morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Reflections So Far

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Since I am taking my first zero day today of the trip I figured I would share some thoughts or whatever on my trip so far. I get asked by people certain things so I figured I would share some thoughts on my particular journey so far.First, before I dive into everything, I want to share with you this morning's activity. I got to go to church here at Fontana Dam. Trashman and I were the only attendees for a little while until a couple showed up later. Anyways, it was a great sermon and it really reinforced why I'm doing what I'm doing. It kind of refreshed my goals and ideas that I'm on this earth to serve others and God is in control. Sometimes, when you're alone for long periods of time you can stray or lose focus ever so slightly. In fact, the other day a person cussed at me via Youtube and called me another Bible thumper. Ha, I guess he doesn't get it! Anyways, it was great to attend church and I miss going.So this trip until now has had some very unexpected feelings and emotions. First, I didn't realize how much fun I would be having. Being with Trashman, Laid Back, Timber, Turtle Dove, Freight Train, and Boomer has supplied so much laughter I can't even explain it. I did not expect to be laughing every single night..sometimes until I can't breathe anymore. I guess I expected to be doing this alone and not really getting close with hikers. I expected to be quiet but any of my hiking buddies can tell you that that is not the case. We rely on each other whether we admit it or not and its great to be friends with people from every walk of life. Another thing I didn't expect are the headaches I have been getting. They don't happen every day but some days they cause me so much pain. I also did not expect how hard the trail would be. Some days I get frustrated at climbing and descending up mountains. You know what, though? I pray before every big climb...I don't ask God to magically get me to the top of the mountain but I simply thank him for having the opportunity to even climb. Even when I'm suffering I love it. Simply stated. Even when I get dehydrated, my feet or sore, or I just simply think I can't go on I am very thankful for the opportunity to follow my dream. Even if something happens to me and I am forced off of the trail I am so thankful for the opportunity and the experiences I have already had. However, I fully intend on finishing this bad boy.On another note, Trashman, Laid Back, Timber, and I were asked to do a presentation for some tourists on thru hiking the AT. We are supposed to meet at the dance hall here at the lodge in Fontana Dam at 645pm. From there we are on our own on how to present. I have no idea what I'm going to say. I guess I'll plan on talking about my stink, not changing for days on end, eating awesome Lipton sides and Ramen, Privies, Trashman walking square into trees and getting knocked down, and maybe answering some questions. Who knows! That'll be the fun of it right?Well, thats it for now. Keep the comments coming. Those are truly what keep me going..that and my ipod. I love you.One life
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Fontana Lodge

To: 2nd shelter in the Smokies
Miles today: 14.6

Right now, I'm forced into an actual shelter due to a Smokies rule of no tenting. Although we stay the night at shelters we always camp but not in the Smokies!!! So right now, I'm rubbing elbows with Timber and some dude I don't know (turns out to be Eric the Red..great guy). I have come prepared with earplugs and my Ipod in case he's a snorer. We won't even go into the mice and bear problem of the Smokies.Last night's presentation was a huge success. Timber, Laid Back, Trashman, and I answered questions about thru hiking the AT. We were quite humorous and the 20 plus in attendence enjoyed it. A few of the audience members, Byron, Tammy, and Jenny, wanted to join us on a day hike to Shuckstack Mtn. So we loaded our packs in their truck and were able to slack pack (no heavy packs on) for a few miles. That was nice to hike without a pack. Then we got our packs after going over Fontana Dam and hiked to this shelter called Russell Field.I have enjoyed the Smokies so far. The uphills are a lot kinder than previously tramped trails. Of course, this is the first day of the Smokies so who knows whats to be expected.Right now, Im on the top loft so to get down I would need to wake everyone up and climb down. The problem is I'M STARVING!! Lipton sides didn't cut it this evening. It stinks cuz its 815pm and we won't get up until 630am. Can I make it? GniteMatthew 16:25
Date: 2010-04-20
From: 2nd shelter in the Smokies

To: Derek Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Shortly after taking off at 745am this morning the skies opened up on us. Yup, it poured. The visibility was nill and I got soaked through! I stumbled into Derek Knob Shelter and was shivering to the max. I basically got into dry clothes, hopped into my sleeping bag, and hoped for the best. I lived after a few hours of shivering in my bag.I am not a particular fan of rain hiking. On top of that my shoes got melted in the heel from the fire we built. Yay. Great Day! It is supposed to clear up tomorrow. We shall see. Alrighty, I am out. Gnight
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Derek Knob Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.5

