morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Dick's Creek Gap, GA (Hiawassee, GA)

To: Dick's Creek Gap, GA (Hiawassee, GA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day: 10Date:3/27/06Start:Hiawassee, GA/Holiday InnFinish:Hiawassee, GA/Holiday InnMiles: 0Cumulative A.T. Miles: 66.6Clay: We had a great, comatose sleep last night. This morning we had breakfast with Shoto. We are going to miss him and Crusty dearly. It was sad to see them get on the shuttle to go to the trail but they need to be in Franklin by March 31. Goodbye friends. We enjoyed hiking with you, laughing with you, and fellowshipping with you.Today is an administration and rest day. Branch's knee is ailing with possible ACL problem and we both need a Sabbath rest (Matthew 14:23).Each night for the past week I have been reading the minor prophets. Wow, they are amazing. They talk about social problems like the rich oppressing the poor and building up their own house (Haggai 1:9), the "remnant" of believers, idols in the heart, and the Messiah (cf. Zechariah). The coolest verse for me was about Joshua, son of Jehozadak. Although it is about him, it is fun to use for my wife. The verse says, "The Branch is the servant"--how fitting!Branch: Today has been a good zero day. The hotel is in close proximity to both the grocery store and restaurants, so chores took up relatively little of my day. By 2:00 or so both Clay and I were able to sit back, relax and read some of God's word. I, too, have been reading the minor prophets and have been especially enjoying Habakkuk. The last two verses in the book of Habakkuk really struck me, "Yet I will exalt in the Lord. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds feet, and makes me walk on my high places." (Habakkuk 3:18-19).Another cool thing that happened today was that Craig called a friend of ours, Nate, at the outfitter at Neel's Gap and ordered me a Thermarest sleeping pad from them. Someone from there happened to be driving our way, so they delivered it to our room! Now that's service! We can't even get pizza delivered here. I can't wait to be able to try out my new sleeping pad. Hopefully, now I will not be as cold at night.
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Dick's Creek Gap, GA (Hiawassee, GA)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter, NC
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day: 11Date: 3/28/06Start: Dick's Creek Gap, GAFinish: Muskrat Creek Shelter, NCMiles: 11.6Cumulative A.T. Miles: 78.2Branch: This morning we awoke anxious to get back onto the trail. Yesterday, we visited with Trail Angel Todd, a friend of ours who lives in Hiawassee, and he nicely offered to take us back to the trail this morning. By 8:00 A.M., we were piling our gear into his truck. It was fun talking with him on the short ride to the trail. Thanks!It was weird getting back on the trail knowing that most of the people that we have been hiking with are either ahead or behind us. While we are looking forward to meeting new people, we already miss seeing familiar faces.Hiking was very difficult for me today. We took the day off yesterday to rest my knee, so it has felt pretty good. But as we crossed the state line today my left hip all of the sudden started screaming in pain. Every time we went uphill (and we went uphill a lot) my entire left leg was in agony. I have no reason why I have this new pain. So, I've drugged it up with the great vitamin I (ibuprophin) and am praying for a better day tomorrow.Clay: Branch and I enjoyed our short respite but we were ready to hit the trail again. Today we were excited to complete our first state. During the morning we dragged our feet because we knew that we were leaving behind our friends and family in Georgia and moving on to less familiar territory. We will miss our loved ones and we look forward to meeting new friends. By the afternoon, we finally reached North Carolina. As we passed the state line marker, we were greeted by the famous gnarled oak--what a majestic site. We took a few pictures, talked with Cheetoes, Michelangelo, Gut, and Silverback, and progressed North. No sooner than we were greeted by the oak, we were spanked by two mountains named Sharp Top and Courthouse Bald. It was as if North Carolina both welcomed us and demanded respect.Tonight we are tenting next to Muskrat Creek Shelter. We recognize some hikers and we spoke briefly but we did not hang out around the campfire tonight. There was too much base humor for us and we did not feel that the atmosphere was condusive for meaningful conversation. Maybe we will meet more nice folks tomorrow.