morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-31
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

In the hiking equation, the variable always seems to be the weather. The constants are the trail (we have our maps which give us the elevation profiles and our handbook which tells us what to expect), shelters (we know right where they are, their hiker capacity, if they have a privy, etc.), and water supplies (which are abundant this year).    But factor in a sunny day and the outcome is different than if a rainy day had been there instead. Now how does one tell if the result will be positive or negative? That's a good question. It reminds me of a teaching poster that said "Attitude is the paintbrush of the mind. It colors all you do." Surely, attitude is everything when you walk hour after hour in the rain, and it helps to be positive.   We woke to thunder and lightening this morning, and we all ate breakfast in the shelter because the rain had started. One by one we reluctantly left the dry security of three walls and a roof, and started out.   That storm eventually passed but the trees dripped and rained down on us each time the wind blew. We walked past more beautiful rhododendrons in bloom. The woods were a mass of color from thousands of pink, lavender, and even white blooms that covered both sides of the trail, and in many cases even formed a canopy over the trail. Incredibly beautiful!   We stopped for lunch at Marble Spring campsite and then the trail followed along the side of a steep valley. The trees were scarce because of the damage caused by the Southern pine beetle and mostly mountain laurel covered the slopes so views were unhindered and the rugged mountain wilderness lay before us. It was a beautiful section of trail.   As we started downhill toward Matts Creek Shelter, we heard thunder again. We walked faster and hoped we could reach the shelter before the rain came. It started to rain lightly and we walked even faster. The thunder began to sound more distant and we could tell that it had passed.    At the bottom of the descent and across a wooden bridge, suddenly there the shelter was. We walked over and sat down. Within MINUTES a third storm was upon us, the heavens opened up and it just poured! We waited it out and as the sun began to finally shine we hiked out and along the James River and across the James River Foot Bridge, the longest foot-use-only bridge on the A.T.   The trail came to a road where we needed to hitch a ride to Wildwood Campground where our food box was mailed. We weren't sure where VA130 was, and when we asked a couple who pulled into the parking area, they offered to drive us. Many thanks to Rocky and his lovely wife for their interest in our hike and for their help.   So that's where we are tonight. We've cleaned up with showers, had hamburgers for dinner and ice cream for dessert. What a great day!   Thank you, Lord, for perfect timing of the afternoon downpour and for the kindness of Rocky and his wife.
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Long Mtn. Wayside/ VA 60
Miles today: 21.1

   Great weather + Great hike = Wonderful Day! Today we had the chance to slack pack 21.1 miles from the trail at the point where we left it yesterday, to its intersection with VA 60. There is a Trail Angel here at the campsite named Ken, and he runs shuttles for hikers who want to slack pack or need to go to town.   There were 6 of us doing the hike today, Stripe, Sean O., Kakalaki, Oopala, and us. We started at 7AM and started up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the northern spot, VA 60, to walk south, back here.    We didn't get far, when we rounded a bend and there was a large tree right across the road. The winds had been blowing fiercely last night and it had blown down.   With that way blocked, we went to Plan B, which was to hike north from here and get picked up there. We used little day packs that were lightweight and took only the essentials.   Big Rocky Row (2992') was the first mountain we climbed and since we started at 740' it seemed extra steep. A cold wind was still blowing and it gusted for much of the day. Then we went up Bluff Mountain (3372'), where there is a monument to a little 4 yr. old boy who wandered away from his school back in l890 and his body was found on that spot.   We had lunch at Punchbowl Shelter, at a pretty setting with a lttle pond in front. Then hiked for the afternoon down to a large reservoir where we crossed the river below the dam and then followed the shoreline high on a ridge above, where we could look down on the lake.   We hiked past Brown Mtn. Creek Shelter, built in an area where freed slaves lived until the early 1900's. There was a historical marker telling about it.   We fnished at 5:15 and it has been a long day. We've been in to town for dinner, thanks again to Ken, and we're tired. Tomorrow is a planned zero day so we'll get a chance to rest up.    Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to do this long hike today, and the perfect weather to do it in.
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Long Mtn. Wayside/ VA 60

