morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-08-03
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite

To: Wilbur Clearing Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Moe and Rock Hopper were at the campsite last night. Today I had a long climb to the top of Mt. Greylock. You start in Cheshire just below 1000 ft and Greylock is just shy of 3500 ft. It's not straight up of course,but it was a rough climb for me. The AT is never easy,some are harder than others.I got to the top with the usual sweet dripping from the brim of my hat like a dripping faucet. At the top a family had Trail Magic set up for all the hikers! That was great, they had lots of food and cold drinks. I had a cold soda,homemade brownie,and a banana. I still had 3.3 miles mostly downhill to the shelter. I have a issue remembering trail names .I met Sherpa,Space,Straight, Moe,and Rock Hopper recently and I know I'm forgetting many more.Their was a trail crew at the shelter camping too. They maintain trails and shelter areas so we can hike the AT. Today was a long day and I'm tired.
Date: 2014-08-04
From: Wilbur Clearing Shelter

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

I was going to go into North Adams for some food but Moe traded me a Ramen for a Snickers bar. I needed one more dinner to reach Bennington VT. It's a better place to stop and stay the night. Today I crossed into Vermont today, it felt great. Today was my longest day on the trail this year. I'm also getting some blisters on my feet. Today was a tough day. It does feel good when you reach your goal for the day. I hiked most of the day with Shakespeare. Short day tomorrow into Bennington VT for food and get cleaned up.Today was my 7th day on the trail.
Date: 2014-08-05
From: Congdon Shelter

To: VT 9 Bennington ,VT
Miles today: 4.3

Finale my first shower and real bed since I started hiking. I'm at the Catamount Motel. Great people here in town. Steve the trail angel got to the store and back to the motel. Many hikers had bad reviews of the Autumn Inn. Getting some rest before heading out in the morning.
Date: 2014-08-06
From: VT 9 Bennington ,VT

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the motel this morning by 7 am. I had to hitch out to get back to the trail. I held up my bandanna Hiker to Trail but no one was stopping. I kept heading towards the trail.After 40 minutes a man picked me up heading to work. I hit the trail at 8 trying for a 14 + mile day. Today went better than I thought it would out of town. It rained last night so the trail was wet . I arrived at Goddard Shelter and took a break. I got more water to make sure I make it to Kid Gore Shelter. I left the shelter with Hey Everybody heading North. We climbed Glastenbury Mnt. lookout tower. What a great. 360 view of the Green mountains of Vermont. We made good time to the shelter. I had to push myself to keep up with Hey Everybody. I have issues with remembering names. At the shelter was Tigger,Landslide,Fittyshrimp,Hay Everybody,and at least 5 south bounded . I'm sure I'm leaving a few out.
Date: 2014-08-07
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I left early at about 6:30 am.It started to sprinkle as I finished packing up. It stayed light and didn't last long.The trail was the normal mix of roots, rock, and mud. But mud is not just mud. There is wet mud That you sink in it and it will pour into the top of your boots. There is the dryer mud like a cake icing consistency . If your boots weren't tied the mud would suck your boot off. I had a 1700 ft climb to the top of Stratton Mountain. It took a while but that's why I leave early. One the way up and at the top their was rumblings of thunder. The wind was strong and cold at the top.I had three miles to the shelter so I hurried to escape the storm. I hiked part of the way down with Susan a Long Trail Hiker. The long trail and the AT run together from the Mass. Vermont line to After Rutland VT. The shelter had a group of 13 to 14 year olds + 3 adults. They kept me entertained until hiker midnight.
Date: 2014-08-08
From: Stratton Pond Shelter

To: VT 11&30 Manchester Center VT
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: moderate rain

