morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Stecoah Gap - NC Hwy. 143 to Home
Miles today: 3.3

I woke up early to pack up and meet Phil at 10 AM. I was on the trail at 8:15 AM, wished Hermes and the other men a great day, took a picture of the beautiful sunrise and my last tent site. Thanked the man who took my picture at Cheoah Bald. I had 2 hours to get down the mountain. The terrain was kind of like a roller coaster and so were my emotions, up and down and around - rocks, roots, snow, and more rocks, down, up, frozen trail and boot prints, crunch, crunch, over some really big rocks, around and around until I could finally hear the sounds of Hwy. 143. The weather forecast for this weekend was bleak - rain/snow/more cold for the mountains. When will Spring arrive? When I could see the cars on the highway, I looked at my watch and it was almost 10 AM ¢ I would make it and he wouldn¢t have to wait for me. As I rounded a bend and continued to walk down, I heard my name called. I stopped and looked around and then down and below me was my husband on the trail. I paused, turned my face toward the mountain and started to cry. I had expected to meet him at the Cabin in the Woods sometime later that day. We had said goodbye at Rocky Mountain just above Unicoi Gap and there he was on the trail to meet me as I came off. He had left the house at 4 AM and arrived at the Cabin in the Woods where Phil gave him directions to the parking spot on Hwy. 143. The first words out of his mouth ¢¢ I¢ll bring you back in a week or whenever the weather gets better. I know the way ! ¢ I never expected to hear him say those words. I thought he would be happy that I had ended my journey and was coming home ¢¦ P.S. I have posted a lot of pictures from my journey if you'd like to look at them.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I saw my primary care doctor yesterday and she referred me to the podiatrist who saw me the same day (now that's moving when it comes to doctor appointments and getting approval from Tricare). The podiatrist arranged two physical therapy appointments - one for this afternoon and another on Thursday for the plantar fasciitis of my right foot. The podiatrist looked at the pic of my ankle which I had taken on Sunday and looked at the x-ray and moved my foot around and pressed on areas of my foot and ankle and said he didn't understand how my ankle and foot could be that swollen on Sunday and almost normal on Tuesday. I have just some slight swelling on the peroneal tendon but it is not painful. From the pic of the swelling he said he was surprised that I did not suffer a fracture. He shook his head in amazement and said I could resume my hike when the plantar fasciitis was better. Praise God! Thank you everyone for remembering me in your prayers and thank you to all who have called and or sent me words of encouragement.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

"What is it that makes this whole experience so hard, I wonder. Perhaps it is being so tired most of the time and having to deal with so many details: food, water, bodily aches and pains, keeping clothes dry, keeping warm, staying healthy, being organized and always being alert for weather changes, uncertainty, and the unexpected." From the book, "In Beauty May She Walk" by Leslie MassI updated my blog of the journey from March 9-22, 2013 for those who like the details ... I realize details are not for everyone. PrayerWalker on the Appalachian Trail
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Home

To: Home for Easter
Miles today: 0.0

It is only right,with all the powers of our heart and mind,to praise You Fatherand Your Only-begotten Son,Our Lord Jesus Christ:Dear Father, by Your wondrouscondescension of loving-kindness toward us,Your servants, You gave up Your Son.Dear Jesus You paid the debt of Adamfor us to the Eternal Father byYour Blood pouredfourth in loving-kindness.You cleared away the darkness of sinBy Your magnificent and radiant Resurrection.You broke the bonds of deathand rose from the grave as a Conqueror.You reconciled heaven and earth.Our life had no hope of eternal happinessbefore You redeemed us.Your Resurrection has washed away our sins,restored our innocence and brought us joy.How inestimable is the tendernessof Your love!Saint Gregory the Great's Easter PrayerI've been following the journals of those who continue to hike - especially those who have braved the snow and cold of the Smoky Mountains this past week.I feel a little guilty. I have been enjoying all the comforts of my home when thru-hikers have been cold and trudging through very deep snow. However, I am thankful to be here and to receive physical therapy for my ankle and foot. I want to return to the trail and I hope it will be sooner rather than later.Here's a little of my Easter and musings on what I have missed (or not) on the trail. PrayerWalker on the Appalachian TrailGod, give us eyes to seethe beauty of the Spring,And to behold Your majestyin every living thing -And may we see in lacy leavesand every budding flowerThe Hand that rules the universewith gentleness and power -And may this Easter grandeurthat Spring lavishly impartsAwaken faded flowers of faithlying dormant in our hearts,And give us ears to hear, dear God,the Springtime song of birdsWith messages more meaningfulthan man's often empty wordsTelling harried human beingswho are lost in dark despair -'Be like us and do not worryfor God has you in His care. ~ Helen Steiner Rice
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Home for Easter

