morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-22
To: 9 Days
Miles today: 0.0

Well, 9 days until the big journey. My friend said to me ¢wow, this has really gone by quickly.¢ False, not for me. I feel like a chained up pit-bull who sees a piece of steak just outside of its reach. Every day is just dragging.Friday was my last day at work. Kind of sad. I¢m going to miss my team at COAF. I really enjoyed working there and I got along with everyone in my department. I was sad to see them go but this walk is just bigger than working right now. My guess is that 99% of all people don¢t understand this concept but that a small 1% does. It is kind of scary knowing I don¢t have another paycheck coming my way but I have a faith that God will take care of me in one way or another. There might be some hungry days ahead but I¢m ok with that. Nothing will take my faith away. I got to meet The Fugitive today. That¢s Dave¢s trail name from when he thru hiked the AT in 1997. He was a great source of information regarding the trail. I explained to him my fears and my perceptions and he gave me advice. I think the best advice he gave me was to not focus on getting to Maine everyday but focus on that particular day¢s goal. It¢s easy to lose focus when you¢ve walked 100 miles but it only shows that you¢ve walked an inch on a map. My goal will not to be thinking of Maine but thinking of what that day¢s journey will bring me. I snapped a few pictures of my gear spread out. I¢ll post them up here. This is minus a few items such as some toiletries and all my food. It¢s too early to buy food especially when I have to drive to MD from TX on Friday. ¢For nothing is impossible with God.¢ ¢Luke 1:37Video Blog #4 (copy and paste) http://awalkforthefuture.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/7725877-appalachian-trail-blog-4-3-22-10
Date: 2010-03-25
To: Goodbye Little Man
Miles today: 0.0

The dreaded day has come. The one sacrifice I knew I would have the toughest time dealing with has arrived. I just got back from dropping my beloved dog off at a friend¢s house. I didn¢t realize how sad I was going to be. This was the one sacrifice I put in the back of my mind because I didn¢t want to face it.All of the other sacrifices were easy for me. I had no problem at all getting rid of my worldly possessions because I¢m not a material type person. No possessions will follow me to heaven nor will they make me a better Christian. I believe in living simply and living by example. However, saying goodbye to my dog, who is also my best little buddy, was very hard for me. Saying goodbye is just one of those things we have to do in life. When you lose a loved one or break up with a significant other it can be very emotionally hard to let go. Sometimes you never truly let go. I guess I am really sad because Charlie has no idea what¢s going on. All he knows is that he was with me and now he¢s not. He doesn¢t know when or if I am coming back. Well, I just pray to the Lord that Charlie will be ok and I have complete faith that Lisa (his caretaker) will do an excellent job with him. So goodbye little man. Just know I¢ll be back for you in the Fall. You will be well taken care of. I will think about you every day and I can¢t wait to see you again.
Date: 2010-03-29
To: Almost There!!!
Miles today: 0.0

Good ole Nance-ito Burrito (my mom, Nancy) informed me that we will be leaving the house at 5am for Georgia on Wednesday (3/31/10). We will be driving from Maryland to Georgia which will take approximately 11 hours where she is going to be dropping me off. I just can not believe that it is almost here. Seriously, wow!!!So, I had to make a trusty old decision about the trail today. I could not find out if there is a suitable road that leads to the top of Springer Mountain. I saw that there is a dirt road that may or may not be closed but nothing of the tourist variety. Arrrgh!! I guess I¢ll be humpin¢ it from Amicalola Falls State Park. For those that do not know, AFSP is the 8 mile approach trail to the start of the Appalachian Trail. From all accounts of this trail, this is not a leisurely stroll in the park. The worst part is, the part that I could not grasp, that it doesn¢t count on the total mileage of the AT. So, most people do the approach trail, stay the night on Springer, and THEN ¢start¢ the trail. Is it just me or does this seem weird? It¢s like pre-season NFL football. The first game is great but by game 4 of the preseason you¢re like ¢come on already.¢ After mile one you realize it doesn¢t even count on your total mileage. I make no apologies to the AT purists. Guys, lets make Amicalola the start of the trail! Any who, that¢s where I¢m starting¢¦I think. If you¢re reading this and I don¢t have your phone number and you want to be a part of the text updates I will be sending, shoot me an email with your phone number. I promise I will only send texts every couple of weeks and not blow up your phone.Lastly, I just wanted to say that I am sooooo happy with the amount of support I have received. I am still in awe with how people are reaching out to me and saying ¢good luck¢ and stuff. That really means the world to me. Please please please please don¢t forget me after this week. I¢m the kind of person that thrives off of simple things like a guest book entry, email, or text. Please remember me in a few months and I promise I will think of you.It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Date: 2010-03-31
To: The Last Shower
Miles today: 0.0

