morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I had the honor and privilage to stay at Woods Hole Hostel last night. We had a delicious home grown dinner and were treated quite nicely by the proprietors, Michael and Neveille. I really enjoyed my stay last night.So at 9am, I hit the trail with the intentions of only going to Pearisburg, VA. My blisters were feeling pretty good and the weather was awesome. I made the 10 mile trek and was checked in at The Plaza Motel and eating at Dairy Queen by the time 1pm arrived. Avatar and I decided to split a room. I am planning on taking a zero tomorrow to get my blogs and videos uploaded and updated and to rest my body. Last week was hard on my body with the big miles but I am slowly getting in my best shape. I have, however, lost 35lbs!! I went from 225 lbs to 190 lbs and counting. I've lost all of my muscle and chub. Now, I look like one of those skeletons that science teachers hang up in their class room. In fact, I'd say the majority of my 190 lbs is from my beard but I could be wrong.I had a pleasant surprise when I left the Mexican resteraunt tonight. My buddy Timber was still in town unbeknownst to me. She was ahead of me but I finally caught up with her. I'm totally excited to see her. We hiked 500 miles or so together. Her and I stuck together when Trashman and Laid Back moved on (remember the Fab 4?). I miss hiking with her. She's leaving town tomorrow but hopefully I'll catch up with her.Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank Chicken Feathers, Shagman, and Pilgrim for their refusal to leave me out of the group and they picked up my tab on my dinner last night. These older gentlemen are guys I've hiked with for a while now and are genuinely caring individuals. I've been trying watch what I spend money on so I wasn't planning on attending the group dinner held at the hostel. Seeing that I was the only hiker out of the 18 who were staying there, these gentlemen paid my fee so I could eat with everyone. I don't want to get in the habit of having others pay for me but I was sincerely touched by their generosity. I decided to add this to my journal because I feel that this is an important lesson in life. Never leave anyone behind. It's kind of like the theme of the school I'm walking for, Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. Never leave any of those kids behind. One Life at a time. Anyways, I just wanted to share how people help me along the way. Its quite a beautiful thing.Much love from Pearisburg, VA. Remember, He's the only way.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Symms Meadow Gap (camping)
Miles today: 11.9

Today did not start off right. I spent several hours looking for a spot in Pearisburg that had WIFI for my computer so I could do bills and stuff. Naturally I went back to the spot that had it yesterday..Hardees. But for some reason it was a no-go. I asked some of the towns people but half of them have never heard of WIFI. Finally, Kudzoo, who had caught up but is renting a car gave me a lift so I could sit outside the public library and use their WIFI.When all was said and done I didnt leave Pearisburg until 12:30pm today. Interesting thing though on the way outta town. As I was leaving I spotted a small path in the woods that led to an old Pearisburg cemetary. I walked past it but curiosity got the better of me so I turned around and went to the cemetary. It was totally awesome. Captain Pearis, the town's namesake, was buried there. He was a Revolutionary War veteran. There were also 13 Confederate vets buried there too. Totally historical which is right up my ally. I did notice a strange amount of children buried there. I wonder what was killing these kids?So Im camped for the night after an easy 11.9 mile day. For the first time since I left I am by myself. Weird because Ive been traveling in groups until now. I just want to do my own thing for a little bit. Also, I had a headache walking today so I hope they arent coming back.For the record, I got to watch a Christmas movie last night. I watched the Family Stone in my motel room. Totally awesome. We all know how much I love Christmas stuff.Thats all I got. In all times turn to Him.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Symms Meadow Gap (camping)