To: Home and Physical Therapy
Miles today: 0.0

Details on physical therapy and what's ahead for me PrayerWalker on the Appalachian TrailSteve, owner of the Aquone Hostel (thru-hiker Wiggy 2010) told me to "Embrace the mountain." On March 19th, my best day on the AT, the mountain embraced me and it was an incredible day. The AT felt like home. Warren Doyle says : "Don't fight the Trail. You have to flow with it. Be cooperative with the Trail, neither competitive nor combative." I want to remember these words during the many months I'll be walking towards Katahdin.Thank you to everyone who has written encouraging words in my guestbook and thank you to all who have remembered me in your prayers. The words of encouragement and prayer have been great support during this time of waiting and healing.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Stecoah Gap - NC Hwy. 143 

To: Yellow Creek Mt. Rd. 
Miles today: 7.7

Returned to the trail this morning where I left on March 22 - Stecoah Gap, NC. Started about 9:30 after leaving home @ 5:30 am. Met thru-hikers Boogie & Zooky on climb up Jacob's Ladder. I slack packed to give my  foot and ankle an easier start and that made the climb doable but not effortless. Met Hamster a little farther down the trail. Beautiful day!  Trail magic by Conversation a thru-hiker in 2011 and Tritan @ Yellow Creek Mt. Rd. Enjoyed a hamburger and beer along with John Wayne (18 yrs. fr Dawsonville, GA and Napalm (orig. from Calif. ). Made a video @ hope to post later. Hamster was there too. They had served 24 hikers today. Was happy with 7.7 miles in 3.5 hrs. Wish I could do that with my pack. Maybe in time. Massaging, icing, stretching foot & will apply Voltaren Gel. Mass at 8:30 on Sun. and back out for about the same miles and I'll arrive Fontana Dam. I also met Morris the Cat today; he had a bad experience with hypothermia but St. Nick came to his rescue. Jade and puppy, Otis, are here to help him recuperate  Looking forward to tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Yellow Creek Mt. Rd. 

