morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-11-02
To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had our first real winter hike last Monday. The forecast as we were heading out was supposed to be a rainy snowy mix but we only had 10 miles planned and we were sure we could tough it out. About a mile into the hike however, it turned to complete snow and because it was a ridge walk, we were exposed to a lot of wind and whipping snow. Eventually, as the snow starting collecting on the sides of the trees, we started losing track of the white blazes that marked the trail and we were essentially just guessing where the trail was. There was one time that Nate and I both had to stop for about 10 minutes trying to decide which way the trail went. On top of all this, our pants, gloves and boots were completely soaked and we were getting cold. I was starting to become scared that we would have to pitch our tent and just hole up and try to get warm. I was also thinking of all these survival tactics we would have to do if one of us couldn't continue hiking. It was not the most fun hiking experience, especially since it was my first real time of hiking in the snow. The saving moment came however as Nate and I were approaching the first major road which came at about 9.5 miles. Yelling our names was a man named ¢The Mayor¢ who runs a hiker friendly in the town of Unionville (He is the Mayor of Unionville, his real name is Richard). We had talked to him earlier in the day telling him we were hiking and when he saw all the snow coming down he knew that we could be in trouble, so he went to the road to look for us. It was a huge relief to hop in his warm car and go to his place to have a warm place to sleep. We stayed with ¢The Mayor¢ for three nights before heading further south in NJ to the Naysmith¢s house. We know the Naysmith¢s from Deerfoot and they have allowed us to stay with them for a few nights and slack pack for two days. On Saturday, Dave Naysmith, or Chief Nay as we call him, came hiking 15 miles with us. Chief Nay is 65 years old yet he could probably thru hike the entire AT with us if he wanted to-- he¢s in that good of shape. Needless to say, we busted the 15 miles and were back in plenty of time for dinner. We ended by hiking through the Delaware Water Gap which is the border between NJ and PA. The water gap is basically two huge ridges that have been separated by the Delaware River and either side of the ridge are steep cliffs that were cut out by the river. It was quite a view for us as we were hiking through it. Crossing the river (which is the border) we walked right along Rt. 80 (NJ¢s major interstate) which was a bit unnerving as cars were flying past us at 80 mph with only a small barrier separating us. We start in PA tomorrow morning which is exciting for us. Our 8th state out of 14 and our 900th mile. We are moving slowly, ever so slowly, as we inch closer to our final destination. I couldn¢t imagine being anywhere else but on this trip right now. -Phil
Date: 2008-11-12
To: Pine Furnace State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's been a great past 8 days of hiking in PA thus far. The PA terrain is infamously known for its terrible rock trails. You can see in the picture that there are a bunch of baseball and basketball sized rocks that are turned in the perfect way that the points are jutting up. It makes it very tedious to walk in some areas and we are intently focused the entire time while walking so as not to turn an ankle. The trail is only like this in certain areas and we both found that it was not as bad as some people made it out to be. A couple days ago, we hit the 1000 mile mark which I think is a pretty cool. Everything up to 1000 is ok, but now that we are in the thousands place, I feel a little accomplished. Tommorow we will hit the official 2008 half way point which is 1088 miles which will also be significant. Everything after that is downhill. Sweet. We have also been able to visit some people along along the trail including Grandma and Grandpa Masterson, the Anderson's, and a bunch of Deerfooters who are all at Messiah. It has been great to see all these people and spend time with them. We are crossing the Mason-Dixon line in 3 days. This will be my first time I will be in the South for an extended period of time. I've lived in New Enlgand my whole life so I'm looking forward to some southern hospitality. As we hit the halfway point and the 2 1/2 month mark, I am still loving this. We are extremely blessed and the Lord's hand has been extremely evident throughout our entire trip. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Don't forget to sign the guestbook. -Phil
Date: 2008-11-27
