morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Patnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Thankfully the weather cleared up and I had a great day hiking today. The terrain was mostly down hill and flat so it made for easy walking. This was my first day to go over 20 miles in one day. When I got to the shelter I was able to call and order a pizza and they delivered it to us here at the shelter. I had a medium pizza and a large bottle of Mt. Dew for supper. Boy! was it good! I also was able to have a shower here at the shelter. It was a unique shower in that you push a button to get wet the you soap up and push the button again to rinse off. You never new what temperture the water was going to be when it came out, you just take what you get. One time it would be warm and the next so cold it would take your breath away. It sure felt good to get cleaned up and have a full belly. I can settle in now for a good night sleep.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Patnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Today was a short day. I arrived here about 2:00 pm and am staying at the Relax Inn. Today started out cloudy and then turned into a storm with lots of rain. But, by noon it had stopped and cleared out. The flowers are really blooming, it is really pretty. Spring has arrived! While I am here I will resupply and rest and be ready to head out again in the morning. I am still feeling great and I am truly enjoying my adventure out here on the trail. I wish all of you could experience just a portion of what I have been able to. It is GREAT!!!
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I got off to a late start today since I didn't wake up until 7am. The shelter was full and there were about 12 other tents in the area. It rained during the night but stopped by morning. I slept real well in my tent. My walk took me through rural farming areas with small ups. The valleys are really greening up now. It was a very pleasant walk today.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Davis Farm Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

The campsite was a flat area that overlooked a farm below. I could hear the cows mooing at night and the roosters crowing in the morning. It was a very pleasant place to spend the night. It rained again during the night but stopped in the morning long enough to dry out and pack up. The day was overcast and I walked through light showers and fog all day. I got to Chestnut Knob Shelter about 3:30, changed into dry clothes and about that time it dried up. I decided it was too early to stop so I put my wet clothes back on and headed back down the trail and made it to my destination of Davis Farm in time to set up my tent for the night.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Davis Farm Campsite

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a GREAT day! The rain stopped long enough to put my tent up. There was not much scenery and I had light rain all day. I had to go to town to resupply. As I got off the trail I met George and his wife and they gave me a ride to town to get my supplies. I rested up and headed out the next morning. I sure appreciate all those who have been kind enough to give me a ride when I need it. They are truly trail angels!!!
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Today is Sunday. I really miss not getting to go to church so before I started out today I listened to a message on TV. The message was about encouragement. He brought out that our prayers are not always answered the way we would like for them to be but God knows what is best for us and always gives us the grace to go on no matter what the circumstance is. I really needed that and it helped start my day off right. I met up with Coach today and hiked with him the rest of the day. I enjoyed his company as we walked. I am looking forward to another good day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Jenny Knob

To: Wapiti
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the Lord gave me another great day of hiking today. I am so thankful to Him that He continues to give me the strength and health to continue my journey. It rained last night but not for long. I had a good night's rest and an easy hike today. Coach and I got off the trail and walked .4 miles to a convenience store and had a burger and fries along with a pint of ice cream and of course, a Mt. Dew. After we ate we had a good hike the rest of the day. There was not much excitement, some days are just that way. You just hike!!! That's ok with me, I'm just enjoying this beautiful country.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Wapiti

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

It was a clear day today but the hike was a long and tough one. I started out with a hard up hill climb and then walked on rock most of the morning and then off and on for the rest of the day. To top it off I had a hard steep down hill into town. My feet and legs took a real beating today. SORE!!!!! We got a ride into town. A real nice guy took Coach and I right to our motel and then invited us to supper that evening. After we cleaned up we walked over to the resturant and had a great meal. It was real nice "trail magic". We really appreciated the ride and the meal.
Date: 2006-04-26
To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hi everyone, I am in Pearisburg,VA today. We spent the night in the hotel last night and will be doing our normal in town duties. Food resupply, laundry, Post Office stop and eating everything we see. Norma will be updating my daily entries in a day or two. It has been several day since I had cell phone signal. I am still having a great hike. We went over the 600 mile mark a couple days ago.I will be sending home some more pictures for Norma to post today. We are going to Wal-Mart today while in town.Today I sent home about 4 pounds of cold weather clothing that is no longer needed. Spring is here and I can lighten the backpack a little. Thanks for all the guestbook entries. Keep the prayers a coming.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today I lost Coach. That was a real downer for me. He let me know this morning that he wasn't going any further. I really enjoyed his company so it made for a tough morning when he left for home and I started out on the trail alone. There was a real big climb to the first shelter but I got there about noon. Overflow was still there so we hiked together the rest of the day. I also met Papa Bear today. He was doing a section hike. He has already done the through trail in 2004. He was an encouragement to me and it ended up being a good day after all. Thanks to all of you who are reading my journals. I really appreciate all the notes you have been sending to me and most of all, keep up the prayers. It does get tough out here but I know that God is with me and I can do all things through Him.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was another beautiful day for hiking. I know I say that a lot but every day out here I consider it to be a beautiful day! I had my first opportunity to walk across a stream. The water was about knee deep. The bridge was washed out in 2004 and has never been repaired. The water was rushing so it was a real challenge. The stream was about 50 feet across and I made it just fine. The good part was on the other side... there was trail magic waiting for me consisting of cold drinks and individually wrapped cakes that someone had left. These trail angels are a real blessing! I appreciate you very much.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