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

Today was a wonderful day. We went to Prince of Peace Church in Robbinsville,North Carolina for 8:30 AM mass. After mass it took about 30 minutes to drive back to the trail head to yellow Creek Mountain Road. We met Bruce Cannon, Bear Ninja, at the trailhead. Bruce gave me a little birds nest as an emergency firestarter and also an AT patch for my backpack. Both were very nice surprises. We began with a hike up. Bruce and Nick walked about 2 miles with me before going back to the trail head.I enjoyed the company.I met Bojangles and Onyx who met on the trail and hike together at about the same pace. Here are some videos with different views of Fontana Dam.I also met Staff from Nashville. He found 2 walking sticks along the way and killed a snake with one of them. All will start Smokys tomorrow along with Hamster who I met yesterday.Took a PB&J lunch break at Walker Gap and met Catfish and his gentle dog who are hiking to Alabama. As I got closer to Fontana, I talked with a woman on the trail for 5 days with her 80 yr. old mother. Her mother wanted to hike and convinced the daughter to do so on her Spring break. Nick & Bruce met the mother at Yellow Creek Mt. Rd. trail head and Bruce helped her up the initial steps. She had parked the car and would hike North as the daughter hiked South. They are headed to the NOC by the end of the week. It was sunny, warm and beautiful. Forgot to apply sun screen & have red face tonight. Flowers are blooming along the trail - so pretty!Nick moved the car to Fontana Dam & hiked South to meet me. We walked the trail from the Marina to the Dam together. Started hiking @ 10:15 am and finished @ 2:45. Foot and ankle are fine. I wore the Aircast support today to test it. It was very comfortable and I think it allowed me to move with more confidence and a better pace.Thanks for all the good wishes I have received. I appreciate all of them so very much. Thanks for following my journey and for your prayers. Not sure when I'll be able to update from the Smokys. I am excited and a bit nervous. Bruce encouraged me to climb Shuckstack fire tower.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Monday April 8, I entered Great Smoky Mountains. I walked across the dam with two young men Staff and Yukon; Nick walked with us to the trail head. It was a beautiful morning. We dropped our passes in the box and headed up the steps and they took off and I'll probably never see them again. Young people hike much faster and do big mile days. I took a rest on a throne shaped rock. A ridge runner stopped and asked me if I had a thru hiker permit. He asked for my name and where I was from. I climbed from 1,881 ft. to 4,520 in about 8 miles and climbed up Shuckstack fire tower almost to the top; the gusting wind frightened me so I stopped one level below.Bojangles and Oxy soon joined me. I met them the day before. They met on the trail. I was tired when I arrived at Mollies Ridge Shelter. Thought for awhile I would have a private shelter for the night but by 6:30 pm it was almost full - 12 people and tents outside. Met some nice people - Hamster, Camel and son, Alfalfa, Bucket List, Cpt. Dan, Tom aka Top (I think), Tie Dye, St. Croix, Barbara from Maine (B-Rocket is her trail name now), Jolly from Great Britain. Had a fire in the shelter fire place and a good night of rest in my first shelter.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Mollies Ridge shelter for an 12 mile day. It was up and all day long. Took a long lunch break in a grassy field and saw two men riding horses pulling a donkey come up the trail. The lead rider asked if I was OK. I said I was just enjoying lunch. He asked where I came from and where I was headed. They were taking food to Russell Field shelter for hikers.We went over Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top and it was hot and sunny with great views !It was wonderful to share these two views with such great people.It wasn't a cold night and I set my tent up near Cpt. Dan, Tie Dye, 59 and his buddy. 59 and his friend are section hikers who were behind me on the trail to the shelter until I went straight up a very steep part thinking that was the direction of the trail. However, when I made it up, all I could see was thicket - no trail. The incline was steep and slick so as I scooted down on my bum as 59 and friend came up the trail. I said I thought the trail took a hard right cause where I was seated was not the trail. 59 climbed up the rocks and said that was the trail. His friend followed and eventually I made my way up there too. A few minutes later, I heard a voice say "Are you OK? Are you back there? It was 59 checking to see if I had made it; they could not see me. I appreciated the kindness. Often times I feel alone on the trail and wonder what would happen to me if no one was behind me and I had an accident. I thanked them later down the trail when they stopped to take a break.Met Frenchy from Quebec. He had hiked from Fontana to Derrick Knob in one day -22 plus miles. Twelve almost was the death of me. Hard to sleep I think because I was so tired.