To: Rockfish Gap, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!We are enjoying a 3 day break at our Grandparents house in Lancaster, PA. We ate enough food today to give us the energy to hike all the way to Georgia without another resupply. It has been a great day of being with family and truly being thankful for all the ways that we have been blessed. Some of the things we are thankful for:1. The many friends and family that have taken us in and given us food, a bed, and fellowship all along the trail thus far. When we started our trip we did not expect to see all the people we have been able to see. You all have all been huge blessings and for that we are so thankful. 2. Both Nate and I have been in great health the entire trip (except my small episode in NY). No ankle turns, no knee twists, no sickness. It is truly amazing. I was reminded today by my cousin Steve that we often aren't thankful for health until we have an illness or injury, but I am very thankful to the Lord that He has protected us every day thus far. 3. Warm sleeping bags and jackets. It has gotten very cold this past week. It's been in the low 30's consistently and at night it has dropped into the single digits. We have been able to keep warm at night however because our quality gear...and because we have being using eachothers body heat to keep each other warm. (I couldn't bring myself to say "snuggled" so I worded it in a more eloquent and safer way). 4. We've come 1,325 miles and we have 850 more!We have so much more to be thankful for but these are just a few things. We just finished the Shenandoah National Park in VA which was a beautiful National Park although all the trees had shed their leaves so brown was the dominant color around us. It has also been very cold as stated earlier but we have made due. Our spirits are still high and we look forward to the rest of VA. Let us know if we are coming through your area, we'd love to see you. Remember to sign the guest book to let us know who's reading this. We love hearing your responses. Blessings on this Thanksgiving. -Phil
Date: 2008-12-04
To: Lynchburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

So after a great thanksgiving, our parents brought us back to the trail down in Waynesboro, Virginia where they were planning to hike a day with us. It was a very cold foggy morning and as we were driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway gaining elevation to get to the trail head, my dad couldn¢t help but comment about the icy road conditions. Seconds later, our Nissan Maxima started to spin out of control as we drifted off the road. Thankfully, dad gained control because we were driving up a mountainside with cliffs on the side where someone decided to disregard all safety procedures and not put up guard rails. As I stepped out of the car to check to road conditions, I was standing on sheer ice barely able to keep my balance.   Thankfully, we slipped the car off right near the trail head so phil and I still continued to hike that day. We had 15 miles that day and I wish I had brought skates because the trail was so icy. Mom and Dad on the other hand had to wait in the car until a Park Ranger rescued them from the icy road conditions and brought them to the nearby Winter Green ski resort and Spa. Meanwhile, as we finished up our icy, wet and cold hike that day, another park ranger picked us up at the end and brought us to the same resort to meet up with our parents. As we were waiting for a taxi to pick us up and bring us back to our hotel in Waynesboro VA, Phil and I could not help but utilize the hot tub, steam room and hot showers to warm up after a cold day on the trail. Since we had to spend an extra night in Waynesboro because our car was stranded up in the ice on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I took the opportunity to visit some friends at UVA. The next morning, my friend Emily Flavin drove us back to our abandoned car up on a mountain with the help of a park ranger escort because the roads where still not in the best shape to drive in. Thanks Emily again for the ride and the tour of UVA!So we are finally officially got back on the trail again after a wonderful thanksgiving break and a little ice adventure. Virginia is beautiful although Phil and I were both surprised at the pretty large mountains we have been hiking over. We heard that Virginia was going to be flat but I guess we forgot about the large Appalachian Mountains that consumes most of the state¢¦which is pretty dumb considering the trail is named after them. Its still very cold and I have no shame in saying Phil and I snuggle at night. We even spoon if it drops too cold. I look at it not only as a necessity for survival but also some serious brotherly bonding.   We are off the trail right now in Lynchburg VA visiting our friend Adam Miller from deerfoot. We taking one day off and then heading back into the cold to try to finish up this monster long state of Virginia. -Nate
Date: 2008-12-12
