morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-02-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,        We have a new grandson, Zachary Steven Root, and here is the e-mail I received form my son, ¢Here is our newest pip squeak: Born 2/8/06, 6 lbs 14 oz, 19 1/4 inches. Doing wonderful! God has truly blessed us again!¢         Matt and Shelley Root        We rejoice in this and we give God Praise!!! We are going up this weekend to visit with the little guy and our granddaughters.        I put in 6 hours yesterday with 35lbs on the ¢old¢ back, it felt pretty good. It was a little chilly till I got going and I warmed up. The temp was 16 degrees and the chill factor was 6. The temp warmed up during the day, but the wind also increased. I still enjoyed the day though.         I went through all the Trail maps the last couple of days numbering them and put them in order from south to north, so my wife can put them in my mail drops as I need them.Still trying to figure miles per day and where mail drops will be. I am sure some of that will change as I am hiking.         So long for now, YBIC, Jericho
Date: 2006-02-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,We had a great weekend visiting with our youngest son¢s family. We got to see the new grandson and his sisters. We are going to see my oldest son¢s family this coming weekend. It makes you think about how special these visits are when you are about to leave for 5 12 months.Thanks to Socks and Slow Down on their information on mail drops. It seems to be taking me a little while to figure these out. I am sure I will have to adjust while on the trail. Started to break in my last pair of new boots this morning, Crestas, through LL Bean, they seemed to feel pretty good for the hour I had them on.Jericho
Date: 2006-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,         It is a little under a month and counting down to Day # 1 of the A.T. Hike and the beginning of an adventure and mission of a lifetime. The hike hasn¢t started yet and I am already experiencing trail angels. I am a barber and my customers have been blessing me with promises of prayers while I am on the trail. One young lady told me her Sunday Scholl Class of young children are praying and will continue to pray for me while on the trail. I have had many customers give me and extra $10 or $20 to spend on a meal while in Trail Towns. A few have given me gift cards for places like Cracker Barrel. I am very thankful and grateful for these acts of love.         We had a winter party for a group of hikers that go to the Smoky Mountains every fall. We shared in food, fun and fellowship for the evening. One of our members put together a DVD of pictures and music of the trip we took last fall. It was great!!! There were about 30 people that attended and they stopped in the middle of the evening and took time to pray for me. It was very inspiring to hear many different people lift up prayers for me in the name of Jesus!!        I put in a few miles backpacking and camping out over the weekend. It was a pretty good test. Last night temperature was 15 degrees with a pretty strong wind. Chill factor was 4 degrees. My pack weight without water was right at 30lbs. with about 4 lbs of water I will be real close to the 35 lbs I was hoping for. I can probably shave a little of that off. We will see.        God bless you, Jericho
Date: 2006-03-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,Little less than 3 weeks and counting down. I headed out to the Caesar Creek Lake area for some backpacking over the weekend. It was a little cool, but the weather was beautiful. I heard some wild turkey and coyotes through the night. In the morning some wild turkeys came with-in 30 feet of my tent. Had a couple small equipment problems, but that was part of the reason for the trip. Making some minor equipment changes and getting rid of a few small items. Came home on Sunday afternoon and went out to Stillwater Prairie to put in a few more miles with the pack on my back.         Jericho
Date: 2006-03-16
To: Mail Drops
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,I am taking over the dinning room. Getting ready for mail drops. We are putting together the first few weeks of food, maps, and etc. We visited with our youngest son Matt and family over the weekend. We enjoyed the visit and said some good-byes. We will be seeing my oldest son, Doug¢s family this weekend at my mom¢s 75th birthday party. The A.T. trip is seeming more realistic all the time. I am going to put in a few miles today. Only 9 more days till the hike begins. WOW!!!! Help me Jesus!!!!Your friend, Jericho
Date: 2006-03-19
To: Happy Hiker!!!
Miles today: 0.0