There were a lot of day hikers on the trail today. One area of the trail there were several piles of rocks 4 to 5 feet high and about 10 feet around with no particular pattern. We had a discussion why the rocks were laid that way. I just figured farmers did it as they cleared the land. One person thought it was probably aliens and one said it was a religious area. Everyone had their own idea and I guess we will never know who was right. I also met a young man who was looking for a house he had heard about where there was suppose to some type of super natural things happening there. You can meet all kinds out here on the trail. I saw a Keefer Oak today. It is about 18 feet around and about 300 years old. It was a very unique old tree. The trail took me across a lot of farm land with a lot of old structures from years gone by. Perhaps one of them was the weird house the young man was looking for. Oh well, I had a good day and saw a lot of neat countryside.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Niday Shelter

To: Camp Site by Stream
Miles today: 17.5

What a great Lord's day today! I had a great night's sleep as the Whip-a-whills lulled me to sleep last night. Today on the trail I walked by the Audey Murphy Memorial. It is the area where his plane crashed. I also walked up Dragon Tooth Mountain and it was a real challenge. I had to do a lot of rock scrambling and climbing. My hiking poles were of no use because I needed both hands to climb up and down. When I finally got down I met up with Ken, Trooper and Toast. We camped by a small stream for the night and I listen to the soothing babbling brook all night. It made for a real nice sleeping place. Thank you God for creating rest beside the waters.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone!Cookie called me today and was able to talk for just a few minutes. He wanted me to let you know he is still out there and doing well. He has not been able to get a cell phone signal for several days so he has not been able to give me any information to update his journal. He will be going into a town on Tuesday and plans to give me a call then. Hopefully I will have more information to add to his journal then. He said he is feeling good and has gone over the 700 mile marker. He has compelted one-third of the trail!!! The past few days have been a challenge but he is doing well. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues his hike.Thanks!! and God Bless you,Norma
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Camp Site by Stream

To: Lambert Meadow
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

I had a great day today. I climbed up McAfee Knob and along the Tinker Cliffs. Back during the Civil War people would come to this area to get away from the fighting. They made their lively hood by making copper pots and pans. The wind would blow and cause them to hit together making a tinkling sound. This is where the name Tinker Cliffs came from. I had a lot of ups and downs with a lot of rocks today. The scenery was beautiful. I am walking up high and am able to look down on the little towns and farms along the way. It is a great adventure that not many get to experience. I am blessed to be able to be out here.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Troutville, VA

To: Bobbletts Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

I had a good walk today. It was a little cloudy with a light mist in the morning but it cleared off by noon. It was a fairly easy walk with little ups and downs throughout the day. I started following the Blue Ridge Parkway and crossed several places with over looks. They were nice if you are traveling by car but my view is much better than from a car. This is a wonderful experience that I will never forget.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Bobbletts Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

Today I climbed up Cove Mountain. The wild flowers and shrubs are in full bloom. They smell real sweet as I walk by them. It was an easy hike with a lot of great views from Cove and Fork Mountains. The shelter is real unique. It is two story with a cooking area and a large porch on two sides. They call it the Gingerbread house. I really enjoyed my day today! God painted some real pretty scenery for me to enjoy.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.2

I had a couple of hard climbs today the first was Floyd mountain and the Apple Orchard Mountain. Earlier in the day I saw a mountain with a bubble on the top. As I got closer low and behold, it was a large FAA radar dome. It is all automated and runs on it's own. There was no one around but it was behind a locked fence. I then walked thru the Guillotine today. It is two big rocks on each side with a rock over the top which makes it look like a guillotine. I ended up at a tent site with two guys, Joel & Tony, who I had met two days earlier. I will sleep good tonight!
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Marble Spring Shelter

