morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-01-07
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

Happy New Year AllThe countdown has begun for me, only 51 days tell I step off Springer Mtn. and head north to Maine. The folks from Hiker Hostel will be picking me up around 3:30 PM on Feb.27, I'll spend the night with them,then shuttle me to trail on Feb.28.I decided I needed one more new piece of gear. Received a new Western Mountaineering sleeping bag, AlpinLite, in the mail this week. Great bag guys.I've been wanting to try it out but with 70-80 deg days and 40-50 deg nights it would be a little too warm. West Texas has been real hot and dry so far this year. We have had some bad wild fires in our area.This past week I started carrying a backpack with me to the gym. Wanting to add some weight to my stairsteper and tread mill exercise. We don't have any hills around here, so machines will have to help out. Also started a class, 2 days a week called "Body Pump". Every liter bit helps.Want to say THANKS to all that have read and signed my journal so far.
Date: 2006-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've got a brother-n-law that drives a 18 wheeler for a living and he gave me a call this morning. He said he was delivering a load to somewhere in Virginia and saw this sign that said Appalachian Trail and thought he'd give me a call. Knowing I'd be starting my hike soon. He said I had better start working out climbing up and down the side of my house, the mountains out there go straight up and down. Now that what I call real encouragement.I only have 42 days tell I step off Springer Mtn. heading north to Maine. The butterflies in my stomach are getting more noticable each passing day.We are finaly getting some colder weather around here, still very dry. I thought I'd put up the tent and try out the new WM sleeping bag.Looking foreward to seeing and meeting and putting faces to the people whose journals I have be reading. I pray that every one has a safe trip to Springer Mtn. and that we have blue skies to start our thru-hike.
Date: 2006-02-22
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

I wanted to get in one more journal entry before I leave for the trail on Feb 27th. My wife Norma and her sister Debi will be doing my journal while I'm on the trail. I have decided to use a small tape recorder and I will send these tapes home for the girls to update my journal. My hand writing is terrible and I never did learn how to spell.I have been a member of the Optimist Club for several years and have decided to help them out with this hike. Along with living my dream of walking the Appalachian Trail, I have decided to walk for the Optimist International Foundation. Here is the web site where you can go and learn about the Foundation and also find a copy of the artical that will be coming out in The Optimist magazine in a couple months. http://www.oifoundation.org/index2.htmI want to thank everyone who has been reading my journals, offered words of encouragment and have signed my Guest Book.
Date: 2006-02-27
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Springer Mtn.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got on the plan this morning about 9 am and arrived in Atlanta around 2pm. I rode from the airport with Applepie...a PCT and At hiker.Leigh from the Hiker Hostel was there to pick me up and take me to the Hostel for the night. The accomodations were very nice and everyone was friendly and hospitible. I ordered a pizza and shared it with a couple of guys named Steve and Gene(no trail names at this time), then went to bed early to get rested up for the first day of hiking. Tomorrow morning at about 09:30 I be starting my hike. It is hard to believe that I am finally here.The folks here at the hostel are super and they have a great place for hikers to stay.the next update will most likely be done by my wife and Debi.
Date: 2006-03-03
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Neels Gap Hostel
Miles today: 30.8
Weather: clear sky

Well, I can't believe I am finally on the trail after all the planning and dreaming, I am actually here. I am having the time of my life. The weather has been excellent.Today, Thursday, there was a little rain and some heavy fog. The low got down to 22 degrees but I am warm as a bug in a rug in my sleeping bag. My feet and legs are doing great. I am not experiencing any soreness and no blisters! I left Springer Mt. Tuesday around noon, my first day on the trail. I walked 7.6 miles to Hawk Mt. Shelter where I spent the night in my tent. I am walking with Bushwhacker. We have also joined up with a couple of 19 year old guys, Happy Trails and Curley. On Wednesday we walked 7.3 miles stopping for the night at Gooch Mt. Shelter. There I met Stumpknocker who has already walked the trail 5 times and is working on his sixth. Also I met Crazy Horse, a Viet Nam Vet who has walked the trail twice and is thinking about turning around and going for three. Good luck to both of you.Thursday I traveled 11.9 miles and stopped at Woods Hole Shelter. Friday was a short day going only 4 miles to Neels Gap Hostel. We stopped here for a hot shower, replenish food supply and ordered in Pizza! We will leave in the morning heading to Low Gap Shelter, which is 10.5 miles down the trail. It is suppose to be Sunny but also windy and cold.I just want to say thanks to all of you who have signed my journal recently wishing me well and promising to pray for me. I do covet your prayers in order to stay strong and healthy in order to complete my journey. May God bless all of you.
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Neels Gap Hostel

