morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-11-19
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Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I miss the trail! Not so much the hiking,but rather living outdoors. I feel claustrophobic indoors. I firmly believe we humans were meant to spend much more time outside than we do. It puzzles me how much attention is given to the weather on the local news when people spend so little time out in it. Today I read and reflected upon Psalm 19 written by the shepherd David. He spent much of his life living outdoors ; first as a shepherd, then as a soldier and later as a fugitive on the run. He states that day and night the heavens are declaring God's glory through his handiwork. Living under the sun, moon and stars spoke volumes to him about God. Later he became the King of Israel and lived in a palace . I wonder if he wrote this Psalm while living outdoors or in the palace longing to be back out there;like I do.I miss the "voice" of nature. Having a roof over my head seems to hide the glory of God and muffles what is being declares by his handiwork. I recently had a friend share with me that she and a friend had watched a fantastic 4th of July fireworks display. Later on a warm summer night they were talking about the fireworks display while observing thousands of lightning bugs hovering over and lighting up a bean field. One looked at the other and said "God wins!" A few nights ago Samson and I slept out on a crystal-clear moonlit night under the stars in the desolate beauty of the Badlands of South Dakota. We saw the glory of God and heard His voice. The next night we slept in a very nice hotel which was interestingly decorated with nature scenes. God won again!Here is the portion of Psalm 19 I am referring to. Why don't you go outside and read it. That will make it even better!"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun..."
Date: 2013-11-21
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Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I think Pennsylvania was my toughest state. I had heard about the rock fields which caused hikers to rename it Rocksylvania, Sprainsylvania and Painsylvania. It's not that the rocks are huge; they aren't. Nor that there is much elevation change; there isn't. It's just that much of the trail in Pa. goes through miles of small, jagged and loose rocks without a soft spot to step on. Instead the day is spent walking on terrain which tears at your boots , cuts your ankles and bruises the bottoms of your feet. Pa. is said to be " the place where boots go to die" and terrain that will "make your feet bark." It also drains you emotionally since each step needs to be planned. You must concentrate on foot placement!Since returning to life "off trail" I have found that it offers some of the same terrain Pa. does. By that I mean there are so many details that demand attention and concentration that it's a pain and wears you out. It also seems you never get around to what's most important.Thinking about this reminded me of the last words of Paul to Timothy found in 11 Timothy. Paul was an outdoorsman. He wrote that he was "constantly on the move". There are over 13,000 miles of his journeys recorded in his writings. Much of it on foot over difficult terrain. Now at the end of his life he is in prison awaiting a martyr's death. I assume being "chained up" in a prison was hard on a man who had spent much of his life outdoors traveling by foot. However, he does have time to reflect and write while in prison. He speaks of his upcoming death as the end of his life's journey. He seems to be looking forward to the finish. However, after waxing eloquently about his upcoming death his tone abruptly changes. He has details to handle before death comes. He tells Timothy to come soon ,before winter,and "when you come bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas. also the books, and above all the parchments".Even Paul was not exempt from having to deal with the mundane details of life. It seems he forgot his cloak and needed Timothy to bring it, his books and parchments. Time was of the essence as well. "Do it now, before winter!"So just as every thru-hiker must go through the rock fields of Pa. to make it to Katahdin,we too must walk through the seemingly mundane and endless details of life to accomplish our goals. It is part of the journey. Embrace it, and remember that each step no matter how painful is a step toward accomplishing the goal.
Date: 2013-11-22
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Miles today: 0.0

Statistics for the thru-hiking class of 2013 were recently published by the Appalachian Trail Conservatory. Although a record number of hikers began a thru-hike, only around 15 percent completed the journey. Record-breaking snow and cold in March, continuous rain throughout the spring and summer, and a norovirus outbreak contributed to a lower than usual completion rate. Another statistic that interested me was that of the little over 14,000 hikers who have completed a thru-hike, less than 4 percent have been over 60 years old. I turned 63 while on the trail. I am greatly humbled by the fact that I completed the journey. Truly it was the grace of God that got me to Katahdin. Samson, my friend and fellow thru-hiker, claims he was the clumsiest hiker on the trail this year, but I think it was me. Although I didn't keep count, I believe I fell every day, and multiple times on some days. The AT traverses 14 states; I think I have a scar from each state. Often,I would get back up after a fall and thank God that although bruised, battered and bleeding, I was not broken and was able to continue. Also, I would quote Psalm 18:13 written by David while a fugitive on the run from King Saul in the rugged Judean Mountains. I have had the privilege of hiking that same area and have often seen ibex (deer) scaling the rugged cliffs. It is amazing how agile and sure footed they are. David too was able to scale those cliffs to escape Saul and his armies. This caused David to write "God made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights."David was literally in the mountains and needed God's strength and agility to scale the rugged cliffs in order to escape from Saul. Later, Habakuk, speaking of the difficult times he and the nation of Israel were going through, wrote in Habakuk 3:17-19 "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no heard in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. GOD, The Lord, is my strength, he makes my feet like the deer's he makes me walk on the high places."Like the trail, life at times is very difficult. We need the "feet of a deer" in order to climb up and over the dangerous terrain. With God's strength and grace we can "walk on the high places" and come through perhaps bruised, battered and bleeding, but unbroken!
Date: 2013-11-27
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Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

