morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Standing Bear Hostel to Roaring Fork Shelter...15.4 miles...252.7 total.Long day for Ipod. My hardest day physically by far. On a day that was our 2nd or 3rd biggest in terms of climbs it seemed that nothing was going right for me. My legs seemed to ache from the very beginning. My pack just would't fit right which caused my right shoulder to hurt all day. The "pulled" muscle in my belt region hurt some early and then more later...this caused me to favor my right side which not only caused a different rubbing pattern in my boot but also added to the strain on my right leg because I really couldn't use my trekking pole correctly on that side. Man, I was slow today. Bless his heart, Big Daddy let me lead the last 6 or 7 miles and did his best to encourage me hill after very steep hill. It was just a struggle. We hit the trail around 10:15 am and got to the shelter around 6:15 pm. It's about 8:45 and I'm already in my tent ready to try and rest up. My plan is simple...Get up early, hit the trail by 7am and hike the 18 miles to Hot Springs. This wi!ll get me there about half a day early and I'll end up with almost 2 full days of rest for my leg. Dr Johnsen always says that, "it'll either get better or it will get worse". If it gets much worse it's going to be a real problem to continue on. The daily pounding that your body takes out here is hard enough when everything is working correctly. Pls pray for my healing. If I leave the trail I want it to be my choice.Enough about the physical part. God gave me a wonderful revelation today. I've been talking about this "deeper" relationship with Him and how I want to know His will for my life and to be in the center of His will. This is what he said. Are you ready? How do you eat an elephant?One bite at a time, right. I don't need to worry about the joy or trying to "force" a great relationship with God...I simply need to take it one "bite" at a time. To seek Him one day at a time and He will take care of the rest. I know that may sound simple but sometimes I (we) make things so hard and aloof. God is right here right now and He loves me and WANTS to have a real, vibrant, life changing relationship with me. Is that cool or what? I just need to sincerely seek to know Him better and to allow Him to use me...no need to fret over where or when or how...just to "delight in Him". psalm 37:4,5 says..."Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the lord; trust in Him, and He will act."Thank you all for your wonderful emails and for your prayers. I know that today someone was definitely "praying me through".Hello girls. I love you and wish I was there to give you a great big hug! That will have to wait for now, but know that I "carry your love with me" every day. Love you bunches, Dad.calories for the day...2000
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0

Roaring fork shelter to Hot Springs...18 milesGot started on the trail at 7am and was in hot springs at 2:20. The "leg" was better but still a factor. Looks like Tanya will be meeting us by lunch tomorrow. That'll be great especially for Big Daddy. I look forward to seeing my family next weekend. My oldest daughter is going to her first Prom this Saturday. Take lots of pictures sweetie, i look forward to seeing them. We're going to take our first zero day tomorrow, I really need it physically. Hopefully the "leg" will heal completely with some rest. Looks like we'll probably end up around mile 360 or so before we have to leave the trail to do some real work for a week or so. Still not sure if I'll be back. Katahdin was never the "desire of my heart" to begin with. I know that my time out here has been very eye opening. I'm still seeking God's direction and I'm sure that He will give me a peace about what to do. At the present time the reasons for staying seem to be more selfish and macho than anything else. The only pressure at this point is self- imposed.Thanks again for all the emails and encouragement, you have all been more apart of this journey than you will ever know. I look forward to sharing more about the trip when the time is right. God has been so good in so many ways!Hello girls, I love you bunches! Look forward to talking with you soon. Keep your journals up to date, I can't wait to read them. Love, DadCalories today...2800..thanks hot springs restaurants!
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