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 36.0

Just a quick update. I have made it to Blueberry Patch Hostel, had a hot shower and getting ready to go to an all you can eat cafeteria. My appetite is really picking up but I guess I need the extra food because of all the calories I burn each day. I got my first package from home with my food replacements. I was down to 2 packages of ramen noodles. It has worked out just about right. The wind blows harder here than it does in Texas if you can believe it. I am doing great in my tent and sleeping bag. I go to bed about 7 or 8 pm and get up at 6:30 am to start another day. I woke up this morning with some frost on the inside of my tent but it wasn't bad. The Blueberry Patch is a great place run by Christian people. No smoking, or tobacca of any kind. they provide Bibles and if you need one to take with you, you are welcome to take one. They are great people. It is a real blessing to be in these surroundings. So far I have gone abou 66 miles and tomorrow I will cross my first state line and go into North Carolina. I am looking forward to another fun adventure tomorrow. Keep me in your prayers as I am praying for you. I have a lot of time to do that as I walk. Makes for a great day!
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Blue Berry Pacher 

To: Wallace Gape
Miles today: 36.7

03/09/06We have had 3 great days of hiking since leaving the Patch. The night we were at Standing Indian Shelter we had some very high winds come though. Was glad we stayed in the shelter that night. For the past couple days we saw the evidence of the high winds , lots of trees and limbs laying across the trail. 03/10/06Yesterday was our longest day. We did 14.4 miles. The last mile was quite a challenge. It was a lot of steep steps up and rock scrambling. At the top was a firetower and a great view.03/11/06Today was a short day. We were heading for Franklin,NC. Only 6 miles.We were met at Wallace Gap by Ronnie from Haven's BUDGET INN, He shuttled us into town and we are staying at his place untill tomorrow and then he will shuttle us back to the trail. Staying here tonight are BlueBell, Snake, Bear, N-SOM and myself.N-SON is waiting to get on this computer so I had better get off for now.We have gone 103.5 miles so far. The miles are starting to get easier each day.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

It is a great day! The temperture is about 40 degrees. I met Peck today. He has done the through hike a few years ago and was doing a section hike. We talked for a while and he shared his beef log and cheese with me. Made a pretty good lunch. He is retired from the resturant business. He was a pretty interesting guy. Also, I had the opportunity to meet Jump Start. I had read about him in one of my books about him starting his hike by parachuting into Springer Mountain, that is how he got his trail name. He is a trail angel now, handing out candy bars and water. I was sure glad to meet him. As I traveled on I came to an area that was marked as if there was fowl weather but as I went on I discovered that it was fowl walking. There was a lot of rock climbing. At one point I had to throw my poles down and then climb down the rocks. I did some rock scrambling for about a mile. I was glad to get in my tent that night.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hog Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was another beautiful day! It is 50 degrees. I came across a couple of little cemeteries today. One was where a gentleman passed away in 1966 and his ashes were scattered on this area. Then further on I came upon the Hare family cemetery. The mother had died in 1863. Her sons were killed in the Civil War. There was a cabin here at that time and they had come home to visit. They were shot as they were leaving. I stayed in the shelter that night.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Hog Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a great day, the weather was good about 56 degrees but it is windy. I saw a few little snakes so the wild life is beginning to move now. I met a man, Charles, doing a day hike. He lives in a town house a couple of miles away. We chatted for awhile and then went our seperate ways. I am meeting a lot of interesting people out here in the middle of nowhere. At the shelter that evening a young lady came into the shelter by the name of Overflow. Early out she was cooking something and it overflowed so now that is her trail name. She is from San Antonio, TX. I introduced myself to her as Cookie and she said she knew me because I had signed her trail journal several months ago. Small world.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

A beautiful Sunday morning! I miss my pastor's preaching. I get hungry for spiritual food as much as I do physical food. I read my Bible and pray but I miss my church. I wonder if I could call my wife and have her put her phone by a speaker so I could hear the church service? It's a thought...I may try it! I stayed in the shelter that night because there were three thunderstorms with a lot of lightening passing through. The shelter was full! My food bag is almost empty. I have two packages of oatmeal and one coffee bag for breakfast. I will have to make my way to Erwin without any snacks. I can do it! Look out AYCE resturant once I get there!
Date: 2006-04-03
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

