morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I can honestly say that this was one of the best days for me on the trail so far. I had the most amazing nights sleep last night. Finally, I slept like a champ. After getting a rather late start I chatted and walked with Power Pack. Shes a cool girl and Im gald Im hiking with her, Deetz, and Slo-go. My ultimate destination was to hitch into the town of Buena Vista, VA so I could resupply. On my way I received awesome Trail Magic from Hot Flash and her husband, Flash (AT alumns '87). They gave me the most amazing lemonade iced tea. I had 4 cups with it. When I was done I got to hike through an amazing stretch of two miles of woods that used to be a town settled by former slaves. It was totally cool to see remnants of an old town. When I got toth road HD Mama and her husband gave me a lift 12 miles to town to the Food Lion for groceries. When I was done shopping I was sitting on the bench contemplating how to get back to the trail. Xena (1/2 of the AT in '04) offered me a ride to the local Hardees When I was finished there she gave me a ride back up the 12 miles to the trail where I met back up with the crew.But the most amazing part of the day came when I summitted Cold Mountain at sunset. It was just an amazing evening. We took tons of pictures and goofed around. We rolled into camp around 9pm. I had to set my tent up in the dark. So thats it. Its a lot better experiencing irather than reading it but it was simply a magical day for me. It really lifted the VA Blues from me. Now, at 11:15pm Im signing off to bed. Gnite.Mathew 25:40
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Tye River
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: clear sky

Power Pack, Deetz, Slo-go and I set out of camp at around 930am. It was a pretty late start but we were tired from the night before. I slept pretty good but I was cold. I guess I jumped the gun on sending my 15 degree down sleeping bag home and buying a 45 degree bag. The last few nights Ive been bundled up and mummied in my sleeping bag. Right now, we are by a river and its muggy!Today featured a climb over The Priest. This is a giant mtn that came at the end of a 19.4 day. It was nice though because I walked down with Slo-go and got a chance to talk to him. Hes a funny guy who graduated a rival high school in Montgomery County, MD. We got the Moco connection.On another note, we are trying to get to Waynesboro, VA by Thurs. Ive been invited to Deetz's family reunion pool party about an hour away. So we are planning on getting to her fam's on Thursday and leaving Saturday morning. It will be a nice zero day of pool and eating. I cant wait. Always in Him.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Humpback Mtn

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

I camped with Power Pack and Dietz (I've been spelling it wrong all along). Slo-go decided to continue on to the next shelter which would have made it a 25 mile day so I stayed with the girls and camped. We pretty much had one thing on our minds....WAYNESBORO!! Why? Well, we planned on staying with Dietz's Aunt and Uncle in Fauquier County, VA and we were being picked up by her cousin, Bobby, in Waynesboro. Plus, we knew we would get there way before Bobby could pick us up so we just wanted to eat....and eat more. So, we woke up at around 615am. I should rephrase that...we got moving at 615am. You see, I had un-strategically placed my tent in some little devit so I was wicked uncomfortable for the entire night. Wicked uncomfortable equals no sleep. Therefore, I did not sleep very much. However, the little I did sleep was right before I needed to get up and start the day. When I awoke my tent was covered in Daddy Long Legs. They are little rascals, let me tell you. They are harmless to humans but nevertheless they are not a pleasant pick-me-up in the morning.We shook off the spiders and proceeded to walk 8.5 miles in 3 hours where we rested at the next shelter and then did the next 5 miles in 1.5 hours. You unconsciously pick up your pace when there is a town at the other end of the tunnel. We hitched into Waynesboro and mosied to Weasie's Diner where we had a meal and then walked over to the Tastee Freez where we had another meal. Yum!We got picked up by Bobby and made our way to the Dietz's family house where we will be taking Friday off from hiking and eating and sitting by the pool allllllll day. The Shennandoahs are to be started on Saturday. So, if you need me, I'll be by the pool on Friday!!In Him.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Simply put...yesterday was a delight. We hung out at Deetz's family's house and sat by the pool. All day I partook in this action. Oh yeah, I ate my face off!! I took a gander on the scale while I was there. 196 lean mean thru hiking pounds it read. Thats good. Ive put on 7 lbs since a week ago at the Dillards. I want to thank all of the Dietzens for their awesome hospitality. I had a lot of fun with you guys!But like all things while thru hiking, the main objective was gettinck in the woods. So with the latest start in the history of thru hiking, 6:07pm, Deetz, Power Pack, their friend Jess and I took off from Rockfish Gap to start the Shennandoah Natl Park. After walking just 6.3 miles we showed up at Calf Mtn Shelter after dark. I had no desire to cook so late so I had a blueberry bagel cheese sandwich. A little different than the usual Lipton Sides but it hit the spot.Starting tomorrow, my goal is to finish the Shennies in 5 days and then Im being picked up by my dad for a MD visit. That means Ill be leaving Power Pack and Deetz for the time being but we plan on catching up in a week.Thats all for today's short trek. Always in Him. Gnite.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Calf Mtn Shelter

