morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Lobsta, and Wrongway got an early start from Mt. Collins because they wanted to hitch into Gatlinburg. Lobsta said "Blueberry, I am worried that you will not find any trail magic at the Gap because this is not the weekend" I had expressed the night before about my hopes of supplementing my food supplies with some trail magic at the gap. I had enough food the get me through, however, so there was no problem if there were no one there. It was almost as if I knew it would be there, because when I got there someone was set up providing aid for hikers. Beth and Bernie from Florida use their vacation to come up to the A.T. to provide trail magic for hikers because they love doing that. Beth set me down in folding chair and handed me a pack of chips, coke and bologna sandwich. I wrote in their register that the Lord will provide. Although, physical nourishment is helpful, the encouragement and love are so much more meaningful. The hike from the Gap to Pecks Corner Shelter was one on the most beautiful as I followed the ridge line mostly with frequent views of either the NC side or the TN side into those deep valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains.I learned today that M&M's are the best power source for long days. Beth handed me two packs as I left the gap and they got me through to camp. A total of 11 hours of hiking incuding the time visiting visitors at the Gap.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Soon after leaving the shelter, it began to rain cats and dogs. The wind blew cold sheets of rain at me. The trail turned into small creeks. I was relieved when I finally crossed over to the lee side of the ridge and the rain abated. Everything turned so green. All the little dips in the hillsides turned into tiny creeks. The best was a creek cascading down the hill side with waterfalls above me and down below me. The rain was uncomfortable but the water left behind was beautiful.Later, I spotted two turkeys that seemed to intend to fly out towards the south, but as they lifted up to tree level, the wind caught them and carried them north.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Davenport Gap

To: Deep Gap - Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

When I was at the Nantahala Outdoor Center I saw the book "Ellie's Long Walk: The True Story of Two Friends on the Appalachian Trail" by Pam Flowers. My children have been explaining where Grandpa is to my grandchildren, and I thought this story might be helpful, so I bought it and carried it all the way through the Smokies. The artwork is beautiful and I enjoyed reading an AT book from the perspective of my long hike so far. Angelo (almost 4 years old) asked me to read it to him several times. When Marcia took me back to the trail to Davenport Gap, Angelo came along and hiked about 15 minutes on the AT. He was able to the spot white blazes on the trees and follow the correct route through the forest. In fact, he didn't want to turn around and go back to car.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Deep Gap - Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early today since I was sleeping on table and thought someone might want table to cook breakfast.Besides reaching the shelter the main goal was to visit Max Patch Bald. Over a hundred acres of rolling pasture on top of the mountain. I enjoyed my lunch sitting in the sun.I am spending the night at Walnut Mountain Shelter just beneath the crest of Walnut Mountain Bald and anticipating another stunning sun set.One remarkable sight of the day was the view of the forest floor. At first it looked really light like a snowfall. At closer examination it turned out to be millions of tiny flowers. I will look them up in the flower book later. This must have been the day for them to bloom because for the entire day I walked through the glowing forest floors.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Hot Springs, GA

To: Hot Springs, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I had pancakes with homemade apple sauce topping at the Trail Fest Community Breakfast. Best was 2 cups of perked coffee. Then it was time for church and I went to closest one. I was 15 years too late for the Jesuit service because they sold their house and chapel. The Presbyterian church I went to was built about 1900 under the supervision of the same architect that designed the Biltmore Estate. Since it is Palm Sunday we all received "Palm fronds" and the lesson by the lay pastor was on Holy Week. Vagabond was the only other hiker at church. I am thankful to end up in town on Sunday morning and could tell that I miss having church inside with other people, even though I had church along trail alone on the mountaintop.The conversation I had before the service started with a young lady who shared my pew added a personal touch that I will remember more than the service. In the conversation she said she almost went to Kentucky once after high school to attend Berea college but saw herself as a hometown girl who would have been overly homesick so far away from home. I told her I had attended Berea and even though I was closer to home than her, I didn't get home much. In the lesson, the pastor quoted a statement by Jesus, "A new commandment I give you--love one another. " The pastor asked the people in the congregation, "do we love one another?--nod your head yes or no." I sensed that the lady in my pew out of a good heart loved me by risking a conversation with a stinky, bearded old hiker, even though she did not consider herself the adventuresome type. One does not have to necessarily put on a pack and ramble in the wilderness to go beyond ones comfort zone.After church I made a visit to the washtub to wash clothes.I was anxious coming into Hot Springs not knowing if I would even find a bed or just be a homeless old man who would sleep on the street. I could tell my comfort level for the wilderness is growing, especially with the warmer dryer weather. And I also found love and hospitality in a town from locals as well as thru hikers.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Hot Springs, GA

