morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Philippians 4:4¢Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!¢Friends,I am writing this journal at my youngest son¢s (Matt ) home in Ohio. Matt drove 12 hours round trip to pick me up in Damascus, Va.I developed another problem over the last few days. I ended up seeing Dr. Paul Derden at Stone Mtn. Health Services in Damascus.My calf muscle on my right leg developed a knot and red steaks that followed some of the veins, then from the knee down began to swell. Dr. Derden sent me to a hospital in Abingdon, Va. for an Ultrasound. It confirmed what he thought that I had developed a blood clot in my calf muscle. It is a superficial clot, meaning it is not a deep clot which could be a lot more dangerous. It is painful and I must keep it elevated. I will be visiting Dr. Swabb back home and have already talked with him. Dr. Derden advised me to stay off my off my feet and of coarse off the trail for 1 12 to 2 weeks and see how things go. I still have the desire and my wife¢s support to go back on the A.T. in a couple of weeks if my health permits me to do so. I will be home on Sunday evening May 7. I want to thank you all for your prayers and support during this little trial. If and when the hike continues the Trail Journal will resume with the support of my oldest son(Doug).While spending the last couple of days at ¢The Place¢ in Damascus, I met some very nice hikers. One family, a father, daughter & son known as the , Wanderers, (White Cloud, Cup A Soup & Gear), I roomed with 2 nights, were very nice and enjoyed them very much. I also met a couple by the names of, Sam I Am & Origami , who were very nice and I enjoyed talking with them for a couple of hours while waiting on my son to pick me up. I also met and enjoyed talking with Low Gear. I also ran into a hiking friend from a couple of weeks ago, One World, and had lunch with him . It was good to see him. If I get to go back in a couple of weeks, I will meet a whole new group of hikers. Hey, God will work something good out of this, His Word tells me He will!!!Thanks again and God bless you all, Jericho PS. I am home now. I did not know the web site would be shut down. They changed to new servers.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,I will be going back to the doctors today, Monday May 15. I had a couple of more test last Friday , an ultra-sound and x-ray. With the doctors advice I will decide what I should do about continuing the hike. My heart and head say they want to hike. My body may be saying something else. I pray the Lord will give me the wisdom to make the right decision. I will let you all know.        Jericho
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Friends, Went to the doctor Monday after some more test last Friday. The blood clots showed up from my right calf just below the knee all the way down to my foot. We started blood thinner injections in my thigh and abdomen twice a day for the next 5 days. We will see what the response is. I still want to hike. Banjoman has some songs waiting to be heard. To be honest I think I will have a hard time catching him, I will be doing short days for awhile if I get to go back. He will be a couple of weeks ahead of me. Who knows, sometime, somewhere, I hope to see him and several others again. Thanks for your prayers.        Jericho
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,I go back to the doctor today. I still have a couple of injections of blood thinner. The leg is looking and feeling much better. The lower calf and my foot still bothers me a little. We will have to see what the doctor says. I walked about 3 hours each of the last 3 days without my pack. I put the pack on last night and walked 2 miles. It took me a little over an hour and I didn¢t feel to good when I got done, but I hadn¢t hiked since May 2nd. I got a little soft. I got up early this morning and feel surprisingly good. I am going out early and put in a couple of miles before I see the doctor. I will let you all know what we decide. I have asked the Lord to show me what I should do. My head and heart still want to hike. Pray I can hear the Lord¢s voice so I can do the right thing.        YBIC, Jericho
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,I have not given up on my dream of hiking the A.T. , but the dream is starting to fade a little bit. I just got back from my doctor and he has given good advice backed by his wisdom. I need to stay on the injections of blood thinners. The clotting situation has improved but is not gone. Any serious hiking right now would only cause the situation to worsen and jeopardize my health. I go back to see the doctor next Friday May 25. I am starting to get some exercise with the thinners, so hopefully I can keep the rest of my body in decent shape. My wife & I will decide how long I can stretch this out before I either continue the hike or go back to work.        Thanks for your prayers,                Jericho
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,I am still taking injections of blood thinners and my leg is improving rapidly. I have hiked about 7 miles each of the last 2 days and felt pretty good. I go back to the doctor on Friday and if I get a green light we are planning on heading back to Damascus this weekend. Only God knows. I hope to be writing daily journals again before long. P.S. I added some photos today.        Jericho