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day: 12Date: 3/29/06Start: Muskrat Creek ShelterFinish: Carter Gap ShelterMiles: 12.5Cumulative A.T. Miles: 90.7Weather: Beautiful and sunny!Branch: We woke up this morning to the sound of birds singing and we could feel the beginnings of sunshine peeking through our tent. It felt so good, that we decided to just lay there for a while and feel the restful goodness. Oh, by the way, I would first like to mention that I slept *great* on my brand new thermarest. Someone said that the temperature was down to 29 last night and I didn't shiver once. Our friend, Nate was right. I don't think I'll ever go back to my old mat!When we got on the trail this morning, my hip was back to its screaming pain and I was mentally trying to figure out ways to signal a helicopter to come rescue me. However, after Clay reminded me that none were coming for me, we prayed, took some more vitamin I and continued walking. Soon after that I was enjoying my hike in the sunshine much more.On the way up Standing Indian Mountain, Clay and I were talking about how we'd need to borrow some ibuprophen from some of our fellow hikers so tht I could less painfully limp my way to Franklin (which is about 2 days away). At the shelter, Clay mentioned our need to one fellow and he gave us literally a handfull of vitamin I pills! Isn't that always how God provides?After that, I knew that God would continue to give me the strength that I need to keep on walking. Thanks to Him and the wonderful and compassionate encouragement continously given from Clay, I truly enjoyed today's hike.Clay: Since our buddies, Shoto and Crusty, are away from us now we are trying to make new friends. Today we hung out with Goldfish (from Oregon) and Carrie (from California), The Wanderers (a thru-hiking family from PA), Ork and Bean (from Alaska), Red Necked Crake (from England), Michaelangelo (an artist that draws the A.T. as he goes), Miss Swiss and Harley (from GA), and Fast Lane. Today we leap frogged all these people all day long. Then we all camped together. I hope that we can continue to hang out. Thus far, the hiking has been relatively easy for me and I have not had even a blister. I would like to thank Relient K, Living Sacrifice, Kainos, Audio Adrenylin, Project 86, Glenn Miller, Caedmon's Call, Supertones, DC Talk, and Guardian for getting me up the hills today--especially the 5498' Standing Indian Mountain. I also had a *great* time listening to Dr. Michael Behe lecture about "irreducible complexity" in Bacterial Phlagellum (see www.origins.org or www.veritasforum.org for more information).This part of the Nantahala National Forest is also a bear sanctuary. Recently, a bear has been taking the packs of hikers. So, I may sleep with one eye open. Tomorrow is a big day. We are slated to do over 12 miles and go over Mount Albert--a hand-over-hand treat. We plan on giving our best effort (cf. see Malachi about givng your best). Good night and God Bless.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Carter Gap Shelter, NC

To: Rock Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Day: 13Date: 3/30/06Start:Carter Gap ShelterFinish: Rock Gap ShelterMiles: 12.1Cumulative A.T. Miles: 102.8Branch: Today we awoke to yet another gorgeous day weather-wise. Knowing that today would be fairly tough for me and my gimp-hip, we got out of camp fairly early (7:25) and completed 4 easy miles by 9:00. We had a great time, but the entire time I was both dreading and looking forward to the 2.5 mile climb up Albert. About 1.5 miles up, my hip was beginning to need a break. All of the sudden I began to hear music and smell the incredible aroma of cooking pancakes. I've heard of the brain doing some funny tricks and quickly dismissed the smell as a strange, hikers mirage of sorts. Soon, however, we turned a bend, and saw the most beautiful sign-"Trail Magic". We walked a little further and who did we see but Fishin' Fred, a friend of Clay's who he met while Fred was thru-hiking last year. Fishin Fred and his friends Gatorade, Skirt, and Flat Bread had the most incredible set up I've ever seen. They have a *huge* tent for hikers to stay in, they have all sorts of goodies for hikers to munch on, hot coffee, tea, soft drinks of every kind, and best of all-- they made the best blueberry pancakes I've ever tasted! Better than the food was hanging out with Fishin' Fred and the gang. We truly enjoyed catching up with