Hot Springs to...Hot springs!0 miles today.Yea, a zero day! Tanya came up with the boys and brought me a surprise...my youngest daughter! How cool is that. We got to hang out all day. Drove back to Gatlinburg and went to Pigeon Forge, road an awesome ride at an amusement park (Gab's got the video with sound), and had a great supper at Calhoun's in G'burg. Heading back to Hot Springs tomorrow and probably back to the trail tomorrow afternoon. The rest has been good, but getting to see my daughter has been even better. Talk to you again tomorrow, Ipod.Hi Babe, miss you and the Rooster! Look forward to seeing you next Friday! Love me.Calories today...3400..thanks to Krispy Kreme and Calhouns.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Hot Springs to Spring Mtn Shelter...11 miles...281.7 total.Great to spend a little time with the Gabster friday and saturday. Thanks for coming sweetie, I love you. Tanya and the gang left about 1:15 and we hit the trail, in the rain, at 1:17. Of course the first thing we got to do was climb straight up about 1200 feet. Welcome back to the trail! We got in the 11 miles we had planned by 6:15 and are tenting on the side of a mtn. I feel good physically, thanks for all the prayers. By Friday we plan to be at mile 371.8...Carver's Gap...where I look forward to being picked up by my wife that i haven't seen in 27 days...if she still recognizes me. We may get a little farther but we'll just have to see. I'm looking forward to seeing friends and church family again. Corporate Worship...man I miss it! Praising God is great as an individual and the time to really connect out here is special but still there is the need to fellowship and worship together. We take so many things for granted each day...we always think we've got tomorrow. Have !you ever thought, "If I knew today was my last day, would I live it any differently?" If you have and the answer is yes, maybe we should go ahead and make some changes in our lives. Changes that would put our priorities where they need to be before it's too late.I know that's the way I want to live. To live a life that touches a lot of lives. To impact people for Jesus Christ. To glorify Him with the things I do and say. Time is short, God is good, let's get started...we can make a difference!Thank you all for your emails of encouragement, wisdom, and support. Most of all thank you for praying diligently for me. Know that God has used you in mighty way. As I was walking today, I was mulling over an email that Billy Mills sent me. Basically he told me to "listen". I spent my time in the woods today listening. What I sensed was God saying, "what did you come out here to find?...Have you got the answers you sought?...Is there any question that is bothering you...that you need to know the answer to before you can start doing the things I've already shown you". These are the questions that I am going to be praying and meditating on during the rest of this week, particularly "what do I do next". I ask that you join me and ask God to make things very clear for me. My love in Christ to all, Ipod.Hey girls, love you all and can't wait to see you on Friday. Know I'm praying for and thinking of you daily, love you, Dad.Calories today...2100   Mrs B...thanks for the cookies. Barrett the turkey jerky is great!
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

Spring mtn shelter to Jerry's cabin shelter...15.4 miles...297.1 total.What a great day! It will be difficult to try and tell you all that has happened today...but I'll try. First of all pls remember my prayer for the rest of this week that I stated at the end of yesterday's entry. As you are aware, if you've been following my journal, one of my questions to God has been...show me what you want me to do next. I fully believe that today He has done that. Here's what happened: I get up, get ready and hit the trail around 8:30. Big Daddy and I are making good time and have knocked out about 3.5 miles in no time. Then, while I'm minding my own business, it starts. We see a sign that says "trail majic, food, drinks, desserts, etc. pls stop by and see us". Are you kidding me? Of course we're going to check this out. What we encountered was more than we could have ever expected...physically and for me, spiritually. Jodie and John Nelson we're inviting hikers to their home, sitting them down at their table, and fixing them Belgian waffles for starters!, then for the second course, beef stew or in my case vegetarian chili, then to top it all off, 4 or 5 different kinds of desserts. It was unbelievable! As we talked and took pictures it became obvious that this was their mission field. They shared The Truth in a loving, non threating way and let each person come and or go as they pleased. As we talked I told them that I knew the Truth and I shared with them my journey on the trail. It was then that John excused himself and when he came back he said, "here's a book a want to give you. I hope it will help you on your journey". The book is "One thing you can't do in heaven" by Mark Cahill. I've aready read 90 pages tonight. The book is very insightful and practical. The one thing you can't do in heaven is...witness to a lost person! The book is very challenging. If we are truly Christians our primary focus has got to be spreading the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet. I'm not going to get into the nuts and bol!ts of the subject here, but it is very clear to me what I need to be doing and it is just as clear to me that the middle of the woods is not where I need to be concentrating. As I look back on my journey as a "Christian" so far I can only ask God to forgive my complacency. I am so glad that we serve a God of second chances. If you're reading this journal right now I want to ask you a very important question, "Do you know for sure where you are going to spend eternity?" Jesus says in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" If you'd like to talk with me or someone else about the subject pls email me and we'll get together.Finally hearing His tune, Ipod.Hello girls, I love you all. Look forward to seeing you soon, Dad.Calories today...2800...thanks john and jodie, you guys are the best!
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: moderate rain