To: Wildwood Camp Ground
Miles today: 7.7

I had a great view of the James River today as I walked along the trail. The river is really wide, pretty amazing. As I got close to the road I ran into a gentleman with a dog. He offered me a ride to the Wildwood Camp ground so I took him up on it. I was expecting to resupply there but things have changed. If you are planning on hiking in the area BEWARE!!!!! Don't go to Wildwood camp ground! The ownership changed in November and the $11.00 a night tent space in now $24.00! They have very few hiker supplies, no fuel, and they don't offer a shuttle service any more. I did find a young couple who helped me out. They took me to Big Island for my supplies and a ride back to the trail the next morning. I really appreciated their help. God is good to put trail angels in the right place at the right time and I am most grateful!!!
Date: 2006-05-11
To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hi, everyone I'm still out there on the trail. Getting a phone signal out here regularly is a real problem. I talked with Norma last night from my hotel room and gave her my latest journal updates. So soon you will be getting the latest entries, also she has some of the latest pictures I have taken. I want to thank everone for there guest book entries and all the prayers from you all.I am in Waynesboro, VA today and will stay here through tomorrow. I have all the in town chores that need to be done. It takes us a lot longer to get all thing done, because we have to walk every where we go. We have to walk to the PostOffice, outfitter for gear (if needed), Library (internet access), grocery store (food resupply)and AYCE (all you can eat restaurant).I have walked 848.4 miles so far. Tomorrow morning I will head into the Shenandoah National Park.Keep the Prayers, cards and letters coming. I am still living my dream and loving every minute it. I do miss everyone though.Cookie
Date: 2006-05-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone!This is Norma and I just wanted to let you know that I have recently updated Cookie's journal from April 30 thru May 6. He has had a hard time getting a cell phone signal to give me any more updates. Also, he has sent me some beautiful pictures but I am having trouble getting them downloaded so I can enter them in his journals. When I have had trouble with the computer in the past I could just call Cookie to come help me but....that's not happening now. I will have to get a man from our church to help me out. As soon as I get the problem corrected I will let you know so you can go back and see the beautiful sights that Cookie has been blessed to experience. I talked to Cookie today and he was waiting at a lodge to meet our Pastor, Kevin Kennedy and his wife and son, Pam & Chad. They had been in Lynchburg, VA and were on their way to New York and were able to find a place where they could meet. Cookie was really looking forward to seeing someone from home. I am so thankful for our Pastor and his family. They go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to ministering to the people in our church. I know their visit will boost his spirits and help him keep on keeping on. He has gone a total of 910 miles as of today. He will be at the half way point by the end of the week. Thanks for all of your prayers and support. It truly means a lot to him and to me. God bless you all!!!
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Compton Gap Trail
Miles today: 180.6