Today was a personal milestone for me. I climbed to the top of Clingmans Dome. This 6643 ft mtn was such a goal for myself. Why, you might ask? In August of 2005, after I graduated the University of Kentucky, I took myself on a camping trip to the Smokies. When I got to Clingmans Dome I noticed that the AT runs through it. I told myself that one day I would be thru hiking this. That day was today. In a strange way I'm very proud to have made it this far.I really enjoyed the hike today. I did a lot of thinking of everyone in my life today. I am so glad to have the friends I have. I also thought about old friends who remember me when I wasn't in the place I am today. Are people's perspectives of me able to change after so many years? I hope so but I don't know.Thats what you do on the trail...you just think. You think about EVERYTHING! If we have ever met then chances are I've thought about you at some point on this trail. I hope when I get off of this trail that I'll catch up with these people.Well, until tomorrow...gnite.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: yay

To: Biggest Miles Yet
Miles today: 20.9

Last night was a fun night. We (Fab 4) met the folks from Stock Creek Baptist who were staying at Pecks Corner Shelter. They added a lot of laughter and made me feel good for carrying the heaviest pack east of the Mississippi. Anyways, I hope that we stay in touch.Well, today we walked 20.9 miles. Why, you might ask? 1. To beat the rain. 2. To celebrate Laid Back's bday tommorrow in Standing Bear Hostel. 3. To say we did it. 4. To see how sore we could get for fun (not really).Lets have some real talk. So today Im dying of chaffing. Yes, I know, Gross. Buts its life. I had to walk like I just got off of a horse. Moral of the story......no idea how to cure it.As always, remember the Lord in everything you do. Gnite.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was an absolutely awesome day of hiking. After being reunited with Freight Train and Boomer and also adding Deja Thru (UK grad) we left Standing Bear Farm Hostel at 8am. The entire day was uphill pretty much which normally stinks but we were heavily rewarded with the views of Max Patch. Max Patch is a bald on top of a mountain. It has no trees and is completely grassy. Picture the Sound of Music if you must. Anyways, 11 of us thru hikers were there and I made everyone pose for a group picture. While we were on top of Max Patch, we met a couple who graduated none other than the UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY WOOOHOOOOO. They gave us a bottle of wine, which I indulged myself in 2 sips, and some pbj sandwiches. Score! Great day for me. So, for the next several days we will be hiking on the border of TN and NC. I'll be in and out of both states. We should be in Hot Springs, NC the day after tomorrow so that'll be nice. Also, I'll try to spice up the journal a bit as I know people are getting bored with it. Thank you, God for letting me do this. Gnite
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Right now, its 658pm and I'm in bed at Deer Park Shelter. I've got Trashman on my right happily snoring away and Laid Back on my left listening to NPR. Its cold and rainy so getting in the bag was the best idea. Nothing awesome to report today. However, I thought you should know that I'm getting in awesome shape...at least I think I am. Wow, I'm flying these days. I did 14.8 miles from 730am to 130pm with a lunch break in between. I've aleady moved my belt up 4 belt loops. I guess I'm getting scrawny!! We are heading heading into Hot Springs tomorrow. Yay for warm shower and lots of food! I still love hiking
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: moderate rain

I'm sitting here at the Hot Springs public library. We got up this morning at 6am and were out on the trail by 630am. We walked the 3.2 miles to Hot Springs. I think we all had the same thing on our minds....a nice shower. Man we stink...lemme tell you. We also were hustling to get to Elmers Hostel. We barely got in too. Its a huge Victorian house but we were excited to get in. I got my own room tonight. Its in the basement. That means no earplugs for the first time in several days. YAAAAY!!! So, when I say I'm sitting here at the public library that means that I am doing my laundry at the local laundry mat. I have on my rain pants and rain jacket....and thats it. All other clothes are just being washed. I think the locals are used to us hikers as it poses no problems. I'm kind of disapointed because I have made a few videos the last week or so but this library blocks youtube so I can't upload them. Oh well, I'll try in Erwin, TN. That'll be in approximately 5 days. Also, I haven't had any consistent reception on my phone in a few weeks so I can't update my journal for people every night like before. I think people are losing interest but I'll have to figure it out at some point. I'm disapointed in T-Mobile as they have really no reception at all. Oh well. As far as my hike, I am having a great time. I don't know how to explain it...its just a feeling of doing what I dreamed of. Its really tough work but at the end of the day I feel great. I have met some friends that will probably be lifetime friends. The AT has given me a trail family. Everyone looks out for one another and since we are going through the same thing we all share a lot in common. I am really proud to be called a thru hiker and I am very proud that God has given me this opportunity. If you want to send anything I'll be at the address below within ten days. I appreciate everything. Kincora Hikers HostelHold for thru hiker Greg "One Life" Stevenson1278 Dennis Cove RdHampton, TN 37658
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: First Shelter out of Hot Springs
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