I started hiking at 6 am. I wanted to get to town ASAP . The hike went well except for my left foot. I believe my left foot is slightly smaller than my right. My left heel is blistering much worse than my right one. My left big toe had a blister as big as a Ping pong ball on the top right . I drained it last night so I could bandaged it up. The hike today was ok today. It's the first time u averaged over 2 mph throughout the day. That's without no breaks without the pack. I did have to keep tightening my boot on the left foot. I got a hitch in 10 minutes with my sign. Green Mountain House is by far the best hostile I have ever stayed in. The whole house is a hostile with three bedrooms. Two have 2 beds and the big bedroom has 5 beds. Real beds with real sheets and a bath towel. Free sodas and one free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and breakfast food for free. Jeff was a great host. Thank you Jeff!!
Date: 2014-08-09
To: Heading Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I decided to go home early on this trip. This is the best section hike I have ever had. The only bad thing is I lost my hiking partner. One Stick had a rough start on the trail. The long bus ride with no real rest and a little dehydrated caused him to be behind the 8 ball. The trail is never easy out here.I was tired every day I hiked, even the short 4.3 into town. My miles were good once I got going. Mid teens are what I wanted to do. My average hiking day was in the high 11's due to short miles to warm up and a short due into a town.I was around some of the thru hikers for multiple days. I knew my average would come up to the low thirteens over time. Sure I was exhausted every day but by morning you felt good to go again. Every day my feet hurt and my body was sore. That's the norm out here. I never had a hard rain to see how my Henry Shires Virga tent would do. I need to have the vestibule extended to make it more bad wether friendly. I need to cut back on some gear I didn't use or could have done without. My first aid kit is overloaded. Other than loosing One Stick the hike went well. I cut my hike back because it's I miss my family and it's not fair to spend all my vacation time hiking and not share some of it with them. I work a lot of hours so we never have a lot of time. I also get behind on household projects and upkeep of our home. I totally surprised my wife when I told her about my plan to come home early. She told me I should stay out on the trail for a while longer. But once I get a thought in my head it drives me nuts. My wife is a real trooper about the hiking and I love her to death! I don't know what I would do without her. Thank you sweetheart!! I will be out next year on maybe a two to three weeks at a time max hike. I think with a prearranged off the trail plan. I wish the best to All the class is 2014 on the trail and anybody just getting on the AT. This trail is magical and remember HYOH!!
Date: 2007-03-21
To: Finally! I'm so close.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, the time is almost here. It seems like just yesterday when I said to my good friend Johnny Huneycut, trail name "Big Daddy", "Hey man, I think I'm going to hike the appalachain trail, wanna join me?" He thought for a quick second and then said, "Sure". Actually that's been amost 15 months ago and well over a 1000 miles of preparation. Our big day is Easter Sunday! I'm filled with a number of emotions as the day draws near; excitement, anticipation, and if I'm honest, even a little fear. A quick Bio of me: my name is Robert E "Rick" Lowder, I'm 41 years old and I live in Albemarle NC with my wife of almost 18 years and our 2 beautiful daughters. I've never really been a camper or a hiker so most of my friends think I'm nuts for trying this and don't believe for a minute that I'll acutally finish the trail. For me the trail is really more about connecting with God and being able to clearly hear His voice than it is about completeing some athletic task. I know that with His help all things are possible(Phil 4:13). I know that my biggest challenge will be being away from my family for this entended period. They are the greatest! They do believe in me and have certainly sacrificed the most as I've prepared for the trip. I love them more deeply than they will ever know. Well I guess that's about all for tonight. I look forward to keeping things up to date. I hope that those of you who will take the time to read along and follow the journey will feel free to email me along the way. May God Bless you and keep you, IPOD.
Date: 2007-03-23
To: another day closer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another day closer! So much preparation. I'm really ready to "just get started". I want to take a minute to thank a few people. First of all I'd like to formally thank GOD for all He's done in my life. WOW, what a change. I am so looking forward to our time together on this hike. I know that I will come away changed even more...hopefully looking and acting even more like Him than ever before. My wife and girls. I know i've already mentioned them in the first post but they are certainly worth mentioning again and again. I love you guys! I'd also like to thank Nathan and Tracy Davis owners of GOD'S COUNTRY OUTFITTERS for putting up with all my questions and for being a sponsor of the trip. You guys "ROCK"! Also thanks to Zack and Christian at God's Country for so much help and inspiration along the way. I'd also like to thank Randy and his team from TRANSAMERICA WORKSITE MARKETING for footing the bill for my food and water along the way. It's great to work with a company that see's more than dollar signs when it looks at its' agents. Along those lines I'd also like to thank Robert West and Ric Wojcik for holding down our business while I'm gone. Without their selfless devotion to the team there would propably be no hike. Last but certianly not least, my buddy Johnny. Thanks for your friendship over the years pal! You are certainly a true friend in every sense of the word. I am blessed to call you my friend. Guess that's all for now, keep singing, IPOD.
Date: 2007-03-26
To: Less than 2 weeks
Miles today: 0.0

