morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Rocky Run Shelters

To: Pogo Campsite
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

After one of the hottest nights on the trail I awoke early. I slowly packed up early letting the boys sleep in. I really dont know how Zac and Q slept in the heat but as usual they did not complain. The heat for me was unbearable.Zac, Q, Stucco, and I left camp and started our 4 miles to the Washington Monument (not the same one thats in DC). The boys were a little sore so we walked a little slower but we made it to the monument where Kristi and Scott were waiting for us. We were full of stories and fun little jokes. Afterwards, Kristi and Scott took Stucco and I and the boys to pizza joint in Boonesboro, MD (can you say trail magic?). Totally nice of them. It also gave me a chance to talk to Kristi about CCA and next year. Looks like we have some great things planned!We said our goodbyes at about 3pm. Stucco and I proceeded up to the picnic pavilion (.1 mile from the parking lot) where we lounged for a few hours out of the hot sun. We eventually started our hike and ended up camping at Pogos Campsite after a low mileage day of 10.7 miles.To be honest, I was kind of sad to see them go. I wish they could have stayed longer. It is so nice to see how the boys are so willing to try new things and how they they are maturing as responsible young Christian adults. It was also very awesome to see their awesomely kind principal drive them all the way from TX to MD to share a part of my journey with me. Kristi and Scott are truly kind and loving people. Once again, Im reminded how honored I am to be associated with CCA. Its God's work at his best.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Duncannon PA

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

First, I want everyone to know that Ive lost the last 5 days worth of blogs. Gotta love my phone. They are totally erased. Not very happy about it but I cant do anything about it. I will tr to fill in the missing dates when I get to Port Clinton, PA and get my computer.Anyways, we woke up at the Doyle Inn in Duncannon. We ate breakfast and got groceries. We werent sure what we were going to do. Did we want to take a zero or hike on? Eventually, it boiled down to the fact that there was nothing to doin Duncannon. We lounged around for several hours at the Doyle Inn. We just sat on the balcony porch making calls etc. Finally, with loaded packs we headed to a pizza joint. We didnt actually hit the trail til 5pm.After a humid ascent uphill we landed on a spot to watch many fireworks shows. On PA 225 we sat on top of a mtn watching fireworks and talking. It was so nice to have this unique 4th of July. I think that I will remember this one for the rest of my life.We didnt make it to the next shelter until 1245am. Thats very late. Too late for me. Too much night hiking!In Him. Gnite
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Unknown
Miles today: 18.0

Due to last nights late arrival we did not take off until 10am this morning. The late start meant that we would be walking in the hot afternoon sun. I mean, what can you do you know?We had a sweet surprise when we got to PA 325 (road). Bag O Tricks had Trail Magic there waiting for us. After gorging ourselves on Gatorade and chips we set back off 1 1/2 hours later. Getting a surprise like that on such a hot day does wonders to a thru hiker.So I mainly walked with Stucco today. But I sensed something in her today. You see, us thru hikers are out here for so many different reasons. Some days its nice to walk alone in your own thoughts without anyone around. I sensed today was that day for her so after Trail Magic I lagged behind so that she was 20 mins ahead. I realized I get like that too so its nice to be able to see that need in one another. We eventually caught back up after several hours and she seemed quite refreshed.So thats it. After my 18 mile day Im pretty tired. Water sources in PA are few and far between so Im drinking when I can at night. Thats all for tonight. Praise Him.
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, today was a good ole zero day. I obviously needed one. Honestly, I'm still a little nervous about hiking but I tried to nourish myself with food and fluids. However, I'm not sure if it worked. I really wish I could take a zero day today but its just not in the budget. Oh well. I'll take it slow and steady. I just want to be out of PA...or just have the sun not beat down on me so much.I do want to make sure everyone knows that I am still loving this trip and theres no way I'm leaving. I am just going to take better care of myself. The other day's experience has made me a lot more appreciative of everything I've got and how quickly it can be taken away from me. Well, its time to pack up. I'll try to update everything as soon as I can. Don't forget to check out my videos and if you want to see all of my photos, I post them on Facebook. Look up Gregory Stevenson (I just outted myself with my real name haha) and make me your friend. I love sharing my journey with the world.Because of Him, I am who I am.
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Port Clinton