I made it into Erwin yesterday morning about 11 AM. Gave Miss Janet a call and she picked me up at the edge of town as I got off the trail. She had a house full last night. I ended up sleeping on the front porch. Earlier in the evening she took us to an outfitter and then to an AYCE resturant. Great food. She fixed use a GREAT breakfast, eggs, bisquits and gravy and lots of coffee. I will be taking a "0" day here in Erwin and then heading out again on Wed. morning.I got my first blister a couple days ago. It caused me to favor that leg, which caused knee and shin splints. I had been doing 14 + miles per day and had to slow down to 10 mile days. The blister has healed now, but thought would take an extra day off to completely recoop. I am still having the time of my life. The weather has improved. I want to thank everyone who has been reading my journal and signing my guest book. Also want to thank everyone for their prayers. God has truely blessed while I have been out here on the trail.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Erwin, TN

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to get a motel room since I slept on the porch of the hostel last night. I have done a little of nothing today. Just rested so I can be ready to hit the trail again tomorrow. My blister has healed up although I'll probably lose a toenail but I am fine. My knee and shin splint is doing great now. I am good to go again. Look out trail....here I come!
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Well, I got a late start today because the shuttle didn't pick me up until about 11am. The weather was beautiful, it only got up to 50 degrees so it made for real comfortable walking. Nothing real outstanding went on today. Just thankful to the good Lord for my strength and the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful country.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Deep Gap

To: Clydesmith Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a fun day. I came across some trail magic along the way. It consisted of 24 cans of Pepsi, snickers and peanut butter cups. I enjoyed being able to partake of the gift and greatly appreciate the angel who left it. The day was rainy but I figured out a way to attach my umbrella to my pack so I could walk with it over my head without having to hold it. I worked real well. I made it to the shelter about 6:30 and met up with Mike & KM who were already there. They are a couple a real nice people I have met along the way. It is great the way we meet and then don't see each other for awhile and then meet up again. I always look forward to see who will be at the next shelter or hostel along the way.Not only am I making friends along the trail, I would like to thank all of you who are signing my journal. I would especially like to thank Ron Graves and Linda Gieselman who are helping me with my walk for the Optimist Club International. Also a big thanks to Jerry Henderson for getting the ball rolling on this fund raiser. I am anxious to see how much money can be raised to help kids through OI. I hope all you Optimist open your hearts and your pockets. God bless you all!
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Clydesmith Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was another great day! I went over Roan High Mountain where there were a lot of tourists and day hikers. They were suppose to have bathroom facilaties there but the door was locked. Oh well....Back in the 1800's this was a special place to come to. It had a large fancy hotel then but only the foundation can be seen now. The Over Mountain Shelter is unique in that it is an old red barn that has been converted into a shelter. The loft has been made into a big sleeping area. I slept on the bottom floor. The sound of the hoot owls and the turkeys gobbling was very entertaining. It was as if they were talking back and forth to each other. Perhaps they were warning one another about the bad storm that was on it's way. It came through during the night but I stayed nice and dry. Thank the Lord for good shelters so I don't have to ride the storms out in my tent.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 8.7

Well, I made it to Mountain Harbour hostel. It is unique because it is built over a stable. The horses and cows are underneath and the sleeping area is on the second level. It was very windy and a lot of clouds today when I went over Little Hump Mountain. I could see Hump Mountain and it was cloud covered. Before I got there it started to rain and there was no more view for the day. I met a troup of Boy Scouts on a weekend campout. They were having a great time. It reminded me of the fun I had when I was a scout in Missouri. Early in the morning I had heard some gun shots and realized that there were turkey hunters out and about. They were probably shooting the turkeys I had been listening to the other night. I put my blaze orange rain cover for my back pack on so they could see me. I sure didn't want anyone to think I was a turkey!
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

It is a super day for hiking with clear skies all around. I passed by two beautiful waterfalls today. One is called Jones Falls and the other one is Mountaineer Falls. I had to go through a low boggy area and crossed on logs. I made it without any problems. There was evidence of an old moonshine still. If only this trail could talk, I am sure there would be some stories to tell.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hikers Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

I had a short day today. I made it to Kincora Hikers Hostel where it cost $4.00 a night to stay. Bob Peoples is the owner and he is a former thru hiker. He also does trail maintenance in this area. He is a really nice guy. Bob took us to town for supper and let us get the things we needed to resupply. I really appreciate the people I have met along the trail who are willing to shuttle the hikers around to get the things we need so we can continue on. It would be impossible to do this walk without them. Thanks to all of you and may God bless you!
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Kincora Hikers Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

I know you are probably tired of me saying that it was a great day for hiking but every day I count it a blessing to have the health and strength to do what I am doing. So....every day is a great day! I climbed a mountain to Pond Flats. On top there was a pond and thus the name. Then I walked on to Watauga Lake which was beautiful. I could see it for a long time from the ridge I was walking along. I was able to have my lunch at a picnic table by the lake which was refreshing just to sit and enjoy my meal and take in all the scenery. Then the trail followed a gravel road for some time. I was really tired of walking on gravel by the time I got to the end of it. All in all it was a very enjoyable day.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Tent sit by US421
Miles today: 17.8