It's less than 2 weeks now! Time sure goes by fast. It seems only yesterday that the actual departure date was so far away. Feeling a little overwhelmed by the vastness of the undertaking. So much to think about...5 months is a long time to be away from your family, your business, your life! It's hard when I stop and think about how precious time really is and how much of it i'm not going to be spending with my wife and especially my girls over the next several months. I know that life will go on and that my wife will do a wonderful job taking care of all that needs taking care of, but still it's hard. I know that they will never understand the reason for the "hike". I just know that I have to go. I really can't explain just why. God's like that most of the time. A real relationship with Him is about Faith. It's about seeking His face daily and then being obedient as best we know how. I quess that's all for now. For those of you reading along, please continue to "pray me through". My love in Christ, IPOD.
Date: 2007-03-27
To: Work day
Miles today: 0.0

Another day closer! Spent most of the day in the car. "Big Daddy" and I had to do a little work. Got to go the dentist in the am. Hope to be able to get in 8 or 9 miles up and around Morrow Mtn after that. Got a chance to share a little about my hike with Amanda, Patricia, and Trisha today as we met to discuss future business together. Nice ladies all. Good luck with the Labs Amanda. That's about it for now. Keep singing, IPOD.
Date: 2007-03-28
To: Dentist Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today was dentist day for the POD. Not much worse for the wear, if fact better than I expected. Didn't get to hike any today though. Work and other stuff just seemed to get in the way. Got a new pair of Northface hiking shorts and another Wicked T from God's Country and I'm anxious to give them both a try. I plan to get in a hike at Morrow Mtn on Thursday. Now it' off the church and to see my oldest daughter's soccer match. It's cross town rivalry night. Albemarle and North Stanly. Anyway, thanks for your prayers.Just a quick update on the Soccer match. We (Albemarle) WON in overtime 2 to 1!! I believe that North Stanly was previously unbeaten. Great game both teams played their hearts out.
Date: 2007-03-29
To: Nice Day Hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Finally got to get in some more miles today! Got up at 5:30 and spent some quality time with God, always a good way to start your day. Hit the trail at Morrow Mtn at 7:05 am and did Sugarloaf and Morrow and called it a day about 10:15. Only about 8.5 miles or so but around 2200 feet of total ups. At least that's what the watch says. The new NorthFace shorts worked well as did the Brave Soldier cream. For most of the hike it rained lightly. Temps were hovering around 52 or so. Had to put the rain jacket on at the top of Morrow Mtn., the wind was kicking up about 20 mph and I started to get a chill. The jacket, Mtn Hardware, worked well and I quickly got comfortable again but wore the jacket for the last 3 miles or so. Johnny, Big Daddy, went with me today and we spent most of the hike talking and singing. We've hiked so many miles together that we've already solved all the worlds serious problems: World Peace, World Hunger, Etc...we're just waiting for the right moment to share our solutions with the world. Anyway...departure date is just around the corner and I'm just ready to get this thing started. May hit the trail again on saturday if all goes well. Oh well, hittin' the sack. It's been a long day. Keep singing, IPOD.
Date: 2007-03-30
To: Sunday!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow! What a great day! Started early with Big Daddy and I cooking breakfast for the men of the church. Hot biscuits, sausage, country ham, grits, eggs, sausage and red eye gravy, OJ, and coffee. Um, Um good. After the meal, my buddy Barret talked about being "fishers" of men. Great talk that really challenged me on this. Am I really "sold out" for Christ? Good question for us all really. After that all the men got in a circle and prayed out loud from their hearts. What a moving experience to hear these men pray for me and my family. It really touched my heart in a way I can't explain. Then it was on to Sunday School class. God's given me a great group of folks to teach and to be taught by. Thank you all for your prayers. I truly love each one of you. Then it was on the the main service. Our Pupper Team had the service and they did a fantastic job. As I watched my two girls as they did their parts I was overcome with emotion and tears began to stream down my face as I could see them as babies and as I thought back on how they've grown into beautiful young women, and then as I thought about all God has for their futures...God is just so much more than I ever realized. He has blessed me beyond all that is imaginable in the things that really matter. Mariah, Gabrielle, I love you both and I'm so proud of you. Stay focused on God, He'll never let you down. Then at the end of the service Pastor Brad called Big Daddy and I up with our families and he, along with the rest of our church family, prayed out loud(all at the same time) for us. It was AWESOME! Again, I really can't describe the love I felt. I just know that I'm going to make it to Katadin, not becasue I'm anything but because I serve a risen savior that can do all things! It will be all because of Him and all to His glory. To all my church family, Thank You. I love each one of you and want you to know that you are closer to me than most of my earthly family. Lastly, at our evening service, the choir sang and Pastor Brad talked very frankly about the cross. What it really means and how's there's only 2 decisions we can make. I'm so glad that I've made the right choice and I pray that my "Lifesong" will sing to Him. At the end of the service I was once again "blown away" as my wife asked me to go to the alter and pray with her. What a wonderful woman God has blessed me with. To hear her pour her heart out to a Holy God was, again, overwhelming. Honey, I love you! Thank you for all we've been through and more importanly all God has for us in our future. Well, like I said, it's been a "full" day. I just can't put into words the love in my heart. I am truly unworthy, yet still He loves me and is true to the promises of His word. Less than a week now and we'll be on our way, Keep singing His song, IPOD.
Date: 2007-04-05
To: Morrow Mtn
Miles today: 0.0