this great trail servant.Clay: Fishin' Fred is so nice. While we were at his cook-out, he gave us each a beautiful, wooden pendant with an A.T. logo on one and a white blaze on the other. We are very proud to wear Fishin' Fred's creations (www.fishinfreds.com). After we departed, he even chased us down the trail just to give us a great-tasting apple. What a guy. We look forward to seeing him again at Trail Days.After hanging out with Fishin' Fred, within a mile we began to ascent the 5200' Albert Mountain. We have been dreaming about climbing the famous Albert Mountain for years now. Today was the day. Albert reminded us of certain mountains on the Long Trail. It was very comforting and familiar. Unlike the first part of our hike, Albert is a hands-on mountain. You must reach out and take hold of Albert in order to conquer Albert. The hike up Albert is steep and doable even for the weekend hiker. It was as if Albert Mountain was our 100-mile exam. After passing our "exam", we were rewarded with the best views that we have seen thus far.Only Miss Swiss and three section hikers have decided to stay at Rock Gap Shelter tonight. Everyone else is trying to find camping spot between here and US 64--Winding Stair. We must stay due to Branch's gimp hip. She needs the rest and it is a hard 3.1 miles to the road. Miss Swiss and the eldest section hiker asked me about my profession. I told them that I'm an itinerant minister and I told them about my degrees in theology and philosophy. We talked a little about why philosophy is useful, how philosophy can aid theology, and about a simple cosmological argument. It was fun for me and I hope that they enjoyed it too.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day: 15Date: 4/1/06Start: Franklin, NCFinish:Franklin, NCMiles: 0Cumulative A.T. Miles:Clay: We had a great time at the Saphire last night seeing Circuit Rider, Sherlock, and Frosty. It was also great meeting Pirate and Ox. We hope to run into Crake, Cheetoe, and Good Hand again. I like them. Today, we sent some more journals, sent our picture CDs via the P.O., and ate like hogs at an AYCE.The most fun today was showing up at the Macon Baptist Association house (thanks for driving us Crutch) and surprising the Spartanburg BCM folks. We love these guys.Branch: We had the best time hanging out with the BCM group! Its hard to put into words how rejuvenating their presence has been. Their laughter, conversation, and time of worship caused me to praise God for His goodness in causing us to be here tonight. I never cease to be amazed by God's sovereignty.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day: 16Date: 4/2/06Start: Winding Stair Gap, NC (Macon Baptist Association Mission House)Finish: Winding Stair Gap, NC (Hampton Inn)Miles: 0Cumulative A.T. Miles: 106.6Branch: We slept wonderfully last night, having been in the restful presence of other Christians. We slept so well that we completely forgot about the time change. When we got up this morning, we thought that we hang out with our friends about an hour before they left. Imagine our surprise when we found an empty house. We were sad that we missed them, but we look forward to seeing them in a couple of days.Clay: We had a great time getting some rest and getting on the internet today. As we were resting, someone came in the door. It was Rachel from Spartanburg BCM! Rachel was a great Trail Angel last year and she had come back to serve this year too. She is a great young woman that has taken a number of religion classes. She really loves the Lord. After spending some quality time with her, we bid her farewell. We will probably see her on Tuesday as we pass by Winding Stair and Wayah Gaps--where they are stationed.After Rachel left, my parents called and said that they were on the way to see us. This was great! We stayed at the Hampton Inn and we ate all you can eat steak at Prime Sirloin, here in town. I ate 3 steaks, a heaping plate of fresh salad with a load of kiwi, fruit, and cottage cheese (all mixed together!), a baked potato, and a bunch of veggies. I have noticed that nearly all of my vegetarian friends will take a vegetarian sabbatical while on the trail. A vegetarian diet is healthy in the real world but protein is hard to come by on the trail.Some major storms are going to be rolling in tonight. They are even calling for 40 mile per hour winds. I am thankful to be in a hotel room tonight, near my loved ones, and well fed. We will say a prayer for those who are on the trail tonight. Good night and God bless.
