morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: 1 mile past Mountaineer Falls Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

Hump Day....well not exactly in the traditional Wednesday sense as today is Thursday. However, I did summit Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mtn. These are tree-less mtns but not because they are above tree line but because...well no one knows. Anywho, they were gorgeous. At about the 9 mile mark I met up withe Miles, Nickel (lives in the same county where I went to high school im MD), and Lift'n Step (Australian girl). Ive been hiking with these guys off and on for a few weeks. Really cool peeps. Anyways, we hitch hiked into the town of Roan Mtn, TN where I had me a superb bbq pork sandwich and several Mountain Dews. When we finished we walked over to the Ice Cream place, Bobs Dairyland, and I got a peanut butter milkshake. While in there a gentleman offered to take us back to the trail. Man, you cant beat this town visit.Tonight, I have caught up with Trashman, Timber, and Laid Back after an 18.8 mile day. We are camping near a stream. We are headed into the Kincora Hostel tomorrow. Sad thing is is that Im taking a day off from hiking on Saturday to heal and they are pushing ahead. It looks like they arent stopping for Trail Days in Damascus, VA next weekend like I am so it could be a long time before I see them again.Lets see, what did I think about today? Well, for some reason I spent lot of time thinking back to the Montgomery College (junior college I went to before UK) baseball days and how close I was with my teamates at the time. Being almost ten years later I havent kept in touch with any of them but maybe two. Id like to see how everyone is doing? I also thought about how bad I need a shower. I know you care tons but I smell quite rank. I should be getting a shower tomorrow. Thats it for tonight. Dont forget He is in charge and dont sweat the small stuff. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: 1 mile past Mountaineer Falls Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 14.8

Today I broke all One Life personal records with my 615am start. Thats right....I was on the trail before the birds were up. The purpose? To get to Kincora Hostel and get a bunk....and it was a success. I hiked 14.8 miles and was here by 2pm. Quite a glorious feeling if you ask me.Nothing new or exciting happened today. I got a blister on my heel that needs my attention but thats about it. I am taking a zero day tomorrow with Timber. Laid Back and I are trying to switch her trail name to Data (from Goonies) because shes always worried about distances and how much food is needed etc. Got some good news...Turtle Dove is coming to visit tomorrow. Yaaaaaaaaay. Cant wait to see her.What did I think of today? Nothing but food, honestly. Not too many deep thoughts when you are headed to a town. Just fod and what you are going to have dominates your mind. And what did I eat when I got to Kincora? A Little Caesars pizza and a Mountain Dew all by my little lonesome. Quite delicious. Gotta get off here but remember to always stay faithful to Him. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a nothing day...and I loved it! Actually, Turtle Dove has come back to do the trail from here to Damascus, VA (approximately 50 miles). I was so excited to see her again (no, boys and girls...not like that...she has a significant other...I know what youre thinking)So, Trashman and Laid Back moved on while Timber and I took the day off. When Turtle Dove arrived we drove to town to burn 6 hours. Basically, we went fron resteraunt to fast food joint. As I write this I am officially bloated to all get out!So, nothing new to report. We are heading to Damascus, VA for Trail Days. We should be in VA by Tuesday. WOW! I cant believe it.'Idleness is the envy of fools' -Anne Frank
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Zero Day