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Friends,I want to thank each of you that have been supporting me with prayers and encouragements of all kinds. I went to the doctor on Friday and he gave me a green light to hike, the clots are gone. Praise the Lord! Keep me in your prayers, I got a little soft over the last 3 12 weeks off the trail. I have a little knee problem, the trail beats on you a little. I have been hiking 3 to 4 hours a day with a full pack the last week. It will probably take a couple of weeks to get back in shape. I am looking forward to what God has in store. I will be meeting all new people, it will be interesting. The friends I was hiking with are a couple of hundred miles ahead of me and I don¢t believe I will catch any of them.My wife Sharon, my sister and brother-in-law, Jackie & Larry Thompson are going with me on the way back to Damascus, VA. I will be writing daily journals again and my son Doug will post them as often as I can send them to him. I hope you all enjoy the hike with me.God bless you all,YBIC, JerichoLink to Progress Map
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Zero Day

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Friends,We made it to Damascus about 3:00pm today, Saturday. We paid a visit at ¢The Place¢, in Damascus a hostel supported by a local Methodist church I stayed at for a few days before I came of the trail and came home. I wanted my wife, Sharon and my sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Larry Thompson to see what a hostel looked like. We went to Mt. Rogers Outfitters where I bought a lighter weight summer sleeping bag and a waterproof stuff sack. We then checked into our room at the Quality Inn in Abingdon, Virginia for the night. I received several more encouraging e-mails and I thank all of you for them. I will start hiking sometime tomorrow.God bless you all, Jericho
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Damascus

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

Morning weather:sunnyTemp.:75Breakfast:waffle, 2 hard boiled eggs, grape juice, breakfast barStarted hiking @ 9:00amLunch:wheat wraps, cheese with peanut butter & jelly, gorp, cheese crackers, candy bar and beef jerkyTrail description:up and down with more ups than downs. Gained 1500' in elevation. Hiked on the Virginia Creeper Trail for a while.People:passed by several people, but did not get to know anyone yet, but I am sure I will.Animals:snakeAfternoon weather:82 and sunnyFinished hiking @7:54pmDinner:mashed potatoes, mac & cheese and tunaPraises & thoughts:Had a good time of devotion and prayer with my wife Sharon and my sister Jackie. I had a nice time of worship while I was hiking. It was hard to say good-bye to my wife again. Thanks and God's blessing to my sister & brother-in-law, Jackie & Larry Thompson for going with us to Damascus.Other info:The Rhododendron was blooming and beautiful.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Morning weather:SunnyTemp.:72Breakfast:Hot Oatmeal, cold cereal, tortilla wrap with peanut & jelly Started hiking @ 9:20amLunch:gorp,tortilla wrap with cheese, trail bar, snicker, cheese cracker, beef jerkyTrail description: climbed from 3100' at Lost Mtn Shelter to 5400' at Thomas Knob Shelter. A lot of the trail was rough & rocky.People:Windy a talkative section hiker & Monk a Thru Hiker, plus a lot of day & weekend hikers.Animals:Seen some wild ponies when I got into Thomas Knob Shelter. A big Coon Dog when I was getting water this morning. I scared him & he scared me.Afternoon weather:80 & cloudy, some sprinles this evening.Finished hiking @ 5:30pmDinner:noodles, tuna, & mashed potatoes & KoolaidePraises & thoughts:I had some very good conversations with several people. Was able to share my faith in Christ with a couple of them. I had some share their faith in Christ with me. It was a good day, but I'm tired.Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Morning weather:sunnyTemp.:70Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, 1 1/2 cups of cereal and cold milk, tortillia wrap with peanut butter & jelly Started hiking @ 8:00amLunch:2 cheese & tortillia wraps, trailbar, 2 snickers, Gorp, beef jerky, peanut butter crackersTrail description:Grayson Highlands was rolling and fairly open with great views and wild ponies. The trail the last few days was very rocky and hard on my feet. The 3 1/2 weeks off must have softened them up.People:Acceptance, Socket both thru hikers, & Buckeye(thru hiker from Ohio, he is 20 years old and doing 25 mile days), Richard(a section hiker from Alabama, Bryan Toll(a youth pastor) and his wife Ashley, we stayed together at the Thomas Knob Shelter last night.Animals:Wild ponies at Grayson Highland.Afternoon weather:some clouds, 82, could hear some thunder.Finished hiking @ 6:00pmDinner:Alfredo noodles and tunaPraises & thoughts:I took a hard fall and got scraped up a bit and it so happened a nurse(Acceptance the thru hiker) was about one minute behind me. Praise the Lord!! She patched me up a bit.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Dickey Gap, Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 6.3

Morning weather:sunnyTemp.:70Breakfast:Oatmeal, cold cereal, tortillia wrap with peanut butter & jelly, orange flavored coolaideStarted hiking @ 8:26amLunch:Jumbo cheeseburger deluxe, fries & 2 spritesTrail description:the first half down & the second half upPeople:Seen Rice Burner who I met at the Quality Inn last Saturday the day before I started hiking again.Animals:DeerAfternoon weather:85 degrees and some thunder showersFinished hiking @11:20 amDinner:E-mailing this before I eat dinner.Praises & thoughts:I tried to hitch a ride into Troutdale for over an hour. Decided to hike into town(3.6 miles), walked about 3/4 mile and Diane Parks owner of the store/resturant I had lunch at. It was kind of interesting, I was frustrated I could not get a ride I had prayed for and the moment I started to praise the Lord for the fact I was healthy enough to walk to town, I got a ride shortly afterward. Praise the Lord!!!!