To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day off today in Pearisburg, VA. Only 160 miles left of VA! It's been a long state but an enjoyable one to hike. This past week has been eventful. We started out hiking with our good friend from Deerfoot, Adam Miller. He joined us or two days on the trail after we had taken a day of with him. To celebrate a great night of fellowship on the trail, Adam cooked us a steak dinner including fire roasted onions and mashed potatoes. It was by far our most exquisite meal of the trip thus far cooked by the master chef himself. Just as we were set to begin our feast, Adam pulled out of his pack a smaller backpack that appeared to be quite heavy. Nate and I both looked at each other with almost shocked expressions. Any unnecessary weight on your back while hiking is stupid and surely this day pack that Adam had was unnecessary weight-or so we thought. The pack ended up containing a full set of dishes including forks, spoons, knives, champagne glasses and napkins. Inside the pack was also a chilled bottle of sparkling cider. Some might call these things "unnecessary" but for us on this night it hit the spot. It was quite the feast and the setting at the shelter's picnic table with dishware was priceless. Thanks Adam. The rest of the week has been hard hiking. We increased the mileage this week which started to wear on us a little. We have been looking forward to this day in a hotel for a while now to just lie down in warmth and chill. We have had two all you can eat buffets since arriving in Pearisburg. Yesterday at a Chinese buffet, and today at Pizza Hut. Two cool trail angel stories:1. Nate, Adam and I were hanging on the side of the road waiting for his dad to come pick him up when two women walked by and started talking with us. After a few minutes they offered us the rest of the food that they had because they were done with their hike. It included two ham and turkey sandwiches, 2 Snickers bars, nuts, apples, and 3 chocolate covered cherries. 2. Nate and I came to a town along the trail and we decided to get lunch there at Pizza Hut. We ordered the super supreme pizza, two plates of salad, and a calzone (for dinner later that night). As we were getting ready to leave, our waitress came up to us and told us that our check had been covered by the table that was sitting next to us and just left. Nate and I couldn't believe it and immediately thanked the Lord for that one. We have 10 more days till we get off the trail for Christmas. We'll give you an update when we get up to our cabin in New York. Blessings and enjoy the Christmas songs on the radio!
Date: 2008-12-24
To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Merry Christmas everyone! We are off the trail for 2 weeks to celebrate the holidays with the family. We made it to Damascus, VA which is 3 miles from the TN border. Only 450 miles to go!It has been a great stretch of hiking since Pearisburg highlighted by two Deerfooters, Drew Hamer and Jared Harkins, joining us for two days on the trail. It was great to hike Deerfoot style with the guys and we were treated to a classic Deerfoot meal cooked by Drew and Jared. Burritos featuring a 3 lb. hamburger log, topped off by a dutch oven peach cobbler. It definitely brought us both back to the times on the trail at Deerfoot minus the 10 crazy campers we would have to look after. Towards the end of VA there is an area called the Grayson Highlands which is a park we were looking forward to for a while. It is a small park, and the trail only hikes about 3 miles through it but it is so different from other mountain terrain because at 5,000 feet there are open meadows with wild ponies grazing all around. We have a few pictures of it in our photo album. Nate and I fed the ponies who came up to us some extra trail mix that we had. Enjoy the holidays. We'll be back on the trail on Jan. 4th. -Phil
Date: 2009-01-11
To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It has been a transition back to the trail but we are glad to be back. We lost our legs over our two week break for Christmas. We probably ate too many cookies and didn't do enough physical activity but we are slowly getting back into hiking shape. It's great to be in TN. There have been more mountains than we expected highlighted by Roan Mt. which stands at over 6,200 feet. The views have been spectacular on the days that it hasn't rained or snowed, which has happened more frequently lately. We were hiking through 6" of snow a couple days ago which was tiring but beautiful. We are staying in a hostel tonight called Uncle Johnny's which is a trail classic and are planning on getting into Hot Springs, NC in 4 days to take a day off. 340 miles left! Mt. Springer is approaching quickly. If all goesw to plan, we should be at the summit in the next 3-4 weeks. Thanks to everyone who are keeping up with our journey, we love to hear your encouragement and to know that there are people who are following our trip. We will get some more pictures up when we are in Hot Springs.