That¢s right. I just got out of my last official non ¢trail¢ shower and I lazily took my time. I let it soak in like no one¢s business. Yes, I will have showers on the trail but they will be few and far between and probably not as relaxing as this last Holiday Inn shower. Right now, I am in Dahlonega, GA which is about 20 minutes from Amicalola Falls State Park or the unofficial beginning of the trail as stated in the previous blog. A lot of people want to know how I am feeling? Well, its one of those feelings where you have no idea what to expect. I wouldn¢t say I¢m nervous because there¢s nothing to be nervous about. I¢m just a little unsure about my pack weight. I packed everything except water¢¦wow!! Soooo heavy!! Crap. Round two of packing has resulted in the reduction of a shirt and a book. Best guestimate would be less than a pound of weight has been reduced with the second packing attempt. I have resigned myself just carry it all and learn the hard way. I¢m going to go slow and not rush. I¢ll figure out what I really need and don¢t need (below is a picture of everything strewn out on my hotel bed).The good news is that the guy I¢m hiking with, Joe (doesn¢t have a trail name yet but I¢m thinking of Slim because he¢s 6¢5¢), is bringing an air card. That means we can have the internet wherever there is reception which means I can upload my videos and pictures which means that you all don¢t have to worry if I¢m alive which means I can prove I¢m not bear food which means Charlie (my dog) does not have to be given to my sister on a permanent basis. It also means you can see my physical transformation as it happens and you might also be able to see my stank through the video.So the plan is to be out on the trail between 8-9am tomorrow. If you feel like it shoot me a text during the day. I plan on updating my blog every night that I have reception. Some days it might be really boring and other nights it might be about me killing a bear with my own hands (a felony in most states). Tune in though. I plan on giving people shout outs when I think of them. Anyways, for now, have a good time without me. One Life
Date: 2010-04-01
From: The Last Shower

To: Bitten Alive
Miles today: 0.2

What an awesome day for hiking. I did the 8.5 mile approach trail to the AT and now im staying at springer shelter. So officially ive done .2 miles on the AT but a total 8.7. Im beat.It was 80 plus today there wasnt an ounce of shade. The bugs are atrocious. I was not expecting this at all. They say it was the worst day of bugs ever. Anyways, tomorrows plan is slow and steady like an old man. I am camping w Trashman, Cubbie, and Wizard (trail names)ONE LIFE
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Bitten Alive

To: Am I in Maine yet?
Miles today: 7.8

Another hot day. Wow!! I¢m such a wuss. Anyways, hiked almost 8 miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter. 7.8 to be exact. Met a chick w hairy legs for that care much. Met some awesome people. I¢ve been hiking with Trash Man. He¢s a 68 year old ex navy seal. He¢s actually in better shape than me. Well, that¢s all for now. You know the trail is funny...it makes you think. This hiking world is completely different than the Dallas world. Keep the students of CCA in your prayers.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Am I in Maine yet?