Today I came upon an old monument which was an old rock fireplace. The monument was there for Nick Grindstaff who had lived the until he died in 1926. The epitaph was written on the rock fireplace which said, "Lived alone, Suffered alone, Died alone". There is a legend that says he had a pet rattle snake that lived with him. I thought to myself, what a sad life he must of had.In camp that night the graybeards were there. They are a couple of good guys with a lot of good stories to tell. I enjoyed their company. It was a good day. I am still feeling great, still loosing some weight and feel stronger every day. God is very good to me and I am grateful He is allowing me this opportunity.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Tent sit by US421

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I crossed into the 4th state, Virginia. The first night in Damascus I stayed in the Methodist Church Hostel. They provide hikers with kitchen and bathroom facilities. I went into town to do my normal "in town" stuff such as laundry and replenishing my food stash. I also picked up some packages from the post office that Norma had mailed to me. I got my new hiking boots. I had started out with my oldest pair but had already broken in a new pair before I left home. My old pair is pretty shot now and caused the first blister that I have ever had while hiking. It was not bad but I didn't want to take the chance of getting more so I'm glad to have my new boots. Also, Norma had baked me some brownies with lots of pecans from our pecan tree at home. Yum! Yum! Along with that she sent some milk chocolate Easter eggs so I could have them to celebrate Easter. I also had to go to the Outfitter and replenish my alchol for my cook stove. It was a good day!
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Zero Day

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi, everyone sorry it has been so long since I have updated my journal. Its not always that easy to get cell phone signal out here or have access to a computer. I am in Damascus, VA today and will be heading back out to the trail in about an hour or so. I crossed into the 4th state of Virginia. I have walked 439.7 miles so far. Virginia will be the longest state. There is about 535 miles in this state alone. So for the next month and half or so I will be in this state.All is going real well. This old body is holding up real good and I am still having the time of my life.I want to thank everyone for their guestbook entries and for all the prayers.I will be getting with Norma later today and she will be updating my daily journal entries.By the way if anyone ever wants to come to a small town out east and do some hiking, bike riding or just rest and relax at a B&B this a great little town. Every thing is in close walking distance for us hikers.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Today is a beautiful day with clear skies. The trail followed along the Virginia Creeper Trail. Bikers use this trail and there is a popular trout fishing streamthat parallels it. It is very pretty country. The trees are beginning to leaf out and the wild flowers are beginning to bloom. God is painting a real pretty picture out here for us hikers to enjoy. The only wildlife I saw today was a couple of turkey.My twin grandsons, Parker & Preston, celebrated their 2nd birthday today so I took time out and gave them a call to wish them happy birthday. I was glad I had a good cell phone signal in this area. Norma had gone to Sachse, where they live, so she could be at their party so I was able to talk to her also. It is always good to hear from my family. They are my support team!I made it to the shelter and settled in for a good night's rest.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Another day of clear skies! There were a lot of day hikers out hiking this Easter Sunday. The terrain here is lots of wide open country side with pine trees and rocks scattered throughout. It looks a lot like Montana. In fact, "Little Montana" is it's nickname. I saw a lot of little wild ponies running around out here. They are really neat to watch. I got tired of walking on rocks, it is really rocky along the trail. I had to stop and thank the Lord today for the long hard walk He took for me on the road to Calvary as we are celebrating Easter today. I made it through fat man squeeze. It is like a tunnel or a cave created by big rocks and it is pretty narrow. I'm sure glad I have lost about 28 pounds so I made it through with out a problem. This also made me think of the tomb where Jesus was laid after the crucifixtion. I am so glad He made it out of there also! Through Him we can have life and have it more abundantly!!!I am looking forward to tomorrow because I should be going over the 500 mile mark! Almost one-fourth of the way complete and still going strong. Thanks again to all of you who are keeping me in your prayers. They are working!!
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Wise Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Well, the day started out to be a real nice day but by noon the weather had changed. We had heavy rain and hail so it made for a short day. When I got to the shelter i was soaked to the skin but I did accomplish going over my 500 mile marker today. I missed the sign, I had planned on taking a picture of it but with the bad weather I didn't even see the sign much less get a picture of it. Before the bad weather started I saw more of the wild ponies. They are everywhere! Local ranchers used this area to weigh and ship their cattle to market at one time. The old corrals they use are still here. I've got all my gear drying out here in the shelter so I can get an early start tomorrow. I've got some extra miles to make up.