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

After having full intentions of hiking out of town Scatters, Stucco, and I decided we needed another zero day. We were that beat up still from the other day.We didnt do much. We got a room at the Port Clinton Hotel. We crashed awhile and watched A League of Their Own. At 8pm I made them watch Titanic cuz I love chick flicks. We eventually all fell asleep.See? Nothing that exciting. Going to bed. In Him.
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: moderate rain

We had to check out of our room by 9am. Really, Port Clinton Hotel? I got the sense that hikers were a major inconvenience to the hotel owners by the way we were treated but I would guess that we make up a majority of their business. Anyways, we were out the door by 9am sharp. I had that same feeling you get when you were a kid when you were forced to go to school...you dont wanna go but you dont have a choice So went hiking....in the rain. Yes, the rain. Grrrrrr. But it was a lot cooler out so I cant overly complain.I pretty much hiked all day and listened to music. I wasnt sure how my blisters would handle the rain and rocks. Surprisingly, I felt really good. I hiked 16.1 miles pretty much going to a great pace. I was the first one in at the Eckville Shelter and I claimed a bunk. Stucco and Scatters soon followed. Its good to be back on the trail. Honestly though, Im just trying to get through PA asap. Not a huge fan of the rocks. Overall though, just being back is great.All in His glory. Gnite world.Ps. Sorry for all of the spelling mistakes and typos. Just like most of my other hiking equipment, my phone's keypad is breaking. The 'A', 'E', and spacebar buttons are broken. Anyone have Tmobile and wanna trade their awesome phone for mine???
Date: 2010-07-11
From: Eckville Shelter

To: PA 309
Miles today: 11.5

PA rocks!!! No, its not an awesome description of PA Its a literal description! Boy, these rocks are quite an adventure. Im tired of rock hopping and stepping on jaggedy edged rocks. Ok, just thought everyone needed to know my love for the PA trail system. Anywho, we got out of the Eckville Shelter at 7am exactly. Honestly, since it was in the 70s for temperature, I felt like a million bucks. We absolutely flew today! I had 11.5 miles done by noon. This included a 4 mile hour which is my fastest yet. Yay weather, yay no blisters, yay feeling good, and yay loving the trail.We ended hiking at noon when Stucco's brother, Dan, picked us up and took us to a hotel in Lehighton, PA. He is visiting and so we went and watched the World Cup finals. Congrats Spain. So in all honesty, Ive stayed in a motel or hotel 3 of 4 of the last nights. Just happens that way I guess. I need to get hiking and get out of PA.Thats all. Thank you to everyone who reached out to me about my dehydration from the other day. Im really grateful for my friends. Im completely healthy and wont be taking any more heat related chances again...I hope. Thank you, God!
Date: 2010-07-12
From: PA 309

To: George W Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Scatters, Stucco, Dan (Stucco's bro), and I awoke in our hotel room at 8am after a night of watching Forrest Gump twice, Remember the Titans, and Dumb and Dumber. Quite an evening if you ask me. It was nice to see Dan and we really enjoyed our time in another hotel room. Now, its crunctime. No more hotel/motels for a long time!After errands and getting our act together we didnt hit the trail til 230pm. Pretty late to start but it was better than nothing. Nothing great to report other than the usual PA rocks etc! However, at about mile 9 of our 12.7 mile the skies opened up on us and a torrential rain fell upon my body. I got soaked to the bone!!PA is funny. One day I become dangerously close to dehydration due to no water and the next Im soaked with horrible rain. Its all part of the experience right?So now, Im in George W Outerbridge Shelter and about to go to sleep listening to the rain. Does this mean the streams wont be dried up tomorrow???Never Wavering for Him
Date: 2010-07-13
From: George W Outerbridge Shelter