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was just a 7.2 mile day. I was dragging from the beginning. I don't think that I'm eating enough food and I need to figure out how to better fuel my body. I moved slowly all day and each step felt so heavy.I took lots of little breaks. During one of the breaks, Tie Dye and Cpt. Dan joined me on a log as well as Top. Friends are sending Tie Dye daily palanca (prayer) and she shared a scripture verse with me which she had received a few days before: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,¢ declares the Lord, ¢plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It was a very special moment in the quiet of the woods. It seems crazy to talk about a warm day when the adventure during March was so very COLD and a little warmth would have been great but the sun is out now and there are no leaves on the trees; it felt like 80 degrees. I'm not complaining; I accept what the trail gives me. Some days are easier than others.I stopped for lunch at Silers Bald shelter and talked with Smokes and his friend (young men from near Cologne, Germany). They are the 3rd group I've met from Germany. Also met a young woman and when I asked her trail name, she said "Fatty." She was about as big around as my wrist. I really laughed when she told me her name. When I asked why - she said because she consumes 5,000 calories a day. She walks big miles every day and all remains slim. Spent about an hour there in the shade of the shelter with nice breeze blowing through which helped me be able to go on and finish the day .Just before arriving at Double Springs shelter there were beautiful fir trees in a lot of shade and I sat down to enjoy the cool breeze and savor the smell of Christmas. I prayed and I cried.I turned on my phone to take a picture and realized I had cell service and so I called Nick.Presently I am struggling mentally and some physically on the trail. I expected a mental battle but did not realize how difficult it could be.On the positive side each day I have seen a deer. The first day I was within 5 ft. of it and it just kept eating (see pic in photo section.) Seeing the deer brings to mind "Hinds' Feet on High Places." It's a great book. A congenial Ridge Runner was staying at Double Springs Gap.The shelter was not full with reserved spaces for section hikers and so I had to stay in the shelter.Met Professor who is my age and had a nice chat with him.This shelter has a privy and it was nice to have that convenience. Quiet nite-no snorers or if so, my ear plugs worked. It was a warm night and very windy but the ear plugs also blocked out the flapping of the tarp.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome Tower - Gatlinburg Microtel Inn
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a real change of scenery as I climbed up Clingmans. I am so addled, I called it Mt. LeConte in the video instead of Clingman's Dome.A bad storm is coming. The ridge runner stayed in Double Springs Gap Shelter last night and gave us the weather report. Strong winds, hail, thunderstorms predicted for late morning or early afternoon.Got up and was on trail by 7:30 am and arrived at Clingman's Dome parking lot about 9:30. Nick was waiting for me. I was up so high (6,643 ft.) and the wind was gusting so that a couple of times it actually pushed me side ways. I kept waiting for the rain/hail to begin at any moment. Happy to get off trail and see Nick.Had awesome huge breakfast @ Bennet's BBQ in Gatlinburg (all you can eat) scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pulled pork, sausage gravy, biscuits, baked apples, pineapple, strawberries, cottage cheese and on and on. The waitress actually asked me if I wanted to come back for one more plate before they took down the breakfast bar ... Ridge runner said we would enjoy it and he was correct! As we walked in to the restaurant, Quick Change, Jolly and St. Croix were coming out and I got to introduce Nick to them. They hiked farther yesterday to get to Gatlinburg and are taking a zero here.It will most likely be a Nero for me here if weather passes tonight and is good in the morning.Washed my clothes at laundromat and resupplied on food. Because Nick was here with the car, it was easier for me to do these things. Hikers have to rely on the trolley and I expect that makes everything take so much longer to accomplish. I am grateful for Nick's support. Later in the day had a foot long corn dog at the place the ridge runner recommended -- YUM!Past two days have been very warm; I am sun burned in spite of applying sunscreen - especially my face and my right ear. No leaves on trees yet; have not encountered the "green tunnel."The ankle brace rubbed a small blister on my left heel as I made my way to Clingman's Dome but it was too nasty weather wise to sit and remove it. The plantar fasciitis on my right foot is rearing its head again.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 7.7