We left Hot Springs at 1045am this morning. We stayed at the Sunnybank Inn last night. We were treated to the excellent cooking of the hostel's owner, Elmer. It was a great place to stay. I would totally recommend it to any future hikers.Before I left I made some weight reduction improvements to my pack. I priority mailed my computer, some extra food, a couple pairs of useless underwear, and some other doodads to the next town Ill be in. That town is called Erwin, TN and I should be there Sunday. This process is called 'Bouncing.' Instead of carrying that stuff Im mailing it ahead.Tonight is the first night in two weeks that I am in my tent. I love tenting! I can toss and turn at my pleasure. I can snore or pick my nose without an audience. Plus, its sposed to be freezing tonight and its warmer in a tent. Yay tenting.So thanks to all those that commented on my chaffing problem. I pretty much solved it....but I appreciate the mass concern it caused. My knew problem seems to be shin splints. You cant win out here with pain.Thank you to all who left comments recently. I really do read them all even if I cant respond. They really mean a ton to me. Thats all for tonight. Gnite civilization.Matthew 18:4
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Spring Mountain Shelton

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Yup, today I walked 21.3 miles. Why you might ponder? Well, tomorrow there is supposedly some trail magic happening at Sams Gap but it ends at 3pm. They are serving burgers, hot dogs and sodas. Its like a dream come true!!There is some bad news though. Tonight..I am without the crew. This is the first night I havent camped with at least Trashman. Kinda sad. During today's hike we agreed to stop at Laurel Shelter which was at the 16 mile mark. I got there an hour before everyone else. When they showed up Timber did not want to move on at all, Trashman said his legs were weary, and Laid Back wasnt sure. I decided to move on to the next shelter so that I would only have a 11.5 mile hike to the burgers instead of a 17 miler. So now Im camped with Skywalker, Sugar Ray, and Coal Cracker. Skywalker is 6'11' and is the tallest AT hiker. He wrote a book called 'Skywalker' about his '05 AT thru hike. Its funny...you should read it.Today's hiking was some of the toughest. It was mostly all up hill with the exception of the last 5 miles. Im getting in pretty good shape though. Im starting to become a real thru hiker. Oh, I came across a Civil War gravestone that was randomly in the woods today. Totally awesome!!Before I go I want your opinion. I want to have Luke 1:37 as my journey's saying. What do you think? Gnite.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: .7 miles from Sams Gap
Miles today: 12.2

What a day!! I got up and was out on the trail by 730am as usually. However, today I had different motivation. There was to bw trail magic at Sams Gap and it ended at 3pm. So I hiked up and down these nasty hills and got there at 1215pm.Man, did I eat! Let me try to remember all that I consumed: 2 hamburgers, handful of chips, donut, apple, klondike bar, cherry popsicle, ice cream bar, cookies, 2 cokes, 3 bottles of water, and a partridge in a pear tree. Plus I took an orange and banana for the road. I hung out from 1215pm to 415pm. Laid Back, Trashman, and Timber caught up and joined the festivities. Deja Thru, Eric the Red, Dead Man Walking, and the 4 of us just lounged for hours letting the food digest. Not the most productive day on the trail.So we are 23 miles out of Erwin, TN. I tried talking everyone into doing it all tomorrow but thats a tough sell especially with all of these steep climbs. When we get to Erwin we plan on using Trashman's AARP discount at the Super 8 motel We are also going to be doing the Glutany Challenge but more on that tomorrow. Remember to always stay faithful. Gnite
Date: 2010-05-01
From: .7 miles from Sams Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

One month ago I started this journey. Wow, one month! Man, I cant believe it's been that long. A month in the woods seems so much longer than in real life. Anyways, it's been an awesome and life changing month.I wish I could say I brought in the month of May with glee and a great day of hiking....but that was not the case. It seems I have strained the muscle next to the bone in the shin (self diagnosis). Every step of the 17 miles today was utter pain. Going down hill was torture. When I get to town Im going to buy an ace bandage cuz I heard that works.The one positive of today was that I got some more trail magic. Thank you Hoover (AT class of '09) and his mom for the chilli and muffins.Tomorrow we head into Erwin, TN. I think we are staying at the Super 8 motel. I am heading up a committee to go to the movies. There should be a good group of us. I also cant wait to shower, do laundry, post my blogs, post my videos...and EAT junk food!!!Well, thats it for now. Remember to always stay faithful to Him. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