To: Travel Inn Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: moderate rain

We were out the door at around 815am under overcast conditions. I wasnt really sure what the weather was but my instincts told me rain. We got to Lehigh Gap where we literally had to rock climb up 800 feet. This bolder scrambl would be dangerous in the rain or terrible sun but we had neither so it was actually kind of enjoyable. We proceeded on....and guess what happened? The flood gates opened on us at around 11am. This downpour rained on us for about 4 hours. I got soaked to the bone. Most of my stuff did too. I hate the constant wet feeling and since there wasnt any sun we couldnt dry anything.I did the only reasonable thing I could do...I reached out for help for a place to stay so I could dry my stuff out etc. Cyndi from Texas came to the rescue. She got us a room at the Travel Inn in Wind Gap, PA. Quite a nice thing to have after a 21.3 mile wet walk. Thanks Cyndi!! So, Stucco, Scatters, Power Pack, Deetz (we met up with them in the afternoon) and I all piled into this motel room.How am I holding up lately? Honestly, Im ready to be done with PA. Not a fan of the rocks. I havent slept well lately either so Im always exhausted. Other than that Im doing good.All for Him.
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Travel Inn Wind Gap, PA

To: Church of the Mtn. Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

You ever had one of those days where you make a big oops and you cant blame anyone else?? Yeah, that was me today! One Life, please tell us the story. Ok, if you insist. So, we woke up and were on the trail by 930am. Our objective? Good ole Delaware Water Gap, PA or DWG. Its right on the NJ border. Scatters had some friends and fam there with lots of food so it was a great incentive to hike 15.8 from Wind Gap to DWG. Our hike consisted of rain and rocks. Really? Thats a new one...not really. Nothing of great awesomeness happened EXCEPT I was climbing on a boulder and I had me a spill. I slipped and got my leg wedged between two rocks. My body fell to the left while my leg stayed still and my poles went flying. I wasnt sure if I had leg anymore as I sat awkwardly on a rock with Stucco staring at me. Miraculously, I was fine. I must be a tough cookie....not even an ounce of pain. Back to my big whoops. So I got seperated from everyone. I came to DWG without knowing it. Why? Cuz I thought DWG was a bigger town. What did I do? I hiked right through the middle of town and two miles over the bridge to New Jersey. I expected a town on the other side so when there was woods instead I grew suspicious. I called Scatters who let me in on my blunder. I walked two miles into NJ only to find out that we are staying at a church hostel in PA.So there ya go. I technically made it to NJ but I shall sleep in PA due to my mistake. I just cant get away from PA!! PA, you and I are breaking up!! Im leaving and never hiking you again!No matter what Ive got God.
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Church of the Mtn. Hostel

To: Right before Rattlesnake Mt.
Miles today: 21.5

WARNING: this entry contains serious non joking material.Today, my loyal readers, I hiked in Crocs. Why? My feet were so swollen from the night hike that I was getting blisters. Ouch. So, I decided to Croc it today. This caused me to be a bit slower which is why Im camping alone as Stucco and Scatters moved on to the next shelter.So lets chat, author to reader. I gotta be real with you. Today, was the first time I did not enjoy hiking. If I was still in PA, I would totally blame her but since Im not I cant. I dont know what my problem is. Im thinking maybe I need a day or two off. Whatever it is, I think Ive become a Negative Nancy which might be a good reason why Im camped alone. Im really no fun to be around.So instead of continuing my study of the book of Mark I chose Proverbs chapter 3 to read tonight. This chapter makes me feel good in times like now....when Im struggling. Im just going to Trust in the Lord with all of my heart that I will make it through this. Does that sound great to you? More now than ever....Trust in Him
Date: 2010-07-16
From: Right before Rattlesnake Mt.