To: Loft Mtn Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: broken clouds

The good ole Shennandoah National Park..aka the Shennies. I gotta say, today was the easiest 20.4 miles Ive done so far. It was awesome. Since it was easy I officially love the Shennies.So I started the day hiking with Stucko and Little Foot. Stucko is about my age, height, and we have similar personalities (aka singing Christmas music only she was singing Feliz Navidad). Check out her blog at www.maine2010.blogspot.com. It was nice hiking several hours just chit chattin' on down the trail. We hiked 13 miles to meet her friends, Mike and Erin who are coming out for a week, at about 1pm. However, I made a potentially dangerous mistake. What, One Life, what did you do?? I only had one liter of water for 13 miles. Not cool or smart. I was really getting bad but luckily Little Foot gave me some water. It was really nice of him. It saved me I also taught me that the good ole Shennies does not have very many water sources.I also want to take a minute to discuss a very weird 5 minutes of my life. As we were all walking towards Black Rock Hut something stung or bit me on the upper portion of the left calf. I immediately buckled which caused an embarrassing scene. It really stung and left some swelling on theole kicker. Then, not 5 minutes later, I was descending with the group to Black Rock Hut and WHAAAAM. I looked to Little Foot who was behind in a shocked look I said 'did a bird just fly into my leg???' He confirmed my notion. A bird had in fact flow into my leg....and for those that are curious it was 2 inches from the money spot (mid section). That would not be a good way to end my trip.So thats it. The five of us are camping at Loft Mtn Campground. Its a nice campground. Alright, bedtime. Dont lose focus with everyday activities...always remain focused on Him.
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Loft Mtn Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was an accidental small mileage day of 14 miles. I was intending on doing 20 miles a day on the average while in the Shennies so I could be in Front Royal by Thursday. However, today I started out with Stucco and her two friends Mike and Erin and we didnt make it out of the campground til after 930pm. Not to mention Ive been slowed down with blisters under both heels. What the heck?? Why cant my body just be like a normal thru hikers body?So I got into the shelter and started talking to a guy named Tater Chip. A man in his 60's, hes got that southern accent and sounds just like Larry the Cable Guy. Quite hilarious. Anywho, I asked him what he was going to do after the trail and his response was 'couch patatoe city!!' FINALLY, Ive met someone who feels how I do about after the trail. When Im done this Fall, Im spending every Saturday on the couch with the largest Gatorade I can find and all of the pizza I can eat, watching football. I will have earned that. You, my friends, are welcome to join me.Last thing before I head off to Sleepyville, USA. Stucco's friend, Mike, got so dehydrated from today that he passed out at dinner. That caused a lot of alarm and almost a 911 call. You see, he drank tons of water but wasnt consuming electrolytes so his body wasnt being replenished. It is looking like his trip is over after tonight. Ive offered to carry his pack down the mtn to the road so him and Erin can get picked up. We shall see. Ill let you know in the next journal entry. If not, Im planning on hiking 20 plus tomorrow.Thats it. Read what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a small day in mileage.....again. I dont feel bad for the 12.4 miles because I had to help someone in need. Stucco's friend Mike did notreally recover from passing out due to dehydration so I volunteered to carry his pack back down the mtn this morning. So at 9pm, Mike, Erin, Stucco, and I loaded everything up and headed back down the way we came the day before. Mike was very woozie and did not feel good at all. We saw him to the bottom where there was a parking lot and Erin, his wife, called her dad to pick them up. Stucco and I walked back up the mtn and back to our gear.In all, we walked 2.8 miles round trip that does not count towards the daily mileage. But you know, neither Stucco nor I had one once of problem doing it for someone in need. His health and safety was way more important than our mileage. So today, Stucco and I passed the 900 mile marker. Can you believe that? I just simply can not believe Ive walked over 900 miles. We also found out that the two of us love to sing and we conversated only in song for most of the day. You see, what you do is pick a tune and fill in the words with conversation. It was hilarious and the two of us made a lot of people laugh.A special shoutout to Love Boat and Peanut who thru hiked the AT in '08. Thanks for the fresh produce. I appreciate it!Thats all for tonight. Hes the only way.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 16.1