People hike the AT for various reasons. An official and popular statement is that the AT is: "A footpath for those seeking fellowship with the wilderness." That was certainly true of me and the hikers I met, but for many of us, there was more that drew us to the trail. Since completing the hike I have often shared that "no one takes 5-6 months out of life to hike the AT who isn't seeking or working through something."For many, the hike was a spiritual pilgrimage. We were seeking a closer relationship with God, the Creator of the wilderness. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 84. It speaks of the pilgrims of Israel who hiked to Jerusalem in order to worship at the Temple three times a year. For Jesus and his parents it was a three or four day, 70-mile journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem. (see Luke 2:41-52) Verse 5 of the Psalm reads "Blessed are those who have set their hearts upon pilgrimage." A pilgrimage is more than a journey. It has a beginning and destination, but the purpose of the journey has a spiritual goal in mind. The travelers on their way to Jerusalem were seeking God. There are people who see themselves as tourists, here primarily to enjoy life. Some see life as a struggle to endure and overcome. Others see it as a competition, striving to reach a goal ahead of others and be the "winners." Pilgrims see themselves as people on a journey, headed toward a destination, with a compelling desire to develop a growing relationship with God and other pilgrims.I have a friend in northern Maine, "Stickman," who loves the trail and hikers. He is a "pilgrim" who has a small business making hiking sticks with favorite verses burned into them. He made me one I cherish and use as an illustration when speaking. It has Psalm 84:5 engraved into it. If you are interested in having one yourself, think about your favorite verse and contact Kelly at Scripturesticks.com. To me it is a constant reminder of who I am, and why I am here doing the journey of life.
Date: 2013-11-28
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Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Most thru-hikers I met along the trail used hiking sticks or poles. Some started out without them but later began using at least one hiking stick. I do know some hikers who did not use poles or sticks. I admire their sure-footedness. However, most hikers would agree that using at least one hiking stick gave them assurance, took considerable stress off their knees and saved them from many falls. I believe this principle holds true spiritually as well. Some call religion a "crutch." I accept that. For a person walking through the rough terrain of life, it seems wise to have Someone to lean upon for strength, stability and support. Perhaps worse than needing a crutch would be needing one but not having one.Solomon, the ancient wise king of Israel, wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust(put your weight upon) the Lord and lean not upon( don't put your weight upon) your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him (seek his strength, stability, and counsel) and he shall make your paths straight."So on the trail, I use hiking poles. And on the trail of life,I use and recommend the "crutch" of a relationship with God. He has given me assurance ,removed stress an saved me from many falls.
Date: 2013-12-01
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Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I recently saw a billboard for an urgent care center. In bold letters it said, "Walk-ins and Limp-ins Welcome." I don't know that it would have caught my attention like it did if I had not just completed a very long walk; and if I weren't still limping from it. Several thru-hikers I know are also experiencing "hiker's hobble" since accomplishing the thru-hike. It seems the hike took a toll on our joints and they are still stiff and sore.Jacob limped. He was named Jacob which means "to grasp" since at birth he was grasping at his twin brother's heel, trying to pull himself ahead. In the book of Genesis it is recorded that he lived up to his name, always doing anything necessary to "get ahead." However, one night he had a wrestling match with God, and they both won. Jacob walked away a winner, blessed by God and with a new name. But, he was limping; God had also won. God had won over the heart of Jacob to such a degree that he was a new man and deserved a new name. His new name (trail name?) Israel roughly translates to "One who struggles with God, prevails, and becomes a Prince of God."I would like to think that to have the "hiker's hobble" is an honor. Thru-hikers have earned the stiff, sore joints because they have gone through a great struggle, and have prevailed. I am grateful that God, like the urgent care center, welcomes those who limp along through life, struggling with and seeking to become a prince of God.
Date: 2013-12-04
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Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I stopped into a "hamburger joint" the other day and saw a homeless guy sitting in a corner. I felt strangely drawn to him; almost like I'd seen a friend. He looked like "hiker trash." Thru-hikers are actually quite fond of the moniker "hiker trash" and often refer to ourselves as such. We have felt like trash when attempting to hitch a ride along trash-strewn ditches to unfriendly towns. We've known Trail Towns and Trail Angels who have treated us like celebrities and seemed not to notice our filth and stench. However, we have also known eyes that stare straight through us and lonely seats in the back corners of restaurants. The homeless guy had food and a cup of coffee, so I didn't buy him anything. I did however, catch his eye and acknowledge him. He stared back and smiled slightly. Nothing was said verbally yet much was communicated. Somehow, I think he knew,that I knew, and understood. This time of year we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Now there is a "hiker trash" story. No room in the inn; born in a barn. I have been in those "barns" in Bethlehem. They are actually animal stalls in a rock cave-like structure. The stench is awful and it is filthy. Just think, the first family of Christmas was a "hiker trash" family. Joseph had just hiked 70 miles. Mary most probably had ridden a donkey for the last 3-4 days---while pregnant! Heavenly angels sang, stinky shepherds wiped the manure off their sandals, shyly stuck their heads into the cave and stared in stark wonder. The religious leaders stayed in the temple going through their rituals and missed the whole thing. Paranoid King Herod partied with political leaders in his luxurious palace while sending soldiers five miles to the small village of Bethlehem to kill the baby Jesus. Today many still consider Jesus "hiker trash," but I feel strangely drawn to Him, almost like I'd seen a friend.
Date: 2013-12-06
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Miles today: 0.0

