morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-07-23
From: US 201 Caratunk

To: Bald Mountain Rd
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

God planted blueberries on top of the mountains here in Maine to honor Angie Kleinau. Yep, it's true! I saw 'em, in fact, I ate some of 'em! Today as I hiked across the tops of these Maine mountains, for the first time I saw ripe wild blueberries. I couldn't help but stop several times to pick some and eat them. Some kinda good!For those of you who are following my journal that are not from my hometown of Murfreesboro, TN, Angie Kleinau is the co-founder of Special Kids to which I've dedicated my hike. Angie is one of the sweetest ladies I know, and she operates a blueberry farm in Murfreesboro. No one goes to that place without being blessed by Angie and the wonderful blueberries. If you'd like to know more about Special Kids or how you can contribute to my fundraiser, you can find that info at specialkidstn.com.The hike today started out as a continuation of yesterday. The trail was very walkable for the first 5 miles or so before heading up Pleasant Pond Mountain. The climb was not too bad, and even the second mountain, Moxie Bald was not too tough either. The problem came just as I summitted Moxie, a thunderstorm moved in. I hurried to get down off the mountain, but the rain made the rocks slick, which in turn made the pace slow. The thunder boomed all around, but it didn't seem that the lightning was too close. I was thankful for that. I hustled to the rendezvous point where Buddy (the shuttle driver) met me with a smile and a towel. As I've said before, I really don't mind hiking in the rain, that's just part of it, but I hate camping in the rain! I'm very, very thankful for a hot shower and a dry bed tonight as it continues to rain outside. Another big day tomorrow, so I'm hitting the sack!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-07-24
From: Bald Mountain Rd

To: Big Wilson Stream
Miles today: 24.0

Today was a drop-dead glorious day! High temp was in the low 70s with low humidity and crystal blue skies. I cruised through the morning hike and had done14 miles by lunch. This morning I experienced fording a stream for the first time. Prior to today I had always rock-hopped. The two rivers today required that I stop, take off my boots and socks, put my crocs on, and then after wading the river put my gear back on. Not a big deal, just a little time consuming. After lunch I put in another 10, but this area was quite a bit harder. This afternoon there were a lot of rocks and roots with continuous ups and downs. Nothing real big just nothing level. As the afternoon wore on, I got tired and had to remind myself to pick my feet up. Late in the afternoon, I came to a large stream crossing and there on the other side sat Problem Bear. I hadn't seen him in several days and it did me good to see him again. It was the "shot in the arm" I needed this afternoon. He is pretty amazing. He started in Key West, Florida and is going over Katahdin to the Canadian border. He is my age but continues to call me "young fellow". Yesterday I got the official word that my daughter, Kady, is coming out to summit Katahdin with me. I am thrilled! We had talked about doing it together, but I wasn't sure her schedule was going to allow it. I am so thankful that Bean and Kady are going to be here. Lord willing and weather permitting, Kady and I are planning to go up Katahdin next Thursday, July 31st. In order to make that happen, I need to finish the 100 miles I have left. It is certainly doable, but injury and weather are always deal breakers. I'm going to trust that the God who brought me this far will get me up that mountain. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-07-25
From: Big Wilson Stream

To: Katahdin Ironworks Rd
Miles today: 20.0

I know it's not a great picture, but I hope the message is clear! Today as my hike was ending I crossed the 2100 mile mark. Each time on my hike that I reached a hundred mile mark I've noted it in my journal with a picture. This is the last one. There is no 2200! (If there were there might be one less thru-hiker.) 2100 miles! I'm not sure if I really knew when I started that I'd reach that. I hoped I would, but today it became a reality!I want the picture to depict the thankfulness I have first of all to God. He has given me the desire and health to take this journey through His creation. Then to my dear wife and family. They have sacrificed much for me to make this trip. Then to the four elders at New Heights Chapel who carried my load while I was gone. Then to my business partner, employees, and staff (who probably want me to stay gone). Also others who have "covered the bases" while I've been away. Thanks!Today the hike was a continuous up and down. I think there were a total of ten peaks of varying heights and difficulty. Some of the climbs reminded me of the Whites! Not as long, but just as hard. I guess the AT designers don't want us to forget that this is the AT and not the Greenway trail in the city park! Anyway, I managed to get the 20 miles done with aching knees and all. My hike lasted over 11 hours, so I was glad to see my shuttle at the end. I'm staying tonight for the last night in Monson. Tomorrow morning I will head back to the AT in the 100 mile wilderness and will be camping for the next 3 or 4 nights. I doubt if there will be any cell coverage out there, so it will be a few days before I will be able to journal again. The end is drawing near, but there is still work to do. My daughter Kady ran the 400 meter sprint in college. The last 50 meters is the hardest! You are almost done, your almost out of strength, but you want to finish strong! Kady, that's how I feel!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-07-26
From: Katahdin Ironworks Rd