¢This a day the Lord hath made I will rejoice and be glad in it¢Saturday was my last day working( for 6 months) and I was out hiking by mid afternoon and my wife snapped this picture. As I write this journal(on Sunday evening) I am overcome with emotion as God¢s goodness and grace has flowed my way all weekend. To tell you the truth, over the last two months the Lord has blessed me above and beyond anything I deserve. So many have extended caring and loving actions of prayer, encouraging words, even financial support for this adventure. Our church family asks us to stay for both worship services and have my wife(Sharon) and I to come forward, as many deacons and friends came forward to lay hand on us and pray for us. The adult Sunday School class I have taught for many years then took my wife and me out for lunch( it always taste better when someone else pays the bill). We then got to see most of my family members at my mom¢s 75th birthday party.We had a great time and got to say good-bye to everyone.         This evening we spent a couple of hours with barbers that are covering my barber shop while I am gone. I ask God¢s blessing on each of them, Allen Wagoner, Beth Foster and Ron Miller.        Hey I got to run or I mean hike!! 5 days till we leave 6 days till I hike.                Jericho
Date: 2006-03-24
To: Praise the Lord!!
Miles today: 0.0

Praise the Lord!!        March 24th, we leave this morning for Springer Mtn. The adventure is not just beginning; it began a long time ago. It began with a God given desire in my heart to do something a little different. Hike the Appalachian Trail. It has been a faith stretching experience, with many prayers answered, acts of love, support and encouragement of all kinds. I am sure those will continue. I want to give and receive all that God desires for me on the hike. I have no idea whether or not I can finish the hike, but with the Lord¢s help we will give it everything we have.        Surprise, surprise, we were supposed to leave this morning with my wife Sharon and my youngest son Matt. It pleased me to find out a couple of days ago my favorite mother-in-law Rita (78 years old & my only mother-in-law), and person I love dearly is going along and actually going to hike the first 2 miles with us. Then last night the front door bell rang and my oldest granddaughter, Sidney(8 years old) was standing at the front door(she lives 220 miles from here). Sid is going along and hiking the first 2 miles also.I also got to talk with my 2 oldest grandsons, Alex and Parker. My mom visited yesterday along with many other phone calls and visitors. Praise the Lord it was great!!!        I will keep the web page updated with the help of my oldest son Doug as often as I can get the daily journals to him. I hope you all enjoy the journey with me. God bless you and thanks for your support and interest.        YBIC, Jericho
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Terminus, Springer Mtn.

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Morning weather:cold, snow flurriesTemp.: 25 degrees, chill factor 11 degreesBreakfast: oatmealStarted hiking @7:55amLunch: gorp, animal crackers, cheese crackersTrail description: little snow & ice a couple of good climbs, not too badPeople: One foot(62 years old), Grey Goose(68 years old), both thru hikersAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: 40 degrees, mostly cloudyFinished hiking @ 3:55pmDinner: Mac/cheese,Mashed potatoes & tunaPraises & thoughts: God grants us the desire of our hearts. He made it possible for this hike to happen & I give Him praise!!I am very thankful my wife Sharon, mother-in-law Rita, my son Matt and granddaughter Sidney all hiked the first .9 of a mile with me to begin the hike.Other info: I ran into a couple of christians today and was also able to share my faith with a young couple and plant a few seeds.God Bless, Jericho
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Morning weather: clear, coldTemp.: 25 Breakfast: oatmealStarted hiking @9:15 amLunch: trail mix, snacksTrail description: up & down not badPeople: zero fallsAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: 40 on windy side of mtn., 50 on calm side of mtnFinished hiking @5:15Dinner: tuna, noodles, mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: God is good. I had a good time of worship today.Other info:Blood Mountain is the highest peak on Georgia's portion of theAppalachian Trail and the state's sixth highest mountain. The BloodMountain Wilderness is the first designated wilderness area along theAppalachian Trail as the hiker heads north toward Maine. Some believe thename came from a bloody battle between the Cherokee Indians and CreekIndians long before white men arrived in the area. Other theories tracethe name to red lichen or Catawba rhododendron growing on the rockysummit at 4,461 feet
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Rock Spring Top
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Morning weather: Sunny & cool Temp.: 30Breakfast: Breakfast bars & GorpStarted hiking @8:04 amLunch: Ate 2 Chicken Pot Pies and 2 Gateraids at Neel's GapTrail description: Blood Mtn was a good climb & great view.People: no new hikers, the operators at Neel's Gap were very helpfulAnimals: I just heard a pack of coyotes while writing this at7:35pmAfternoon weather: 50 degrees & sunnyFinished hiking @ 5:45pmDinner: tuna, noodles & mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: I got to talk twice to my wife Sharon today. Got a shower and washed my clothes today. At home I wouldn't mention it, but out here it seems like big deal.Praise GOD FOR A GOOD DAY!!!!Other info: Neels GapThe only building that the A.T. actually passes through.Mountain Crossings @ Walasi-YiLocated 32 mi. from the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail atNeel's Gap, Mountain Crossings is a "friend along the way" for theAppalachian Trail Hiker. From our full line of hiking gear and footwearto the comforts of hostel facilities (up to 16 guests) including showers,laundry and groceries, Mountain Crossings is stocked with supplies,support and first hand knowledge of the AT.
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Rock Spring Top