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

As I lay here in my tent my dogs are barking. My feet are sore! Why? Easy. A simple phenomena called rock hopping. Virginia seems to be full of that. Its basically when the ground is strewn with rocks and you cant touch the ground. Big rocks, small rocks, jiggly ones, and sturdy ones. They all are on the path. These type of rock filled paths are very hard on your ankles and twice as hard on your feet. On top of that they slow your pace down quite a bit to the point where you have no idea how far you've come. Its quite a pain in the rear.While walking the 20.1 miles of today I got to thinking. I was asked if I was homesick the other day and the answer is...no. Not at all, actually. I do, however, miss Texas. I thought about my life in Texas and everyone there and I cant wait to go back when Im done. But Im not homesick. My mind is set on this mission and to see it through. Maybe by doing that I dont get homesick. Im not sure. All I know is that I love it out here and I treasure every step.Well, thats it. Stay faithful. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was not my finest day of hiking. It was the toughest 18.2 miles Ive done yet. I got increasingly frustrated as the day wore on as well. Why? It was very hot and the water sources are few and far between. On top of that, all of the water sources are suspect so I have to treat all water. No mountainous springs here. I havent had a sip of water that didnt taste like chemicals in ages. Also, the trail was strenuous on my feet today. I literally limped into Niday Shelter tonight at 8pm.So today was a first. I saw 3 donkies and only one person. I have never ever seen more donkies than people in my life. I think I didnt see other people because Im in the middle of two packs. A large one about a day ahead of me and a large one a day behind me. I love it. I get a lot of solitude and alone time.Tomorrow will be a huge challenge. I am being graciously picked up and housed at Karen's house. She has volunteered to put me up for a few days. However, as it stands I am 22 miles from where we are to meet at 6pm. GULP!! I want to be on the trail by 7am at the latest. I did 18 of this jaggity rock stuff today and was completely broken. I have faith Ill get there....but it will be toughAlways faithful to Him. Gnite
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Niday Shelter

To: The Homeplace
Miles today: 17.0

Well, what can I say about today?? Got up early...roughly 545 in the AM with the intentions of walking 22 miles to VA 311 (a road) where I was to be picked up by Karen and Byron Dillard. Yeah, um, didn't quite work out that way for a number of glorious reasons. I failed to take into account the climb up and particularly down Dragon's Tooth and also the weather. These are factors, ladies and gentlemen, that I can not control. I can't predict what the terrain is going to be like and the weather people on TV can't even predict the weather so how can I?So, what did I do?? I know you're just sitting on the edge of your milk crates or whatever you're sitting on. I sent a few messages to the Dillards seeing if it was ok to meet at VA 624 (a few miles closer). Here's the dilemna that only One Life has to endure....I have TMobile. Therefore, I hardly get reception and I have no idea if people get my messages and stuff. So, I had no idea if the Dillards got my message. Anyways, coming down Dragon's Tooth was pretty tough. It involved scaling down rock cliffs. Come to find out, a lot of people take their packs off and drop it but I was racing a rumbling thunderstorm and opted for the quicker method of leaving my pack on and hoping I don't die. I lived...barely at many times. I find it kind of funny (in retrospect now that its over) that the planners of this particular part of the trail get quite delight in making it so you can fall to your death with any mistep. I'm glad I didn't die...not in the mood for that.Long story longer...when I was about .2 of a mile from VA 624 the skies opened up and let me have torrential rain. I mean it absolutely poured. I had all my rain gear on but it was coming down hard and I have 45 minutes to wait. What did I do (again, you're sitting at the edge of your milk crate, I know it)??? I sat there in the rain for about 35 minutes and decided to hike to a grocery store that miraculously was nearby. I called the Dillards and they picked me up and we went to The Homeplace to eat..all we can eat too. After dinner, we went back to the Dillards where they have graciously put me up in a spare bedroom of theirs. They have been the hostess with the mostest. They have been awesome. Its funny. You go from the trail where you get by with little to nothing and make comforts out of the dumbest things (like sitting on a log instead of the ground is a luxury). Then, next thing you know, you are being put up in a nice home by some awesome people in a really comfortable bed and taking a 30 minute HOT shower. I guess thats one of the reasons why I decided to do the Trail...to really appreciate the smaller things in life (ie shower, anything for dinner besides noodles, a lawn chair instead of the luxurious log as stated earlier).So, thats it. I'm going to take a zero and tour Roanoke with the Dillards. I am meeting up with Timber, Avatar, and Turtle Dove tonight for a good ole fashion BBQ. Always faithful to Him.
Date: 2010-05-30
From: The Homeplace