To: Middlesboro, KY
Miles today: 0.0

I got word that my Aunt Edith has had a stroke, so my brother Dave came to Hot Springs NC to drive me back to Middlesboro, KY, to the hospital. Her doctors say it is only a matter of time. As we traveled back up US 25E, the closer we got to hospital the sadder I became. Aunt Edith is one of the best women I have ever known. Will be off trail.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Temple Hill Gap

To: Nolichucky River Valley
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I only had 3.4 miles left to get me into Erwin this morning. There was a brief shower during the night, but my tent dried quickly and was it was no problem to pack up. Most of the way into Erwin I could catch glimpses of the town, the Nolichucky River, and trains, as well as hear the river, the train whistles and geese honking all the down by the river.I registered at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel and Outfitters for the last bunk available, plugged in my dead phone, and washed my hair. I didn't have time for full shower before the shuttle left for the Pizza Buffet at 11:30.I had lunch with Hardhead and Uffta, The salad bar was simple but provided some much needed fresh vegetables. I could have just drank the ice cold Dr. Pepper but I knew needed to save room for plenty of pepperoni pizza for fuel.The afternoon was spent mostly on taking care of chores as well as plotting the hiking schedule in order to provide the post office dates for mail. If my plan works, I can be in Hampton, TN for church.For the evening meal Sarge drove us to a Mexican restaurant in Erwin. We had 3 van loads. Ate with some new people as well as the Old Turtle Gang from the night before last.There was a tornado watch for a while as well as a severe thunder storm warning but things mostly died down by the time I arrived here.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Roan Mountain High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.9

Tonight I am staying in the highest shelter on the Appalachian Trail, on Roan Mountain, at over 6000 feet. I am reunited with a mostly German group who were at Uncle Johnny's hostel the night before last. (Nigel, G-Girl, Simba and XC) I passed them on the trail yesterday and they caught up with me at the shelter tonight. The shelter is an old log cabin with a sleeping attic where I plan to sleep.Last evening as I stood outside the hostel and looked up at the mountains I felt anxious about going back out into them. They look so massive from this distance. As Sarge pulled over this morning to let us out at the trailhead Songbird asked, "Can't you just keep driving for a little more?" I felt some of the same anxiety as we were left by the roadside in the forest on our own.I prayed for us this time (Songbird and By-pass) then I hurried on up the trail and they were soon out of sight. Even though I was a bit anxious, once I had my backpack on, I was excited to get on with my hike for today. Excited because I was looking forward to getting back up on Roan mountain. I had visited here several years ago, by car of course, but had chatted with some AT hikers at the time. Also I was looking forward to getting started on the Hampton leg of hike. I had some lofty goals for mileage so I could be there for church Sunday.I occupied my mind by making up "hiker-Q's". (Haikus about hiking). The first mountain passed quickly and I found myself at the base of Roan Mountain. Next was about a 2000 ft climb! I was happy to have carrot chips and Hershey bars to power up for the climb. For most of the way I was able to maintain a steady pace because switchbacks made the grade easier. After climbing for a while I came out on the shoulder of the mountain which was level for awhile, then began a climb again up the spine of the mountain. The rest of the climb took me into the clouds through a spruce forest with a rocky path to follow.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Roan Mountain High Knob Shelter

To: Near Buck Mountain Road
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

I celebrated May Day by hiking across miles of balds with only a small section of trees--mostly old apple trees--separating each bald. Since I could see the top and the trail went straight up, I thought I would never reach the top, but I did of course and it always came sooner than I thought. It was sunny and very windy. Since it was over 5000 feet, the lower level clouds blowing in from the west swirled around me. It reminded me of passing through the clouds in an airplane, except I was just moving 2 mph and the clouds were swirling past like clouds of smoke.The German group that I stayed with in the attic of the shelter hiked with me on and off during the day. I first caught up at the highway intersection where Old Goat and his wife were serving French toast and sausage. (Their daughter Little Feet is thru hiking the AT but is behind me.) That served as my breakfast and lunch both.I saw more animals than usual today. Two deer together, two rabbits and a golden wing warbler, which is rare in this part of Tennessee.I am sleeping in the open tonight at the top of a long open field with views to the east and the west.As I was climbing the balds today, I realized I had not finished my thought in yesterday's report. When looking at the mountains as a whole, the hike seems a formidable task, but when I am actually walking the trail, I have a marked path to follow. Even with that, sometimes the journey is almost overwhelming but I do it by taking one step at a time. It was helpful yesterday for Sarge to drive us to the mountain and point us in the right direction. It would have been an entirely different matter if he had just driven us out in the countryside and said here, you go find the trail. When we look at problems that come up in life at first we may see them as an insurmountable mountain. But it helps us get through as people help us find a path. When it is a new diagnosis for example, doctors and nurses may help us find a path. Our spiritual leaders should also help, as well as friends, family and sometimes we may find Supernatural help with finding the path. I have always found it encouraging when someone walks along side me for a while.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Laurel Fork Shelter