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Dickey Gap, Troutdale, VA

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning weather:SunnyTemp.:69Breakfast:Big Breakfast at (Trading Post)in Troutdale. 3 biscuts & gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, & tator totsStarted hiking @ 7:36 amLunch:cheese, beef jerky, trail bar, gorp, snicker, & cheese crackersTrail description:mild ups & downs, good hikePeople:Riceburner, Tonka, Dusty, Pockets, Trail Boss, Granny Franny & TroubleAnimals:Big Black Rat SnakeAfternoon weather:80 Humid, some thunder stormsFinished hiking @ 3:45pmDinner:noodles, mashed potatoes, second dinner- PizzaPraises & thoughts:I had a good bible study last night at the Troutdale Baptist Church. The pastor taught on wave & thrust offerings out of the Old Testament. It was interesting.   It was easy to get a ride back to the trail this morning, Praise the Lord!!! Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

Morning weather:Partly cloudyTemp.:68Breakfast:Oatmeal, cold cereal, tortillia wrap with peanut butter & jelly, breakfast barStarted hiking @8:25 amLunch:gorp, tortillia wrap with cheese, beef jerky, snicker & butterfinger(trail magic left by Pandora 2004 Thru HikerTrail description:several 400' & 500' elavation changes. It was a good day.People:No new thru hikers. Ran into several section hikers that wanted to talk. Two of the girls I talked to were Christians, we exchanged encouragements.Animals:noneAfternoon weather:Rain & 80Finished hiking @ 6:00pmDinner:2 dinners, one at 4:00pm in Atkins, VA, 2 hotdogs, cheese crackers & a Sprite, the second one at 6:30pm at the shelter, Mac & cheese, tuna & mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: As you probably have noticed I am eating more food. I am also making an effort to drink more water. My energy level has been good. I have also spent more time in God's Word and it is helping me to stay focused on what is really important. God is so good, we praise Him & His Son, Amen!!!!!Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning weather:Partly SunnyTemp.:60Breakfast:3 packs of Oatmeal, cold cereal, tortillia wrap with peanut butter & jellyStarted hiking @ 9:00amLunch:cheese with tortillia wrap, trail bar, gorp, cheese crackers, beef jerky, snickerTrail description:The climbs were long but not to steep. Coming into Chestnut Knob Shelter we gained 1550' over 6 miles.People:Sheltered last night with Riceburner & Trailboss. There is a group of 10 Section Hikers at the Shelter tonight Animals:A deerAfternoon weather:Mostly sunny 70 degreesFinished hiking @ 8:15pmDinner:Noodles with veggies(2packs) tuna & mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts: The Lord has really helped me through this first week back on the trail and I praise Him! He is helping me to begin to build some new relationships. I do miss the people I was hiking with before I went off the trail. Needless to say I miss my wife and family also.Other info:I went past the 1/4 mark on miles of the trail.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Campsite near Laurel Creek (off VA 615)
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Morning weather:SunnyTemp.:52Breakfast:Oatmeal, cold cereal, peanut butter & jelly, snickersStarted hiking @ 8:05amLunch:cheese in tortillia wrap, snicker, gorp, cheese crackers, breakfast barTrail description: Dropped from 4410' at Chestnut Knob Shelter to 2460' at the Campsite I am staying at. With the tipical ups & downs in between. I had to go on a blue blaze trail to get around a washed out bridge. Probably added between 1-2 miles to the hike, but not accounted for in the data book.People: Had a group of friendly section hikers at the shelter last night. They were really enjoying themselves. The group was from Florida and Trail Names are Gentleman, Screensaver, Special K, Wrong-Way-Washburn, Marlboro Man, Marshmellow Foot, HP, Dances With Beers, Drill SargeAnimals:noneAfternoon weather:Some thunder storms and 70 degreesFinished hiking @ 5:15pmDinner:Mac & Cheese, Tuna, Mashed Potatoes & some Apple Juice in a Cooler(Trail Magic)Praises & thoughts:I had a good time of Worship this morning and hope you did also. God is good all the time.Other info: It is 8:15pm and a thunder storm is comming in right now.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Campsite near Laurel Creek (off VA 615)