Jerry's cabin shelter to Low Gap campsite...20.8 miles...317.9 total.Milestone day...we hit 300 miles! We had planned to only do about 14 or so but decided to go ahead and get a couple more miles under our belt so that the walk into Erwin on Wed. would be shorter. The middle of the hike was pretty tough...about 6 miles of pretty steep ups (about 1700 feet). All in all things went pretty well. Man I stink! I haven't had shower in 3 walking days. The only consolation is...so does every body else I'm around. I knew you all just couldn't wait to get that nugget of information. Well it's kind of late, about 9:30, so I'll say goodnight. Thanks for all your love and support, Ipod.Hey girls! Can't wait to see you all. I love you and miss you very much, Dad.Calories today...1900
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Erwin, Tenn
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Low Gap campsite to Erwin Tenn...20.8...total miles...338.7Back to back 20+ mile days. The "dogs" are barking! We had originally planned to do 14,15,and 13 into Erwin on Wed. But that would have been way to easy. So we decided to do two 20's and get here early and take azero day on wed. It'll seem like a good decision tomorrow I'm sure. Had some trail majic this morning...cupcakes and water by the trail. Thanks a bunch to whoever left it. The hike was pretty much the usual...up one mtn and down so that you could go back up again. At the end of the day we again prayed for a ride into town...no surprise that a very nice lady whose son had hiked the trail years earlier stopped to talk with us and gave us a ride. Thanks Sweetie, God bless you. God is good and He is in the little things as well as the big. Speaking of big things...We went to McDonalds after we had showered...I know what you're thinking..why McDonals. One reason...it was closest. Here's our order: 1big mac meal deal, 1 double qtr lber meal, 1 fish sandwich, 1 10 pc nugge!t, and 2 hamburgers. We washed it all down with about a gallon of sweet tea. All that for a measly 18$. Life is good! That's about all for now. Looking forward to seeing many of you this weekend. God bless you, Ipod.Hey babies I love you. see you soon. Hugs and kisses, DadCalories today...3200
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Erwin, Tenn

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I thought I'd bring everyone up to speed on my trip. If you've been following along it will come as no surprise to you that I've decided not to return to the trail this year. I really believe that God has something else for me to do right now. He's been clear that I really to be out among the people extending my hand, talking to folks, listening to them, and ultimatlely telling them about Jesus. I'll not only be doing this myself but will also begin a group study June 5th on witnessing using the book "One thng you can't do in Heaven" by Mark Cahill. Thanks to all of you that have been reading, following the journey, praying for me, and encouraging me along the way. I have been truly blessed by you. God has kept me strong physically and has kept me from any harm or danger. I've had the pleasure of meeting a number of good folks along the trail and will always take the memories and lessons learned with me. I hope that each of you reading this will find what you're looking for in life. It's most likely that you'll find it when you take your eyes of yourself and focus on the needs of others. May God draw you closer to Him than you've ever been before. Loving the Music, IPOD.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Erwin, Tenn

