morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-11
From: Katahdin Springs Campground

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 9.9

I got up early with Jim, had breakfast, and started our 10 mile make-up section a little after 6 am. It was an easy walk with pretty scenery. The most difficult part was crossing a number of streams because they required hopping on rocks and it was like walking on ice. At one point I was up to my waist in cold water after slipping off a rock. However, we made it back to the Abol Bridge campground, but not before the skies opened and we got thoroughly soaked. Bucketlist, who had began his hike at Springer Mountain with me, was there. Dreamtime was waiting for me and we had lunch at the AT Caf© to celebrate completion of the northern portion of the hike. There is a tradition at the Caf© that hikers completing the through hike write their name on a ceiling tile. Dreamtime did this in 2012. This weekend I'll be visiting with Pastor Steve Dean and worshipping at his church. Then I'll meet with Pastor Allen in Portland, Maine and head south for home. We'll begin our evaluation of the hike and what can be done to make this ministry more effective in future years. I still have to complete the Virginia part of my hike which I skipped on the way north due to my two week illness. So I'll be in touch and keep everyone informed about how that goes. Thanks to all who have followed me via the journal. Your interest, support, and prayers have meant so much to me.
Date: 2014-09-12
From: Abol Bridge campground

To: Weekend with Pastor Stephen Dean
Miles today: 0.0

Having completed Katahdin, I'm now headed for a weekend with Pastor Stephen Dean and his wife Glenda. He is the pastor of Brownville Methodist Church in Maine and is a 1996 thru-hiker known by the trail name BJ. This stands for Backpacking for Jesus, the name of his 2010 book about his thru-hike. But first, I want to thank an extraordinary Trail Angel, DT, who made the climb of Katahdin possible by reserving camp sites for those last days, providing shuttles between camp sites, supplying food for the last two days in camp and then encouraging us by climbing Katahdin with us. What a friend. DT hiked the White Mountains with me in 2012 and in 2013 started with me as I began a southbound thru-hike. Thank you also for delivering me safely to the home of Pastor Dean. A special part of this weekend was speaking to the congregation about my hike and the mission; not just because this was Pastor Stephen's church, but also because back around 1991 Bill Erwin, the blind hiker, spoke about his hike from the very same pulpit! What an honor to follow in his footsteps. On Sunday, I was delivered to Bangor, Maine, ready to begin my journey south.
Date: 2014-09-15
From: Weekend with Pastor Stephen Dean

To: Pastor Alan and Mary's home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Bangor, Maine early Monday morning and traveled to Portland, Maine where I met Pastor Alan, Chair of the Chaplaincy Committee for the Holston Methodist Church. He had flown into Portland so we could travel south together through New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and then to Pastor Alan's home in the southern part of Virginia. This will give us the chance to discuss how the chaplaincy went this year and identify ideas for the future. We reached his home late on the second day and I will stay two nights with Alan and Mary. I found it quite a shock to drive through New York City after being on the AT for so long!
Date: 2014-09-17
From: Craig Creek Rd, VA 621

To: Catawba, VA 311
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Pastor Alan and I planned to do the Virginia section of the AT that I missed back in May when I had medical issues. We planned to do the 21 miles in two days, but with the weather being favorable we decided to do it in one day. Being September and the middle of the week, there were not many hikers on the trail. We finished at the Dragon Tooth section, so called because the rocks look like large teeth. The hike tested us both - Pastor Alan because he hadn't hiked in a while and myself because it is amazing how quickly a person can lose their trail legs. But Virginia is 100% done and we are back at Pastor Alan's home.
Date: 2014-09-18
From: Dragon Tooth section

To: Knoxville, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Pastor Alan and Mary's home on September 18 with gratefulness for their hospitality. I drove to Knoxville and home for the first time in three months. It was so nice to be reunited with the Trail Boss, my wife. I have so much to thank her for - it is not easy to be the wife of a thru-hiker. Lala handled the resupply boxes, arranged for replacement gear when needed, provided logistical support by making contacts for me on my journey. It was nice to worship in my home church on Sunday. I even attended a meeting of the Administrative Board. Next week, I'll begin making up the 200 miles I missed in Tennessee last March when I needed physical therapy.
Date: 2014-09-19
From: Knoxville, Tennessee

