morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-01-21
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

A new year has begun. We recieved our new AT calender and have it hanging on our refrigerator here at home. The January picture is of a snow covered Katahdin. It's absolutely breathtaking. We have been to Katahdin three times. Lumbermack has climbed it twice, I have climbed it once to the top, and twice to Hunt Spur. Something about Katahdin draws you to it like a magnet. I have a goal of making a point to go back again soon to the top of that mountain to see it on a sunny day- the day I climbed the weather was bad on top. It cleared off on our way back down and provided some awesome views. We are excited about this years' hike. The Lord willing Lumbermack will complete the AT this year. In 2005 he went from Springer Mt. to where the AT crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway right after Bluff Mt. in VA (where little Otties monument is). Lumbermack and I also hiked from Grafton Notch Maine to Gorham New Hampshire in 2005 for a total of 838 miles for 2005. In 2004 he hiked from Mt. Katahdin to Grafton Notch (253.4 miles). He has hiked about 1091 miles of the AT, I have only conquered about 190 miles, but I have enjoyed every one of them!! Lumbermack hopes to leave sometime in April. He has not decided on the exact day yet. Alot depends on the weather, among other things. This year I will be going by the trail name "Lab Rat" instead of Sunshine. Sunshine seems to be a common trail name so I have decided to go with a name that describes my daily activities. I am an environmental chemist at a water reclamation facility. In other words, I work with wastewater. I have been at it for around 18 years. It is very rewarding to contribute to good stewardship of the environment, which is of interest to me. Lumbermack was given his trail name by a guy called "McNugget" last year. We would love to hear from him again! Lumbermack became notorious for dragging large pieces of wood from the woods to build bonfires with, hence Lumbermack he is. The AT is a special place for us. We are thankful that God has given us the opportunity to enjoy His creation and spend time walking and talking with Him during our time on the trail. We are also thankful to have met the many great people we have met on the trail. At first I really wanted Lumbermack to complete a through hike in 2004, but now I see how nice it has been for him to complete it in long section hikes. So many of the people we started with from Springer last year went all the way to Katahdin, and I admire them for it. They all had the experience of a lifetime, but when I read their jounals I see that some of them hated to see it come to an end. For Lumbermack and I the adventure continues, and we are excited once again about getting back on the AT. We hope to meet many of the new faces we will see this year, and look foward to seeing some familiar faces too (Vitaman and Tim from Ohio maybe!). Who knows? The AT is full of suprises and many blessings.
Date: 2006-01-27
From: Preparation

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A beautiful day in NC today- about 55 degrees and sunny. Earlier this week we had high winds- especially in the mountains. Grandfather Mt. had wind gusts of 200mph, blowing windows out of the lodge area on top and blowing over a 300lb rock (according to news reports). That would have been a bad day to be on the AT. We are already making plans to hike in April. Lumbermack has about 80miles to walk to get to Rockfish Gap in VA right below the Shennandoah NP when he starts back. I hope to meet up with him there and go through the Shennandoah as far as I can in two weeks (maybe 90-100miles). We are feeling great at the moment and are hoping to stay away from the upper respiratory viruses that are roaming around out there right now. It was good to hear from the Missing Kink. We would love to hear from Walt and his two sons (from PA) that we hiked through the Mahoosuc Range in ME/NH last August. We never got an email address, so we don't know how to contact them. We hope you will read our journal and contact us. We are having a mild NC winter so far, I am sure it is not that way in ME/NH (we saw ice in the Mahoosuc Notch in August). 65 dgrees and sunny is the forecast for tomorrow, ah yes- winter in the south.
Date: 2006-01-28
To: preparation
Miles today: 0.0