To: Catawba Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: few clouds

Daily mileage: 7.9Start: Dillards houseFinished: Catawba Mtn ShelterI was blessed to have the opportunity to attend church today with the Dillards. After graciously taking a zero day yesterday at the Dillards residence I got to have a bbq with Turtle Dove, Timber, and Avatar at Turtle Doves house in Roanoke in the evening. Turtle Dove dropped me off at the Dillards after where I spent the night in a cozy, comfortable bed.In accordance with my type of writing and journaling I must be honest and give you the sometimes painful truth of the trail. Ive got a slight touch of the Virginia Blues. They say its when you get physically and emotionally worn out and it becomes very hard. In all honesty, its hard for me right now. My legs are tired, my feet hurt and Ive been getting frustrated easily with the trail. At times, it brings me to a complete stop while hiking and i bow my head and pray for the strength to go on. Its really tough sometimes. God does funny things though when you're struggling. Its not a secret to him that Im struggling through VA. He knows so he puts some people in my life like Karen and Byron Dillard. Not even knowing me they have taken me in their home and clothed me, fed me, spiritually uplifted me, and have really taken me in. They have offered me a place to stay, they are picking me up everyday so I can do day hikes and stay at their home at night for this week. I didnt ask them for this but the Lord knows I need this. If this is the only journal entry of mine youll ever read or youve been with me all along you know the theme of my journey is to be the example of Him, Christ. The Dillards ARE the example. I have so much to learn from them and Im so thankful for their kindness. They have gone out of their way to help me and provide for me. Its almost as if they are washing my feet as Jesus did. I just hope they understand how thanful I really am. Its tough to go from several days in the woods to some place like the Dillards. Its almost like you're pinching yourself. I just really hope they understand Im grateful. Am I going to quit or am I tetering on quitting? Heeeeeeeeeeeeeck no!!! Im struggling but I have full faith I will pull through. This is just like the real world....sometimes you face some uphills and going back down looks easier. But youll never see the view or succeed without going up and overcoming the hills. Im going to see the view!Always and passionately faithful to Him no matter what. 2 Timothy 2:3
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Catawba Mtn Shelter

To: VA 211
Miles today: 17.9

Today was a pretty uneventful day. I got up after camping at Catawba Mtn Shelter and was out the door bright and early at 904am. Ok, not exactly up with the birds but still up and at em. I got to take my picture on McAfee Knob. Lemme tell you. I am posting this picture on here but I'm going to use it as my theme. I'm entitling it "Giving it up to God." As I wrote last night, VA has been tough on me...but then I get to places like McAfee Knob. You just get a real great sense of the beauty you are looking at. By living in Texas, you don't have these views. Not to say that Texas doesn't have it's own type of beauty but a rock outcropping 3000 plus feet high is not one of them. Anyways, as I battle through this tough spurt I really feel God working in me to keep going. The pose I am doing is something I do all the time when I need strength to go on.Enough of the tough stuff. Today's 17.9 hike was beautiful and it reminded me why I'm out here. There is one constant problem though that I intend on fixing tomorrow. My feet dangerously hurt. The tendons under my feet (you have three longs ones) particularly on my left foot are killing me. With that being said, its time for new shoesie do's as my mom would say. Tomorrow, I'm headin' to the old outfitter and I be shoppin' yo. I also heard that there is a 45 degree summer sleeping bag on sale for $70 that I want to get. I've been using my 15 degree bag but its unbearably hot and I'm not sleeping all that well.So, for the rest of the week the Dillards are slack packing me. Do you remember what that means, boys and girls? That means that I don't have to carry a full pack because I will be coming back to their house at night. I'll just progress down the trail and Karen is going to pick me up. All I carry is food and agua. Makes it 50 times easier to hike that way. Tomorrow's slack pack will be not that many miles because I will be in my new kicks (shoesie do's).Thats it for tonight. Its all in God's hands. Gnite from the Dillard residence in Daleville, VA.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: VA 211