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning weather: some rainTemp.: 48Breakfast: trail barsStarted hiking @7:53amLunch: beef jerky, animal crackers,cheese crackersTrail description: steep tough climb out of Testnatee Gap it raised 400 feet in half a mile, there was some rough rocky trail as I neared Blue Mtn.People: met Davey Do(trail name)Animals: none(did see a Tiger Swallow buterflyAfternoon weather: 58 , sunny and warm, hiked in shorts in afternoonFinished hiking @5:08 pmDinner: mac & cheese, tuna, mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: I am tired tonight, but I spent a lot of time alone with Jesus today, we had a great conversation & I praise Him.I got to talk with my wife Sharon this morning. God is good!!!Other info:I ran into some section hikers today. They ask if I was a thru hiker. When I said yes, they said they wouldn't want to because they liked to hike for the fun of it. I told them I was having a blast of a good time. They wished me good luck and I said, I didn't want to be rude, but I didn't need good luck because I was hiking with Jesus.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Morning weather: sunny , pleasantTemp.: 55Breakfast: breakfast bars, animal crackers, dried fruitStarted hiking @ 8:12amLunch: 2 hot dogs, Cheetos, half an apple, soft drinkTrail description: typical mountains, a couple of tough climbs and some steep downs. 12.2 might not sound like a lot, but it was a tough day.People: started with Mark & Dave, we got seperated, but ended at the same spot. They are doing a section and have 2 more days. I will miss them.Animals: noneAfternoon weather: sunny & 70 degrees, hiked in shorts and a t-shirtFinished hiking @ 5:00 pmDinner: chicken flavored noodels, mashed potatoes, tunaPraises & thoughts: About 12:00 noon I experienced my 1st Trail Magic by what is called Trail Angels. Some former Thru Hikers from 2004, Holger, Bunny, Carefree & Freedom set up a table and full camp with a little kitchen & were feeding this year's Thru Hikers lunch. Praise God it was like manna from heaven. I was really thankful.   I have had many chances to share my faith in Christ with many hikers. This morning I was able pray with a hiker, for them & their spouse for some health problems. The hiker said they were hiking to find peace in their life. I told them the only way I have found peace is through the Prince of Peace the Lord Jesus Christ.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Bly Gap (Old Tree)
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning weather: partly cloudy,windyTemp.: 48Breakfast: dried fruit, trail barsStarted hiking @ 7:33amLunch: beef jerky, snacksTrail description: tough hike, long climbs, I'm tiredPeople: Caveman, Smokey T, & One DayAnimals: NoneAfternoon weather: sunny & warm, 70 degreesFinished hiking @ 4:35pmDinner: mac & cheese, tuna, mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: I had a lot of time alone with Jesus this afternoon. I had some good chances to share my faith in Christ. I had a fellow that has two brothers that he says are Christians, but he says they try to force Christ down his throat and he says he will never believe in Christ or the Bible. But he says he would like to talk with me again.God knows his name, pray for him.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Bly Gap (Old Tree)