We are just waiting out the winter for April to get here, although today it felt like spring, the temperature got up to 70 degrees with sunshine. It sure gives you trail fever alright. We are counting the days!! My Valentine gift to Lumbermack, also his birthday gift (Feb 23 Lumbermack will be 63yrs old!), is a poem I wrote in his honor, and in honor of all people who seek to hike the Appalachian Trail. I submitted it to AT Journeys magazine, maybe they will print it sometime. I wanted to share it on trailjournals with our fellow hikers. Here goes:APPALACHIAN DREAMER-Winter winds, they still prevail-as I set out on the Appalachian TrailThe adventure begins as I approach Springer-how many before me all lifetime dreamers?Souls on a mission to see great Katahdin-majestically rising like a staircase towards HeavenMany steps to take, may God give me strength-may I appreciate the beauty, may I give, may I seekTimes of solitude on the ridgetops so high-or fellowship with others at night by the fireSummits and valleys all unique in their form-my feet to trod in sunshine and stormA whispering wind or a rushing gale- a feathered friends' song or a woods creatures' wailA babbling stream or a waterfalls' thunder-to see them all as ahead I plunderFrom Maine to Georgia or Georgia to Maine-for those who are called, they will not refrain'til they finish in pieces, or walk straight thru-it is simply something these dreamers must doHowever one chooses to accomplish this feat-each hike is personal and the outcome is sweetNow I must go, the wind is calling my name-whatever my journey, life will never be the same.... by Kelly Spainhour(Lab Rat 2-2006)
Date: 2006-03-13
From: preparation

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Time is drawing nigh and we aare starting to do some serious preparation talk. We now think that Lumbermack will be leaving on Good Friday (April 14). I will be accompanying him, along with my sister-in-law (Dixie Chicken) and Lumbermack's friend from church, Lee. Lee will be going on with Lumbermack for about a week, me and Dixie Chicken will only be going for one night, sorta as a send off. I just want to be there with him as he begins his hike for moral support and to just feel a part of it. Lumbermack went to REI today to talk to them about his Leki trekking poles. One of them had a crack in the center shaft section ( I guess from the abuse they took in the Mahoosuc range last August). REI replaced them at no charge with no questions asked. Leki realy does honor their lifetime warranty. He also got some new ASOLO boots and some new Vasque boots. He is going to start breaking them in right away. He had his physical today and the doc said he is ready to go! I hope he will pace himself and not try to do 20-25 mile days anymore- I know that is what did him in last year, it was too much on his knees. The weather has been great down south this winter. 85 degrees today. The chillier weather is comming back, but not too chilly, back to the 60's for daytime and 30's for night later this week. We are praying that all goes well this year.
Date: 2006-03-14
To: preparation
Miles today: 0.0

Three weeks from today Lumbermack will be on the trail for two days going in to Seely-Woodworth shelter in VA. This comming Monday will entail a trip to the podiatrist for some fine tuning on the feet. We made a trip to Walmart for some food supply purchases yesterday. Tuna, easy mac, jerkey and such. We have been doing some research on nutritional needs for long-haul hiking and are reading alot about fat-carbohydrate-protien intake. Most of what we have read says that fat intake is very important. Anyone out there have any thoughts on the nutrition issues? Protien is necessary for muscle building, fat and carbs for fuel. What do you think? We are hoping the winter weather will have done its' thing before April 14th. Now is the time to tidy up the loose ends around home and get ready to go. Left to do: check the filter cartridge in the water filter to make sure it is ok, pick up a few more sock liners, and continue to break in two new pair of boots, put together a resupply box for Lab Rat to bring to Harpers Ferry when she meets me towards the end of April. She is going to try to walk with me for a couple of weeks the end of April/1st of May. I also patched up my pack from where a shelter mouse gnawed a hole in it last time I was out(Thunder Hill Shelter). I thought I had all the compartments unzipped in my pack before bedtime but I was mistaken. The little critter made a way in since I didn't leave him one. The excitement is in the air as time to go quickly approaches. May God help me to get to Maine without knee issues. Ta-ta for now....
Date: 2006-04-07
From: preparation

To: Prep
Miles today: 0.0

One week from today is the day! My 06 hike is about to begin. My prayer is that I will be able to complete the AT this year. I have approximately 1100 miles to go. I have been getting my maps together and trying to establish an intenerary of some sort. I am getting very excited and so is Lab Rat. She is cheering me on and lecturing me about not pushing myself too hard like I did last year. I was trying to put in too many high mileage days and putting my knee thru more than it could take. I am going to try to be sensitive to that this year. I hope to meet some of the hikers that I have been keeping up with on Trailjournals this year. I also hope to see some of my former fellow hikers from last year if possible. God bless and Lab Rat will be updating for me.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Blue Ridge Parkway below Punchbowl Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: moderate rain