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1

For those of you who followed my 07 attempt to Thru Hike it will come as great suprise that I would ever be back on the trail again. I guess you just never know! Officially now a section hiker trying to get it done piece by piece, which is better than not getting to do it at all. Anyway, my wife along with Tanya (Big Daddy's much better half) dropped us off at the trail head after breakfast about 9:45 am. Not as emotional this time as the trip was scheduled to be much shorter. We are headed to Damascus and then back home to the real world for awhile. Still always hard to leave my family. They are the greatest. Without there prayerful support and encouragement I would certainly not have returned...thank you guys...I love you. Anyway, back on the trail, the welcome back was very easy for the first several miles and we made it to deep gap with plently of time to set up the tent, get a nice fire started, and have some supper. Some alone time is good...time to journal, I'm finishing up the "30 toughest days of your life" book with my boys small group back home. Time to reflect on God's word always brings conviction and hope for me. It's kind of funny how we, as men, are prone to never read the instruction manual on anything until we're stumped...isn't it the same way with God's word! We know it's there and we know "about" it. We just won't open it and actually dig into unless we just have to. All the answers, all the wisdom just waiting for us to experience. I am chief among "sinners". It's a good thing that God's love for me is not based on "my" works but rather His character. Oh well, turning in,over, whatever...I know I won't sleep much anyway. Until tomorrow, 'POD.Listening for the melody!
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Deep Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.2

interesting day! We got up and started walking about 9ish just before the rain started. If rained on and off pretty much all day. We went up about 1080 feet right out of the "tent". It didn't seem to bad at the time but would seem to take it's toll later in the day. about 4.3 miles in we stopped at Cherry Gap shelter to get in out of the rain for awhile. Had some food and drink and started to get a little chilled so we pulled out the sleeping bags and took a nice "warm" rest. About an hour later we decided to hit the trail again. The rain stopped shortly after at least long enough for us to get to the Hostel at Greasy Creek. What an experience! The truth is always stranger than fiction. From the "dripping" shower to the crazy 5am nutcase for a neighbor it's all just part of the experience. At least we got warm, dry, clean, and feed. Isn't that all you can really ask for anyway? Big climb day tomorrow, 'podman out.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Roan High Knolb Shelter
Miles today: 8.3

Low mileage day but spectacular views at Little Rock Knolb and lots of verticles. About 900 feet to LR Knolb then down to a gap of course then 1310 feet up to Ash Gap then another 925 up to the shelter. It took us 2 hours and 25 minutes to go the last 3 miles! Very windy and cold up here. Really looking forward to tomorrow and geetting to 19E and anohter hostel. Hello family, I love you and miss you all terribly. Steph, thanks for the note it was great! Just what I needed at the right time. It's cold and I'm tired so it's off to bed. IPOD.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Roan High Knolb Shelter

To: B & B Hostel
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

wow what a crazy day. Stated with hitting the trail at 7:30 and endedat 4:10 at the hostel. In between was just crazy. first of all I broke my tooth at 8:10 eating a pop tart of all things. It is very sensitive. I called ahead to the hostel and Mary was kind enough to get me a dentist appointment for 8:30am tomorrow. The hills today were not too bad but the weather made them seem much worse. The wind on the "knolbs" wasa justing to 60-60mp. It was blowing so hard that it blew me off the trail frequently. One time I acatually stopped and braced myself with my trekking poles to stay upright! Later it began to rain and ultimately hail as we were trying to get thru. The Hostel here is great! Mary & Terry are great and the accomodations are fabulous. Maybe we'll be able to keep going. We'll know more after the visit to the dentist. Hello to my family, love you guys, 'Pod.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Mountaineer shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got my tooth fixed! Thanks to Mary and Dr Dan. Mouth is still sore but all in all very good. The rest of me is...tired. Not sure why really but still the legs felt heavy today. No big ups or downs today. Thank God. Tomorrow we'll do 15.6 to Dennis Cove. Hopefully out early and good weather. Miss my girls, love you bunches, IPOD.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Mountaineer shelter