My friends, let me teach you a little bit about a town visit. They are awesome when you first get to town and utterly depressing when you leave. We walked 6 miles yesterday to Erwin, TN. We are about to leave...and I'm depressed. No, not the usual leaving town depressed. No, I don't usually get that way. However, today its pouring rain. Do you know how hard it is to leave a motel room to go into the wilderness when its raining? Its not easy!So we got to town yesterday and did the usual...laundry, internet, shower, eat lots, and grocery shop. Erwin, TN is totally spread out so its not easy to walk anywhere. Timber, Laid Back, and Trashman were awesome enough to do my laundry for me while I stayed back in my underwear to ice my shin. Trashman's friend, Schoolmaster, came to visit us and he was nice enough to take us to a Mexican food resteraunt and to Walmart. The night was capped off by the viewing of the most historically inaccurate movie called "The Patriot." Awful movie if you're into history like myself. The one thing I think I look forward to the most when I come to a town is getting to talk to family and friends. Its so awesome to hear from people. I usually pester people with a simple good night text but thats my way of showing that I am thinking of them. I also love downloading my movies. Its really important to me to share my journey with everyone. I love doing all of the blogs and movies. I think its my way of connecting with the outside world.So, right this second we are packing up to leave town. We are going to the Post Office first to mail our bounce boxes to the next town. I'm also in the process of convincing Timber to not be such a planner. Hahahaha she likes to plan everything. I just like going with the flow...like not knowing what every step of the trail has to offer. She promised she would try it for a week. Anyways, I think we are going to the Huddle House after the Post Office and then off into the misty mountains. So, until then, I will write when I get the chance.Remember to share the love with everyone! See ya!
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Nothing is Impossible with Jesus. That was the message on the small church billboard that I saw as I sat in the back of a pickup truck After the four of us threw up a thumb I found myself in the bed of a truck wedged between a little kids tricicle and the gate. We were being driven the seven miles from our Motel 8 to the trail. Anyways, I found that sign ironic as Luke 1:37 is the verse Ive chosen for this trip and my life.Honestly, I had a case of the Mondays. I just didnt want to hike today for some reason. Maybe cuz I feel tired or maybe because I was leaving town. I really dont know. All I know is that I walked today's 12.1 with bad shin pain. Im in a bad mood but I try to stat pleasant. We are camped tonight at Deep Gap. I havent the foggiest clue as to whether its NC or TN. We crisscross those states so much before VA.So tomorrow Im going to take some mental notes of the stuff I think about while hiking. I was talking to Kristi L (principal of CCA) and she said that maybe people want to know that You think about sooooo much but Ill try to see what I can remember. Cool?Always stay true. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Right now as I write this my leg is killing me. If anyone wants to trade legs Id love a right one. My ankle is now swollen and Im living on Ibruprofin. Today was so painful for me. Every step of the 14.1 miles was pain. So that has led me to make a decision...Ive told Trashman, Laid Back, and Timber to go on without me. I dont want to hold them back at all so it looks like Ill be on my own for a bit. However, we still might be at the same place at night but I doubt it. We will meet back up in Damascus, VA for Trail Days in a few weeks.So I really sound like a ball of fun eh? Tommorow Im climbing Roan Mtn...its a steep and tough climb Just what my leg needs. Ive decided to take a day off at the Kincora Hostel in Hampton, TN. Should be there by Friday. My leg needs it!Today, like I promised, I made a note about what I thought about (besides the pain). I mostly thought about what Im going to do when Im done with the AT. I have no idea. I wont have a job or a place to live but I do have faith in God that I will be ok. Anyways, I want to move back to TX but Im not sure what Im going to do when get there. I hope I can get a job relatively soon after I get there. Hopefully something will come through. That way I can make money and support my family I want to have with my wife (that I dont have yet).Well, Ill try to remember other topics of thoughts tomorrow. Until then, stay Faithful to Him.Read Matthew 21:22
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

When today began I thought I was in for it. I told Trashman and company to go ahead and not worry about me due to my lovely shin. So, with that, they left camp at 7am and I slept in. Only I had the worst nights sleep in the history of mankind so I woke up tired and feeling crappy. So, knowing I had the ginormous Roan Mtn climb ahead of me I naturally started off the morning sluggishly.So with my latest start yet of 820am I was in no rush. But before you think all I do is complain I just want you to know I was wrong about today. I spent the morning mindlessly hiking and when I got to the base of Roan Mtn I was ready!! It was quite challenging but I was able to summit the 6200 ft mtn with little problem. I spent the afternoon hiking with Skywalker (6'11' guy) and Sugar Ray. They are fun to hike with. Skywalker's downhill stride is like 3 of mine. Its amazing.Lets see, what did I think about today? I thought a lot about Cornerstone Crossroads Academy and their future. I thought about how I cant wait for the football season and how I cant wait to watch UK football in particular. I thought about how Ill never take drinking a Gatorade or Coke for granted again. Or how much I want a pizza. I think about a lot of serious stuff mostly but Im not sure I want to share it. Maybe I will share my thoughts in the future as a way of helping me sort stuff that continually comes to my mind everyday out. A lot of people have a lot of great insight so I might give it a shot in the future. Its just weird putting it out there you know? But if you want a realistic idea of what I think about while I hike I guess I should....but not tonight haha.So thats it for tonight. Always remember why you are here on earth! Gnite.