Today we awoke with a nice steady drizzle. Its one of those things that you dread when you wake up but you know you have to walk. You're stuck at a shelter otherwise. So, Stucco and I geared up and were out the door roughly around 745am. Our morning destination was the Big Meadows Wayside....7-ish miles away.7-ish is correct. We walked with shakes, Gatorade, and burgers on our mind. However, some how, some way we got separated. And in that separation, Stucco and I each got lost. We did not get off of the trail where we were supposed to in order to get to Big Meadows Wayside and we both ended up walking 1 mile down the road (off of the AT). We finally met up at the wayside but I got to say I was kinda perturbed to have been lost like that. Oh well...after a Vanilla shake and burger I was feeling up to par again.After a few hour lunch break we set off again. I spent the after noon pretty much hiking by myself listening to music. When I got to a shelter for a break it was bright sun shiny outside. I was joined by Stucco, Tater Chip, Road Runner, and Tatoo. So after a quick Snickers and water break I set off to make it to Byrds Nest #3 Hut.....until the skies opened up on me. Luckily, I only got rained on for a minute when I sprinted to a horse stable I saw off of the trail. Five minutes later I was joined by section hiker Taboggin. About a 1/2 hour later the rain stopped and I was on my way where I met a soaking wet Stucco. We decided to head to Skyland Lodge where there was a resteraunt and we could eat dinner.While at dinner we met up with Taboggin who offered to share his room with us if we bought him breakfast. Heck yeah! Deal! So, Stucco, Taboggin and I spent the night in the Skyland Lodge where we just talked and got to share our trail stories. It was quite nice to be able to tell the many stories that I have unknowingly been accumulating over the last few months.So, tomorrow, Dad picks me up and I head home for 4 days. Good luck to me. In Him.
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Thornton Gap
Miles today: 9.5

So we took Taboggin to breakfast where we were joined by Tater Chip and Road Runner. It was nice to see them again. I drank multiple cups of coffee as I still and always will consider it such a trail luxury. Its like I become a coffee hoard. I just can't have enough (it always ends up haunting me on day 2 of withdrawels). I didn't have the normal destination plans of finding a camping spot or shelter. Nope, ole Dad was picking me up between mile point 15.9 and 26 (on Skyline Drive). So what did I do? Stucco and I made it to Thornton Gap (mile point 31) and tried desperately to call on our no service cellies to get a hold of him. Finally, we did and he picked me up. I had to say goodbye to Stucco. I really enjoyed hiking with her. We spent almost a week of singing conversations to each other and laughing. She's a good hiker and can hike a lot of miles. So with that being said and my taking the next 4 days off from hiking, she will inevitably be long gone when I head back to the trail. Sad but its the reality of the trail. I hope that I can catch up to her and all of my buddies from previous blogs but I am feeling like I am really far behind everyone. Oh well...tis the nature of the beast.So, I am going to go to bed. Its been a great 930+ miles but I am sitting at home watching the Lakers/Celtics game 7 and I just need to take a break from this. I hope to write about my reflections up until this moment in the next few days. Until then, I won't be back on the trail until 6/22/10 and I am getting back on at Thorntons Gap in the Shenandoah National Park. He's always there and present in my life.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Thornton Gap