To: Hampton, TN
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up, looked at my watch and couldn't believe it was 6 AM already. I would have liked to have just gone back to sleep but I went ahead and packed my gear so I could get to the Post Office in Hampton before it closed (hours 8-10 on Saturday). I made it by 7:45 and went into lobby and started recharging my phone while I waited for doors to open. Just before the postman stuck his head out the door and asked me my name. It wasn't hard for him to know I was a hiker looking for a package.He had to check my ID before turning it over to me. He finally decided the ID matched pretty closely but that I needed a shave.It was a Care Package from my cousin Debbie in Ohio. The box contained lots of homemade cookies and some Blueberry Muffins. Who would have suspected I might like something made with blueberries? Also included were some mountain taming power pills AKA peanut M&M's.I hiked another half mile to McDonalds and ordered 4 egg and sausage biscuits. I ate 3 plus a muffin and packed the fourth for lunch.By the time I got back out in the woods to where I left off on the trail, I had hiked 5 miles.I only had 5 more to go for my destination. As soon as I picked up the white blaze trail it started climbing. I thought okay, I just have to get back up on the ridge a little to get away from the creek. I climbed for over 2 hours before finally reaching a flat called Pond Flats. I had assumed this would just be a walk around the ridge. I looked at guide book later and it was as clear as it could be--a big hump going from 1984 feet to over 3700 feet. As hard as it was, I thought that it was much easier to manage because the builders had designed the trail with lots of switchbacks to tame the grade. I started wondering what is it that others do for me in life that help make my problems more manageable by taming the slope?I was passed by a lot of hikers as I huffed and puffed up the ridge but they helped distract me from the task at hand. I had an extended conversation with a family of 5 from Raleigh. Meeting people like this gives meaning to my day. It makes my day when someone I met on the trail later posts on my guest book.I am sure I used up a lot of those calories by the end of my hike for today.I note that I spied a long black snake by the trail today. I took his picture but can't really tell how long it is by the photo other than it stretches from one side of the frame to the other. I visually marked off over 4 ft in length. I didn't believe it so I repeated it three times and each time got the same amount.I am staying with a nearby Orthodox Christian family who will take me to an Orthodox Church service tomorrow. This is the first time I have met them in person but they feel like family to me.It turned out to be a good day with a trip into town on my own, hiked 10 miles, tamed a mountain, got a shower, washed clothes and had a nourishing meal of fish tacos at a Mexican Restaraunt.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Hampton, TN

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

I spent the night at my trail angels' home, Philip and Donna, who took me to St. Tikhon Russian Orthodox Church in Bristol, VA. I have not been to an Orthodox Church since March 9 just before I started the trail. Orthodox should prepare for communion by fasting and by making a recent confession. I was a bit distressed at going to the unfamiliar church and asking the priest to hear my confession. I knew I needed communion for spiritual and physical healing. I resolved that I would, if at all possible ask the priest to hear my confession. I should not have been worried at all because while prayers and Psalms were being read, a line formed to one side, so all I had to so was get in line and await my turn. I introduced myself, the priest heard my confession, offered some spiritual advice and said a blessing for my pilgrimage. The priest "hears" our confession, but we are speaking to the Lord. The priest will say, "The Lord hears you and forgives you". It is a process that helps me to be serious about addressing the particular issues in my life. Father Matthew prayed that I experience God in the beauty his creation and be protected as I hiked. I sensed that Fr. Matthew has spent some time in the wilderness, because his prayer was right on target with the desire of my heart. I want this time spent in the Cathedral of nature to be a time of spiritual healing, growth and renewal.In addition to doing confession and receiving communion, a highlight of service was hearing the Paschal Troparion for the first time, having missed Pascha this year. (Christ is risen from the dead, Trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs Bestowing life!)After the service, we drove out for a brief visit to Donna's friend who cannot attend church very often due to physical problems. She lives in an farmhouse that I think is a hundred years old, that is part of a family dairy farm. Besides meeting her, it was a treat to get a preview of the rural Virginia countryside.We drove back to Hampton and had lunch at the Captains Table on Lake Watauka. I learned later in the afternoon the tall ridge across the lake is Iron Mountain, which I would soon ascend and follow north. I left the home of my dear trail angels and continued my hike which took me by the beach and around Lake Watauga, across the dam and up on Iron Mountain. I reached the shelter right at dusk. "Lady and the Tramp" and "Pneumo" were the only two in the shelter. There were also a couple of tents set up. I looked for a good camping spot by the trail but was glad I had these miles in.Since it was after sundown, I celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a Celtic Ale and homemade oatmeal walnut cookies from cousin and trail angel Debbie.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