Jesus said, " A woman giving birth to a child has pain... but when her baby is born she no longer remembers her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world." Thru-hikers, like the new mother, tend to forget the pain we went through on our way to Katahdin as we reminisce about the journey. I was recently looking at a picture of a beautiful green swampy area on the trail. The AT traverses through the swamp for hundreds of yards on bog boards. While enjoying the beautiful scene I suddenly remembered how slippery the boards were, how I slipped into the swamp and came up soaked and swarmed by mosquitoes. It all seemed quite hilarious now. I am glad we tend to forget the pain of the journey and focus upon the joy afterwards. I only wish I enjoyed it more at the moment it was happening. Several times I remember thinking "If I could just disassociate from the pain I am feeling this would be the most awesome experience!"Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says, "I perceived that there is nothing better than to be joyful and to do good as long as you live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil-- this is God's gift." Orthodox rabbis teach that we humans will have to answer to God if we don't enjoy all the good gifts He has given us for our journey here on earth. An expression often heard on the trail is "enjoy the journey." That is a good saying to live by on the trail of life as well. After all, we don't want to answer to God for not enjoying life, do we!
Date: 2013-12-10
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Miles today: 0.0

I was recently asked what biblical character I most related to in the Christmas story. I immediately responded that it was the shepherds. I assume that would be the response of most thru-hikers.The gospel of Luke says that shepherds were "out in the fields." They lived under the sun, moon and stars as they cared for their sheep. Luke goes on to say that that they were "keeping watch over their flocks by night." It was a dangerous and lonely job being a shepherd. Some shepherds lost their lives fighting off predators; and thieves were always lurking in the shadows hoping to steal from the flock. The well-known shepherd David stated that he had killed a lion and a bear while protecting his flock. Shepherds, like thru-hikers, spent months at a time living outside so were usually dirty and smelled like sheep. They were even considered "unclean" spiritually since their jobs kept them from attending synagogue services. Shepherds were constantly on the move as they led their sheep to new pastures. Perhaps others even labeled them "shepherd trash."They did however, like thru-hikers, enjoy living in community with other shepherds outside in God's creation, and seemed to be special to God. After all, it was shepherds alone who received the special visitation by angels and the invitation to go to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus who was born to "shepherd his peopl." Priests and kings were not invited; just a few stinky shepherds. They didn't seem to be surprised that the baby was "born in a barn" and lying in an animal feeding trough. Their own children's births would have been similar. Luke states the shepherds told everyone what they had heard and seen that night and that everyone "wondered at what the shepherds told them." I wonder if the shepherds had any idea that the baby would grow up and be known as "The Good Shepherd who would lay down his life for the sheep."
Date: 2013-12-11
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Miles today: 0.0