To: My Parents House
Miles today: 0.0

I'm just not ready. I'm sorry, but I'm just not. Once we hit the highway from being picked up the other day, my dad and I were stuck in traffic. My first reaction was its ok cuz I'm going home to bed and showers. Plus, my friend was flying in from TX and I was excited to see her. I had many plans for my 5 days off from the trail. But then I slowly realized that this is not what I want. But I'm not ready. These past 5 days were a glimpse. Have you ever seen that awesome Christmas flick called The Family Man with Nicolas Cage? No? Why not?? Anyways, this weekend was like that. I got a glimpse of what my life will be like when I get off of the trail. Traffic, crowds of people, showers, jobs, loudness, technology, car problems, mowing lawns (like the picture above) and the list goes on and on. I'm not ready for that. I'm not ready to come off of the trail.I sincerely miss the trail. Remember back in the Daleville, VA area when the Dillards took me in and I had a case of the Virginia Blues? Maybe like 3 weeks ago-ish...well, now its the opposite. I am having such a great time out on the trail. I can't wait to get back out there tomorrow. I missed it greatly this weekend. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Cyndi came to visit and it was awesome hanging out with my family but I'm just not ready for the real world.I have a mission...to get to Katahdin in Maine. Now, more than ever, I'm determined to get there. God answered my many prayers when I prayed that I get the strength to continue. Its awesome to see when prayers are realized. I can't wait to get on with this journey and see the second half. I have some catching up to do as everyone and their mothers have passed me but I'm feeling strong and able-bodied to start putting up some big mileage. With that, I leave it to God to see my journey through. Good night.PS. don't forget to click on the videos tab to see my journey through the lens.
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Thornton Gap

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Daily mileage: 14.3Start: Thornton GapFinish: Gravel Springs HutBack in the saddle again. My father was awesome enough to give me a ride back to the trail this morning. So after a 2 hour car trip I was dropped off at Thornton Gap in the Shenandoah Natl Park. Being that it was 1030am the summer sun was in full blaze.I feel really behind everyone right now. I showed up at the Elkwallow wayside at about 2pm for a Gatorade and Vanilla Shake. All around me were thru hikers noneof which I knew. I seriously felt like the new kid in school. They gave me the disapproving 'this guy must be a section hiker cuz we dont know him' eyes and I gave them the 'what are you looking at' eyes (the same eyes the deer of Shenandoah give me when I watch them eat). Im sure theyre nice people but I dont know them. Im sure Ill get to know them better in the coming days.However, after today's small 14 mile day I am fully intending on getting to Harpers Ferry by Friday. Thats roughly 67 miles in 3 days. I can do it, right? I know I cant do it if the hike was like today. Im not sure if the 5 day layoff hurt me but I got one of those nasty headaches I had at the beginning of this journey. Hopefully those are out of the way so I can do some 20 plus mile days. The key is getting out of the tent early in the morning. Another key is not getting eaten by a bear. That could really hamper getting to Harpers Ferry by Friday (yes, I know its random). Thats it for today. Nothing too exciting to report. Read Mark 1:15 (Im now studying the book of Mark)
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: overcast clouds

So there I was at the road that takes you to Front Royal and it was the middle of the day with the sun glaring down on me. As I chugged my water I noticed two hikers across the road attempting to score a ride with their thumbs in the air. Shortly there after, they got a ride and I was left to my lonesome. Not one minute later an officer arrived and got out of his car to talk to me.......Oh crap. Im gonna take the fall for their hitch hiking. Not cool. I didnt even know those guys. As he approached I hollered out 'yes officer?' He replied, 'How are you? I got a call from a passerby worried about you guys in the heat.' pheeeeeew....he was there out of concern. Why is it that I had to automatically think negatively when he showed up?Anyways, I let him know I was fine and he told me it was 96 degrees. Wow! I ended the day doing 24.8 miles in one day in that heat. Go me!In Him. Bubye for today.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

