morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-06
To: 1000 pieces
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

For much of my AT thru hike, I have likened it to a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle: it is a doable challenge that takes time and effort to complete. The early days of hiking through the south were a learning experience; a section with obvious town stops that were easy to select, like the edge pieces of the puzzle that form the frame for the rest of the picture. Usually, a puzzle scene is composed with larger sections of similarly-colored pieces of sky or trees or water...though each piece is unique in shape and fits into only one slot. Similarly, there are many days and sections of trail which at face value seem repetitive or indistinguishable one from the next, but upon closer reflection had a one-of-a-kind flavor or meaning. On days that seemed boring or difficult, I would remind myself that although these seemed less than desirable, once fully assembled, it would be a shame to have even one piece missing. So I treasure each and every moment I experienced, not willing to leave out anything. The subject, or focal point of the picture might include brightly colored pieces that can be spotted immediately as ones that form a building, or ship, or hot air balloon, or in this case a segment of trail or majestic mountain ridge. These are represented by those who made my hike a thing of memorable beauty with their generosity, assistance, and companionship. Those who provided hospitable shelter include Kathie & Darrell, and Rob Bird in Tennessee, Rick in Pennsylvania, Bruce & Steph in NY, Betsy in Vermont, Greg & Linda and Rob & Cheryl in Maine, along with all the caring, hard-working hostel folks along the way. Debbie, in Georgia and Cindi in New Hampshire were shuttle angels extra-ordinaire. Hikers appearing in the scene include Rusty and Zen, Single Speed, Count & Lavender, Trudge, Bambi, the "kids", Mingo & Mallard, Huey, Castaway, Bandit & AutoDraft, and Wilson, taking center stage, with others too numerous to list in the background. The best of the best mountains pictured would be Blood Mt., Big Bald, Roan Highlands, Cove Mt., Franconia Ridge, the Wildcats, Saddlebacks, Bigelows, and of course, Katahdin. Additional details would be in the form of Trail Magic gifts of every kind: food, drinks, water, rides, journal readers, money, use of car, laundry service, advice, prayers, emails, salon assistance, first aid, gear replacements, photo shots, care packages, hugs, a listening ear. The first pieces were fitted into place by Nick, who gave me me my send-off at Springer. The last were fitted into place by Rob, with outstanding measures of support all the way to the summit sign.. And it was all held together by my Heavenly Father who guided my journey, and brought me safely home.
Date: 2015-09-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today is the last day of a week's vacation at the Outer Banks. It was a good place to do an actual puzzle, plus have some rest and relaxation, as well as time to reflect and process some more of the AT "stuff" floating around in my head. While I was hiking, I journaled, and I miss that, to a degree. I miss writing, and I miss sharing what I write about, and receiving feedback from those of you who care to send it. Some of you wrote to me that you thought I should write a book: for now, that isn't happening. But other big and small things are. In reference to my last post, about the puzzle pieces, I'm starting a new blog. I won't write every day, but when the noteworthy events and projects happen (and possibly a few hikes?) I will talk about those. Note: I am completely clueless about starting a blog, setting up a website, technical skills to do so, and having it all run smoothly. It's a bit rough 'round the edges at this stage, but if you want to follow along, then join me at www.coloredpiecesblog.wordpress.com Hope to see you there!
Date: 2015-10-19
To: My Daughter's Wedding
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Those of you who followed my Trail Journal throughout my hike may remember that my daughter Melody, aka Mingo, became engaged to Sean, aka Mallard, when they joined me on the AT on the 4th of July. Yesterday, the two were joined in marriage here in Ohio, amid colored leaves in a natural setting. If you're interested in more details and photos, you're invited to visit my new blog, www.coloredpiecesblog.wordpress.com
Date: 2015-10-29
To: post-trail trail magic
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A little over a week ago, I received an email from someone who followed this trail journal, after she recognized the location of my daughter's wedding as familiar; she lives within a stone's throw from me just up the expressway. Her name is Lisa, and over the past 3 years she's been taking her own AT journey, in both large and some smaller sections. She thought it might be good to meet. I thought so too. So last evening she treated me to what she called post -trail Trail Magic at Panera bread. We ended up eating and then chatting there for 3 hours, but it didnt take that long to discover we have more in common than hiking, and that we are already friends. In fact, I'm hoping to join her for a day or two next summer as she strides towards a finish. Good food, small world, happy trails.
