like a tyrannasaurus Rex when I walk now! That's a far cry from when I was a little boy, and my dad would continually remind me to "walk upright and straight." Sadly, his wise counsel will have to be neglected for the duration of this hike! Hey, tonight, we're staying at our first shelter! (Apparently, you have to in the Smokies). Anyways, it's pretty great. We even have a cage in the front to keep the bears out! Well, thanks again for reading. I'm gonna do a little reading of my own...Leviticus! Yahoo! Than it's off to bed. Good night everyone and may God bless you!
Date: 2005-05-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 28.4

May 24, 2005Well, another day done and we're back in another shelter! This one's a bit roudier than the one this morning but, no worries. I'm beat! We took about 28 miles out of the Smokies today, which means we only have about 17-18 more to go. Today was harder, but good. I've found that the challenge of the Smokies isn't so much found in the terrain or elevation, but rather in the trail itself. It's much narrower than in other places, and also much deeper. This makes it easier to trip on rocks, roots, and other obstacles. Speaking of obstacles....the WIND! Holy Mackeral (as my Great Uncle Kenny and my Grandpa Nash would say!) The wind makes traveling up the higher mountains even trickier. I'll freely admit I was pretty spooked whenever Paul and I would be up on a cliff with a steep drop-off and a gust of wind would blow through. Most of the time, the trees would block it though. And guess what....? Today, I set foot on the highest point of the trail! Clingman's Dome to be precise. It was...cold! And windy! And foggy-so we couldn't see much. But is was still really cool. Got some great pictures. Hopefully, they'll turn out. Something about the wind though, It made me think of a good friend from CHR "Ol Patty Meray!" She loves the wind. Well, she'd have been in her glory today! It was crazy. I must say I didn't think it would be this cold. It gets down to the low 40's at night. But thankfully, our gear has worked well and so far, it hasn't been a problem. This of course, isn't to suggest that all things have been "hunky dorey!" Take this morning for example! It was a rough start. Paul woke up to find that his glasses were broken! A little duct tape did the trick, but right now he looks like a weird cross between Urkel and the Wolf-man! Ah, but he's great. He's still my best good buddy- and he's always ready with a voice of encouragement. Like later on this morning, when I accidently left our bread at a shelter! I blew it big time! That was supposed to be our lunch for the next few days! Paul just shrugged, said it was 'all right', and that we'd work something out. Oh, if everyone had a friend like that! Well, I have some reading to do, so I'm gonna end here. I would like to add how happy I was to hear that Corrie and 'Island' became friends. I always knew they would, but....no one ever listens to me! Goodnight everyone. Missing you!
Date: 2005-05-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 30.5

May 25, 2005Oooh boy! All right, I'm exhausted. To be completely honest, journaling is really the last thing I wanna do right now! But, I'm here, so I'll make it quick. Today, we bid farewell to the Great Smokies. And they were good to us! A nice steady 8-10 mile descent out of the park. Wag Daddy and I passed the time by quoting another movie from memory! Today was "Tommy Boy." It was a good time. Today was another 30+ mile day. (probably the main cause of my fatigue), and we have another 26 to go tomorrow in order to claim our package in Hot Springs! So, I'm gonna need all the sleep I can muster. Good night everyone! Hope all is well.
Date: 2005-05-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 26.2

Because my head was in the clouds when I journaled last night, I need to clear up something. Today is the day we said good-bye to the Smokies! We had a package to pick up in Hot Springs, and because the Post Office closed at 4, Wag Daddy and I beat the sunrise and were on the trail by 5 AM. Hiking in the dark is an entirely different experience. It's cool, but one really needs to lay their steps much more carefully! Anyways, we made it to the Post Office with time to spare, then checked into Elmer's, which is where we're shacking up for the night! It's a great place. a 160 year old Victorian Home that has been converted into a bed & breakfast. Most of the furniture is original. I found it a bit strange (and really cool), to be lying in a bed that predates the Civil War! Hot Springs itself is a quaint little town. A bit of a hick town actually! (I've only noticed people riding in trucks and motorcycles!) But any town shop for us is a welcome one! We cleaned up, filled up with food, and washed our clothes. (Wagner took care of that, and unlike his first attempt in Fontana, in which he brilliantly heaved 4 loads worth of detergent in with our load of wash, he got it right this time!) And Elmer...lots to say about Elmer! He's a real interesting guy (there's not a Republican bone in him! A solid Democrat!) He's been catering to hikers for years, and has all kinds of great stories to tell. Among other things, he actually taught Chinese culture at Duke University for several years. One of his good friends is also a former student of his named Mark Pinsky, author of one of my favorite books, "The Gospel According to the Simpsons"! Well, I should rest. Got another big day tomorrow. Good night everyone, & thanks for reading.
Date: 2005-05-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.3