Well, this will probsbly be my last prehike entry as we are set to start in 2 days...Easter Sunday! It's been a good day. John Apsega, my Mom,s husband, and I got to go for a short hike this morning. We did Morrow Mtn. and Sugarloaf..about 8.5 miles or so and had a blast. The weather was perfect! Temps in the mid 50's and light winds. Oh, for about 140 or so of those over the next 4 months or so. Mom,John thanks for all you do and for your love and sacrifice over the years. I love you both! And,thanks to all of you who have wished me well and who are committed to praying for me. I look forward to hearing from you often. I.ve posted several pictures from todays' hike, I hope you enjoy the beauty of Morrow Mtn State Park. Next entry will be from the "Trail". Keep Singing for Him, IPOD.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Springer Mtn

To: Gouch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

It was the best of times it was the worst of times! Finally got to start my thru hike today. The whole family got to hike to the top of Springer Mtn, we took a bunch of pictures and then went back to the car. There "Big Daddy" did a great devotional and we ended with a time of prayer. It was very emotional for me. Much more so than I could have ever expected. to see the looks in the eyes of my wife and children, looks of love and of sadness, broke my heart. Here I am leaving them of my own accord! I'm not sure I've made the right decision. God will have to work all that out in my mind in His time. I did get a revelation from God today, "Godspeed". My life needs to be lived at His speed. I've been trying to live my life for Him but at my speed. I've got to change! Thanks to all of you who are praying for me. It makes the difference! As far as the trail is concerned: it was the tail of two trails> We did 15.9 miles today and didn't get started until 12:10! The first half was very easy and the second half was tough. Nothing but pointless ups and downs. We finished about 7:30, ate dinner and have now hit the sack. It's about 10:00 pm. I thought i'd keep a log of calories consumed each day. At least tht will keep me a little occupied. today's count: 2500. That included a full breakfast this morning at the lodge. Met a nice couple today, Bret and Sandy from Louisville Kentucky. Sandy offered to pray for us! that was awesome. She was definitely not afraid to share her faith. Thanks Sandy! Steph, I tried to call but had no signal. I really would have loved to have heard your voice and to have talked with my babies. I love you all and can't get you out of my mind. Love you always, Ipod.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Neels gap