To: Early Start
Miles today: 0.0

Right now im on top of sasafras mtn. Prolly wont have reception later. Great morning walk. My body is finally starting to get in shape. I have been waking up feeling starved and in need of some hme baked cookies if anyone is in the mood to make them.Anyways, i stayed up late taking with LoRod, Trash Man, and Brooklyn. Funny guys. I met a guy from Plano, TX. His daughter went to Plano HS. Small world. Goin on day 3 of no shower. Thanks to God I can do this. Well got to go now. Love you all. One Life
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Early Start

To: One Life
Miles today: 0.0

For those that dont know One Life is my trail name. Its for the kids of CCA. Showing them Christ One Life at a time.Right now im camping at Gooch Gap. Slight chance of rain. Camping with Trash Man and Boomer. Boomer is from Australia and is 57. So im walking with a 68 year old and a 57 year old. We all go the same pace. In shape much? Totally awesome guys though. Also for those keeping track I smell horrendous...hugs anyone? Ill shower sometime before Maine I reckon. My hair is permanently matted down and wont move. Anyways, ill write when i can. Heading for Woods shelter tomorrow. Bout ten miles away. Slow and steady. Remember to thank Christ for what he did for us tomorrow.One Life
Date: 2010-04-04
From: One Life

To: Rough Day on Easter
Miles today: 15.0

Well today was a really rough day on me. I tried to do a 5 mile stretch between Woodys Gap and Jarrard Gap without a brake. Mistake #1 is that i thought it was 3.5 miles. Mistake #2 is I didnt rest or eat that much. Got really dehydrated because its like 300 degrees with no shade. I lived though.Now, Im at the base of Blood Mtn camping with Trash Man, Boomer, and Freight Train (cuz he snores so loud). Starting early tomorrow to get to Neels Gap in order to resupply. Im outta food.I got to tell an Asian couple all about CCA today. They seemed interested. Anyways, i hope for a better day tomorrow. Thank you God for letting me do this.One Life
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Rough Day on Easter

To: Longest Day Yet
Miles today: 11.0

Well today I did 11 miles. I am camping at Blue Mountain Shelter. I have completed 48.5 miles on the AT and its just beginning. So again today I got a monster headache. 3rd day straight. I dont think its dehydration. I think its from the neck problem I never got looked at. Whoops, oh well. I will be ok.I have a better routine for myself. Im usually the first out of camp at 730am and between 12-1pm I stop for a few hours during the hot sun. I hiked alone for a lot of today. Hiking alone gets you to really reflect on your life and the people in it. I still have a lot to work on but I think this hike will be the thing I need.When I got to Blu Mtn Shelter there was a lady with a parrot. We are on top of a mtn and there is a lady with a parrot. When I walked up the parrot said 'hello.' Totally awesome. Only on the AT.Thats all for now. Im camping with like 25 others. Im still camping with Trashman, Boomer, Laid Back, Freight Train, Man Dog, and others. Hanging out with these guys is so much fun. They make me hysterically laugh. Anyways, please keep the messages coming. I need encouragement when I have hard days. God Bless,One Life
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Longest Day Yet

To: Living the Dream
Miles today: 13.8

Today was the longest Ive walked yet. It was meant to be a short 8 mile day but I did that by noon. I decided to press on to where Im camping now at Sassafras Gap with my camping buddies Trash Man, Boomer, Laid Back, and Freight Train. I ended the day having walked 13.8 miles and I summited three 4000ft plus mtns. My feet are weary but I feel great. No headaches today. I think its cuz I ate more snacks instead of always waiting. Boy have i been craving Hostess Cupcakes. So tomorrow Im waking up early to hike 7 miles to the road there so we can hitch hike into Hiawasee. Tomorrow Im doing laundry, buying groceries, and showering. I kid you not...my hair is likeI dunked my head in a Mcdonalds french fry machine. Pretty nasty. Hopefully tomorrow Ill stay at the Blueberry Patch Hostel or a dumpy motel. Ill try to upload my pics and movies.One last thing...thanks a bunch for all of the support everyone is giving. I seriously think of the supportive comments you have left for me when I feel a mtn is getting the best of me. Thanks a lot. Also please keep Cornerstone Crossroads Academy and its principal, Kristi Lichtenburg, in your prayers. Just a quick shout out to Zach and Q who go to CCA. One Life
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Another One Life?