To: Knoxville, Tennessee
Miles today: 4.6

When planning my make-up hike, I realized there was a small section of the Smoky Mountains that I'd missed. I say small, but to do the 4.6 miles I actually had to hike about 15 miles i.e. 10 extra miles to get there and back. I called my friend Miss Lisa and she graciously agreed to hike with me. We started at Cosby Campground, climbed about 2 miles to the AT, turned south and kept climbing until we had completed the 4.6 miles. We then traversed Snake Den Trail, Madeline Bald Trail, and then did a loop around Albright Grove which has a lot of old growth trees - trees spared from the loggers saw! The highlight of the day for Miss Lisa was seeing a bear. I missed it, just heard it crashing through the brush.
Date: 2014-09-22
From: Knoxville, Tennessee

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel, US 19E
Miles today: 0.0

My good friend Max Brewer, AKA Brother Baldy, joined me for the next part of my hike. We have made our home base at the Mountain Harbor Hostel, a bed and breakfast on Roan Mountain. This is a barn with the upper level converted into a hiker hostel, with beds, a range, microwave, oven, sink, two fully furnished bathrooms and private sleeping rooms. We arrived late afternoon and got our gear ready to start hiking in the morning.
Date: 2014-09-23
From: Carvers Gap, TN 143

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel, US 19E
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Miss Mary's breakfast at the Mountain Harbor Hostel is such a culinary delight it was difficult to get on the trail earlier than 9 am. We headed up the mountain to Carver's Gap at the top of Roan Mountain, a bald with spectacular views of the surrounding area - so much so that this section probably has been written about more than any other on the Appalachian Trail. We passed Over-mountain Shelter, AKA Yellow Mountain Shelter which is used heavily in the Spring as shelter from bad weather. We then hiked the Big and Little Humps which normally have great views, but today we were "in the clouds". After a rocky descent, we returned to the Mountain Harbor Hostel to spend a second night.
Date: 2014-09-24
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Carvers Gap, TN 143
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

A few years ago, climbing Roan Mountain was one of the steepest sections of the AT. However, Bob Peoples, the trail maintenance person, has rerouted the trail so that it is a very pleasant climb today. What a beautiful day in one other respect. Forty-six years ago, I presented my fianc©e with a diamond ring just a few feet from where I stood today. So many pleasant memories came flooding back. Still hiking with Brother Baldy. We met Yankee, a southbound hiker who appears to be just ahead of the southbound bubble. Tonight we are headed for Erwin.
Date: 2014-09-25
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We left Erwin and drove to Iron Mountain Gap. Today's hike was through a spruce forest; tall, tall trees. To find our way we had to look carefully for the white blazes on the trees. We came to Beauty Spot, another mountain top bald with scenic views. At a road crossing, we found a Trail Magic station for thru-hikers - unusual for this time of year. We chatted for about twenty minutes, reminiscing about the various friends we've made on the trail. After fruit and drinks we returned to Erwin in late afternoon.
Date: 2014-09-26
From: Sams Gap

To: Spivey Gap, US 19W
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We had some significant climbs today with great views once we got out of the early morning fog. We met Yankee and Angry Feet and a lady from Virginia who was doing a 100 mile section hike. We came upon a group doing research on migrating birds. They use nets to catch, measure, weigh, band, record and release the birds. Some fly from Canada to Latin and South America, but 80% don't survive the journey. It was a nice day with beautiful weather.
Date: 2014-09-27
From: Spivey Gap, US 19W

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Today I hiked solo and didn't meet anyone on the trail. A lonely, solitary day walking in nice temperatures. Downhill easy walking that enabled me to finish by noon. So I met up with Brother Baldy, had lunch and I watched my first college football of the season.
Date: 2014-09-28
From: Sams Gap