To: Dennis COve
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Feet really hurt today. Esp the right foot and rt toe. We were up and on the trail by 6:30 am and finished about 2pm. Staying at Laurel Fork Hostel. Got a ride into Hampton for some late lunch/ early supper. Looking forward to big climbs in the am...right! Well they'll be some big climbs anyway. I might as well look forward to them. It's easy to forget how lucky I am to be able to be out here and experiencing God's awesome creation. It's so nice to have the peace and quite, no phones, emails, deadlines,...If my family were just here with me it would be perfect. Ipod out!
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Dennis Cove

To: Vanderventer shelter
Miles today: 17.5

Had a great stay at he Laurel Fork Hostel. Finally a good nights sleep and lots of sweet tea and mountain dew! We start out today only planning to go 10.3 miles to Watagu lake shelter. We got there, had an early supper and decided about 5pm to move along. We ended up a Vanderventer shelter about 8:40pm. In the tent now-shelter is full. Some guy is really lighting it up (snoring!) It's even loud out here in the tent. Oh well, my feet are a lttle sore. Maybe we shoot for town tomorrow...if so then Damascus on Sunday. Great to talk to my wife tonight. I love you to all my girls and I miss you. 'Pod out!
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Vanderventer shelter

To: Va 421
Miles today: 17.9

Long Day. the feet(blisters) really made it difficult. Could have been worse. We did get picked up @421 by a wonderful lady named Robin. Thank you again. So many people just drove by. There's certainly a lesson in that! It doesn't matter how much you know or have until you're ready to give it away-especially to someone you don't know. I need to be more giving with all that God has blessed me with. Got a good meal, shower and bunkhouse. Looking forward to seeing the family in Damascus tomorrow. Love to all my girls, IPOD.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: 421

To: Damascus
Miles today: 14.8

Realatively non eventful hike into damascus. A little spring in my step knowing that this is my last day for a couple of weeks. At the same time it's always a little saddening to leave the Trail. It's really hard to describe what really goes on out here: The physicalness, the pain, the lonliness, the serenity, the sense of family. Everyone should give it at least 2 weeks. Anyway, it will be great to see my daughters again. My family is the greatest, love you all, 'POD.
Date: 2008-06-23
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Back on the trail again! This time hope to get to Pearisburg VA by the 4th of July. My wonderful wife again spent her day getting me to Damascus and ready to go. Thanks sweetheart, I love you. The weather today is awesome. A little foggy in the am but it burnt off by 9am. We hit the trail(Big Daddy and I of course)about 9am and finished up a lost mtn shelter about 4pm. A good days hike. Only a few very managable ups and lots of nice rolling hills and streams. Going much lighter this trip. Pack weight at 21 LBS down form 36 last trip. A major difference. Also using New Balance trail runners instead of boots. So far no regrets. Tomorrow we'll be doing Mt Rogers- up about 2100 feet from our prensent location. Should be fun. I still miss my family every time I do this. I love you all and appreciate you allowing me to have some time to myself. Yall are the best. Listening for the Melody, IPOD.
Date: 2008-06-24
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

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

What a day! We did the 2 highest peaks in Va. today back to back. We were going to stop at Thomas Knolb shleter(12.5 mi) but there was a boy scout troop there so at 4pm we decided to go the next 5+ miles to Wise. The rocks at the highlands were brutal on my feet. I stopped about 4.5 miles in and band aided up and also applied some duct tape to both heels. Helped but they both have blisters, the left one has already busted. A guess the new balance shoes aren't really for me. I probably only had a chance to get about 30 or so miles on them before getting back on the trail. Oh well, tomorrow we're going to Troutdale and probably a zero there. Got the chance to talk to my wife and youngest daughter...always good for me. My older daughter is at camp this week so I won't be able to talk to her for a couple more days. I miss you all. It's about hiker's midnight(8PM) now and i'm turning in. I need the rest. 'Til tomorrow, IPOD.