morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Bob People's Hiker Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

I awoke this morning to Crispy, Janitor, Yahtzee, and Woody Crow taking off for their go of the 24 miles we did yesterday. I reminded Crispy one last time about my beanie that I left at Laurel Fork. So then they left and I went back to sleep. By the time we were up and moving it was 11am and Dreamer had already caught up to us at the hostel. Bob was there to see us all off. He is kind of a big name on the trail. He's the one that signs your certificate if you complete the A.T.so the weather today was gorgeous. I even did shorts with suspenders. The first part of the hike was very easy and beautiful. We got to see our first big waterfall at Laurel Falls. And of course we got our share of pictures there. After that, well, the hiking rule of thumb kicked in as our 1,700 foot climb started. That thing was a beast. It destroyed us. It ripped into our legs and sapped us of energy.When we got to the top we had lunch, not a moment too soon, we were so drained of life. Dreamer caught up with us and chatted with us from there all the way down. He was an alchoholic and a heroin addict 26 years ago and now does prison work to help get people off drugs and booze. He encouraged Braveheart to go after his dream of helping young guys that haven't had a male role model in their life.When we got to the lake, Dreamer said goodbye and pitched up his tent. We continued on to Vandeventer shelter, including a dinner break on the way there.Recently I've felt a bit distant from God. I think that is because I haven't been able to read any of the Bible and prayer has been hard to do during these tough days. It's also hard to keep praying for the same things over and over again without knowing how things in the real world are doing.So tonight I had a huge fire and I think it's the first night I'm not freezing. It's probably mid 40's right now...ahhhhhhh - so wonderful. Tomorrow is a big day. Lord, teach me something about you or myself.cheks cereal, coffee---tuna on tortilla x2, banana bread and honey on tortilla---chicken polaneisian - FD
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Dave's Place

To: Dave's Place
Miles today: 5.6

I wanted to go to the Presberterian church at 9am but with the hour lost due to the time change and talking to Keri till 2am last night, I just couldn't do it. I needed more sleep so I grabbed some more zzzzz's till 10:30am then soon after we headed down to First Baptist.Right when we walked in a hand grabbed me, it was Suzy, she pulled us to where there was room in a packed out church and had us sit with her. A lot of youth were there and the atmosphere was very friendly. The service was great. Also there was Jill, who turned out to be the daughter of Suzy. Two of the nicest people in the town, both whom invited us to their church, related. So cool. Suzy was taking notes during the sermon but she was writing in her own language. It was kind of neat. I know of only one other person who can do that. Suzy said that we mage her day and encouraged her greatly for coming to church on her invite. After the service, we went back to the hostel and ate. Then we started our hike for the day. We planned on hiking sections and then hitching back into town. Finally, the Sun Dog bike shuttle picked us up and brought us back in to town after our day of hiking. I like that place a lot. Mt. Roger's Outfitters just isn't full of friendly personel. I feel like a nusiance when I'm buying things there. Sun Dog is way better.Next I did my laundry at the laundry mat and then met up with Braveheart at 7pm at First Baptist for their night service which was very, very good. I like that Pastor a lot. Afterwards, we got invited down to Damascus eats for some food with their huge youth group. Luckily there were some college people there too so we didn't feel out of place. We were treated to free cheeseburgers and fries and some music by "BJ" on guitar and some other dude on Dejembe. That was a fun time, just rockin' out to some oldies.We then just wanted to hang out with some people afterwards so we headed over to the "Old Mill" restaurant to see if they were open, but they weren't, so Jill and Greg were out of the picture. So we then headed over to "Sicily's" to see Kim and Muhammad, the guy who we pranked yesterday. They were happy to see us, and no, no one got fired from yesterday. So we chatted, joked around, listened to some tunes on the jukebox, and then hit the road. Kim gave us eat a "keep-forever" for us to remember her by. Mine was a piece of plastic. I guess I'll scrapbook it or something.Later on in the night we somehow managed to lock ourselves out of our own room. Who does that? What are we, twelve? So one mangled screen later, we were able to crawl through the window to unlock the door.I called Dad tonight and he said he'll be there Tuesday morning. He's going to have a hard hike that day. It's like 2,500 feet incline over the span of 2.5 miles - that's hard even for us.left over pizza---left over pizza, steak---cheeseburger and fries - Damascus Eats
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Dave's Place