To: Helveys Mil Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Morning weather:Mostly Cloudy, Heavy rain last night.Temp.:52Breakfast:All you can eat breakfast or brunch at Round Mountain United Metodist Churches near Bastian & Bland VA. Their Pastor Alan Ashworth picked us up at the Trail & gave us a ride into the church & back to the trail. We had pancakes, baked potatoe dish, quiche, grits, tomatoes, green beans, orange juice and more. Then they gave us cookies and candy bars for the trail.Started hiking @ started late because of the meal, 11:30amLunch: Included with brunch.Trail description:600' climb out of camp & crossed over Interstate 77 near Bland, VAPeople:Daniel & Mummy ToesAnimals:NoneAfternoon weather:Some rain & 60 degreesFinished hiking @ 4:15 pmDinner:Noodles, Tuna & Mashed potatesPraises & thoughts:I really enjoyed the ministry & fellowship that the people of Round Mountain United Methodist Church shared with us. May God Bless them in a special way.Other info: Happy Birthday to my oldest granddaughter Sidney, 9 years old today.Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Helveys Mil Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Morning weather:SunnyTemp.:53Breakfast:3 packs of oatmeal, Captain Crunch with milk, peanut butter,& breakfast barStarted hiking @ 7:34amLunch:tuna, cheese & tortillia wrap,& beef jerky, snicker, GORP, cheese crackersTrail description:Longest miles for one day because the Trail was very Hiker Friendly, no steep climbs, the trail was a bit rocky in a few places. Only about 550' elevation change the while day.People:seen these all at the shelter tonight ,Daniel, Rainmaker, H.U.I., & a couple from South Africa that started their hike March 25, the same day I started.Animals:a couple deerAfternoon weather:Some rain, partly cloudy and 70 Finished hiking @ 7:10pmDinner:double pack of chicken noodles with veggies and mashed potatoesPraises & thoughts:Only seen one hiker during the day and he was South Bound section hiking. So I had a lot of time to think about scripture I have been reading in Revelations and sing Praise Songs
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearsiburg, VA
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning weather:sunnyTemp.:55Breakfast:3 packs of oatmeal, cold cereal, tortillia wrap with peanut butter & jellyStarted hiking @ 7:36amLunch:2 chunks of cheese & beef jerky, large energy barTrail description: It was a steep climb right out of my sleeping bag this morning. What a change from yesterday. The 24 miles yesterday was easier than the 16.6 of today.The elevation jumped from 2640' at the Wapiti Shelter to 3800' in 2 miles. I came across Pearis Mtn and then made a steep drop from 3500' to 1620'at Pearisburg in 2.4 miles.People:Dale Bowman picked me up in Pearisburg.Animals:Several deer near shelter last night.Afternoon weather:Sunny & 75 degreesFinished hiking @ 4:30pmDinner: Had a Butterfinger Blizzard at Dairy Queen, French Fries. Then we had chicken, and from the garden, peas, spinach, strawberries, onions, thanks Dale & Karen Bowman.Praises & thoughts:I am thankful for Dale & Karen opening their home for me. God bless them!Link to Progress Map
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Pearsiburg, VA

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Slept in:Home of Richard & Wanda Reece Morning weather:Some RainTemp.:72Breakfast:Cereal & StrawberriesStarted hiking @Lunch:Giant Salad & cupcakeTrail description:People:Met the Reece Family & Ethan FisherAnimals:Afternoon weather:Some RainFinished hiking @Dinner:Chicken, Potatoes, Salad, Greenbeans & other good dishes including Strawberry pie & ice cream.Praises & thoughts:I praise God for the 2 Christian families that opened their homes the last 2 days and made me feel like part of their families. God is good and may He bless the Bowman & Reece families in a special way. I thank God for the day of rest, my body needed it. Also thanks to all of you for the e-mails and encouragments & prayers.