Date: 2015-11-04
To: progress report
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Several people have asked me lately how my legs and feet are faring, post AT. It's been just over two months now, and I'm very happy to report that there continues to be positive progress...so much so, that I have committed to running a full marathon in February (currently training at about 25 miles per week). This is a bit surprising, even to me, considering the fact that in early September it was difficult to stand out of bed in the morning, not to mention navigating a staircase without holding on with both hands going down. Not to say everything is 100% quite yet, (the feet still dont like a full day of standing/walking, and at times are slow to "wake up"), but there is hope for a full recovery So get out there, everybody, and live your next adventure! More about mine on www.coloredpiecesblog.wordpress.com
Date: 2015-11-10
To: a day like today
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Yesterday, my friend Nick dropped by, at my request, to share a beer and a few AT stories. If it hadn't been a sunny afternoon already, which it was, I would say that Nick brought some in with him anyhow. He is hoping to hike the PCT next year, and so we chatted a bit about his plans, gear, and the fact that he's ready for that kind of amazing, grueling, miserable, yet exhilarating adventure. And while my experience is still a bit too fresh for me to wish for the same, I am able to embrace, in a small way, that spark of longing to spend long days outdoors somewhere wild. Or at least one day...a day like today was: overcast and misty and damp. I found myself a local trail, nearly deserted, and wandered for several hours, without music or conversation. Just thoughts, the rain, and the fresh air. If you're reading this, and you're planning a thru hike, beware: once you start, it could become addictive behavior. Don't say you were never warned...
Date: 2015-12-16
To: December hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's been over a month since I last posted an entry, so I thought an update was in order.A couple weeks ago my cousin Rob came to visit. Those of you who followed this journal throughout my hike know of Rob because of the phenomenal help and support he was to me through most of Maine. Well, Rob had some business in Nelsonville, Ohio, he needed to fly in for. Because of the connection we forged back in August, and again in September in the NY Adirondacks, he wasn't put off by the two hour drive from Columbus (and back again 24 hours later), arriving on a Saturday evening in time for dinner out at a Mexican place nearby. Sunday morning dawned sunny, but chilly, so we put on cooler - weather gear and set out for the Buckeye Trail to hike. Hiking seems to be the "thing" to do when we get together. Bambi joined us, and what did we all talk about, but more hiking. Bambi (Allison) wants to join Rob this summer in the 'Daks as he finishes his last 3 peaks to become a 46R. Rob and I hope to hike the remainder of the Vermont Long Trail in 2017, after he's walked the first 100 miles I covered on the AT. It's nice to dream about future trips, but even sweeter when they become reality. To see more pics from this 5-mile hike, and other thoughts of mine, visit my blog: Www.coloredpiecesblog.wordpress.com
Date: 2016-01-12
To: watercolors
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It's a new year, and time for an update once again. Today's theme: water. As I sit here writing, frozen crystals of water swirl outside my window; winter has finally arrived in Ohio. Despite my cheery optimism about the come-back of my feet enough to run a race in Florida next month, a plantar fasciitis relapse has sent me to the Natatorium pool for water exercise these days instead (note to those who plan to thru hike this year: never underestimate the importance of foot care along those 2200 miles, and sufficient recovery once you've finished!).Meanwhile, over the course of the past month or so, I was inspired to try my hand at a new-to-me paint medium: watercolors. You never know just what the AT is going to give you until you walk it. In my case, about 1400 photos on my phone, and a dozen or more key trail angels and supporters and a few fellow hikers that went above and beyond on my behalf. That translated into thank-you cards tailored to each recipient which could be optionally framed as art. It has been a satisfying kind of challenge that I can accomplish while staying off my feet. As time passes, I hope to create more of these illustrated memories. The good news is, I have plenty more photos to glean from. One of my favorites is pictured here, of 'Trudge' overlooking the valley just as we were about to descend into Duncannon, PA. To see it in watercolor form, along with the rest of the collection, go to my blog at www.coloredpiecesblog.wordpress.com