Date: 2009-01-16
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hey everyone. We are right now in Hot Springs NC, enjoying a nice day off. Last night was around 0 degrees and we heard tonight could get in the negatives so we picked two good nights to get off the trail. We are staying at a Hostel called Elmers which is legendary hostel along the trail. Its run by an older gentleman, Elmer, who has changed his old colonial house into a hiker hostel. So instead of sleeping in a small bunk house, Phil and I are sharing a massive room with high ceilings, a wood stove, pictures on the wall and comfortable beds to sleep in. Its nothing what we were expecting for a night off the trail. We are about 30 miles from the Smoky Mountains which is exciting but also a little nerve wracking. The smokys have been the big question mark since the beginning of our trip because of their hazardous winter conditions. We already heard they got hit with snow are since they are up at some of the highest elevations on the trail around 6000 feet, it will be no easy task hiking through them. So we could really use everyone¢s thoughts and prayers for the up coming week. We will let you know how they were at our next stop in a couple of days.
Date: 2008-02-21
To: prepdeeeem
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome to the Roeder Brothers trail journal.. Just to offer you all some insight into our upcoming venture, Drew and I (Matt) will be beginning our trip down to Springer Mt. (Georgia) March 7th. Heidi and Evan the man will be escorting us to the trail. As some of you know Drew and I spent the Summer and the Fall together at Camp Speers Eljabar YMCA, working as outdoor educators. That season ended in November and since I have moved back to Mechanicsburg to take up free room and board and to seek gainful employment. Drew remained at camp and took a job working maintenance at camp as well as working as a ski instructor at a local mountain. I manage to get up to the Poconos once or twice a month, which provide Drew and I with the opportunity to go over gear, work out trip logistics and get in a hike. Drew and I have spent the past year saving money, planning and getting ready for this venture. The horizon is rapidly approaching and we are pumped to get out and get started. The next two weeks will be spent with our final prep., planning and time spent with friends and family in Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia and the Poconos... Thank you all for your support, words of encouragement and good intentioned advice... We look forward to our journey and the opportunity to take each day for what it is, one step at a time. Feel free to post your own comments and share the link with interested parties..
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Springer Mt.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

nice to hear from all of you. sorry i havent been too good at keeping up with the journal.. i have had few opportunities. Drew and I are in Franklin, NC with Yukon. we have come across a lot of great people.. and we have been spoiled with trail magic by trail angels.. we are moving on today after a night in Franklin. we had a resupply, a good meal and a good nights sleep in a bed. we have had all types of weather, but every day is great and we're having a bomb ass time... keep the email s and entries coming we really appreciate the love and support... if you want to check out journals of others were moving with you can consult the pages of Truckin', Yukon or Dirt.. we've been moving pretty steady with them for the past two weeks. take care all.. talk to y'all real soon.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Amicolola Falls, GA

To: Gatlingburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0

welp.. its been awhile since I posted a worthwhile entry.. we've been out for nearly a month now and have met a lot of really great people and moved a few miles. We're in Gatlingburg, TN. about half way through the Smoky mountains. We have been productive and enjoy the trail, taking in all it has to offer. We walk well, break often and talked to other hikers, locals and tourists. We're in between two massive groups at the moment, which is a nice way to walk, because were not constantly fighting for sites or passing and being passed constantly throughout the day. We typically start later in the morning and walk late into the evening, and dont set up camp or eat til around seven or eight. We're still moving with buddy Yukon, but have jumped ahead of our beloved Dirt and Truckin'.. they just were too particular and were inclined to walk in the pour weather.. Hopefully we'll catch them before Hot Springs, NC. We've had a lot of trail love and magic.. thanks to Boo-dan and his wife biscuit knees for the St. Patrick's day hospitality . Geek and Crazy wolf. Cloud 9 (fran and laura), Ron Haven in Franklin, NC. Shua, 6-string, Tanis, and Basil in NOC. thats all for the moment.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Amicolola Falls, Ga