To: Pittsfield, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Dear friends,   Suddenly, we're heading home! Last evening at the campground, we received some upsetting news. Greylock's daughter Karen and her husband were hurt in a serious auto accident while vacationing in Ireland.    They were expecting their third child in late July, so this was to be a special get-away before the baby arrived. Their other 2 little ones were at home, being cared for by their other set of grandparents.   Karen and her husband are both hospitalized in Ireland with multiple injuries, serious but not life threatening, and the baby was delivered 2 months prematurely by C-section.         Our main priority now is to get home and be available to help in whatever way we can.   We've had a wonderful hike thus far and will definitely be back next year to pick up where we left off. We've accomplished a great deal and have hiked almost 800 miles. The trail will always be there and we'll be back to continue the adventure.   God has been so good to us and we trust Him with the future knowing that He loves us. Please pray for Karen and her husband and new baby, for their return to the USA and for their healing and recovery.      We've enjoyed meeting many wonderful people along the way, both hikers and Trail Angels that have enriched our lives and made our trip memorable. Thanks also, to so many of you for following along on our hike with us, and for leaving encouraging messages in our Guest Book.      Until we hit the trail again we remain,      Fondly,
Date: 2004-01-28
To: Post-Hike Family Update
Miles today: 0.0

Family Update:   Eight months have passed since we left the trail in Virginia. It seemed fitting to leave you with an update on the family situation before beginning a new 2004 journal for the next section of our AT hike north.   This picture was taken last summer soon after Karen, Dave and baby Adam returned from Ireland. They¢re sitting with Chris (5) and Lizzy (2) who were anxious to have them home. By now for the most part, bones have mended and injuries have healed. Baby Adam is a very healthy big boy weighing over 16 lbs. and Karen is back at work. Dave however is facing hip replacement surgery. His right hip was shattered in the accident and pinned in Ireland, but the anticipated healing didn¢t happen. He will need additional surgery, probably this spring, to place a new hip joint that will restore his mobility. Please continue to pray for him.   We spent much time with them as they recuperated this past summer, helping out as a tag team with the other set of grandparents. It was a special time that we treasure and we thank God for sparing their lives.   Now we are ready to head out again on the trail. We've completed roughly one third. Come join us and read along in our 2004 Trail Journal, as we venture out for the second ¢third¢ of our AT adventure.
Date: 2003-02-19
To: Intro
Miles today: 0.0

Feb. 19, 2003 - Spring Lake, Mi   Greetings to you. My name is Scot. Thanks for checking out my AT'03 journal. I hope that you find this journal enjoyable. I openly confess that writing is not a strength of mine, but I'll do my best to share with you my experiences as I trek the Appalachian Trail this spring/summer.    First, a little about me. I'm 36 years old and live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'm an elementary school teacher and I've taken a one year leave of absence from my job this year. I've set some personal goals for this renewal time and I'm feeling good about the things that I'm learning about myself. If ever you get the chance to take a long term break from work, I highly recommend it.    Unlike most AT hikers, I haven't been planning this trip for years. Last fall, a friend of mine (thanks Krista) sparked my interest in the Appalachian Trail. While doing some research, I found this trail journal website and began to read Bono and Rocket's on-line journals (thanks guys). My interest immediately grew into what is now my plan.....AT'03.   I have not set any major distance or time goals for myself for this trip. Since I don't have any long term hiking experience, I just want to basically take one day at a time and see how it goes. My trip might last 3 days or 5 months. I just want to enjoy myself. Basically, I'm looking to make new friends, push myself in new ways (both mentally and physically), and experience the beauty of God's nature.   I'm usually a person who likes to have everything planned out. But, one of my goals for myself this year is to simplify my life and step out of my comfy little life-box. Not having a well planned, day to day agenda is something new for me. I think that I will grow from this experience.    About a week ago, I started to buy my supplies. I pretty much started from scratch. I've checked with several sources to sort out what things I'll need. After many trips to the store and many on-line purchases, I feel that I'm well prepared. Well, at least my next Visa statement would indicate that I am!!    In about 30 days, I'll be on my way. My dad will be dropping me off at Springer Mtn in Georgia on March 21st or 22nd. I'm getting really excited to begin this journey.   That's all for now. Tomorrow I'll check in and post some much needed thank yous.   Peace,   scot
Date: 2003-02-20
To: Thank yous
Miles today: 0.0