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Pearsiburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Morning weather: Partly CloudyTemp.: 70Breakfast:At the home of Wanda & Richard Reece, Fried eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy, Monkey bread, juice, strawberry pie.Started hiking @ 9:30amLunch:Sandwich & choclate chip cookies that Wanda made, tortilla wrap with cheese, beef jerky, 2 snickers, gorp, trail bar, cheese crackersTrail description: Climbed from 1600' at the New River to 3500' on Peters Mtn, then went back down to 2530' at Pine Swamp Branch ShelterPeople:I met Leave No Trace & Slow LeeAnimals:I saw a Baby Fawn & it's mother, also some little orange salamandersAfternoon weather:Partly cloudy & some sprinkles. 65 degreesFinished hiking @ 8:15pmDinner:Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes & TunaPraises & thoughts: Once again I thank God for being able to visit with the Bowman & Reece families.
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Morning weather: Partly CloudyTemp.:65Breakfast:2 packs of oatmeal, cold cereal, tortilla wrap with peanut butterStarted hiking @ 9:40amLunch: cheese & tortilla wrap, gorp, snicker, cookies, trail barTrail description:1650' climb this morning & dropped down 1660' this afternoon, good day to hike, it was cool. People:Shelter full plus several tents of thru hikers tonight. All I seen during the day was dayhikers.Animals:noneAfternoon weather:cloudy & 70 degreesFinished hiking @ 5:25pmDinner:noodles, mashed potatoes & tunaPraises & thoughts:I have said it before and I'll say it again, I am very grateful for my wife and her support. I miss her very much.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Morning weather: RainTemp.:60Breakfast:2 packs of oatmeal, cold cereal, tortilla wrap with peanut butterStarted hiking @ 8:22amLunch:tortilla wrap with cheese, beef jerky, quart of cool aideTrail description:1400' climb in the morning from War Spur Shelter to White Rock, then back down to Sinking Creek bridge at 2100' and climbed back up to 3400' at Sarver Hollow ShelterPeople:Trail Magic by Runagade & Tomboy, I had 2 cokes, cheese sandwich, cookies, apple & an orange juiceAnimals:deer this morning & orange salamanderAfternoon weather:Partly cloudy & 72 degreesFinished hiking @ 5:00pmDinner:Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Tuna & Apple SlicePraises & thoughts: I had a good time of worship in scripture reading and worship music on my MP3 player.Other info: After a couple of days without a cell phone signal I finally got to talk to my wife, Sharon and e-mailed my journals.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Morning weather: FoggyTemp.:60Breakfast: 2 Packs of oatmeal, cold cereal, tortilla wrap with peanut butter & piece of cheeseStarted hiking @ 7:56 amLunch: Tortilla wrap with cheese, beef jerky, 2 Snickers, cheese crackers, trail bar, gorp & quart of orange cool-aideTrail description:1900' drop in morning, 1540' climb in afternoon. Then a 1500' drop & 500' climb. Most of the drops & climbs were not steep today. Except for the fog it was a good day for hiking. We had a razorback ridge to cross today. It was foggy so the view not good & the rock was wet & slippery. I slipped but did not fall. We will see the Dragon's Tooth tomorrow, a big razorback ridge, could be interesting.People:Hiked most of the day with Skywalker & some with Canman.Animals:noneAfternoon weather: Mostly sunny & 68 degreesFinished hiking @ 5:30pmDinner:Noodles, mashed potatoes & tunaPraises & thoughts:The Lord helped me through this day & I give Him praise!!! Something interesting, I have been reading in the Book of Revelation & last night I finished the 13th Chapter. In last verse of that chapter it mentions the number of the beast and it is man's number,it is 666, the same exact number of miles I had completed for the trip at the end of yesterday. Interesting.