I have been studying the Christmas story and have been amazed at the distances traveled by the main characters referred to in the event. Joseph and Mary would have traveled 70 miles "as the crow flies" from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Scholars believe the distance was more likely around 120 miles. Joseph almost certainly walked and Mary most likely rode on a donkey. Those who traveled the farthest were the Magi or Wise men. There isn't actually a number given as to how many there were. Three has been assumed because three gifts were given. We're also not told the distance they traveled but only that they came from the East. Many scholars believe they traveled by camel or horse nearly 800 miles from the ancient country of Persia to the little village of Bethlehem. By the time they got there Joseph and Mary and Jesus were living in a home. It was a long journey over rough terrain. The Magi remind me of Trail Angels we met while hiking the AT. Many traveled several miles in order to help us in any way they could and to present us with the gifts of Trail Magic. In Vermont, Steve met Rash and me in the woods with a grill, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks. In Maine, Grandma Sylvia drove an hour into the 100-mile wilderness on a rutted logging road to surprise hikers with coffee and donuts from Dunkin' Donuts. Stickman drove well over 200 miles to pick me up at Millinocket to assist me in getting home after reaching Mt. Katahdin. He refused payment but instead presented me with an engraved hiking stick!As it turned out Joseph and Mary really needed the expensive gifts they were given because immediately after the Magi departed they had to flee as fugitives nearly 400 miles to Egypt to escape the clutches of the crazed King Herod. They most likely relied upon the "Trail Magic" from the "Trail Angels" to pay their travel expenses. The Magi returned home by another route and no further mention is made of them. I am sure they never knew how crucial their gifts were to Joseph, Mary and Jesus and that they would be recognized, written and sung about 2,000 years later. We should never underestimate the impact of even a small act of kindness.
Date: 2013-12-12
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Miles today: 0.0

The Christmas story states that the Magi followed a particular star on their journey of perhaps 800 miles to Bethlehem. Many scholars believe they were astrologers from Persia who were familiar with an ancient prophesy about a unique star rising over Israel, indicating that a child had been born who would become a glorious king. They believed the child had already been born, that God had announced it in the heavens, and they had come to worship him. After arriving at Jerusalem, where they assumed the new King would be born, they found that another prophesy said the king would be born in Bethlehem, the hometown of David, the ancient shepherd/king of Israel. They left Jerusalem for the six-mile journey to Bethlehem and "the star which they had seen when it rose, went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."The star reminds me of the white blazes on the Appalachian Trail. To hike the 2,185.9 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, you simply follow the white blazes. I understand there are approximately 80,000 white blazes on trees, rocks, logs and fence posts that give direction along the way. There were times in the winter when the blazes were hard to find due to snow covering them. Later in the summer undergrowth and leaves at times covered the blazes. Every thru-hiker has known the frustration of not being able to find a blaze, and the joy of finally finding one after wandering about searching frantically. Upon finding a white blaze, we too "rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."David,the ancient shepherd/king of Israel, followed the white blazes of God's word to give him direction for life. In Psalm 119 he writes, "Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths, direct my steps. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." I too have found the "blazes" giving direction for life found in the Bible are much like the blazes on the AT. Following them proves to be the right path and will lead to a wonderful destination.
Date: 2013-12-16
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Miles today: 0.0

I read that approximately 20 percent of thru-hikers are female. I had the privilege of meeting and hiking with a few of them and found them to be tough, tenacious hikers. I met female hikers with the trail names of Gummy Bear, Camaro, Coffee Pot, Foxy, Wild Rain, Briteside, Hobbit, Lady Gray, Lil' Sas and Moxie. I know other male hikers would agree that they all had moxie, defined as the ability to face difficulty with courage, spirit and skill.Mary, the mother of Jesus, had moxie. She was probably around 15 years old when she went to see her Aunt Elizabeth. Luke writes "Mary arose and went in haste into the hill country to a town in Judah." We are not told how she traveled nor what town she went to, but most scholars would agree that she probably went by foot and that the trip was around 100 miles. Luke later writes: "Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and returned to her home," another 100 miles. Then we have the familiar Christmas story in which she travels 120 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, probably by donkey due to her pregnancy. After the birth of Jesus she and Joseph settled in Bethlehem. However, within two years they had to flee by night, probably by foot, 400 miles to Egypt. Sometime later they returned to Nazareth, again probably by foot, another 400 miles. When Jesus was 12 years old, Mary made a 200-mile round-trip journey to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. Luke says she "went to Jerusalem every year to the feast." During Jesus's ministry we find her walking with Jesus all over the rough and rocky hills of Israel. Mary was one tough, tenacious female hiker with moxie! I think her trail name is given in the Bible as well. In the Magnificat, found in Luke chapter 1, she says, "from now on all generations will call me blessed..."