Date: 2016-02-03
To: February Update
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Last month, I got an email to my Trail Journal from someone who had followed me on my thru hike last year. Soon, he will be embarking on his own adventure. He asked me for any last-minute advice, if I had any. I replied to him that I was certain he has already heard and/or read just about all the advice available out there. But I did choose to stress one thing: don't ever underestimate a human encounter on your hike, be it a trail angel, hostel host, or fellow hiker. All have factored into my post trail life, in large and small ways. One hiker I chanced to meet early on, much later became a hiking buddy, and is now a great friend I plan to hike with again this summer. If you are reading this, and you are planning to thru hike this season, please take the time as often as you can to connect with people along the way. You will never regret it! I told my reader friend I mentioned above that since he signed my guest book, I would be following his trail journal, as I signed his guest book. If you're reading this entry, and want a 'fan' to follow you and sign yours, please sign my guest book and make my job of selecting hiker journals for this year that much easier. Meantime, I'm going to be drinking coffee, sitting in a warm house, in a chair, both happy and sad that I'm not about to walk from Georgia to Maine. In 2 weeks time, though, I'm heading to Tennessee to visit a fantastic trail angel I met last year, en route to Florida, where I'll run a half marathon, celebrate my birthday on a beach, visit friends, paint furniture, enjoy a day with an AT Trail buddy, and spend time with yet another trail angel in Atlanta on the return trip. You see how important those trail connections are? To stay up-to-date on my doings, you're also welcome to visit my new blog at www.coloredpiecesblog.wordpress.com
Date: 2016-03-07
To: AT revisited
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Last month, I drove to Florida and back. I thought the trip was mostly about my plans in the sunshine state...a 13-mile road race, visiting with friends, celebrating a birthday, and painting some furniture. All of those happened, along with some beach time, an art show, and a few other events. I knew I would stop along my travels to see some Trail Angels I met last year while on my thru hike. But what I never anticipated was the acute AT fever I experienced as I drove along the route from Ohio through WV, VA and TN which I had ridden the prior year en route to Springer. When I saw exit signs for trail towns I'd stopped in for supply and rest and food...like Damascus, Marion, and Pearisburg...something reawakened in me. When I walked in the door of Forgetmenot's house in Gray, TN, I instantly felt like I was home. The following day I was transported, when I found myself hiking northbound on the AT itself, near Erwin, and my spirits were buoyed further when I arrived at the Curly Maple Gap shelter. Never mind that it was a momentary visit...I was thrilled to be there on a sunny, 60 degree afternoon, remembering with every fiber of my being, reopening the time capsule that represented months of vivid experience. A little over a week later, on my return trip, I had opportunity for a brief sojourn with 2 more Trail Angels in the Atlanta area. The following day, I spontaneously decided to exit the interstate and brave the curvy, winding mountain roads to Grayson Highlands, where I chanced to see 7 ponies grazing, as well as enjoying a brief but exhilarating hike amongst the craggy hills, with a brisk wind blowing the cobwebs from my mind. I never expected the sense of wonder, and joy, and rightness, and goodness, that came flooding in as I revisited the Trail. What an incredible blessing to treasure.
