morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-16
From: damascus va

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Will resume back at hot springs nc. Had a great time at the hikers fair and this city embodied everything about small town USA. From the welcoming to the ongoing hospitality to the local charm of the city (and yes they had traffic too, woo hoo!). Time to get back to hiking now. I have been working hard to return to the roots of who I am as a person lately by being more friendly and accepting of all things from everyone. Truth be told though I do like not meeting a stranger on the one hand but the problem with it is I have to hold onto the principles of Godliness so as to not be defiled by the patterns of the world. It is so hard to change the course of our decisions once they are made because of our stubbornness of being unwilling to be wrong. I have learned that I have to apply that to the words I use with those I love also. This has been a good experience to remind me of that. Galatians 5 and 6 is a great two books of the Bible to really lay out how to live without the principle of how not to live. It reels in our attitudes and desires all in one swoop and assists us with getting reprogrammed also with correct thinking. God's way is the best way. When we meet people or make long term decisions it is best to consult these two chapters for a reminder in how to approach the decision. Then it will help in keeping the right people around and the wrong people who would be devastating to our lives. God is a God of love no doubt. He provides.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn Shelter, NC
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Going to start at Hot Springs,nc today with some friends and try and make 11 miles today. We are trying to make it to Spring Mtn. Shelter in NC. My foot is kind of hurting but I plan on pressing on.I am in great spirits today and hope to rest on the Lord's presence and leading. I am learning contentment and peace. I am also seeing how God is taking care of me and keeping me safe even amongst some of the not so Godly people and circumstances.verse of the day:P.s. 40:1-2
Date: 2015-05-18
To: Sprint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 3.0

We only made it to the tower on the trail and then a pouring rain happened. We scurried for cover and set the tents up quick fast and in a hurry. They still got soaked. We got all set up and me being the army guy was given the task of starting a fire for the group of 5. Challenge accepted. I got it going and yes we found dry bark to use and some twigs from trees. Paper and rubbing alcohol helped too. But we will overlook that fact. We are and chatted then hung the food for the night and bunked down about 10. Oh did I mention a bear came through the campsite. I was excited about that. Figured he was trying to find a dry spot to...yeah good luck with that. Gonna try to make it to Spring Man shelter today and get some clothes dry. Looks like rain off and onall day. Yaaay!
Date: 2015-05-23
From: devils fork gap, NC

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Today wasn't too bad. 8.4 on the trail and 2.5 to catch a ride. I slackpacked today. Saw some beauty in the morning by sitting on this overlook listening to Chris Tomlin and reflecting on how good God is ALL THE TIME. When I am down God is good, when I am up God is good. I am discovering that again. I also had an amazing convo with a gent about faith and trust. He was from Griffin, Ga. I have decided I will find a way to continue Celebrate Recovery somewhere when I get resettled somewhere. I am very intent on beating this anger and overcoming my inability to control my words and thoughts. It is super important to me now to glorify God in all i do Going forward. I am done playing games with this.I also met a cool dog on the trail and wanted to keep him so bad. He had no leash but apparently there are no leash laws here and they run free. I met an area where there was a bear present and I nearly pooped my pants when I heard him moving around. I skidaddled back down the hill for a bit until it was safe to pass. Maybe he just needed a hug. Who knows. I was not going to give it to him.Please sign the guest book and I will email you my cool photos I took today.
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Dick's creek Gap

To: GA/NC State Line
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked to the state line and camped out at a local camping spot near there. We started off in the rain. Ughh. Funny story. I left my wallet at the 'Top of Georgia' Hostel and had to return to pick it up. Also, picked up a family that was hiking down to the Hostel ....nice family, he is a pastor as i would later find out on Saturday.I did not realized I left my wallet behind until I gave them a ride to the hostel. When I pulled back up there he walked out and handed it to me. That was God-ordained for me to give them a ride, otherwise i would have had no money and no wallet and would have had no idea where it would have been once I was on the trail.Anyhow, more on that family later.Also I saw a huge rattle snake on the trail and almost walked on top of it, since I had my headphones on and did not hear it rattling. I will be posting a picture of it later.Lessons learned today, Submit to God when he lays on your heart to do something (pick up that family) and see what happens next. There might be a bigger plan in place or He might simply be trying to help you out in relation to something you lost. Jus sayin'
Date: 2015-05-30
From: plumorchard gap sheltee