Started at Parkway At 1230 and arrived at shelter around 1630. Lab Rat and Dixie Chicken went back home because of severe T-storms. Lee and myself hiked in the rain and T-storms but the last three miles were not bad. Sun came out for a while. While I was taking a break, a hiker came up the trail. I spoke to him and asked his trail name, Bone Pack he said. I couldn't believe we met on the first day I was out. Lab Rat and myself were talking just a couple of nights ago that it would be something if we meet. We have been following his journal. He is a Christian. Lee slipped off a log just before the shelter into a creek. Met Robins' Nest and Batman, and Pa-Bert. We are all here at the shelter for the night. Had noodles, bagel with peanut butter and jelly. Wheat thins with cheese and oatmeal cream cookie. There was also some danish and other cakes here at the shelter. Pa-Bert brought marshmallows for roasting. Fixing to hit the sack, long day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seely-Woodworth shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 0615, breakfast of cereal bar and bagel. Walking at 0730 with steep 2500' climb to Bald Knob first thing, it took 4 hours to go 4.5 miles. I was hurting all over and had another 13.5 miles to go with other ups and downs yet to come. Met Jersey and Haleys' Commit as I passed Cow Camp Gap shelter. They along with Ken and Dave stayed there last night. I met Ken and Dave a while later. Jersey and Commit are from Charlotte and Ken and Dave are from Winston -Salem. It was a very hard day today and it took me until 1735 to get to Seely-Woodworth shelter. Lee had been there since 1530. Oh the advantage of youth. Jen (Jennifer) and John were here. They are from Martinsville VA. They are section hiking south. Jersey and Commit have hammocks to stay in, very neat system. 28oz total weight. Had supper of tuna with tortilla shell, PB&J. Feet are really sore tonight. Ready for bed, only planning on 14.5 miles tomorrow to Harpers Creek shelter. Called Lab Rat today from the top of a mountain. It was good to hear her voice. Can't get call out tonight. Will try tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Seely-Woodworth shelter

To: Harpers Creek shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

Easter- praise God for the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ my Savior, and for the assurance that Jesus is with His Father after having victory over death hell and the grave!14.3 miles from Seely-Woodworth to Harpers Creek. Tough climb first thing up the Priest and then a steep down to the river. Met Nexium just before the shelter. Arrived at Harpers Creek shelter at 1630. Supper of tuna with mac/cheese and wheat thins with cheese after filtering water. Lee, Nexium and myself are the only ones' here. Couldn't call home today- no signal since yesterday about noon. Feet sore today, must be carrying extra weight. Nexium had some bag balm so I rubbed some on both feet. Hips and shoulders sore from the pack. Rained some this morning with thunder and lightning, didn't get very wet, and it hasn't rained since. Tired, will hit the sack early.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Harpers Creek shelter

To: Maupin Field
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: light rain

I made a wrong turn and walked at least 1.25 miles extra out of the way because of it, but I can't count those miles! Fog was very thick. started walking in the rain after a good nights' rest. Thundering and lightning early. Rained all day with dense fog. Had a steep 2200' climb up to North Ridge. Cold wet climb. When I finally reached the top of North Ridge, there was a sign telling 2.6 miles to Maupin Field shelter. The trail flattened out and then was steep down to the shelter. The fog was so dense I could hardly see 30'. I was making good time and estimated I would arrive at the shelter at 1200. The trail made a sharp turn with a side trail off to an overlook. The trail was poorly marked in this area and didn't indicate a turn. When I realized I was no longer on the trail, I looked around and saw where the trail turned. I went back to the trail and took off again. I guessed I was about to the shelter and had been going steady up (which I didn't remember being on the map). I saw a sign through the fog and thought "oh-boy!" "shelter sign!". But it said 2.6 miles to shelter. I had gotten turned round in the fog where the overlook was. I had walked back down the trail about 1.25 miles and had to turn around and redo the sme section for the third time! I finally arrived at the shelter at 1300 after walking 2.5 extra miles. Spent over one hour trying to start a fire, I was cold and wet. Couldn't get a fire built, not enough dry wood. Heated some water and had some apple cider and two helpings of oatmeal. I am in my sleeping bag now trying to get warm. Will fix supper soon: Ramen noodles and turn in early. Talked to Lab Rat about 1100, was good to hear her voice. Hoping for better weather tomorrow. ( Mark came in around 2310 and said Nexium was back at Harpes Creek shelter, turning back because of too many boulders)
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Maupin Field