I have not replaced my empty fuel canister yet, but I got a hankering for some hot coffee last night as the cool air of the evening settled in. Jungle Jim and his dad Mosey were having coffee. They would have gladly boiled me some water on their stove but I was in the mood to build a fire. I made a tiny fire with weeds and twigs which blazed up right away. Then when it was burned down to hot embers, I set a pot of water on the coals and in no time was savoring my first cup of coffee along with a chocolate bar from trail angel Donna. I had a second cup and had oatmeal cookies from trail angel Debbie. I was as a happy as a little kid with my fire building and water boiling endeavor. As a matter if fact, I repeated the process this evening right after getting into camp.,I passed Song Bird and ByPass going south on another slack packing day. A a tall lanky hiker with a black beard I nicknamed Abraham Lincoln, passed me going north. Hobe, Caitlin (sp?) and I met up at rest breaks often today. A combination of factors seemed to make this a great hiking day for me as I went a total of 16 miles today. I had more energy, it was cooler in the morning, I was in a better frame of mind, the hills were shorter, and the terrain more suitable for striding along. Also Hobe was around much of the day.I got to hear Hobe tell his bear story as we met south bound people. He had gone a few minutes past my shelter last night and he saw an odd looking rock ahead of him. As he slowed, the head of the rock came up and turned into a bear. He froze and soon noticed a baby bear nearby who climbed a tree but before Hobe could get his camera out the cub came back down the tree and both disappeared into the trees. Needless to say Hobe had a new spurt of energy and went in a little farther before setting up his tent. One other hiker told me a credible story of meeting a bear on trail when night hiking.It's nearly 7pm and Hobe and I are the only two staying at this shelter so far. A few others stopped for water and set off for the 10 mile walk on into Damascus.Others I saw today included Cheese Puff, Hard Head and Mountain Momma.I have been reflecting on my question a few days ago about who has provided switchbacks on the mountains of my life, and I have come up with a enough examples to be able to go on and on, but I will name a few. When I was attending Berea College, Mom and Dad sent me money for a few extras and to buy my books. When I attended summer school in 1971 to finish my degree, Uncle Quentin and Aunt Edith loaned me their Shell gas credit card to buy gas for my commute. In September 2000, as my wife Wilma was nearing death from cancer, several came by for support including a friend, Lori, who was away at Berea college and had also posted prayer requests via email to her classmates. A year later in September of 2001, I was attending Asbury when classmate Marcia offered to spend the day with me.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

On the way back from Mindy's in Abingdon, we stopped in at the Arts Depot where one can visit studios of artists at work. My favorite was Jackie Dolpp who did a lot of watercolor paintings but also collages that looked similar to watercolor and reminded me of Eric Carl's work in tissue collage. Jackie had many completed works displayed which I enjoyed immensely. The colors on some were especially brilliant as far as watercolor works are concerned. I believe I found her work attractive because she is interpreting the beauty of nature by stressing the shapes and colors that make nature beautiful and healing.After getting back in Damascus, I made stops at the outfitter, dollar store and post office, then headed north out of town on the AT. I was nearly out of town when a bearded older man pulled up beside me on a side street and started asking about hiking the AT. A question about Trail Days led me to suspect he thought this was the weekend, but I told him it was next. He was passing through from WV on his way to his sister in NC to help with furniture of one of their parents who had recently passed. Turns out his name was Danny. He offered to give me money and I declined but gave him a card that explained how to contribute to Kentucky Children's Hospital iPad fund. I accepted the bottle of cold water which I soon drank. (Since then I often carry the 12 oz bottle in pocket so I can drink more often without taking my pack off.)I ran into Miss America again as she was just getting back from a bike ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail. The trail is a 35 mile trail that is a rails to trails conversion project that runs up to White Top Mountian. Outfitters in town shuttle people to the top and provide them with a rental bike that they ride back down the trail to Damascus. That is on my list to do when I revisit this area. The AT follows the Creeper for a while and parallels Whitetop Creek. It even crosses the creek once via a trestle that is so high you can look straight out at the lower limbs of the popular trees.