To: muskrat creek shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Only completed 6 miles today. Lots and lots and lots of rain. Did I mention it rained today?Soooo, when we got up and prepared to hike I found a rather large hole in the side of my tent. Yikes! something ate through and tried to get me. It was about 2 inches in diameter. So I began a series by Dr. Charles Stanley on Friday 'The principles of Brokenness' which is 6 sermons on going through the process of being broken. The first one was 'The Principle', in that it explains what all the steps will be in going through it and why it is so important.I have realized through this, I tend to want others' opinions of me to the point of not doing something if it tends to not please someone. Point: I felt called into the ministry at the age of 21. I sought spiritual wisdom on it and validated it as being a genuine call into the ministry. I even prepared for it by starting Southeastern Bible College later that year. Now, at the time, I was attempting to get an education at UAB, but let's be honest....me, an engineer? I could have done well with it, but my spiritual gifts test has repeatedly given me preacher/teacher and administration. I could have studied harder at UAB and tried harder even. But I just was not a good student. I struggled with not letting my parents down and decided to entertain that as a career choice.Onward to now....During these studies, Dr. Stanley makes it abundantly clear that one that fails to submit to God's plan for their life will fail, more than likely at anything they attempt while they are avoiding the higher calling placed on their life. I think I am seeing the reason I have made so many hard and detrimental choices, is due to running from this calling. Remember the family I met the other day? He made an interesting statement to me while we were sitting around the campfire sharing stories of upbringing, etc.During me sharing stories of my teenage years with their kids, and us getting a good laugh at some of them, like me wrecking the pinto 1 week into driving, Craig and I being rambunkcious at various things growing up, and just the good times we had at the lake house, the father makes a statement to me out of the blue without ever knowing that I planned to go into the ministry or studying at SEBC. He asked "Have you ever considered being a pastor?" I was like, whaaa?He stated that I have the charisma for it, and through our convo's about the Bible and how much this faith has meant to me over the years, he stated what would be a good path for me. He is a pastor, by the way. Food for thought.I continued the study of "Brokenness" by Dr. Stanley.This is the second time in the past several months that someone has said that to me just in the midst of having general conversations.I am going to seek further guidance on this. I want to be right either way whether this is of God or not.Enough for now.
Date: 2015-06-01
From: muskrat creek shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Began having foot pain today but pressed on baby, cause that's what stubborn people do when they are in pain, hike more miles. Truth be told I should have not hiked but about 4 miles but the sun was out so i went for 12.5. Besides there was a larger purpose. I had to find phone service for a 10 a.m. phone interview. Oh, by the way a bear happened upon me while i was on the phone. Yep, a big ole black bear. At first i thought it might be friendly but either way i didn't know if I could....wait for it.....bear it, if he came near me. So i calmly got up and trotted down the trail. So today i was reminded of some truths while walking. I continued another study in the brokenness series from Dr. Stanley, part 3. Today we discussed Jonah and how he ran from God and didn't want to obey. That reminded me of a time we went to see the Globetrotters as a kid and did something foolish and did not listen to parental wisdom. We got in serious trouble for it. Same thing with God. He chastises those he loves. Out of love. He wants to see us do our best by being morally pure, spiritually sound and emotionally balanced. This is the only way we can find and do God's will. When we get out of moral purity there is no way God can bless us. We are violating His word. I learned through this just how much i failed recently and resisted God in leading me to be a leader with someone. I failed misearably but also learned that i have hope to turn it around. Hiking in this pain on thos day taught me that God can not only get us where we are going but can help carry us through our pains as well.Most of this was simply for resisting God for so long. I am a work in process. I failed God and others due to it. This person taught me to believe in what God has in store for me and regardless of anything else or her mistakes and bad choices in the end, I learned to reconsider God's higher purpose for my life. God is reminding me daily He has not given up on me and has not given up on them either.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: muskrat creek shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

More excrutiating pain in the foot but decided to press on. I prayed that God would provide comfort and He did. Somehow I made it to the end and now I only have a short trek into Franklin, NC. So today i saw some more breathtaking scenery. Somehow evolution caused all of this...hmmmm....I once was a fish....So no more bears on this portion but lots of dark tree lines, yikes. I kept looking for a three headed man or some freak of nature to jump out of one of these dark tree lines, kindof like orchard trees but all grown into each other and hanging over the trail making for a good future texas chainsaw movie...ummm yeah kinda creepy.I am sitting here typing this and a cat just jumped down from a tree nearly onto me. I almost had a stroke. I also nearly pooped my....well u know.Anyhow, whew....I struggled with getting done today but i made it. Woot!I have lost about 10 lbs I think. I feel better, more alert. Well until these darn surprise cats. I mean like where the heck Did it come from?
Date: 2015-06-15
To: Forward
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Thankful for all my friends and family for helping me get through this time of let down. I know I have always struggled with greatfulness and thankfulness when this type of support is given. Getting through this taught me a lot about the women i have seemed to dateBased on Sunday school today 6/14, i learned to watch what I say negative, which was the purpose of the hiking trip, to overcome that. I am still a work in process.I am:1) a child of God.2) a decent person who makes terrible mistakes at times.3) someone who needs to return to God.4) a person that would be worth it.5) someone who has potential.That's it for now.I am trying for now.I made God specific promises about what difference i was hoping for after coming off the trail. Let's hike...soonTake a shot at the big mountain.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Forward