Date: 2016-04-03
To: Inspiration
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is my one year "trailversary"!!! I started on Good Friday, April 3, 2015 and I can say that it was, indeed, a good thing for me to do.Before deciding to thru hike the AT I read lots of books, to gather ideas and seek helpful advice. One of them urged me to make a list of why I was doing such a thing, so that when the hard times came, the list would serve to remind me, and strengthen my resolve. I never publicized that list in its entirety; some of it's just real personal. Today I'd like to share one of my top reasons: to immerse myself in the natural world in order to enjoy and be inspired by its beauty, and the Creator of it...in all its variations of light and color and texture and foliage, in ever-changing patterns and vistas. I wanted to drink it all in deeply, and be enriched by it, and be moved by it, and Him.I didn't know at the time just how much that goal would be fulfilled, nor how it would manifest itself into tangible results once I arrived home. A few posts back, I mentioned having done some watercolor paintings as gifts to thank people who had helped me in extraordinary ways during my hike. Although I've painted for years, that's a new medium for me, which I'm still learning. All of those pieces were based on photos I took during my hike, and can be viewed on various posts of my personal blog at www.coloredpiecesblog.wordpress.com (See, "AT Watercolor Gallery", and "Touching lives with Colored Pieces")The photo at the top of this entry, though, is of an acrylic on canvas I did in February of this year. It's the first major canvas painting I've done, and it was a challenge! The story of how it came to be is found in my other blog also (see, "Art Show", for better details). In short, I saw a moon painting I liked at a local museum, and mentioned it to my hiker friend, Wilson, who said it reminded him of a photo he took while on the AT last year. He texted me his photo, and voila! Inspiration. I just couldn't resist the mesmerizing quality of that moon glow, dramatic cloud formation, and dark silhouette of the trees. My next thru hike plans have already been set in motion, for late July/early August of this year...circling the Lake on the Tahoe Rim Trail for 165 miles. I was hoping I might capture a full moon photo there, or at least a meteor shower...but the timing is a few days too late for the former, and a few too early for the latter, according to the experts who chart these things. Who knows what else I may encounter that will set my brush in motion? A magnificent sunrise over Lake Tahoe...or majestic sunset over the Sierras? Or something else, completely unforeseeable, but equally breathtaking? I'm eager to find out.I never imagined that hiking the AT would be such a catalyst for developing my skills and deepening my drive to pursue art. I consider it a bonus item added to my "why" list. The Trail just keeps on giving.
Date: 2016-06-20
To: Wild Bill
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I had thought my next post would be about running the Cleveland Marathon, in May. I did run it...on a cold, snowy, sleety, haily, windy, rainy Sunday morning...with a new personal best time. But I never got around to writing about it. Then I thought I would post about my Outer Banks beach vacation, earlier this month. It was a beautiful, relaxing, enjoyable week, including miles of barefoot walking and running on the sand, in the surf, under the sun. Again, it didn't make the cut somehow. Today's post was inspired by an encounter the day after I returned to Ohio. It was a beautiful morning, I longed to be outdoors, and so I drove 2 miles to the Towpath trailhead near my home with the intention of running 12 miles. Not sure what possessed me to make such an ambitious goal, but off I went down the gravel path. About half a mile from the turnaround point at 6 miles, I noticed a lone hiker, laden with a backpack, in full camouflage outfit, with his black dog companion, heading towards me. I kept going, thinking about him as I did my u-turn. I decided to stop and see what he was about, when I caught up to him. Removing my ipod headphones, I faced him and asked if he felt like talking. He hesitated a moment, then said "sure". I asked if he was hiking the Buckeye Trail, which coincides with the Towpath at times. He answered that no, he was just hiking the Towpath, heading north, til he arrived in Cleveland, where it ends. He's from NY, and his name is Wild Bill. He hikes with Natasha Cub, his dog. He said he's been writing a book, which he will finish once this hike is finished, titled "The Adventures of Wild Bill and Natasha Cub".I asked if he's had much help, or "trail magic" on this hike, and he answered "not at all". I told him I hiked the AT last year, and he said he's done so 17 times. He's hiked every trail on the east coast, and some out west. He told