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 17.8

Biggest day so far! Came out of Neels Gap and went immediatley up 720 feet. quiet a start for what would be a long day. Total miles today was about 17.8. We started to stop about 6 miles earlier but decided to push ahead. It's suppose to rain tomorrow and we wanted to get a leg up so that we could have more options foe wed. The miles today were tough. Total ups was about 4500 and downs about 3700. We kept joking that, "oh well, it's just another Morrow Mtn and Sugarloaf". Problem was, we must have said that about 6 or 7 times. Big Daddy is tough as nails. He's got a huge blister on the bottom of his left foot and yet he just keeps going! As for me, I probably felt the best today of any so far. The bottom of my feet. on the pads was starting to get a little tender so I put some duck tape around them and that really seemed to help a lot. Only problem is that by the time I got ready to take off my boots, the taped had pulled a quater sized piece of skin with it. Oh weel, we'll band aid it up and try a little different taping method. Had our first trail magic today. Oreo Angle and Bumpkin were handing out oreos, or course, and other goodies. I was thankful to get a snickers bar and talk a little Jesus with them. Thanks again guys! It's about 9:30 and we're tenting it tonight at blue mtn. The windup here is tremendous and the temps about 40...same as the wind speed it sounds like. Getting ready to turn in. Thanks to all of you who are praying dilligently for me. Believe me it matters! Still praying about what GOd wants me to do concerning finishing the trip. I know He's given me the answers that I thought I came to get. I just want to be sure that there's not more on His agenda. If you've been reading along you'll understand "Godspeed"; not Rick Speed. I'm trying not to over think this. I just want to be in the very center of His will. I know that I'll take a lot of "ribbing" from some if I don't make it all the way, but that's OK. I think I've been very clear about why I had to come. the biggest question in my heart and mind is simple; " is finishing this thing more important that missing 4 months of my wife and especially my childrens' life? God has placed a great burden in my heart for them. It's like nothing I've ever experienced. Please pray that God would make thing very clear for me. I love you all: friends, family, church family, and most of all my wife and children. Know that I am praying for you! Trying desperately to hear His Tune, IPOD.Almost forgot: Saw 3 bears today at about 250 yards. Way to close as far as I'm concerned. Just said, "OK Go, you made them now keep them away form me. He Did!Calories for the day: about 1000
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Good decision yesterday to make the extra miles. Rained last night and the weather today is poor at best. We decided as we were hiking down from Blue Mtn that we could keep going when we got to Unicoy Gap or hitch a ride into Hiawassi. By the way, we also found out that neither of us had ever hitchhiked anywhere! We prayed that if we were to go into town that God would have a driver waiting for us at the bottom. Pretty specific prayer huh. Well,guess what was waiting at the bottom of the hill. That's right, a ride! God is sooo good! The driver was Laura from the cloud 9 hostel. She was coming in from atlanta and decided to stop for a minute to see if anyone needed a ride! Thanks again Laura! Now it's off to the Blueberry Patch Hostel. Gary, the owner, started the hostel after his '91 thruhike. Currently waiting for him to pick us up. More later this evening.Wow, Gary and his wife Lennie are great. What great examples of Christ's love. We got to go to church with them this evening, and like all good baptist...eat! For my church family, you'll love this...the name of the church is Macedonia Baptist...ring a bell? Same name as the church in Vermont. Is that cool or what? The message was from 1Thess5:19...quenching the Holy Spirit and how that can really only be done from the inside by us as Christians and church family. Wow, that really hits home. I pray that God will help me to see Him more clearly and to know Him better that I might not ever quench His spirit.Gary shared with us over supper many of the things that God had shown him during his thruhike. Great stories of the things God revealed to him and all the prayers that He answered along the way. Looking forward to about 16+ tomorrow and being back at Gary's place again. For those of you confused at this point, the Blueberry Patch Hostel is situated between two trail towns thus making it convenient to stay there two nights if one desires.Calories: 2800...thanks to the church ladies.Turning in, tomorrow will be another long day. Trying to stay in tune, ipod.