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

A short hike today from Sam's Gap, where I26 crosses the At to Devil Fork Gap. I'm walking today with Brother Baldy for the last time on this hike and also with an old high school friend, Frederick, who was the first person I hiked with on the At many years ago. We have a beautiful day. The sun is bright and the skies clear. We got a late start so we could leave vehicles at both end of the trail to facilitate the logistics of our next steps. We met only one hiker on the trail today and finished by mid-afternoon. I then travelled to the hostel in Hot Springs, N. Carolina.
Date: 2014-09-29
From: Allen Gap, NC

To: Hot Springs, North Carolina
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

This is one of those days where logistics dictated jumping ahead of our sequential route so as to minimize shuttle costs. I started at Allen Gap and headed back to Hot Springs where I'll spend a second night at the hostel. Last night I enjoyed the company of Yankee who I have hiked with quite a few times on this years journey. The forecast for today was for rain, but we only had a few sprinkles - enough to make the vegetation wet and provide plenty of dampness. The hike today was mainly downhill with a few significant climbs. I met some hunters near Hot Springs, also a couple with dogs. Because of the hunters I advised them to put their dogs on leashes. The hike ended with a nice river walk, crossing the bridge and following the trail which runs along the main street of Hot Springs.
Date: 2014-09-30
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I got an early shuttle to Devil Fork Gap, getting there by daybreak. Today was one of a steep climb, followed by ridge walking, and ending with a multi-mile descent, otherwise known as the battle of the knees. Two landmarks of note today: one was a grave for a young person who lived 1850-1863. What is remarkable about this gravesite is that, although it is in the wilderness and not near a road, the gravesite is nicely maintained. I also saw a marker related to a thru-hiker from the 1960s who died in the 1980s and had his ashes spread on the AT, at the site of the marker. I also had a good discussion with a section hiker about my AT ministry. He had lots of interesting questions.
Date: 2014-10-01
From: Newfound Gap Road crossing

To: Snake Den Ridge Trail (SMNP above Cosby Campground
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: light rain

Today I hiked with about 18 hikers from my home hiking group, The Margaret Stevenson Wednesday Hikers. We met at 5:15 am at the Cosby Campground and boarded a bus which took us to Newfoundland Gap by 6 am. The 18 of us started walking north in the dark using our headlamps. We had an initial 1,000' climb over rocks and roots and the group got quite spread out. I hiked most of the day with an old friend, Debra. We met Yankee who was hiking southbound, probably the last time I'll meet him on this years hike. This is such a remote section of the AT that it is unusual to encounter other thru-hikers. While most of the hike is along ridge tops, the actual terrain is constantly rising and descending. long time ago I'd heard about a plane that had crashed in the area of our hike, and today Deborah and I were able to locate it. We got back to Cosby Campground by mid-afternoon. I'd left my car there and was able to drive back to Newport.
Date: 2014-10-02
From: Max Patch

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Today I'll hike from Max Patch to Hot Springs. Left Newport early and drove to Max Patch where I left my car. After starting out on the Inter-State, at exit 7 I turned on to gravel road and it was slow going - a rough road with many turns. But my AT GPS system helped me get to my hike starting point by 7:30 am. On my way up Max Patch, I met Padre who I'd met before in Vermont in the summer. We shared our common experiences and he told me about the beautiful sunrise on Max Patch. I continued my climb. I'd missed the sunrise, but Max Patch is this huge bald which provides spectacular 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. My descent down the other side of Max Springs brought me back through forest. The hike was quite uneventful except for meeting some other hikers I'd run into in the previous few days. I got back to Hot Springs by mid-afternoon.
Date: 2014-10-03
From: Davenport Gap