To: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro VA)
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

21 miles from Maupin Field to Rockfish Gap. Long day, but beautiful weather good views going up to and on top of Humpback rock. Left shelter at 0745. Lee passed me shortly after I left. I had passed Mark taking a break at a pull off on the Parkway, Mark caught me and we passed each other a couple of times. Crossed Humpback rock at 1330 with 11 miles to go to Rockfish. Made good time down Humpback to shelter where I stopped to take a break. Left shelter with 5 miles to go to Rockfish. Batman and Robins' Nest and Mark passed me about 3 miles from Rockfish. When I arived at the Gap, Lee was waiting with a ride into town. We got a room at the Quality Inn. A hot shower and a hot meal. Wonderful phone conversation with my lovely wife Lab Rat. tired now going to bed
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro VA)

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke at 0645, dressed and went down for continental breakfast. Called my sister Lucille to check on mom and dad. Waiting for CVS to open to get some supplies. Left Waynesboro at 1030, didn't feel well today. Trying a pair of arch supports insoles today for heel pain. Causing several new hot spots. Arrived at Calf Mountain Shelter at 1430. Sore feet and hips. Resting and enjoying leisure time. Hunter came in at 1545. Robert and Marion Meyer NY/NJ came in, they are out for 10 days celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary. They invited me to call them when I get to NY/NJ border for a home cooked meal and stay. It still amazes me what nice people there are out on the trail. Robins Nest and Batman came in. Had supper of Ramen noodles and tortilla shell with PB&J. Called my sweetheart, wife, and best friend all in one. Going to bed early tonight and try to rest.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Calf Mountain shelter at 0845 after breakfast of oatmeal. Planned 13 mile day to Blackrock hut. Very hot today but feet are doing much better. Crossed parkway several times today. Many great views. Took several pictures. Arrived at Black Mt. shelter after walking 0.2 miles off of the trail to get there, only to find it full of boy scouts and their scout leaders. We had no choice but to filter some water and head on to find somewhere to camp. After another 8 miles we arrived at Loft Mt. and found a flat spot large enough to pitch our tents. Had supper of mac&cheese. Took all my water to fix that and take my vitamins. Hoping to find some water soon tomorrow. 2000 now, going to bed.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Loft Mountain

To: Simmons Gap
Miles today: 7.25

Lab Rat picked me up at Simmons Gap at 1400 after a tiring walk. After the long day yesterday I awoke with rain on my tent about 0530. I was dreading having to pack up in the rain. I got out of my tent about 0630, rain had almost stopped. Had to pack up a wet tent, but I was dry. Started walking about 0730 with an uphill to start with. I had no water and the first water source was about 4 miles further. I passed a camp ground which was still closed for the winter. But I took a chance and walked about .1 miles off the trail to see if there might be water on. I found a house used by Park staff which was occupied. I rang the doorbell and asked the residents if I might get some water from the outside spigot. He allowed me to fill my bottles. I headed on up the trail and met Lab Rat at Simmons Gap. It was cloudy with not many views. I arrived at Simmons Gap at 1230. After about 15 minutes a family came by ( Jim, Teresa, and children) and talked to me for awhile. Jim said they were going to walk up the parkway and that they would try to call Lab Rat if they could get a phone signal. They did and let her know where I was. They came back and told me they had talked to her and she was close. As I was talking to them she pulled up. It ws great to see her and to be getting of the trail for a while for some R&R in a hotel. Now I am clean warm and dry with a zero day coming up tomorrow. Pigging out tonight on italian food.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Zero day in Front Royal VA