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 278.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We made it through the smokys.. after our zero in Gatlingburg, TN, we got back on trail at Newfound Gap. Newfound Gap is a good 18-19 mile hitch from Gatlinburg. as we were at the parks entrance thumbing tourists we were approached by a police vehicle... they stopped and we assumed we did something wrong. as it turns out they wanted to offer us a ride.. they informed the three of us that they had their s.w.a.t. on the way, and they would be more than happy to give us a ride to the visitor centre... gatlinburg's S.W.A.T. vehicle is an old little school bus.. so they gave us a ride about two miles up the road and we continued to thumb up.. we got a ride in a dope sixteen pasesenger van that was picking up a hiker at newfound.. free ride. we had nothing but rain in the smokys. on clear day coming off clingmans. walking through the clouds was cool. But no real views from clingmans, charlie's or anything else. so just google smokys to see bomb ass pictures. glad to be out of the park and back in the woods. much love to Curtis at Standing Bear, we had a great stay we some good people.. had a great night at max patch, we a dope sunset and clear weather.. we made it to hot springs, nc. and we are currently taking in some culture in asheville, nc... my old dear friend cheryl was kind enough to pick us up and show us her beloved city. so we'll be here for a day or two and then back to trail.. thats it for now. erwin is the next stop should be there by next week.. latesk
Date: 2008-01-12
To: PREP #1
Miles today: 0.0

Although I have been dreaming of this hike for years, planning and prepping for months, and reading journals regularly, I have yet to post my own entry. So here it is... I am usually trying to somehow fit 28 hours worth of activities into the allotted 24 -- with the exclusion of sleep. If I get on the computer I am overwhelmed by emails, bills, and the sea of information that entices me to spend hours and hours in front of my screen. As such, I have begun to avoid contact with the machine altogether! However, it does seem to be the most viable source for quick communications -- so here I am. Until, of course, I head out on the trail and part ways with the contraption all together!! It is surely a love/hate relationship :0)Anyways, I guess I should write about what I am doing to prep, my gear, etc. But... how boring. Instead, for those of ya'll who do and do not know me and are here to follow my adventures... I will give you the basic background information, my inspiration, and leave you in suspence for PREP #2...I am currently 24 years old. I grew up an Army brat so my roots are spread shallow and wide. I currently call Georgia home. I followed up high school with 3+ years at West Point; however, I finished my education at Georgia Tech in 2007. Now that the previous 4 sentences have given you such compelling insight....The Hike. The last 6 years have been tumultuous. They have been filled with frustration, hurt, fear, failure, anger... However, thankfully, they have also been filled with love, with defiance, with laughter, and a lot of fun. Yet, I still feel like there are times when the clouds from my darkest days still tend to overshadow my progress. I need to get out of my comfort zone. I need to reconnect with my strongest assets of my previous world (the determination and ambition I used to have...). I need to distance myself from the aspects of my current world that have created stagnation and discontent. I need to take the time to digest the events of the previous 6 years instead of running from them. Finally, I need to re-focus on the future. The Appalachian Trail for me, is not only a great adventure, but an opportunity and I cannot wait to begin!
Date: 2008-01-13
To: PREP #2
Miles today: 0.0

I have been getting a lot of comments regarding my decision to attempt the hike, especially post serial killer arrest. My feelings are mixed, but my determination has not been effected. It merely gives me greater insight and inables me to better prepare for the hazards of the trail. As the time gets closer and my "to-do" list gets longer, the pressure is on! And, I love it. I love finally having a goal again -- something to wake up every day preparing for and looking forward to. My begin date is flexible. Thank goodness I live close enough to Springer that travel arrangements are not of serious consequence. So, everyday I knock out a few things on the list and everyday I get closer to leaving and more excited! Well, today's hike is catching up to me... and coherent sentences are becoming more difficult to muster up... till next time.