Feb. 20, 2003 - Spring Lake, Mi   I have several thank yous to pass out. This trip could not happen without the loving support of many people.    First and foremost, I'm am eternally grateful to God for the many rich blessings that I have in my life. I'm truly blessed to have a wonderful family and some absolutely awesome friends. I also am grateful to have good health, a nice job, a wonderful church family, and many fantastic opportunities, such as this upcoming trail journey.   I'm very lucky to say that my parents and sister have always supported me with anything that I've done. This trip is no different. Thanks mom and dad for everything. You've both been a great help to me for this trip and in many other ways. Thanks to you too, Kim. I appreciate your love and kind words of encouragement.    A huge thank you to a "one of a kind" friend Jane. I've had some rough days recently and I don't know how I would have made it without your unconditional friendship. You are truly an angel on earth. You have contributed to my life in countless ways. Thanks for being you.    And then there's Mr.K. aka Mat. Thanks Mat for teaching me to try new things, take risks, and LIVE LIFE. You are an inspiration to me and I'm a better person for knowing you. I'm holding you to Lake Powell, 2007/8. Love Dog!    Last, but not least, thanks to my FUMC family, LCS friends, John and Ross Kershek, Cathie, Jose, Paul, Bob, and everyone else who's touched my life in positive ways.   You're all the best.   Well, with that, I'll close. Wow, writing this page has been really renewing. God has truly blessed me in many, many ways. Thanks be to God.    Peace,   Scot
Date: 2003-02-25
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0

Feb. 25, 2003 - Spring Lake, Mi   Welcome back.   Hiking preparations continue here in the bone-chillingly cold state of Michigan. I've backed off my physical workouts a bit because I started to feel like I was getting sick. On Monday, I began to feel better and today I think I'm back on track. I only did a 35 minute walk with my pack tonight. It was a little tricky walking since the ground was icy, under a thin layer of snow. I took it slow so I didn't go belly up and twist and ankle or do something dumb like that.    As luck would have it, when I got home the postal lady was dropping off a package for me. My trekking poles have arrived. Cool beans. I haven't yet figured out the on/off idea for the anti-shock system so I'll have to sort that out. It can't be too complicated, certainly less technical than artificial intelligence auto focus.      Yesterday I went to the grocery store to check into some food for the trail. I'm sampling some different power bars. I also choked down my first meal of tunafish. I've never acquired a taste for tuna but it's a great source of protein and easy to pack. So.....bring on the tuna. I also looked at some beef jerky and was amazed that it cost $6 for 4 ounces. I don't see much beef jerky in my budget.   I must be missing something here......that would put the value of a full grown cow at nearly $3 million bucks!    I'm now only waiting for my tent. It should arrive this week. Then, I can do some sorting and packing and see what my pack weight will really be. Any bets? My new goal is to try to stay under 50 lbs. Can I do it? Time will tell.    I have been trying to think about a trail name for myself. I'm not exactly sure if I give myself a name or someone else gives it to me. I'll have to ponder on that for awhile I guess.   I've not heard from anyone about any good wheelbarrow prices. However, Maynard, from my church, suggested a pack mule. And Cathie, my bud in AZ, recommended a 4 wheeler with a cart behind it. I'm liking both of these ideas. Perhaps I should dump all my equipment, fill my pack with beef jerky, and hike my way into retirement selling it on the trail. Hmm, something to think about.   Peace,   Scot
Date: 2003-03-01
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0