To: HIghtop Shelter
Miles today: 6.5

Up at 0500 we both took our last shower(for 5 days?) and hit the hotel cont. breakfast. Packed up and walked over to HWY 340 (left the car at the hotel) and started hitch-hiking. After about 30 minutes a guy stopped and said he would carry us a ways. His name was "Sparky" because he had been struck by lightning before. Sparky is a true "trail angel". He caried us all the wy from Front Royal to Simmons Gap (60 miles?) and asked for nothing in return. Now that's a true trail angel- thanks Sparky for your giving spirit!! People like Sparky can restore one's faith in mankind. We started hiking a bout 0915 and had about 6.5 miles to go to get to the shelter. Not long after starting Mark passed us. We saw some beautiful sites today. saw some deer, but no snakes or bear. We arrived at Hightop around 1230. Mark and Hunter were already there. Lumbermack and I thought about moving on but the forecast for this afternoon is severe T-stroms with hail possible. The next shelter is 11-12 miles away so we decided to stay put. The sun is out now with clouds on the horizon. Something nice about getting into camp early. You can leisurely filter water, snack, build a fire, change clothes, and get a good spot in the shelter. Mark moved on, he's making 20+ mile days. Mark said they kicked him out of the AYCE chinese buffet in Waynesboro. He said after 8 trips to the buffet the owner came up to him and said"you leave now". Hiker appetite I suppose. Wheezer and Wildflower just came in. The sun is out and it is a beautiful afternoon. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice too. We shall see. The weather can change quickly up here. Long hike tomorrow. Knees are doing well so far. God bless us all. Taco just came in for the night. Good group tonight. Waiting for sunset so we can turn in. No sign of bad weather as of 1820. tThe sky is clear. God is good all the time
Date: 2006-04-24
From: HIghtop Shelter

To: Bearfence Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Hightop around 0745 with clear skies. Ran into Purple Rose and Zig-Zag before crossing HWY 33. Lumbermack camped with them last year in southern VA. How ironic. We had a really good hike today. It is beautiful up here. Arrived at Lewis Mt. campground about 1400 and decided to take advantage of the $1.00 five minute showers they offer. It was great. We saw Wheezer and Wildflower there. They had to get off because of Wildflowers' feet. Blister problems. They were going to wait it out a couple of days in order to allow for some healing and then head back out. We left the campground around 1530 and walked on to Bearfence Mt. Hut. We arived about 1600, and so far we have the shelter to ourselves (kinda nice). Just relaxing now. 11.8 miles to Rock Spring Hut tomorrow. A couple of blisters for Lab Rat- other than that we are holding up well. God is good all the time. John and David just came in for the night. It is good to have them- safety in numbers. We are wondering why this sheter is called BEARfence mt. hut??Running on Empty just came in (1830), he is tenting behind the shelter. He is doing 20-30 mile days so we will probably not see him again. Two rangers hiked down a few minutes ago to check on things. Glad to see it! There is a "beeping " bird here- never heard anything like HIM before!!
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Bearfence Mountain Shelter

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

11.8 miles from Bearfence to Rock Springs today, that does not include the 1.5 miles extra we went out of our way to Big Meadows wayside for a hot dog an bbq sandwich, ff and onion rings, and pepsis. It was worth it!! Saw Wheezer and Wildflower there. Her feet are much better and they hope to leave from Skyland tomorrow heading north. We hope to camp with them tomorrow night at Pass Mt. Hut. So far we have the Rock Springs Shelter to ourselves. Water is filtered- no need to cook tonight(thanks to hot dogs and bbq). We will just snack and leave it at that. Predicting T-storms tonight with cooler temps moving in. It's clouding over quickly now. Hope things will clear out by morning. God is good all the time. Slim Jim and Chatter just came in, so did Mole Man and Pebbles. Phil came in also, doing VA southbound.