To: Some Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

Today was a nice cool crisp dayfwalking. After eating a ginormous breakfast that some hikers made, Timber, Turtle Dove, and I set out. Nothing too awesome happened today. It actually felt like a relaxing 18 mile hike.One of the things did do was hike with Timber. Normally I hike alone and meet everyone at the designated area but today I hiked with her. I guess I wanted to talk about certain hiker related things. I wanted to make sure Im not the only one that has the occasional bad day or times when it can get overwhelming. She made me feel that those feelings are quite normal. I mean, I hardly get those feelings but when I do I now know they are normal. That makes me feel quite awesome.Right now, it is freezing out. Im bundled up in my sleeping bag with my coat and winter hat on. ITS MAY 9TH!!!! What the heck! Im freezing! The irony is that I sent my pants that unzip into shorts (refer to my pics for visual reference) home because I bought some skimpy shorts at Walmart. I thought we were done with cold weather. By the way, I bought mediums. I was an XL before the trip and now Im a medium. Im going to be a toothepick before you know it!Thats it from atop this freezing TN mtn. Ill be in VA in two days!!! Stay faithful in His word. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Vandaventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Today was a leisurely walk of 14.4 miles. The terrain has been steadily getting easier with only climbs in the hundreds of feet instead of the thousands. Tomorrow we cross into VA and into the town of Damascus. I can't wait. I also can't believe I'm in my 4th state of this journey!Wait...Christmas in May?? Huh? Well, I have a confession. I listen to Christmas music almost everyday. I love it...even in May. So today was no different. I fired up the ole Ipod and listened to a whole album of it. Why do I love it? It makes me think of Christmas time and sitting by a fire and all of the season's glee. I love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year I was watching Christmas movies in October...ask my sister, Abigail. Anywho, listening to Christmas music on the trail puts me in a mental place of sitting with my future family in front of a fire etc. I can't wait. Cheesy? You bet...but thats what I think about.So tomorrow we will be in Damascus, VA...home of Trail Days. This is also Turtle Dove's getting off point but I plan on spending a few days in Damascus. Anyone want to come visit? No? Why not? haha.So thats it. There was a cooler on the trail filled with drinks today. It was trail magic from a local church. On the cooler was written John 4:13. Read what it says. Gnite
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As of now, I'm sitting at Quincy's Pizza in Damascus, VA typing away on my computer. I'm kind of torn between what I am going to do for the next few days. Damascus is the home of Trail Days which essentially starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Its like the Mecca of AT hikers. This small sleepy town will fill up with 25-30,000 past, present, and future hikers all celebrating the trail. Although it sounds fun I don't really want to be in a mix of thousands of people. No, I'm not a Debbie Downer. It just feels weird. Going from 4-5 people a day that you might see to thousands seems overwhelming to me right now. I will say this...its been great seeing certain people who have caught up and such. You don't realize how much you enjoy seeing friends and stuff on the trail.So far, I've gone roughly 464 miles and I've crossed into VA. That makes 4 states so far. I can't believe I've come this far. I mean, I didn't doubt that I could make it but you don't really think about the mileage until you do it!! The funny thing is...I have so far to go too! But I will say this, the more I walk the more confident I am that I can do this!Also, I am kind of enjoying taking mental notes about what I think about during the day and then writing them down to share. You wouldn't believe everything that goes through your head when you're walking for 10 hours a day almost everyday. You just think about everything you have or could have been through in your life. It's quite an amazing process. Sometimes you feel regret, joy, happiness, sadness, shoulda woulda coulda, and just over all a million things. Lately, as I have gotten used to hiking, I can be absent minded. Sometimes you just get lost in walking and listening to the wind or forest sounds. Sounds corny but it can be quite peaceful. Since today is my Dad's birthday there is one thing I would like to share. Being alone for several hours a day I have really thought about those who I really love. I really get to examine almost each and every relationship I have with people and I am so thankful for who is in my life. I really love my family and I am so thankful for my friends that I feel have rallied around my journey. Its just amazing to see how each person in my life has shaped who I am. I don't think I would have an opportunity to think about this kind of stuff without taking this hike. Happy birthday, Dad!In conclusion, I have no idea when I'm leaving Damascus. It could be tomorrow or it could be as late as Sunday. The beauty of this trip is that there is no rush. Its what I feel like doing!
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Damascus, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another lazy day in Damascus, VA. People are arriving by the hundreds with each passing hour for Trail Days. However, I have made a tentative plan to skedadle tomorrow afternoon for the mountains and skip a majority of Trail Days. Why, you might ask? Well, first, I have been hear going on my 3rd day already. Second, Trail Days seems to be more of a celebration of hikers who have done it in the past. I think this would be a better experience if I came back as a member of the class of '10 someday. Thirdly, as the masses arrive they bring their rowdiness and Tom Foolery. That is not my cup of tea anymore so I figure I would just hike...which is what I'm here in the first place to do. So, in recap, tomorrow afternoon I am scheduled to depart town...and on my way out of town I am stopping for a delicious Peanut Butter shake from the Dairy King (not Queen) and a sandwich from Subway...and you can't stop me!Last night, after getting that delicious shake from the Dairy King, I went to an outdoor service put on by the First Baptist Church here in Damascus. Its just what I needed. When you are hiking for days on end its hard to continually stay focused on who really is in charge. I was so happy to get to sing (I knew most of the songs) and worship. One thing I have noticed with most hikers is that they are not into worship. I'm not saying that all hikers don't worship but as a whole theres only a tiny percentage that do. You get the feeling that most people are turned off by religion so I am making it my duty to be more of an example to them. Not preaching to them but just being an overall example of Christ. I don't know if that makes sense to people reading this and I fully understand that a lot of people are turned off by that but it doesn't matter to me. Its really something I feel I should do better with.So, thats it. It was really cool going to the service last night. I've officially departed from the Fab 4 (Trashman, Laid Back, Timber, and I). I don't think I will catch them for a long while. Thats OK. I loved hiking with them but now I need to start the next part of my journey. I need to hike with myself...don't know why but I just feel like I do. So, tomorrow, I'm going to help Skywalker at his booth where he is selling his book and then I'll hit the trail. If you are interested in sending anything, below is the address and how to fill it out on the mailing label:Gregory Stevensonc/o General DeliveryPearisburg, VA 24134
Date: 2010-05-14
To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I am leaving today!! Yup, I think I'm going to leave around 2-3pm and head ten miles (up the mtn) to the next shelter. My list of priorities before I leave are as follows: leave this coffee shop I'm sitting at, swing by the Dairy King for a Peanut Butter shake, head to First Baptist Church of Damascus for free shower and internet usage, pack up my belongings, head to the vendors and visit Skywalker and his booth where he's selling his book, go to the Post Office to mail my bounce box, head to Subway to pick up a sandwich on my way out of town, and then leave!!! Hopefully, I won't get suckered in to staying another day!! I'm 95% sure I'm leaving.So, I just had coffee with Robbie and Melissa from South Alabama University. It was great talking to them about Cornerstone Crossroads Academy. They might be interested in getting their mission group to come to Dallas for CCA. I think that would be awesome. I would also like to acknowledge First Baptist Church of Damascus. They have been awesome to all of the hikers. I am really thankful for what they are doing. I got to talk to some of them yesterday and I have been really impressed with their efforts. They are very helpful to everyone. I am posting a picture of the logo my buddy Jim made for me. This is not a logo for just me. When I'm done with the trail I want to start an outreach ministry to get people to help those in need in the inner city. I find that many people in my life want to help with the community but they don't know how. This will give them an opportunity. I want to call this ministry ONE LIFE as we want to help one life at a time. I've asked my dad to use this logo to make t-shirts. hahahaha.Well, sorry for not talking much about the trail. I've been really happy and inspired by First Baptist Church of Damascus. If any of them are reading this I would just like to thank them and let them know they are doing a great job.Anyways, I've been in Damascus since Tuesday and its now Friday. There hasn't been any hiking since then and I'm itching to get back to the woods and into camping. Like I said before I'm taking off at 2-3pm with Sugar Ray to the next shelter. So, stay strong. Thank you all to have messaged me. I get really excited when I hear from people..even if I don't know them. It keeps me going.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Damascus, VA