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

WARNING: this entry contains serious non joking material.Today, my loyal readers, I hiked in Crocs. Why? My feet were so swollen from the night hike that I was getting blisters. Ouch. So, I decided to Croc it today. This caused me to be a bit slower which is why Im camping alone as Stucco and Scatters moved on to the next shelter.So lets chat, author to reader. I gotta be real with you. Today, was the first time I did not enjoy hiking. If I was still in PA, I would totally blame her but since Im not I cant. I dont know what my problem is. Im thinking maybe I need a day or two off. Whatever it is, I think Ive become a Negative Nancy which might be a good reason why Im camped alone. Im really no fun to be around.So instead of continuing my study of the book of Mark I chose Proverbs chapter 3 to read tonight. This chapter makes me feel good in times like now....when Im struggling. Im just going to Trust in the Lord with all of my heart that I will make it through this. Does that sound great to you? More now than ever....Trust in Him
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Brooklyn, NY

To: Brooklyn, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Yay! What a wonderful zero day here in Brooklyn, NY. What burough is this in? Noooo idea (watch my videos to see what I'm talking about). Kidding, I know what burough I'm in...I'm just not telling you. Anywho, Scatters and I spent the night at Scatters Friend's house, Sean and Julia. Stucco spent the night at her friend Dana's apartment (7 blocks away). We awoke and all went to Scatter's other friend Steph's apartment. Did I have any idea where I was the whole time? Nope, I just did what I was told and moved when I was asked to. Other than that we spent the day in Steph's apartment watching movies. It was a mini couch potato city!! So, funny thing happened today. I think I was asked by five different people what my plans were for after the trail. I'm roughly 1338 miles into my trip where I was supposed to figure all of that out and I have no idea. I do know that after spending several hours looking at different football teams' websites that I want to continue playing football. For those of you that don't know I play both arena football and regular football. I'm not ready to retire and I want to keep playing. Plus, I want to take advantage of my great shape so I think I'm going to play. What team? No idea. I'll find one. I'm leaning on outdoor football. But besides football, I have no idea what I'm going to do. Do I return to TX? Do I go somewhere else? Where do I work? What do I want to do? Do I even dare mention getting married one day? I thought I'd be closer to figuring these things out by now but I'm not. I love working with Cornerstone Crossroads Academy so that's a plus to going back to Dallas. Come on AT, you were supposed to magically figure these out for me!!! I wish that all I'd have to put on a resume is that I've hiked the AT and then companies or whatever battle for my employment. That'd be cool right? But, unfortunately, I know that that does not happen and that I have prove myself worthy of a job.   Tomorrow, my friends, we return back to Unionville, NY and back to the trail. Even though we go back to Unionville, NY we are still in the NJ section. We should be out of NJ here in the next few days. I'm looking forward to getting back to the woods. Brooklyn, NY is a complete change from the world of bugs, trees, shelters, mountains, Scatters' smelly pack, constant sweat, and all of the other things that go with hiking. I hope that my feet have healed enough to be ok. I think they have. If they don't work then I was thinking of walking on my hands or using a unicycle but those are tougher methods. In closing of this zero day blog, we only have 800 or so miles left of this trail. Wow, its going by so fast. Am I going to figure out my life before the 800 miles is up? Prolly not but I'll be ok with God on my side. Forever faithful in Him.
Date: 2010-07-21
From: St Thomas Episcopal Church