To: Cooper Brook Campsite
Miles today: 23.0

Today was a day to remember as far as my hike goes. The thing that makes today unique is that I climbed the last major mountain on the AT until Katahdin. My knees really like the sound of that! White Cap Mountain is the last big mountain and also the first mountain from which you can see Katahdin. It was a little hazy, but you could make out the outline of the big mountain some 60 miles away. At the end of my day I met Buddy, the shuttle driver, on a logging road. He brought my gear, so I'll have a little heavier load from here on in. Not having a full pack has really saved my knees, and made it possible to keep hiking. Now that the mountains are behind us, I think the knees can handle the flat stuff.Tonight I am camped beside Cooper Brook. I set up my tent, quickly threw all my gear inside, and zipped the door closed. The mosquitos have been bad today, and here by the water they are real bad. I decided to forgo a hot meal in lieu of not getting eaten alive, and just ate a peanut butter tortilla inside my tent. Sounds scrumptious doesn't it? It fills the tummy! The sound of the running water and the crickets is making me sleepy (although hiking 23 miles might have some affect to), some I'm going to close my eyes. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-07-27
From: Cooper Brook Campsite

To: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To
Miles today: 24.0

This morning I was "up and at it" early. Guess what? So were the Mosquitos! Maine has some serious mosquitos! Today the trail began about as easy as it has been since Vermont. It stayed that way for about 10 miles and then became a little tougher with roots and rocks. I had hiked 10 by 10:00. I hadn't done that for quite a while. It was good to have my full pack back, and my knees seem to handle it just fine. About 3:00 this afternoon a thunderstorm moved in and so I hiked the last 5 miles in the rain. Tonight is the last night I plan to be in my tent. Lord willing, I plan to be in Millinocket tomorrow night. For that to happen I need to hike 22 miles tomorrow through some pretty nasty stuff. I understand that there are some real muddy sections tomorrow, and with today's rain it might be a mess. That's okay, so close to the end, I think I can smile through anything! Later on . . .
Date: 2014-07-28
From: Wadleigh Stream Lean-To

To: Abdol Bridge
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Packing up a wet tent ain't fun! My pack seemed like it must have weighed 50 pounds! (It didn't) Everything in my pack, well not everything, but lots of things in my pack were still wet from yesterday's rain. This morning starting out I climbed the only real mountain of the day, and it was not huge, only about a 1000 foot climb. I think my mind tells my legs that they're supposed to be tired and then my legs get tired. Anyway, it wore me out early! I got a second wind, and kept hiking. Early this afternoon I came on a couple of girl hikers taking a break on the trail. I asked if they were SOBO (Southbound thru-hikers) they said no they were NOBOs. Then we recognized each other. It was One a Day and Fun Size. I had not seen them since Hot Springs, NC. We had a fun reunion, ate lunch together by Rainbow Lake, hiked some together this afternoon in a pouring rain, and said goodbye when they stopped at a shelter. They plan to summit on Wednesday or Thursday, so I may see them again. Anyway, it was great to see them on the trail after such a long time!I must be close to the end! Today I turned to the last page of my trail guide. When a hiker has no more pages on his trail guide, it must mean he's done. So, I'm almost done. A short 10 miles tomorrow and summit on Thursday with Kady is the plan, Lord willing. I just keep praying for good weather for Thursday. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-07-29
From: Abdol Bridge