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

It has happened....finally. Ive seen a bear! Yup, and for those that have never been in the wilderness, Im alive. Actually, right when I was leaving the shelter this morning with Sugar Ray we spotted a black bear cub. However, with a black bear cub comes its momma...who is usually not happy that you are looking at their offspring. Whatd we do? We yelled and skedaddled. I promised my buddy, Blake S from Frisco, that I would name the first bear I saw after him because he was amazed I wasnt taking any weapons to fend off bears. So Blake, this ones for you.We hiked 18.6 today and are camped almost at the top of Mt Rogers which is the highest point in VA. Its chilly too. There are wild ponies so Ill hopefully be able to shoot some video tomorrow. Lets see, whatd I think about today. Well, I was pretty tired so I thought about that. I continued my thoughts on whats going to happen after the trail. I cant remember any more thoughts. Bad me! Ill do better tomorrow.Ok, thats it. Love
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

If you love hiking in the rain then today would have been awesome for you. I hiked the first five miles of todays 15 in sun. Then the rain and hail came. But in all honesty, in normal conditions hiking in the rain sucks. But for some reason I found it quite peaceful and beautiful. I really enjoyed it. Maybe it was the green in the forrest or whatever it was I just loved it
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Hurricane Gap Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

As I sit and write this I am still trying to get unsoaked. It poured on me again today! Now, all of my stuff is soaked and with more rain on the way Im going to be wet continuously for awhile.I wanted to share this thought. As I climbed a never ending hill in an absolute downpour, I was thankful. Although I was freezing cold, wet, and tired I had faith in God that Id be ok. And guess what? After my 19.7 mile walk I made it to a shelter where you can order pizza and take a shower! So guess what?? Im waiting on my large peporoni pizza, cheese sticks, and coke to be delivered. Oh, and Im clean!My thoughts today were with my friends from UK. I miss Kentucky. I thought about how blessed and honored I was to attend Steve an Amanda's wedding. I miss you guys! I really want to attend the reunion with the UK guys this October. Ive also been thinking about a walk across america in 2012 for CCA. Think I can?Dont forget where your heart should be...with Him. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

After yet another day of rain the decision was made to get to the Relax Inn in Atkins, VA and dry off!! It was wet and cold and due to the wetness I developed a nasty blister on thine left heel. Not cool!!!The hike was kinda boring but I did stop at the Settlers Museum of Southwest VA. I met Dylan who ran the museum and it was quite interesting to learn about the Scoth-Irish settling southwest VA. Dylan seem to know quite a bit and was very enthusiastic with his knowledge.Needless to say, a hot shower, nice bed, and warm grub was well appreciated. A special thank you to Blue Bird and Daiglo for giving us a ride to the grocery store.That was about it. Just another blessed day in the Appalachians. Thanks, God!
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Relax Inn Atkins, VA