March 1, 2003 - Spring Lake, Michigan         Today was an absolutely beautiful day. It was about 35 degrees, mostly sunny, with a minimal wind. That may not sound like a beautiful day if you're not from Michigan, but any day that the sun shines in this state during the winter months is a good day. It's a double bonus if the temperature is above freezing and the wind is not blowing. Today was a rare double bonus day.   My tent arrived and it looks like it will work out perfectly. It is long enough for me and there's sufficient room for my pack inside as well. I'm glad that I upgraded from the 1 man tent. It's another 3-4 lbs. but it will be worth it I think. I'm not actually sure how much I'll be using it. Most likely, only when a shelter is full.    I've just returned from a six hour hike. I loaded up with just about everything that I'll be taking on the trip. Pack weight......45 lbs. I put a five day supply of breakfast and lunch food items in but I still haven't figured out what I'll be doing for dinners. So, with dinner food, I'll be looking at 50lbs for sure. Ah, I guess that's ok.   Today was my first hike with trekking poles. I have to admit that I didn't expect them to be helpful. Wrong! I really like them. It sort of feels like you have 2 more feet. Being able to use some of my upper body strength made a big difference when going up and down hills. You could say that the "knees are pleased". So, definitely a good purchase.    During the last hour of hiking today, the bottoms of my feet started to feel tender. I stopped for a few minutes and took my socks off for awhile. Today was the first time that I've tried sock liners. I decided to take them off for the last hour. I'll have to sort out how to combine socks for maximum comfort.    The weather report here is calling for more cold temperatures next week. Yippee...not! It looks like training will move indoors, once again. I'll be doing some running at the gym to continue my conditioning. Running in circles gets pretty boring but I think I'll be glad that I did it when I hit the trail.   I've decided to return my sunglasses. I bought some expensive ones with excellent lenses but it just doesn't make sense to take them on a hiking trip. Rather, I'll get some cheap ones since they are likely to get scratched and/or broken anyway. I have been looking at picking up a GPS device. I know it's not a necessity but I think it would be a cool toy to have. Still trying to decide on that one.   I was bummed to see that Bono (hiker who has been on the trail since 12/28/02) has called it quits. I hope that he will look at his experience as a positive one. Winter hiking is definitely a huge physical and mental challenge. Hike on Rocket!!   I've emailed about 6 people who are beginning about the same time that I'm starting. They've all replied and wished me luck. It will be cool to meet them in person and perhaps hike a few miles together. Hopefully, I'll meet some great people.    Three weeks and counting. Will I be ready? You bet.    Peace,      Scot
Date: 2003-03-05
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0

March 5, 2003 - Spring Lake, Michigan  Happy March everyone. With 7" of fresh snow on the ground this morning, spring seems months away. Nonetheless, the sun was out in full force so that qualifies today as a "good" day under my previous (Prep #5,March 1 journal entry...for some reason, this entry didn't post when I wrote it. It should be there now.) definition.    My conditioning has not been very successful this week. I did get a short run in on Sunday and Monday but I'm not happy with that. I ended up leaving work at noon today and therefore had time for an hour and a half on the trails behind the house.   My friend Jim joined me for about a 3 mile trek in the fresh snow. It was nice but once again not much in terms of strength conditioning. O well, there are only so many hours in a day...right?    My pack weight, as of tonight, is an embarassing 56 lbs. Buggah! And that doesn't include any extra shoes or my binoculars. How in the world are some people doing this type of trip with only 35 lb packs????   If I take any more clothing out, I'll have to go naked on laundry day. I must be missing something here. It looks like I need to rethink some of the things that I want to take. I, in no way, have included what I would call luxuries. But perhaps things like finger nail clippers are not the "norm" for this type of journey. Hmmmm. This is getting interesting. I guess I have a lot to learn.   Well, I've decided not to purchase a GPS device. After asking some questions at different stores I don't see it being worth the money. I actually knew from reading other hiker's journals that a GPS isn't a necessity. I was mostly just interested in it as a toy.    However, I did just order a different toy for the journey (pack weight = 57lbs) After thinking it through, I decided to buy a Pocketmail Composer. If you haven't heard of these gadgets, they are small travel sized devices which allow you to send and receive e-mail through regular or pay phones. It might get tedious typing notes on a small, one finger keypad, but I guess I'll have more than my share of freetime soon.   It looks like I'll be hitting the trail on Friday, March 21st, one day sooner than originally thought. Dad and I will hit the road on early Thursday morning so we should be in Georgia, weather pending, by dinnertime. That should get me to the trail on Fri morning. Woohoo. I'm positive imaging a bright, sunny, 60* day.   I may reinforce that vision with a prayer or two. :-)   That's all for today. Ah, BTW, Bono is back on the trail. Way to go Bono. Bedtime for me.    Peace,   Scot
Date: 2003-03-20
To: Update
Miles today: 0.0