To: Sand Pond Road
Miles today: 7.8

Today is June 1st. Two big milestones mark this date. The first, my car payment is due. Its a tough pill to swallow when you have to pay for a car you don't use but thats a sacrifice I'll make to hike the trail. Two, I've been on the trail for two whole months.What can I say? I still have to pinch myself that I have been on this trail for two whole months. If you think about the creation of the world and stuff it doesn't seem that long but when you are actually hiking it seems ancient. Looking back at the beginning of April seems very distant to me. I've come 726 some odd miles. Not the fastest hiker out here but thats still further than I've ever walked in any other two month span.Month one was all about getting in shape and learning how to deal with life on the trail. Month two was still about getting in shape and learning how to get to town fast so you can have Dairy Queen Blizzards. I don't know if this is a sad truth or just the way it is but I find I am most motivated, when hiking, when there is a town with its luxuries associated with that particular day's destination. If there is not a town visit in store for the next few days I just kind of meandor and take my time. Slowly but surely. However, heaven help you if you are in the way of a day when I will be showering and or eating whatever a town has to offer. You will get run over. But seriously, two months, wow! I can't believe it. I also can't believe I have another 3-4 more months as well. I keep thinking that one day I'm going to hit my 30 mile a day stride and magically float into Maine but I'm not there yet!!! I'm still dealing with my 15-20 mile a day stride.So today was a big day. I bought new shoesie do's and a new sleeping bag. I was REALLLLLY picky on my new shoes. Hey, you hafta be when your toes look like little Shrek fingers at the end of everyday because they are so swollen. Anywho, I settled on a pair of Merrells. That was a big leap from what I expected. I was dead set on sticking with Vasque because they were so good to me until I ran them into the ground at about mile 600. But these Merrells felt so sweet and nice on my feet I just had to buy them.To test them out I needed to do a little slack packin'. Since I'm still staying at the Dillards I could do a short day of 7.9 miles to see how they felt. Shivers, their daughter who's an AT hiker, and I loaded up the old pack with water and took off for the trail. I nice day until it poured but luckily we were taking refuge in a shelter until it stopped. We did 3 miles in 45 minutes. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the speed I am capable of (please note that the speed is not not attainable with a normal size hiking pack and that should not be considered a normal everyday thing but I was taking this opportunity to brag). The verdict so far on the shoesie do's are that they worked great. Loved em so far but I haven't used a normal pack. Tomorrow will be a bigger test. I'm doing a 13.8 mile slack pack day. Hopefully they will pass the test.Thats it. I'm tired and need to get my beauty/beard hair growing sleep. In Him. Gnite
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Sand Pond Road

To: Buchanan, VA
Miles today: 13.8

Just so you know, I did 14.8 miles today but only 13.8 counted. I had to hike a mile up Sand Pond Road to get to the AT. There, I just thought I should air that out there now because I am still feeling miffed about doing the approach trail at Amicalola Falls State Park. Anyways, so I woke up kind of tired this morning. Confession: I went to go to bed at 11pm (at the Dillards) but as I was about to turn the television off the movie Pure Country came on. Now, I don't love that movie for its acting...thats for sure but it does remind me of home in Texas. I just had to watch it so that I could really get my fill of Texas. For the first time, I really missed Texas. Needless to say, I didn't get to bed til around 1am. Not smart! I was really tired this morning.When I awoke Karen had made a gourmet breakfast for Shivers and I. I had planned on a slack pack hike of 13.8 miles but I was really delaying it. I did not feel like hiking at all. In fact, I was lacking motivation altogether and believe me, I was not keeping it a secret. Buuuuuuut, I willed myself back to the trail and was hiking by 12pm.The hike was nice and it really brought my motivation back to hike the trail. It was so nice to have a small pack on and just hike. I did about 3 miles an hour and before you know it I was being picked up to go back to the Dillards. I did get some trail magic from HD Mama and her hubby. That was nice. Thanks for the Mt Dew guys!When I came back we grilled out and played a game called Dutch Blitz. I miss game nights! So, overall, it turned out to be quite a nice day. I will say this though. I tried to pay my car note today but they don't take debit cards....um what??? So, in 2010, they don't take debit cards. Alrighty, seems a weird way to do business but I guess I'll take care of it tomorrow.Faithful in Him. Gnite
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Buchanan, VA