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Today was the biggest day I've done so far! I successfully walked 23 miles today...which is a lot for me. Tomorrow might be a 24 mile day as we (Avatar, Sugar Ray, Kudzoo, and I) are itching to get to Pearisburg, VA. I have a few boxes there I need to pick up. However, its looking like I'm getting there late Saturday and the post office will be closed again Sunday. Not cool. I don't want to take a zero day. Not sure what I'm going to do.So today, we got a little Trail Magic. As I got close to mile 9 of today's trek I turned the corner in the woods and SHAZAAAAM...a cooler stocked with sodas, pbj sandwiches, and Little Debbie snacks. As I was eating I got to meet the trail angel, Lumber Mac. Nice old fellow. It was greatly appreciated.A notable landmark happened today. I passed the 1/4 mark of this journey. Wow. I simply cannot believe this. I am soooo thankful I'm doing this and I love it. Its totally worth the blisters, pain, soreness, and rain. I love it.Thats all for tonight. I'm staying at a pretty mouse infested shelter. Its hard to sleep with mice around. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: few clouds

I have successfully beat yesterday's personal best of 23 miles with a 24 mile day today. It is hiker midnight plus 40 (9:40pm) as I write this. I had much body maintenance to perform before I wrote this entry. That would include taking care of two heel blisters. Kudzoo showed me how to properly treat blisters so that was my priority.It was an overall nice day. I got two bouts of Trail Magic. One was a cooler full of Gatorade and the other were jugs of water which came in great handy. Good water is hard to find here in southwest VA so any opportunity to get water given to you is a huge plus.Avatar, Kudzoo, and I had to say our goodbyes to Sugar Ray today. He is dealing with a mean case of shin splints. So bad, infact, that he had to call it a day early at about 1pm. We pressed on the remaining 14 miles to where we are now. Even though I didn't mention him a ton I had walked with Sugar Ray, or Shugs as we call him, since the Smokies. Good guy. He will prolly catch me eventually once he's all healed up.So we are 40 miles from Pearisburg. Tomorrow is Friday. I have to do those 40 miles by Saturday at 12pm or I have to stay til Monday and wait for the Post Office to open. I don't know if I can make it. That's really tough to do. I was thinking of doing a 24-miler again tomorrow and waking up early to do a 16-miler on Saturday before noon. I don't know though with two blisters. I really can't afford town stays.But we shall see what happens. Don't forget who's in charge. Gnite.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Trents Grocery Store
Miles today: 16.5

Dear Heels,You have really hurt me with your blisters. Yeah, both of you have. I thought that you and I were ready for the 20 plus milers once we hit Virginia but oh was I wrong. I also thought that you and I had an agreement: I would treat you right and you wouldn't blister. You were perfect until we hit the 500 mile mark. What happened guys? What did I do to make you angry and blister? Was it a 23 mile day and a 24 mile day in consecutive days? I guess I'll never know.Heels, now I have a tough time walking. So much so that I hobbled .5 miles off of the trail after a 16.5 mile day and I'm now camped behind Trents Grocery Store in who knows what town. I am sharing my campsite with 3 horses, 5 pigs, several dogs, cows, and countless chickens. All because you were blistered up and I could walk no further. Do you realize the pain I'm in, Heels? Also, because of you I won't make it to Pearisburg, VA by noon tomorrow before the post office closes. Because of that, I have to stay in Pearisburg until Monday!! Thanks a lot, guys! You're causing me pain and money now.So Heels, my expectations are that you don't cause me pain. I promise to do a better job in taking care of you and I will not walk as far. Sound good? Thanks guys for your cooperation in this matter.Your loving owner and caretaker,One Life
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Trents Grocery Store

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Guess what? It rained. No seriously, it did! I know, its unbelievable. Anywho, yes, I was in mile 8 of today's 14 mile hike when I was stricken with a downpour. And guess what else?? With rain comes even worse blisters! Both of my heels had balloons on the back of them. Thanks Kudzoo, he showed me how to take care of them so its all good now. Today, I just basically hiked with Avatar. Nice guy. I've been walking with him for over a week now. We have similar paces. Anways, we hiked to Woods Hole Hostel which is about 10 miles south of Pearisburg, VA. Excellent hostel. I plan on hiking to Pearisburg and staying there until Tuesday so I can get my packages and upload my vids etc.Thats it for now. Always be faithful to Him.