To: Baxter State Park Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Once again the AT surprised me today. I guess I would have been disappointed if it had been any different. Last night I stayed at the AT Lodge in Millinocket. They have a cafe with the lodge, but it is a block away from the hostel. This morning I walked down and Headbanger was having breakfast so I joined him. He summitted yesterday and told me all about it. When I told him I was doing the 10 miles leading to the park he said it would be no problem. "Easy sailing", he said. I should have known better! The trail started off easy, real easy. I mean almost sidewalk easy! This went on for a couple miles and even when it changed it was still relatively easy. The guide said there were two streams that, "You may need to ford." Okay, no problem. Well, the problem was they had 3" of rain last night at Katahdin (a ranger later told me). When I got to the first possible ford, it was a raging torrent. "There ain't no way!" (Pardon the English.) I walked up and down looking for a place to cross. I even started across once and went back. There was a blue blaze bypass trail, but I haven't taken a blue blaze trail on the entire hike. I prayed, " Lord, I sure don't want to take that bypass. Please show me a way." I had no sooner prayed those words when I saw a 10'-12' waterfall with a lot of debris at the top. After studying the trees and limbs that had collected I decided that it was a doable option, and since I was at peace in my heart after my prayer, I said, "Let's do it! I'm stepping out of the boat (i.e. Peter & Jesus)." There was even a 6"-8" log about 3' above the water that reached the other bank. I crawled across the debris and used the log as a handrail to reach the other side! When I got there all I could say was, "Thank you Lord!" The second ford was nearly as hard but there were rocks I could use. So much for "Easy sailing". That might have been the most nerve wracking experience on the whole hike! After that I cruised on into the park. I've now hiked 2,180 miles with 5.2 more to go. Tonight I am at the Baxter Park Inn hotel where Kady and Bean will drive to tomorrow. I continue to pray for good weather for Thursday, and a successful summit of Katahdin. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-07-30
From: Baxter State Park Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Baxter Park Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It ain't over 'til it's over! Yogi said it and he's right! I've got 5.2 miles to go and Lord willing I will start on that early tomorrow morning. Kady and Bean arrived here at the hotel a couple hours ago, and after a delicious lunch we are back at the hotel. Kady and Bean are both napping since they started this morning about 4:00 AM. I am full of anticipation and can hardly wait to put my hands on that sacred sign at the top of Katahdin. We plan to leave here in the morning about 5:00 so we can get an early start on our hike. We continue to pray for good weather and the forecast says no rain until late tomorrow afternoon. We'll leave that in God's hands and accept what He brings. Lord willing, the next time I write this journal I will be a Thru-Hiker!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-07-31
From: Baxter Park Inn

To: Katahdin Peak
Miles today: 5.0

IT IS DONE! I am a thru-hiker! Today was the day that I walked up Katahdin. The culmination of a dream! It has not soaked in yet that I've really completed the Appalachian Trail. As I sit here in the hotel in Bangor, planning to fly home to Tennessee tomorrow, my heart is full of many emotions. The strongest one is thankfulness. I am thankful to a God who created me and redeemed me. I am thankful that through all the struggles of the last 4 1/2 months Bean has been my greatest support and encouragement. Then, I am thankful for so many more of you. Honestly, I am tired! I'm going to end this entry now and sleep. Tomorrow I will be better at expressing all my thoughts soLater on . . .
From: The Arch

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived at the lodge. Have had dinner and I am sitting here doing the unthinkable. A final pack shake down. Yes, I have managed to carve out another few ounces. I met Tank and his wife Abby earlier at dinner and Tank is doing the same thing. Made me feel better too. I will try and post a pic of the gear. No promises. I plan to start at the arch at 8:30, and as would be fitting for the first day, I get to start out in the rain. My plan is to shoot for Stover Creek Shelter so we'll see how it turns out. Very excited, normal butterflies, but well prepared.
Date: 2014-01-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Wow, it looks like I'm really going to do this, "again". I had shared in my last entry from 2010 that after leaving the trail it was all I could think about, and that I knew I would some day return. I could not have imagined all that would come to pass in my life in the next four years but it's safe to say that God knew, and that He also knew I would need this more now than I did in 2010. I am excited to take this step of faith, but equally apprehensive. In some ways I know what is waiting for me out there, but in others I have no clue. If there has ever been a time in my life when I needed a long walk to sort things out it is now. I have seen the best, and the worst, that mankind has to offer each other, and it has left me veiwing the world around me as broken and empty. I want to believe again that there is more good than bad in the world, and that justice still finds it's way to the surface in time. I know that out there on the Trail, some where, there is something for me. It's hard to explain, but many of you know what I'm trying to say. I can only hope that my mind and my heart will be open when the time comes.I have done as I said I would before and have tunred in my resignation at work. That actually went better than I had imagined and I am at peace with my decision. No job means no schedule! The job nagged on my spirit every day in 2010 when I was so far behind from the weather, so I decided to remove that from the equation. I love what I do and I am so blessed to have a vocation that is my vacation as well.In 2010 almost everyone thought I had lost my mind, but this year almost everyone sees that this will be a good thing for me. I think my hike in 2010 showed all my family and friends that the Trail is a wonderful place and has much to offer the "Searching Soul". Many people who followed along on Trail Journals realized that they too would love to just walk away and take some time off. Most didn't want to tackle the AT but all had something that they had secretly wanted to do, if they just had the time. After all, it's still about "Dream a Little Dream". It helps keep us grounded to have a future that includes some things "we" want to do. Now, I just have to figure out how to use Trail Jounals again. "He went out, not knowing where he was going"
Date: 2014-01-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