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

Swetting in my sleeping bag is an understatement. Imagine, if you woke up in a swimming pool and that is a bit closer to what I woke up in. But it was a nice change from the freezing cold I'm usually having to endure.So today Dad showed up to go hiking with us. I felt kind of bad because he wouldn't get to enjoy the hike right away because the first part of today's hike was a 2,000 foot climb that wasn't easy at all. Trial by fire is always fun. So Dad met up with us at Dave's Place all decked out in some cool gear. He certainly did his research because he bought good equipment, which isn't easy to do when it comes to outdoor gear.So his friend Greg and his wife drove us to our starting point and off we went. Braveheart took off, obviously, because he's in good shape, and Dad and I took our time climbing the mountain. His pack was pretty heavy but I think it was because he has too much food, which is a mistake that every hiker makes just because you have no clue how much you need off the bat.So half way up I made him let me carry his food bag because I had better hiking legs and the extra weight really didn't bother me. It seemed to help Dad out a lot. So we would hike, then stop and snack, and talk all day while we hiked. I've been thinking about it and this really will be the first time I had been with my Dad for this long of a time period, 2 weeks if he goes that long, since the divorce. I think it's cool that he wants to do things with me, and I think that comes from him having a childhood where his father was rather distant.So I made the call that we would camp at Deep Gap because it would be another hard climb and then 1.5 miles to the shelter. We had already done about 9 miles today which is a great first day for Dad, I was expecting about 4 miles out of him, so I will gladly take 9.So we set up shop and ate, and then hit the hay. Tomorrow should be pretty neat. We get to see wild ponies. That you God for getting my Dad this far.left over hamburger, cantalope---spicy italian - subway---chicken and rice - mountain house
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Wise Shelter

To: Baptist Church Hostel in Troutdale
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We got going a bit earlier today. We were able to leave camp at 9:30am. I'm starting to really appreciate and see why Dad wants to spend time with me, doing Father/son activities. He didn't have much of a relationship with his Father growing up, which is something a son craves. Dad told me taht he can only remember one full conversation, and he things he only had one, that he had with his Father. So now I understand that my Dad doesn't want us to be like that. So, although he is going 1/3 the miles we usually do, I need to just embrace these times and learn from them as much as I can. Like, my Dad is an amazing business man, probably the best I've seen, yet I know little on the subject. I'm sure the divorce put a kink in the stream of knowledge that is ually passed on from Father to son, but 10 years has past and much healing has occured and there is much I can learn from dear ol' Dad. but I assure you he won't be teaching me how to hike.We finally seemed to pick up the pace today. I saw some more ponies and even an helicopter landing as a controlled burn was going to happen. We reached the shelter where Braveheart was at at around 2pm. There, we came up with the game plan to split up. Dad wanted some "Joe Time" so he cold be by himself and journal and Braveheart needed to go see a foot specialist because his feet just have gotten way too bad. So Dad kept hiking and we went into Troutdale to stay at the hostel connected to the Baptist church.We then went to the diner connect to the Trading Post and had a feast. Our waitress told us that there was a church service going on and her daughter was taking some youth to it. So we asked if we could get a ride and go too and they said sure.The car ride was a bit...awkward. It was 7 girls and two guys - us. So the service started out with a volunteer choir. Basically, if you could sing you just went to the front and became the choir. Yes, I joined. Braveheart came in a bit late because he was on the phone and couldn't find me in the pews. When he found where I was he laughed and ran up and joined me as a choir member - and a strong tenor at that.The guest preacher was...loud. that was my first scream service I'd ever been to. And he kept referring to himself in the third person and telling everyone to get saved, but he never mentioned what they needed to be saved from, oh well.So we got a ride back with the "girl church van" and said goodnight. My prayer now is that we can get a quick ride to Marion tomorrow, see the foot doctor without an appointment, get a quick ride back to the A.T., and then meet up with Dad that night. God guide me.apple cinnamin oatmeal with gorp---PB&J on wheat bread---coke, 1 lbs cheeseburge, fries, bloomin' onion - Trading Post
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Baptist Church Hostel in Troutdale

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Sleeping at the Baptist Church hostel in Troutdale was a bit rough for some reason. So we packed up and were out the door in hopes of getting an early hitch into Marion so Braveheart could see the foot doctore, who opened at 9am. Well, God answered our prayers in full. The lady who took us to the revival service last night was pulling out of the trading post and offered to give us a ride to Sugar Grove which was half way to Marion. So she let us off and were able to get a hitch the rest of the way from a guy named Tony who was from North Virginia.Wow! We made it to the foot doctor by 8:30am and Braveheart was in and out of there by 10:30am. He ended up being diagnoised with plantaphishitus, or however it is spelled, from too much stress on the foot. So they gave him a brace and some meds.So we got some food at the Walmart and Ingles and then hitched for 3 seconds and got picked up by a girl named Alec who drove us to the trailhead - we were hiking by 2pm - OK, God answers prayers, any doubters, well I guess they don't really matter and are only fooling themselves.I hiked about 5 hours and went a bit over 10 miles but never found Dad. I would have kept going but it started lightning so I thought it would be wise to stay at Trimpi Shelter.I was thinking today that after the trail is over I'd like to play catch with Dad again, that was one of my favorite things to do, or ever go out for a beer, that would be cool too.Bronco Billy, Avalanche, and the couple that was at the shelter the night I went into Damascus are at the shelter here tonight. Bronco Billy is trying to get us to go after Do-Rag because he thinks she it hott, and he thinks that if we saw her we would have "Pink Power", or extra energy to catch a girl that is ahead of you due to some instint within. Well, I'm pretty darn happy with the one that is with me now. the only that that would get me to go any faster would be maybe a beer at the end of a hard hike, or seeing Keri, other than that nighting is going to tickly my fancy.There is suppose to be a severe thunderstorm tonight - another let down in the making I'm sure, but I am warm which is so nice.I must say thanks to God for answering my prayers, He really hurried us along today and did remarkable things all around. I was really shocked.blueberry oatmeal with gorp---large pepperoni pizza - little caesars---mexican rice, chicken, stuffing
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Best Western