me I should hike the North trail, some 4000 miles, across the top of the U.S. I asked how heavy his pack was, and he said, "fully loaded, 100 pounds". It's an old-school external frame model. He wanted to know where the nearest Dollar General store was, because they were real hungry, and he needed to resupply. All I could tell him was that 5 miles away, there was one Off-trail on Main Street. Oh, how I wished I could help him just then! But I had 5 miles to get to my car, which had no food nor water in it...and he was planning to ask at the next road crossing, if anyone knew of a place. I'm new to this part of town, and not familiar with Barberton at all. Surely, Wild Bill has completed his journey by now. I hope he really does have a publisher waiting for that book, as he claimed. If I see it, I'll buy it, and wish I had his autograph. Until a year ago, I would have run right past Wild Bill, and likely would have thought him a bit crazy. Now, I admire him for fully living out his life and his dreams. I think the rest of us are a bit crazy instead, to tell you the honest truth.I made this watercolor as a tribute to all of the "Wild Bills" out there. Hike on.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: appalachian trail at us 55 in virginia

To: us 55 in virginia
Miles today: 3.0

Three mile walk into the woods to start my journey. My wife Kristena kissed me goodbye as I set off on a journey not only into the wilderness, but also in search of myself. Was only a few hundred yards in when passing a couple who named me slapshot, thank you treehugger
Date: 2015-04-20
From: denton shelter 

To: gravel springs hut
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to first shelter at 11:00 am, decided to push on, that's a lot of miles on the first day. Was supposed to storm, had lightning and thunder in the distance, but no rain for me. Cold front is bringing some cooler air into the region, didn't bring a lot of cold weather gear so hopefully it won't be that bad.
Date: 2015-04-21
From: gravel springs hut

To: pass mountain hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a day hiker come by at the hut and talk for a little while, excited to hear there are bears around, maybe I'll finally see one on my journey. Whizzy wig showed up around 6, and then tortoise and hare and va showed around 7. Fairly cold night but some nice conversation, everyone sacked out early. Had a hot breakfast this morning at elk wallow gap, really hit the spot. Glad I stopped in the shelter, good uphill tomorrow, looks pretty steep, have to make sure I pace myself this early in the hike. Temperatures are forecasted to start dropping over the next few days.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: pass mountain hut

To: skyland
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Had to race a storm that never came and in the process, really beat the hell out of my feet. Crossed stony man at 4011', Mary's rock and the pinnacle at 3601'. So windy today that I was scared to get too close to the edge of the rocks, thought I'd get blown off. Had to get a hotel room, didn't have the means to walk another 6 miles. Had a great shower(and a bath), couple of beers and some food. In bed pretty early.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: skyland

To: trail
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Didn't sleep well, got up and listened to WDVE talk about the Penguins loss, really a bummer. Had a big breakfast, feet feeling much better than the night before. Weather forecast for the low in the low 20's, not looking forward to that at all. Hiked to big meadows, next shelter was 8 miles away, and it was 3:30, no way that was going to happen. Was going to get a tentsite, but that was $20, and the ranger gave me a good spot to tent off the trail for free and told we the wayside was still open. Stopped in for a cheeseburger and a beer. By the time I was on my way the temperature was dropping, so I walked a few miles and found a nice site to tent. Slept surprisingly well considering the cold.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: trail

To: hightop hur
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Had an okay night sleep, air mattress had a malfunction so I'm not looking forward to sleep tonight. The pad holds air, but the inner seams burst leaving a big ball in the middle. If you've ever tried to sleep on a yoga ball, then you can share my pain. So cold at night and I'm laying half on the ground and half on a ball that moves if I shift just a little bit. Met mike Stumpf and ridge rambler, we had a couple good laughs before bed. Met Matt today who is a volunteer for the PATC, he was repairing a section of the trail, it's amazing how much work the people do behind the scenes to keep the trail open. I spent a few minutes chatting and thanking him for the work they do. Definitely want to volunteer when I get done with the hike.