To: Forward 2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

From now, I surround myself with people of whom I consider better than me, whether socially, spiritually or otherwise. That way I can learn something from them and grow as a person. Praying for patience and confidence to do it the right way. Also praying to become the man of God I need to be for my friends and any future relationships that I am blessed with. The hike helped me to see that I want to move forward in life. I am ready to let go and let God move.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: Forward 2

To: Who knows...
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So as of today, I have made some decisions.I have two possible jobs this week based on interviews and so forth. I am waiting on hearing on one for Midtown and one in Birmingham. I am interviewing for the Birmingham one today and if I do not hear back on any one of these by the end of the week, I am going back to the trail. I am not going to wait around any more for life to happen and not going to wait for anyone to reach out and do the right thing like they need to.I have let people down and offended people beyond repair apparently and I am not going to put myself in that position anymore, if neither of these jobs open up. I will not come back this time. Let's see if God really exists and can open up a job for me. I will walk away and not let anyone know where I am going in the trail. Is God supernatural, can he provide for me? If He is real, does he really care for my situation. I would say no on either count. I am done letting people down. The only place for me is to be alone based on what I see. I have nothing to offer anyone, and no place to offer it.
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Who knows...

To: Birmingham, AL maybe??
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I studied the final part of a 6 part series today by Dr. Stanley "Brokenness-After it, what then?"This was preached back in the 90's but still powerful today, especially to me. I also read Proverbs 18, since it is the 18th day of the month.Here is what I have learned and finally starting to realize:First, sexual sin and pornography did more damage than I originally thought it did/would do. Starting at an early age, I began looking at those Penthouse magazines in the house and thought it would be innocent teenage curiosity, but it was way more than that. It cost me time and relationships in my life. It also has resulted in a lifetime of a lack of self control and isolation.Proverbs 18:1 "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgement" This fits me to a T. At times in my life, I sought isolation and thought this was normal and ok since it was just me. I mean who will it really affect? I was so embarrassed by what I thought about that I figured to just remain by myself was the best option. This is simply not true. The best thing was to seek forgiveness and be around people. I am an extrovert and my time of relaxation and comfort is around others. I see that now. This text confirms that true wisdom is not from within, but from God and how we maintain ourselves and what we are willing to learn.What I have learned in relation to my attitude is my words are very destructive. I have friends who call me out on that, such as Deb, Scott and Megan and am constantly saying things that are destructive. I have to reign that in and begin working on it more. Prov 18:6 "A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fools mouth IS his destruction, and his lips ARE the snare of his soul." This applies to me so much. I am destructive in my words, Val can attribute to that. My mother can, a lot of people can, especially recently.I seek forgiveness from Val for hurting her with my words. I hope she can come around and let's have that chat. I owe her so many good words and so many words of forgiveness. In Time, I suppose.Second, through this Brokenness study, I have determined to put down those things with even more fervent desire than I originally desired.The hike I was allowed to go on allowed me to see God for who He is, faithful and true. I learned new things that I probably already knew, to be honest, but it was refreshing to get a new focus on some things, especially the direction thing. It may lead me back to Birmingham, to get started in that calling, but hey, that is ok. He will guide my steps. He will open the doors that need to be opened. All in His timing.In summary, I hope to lead a group into the Appalachian Trail in the future, to spend time pastoring those who are looking for answers like I was. I have learned so much the past few weeks. Truly God is faithful.Thanks for those who put up with me.More to come.
Date: 2015-03-20
To: practice
Miles today: 0.0