To: Hiawasee
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: light rain

I got up this morning at 6am and was out and hiking by 715am. I had to race the rain that was forecasted to hit us in the morning. Also, the five of us, Trashman , Laid Back, Freight Train, Boomer and I agreed that we wanted to stay in the Blueberry Patch Hostel. So, I did the six or so miles from Sassafras Gap to Hwy 76w and was there around 10:10am. From there, Gary, who owns the Blueberry Patch hostel picked us up and we were the last ones to get bunks¢¦..well sort of. Since all of the bunks were taken Laid Back and I agreed to man up and share a bunk¢¦.backs facing each other was the agreement. Hey you gotta do whatcha gotta do. So, right now I am in Hiawasee, GA at a library. I just got done having an all you can eat buffet lunch with the five of us plus Cubbie, Dilly Dally, Quartz and¢¦¢¦..One Life. Yup, that¢s right. I met another One Life on the trail. It¢s an older gentlemen who¢s staying in the hostel with us. Everyone thought it was funny. I mean, seriously, what are the chances of two One Lifes on the trail? Anyways, he¢s a really nice guy so he agreed to go by One Life Older. Hahahaha. As I write this it is pouring buckets outside!! I have to walk to Dilly¢s Grocery Store to pick up supplies and then Gary is picking us up at 3pm to go back to the hostel. I am trying to find a place to download my trail movies. For those that are wondering. Walking the trail is hard stuff but I am absolutely loving life out here. Yes, I get physically run down and I smell constantly but I am just so happy with life and all that is coming with it. I guess when you follow your dreams it¢s hard to find stuff to be negative about. If you¢re reading this and you haven¢t followed your dream¢¦do it. Put all other worries aside and chase what you want. Life is too short to put aside our dreams.As usually, God has blessed with me this. I am so thankful I have made it through my first week on the trail. It has been tough but well worth it. Thank you God for letting me do this.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Hiawasee

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When I awoke this morning I was at Musckrat Creek shelter and it was below freezing. I had on all layers and I was warm. I like my sleeping bag. Good and cozy!!Today was tough for me. I got another headache but it has subsided for now. Anyways, I got my first bit of trail magic today. Red Car and Green Car, who thru hiked in '02 were cooking breakfast down at Deep Gap. Since I was the first to leave this morning I got there first. I had eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, butter fingers, two gatorades, and a nice cup of coffee. Quite delish if you ask me!So today I hiked 12.8 miles. I hiked about 12 miles yesterday. I've come 91.8 miles total. That means tomorrow Ill pass the 100 mile mark. Wow!I hiked with Timber, Turtle Dove, False Start, and Boomer mostly today. Turtle Dove recognized me from trailjournals.com which was pretty cool. It was nice to hike with girls for a change. I am camped at Carter Gap Shelter with Boomer, Freight Train, Trashman, laid Back, Turtle Dove, Timber, and False Start. We realized tonight that most of us are going our own way once we hit Franklin, NC in two days. Im kind of sad to say goodbye to these guys. Some are taking a day off in Franklin while others are pushing on. I have not had a day off so I dont know what Im going to do. I feel great physically but Im afraid Ill be lonely when we part ways. Oh well.Like always, thanks to God. If your bored and want to follow along with me Im reading Matthew in the Bible. Im on chapter 12 and I read a chapter a night. See ya.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Rock Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: clear sky

We woke up and were out the door by 730am this morning from Rock Gap. We were headed for Franklin, NC. We got to Franklin by 10am. Yaaaay. Anyways, I am now checked into the Budget Inn owned by Ron Havens and I have showered and feel like a new man. Wow, do I look like an old bum with this red beard. I can't believe how quickly it grows when you don't pay attention to it. I also had some dirt on my face which I could not tell you how long it had been there. I made sure that Timber would tell me everytime I got dirt on my face so that I wouldn't look like the scrubbiest of all scrubby hikers.So, it looks like we are going to be shuttled to Walmart at 4pm and to get supplies and then we are free to paint the town tonight. Don't really know what I am going to do but I know some of the others want to get some drinks. Not for me as I don't like to drink but I'll go with them. Its been really fun hanging out with everyone. Madness and Mayhem, a nice older couple are going to be joining us. They are a lot of fun. I guess we are all kind of realizing this will be the last night the group will be completely together because Boomer and Freight Train are going to be staying an extra day in Franklin to go to the foot doctor. CONFESSION: I have thrown out my deoderant.The Good News: I can't smell myselfThe Bad News: Everyone else can smell meConclusion: I'm hiking, get over it.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Uphill