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Morning weather: cloudy,Temp.: 60Breakfast: dried fruit, breakfast barsStarted hiking @ 9:22amLunch: Gorp(gobs of raisins & peanuts), beef jerky, cheese crackersTrail description: tough climb to start day, long climb up to 5498 feet on Standing Indian Mtn in afternoonPeople: Dan, SeattleAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: little rain, temp dropped to 54Finished hiking @ 6:00pmDinner: butter noodles, mashed potatoes, tunaPraises & thoughts: Hiker by the trail name of One Day gave me a Sniker Candy Bar. I listened to some great praise music all afternoon. Hiked with Dan a fair amout today. He is thinking about quitting. I tried to encourage him, but he has to make the decision.   It is raining as I sign off with Psalm 36:5, "Your love O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies."
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin NC
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Morning weather: rain, then clearingTemp.: 48Breakfast: trail bars, trail magic of pancakes & orange sodaStarted hiking @ 7:05amLunch: gorp, animal crackers, beef jerkyTrail description: steep climb up Albert Mtn. to fire tower @ 5220 feet, several other ups & downsPeople: Trail Magic at Bear Pen Gap by Gatoaide & Fishin Fred (former thru hikers), pancakes & orange sodaAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: sunny & 72Finished hiking @ 3:13 pmDinner: Pork Chops, Cheeseburger, salad, & rootbeer in Franklin, NCPraises & thoughts: I am a little tired & leaning on Jesus to get me throughOther info: Shared a room with Dan from Illinois tonight. Homer & Therese Witcher, thru hikers in 2002 gave us a soda & a 10 mile ride into Franklin
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin NC

To: Spring campsite just past Wayah Bald
Miles today: 10.5

Morning weather: clear and coldTemp.: 41Breakfast: oatmeal & donutStarted hiking @ 11:00 had to wait on a shuttle out of FranklinLunch: trail bars, snacks & some trail magicTrail description: crossed over Wayah Bald near Franklin NC. Not to bad, normal ups & downsPeople: Atom, Seattle, Almost There, Just Phil, SnickersAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: 4 hours of rain 60 degreesFinished hiking @ 5:45pmDinner: rice, tuna, mashed potatoes, it was good!!!Praises & thoughts: Had a good time of praise & worship on the trail.Psalm 25:1-2 "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul, in You I trust, O my God."   Had a prayer with my room mate before he left the trail to go home.Other info: It was good to get into town to pick up a few things. I ran out of TP. What is TP. I'll give you a hint. I was using leaves & then swithched to a sock. Hey, you have to adjust and be innovative. Anyway I have some TP now.    There are several hikers having to drop off the trail, some to rest, some to quit & go home.      I received some trail magic from the," Garbage Bag Gang", not their real name, I just stuck them with it because they were wearing garbage bags to keep the rain off.They were actually the Spartanburg Baptist Ministries. They were a very nice group of young folks. May God bless them for being the hands of Jesus. **Note - Be sure to check the photos section of this site as Dad is emailing me photos from his phone when possible. Also I've added a trail map photo with a yellow line showing his progress. You can see a full size progress map at: http://www.the-roots.com/Hike.htmDoug
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Spring campsite just past Wayah Bald

To: Nantahala River (NOC)
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

Morning weather: Stormed all night, high winds, hail, lighting, it was kind of neatTemp.: 50Breakfast: Trail barsStarted hiking @ 9:32amLunch: Beef Jerky, gorp, cheese crackers, animal crackersTrail description: 2 big climbs, Copper Ridge Bald 5200 feet & Wesser Bald 4630 feet and a big drop into the NOC from 4630 feet down to 1740 feet, one tough long day.People: Billy Goat, Pi & C'acheAnimals: snakeAfternoon weather: 62 degrees, some rain, hail & high windsFinished hiking @ 6:15pmDinner: Cheese Burger, Fries & 2 SpritesPraises & thoughts: The weather was really nasty last night. In a small tent you can feel very vulnerable, but I had a real peace & even enjoyed it. God is good & the Prince of Peace, Jesus is with me.Other info: I am real tired. I actually had a pile of hail about 12 inches long & 2 inches deep that came off my tent this morning.http://www.the-roots.com/Hike.htm
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Nantahala River (NOC)

To: Unamed Knob
Miles today: 16.9

Morning weather: CLEAR COLDTemp.: 40Breakfast: tuna, trail barsStarted hiking @ 7:15amLunch: gorp, beef jerky, animal crackersTrail description: big climb out of Nantahala 3,322 feet elevation gain in 8.1 miles then a lot of ups and downsPeople:no new peopleAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: clear and cool 52 degreesFinished hiking @ 7:07 pmDinner: mac and chese, mashed potatoes, tunaPraises & thoughts: I was alone with Jesus most of the day. I was singing some praise songs and became so aware of His presence I could do nothing but weep for several minutes, I praise Him!http://www.the-roots.com/Hike.htm
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Unamed Knob