When I awoke felt like crapola. I think it was cuz I walked 25 or so miles the day before and didnt eat well. So, when I awoke I felt terrible and didnt leave camp til 10am. Thats a very late start in this hike.I stopped at noon to sit out the mid day sun. Got back on the trail at 130pm to start 'The Rollercoaster.' This is a part of the trail thats strictly up and down for 13.5 miles. Long story short I decided that walking in the evening was best so I strapped on the headlamp and did a little night hiking. I didnt go to sleep til 12am. Waaaaaaaaaay late.Thats it for today. Nothing special today. Always for Him.
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Ladies and gentlemen, I have done it! I have walked 1000 miles!! Major milestone for me. I also FINALLY got out of Virginia!! I am now in West Virginia. Virginia took forever and Im sooooo glad to be done with it.So I took a small day todaywith only going about 11 miles. I talked to Stucco and we are meeting in Harpers Ferry tomorow so there was no need to kill myself to get there. Plus, I didnt get out the door til 10am. I did, however, stop at the Bears Den Hostel. To my surprise it was closed but the lovely lady let me in anyways. It was awesome. I decided to throw in the movie Ice Age and drink sodas. I got to do this by myself. I mean, how awesome is that?? I got to sit out the afternoon heat watching a movie. Unbeatable!On to Harpers Ferry tomorrow! In Him.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Little Foot's House
Miles today: 13.8

Tis a glorious day to Harpers Ferry. I started at 7am to make it the 12 miles by noon. I made it and I indulged myself in a glorious Peanut Butter Shake. I dont think Ive had so many shakes as Ive had on the AT. How awesome!!I did have a scary episode before I got to Harpers Ferry. There I was minding my pees and Q's in a hiking zone when I instinctively jumped back and let out a girlish yelp. I kid you not, it was all instincts. I had no idea what was going on....my body just took over. Are you at the edge of your milk crates? Fine Ill tell you. I almost stepped on a Rattler....and it was coiled, rattling, and ready to strike. Holy cow! What a scary moment. Luckily, it did not strike and I took a huge roundabout way through the bushes to get around it. Needless to say I walked with my eyes wiiiiide open after that.So I got to Harpers Ferry but proceeded along to Maryland. Woooohooooo....3 states in one full day!! I am staying at the house of Little Foot. With me are Stucco, Xan, Neutron, and Powder. Tomorrow Im meeting Zac, Quentin, Kristi and her husband Scott at Gathland State Park. I cant wait to see them!Stay faithful to Him.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Little Foot's House

To: Rocky Run Shelters
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

I woke up at Little Foot's parent's house where they graciously served heaps of French Toast and coffee. Today was the day that I was meeting Kristi, her hubby Scott, and Zac and Quentin. They drove all the way out from Dallas so that recently graduated CCA students, Zac and Quentin could enter the hiking world. How awesome is that???So Stucco and I hiked several miles to Gathland State Park in MD so we could meet them. It was awesome to see Kristi and company. The look on their faces when they first saw me told me I needed a slight trim of the hair and a rinse under the hose. Oh well...theyre in my world now So Quentin, Zac, Stucco, and I started walking around 4pm and had 5 miles to go. It was quite awesome to bring the boys out to the AT. They dont get exposed to this scenery in TX. We went very slow as the heat was quite dangerous. We eventually got to Rocky Run Shelters (theres two of them) and set up camp. It was quite awesome to see how the boys wanted to learn about the hiking lifestyle. We put up there tent and Stucco showed them how to hang a bear bag. She also showed the boys how to pump water. We built a rip roarin' fire where we cooked Smoresand stayed up until 11pm to share stories and sing (Zac and Q had to get used to our singing conversations between Stucco and I but they eventually joined).All and all we had n excellent day together. I am so thankful they came and spent time with me. I am so proud and impressed with their eagerness and openess to learn about the thru hikers' culture. Thanks to our heavenly Father for making this possible.