Today is the first time I felt that the trail beat me. It just beat me up. We got off to a late start and never fully recovered. It wasn't all bad. Elmer sent us off with a great breakfast. Pancakes, Granola Cereal w/soy milk, musk melon and apple juice abounded! I think I may have even wulfed down more than my partner (a man long renowned & feared among buffets & all-you-can-eat type restaurants!) I'm sure he'll dispute that though. Anyways, another item that made today so tough is that our packs are pretty much at their limit! They were heavy. And today was more mental than anything else. It got to Paul early on, and eventually got me, too. We separated after dinner and there came a point when I fell, & lost all motivation to continue. Things just got to me. Thankfully, Paul waited and I caught back up. After failing to find an adequate place to pitch our tarp, we decided to set up our sleeping quilts on the trail itself! So here I am, sleeping on the 'ol AT! Paul and I were able to voice some concerns, but I still feel more needs to be said. It was just a hard day. I'm glad we talked, but I also feel a good night's rest & breakfast will help put things into better perspective. Well, the headlamp is ging off, & I'm going to sleep. Good night everyone.
Date: 2005-05-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 28.0

5/28This morning was all about rocks & rain! Remarkably, sleeping on the trail last night wasn't all bad! Both Paul & I slept rather well. But oy! The rocks on the trail! That's definitely something that won't be missed! Anyways about the trail...it's been on my mind today, so why not write about it? Well actually, truth be known, it isn't very easy TO write about! If someone were to say that the AT is hard, challenging, rewarding, easy, fulfilling, frustrating, short, long, good, bad...he'd be right on all accounts! In just my limited time spent on the trail thus far, I've sort of developed this kind of special "love-hate" relationship with the trail! Thankfully, more love right now than hate! Otherwise I wouldn't be here! But truly, this experience has been the most difficult of my life, and the most rewarding. I'll try and put it like this. For those of you who are rather familiar with the Bible, you know it often assigns personal attributes to impersonal items (love is patient, darkness doesn't understand, wisdom nourishes, sin crouches...)Well, the trail is like that. Throughout the day, the trail seems to come alive for me and it's like he's got an attitude all his own! Sometimes, I feel he blesses & rewards me. I feel so welcome, & so at-home at some points. And other times, I feel like the loneliest man on earth! Whether it be with a big climb, stinging rain, or a tough wind, I sometimes feel like the trail taunts me! Egging me on....daring me to take another step. I know some of this sounds rather silly, but when you're alone with your thoughts in a very remote location, for days on end....you'd be surprised what you'll think of! Pauly & I didn't do much socializing today. Some things still need to be worked out I guess. It was better than yesterday at least! The only truly delightful item about today (aside from the fact that is was about a 28 mile day), was the food! We ate like kings! It seems we have everyday so far. We ended our day with a good climb, (like we do most every night) & while we did that, we enjoyed our new favorite dessert! Oreo cookies with peanut butter- dipped in milk! Try it, & see if you don't agree that it tastes glorious! Well as I wrap up, I thought I'd send a little list along of what life has actually been like. So here you go!Things I'm used to on the trail:-Smelling very bad-Bugs & small critters using me as a bed!-New foods (tunafish, tomatoes, green peppers)-The mileage (more or less)-Sleeping on the groundThings I'm NOT used to on the trail:-Having to pee every 20 minutes-Wearing spandex-The gaseous tendencies of my partner! (Honestly, it comes out both ends! ALL THE TIME! The sheer body mechanics of it are mind boggling! I have no right to criticize though-since I've passed a few whoppers myself!)-Having so much time alone with my thoughts-Missing loved ones back home-more than I can stand!That's all folks! Thanks for reading! Goodnight!
Date: 2005-05-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 27.7

5/29A full two weeks on the trail already! Has it really been that long? In some ways, it feels like it, and other ways it doesn't. I had to laugh today when I didn't know what day it was! It was great! My life has become so simplified, that anything outside of food, shelter, or the personal health of my partner, my loved ones, and myself is really of no concern to me at the moment- and I love it! Today was a good day. The trail was rather kind to us for the most part, so we racked up 27 miles, & were even able to quit early! I didn't really know what to do with myself! I suppose (after journaling), I should finish the Book of Numbers before I check out for the evening. I'm a bit behind on my Bible reading plan. It's been good so far though. I've never read through the entire Torah before, & it's very thought provoking. I'll give you an example! In the days of ancient Israel...if anyone blasphemed God's holy name, they were to be executed. In some cases, by the community, in other instances, by God himself. My culture abuses God's name regularly! Some are even members of my own family. Hey! I've done it too, so I'm not judging, only noticing! Interestingly, the text itself adds a little twist! If someone hears someone else blaspheme God's name, & does nothing about it, God says that they too, are responsible! Wow! That hits home for me. What am I to do? Am I to pray for more courage and conviction and call people on it? Or am I to sit back & hold my tongue because 'that's just how they are,' and I shouldn't rock the boat! Anyways, that thought has helped me pass the miles today. Oooh...I didn't mention our little stowaway yet did I? Well, we picked one up! A cute little unidentified Bassett Hound. Apparently, he had been following some hikers for the last few days, & today he joined up with us! Unfortunately, we have no idea where he's from, nor do we have much food to offer him. I'm rather cautious around him (fleas, ticks, bugs...), but he's been wonderful company. He keeps pace really well too! Wag Daddy & I have been trying to name him. So far, we've got Tripper, Congenial, Rufus, Dizmo, Tater Tot, Bullseye, & Greg. We have a bit of narrowing down to do! Well, we're only a few days from Roane Mountain, & by the end of the week we should be in Damascus, VA! 4th state! Yahoo!Well I've got Numbers to read! I really hope all is well back home, & am looking forward to seeing everyone again soon! Good night. Thanks for reading!
Date: 2005-05-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 29.1