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

We got the shuttle out of Franklin at 930am this morning. We had a nice time last night. 10 of us went to Codys Roadhouse (which is exactly the same as Texas Roadhouse complete with throwing peanuts on the ground). We shared a bunch of laughs and celebrated Trashman's birthday.Today was tough, my friends. It was pretty much uphill most of the 11 miles from Winding Stair Gap aka Franklin to Wayah ThShelter where am I now.The entertainment for the day came when came when shortly after a mid day break we were all walking up a steep part of the trail. I guess old Trashman didn't see the low hanging tree that Laid Back had just avoided. Next thing I know I heard a loud crack and right when I looked up Trashman had slammed his head on the tree and was falling backwards at my feet. He was pretty stunned to say the least. I helped him up and brushed him off but when I found out he was fine I laughed uncontrollably for 20 mins. Folks, walking uphill and laughing don't mix. Anyways, he's fine but he has a sweet gash on his forehead. So, it seems I don't have any service right now so you are reading this days later. Its not looking like I'll have service for a while. I'll keep writing though.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Thirsty

To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.3

What can I say? Today was tough! I'm sitting in my tent right now reflecting on the tough day. I walked 16.3 miles from Wayah Shelter to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). My ankles are throbbing and my knees were terrible today! I'm getting old!The problem with today was that with about 4 miles to go I ran out of water. Now, up until this part of the trail, water was abundant. Not today, my friends. I literally staggered by myself for over two hours with no water. Every turn I wished for a spring with no luck. Then, .8 from the NOC there was water. I was so mad, mostly at myself, for not properly planning. While I refilled myself with water I realized I was missing my $100 Marmot Precip jacket that I keep strapped to my pack. Apparently, when I crawled on my belly to get under a huge fallen tree my pack scraped against it causing my jacket to fall off. Not the best feeling.Right now, I'm camped in what we dubbed "Hobo City" because theres like 10 tents in a really small area. Oh, the fellas from Maine (the Maine-iacs) who we've been leap frogging for a week found my jacket and gave it back to me. Thanks fellas. Thats it for now. I'm completely tired and need a zero day. Probably this weekend. Gnite.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Goodbye Turtle Dove

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.5

Today, we said goodbye to Turtle Dove. She decided it was her time to go home. I'm going to miss her. We had a lot of fun with her and she will really be missed.On another note, coming up from the NOC was purely uphill. Honestly, I wasn't a giant fan of it but it had to get done. Once again, my headaches continue. I stayed back at Sasafrass Shelter while Timber, Trashman, and Laid Back went on. I didn't start hiking again until 430pm and I caught up with them at Locust Cove where we camped. I've learned my body well enough to know that my hiking hours are 7am-noon and 4pm-dark. Otherwise, the sun kills me and saps me of all my energy. Anyways, still no reception on the ole phoneskees. No idea what's up.Always remember God is in charge.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

We were out early this morning. I was on the trail at 701am. Yup, I seem to remember little details like that. Anyways, we hiked the 5.5 miles or so into Fontana Dam where we got a shuttle to the Fontana Dam Lodge. We are staying here tonight and I'm not sure if we are staying here tomorrow. Its quite cute right now actually...Trashman and Laid Back are sharing a bed. I snapped a picture so I'll try to post it asap. OK, negative, Trashman has stated he does not approve of me posting this picture so you'll just have to imagine it. Anyways, its quite funny but it's just the way thru hikers live. We all share expenses when we can even if it includes sharing sleeping quarters. I still have no reception but I have internet access. I talked to Trashman and we are planning on trying to get to church tomorrow at 1030am. What a treat. I don't usually get this kind of thing on the trail. So, I think I would just put this on my journal now but I just want everyone to know that I really appreciate the comments left. Some days are really tough and the comments really get me through those times. Its really hard to respond to them but I want you to know that if I know you or I don't I really appreciate them.Romans 5:8One Life