In the Shenandoah National Park the AT runs the length of the park with a smooth wide trail and moderate grades most of the distance. I saw a lot of wild animals that were almost tame due to all the people in the area. I saw deer, squirrels, rabbits and birds. I didn't see any bear only their tracks. For the delight of the hikers there are several camp stores and resturants along the way. There are a lot of day hikers and they always have a lot of questions for the through hikers. I also had my picture taken several times by them. You would think I am some sort of a celebrity when really I am just a guy from Texas with a desire to enjoy God's creation the way it was meant to be enjoyed. They seem fascinated with someone hiking from Georgia to Maine. I was able to meet up with my pastor, Kevin Kennedy, his wife Pam and the oldest son Chad on May 15 at the Big Meadows Lodge. It was sure great to see some familiar faces and I really enjoyed the dinner of fried chicken! Thanks pastor for taking the time to come and spend some time with me. It was a real blessing! I also met a young man from Gainsville, GA. who had received an Optimist Scholarship for leadership. He appeared to be well deserving of the award. He was a real personable young man and was excited that I am walking for Optimist International. The weather has been great the whole time. It is cool at night and real pleasant during the day. The only time it rained was on the night of the 14th. It rained real hard during the night but stopped when it was time to get up. God's timing is alway perfect.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Compton Gap Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today is my son,Shawn's, 37th birthday! I was able to call him last night while I had some cell phone coverage and wish him happy birthday. I would just like to say how very proud I am of him. He is a great son, husband and father to twin boys. He is a dedicated Christian and has given his life to full-time service to the Lord. Happy Birthday son!!!Well, I am no longer in the Shenandoahs! I have walked several miles along the National Zoological National Park today. It has an eight foot high chain link fence with bobbed wire on the top. It is a little erie because there are no signs of wild life or any activity behind the fence. The buildings look abandoned. It reminds me a little of Jurrasic Park.I met a gentleman from Germany who came to hike a portion of the AT. He had just been dropped off when I met him and he had a lot of questions about what lay in store for him. He was going into the Shenanoahs and wanted to know about the water availabiltiy, the terrain, the shelters and if he needed bug spray or not. He does a lot of hiking in Germany and said if I had any questions about hiking there he would be glad to help me. I told him I didn't think I would be going there anytime soon but thanks anyway.The weeds are really beginning to grow along the trail with a lot of poison ivy mingled in. I have been walking through it and it hasn't seemed to bother me. I had it so much as a kid I think I am immuned to it now.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The shelter I stayed in last night was a unique shelter shaped like a dome. There were five of us and it was crowded. With it's weird shape there was not a lot of room. Today was fairly easy hiking and it was a beautiful day. It seemed like I was walking in a long green tunnel. The trees are so full they make a tunnel and the sunlight is hidden. It is just real shady the entire way. When I arrived at the hostel this evening I enjoyed a great treat of Pizza and ice cream for supper. Yum! Yum! I got a good shower, did my laundry and even watched a movie on video. They served a wonderful breakfast the next morning consisting of eggs, sausage, bisquits, sausage gravey, egg & cheese burritos, jelly, juice and coffee. I had all of the above. The people who run the hostel are the greatest. Before we ate the lady said it was their custom to pray before eating so we had prayer. I really appreciated that.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a very tough day! There were a lot of rocks which made for treacherous footing. I did go from Virginia into West Virginia today! Another milestone for me. I went across the Devil's Race Course and Boulder field. Boulder field has a stream that runs underneath it. You can hear it but you can't see it. There were some real pretty views off the rock cliffs also. It was good to get to the Hostel after a rough day.
Date: 2006-05-22
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Today the trail was pretty easy most of the day which made for a nice hike into Harper's Ferry. There were signs of an old road bed constructed during the Civil War. I crossed over a bridge which was over the Sheandoah River. It is a real wide river but it was not very deep. When I arrived in Harper's Ferry I went to the ATC office and had my picture taken which will go in the year book. I registered as hiker #103 for this year. This is really a unique town with old homes and a lot of little shops. I think Norma would really like it here. We may have to come back and visit sometime. There is also a lot of war memorials around town depicting the history of this area. The town was founded in 1747 and was highly fought over by both the north and the south. This is where John Brown was hung. My milestone for today was going over my 1000 mile marker!!!! I have gone a total of 1009.4 miles today. They say that Harper's Ferry is the mental halfway point. I am so thankful that God has given me the health and strength to get this far. I thank all of you who are praying for me too. I could not do this without your support. God bless you!!!
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Greetings to everyone! I walked along C & O Canal today. It is a famous canal used several years ago. There were a lot of ducks, geese, turtles, muskrats...all kinds of critters. It was an easy walk along the gravel pathway following the canal for about 5 miles. I met a couple on a bike built for two who had started at Shreveport, LA and were on their way to New York, City. I talked with them for awhile, they were a very interesting couple. I always enjoy meeting the different people out here. They all come from different backgrounds but each one has a dream they are trying to fulfill. It is really neat!
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Annapolis Rock
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: few clouds

As I walked along today I saw a lot of historical type buildings and structures along the way. I went by the George Washington monument which was placed here in his memory. There were a lot of good views today. The Annapolis Rock is a big bluff that looks over a real pretty valley. The walk was a little more strenuous today with some good ups and downs. Today is my brother's birthday. Mike lives in Springfield, MO and I was able to call and talk to him for awhile. It is always good to visit with him. Happy Birthday Bro. I love ya and am looking forward to seeing you and Deb in Nashville and the OI convention!!!I took a break at a park area where there was a lady police officer and two ridge runners. They filled me in on where to go to eat...they were really nice folks and real helpful. I met Doug James who is doing a section hike. He lives in Conn. and gave me his phone number in case I need anything when passing through there. I really appreciate that. I have met so many kind hearted people out here. They are all a real blessing to me.