March 20, 2003 - Weidman, Michigan   Greetings all. I'm writing from my dad's house. I'm up at 4:40am for an early start. That should put us in the Atlanta area around 5pm this afternoon. I'm psyched and ready to go.   Yesterday I went to visit my school. It was great to see my colleagues and the kids. I showed my pack and equipment to a couple of classes. The kids were really interested and asked great questions. I plan to keep in touch with a couple of classes via email.    I've been watching the weather report for Springer. Yeterday morning it called for isolated thunderstorms for tomorrow. Just a few minutes ago, it changed to partly cloudy and in the 60* for Friday - Monday. That sounds darn good to me.   My friend Jane will be updating my journal from now on. Thanks Jane. I will hopefully check in on Sat night, from Neels Gap, if all goes as planned. That would be two consecutive 15 mile days but I think I can do it. We shall see....   A couple of thank yous to pass out. Thanks Jose and Bob for the car shuttle service. Thanks also to Jane and Cal for some wonderful hospitality. And thanks to pops and Brenda for an awesome kickoff dinner last night. I recieved a special goodbye card and gift from Brenda's parents Bud and Lois. Thanks to them, that was really very nice.On another note....I must say that I'm pretty bummed that we've started bombing Iraq. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved, wheather by choice or not. I'm trying to turn my worries over to God and continue to pray for peace in our ever so crazy world.    I must sign off for now...it's time to hit the shower.p>   Peace to all,   Scot
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Springer Mtn 

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wow, finally the reality of the trail comes to life. It has been one of the most physically demanding days of my life. First, lets catch up on the drive down yesterday.Dad and I left Weidman at 6:15am. We had breakfast in Ohio, lunch in Kentucky, dinner #1 in Tennessee and dinner #2 in Georgia. We stayed in Dalton, Ga and left for Springer at about 6:30am Friday. We had a great trip down.We got up at 6am and left the hotel at 6:45ish. Thanks to my map reading goofups, we took a rather scenic route to springer. The US Forest service road to near the trailhead was in pretty good shape. The Buick came through for us. Im really glad because the 8 mile aproach trail (the only other way to get to Springer) is a pretty tough climb according to some guys that I talked to today. We arived at the trail at 9:10am. Dad headed out about 9:20am. It was sad to say goodbye. Thanks for the lift pops. You are a great dad. I love you!I had to backtrack 1 mile to reach the trail terminus. I took my picture and picked up a rock to throw off the northern terminus peak if, by some miracle, I get there.Then, it was time to head north. The first few miles were wonderful. The trail followed a stream and was bordered by Rodadendrun (I think) plants. Parts of it had a rainforest feel. But, soon the trail got tough. I pushed myself to get all 14.7 miles in. My knees and feet bottoms were killing me. I was very glad to take off my shoes and my pack at the end of the day.I arrived at Gooch Gap shelter at 6:20. It was a long 9 hour day. This shelter is brand new. There was only one other guy there, Kevin. He is a motorcycle mechanic from Alabama. We talked for a bit and then a guy named Eric stopped and joined us. So, we had the place to our selves.Kevin warned me to keep all of my pack zippers and bags open. This he learned from experience. The locals, as in mice, are rather nosey at night.All in all, it was a great day. I saw about 20 people and did some hiking with a few of them. Everyone seems nice. The weather was awesome, partly sunny and about 68*.Well anyway, time for bed so I will sign off now. More tomorrow.Peace,Scot