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Morning weather: clear & coolTemp.: 40Breakfast: tuna & breakfast barsStarted hiking @ 8:07 amLunch: Gorp, beef jerky, sniker, cheese crackersTrail description: an 800 foot elevation gain from Cable Gap Shelter up to High Top in 1.1 miles & several other ups & downs. Not a real tough hike, but on tired legs it seemed tough enough. I am ready for a couple of zero days with my wife in Gatlinburg.People: Met 2 Southbound thru hikers, they started at the north end last summer & should finish their thru hike in a couple of weeks. Southpaw started last July 15 & Bemis started last Aug. 3.Animals: Whitetail deerAfternoon weather: 70 degrees & sunnyFinished hiking @ 2:00 pmDinner: Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, large fries, Sprite in Cherokee on way back to Gatlinburg with my wife & mother-in-law.Praises & thoughts: Jesus has been a great hiking partner. I can't hike too fast or too slow for Him. He sticks with me no matter what. I have been tired the last couple days and He has got me through. God is good!!!Other info: I got to Fontana Dam a day early & was going to surprise my wife & mother-in-law who were in Gatlinburg. They were going to pick me up Thursday at 10:00 am. My idea was to hitch a ride to Gatlinburg from Fontana. It did not happen, after 2 hours I did pay someone $2 to get me to a pay phone(no cell phone signal) so I could call my wife to come & get me. So much for surprises. When she got there I was able to give a little trail magic in the form of a 2 mile ride to Pi, K'ache & Billie Goat. http://www.the-roots.com/Hike.htm
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Fontana Dam

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

My body needed the rest(True rest is found in God alone, Psalm 62:1, "My soul finds rest in God alone") and it is great to to spend time with my wife & mother-in-law.    Went through my back pack today & got rid of a few things to cut down on weight & volume. Did some maintance work on my tent a few other items. It was a busy day, but I got a lot done.   We ate a big breakfast & a big afternoon meal.   My pocketmail device will not handle the large volume of e-mails I have been receiving, so they are being sent to my wife and she is printing them & getting them to me.Thanks for all the encouragments & prayers, they are needed. This has been the biggest physical & mental challenge of my life, but it is helping me to grow spiritually and I praise the Lord for that.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Hey brothers, sisters & friends, I am enjoying my second zero day in Gatlinburg with my wife & mother-in-law. I have had two AYCE meals(that is All You Can Eat), one at Ponderosa & the other at Shoney¢s. We ate at No Way Jose's for a Mexican dinner this evening.Did a little more work on my gear today & put my pack back together to get ready to go back on the trail Saturday(tomorrow) morning. I put several coats of Sno Seal (Bees Wax) on my hiking boats to help protect the leather and hopefully make them last a little longer. I took one of my mail drops to the Happy Hiker in Gatlinburg to pick up when I get to Newfound Gap( hopefully a hitch for a ride will be easier than from Fontana Village). I took the other mail drop to the Post Office to send to Hot Springs for my following mail drop.It was nice to be able to have devotions with my wife this morning. A Godly wife is a blessing to have. I will miss my wife, family and friends. It will be 2 months before I can see Sharon(my wife ) again. However I am ready to go back out on the A.T.You might want to check out the previous daily journals for new pictures.God¢s blessing to you all,Jericho
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Morning weather: drizzelTemp.: 54Breakfast: donuts, fruit punchStarted hiking @ 10:00amLunch: Gorp, Beef jerky, pecan pie, cheese crackers, animal crackersTrail description: long steady climb out of Fontana & usual ups & downs People: A whole shelter full of peopleAnimals: noneAfternoon weather: temperature dropped a few degrees, heavy rain, hail, 48 degreesFinished hiking @ 5:15 pmDinner: cheezy twist noodles with bread crumbs, mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: The Lord can help us through difficult days. Todays weather made the hike very difficult, but the most difficult thing today was saying good-bye to my wife, Sharon knowing it could be 8 weeks before I see her again. The 2 days we had together in Gatlinburg was great. It was hard to say good-bye.Other info: The trail bed was running full of water & I was wet from my nose to my toes. I was glad I had dry clothes in my pack to put on. I can see how hypothermia could be a problem.http://www.the-roots.com/Hike.htm