As you might surmise from my previous entries, I am not the most experienced camper to attempt the AT. Hiking is more my forte. One day last July I practiced with a loaded pack while climbing Big Slide with my two daughters in the Adirondack Mountains of NY. It took a bit of getting used to vs. a small day pack, but never dimmed my enjoyment of the gorgeous peaks.
Date: 2015-03-21
To: training
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My physical training for the hike would probably be considered unconventional at best. I had just walked in the door this morning following a 9 mile trail run (2 of my distance running buddies shown in the photo, taken last year) when a friend texted to ask how my preparation was coming along. I laughed, and asked her if it counted that I had tested my headlamp skills by starting out while it was still dark, slogging through deep shoe - sucking trail mud, uphill and down, crossing a half dozen streams without changing out of trail runners and doing it all at a ratio of one gal to four guys (seems about right). She responded that yes, it counts, and I'm probably ready for just about anything. I sure hope so...only time will tell.
Date: 2015-03-22
To: crossroad
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As the day of my departure approaches, I feel as though I am nearing a crossroad, or junction, at which the choice to proceed in a certain direction becomes imperative. It is the decision to leave behind what is familiar and comfortable and known, and all who are loved. And so today was a day for visiting with family and a sense of farewell. There will be more of this in the days to come. And then a step forward, into the new pathway of adventure.
Date: 2015-03-23
To: shoes
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I haven't really described myself much, as of yet, but I promise to go back and say more in the "about" section soon. Keep checking. In the meantime I will add random bits and pieces. Today's photo is of the last 2 shoes I designed for Ballet in Cleveland, a non-profit that presents world-class dance in our area. I'm privileged to work with them as an artist creating custom accessories for their Etsy shop. You may wonder what that has to do with hiking the AT. Well, this: the bit of cash I earned doing ballet pointe shoes for people across the US, Canada, and a few other continents bought all of my hiking gear. It's a bit ironic, if you consider it; satin slippers in exchange for wool socks, hiking shoes, down jacket, and miniature stove. Opposite ends of the spectrum.I'm thinking the Trail may be a bit like that too. Breathtaking beauty in exchange for rugged conditions and sometimes unfavorable terrain. I'm in.
Date: 2015-03-24
To: destination unclear
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

"If you put on a backpack and started walking towards Russia on April 3rd, where would you be after 90 days?" That is the question I asked the "offshore" "specialist" I talked to on the phone who was, btw, connected to me from Manila, the Philippines, trying to explain to him that I cannot quite pin down my itinerary to that degree in order to make firm travel plans with my credit card provider. I dont, for example, want to arrive in "somewhere" USA, go into an outfitter to replace a major gear item, and have my card denied. I'm trying to cover all my bases here, but apparently my itinerary is only allowed to contain 5 locations, or states, at a time. The gentleman asked if at some point I would have internet connection along the way so that I could call them and keep them updated. Right. As if that will be the first thing on my agenda when I arrive in town hungry, dirty, and with a very low phone battery. Such is life preparing to hike the AT for 5 or 6 months. I will no longer fit the standard criteria for much of anything, I suppose. Where do you plan on being in 90 days?
Date: 2015-03-25
To: first
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My first exposure to the AT was this book. The first time I read it I was intrigued and amused but thought it was something I could never do. When the book first came out, I would have been correct. But since then, I have become stronger physically and mentally. Technology has provided me with lighter, more compact gear options. Not to mention my cell phone, without which I'm pretty sure my family and friends wouldn't allow me to venture out. It will be interesting to see if I can finish my thru hike before the book comes out in movie form...
Date: 2015-03-26
To: tapestry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When I think about the entirety of my AT hike, my mind often races to Katahdin, where I hope to someday stand triumphantly at the summit. But today I am especially mindful of the success it is that I am even beginning. It has taken a crew of people who are gifted with very specific talents and skills to get me to this point of "take off", like a richly woven tapestry, and words cannot express my gratitude to each and every one of them. So here is my little version of the Academy Awards: shout out to Nick and Tyler, for taking on my dream with me in the early stages; to Matt, Melody, Lexie, Kristin, and Doug, for getting me through rehab last year, and then to Tony, Kevin and Ryan, for training me back up; to Paula, for use of the backyard; to Nick, for the Smokies; to those who stood by me with encouragement and support through my storm: Lana, Ruth, Dianne, Patty, Debbie, Dorla, Eric, Penny, Amy, Kristin, Lynn, Diane, Louisa, Jessica, Allison, Melody, Sean, Beth & Dave, Barb & Craig, Martha, Becky, Debbie, David, Diana, Michelle, Nick, Maryann, and Paul. Thanks to my lawyer, Roe. Tax expert, Jeff. Realtor, Sandy. Investment guy, Mike. To Gretchen, for her listening ear, and place of refuge. To Tim and Brittany for buying my house. Many thanks to the great people who helped me move and settle in: Nick, Jed, Jack, Kurt, Nathan, Craig, Steve, Alek & Cindy, Tony, Kevin, Ryan, Debbie, Melody, Allison, Brown, 2 men and a truck, and the nice lady at U-haul.To Lisa and Amanda at my bank, and Beverly and Kelly for help with insurance. Tyler and Abe, Jason and Diane for fitting my car to my garage. And to Nick for being my own personal shuttle service to the Trail. If I forgot anyone, my apologies,..I'm sure I'll be doing more of this at the end. Mostly, I am grateful to the One who is everything that I need.