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 15.3

Today my hike was to take me from Davenport Gap to Max Patch, where I'd retrieve my car. I' also arranged to hike with three members of my Wednesday hiking group. I got the 6am shuttle to Davenport Gap, where I met my friends, a lady and two gentlemen. It was a day of steady climbing. The lady and I tended to get ahead of the two men and at various scenic stops we would wait for them and meet up as a foursome. However, about 2 7 miles from the end of todays hike, at a gravel road crossing, the two gentlemen didn't show up. We waited and waited. I hiked back four miles but couldn't find them. So late in the afternoon, with rain threatening and a forecast of low temperatures, I made a 911 call to the emergency services to report that two hikers were unaccounted for. About 8 pm a ranger arrived ready to set up a rescue post. He decided to go along a few roads that he was familiar with, and fortunately found the two gentlemen just before the skies opened up! We were all so relieved and thankful. All's well that ends well.
Date: 2014-10-05
From: Low Gap (SMNP above Cosby Campground)

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 7.3

My plan was to do this hike yesterday (Saturday) but, due to the late evening rescue efforts on Friday, I decided to make Saturday a zero day. The hike starts at Cosby Camp Ground, goes to the AT, and then on to Davenport Gap. This will finish all of my walk along the AT except for three more days to reach Fontana Dam. I met quite a few people today - a gentleman doing bush-whacking (which is really creating a trail), and lots of day hikers and section hikers. I also took a side trail to Mount Cammerer to look at an old fire watch station which was restored in the 1990s and has a structure that is more common in the West, but unusual in the East. After a long descent to Davenport Gap, I hiked back to the Cosby Campground, got in my car and drove HOME.
Date: 2014-10-06
From: Davenport Gap

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

One of the gentlemen who I'd hiked with on Friday kindly gave me a ride from my home to Newfoundland Gap where I started my hike by 7:30 am. The forecast was for rain. At the start it was overcast, foggy, cold and there was a stiff wind. By the time I got to Clingmans Dome the rain started. It was almost like sleet. I put on my raingear. The trail soon became a river with water 1 - 2" deep. When I arrived at Siler's Bald Shelter mid-afternoon, I was the only one there so I prepared my air mattress and sleeping bag. Later, hikers from Texas, Florida, and Indiana arrived and we had dinner and good conversation. The water source had been contaminated by someone who used it as a "bathroom", so all had to filter and purifiy their water. Fortunately, I had purified water from the prior shelter. We all went to sleep hoping for a storm-free morning.
Date: 2014-10-07
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a night of rain, lightning, and strong winds all night. We awoke to more rain and cold. Today, I have to get to Russell Fields Shelter as I've arranged to meet some friends there tomorrow morning. It is 15 miles away, but in spite of the heavy winds, the rain and cold temperatures I need to push on. My first challenge is to climb Thunderhead Mountain. I got to the top by mid-afternoon. Fortunately, the shrubs provide some protection from the wind. This is not the case for my next challenge - climbing Rocky Top. The Top is so exposed, the wind blew me off the trail. But once I began to descend, the rhododendrons acted as a wind block. I was tempted to stop early and stay at the Spence Field Shelter, but I pushed on to my planned destination. The shelter was nearly full, with couples from Texas, Indiana, and Florida - but different couples from last night! We had good fellowship and I went to sleep knowing tomorrow will be my final day on the trail.
Date: 2014-10-08
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Center
Miles today: 12.29

So today is my last day as the Holston Conference AT Chaplain. It is the end of a seven month journey. I've made many new friends from all over the USA and from International countries. Some are day hikers, some are section hikers and some are thru-hikers. Additionally, I've renewed old friendships from prior years. Some of these I've met at church breakfasts, some in hostels and some by design along the trail. But best of all I've been able to share stories of adventure, stories of personal addiction, stories of grief, stories about child abuse, and testimonies to the love of Christ. I was able to speak to six congregations about the ministry behind the hike; I've met people in distress and been able to get help to them; and I have more love and appreciation for the AT community. I woke today to the patter of rain, but it had stopped by 6:30 am. My friends from the Wednesday hiking group met me around 9:30 am (Carol, Amy, Tom and Barry). It is six months since I have seen some of them. It was great to have them hike this last leg with me. The weather began to dry and the forest was beginning to show the changing colors of this time of year. The hike was the normal ups and downs and at 3:50 pm I crossed Fontana Dam to find the Trail Boss waiting for me! We walked to the Visitors Center where more hikers from my Wednesday group and Brother Baldy were waiting to greet us with drinks and cake. Even though it is not like cresting Katahdin, I did get an emotional high. The last time I had walked the AT as a section hiker over a period of two years. This time I had completed a thru-hike, all 2185 miles in the same year. The trail is about people, the trail is about community, and I have loved being able to serve as chaplain. It's time to think about what is next!
Date: 2014-03-02
From: Amicalola State Park-Approach Trail