5/30Another day on the trail, and it was a doozy! It was good; not much unlike the days we've enjoyed so far. We got a good start- & did miles (29.1 to be exact!) & great food. In fact, our lunch was so good & filling that Wag Daddy & I hiked through dinner! We chose to get our miles in first, then cook. It was great.Because of our considerable appetites, we usually end up preparing & combining 3-4 regular sized meals together! For lunch, we wolfed down about 4 PB & J's, apples, and a big batch of some kind of mystery stew! For dinner (just a few moments ago), we enjoyed mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, and lean turkey and chicken with noodles. The food today has truly been great; without which we definitely wouldn't be making such progress. A lesson I've learned (and one that I hope I never forget), is to appreciate the time & effort it takes in preparing a good meal! Boy, it's a lot of work! My parents devotion to my nutritional health is now seen in a whole new light! I hope I never forget dad's homemade stuffing; truly, the best I've ever had! I also hope I never take mom's delightful culinary experiments for granted! Some of my old favorites include her homemade waffles & chicken pizza surprise! I thought a lot about that today. Here's more trail news! Uh...the dog is still with us! He's about a good 80 miles from home. We don't get it! We don't really feed him anything! Other hikers do, yet he stays with us! We also tackled Roan Mountain today. Wow-that's one impressive rock! That mountain broke me into the humblest man alive--that's how it felt at the time at least! And 'ol Paul, bless his heart! He continues to convert seasoned hikers into brand new young Talmidim (Hebrew for 'disciples'!) of Ray Jardine's hiking philosophy! It's actually rather amusing to watch! They all come with so many questions & Paul simply smiles, nods, & gently explains the 'Ray way' to those who are interested. Well, with our stuffed dinner, it's getting rather late. Tonight, Paul & I are staying in an old barn which has been converted into a hiker's shelter. It's pretty cool. The stars are really shining through, too. I haven't seen them look this good in a long time. Oooh. I almost forgot to mention the sunset! As Paul & I hiked to the shelter, the scenery was so beautiful, we decided to break out in song! We did some old favorites; (appropriately, 'I lift my eyes up', 'Awesome God', & 'Knowing You') in a tune that even rivals the Walker Brothers. More or less!Well, I should really rest up. We're still shootin' for Damascus on Thursday, if the Lord allows of course! By the way, this trail is really tough! Officer Taco, how in the WORLD did you do these climbs in snow? Wow, hats off to you, bud! Good night again, everyone. Thanks for reading!
Date: 2005-06-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 24.3

6/1Hard day today. Good day, but a hard one nonetheless. Our stay at Bob & Pat's last night was wonderfully refreshing, but it got us off to a late start. After we passed by a beautiful waterfall (got a great shot of it), we actually got a bit disoriented on the trail. It was poorly marked at some points & we got a bit flustered! We pressed on, and eventually met Iron Mountain. Sounds like a rollercoaster or somethin. What a mountain! We spent all day on him. When we hit the mountain, it felt like (to me) that the trail turned against us! It threw EVERYTHING it had at us. Rain, fog, wind, rocks, roots, inclines.....all beautiful. But to thru-hikers, they're hazardous! We did take 25 miles out of it today, but we earned every one of them. It was hard...but as I now lie here in Iron Mountain Shelter, all curled up in my little sleeping quilt, I couldn't be happier! It gives me a real sense of accomplishment. The beautiful scenery today is worth mentioning. Some of the photos we shot could have been taken right out of Braveheart, or the Lord of the Rings movies! Paul would be Gollum, cause he does his voice so well. I guess that would make me Aragorn! Ooh...today I continued to think over issues of consumerism & our fast-paced culture. I think you could even argue that food is related too. See back home, I don't eat all that healthy! Sad, but true. So far out here, I've eated more nutritious foods & have even felt better! Again, I think it's cause I'm not really as tempted with all the other foods as I am when I walk into Meijers. I'm not saying the answer to this problem lies in becoming a hermit in the woods, or having our society dictate what we should & shouldn't do. I only long for more discipline & self control to live better! I guess that's pretty much what I've been trying to say. Well, looking forward to a good night's rest & another good day tomorrow. June already! Holy Smokes! (as my Grandpa Puplis used to say!)Good night everyone! PPS...Hey Pop, how's 'Wild at Heart' comin?