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day: 17Date: 4/3/06Start: Winding Stair Gap, NC (Hampton Inn)Finish: Winding Stair Gap, NC (Hampton Inn)Miles: 0Cumulative A.T. Miles: 106.6Branch: We were not sure about whether we should hike on today, but the decision turned out to be an easy one for us. Last night an incredible storm came through and it was still raining cats and dogs when we woke up this morning. So, when Mom and Day said that they were planning to stay the night again and offered to let us stay as well, the decision to stay was quite easy.My left leg is feeling a good bit better and we are planning to get back on the trail tomorrow.Clay: Today we called a rheumatologist friend of ours. He deals with aches and pains in the joints among other problems. While we believe that Suzy could continue on with some level of pain (she walked 30 miles in pain), we are concerned that her hike might end prematurely if the injury is aggravated.Today we ate lunch at Huddle House (in honor of Shoto and Crusty) and we saw some friends from Highlands, NC--David and Wendy. It seems that wherever we go, we know someone. Despite the fact that we are chomping at the bit to hit the trail again, we believe that God has stopped us in this town for a number of reasons. We keep running into people we know. We also found out that we may be running into our good friend, Kutsa (AT '05) from Israel. We think the world of her and we hope we run into her soon. It will be good to see a familiar face.Thus far, the difficulty of the A.T. had paled in comparison to the Long Trail. The mental/emotional game has been a breeze. The spiritual aspect has been everything we expected. The seemingly miraculous is commonplace and our Bible reading is very desired and disciplined. We have been surprised that a physical ailment has stopped us for now. Surely, like Jacob's hip or Paul's circuitous diversions (e.g. jail) or Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, our break from the trail is God's way of setting up optimal circumstances such that he can intersect the three-dimensional line of hikers lives on the 3' x 2,174-mile trail.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Gap, NC
Miles today: 5.9

Day: 18Date: 4/4/06Start: Winding Stair Gap, NCFinish: Wayah Gap,NC/Franklin, NCMiles: 5.9Cumulative A.T. Miles: 112.5Clay: Today we woke up at the Hampton Inn at 5:30 A.M. and we ate breakfast with my father. My dad has Parkinson's disease and he is in either the third or forth quarter of his life. He has always been a moral man and a successful business man. Now, in his later years, God and time have taken his health and his vocation. As we drank our coffee and ate our continental breakfast, we had a rare talk about "life assurance". It was the most meaningful conversation I have ever had with my father. I have never loved him more than I do today.Branch: Clay's parents dropped us off at Winding Stair Gap at around 8:30 in the morning. It was very difficult to say goodbye to them because it will probably be a while before we see them again. We will miss them terribly.We thought of the first 5.9 miles of today's hike as a sort of test run for my ailing hip and knee. After four days of rest I felt confident that there would be little to no pain. I was wrong. Within 3 miles or so, my hip was sounding off as if I had not rested at all. This was incredibly difficult for me both emotionally and spiritually. My heart's desire is to be on the trail. I feel that God has called me to hike the A.T.. In my mind and heart I pleaded with God, begging Him to heal my leg and asking Him why He would put me here only to have my hip be in constant pain. By mile 5.9, I was done.When we got to Wayah Gap, we were so happy to see some of our friends who were Trail Angeling there. One of the Trail Angels was Jeff. Jeff knew a doctor who could check out my hip and he offered to take us to him. How nice! When I was at my lowest, God continued to provide.On the way to the doctor, Jeff took us to Wendy's to eat--again, how nice! Afterwards, we went to Dr Gus's office. Jeff had called ahead, so he was expecting us. As we talked with the doctor, we realized that he had helped two other buddies of ours, Braveheart and Messenger. He made quick practice (although somewhat painful) of examining my left leg and soon was sure that there is nothing seriously wrong with it. Rest is the only cure. As we prepared to pay the lady at the front desk, she informed us that Dr. Gus's exmination was free of charge! Wow! God provided again.After the doctor visit, Jeff graciously took us to hang out with our friends who were still Trail Angeling. We hung out with them and they took us back with them to the house they are staying in while they are in town. Tonight, they have not only shared space with us, but they have shared much more as well. They shared their tacos and other food with us. Most importantly, though, they once again shared their worship time with us. It is so incredible to praise God along side these wonderful friends. I was even able to praise God for the pain in my hip. Because of this pain, we have been able to witness God work and provide over and over again. Praise God for the detours and diversions in life!