Nunc Coepi seems to be prophetic for my journey on the AT--I begin once more with your help, Lord. My husband graciously drove me back this morning. We left the house at 4 AM and I was on the trail at 10 AM. It was a beautiful day and I slack packed. Met a beautiful young woman on the trail from Wisconsin named Patchouli Nick parked at Newfound Gap and hiked South to meet me and it was good to walk with him this afternoon. Trail was muddy, sunny day and temp around 65 with nice breeze. Saw my first wild hog containment ramp. Looking forward to a delicious Italian dinner tonight. Tomorrow I pick up my pack and head North - with your help, O Lord. My husband will have an easier drive home tomorrow; the road from Newfound Gap to Cherokee opened today.Once again, thanks everyone for your prayers, good wishes and emails.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner
Miles today: 10.4

Started about 8 am and Nick walked with me for about 3 miles. About 9:30 it was time for him to turn back to the car. I got a little teary-eyed when we kissed goodbye. I put my headphones on and it helped me to move on down the trail. At Charlie's Bunion, I met Two Stixs from Arizona. He's my husband's age. Two Stixs travelled the U.S. in an RV for about 6 yrs. and they decided they would settle in Arizona. He took an untraditional pic of me standing at Charlie's Bunion. A day hiker offered us salami, Swiss cheese and French bread. Stopped at Icewater Springs to sign log. There were some beautiful views along the way.Towards midafternoon when I was growing tired and walking up hill slowed me to almost a crawl, a man passed me and then turned to stopped and introduced himself as Circuit Rider. This is his 8th time on the AT and he hikes with Sherlock as part of a Christian ministry. I introduced myself and he asked how he could pray for my journey. I told him I just wanted to do what God has intended for me on the trail and to go the distance He has determined for me to complete. He asked if I would like to pray with him right there on the trail. Of course, I accepted. God had allowed our paths to cross and his prayer nourished my spirit and my heart and I felt strengthened for the journey. Sherlock came up and I met him. They met one another at a church camp and have been ministering together since that time. Just a little ways down the trail, I came upon Circuit Rider and Sherlock. Circuit Rider was filtering water from a little puddle (it looked like) but it was a spring and he said a better water source than that at the shelter. He asked if he could filter water for me. What a kind offer and a gift. I gave him my quart Gatorade bottle and my quart foldable Nalgene and he filled them. It saved me from having to walk down a steep hill at the shelter and to gather my own water.Arrived at Pecks Corner shelter about 4 PM and chose a bottom space. The shelter became REALLY crowded. We squeezed in and two people put down their mats and bags on the dirt floor of the shelter. One person slept on the bench outside of the shelter but under the roof by the table.I met a nice couple, Mad Tom and Sponge (because she always gathers the water). I met Surry (trail name from Maine). She is 68 yrs. young and when she was 60, she hiked from Springer to Fontana. She was hiking with her niece, Libby, and boyfriend, Daryl. Travel Light is also here for the night. I have seen him at Blueberry Patch hostel and one other shelter in the Smokys. There is a group of young people who went into Gatlinburg for whiskey and hamburgers. They brought back 20 cheeseburgers. A young man had some Vodka and offered to share it.I crawled in my quilt and liner, put in my ear plugs and fell asleep quickly. It was a great night on the AT !
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Pecks Corner

To: Tri-corner
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

Planned for a short day. Awoke about 7 am. Mad Hat and Sponge from Michigan were up and packing. Acorn greeted me when I emerged from the shelter; she had read some of my trail journal.  Had a Cinnabon for breakfast, packed up and left shelter @ 8:30. Shelter was .4 off trail and on way back to trail, I met GloBug who was crying. Stopped to talk and pray with her. She is from Maine. It was a damp, chilly morning. On trail at 9 am. Took a pic at Eagle Rock views but it was misty and cloudy. Roadrunner and Pippin passed me. They asked my name and when I told them they started smiling. Nick had given them cookies when he made it back down to Newfound Gap and asked them to say "hi" when they saw me. Yukon Cornelius passed me about 1.5 miles before shelter turn off and said rain was forecasted. I arrived at shelter about noon. Normally that is way too early to stop but the next one was 8+ miles and I was not up for that especially in the rain.  Tin Man and GloBug were here as well as Yukon Cornelius having lunch. I unpacked and chose my shelter spot; this time up top. Two Stixs arrived as well as Surry, her niece and boyfriend.  Shortly the rain started to pour down. I am happy to be here. Had a good lunch. Water source very close to shelter which is nice. There is a privy here too - luxury. It is odd though to spend an entire afternoon and then evening in the shelter.Crawled in my sleeping bag and caught up on my journal.Shelter has filled; we have 9 up top and 9 below. Capacity is rated at 12. Cozy night. Two people are sleeping on the dirt floor. Met Paige, Jake and Alec (see pic in photos section) from a Algonquin College, Pembrooke, ON Canada. They are completing an Outdoor Adventure program and have hiked 6 days starting at Cade's Cove to Crosby Knob.