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

After breakfast Josh took us all in the van, to either the approach trail or one mile from Springer Mountain. In the van was Happy riding shot gun, Flashlight, Mitchell, Skinny D, Spirit Walker, Dandelion, Dinasaur, Chowder, and Mike. Left hostel at 9:30. Arrived Amicalola left approach trail at 10:00. Arrived top of Springer Mountain at 3:30. Left at 4:00 arrived at Stover Creek Shelter at 5:30.
Date: 2014-03-04
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 16.9

Left Gooch Gap at 8:45. Got to Woody Gap at 12:00 and received trail magic. Calling it the Leap Frog Cafe. He was cooking pancakes when we arrived, went for the fresh fruit and coffee instead, would of had eggs but did not start until ready to leave. Left donation, and left at 12:30. We were going to stay at Jarreds Gap because of bear canister rule from here to Neels Gap but arrived at 2:30 and decided to go to NeelsGap, arrived at 6:00. Saw Baltimore Jack the owner he stayed open for us to buy two sandwiches and two cold drinks. Set up tent out back.
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early at 5:00, and made coffee and had cold cereal with nuts and dried fruit. Packed up and left camp at 6:20. Had a nice sunrise, started out in the dark. Filtered water at Blue Mountain Shelter got to Unicoi about 11:00. Had lunch there and left about 11:30. When we got there a gentleman was sitting killing time. He finally came down as we were eating. He had a ride coming in an hour. Also a girl hitching in to get a sleeping bag liner. Then a hiker named tree came along. Got on trail passed by tree. As the day went on we slowed from fatigue. Got to Tray Mountain Shelter turn off at 3:10. Had to hike .2 miles to shelter, then another .1 to get water but it was easy access with water flowing from a pipe. Got tent set up and dinner going just as it started to snow, it was more like ice crystal. So hungry we eat two dinners knew we would make it to town to resupply. In bed by 7:00.
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Left Tray Mountain shelter at 7:25, Happy left just before us. It started raining shortly after we left, so we stopped to put pack covers and rain gear on. Make time seems to wear the same gear whether it is hot or cold. I get over heated going up hill and sweat a lot, then freeze going downhill. At the end of the day when I clean up my face is covered with salt crystals. We arrived at Dick's Creek Gap at 1:25. Took about a half hour to get a ride. Got picked up by Dean a landscape guy with a truck of trees. He took us part way to town when he had to turn to go to the job site, but waved his son down following in another truck full of trees, so Billy Dean Jr. took us to the Budget Inn, but the were booked so he then took us to Mull Inn where we found a room. The room was not ready, so we walked up to the South Side Cafe thinking we could get an omelette, but they closed at 2:00 and it was 2:30 when we arrived. Went to Ingles grocery store and bought a pizza and they cooked it in the Deli for us. It was only $5.00 for the pizza, and got two flavored waters. Went back to room to clean up. Make time showered first but the water abruptly went from hot to cold, so I had to wait to clean up. Went back to Ingles for dinner and had the salad bar, also bought two bananas and a pint of ice cream to take back to room.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and took our clothes to the laundry mat, but they were not open yet, so we went across the street to McDonald's and had a senior coffer and egg mcmuffin until they did. Then on the way back from doing laundry we checked out the other grocery store on way back to our hotel. Dropped off our laundry and head toward the budget inn, and bought a canister of fuel at the outfitter there. Then broused town and talk to the owner of Linda's she was a lot of fun. Then to Georgia Mountain restaurant for lunch. Went back to motel and rested up until dinner. Went to Ingles salad bar again for dinner and bought our food supply for trail.