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was officiall back in the saddle day. It was the day I had to say goodbye to the gracious Dillard family and conyinue on the trail with full pack. Im not going to lie, I was kind of sad to leave them. In just a week's time I have grown so close with Karen, Byron, and Shivers (their daughter Shelby). Its almost as if we are family now. Anyways, Im really going to miss them and I hope to see them real soon.Thats the beauty of this trail. You develop relationships with hikers but also with non hikers. That is why Im ok with being many days behind the friends Ive hiked with. I want to develop close bonds and meet and get to know people. It was well worth meeting the Dillards.TIME OUT FROM JOURNAL: as Im writing this a snake popped out of nowhere. It is about 5 feet away from me, no joke. It appears to be staring at me. Im not moving, I was here first!!So feeling kinda sad by saying goodbye I hiked 10.4 miles to Bryant Ridge Shelter. I would have kept going but it was already 5pm and the rain had just begun. I dont wanna ruin my new shoesie do's. It was cool though. I got to hang out with Deetz, Power Pack, and Slo-go. Slo-go went to a rival high school in MD so we have that in common. It will be interesting to see if we go the same pace because I had a lot of laughs with them tonight. I miss having a group to hike with.Well thats it from rainy VA. The beauty of getting back on the trail fulltime is I can have my daily prayer time. Always faithful. Gnite
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Springs
Miles today: 17.1

It was kind of an odd/sad day today. In the first mile of my 17.1 mile day I saw a bear. It was about 50 yards ahead of me and it skedaddled the instant it saw me. No time for any picturesBut on a sadder note...I came to Cornelius Creek Shelter at about 920am this morning about 5 miles into today's hike. I was by myself. I got some water and there were Cokes in the stream left by some Trail Angel. I proceeded to sit at the shelter for an hour or so eating and what not. Well come to find out later, a hiker had died at that shelter yesterday. They were discovered at about 2pm. Im kind of worried because most everyone is ahead of me that I know. I dont want to find out it was someone I know. That would be really sad. Ive gotten really close to a lot of people out here. Plus, its kind of eerie knowing I was sitting there a few hours later....So now Im camped with Power Pack, Deetz, and Slo-go. Same crew as last night. I like camping with them. We share a lot of laughs.Thats all tonight. Im in my tent and its unbearably hot! Cant unzip the tent due to bugs!!Proverbs 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Marble Springs

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

No joke, when I woke up this morning I was summoned by section hiker Walt. Not fully understanding what was going on I walked over to him. BAAAAM and there it was. A Rattler Snake was coiled up. It had been about 10 from my head for who knows how long. Sound fun?Today's 18.2 miles were a mixture of tough and easy. I descended all morning until I got to the James River Foot Bridge. It was really neat. Then shortly after that you hike upwards. You gain a few thousand feet in elevation. On the second climb of the afternoon, at about 430pm the skies threw everything they had at me. It downpoured. I got drenched. I began to get worried because I sent all of my winter clothes home so I wasnt sure Id have anything warm to be in. But as I lay here Im fine and pretty dry...or as dry as Im going to get.Im camping with Deetz, Power Pack, and Slo-go again. I like them. I miss having a group. I enjoy hiking by myself all day but I love interacting with people I know at night. Tomorrow Im going to try to wake up early to do the 11 miles to Buena Vista, VA where I need to resupply. Im also going to snag a coffee if I can. Thats all she wrote for tonight. In Him