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Daily mileage: 17Start: St Thomas Episcopal ChurchFinished: Wildcat ShelterWow, where do I begin?? Today was the opposite of yesterday in terms excitement. We got rolling at about ten from the church hostel. This was after I walked to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast of course. We scored an easy hitch and we immediately started hiking upwards. I was full of coffee and donuts so I took my time. After a while I was finally approaching the top of the mtn when I saw Stucco frozen in her tracks. She was looking right into the eyes of a bear.What did we do? We did what any normal sane person would do...we pulled out our cameras. I made a sweet video blog with the bear in it. Ill post it as soon as I can. I consider that video a must see. Anyways, we used our cameras and then moved on. I'm not sure if the bear was ever afraid of us. It just looked at us as if to say with its NJ accent 'yo bro, keep movin'"Believe it or not excitement #2 was way more dangerous. At about 4pm it started pouring rain. All you can really do is keep hiking. However, today we officially crossed into NY. So far, NY has been all cliff walking on rocks. So, put it together. Rocky cliffs and slick rain. At about 6pm, after about an hour in woodsy trail walking, I came to more cliffy type trail. I got to the highest point and I stood there for several minutes praying. Its so beautiful to be able to pray on top of a mtn, it really is. However, I spotted a bolt of lightning so I was quickly on my way. I hadn't walked 20 feet when I slipped.As I was attempting to navigate down a ten foot portion of cliff my right foot slipped. I slid for a few feet, banged my left knee in the rock, and toppled end over end to the ground. Ill spare the suspense...I survived. My left leg was under my body and I was on my back very dazed. I did the poking and wiggling of the leg to check for pain. None. I moved slow. Pheeeew, I was fine. Crisis averted.I hadn't walked another ten feet when I did it again. Only this time I landed on my feet. I was lucky. I spent the next few hours going very slow through the rocks and thinking up "just in case" scenarios if I had snapped my leg in half.So that was today. I promise you I don't make this stuff up. Its just life on the trail. So a few more things. We crossed into NY today. This is the 9th state. Wow. Also, we were supposed to stay at Scatters' cousins ' house tomorrow night but that's not gonna happen. Totally bummed and deflated from that. Oh well, ill get over it.Only because of Him.
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

mileage: 14.7Start: Wildcat ShelterFinish: Fingerboard ShelterI'm tired, everyone. New York is a lot tougher than expected. Its up and down all day with no straight trail. I'm pretty sure these are small tune-ups for the Whites in NH.A couple of tidbits about the AT in NY. First, the bad: I've easily gotten lost over 10 times a day. Its very easy to lose the trail. It can be frustrating so I've gotta pay extra attention. Now the good: there is little to no water but at most of the major road crosses there are jugs of water left by trail angels. It totally makes life so much easier! Thanks guys. Take notes PA.Lastly, I've been battling exhaustion and lack of motivation. I have no idea why. It feels like any days I take off don't really help. I feel tired allllll the time. I wish I didn't. Its starting to take a toll on me. That's it from here. I'm camped all by my lonesome at Fingerboard Shelter after a energy draining 14.7 mile day. I'm getting old.Trust in my Savior. Read Proverbs 15:33.
Date: 2010-07-25
From: Fort Montgomery

To: Sunk Hill Rd.
Miles today: 16.2

I made it out of Fort Montgomery today! We woke up and had breakfast (the Holiday Inn hot breakfast). By 9am I was giving Scatters and Stucco goodbye hugs. It kind of had that 'goodbye for awhile' feel to it. They took off at 9am and I left at 1015am. However, I had to walk the 2 miles from the hotel to the zoo where I had left off the other night. It was a hot walk on Rt 9W but I was on the AT by 11am.Boys and girls, let me advise you on a AT "Don't Do." When washing your clothes do not forget your data (mileage, water locations, next shelter etc) in your pocket. I did that. I had no idea what was ahead of me today. I got lucky though. As I was walking through the zoo I heard a couple hooting and hollering. I turned around and it was directed at me. So I waited for the to catch up. They were Wood and Thrasher (I think that's what their names were)m they are southbound section hikers who were very pleasant to talk to. They gave me the low down on the water situation so I knew what to expect. Thanks guys!How was today's walk? I had a lonely feeling today. I missed Scatters and Stucco. They are my buds but I can't blame them for hiking on. I felt utterly exhausted for the first 5 miles. The climb after crossing the Hudson River was tough but not bad after that. It rained on me like usual but I felt ok for the second half of today. I went really slow and took my time. No rush. I still pumped out 16.2 miles. I'm just a little sad as the majority of thru hikers are passed me so ill be hiking alone a bunch I think.That's it for me. I'm camped alone near some road in NY. No idea what's in store for tomorrow."Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." -Psalm 27:14