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day: 19Date: 4/5/06Start: Franklin, NCFinish: Franklin, NCMiles: 0Cumulative A.T. Miles: 112.5Clay: Today we said goodbye to our friends from Spartanburg BCM--Shannon, Rachel, Jimmy, Liz, Ro, Bradyn, Caraleigh, Leigh, William, Tracy, Caroline, Jamie, Pamela, Meredith, Elizabeth, and Annakyla. We love this group of people. We can't wait to see Leigh and Caraleigh at Trail Days. It was fun eating lunch with Jeff and Cyndi today. Jeff is the best DOM I have ever met and Cyndi is a wonderful, Godly woman. I learned a lot more about author, Donald Miller today and how his writings can impact today's generation.Branch: The name of the game today has been rest the leg. Today we had the best rest that we have had so far. After eating delivered pizza with Jeff and Cyndi, we went back to the house we have been so graciously allowed to stay in, curled up under my sleeping bag, and slept hard. After that I took a bath and lounged around all afternoon. The more I rest, the more I am ready to get back out on the trail.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Wayah Gap, NC

To: Wesser Bald Shelter, NC
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day:20Date:4/6/06Start: Wayah Bald, NCFinish: Wesser Bald Shelter, NCWeather: mostly sunny with short spurts of sprinklesMiles: 15.7Cumulative A.T. Miles: 128.2Branch: After being in town for so long we woke up this morning ready to feel the trail underfoot. The ever faithful Jeff pulled into the driveway promptly at 7:30 to pick us up. Thank you so much. In the back seat of his truck sat his beautiful 4 year old daughter. I got to sit next to her and chat during the ride up to the gap where Jeff had picked us up 2 days ago. It was so much fun hanging out with her. I hope that she gets to hike some when she gets older.Clay: As Jeff dropped us off, we made sure to start where we dropped off the other day. We are attempting to do a purest's hike. We want to always carry our own pack and we want to pass every blaze. Today we climbed the 5342' Wayah Bald. From the bald we could see where we had been (e.g. Siler Bald) and where we are going. We got a look at the Smoky Mountains today. We are excited about hiking through them.As we topped Wayah, we saw our buddy Nokia. He worked at Mountain Crossings for a while. This is where we first met. It was fun leapfrogging with Nokia and Livin' today. We laughed a lot today with these guys. In particular, there was an older gentleman at Telico Gap today with an "In my day, the A.T. ..." attitude. Nokia tried to put himself in the elderly man's shoes and he realized that he (Nokia) was wearing a kilt while smoking hand-rolled cigarettes and Livin' was sporting a mohawk. So, Nokia surmised, the old fellow probably thought we were all freaks. Nokia and Livin' were very funny and we enjoyed hiking with them today.Branch and I are ready to put in some miles. We may be stopped short again tomorrow because some dangerous thunderstorms and wind are forecasted tomorrow around noon. Oh well. At least we will get to meet some nice people.