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

God has certainly been watching over us. It seems that whenever we just get drenched from rain or snow there is always light at the end of the tunnel - and this time it was a dry night and a dry bed at a dry Best Western. Thank you Dad and God.After breakfast I journaled for a bit and then packed some things up. Braveheart went to Sunday School, but Dad and I hit up the grocery store before meeting up with Braveheart for service at Marion First Baptist. It was Palm Sunday but for 45 minutes I watched a corriographed "Sing-a-Long" performed by 20 elementary kids - interesting. The Pastor did get up and speak eventually and did a very nice job, probably the most impressive yet. We had a chance to meet him and he instantly offered us a ride back to the trail. He even treated us all to lunch at Hardee's. He was a very down to earth guy that was very well read and educated.At the trailhead we said goodbye and thanked them again. It was a very pretty day. Low 60's and most importantly - no wind. I was walking with Dad for a bit when I noticed a patch of moss on the ground in front of a tree and I felt like I was called to sit on it, lean against the tree, and finish reading "More than a Carpenter." So I did.The evidence in that book is remarkable. It proves the authenticity of the Bible, Jesus, His claims, and everything in between. There is nothing left to discuss after one reads the book. I have a lot of questions answered and many things confirmed yet for some reason I feel a battle waging on. My mind believes that everything I have learned or experienced by God is true and He is indeed real, but I still have doubt - why?!! It drives me crazy. What am I not giving over? How do I fully believe? It is so hard to believe such an epic story that it's end is over 2000 years old. If only I could have been there to see His wonders, I think it might have been easier - or would it? Oh this struggle within over the territory of my mind and soul. God, help me with my unbelief. That is my prayer.After I finished the book, I caught up with Dad. We made it to Chatfield shelter for the night. I met a lady named Scout who has a very convincing bard owl call. "Who cooks for you".breakfast buffet - Best Western---2/3 lbs thickburger combo upsized - Hardee's---chick and rice
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we are splitting up. Dad will be hiking with an older couple we met, Dick and Laurie, and will get a ride from them into Pearisburg Saturday, where we will meet him there when we hike in. I really hated leaving him because I know that he really wanted to have some Father and Son time but I think we've both learned that out here it is just too hard. You hike all day and then get to camp and are so busted up you hit the sack.So, when this is all said and done I hope he takes me out to lucn and dinner more often, or out for a Father and Son beer - that owuld be good quality time. So I left Dad and took off. I left 3 notes of encouragement along the way for him to read. So I hope those helped.Hiking today was hard! The flat part past chestnut knob shelter on the map turned out to be a bunch of rolling hills. I got so sapped of energy. I had to eat dinner on the trail because of how hungry I got. And since I gave most my food to Dad I was a bit low on snacks. I was praying really hard today that God would provide food and take care of me, so we'll see waht happens when I run out. I also prayed that I would be filled with the spirit like the apostles were. In the Bible you see that when Jesus died on the cross the disciples were mortified, crushed, dishearted. They scattered because they didn't understand what had happened. but three days later when they saw Him alive they were changed for good, and even more so when they received His gift, the Holy Spirit. They went from cowards to bold and courageous men overnight, and that is the type of spirit I want and prayed for.So I rolled in to Jenkins shelter and low and behold there were like 4 deer grazing outside the shelter. I went for my knife but there were witnesses so I sheathed it...joking. I was so hungry, I could literally eat a whole deer.I wrote Keri a letter tonight and I will sent that out tomorrow when I get my new cell phone. The great news is now I can talk to Keri, the bad news is I have a cell phone with a cell phone contract for 2 years. Josh and cell phones don't mix. This should be an interesting two years. Two things I hate most in life: watches and cell phones and now I have both. so what in the world is going on here. Most people go to the woods to get rid of things like these but me, I gain them while I'm out here. I think it makes good comedy, and irony.cinnamin and spice oatmeal with gorp---tuna on wheat bagel x2, chick peas---chicken teriyaki with rice - mountain house
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

All last night and all this morning we were graced by the presence of deer, all around us. Oh man was it tempting. They looked like dinner on sticks. But once we stopping thinking with out stomachs, we realized what a rare occurance it was. The deer were not startled by us at all. We were able to get within 5 yards of some. But we did however let the boy side of us come out this morning when we grabbed or knives and stalked us a deer, knowing full well we had no chance of getting once, but regardless, it was fun. So we hiked out first blue blaze today. Apparently the bridge was out on part of the A.T. so there was a detour path. When we got back on the A.T. again we found some trail magic! Ahh! All day yesterday I was praying that God would feed me and provide food because I was extremely low from having to give most of mine to Dad. This trial magic was a true answer to prayer and came at a perfect time. Though it wsa only a cooler of drinks, the sugar in the juice gave me all the energy I needed to get to Bastian and Bland.So we hitched into Bastian, went to the post office, all in anticipation of getting my new cell phone - only to find nothing. Crap! So I mailed off some thing I didn't need anymore as well as Dad's things and then our ride took us to Subway. There, I ate so much, 1.5 feet of spicy Italian was loaded into my hungry belly.God has been laying on my heart that I need to love on Braveheart a bit more so yesterday I committed to paying for his next meal, so I did and he was quite shocked. It was cool, and a good reminder of how stupid us Christians can be. Some of us show more love to our waitress than we do to our brother who is sitting right next to us in church.So we resupplied at the Dollar General, hitched back to the A.T., then on to the shelter. When we arrived we found Cedar Moe there. He had to come off early on the trip due to having a nasty spider bite. He said he saw my Dad's tent today about 3 miles past chestnut knob shetler. Dad must have been feeling good yesterday. That's awesome that he kept going. I was praying that God would give him the strength to do so. Tomorrow we're doing 24 miles which is good. I want to get this trail over with as soon as possible and would love to cruise right now but Braveheart doesn't feel the need to increase speed so that is something we're going to have to work out and I hope it doesn't bring resentment or enmity between us. But to each his own I guess.apple cinnamin oatmeal with gorp---1.5 feet of spicy Italian - Subway---.5 feet of spicy Italian - Subway leftover
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Ok, Mom, Dad, family, friends, I believe the world is going to end. I did in fact wake up at 6am today and was hiking by 7:30am. So pack your bags, don't forget the sun screen, be cause the world is officially ending. The morning sounded and looked like an old Vietnam movie. Dark, overcast sky, thunder in the background, and we even had a wood pecker going to town on a dead pine tree that echoed through the valley and made a machine gun sound. It was cool.After we got going I noticed a sudden change in wind direction and so I threw on my rain gear. Today was suppose to be 60% chance of rain so any weirdness and I was going to be prepared. Unfortunately for me, the rain and lightning came 30 minutes after I had hiked for a while and took my rain stuff off due to the amount of swet that was building up. So when the rain came I had to put my stuff all back on again. The flash and bang were 5 seconds apart so I knew the storm was a mile away and soon to be on us. I was a tad worried so I did some praying. Soon enough, the rain stopped and we made it to a shelter for lunch. Braveheart and Cedar Moe were also there.After we ate we pushed on. 7 miles later, Moe and I came to a road and decided to go in to the quicky mart for some food that was .8 miles away. He hiked, I hitched. At the store, I got a bottle of Bud, and a 7up. I went to go sit down and enjoy my beer. I popped the top and was about to sip away when the owner of the store told me I couldn't drink that in the store because they didn't have an open beverage liscence. But then she told me that if I poured it into a cup then I'd be ok. Dumbfounded, I got my Nalgene bottle and filled it up and she was happy.But isn't that how so many situations are like in the church? How many times has this conversation gone on: "How are you? Fine, and you?" Or worse, how many of us know a family in dire need, drowning in their toil, but we don't do a thing to help or even pray for them because we play dumb and try to believe that the nice "cup" they've been holding means that everything is alright. Or that since they live in a nice house that the pits of hell can't breech the walls. We do nothing, knowing full well what is going on inside. The lady just wanted to play dumb about my water bottle full of beer, and we play dumb with a family going to hell because their house is nice or they drive a nice car or they are in good health. Just some thoughts that hit me over a cup of beer.After my beer and soda, Moe and I hitched back to the trail and hiked the last 7.7 miles to the shelter. It was so flat today. The flattest part yet. While we were hanging out at Wapiti shelter a moth landed on me and was eating the salt off my hand. Braveheart named him groin chaff in remembrance of how chicken-hawked I got today. Tomorrow we hit up Parisburg and get to see Dad again. I look forward to hearing about his adventures.maple and cinnamin oatmeal with gorp---tuna salad with crackers, chicken salad with crackers, chicken raman noodles x2---cheesy rice with brocly