I have weeded through my gear many times in the last few weeks trying to lighten my base weight. I have cut many corners, and have started a pile of "maybe" items, sadly all of which will add weight, but each represents some form of comfort or necessity. Or at least in my mind they do. So the battle of pack weight continues. I am a far cry from my original starting weight in 2010 of a painful 44 lbs, so progress has been made. That was with 5 days food and water too. Much has been learned "Grasshopper", trust me. Many of you will not know what that means, sorry!!!As of last night my base pack weigh is at 16 lbs 11 ozs. There are a few little odds and ends to add but I should still end up below 20lbs. That is my goal, less than 20 lbs base weight with everything but food and water. Will keep you posted on that little project. Every ounce matters, trust me.Things at work are continuing down the same path for now. Lots of questions from everyone. Mostly people are just curious, but some are genuinely interrested, or as it would be, "concerned about you man", "are you okay?". Rumors have started as well and I have heard everything from going to work for the compitition, to going to China to become a missionary. Both good options I'm sure, but neither are true at this point. When I tell people I have no plan, no job to go to, and that I have no idea where I will land, they just stare back at me for a moment. I love that moment too, because people just can not imagine "not having a job" even for one day. "Really, your not going to work anywhere?". I just smile and say "nope". Thats southern for "no" by the way."He went out, not knowing where he was going"
Date: 2014-02-19
To: Still at home
Miles today: 0.0

A short day hike in The Smokies to get the juices flowing. It was an absolutely perfect day for a short hike. New Found Gap to Icewater Spring shelter and back. Met a section hiker at the shelter and talked for a while.Sometimes you just need a nice walk in the woods to clear your mind. I think 2180 miles will be just what the doctor ordered.
Date: 2014-03-01
To: Mexico
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good morning ya'll. Just practicing on the smart phone before I head out to the trail. Got to get the thumbs loosened up.Will be out of the country for a week, then a few last minute things and its off to the Trail. I am starting to get excited about the journey and also trying to make a few last minute gear decisions. You know, which bag 25 degree or 0 degree to start with. I sleep cold so tuff decision. Aqua Mira or filter? Or both? I think both. The usual mental torment before you hit the Trail. So share your thoughts and I'll make my final decisions when I get home.I should have some great fishing pictures and "lies" to share as well. See ya up the trail. Good luck tomorrow Make Time and Walks Softly as you guys start your hike.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 31.7

Sorry for no entries but no one has had service. Arrived at Neels Gap at about 1 pm right on schedule. Picked up food drop and headed for a cabin 5 of us plan to share. Showers and laundry in the plan, then to Blairsville for AYCE (all you can eat) buffet. To recap, started at the Arch at Amicalola Falls in the rain, didn't really want to start in the rain, but still managed to make Stover Creek Shelter by 4pm, 11.6 mile. I was exhausted. Made dinner and got in my bag at 6pm. 14 hours later I got out of it. It was 19 degrees the next morning. Pushed to Gooch Gap Shelter on day two, 13 miles. Really tired and sore. Made dinner, sat arount the fire and had a great time. Day 3 was sort day only 8.5 miles. No bear canister so I stopped at Lance Creek and tented. Was still nice like day 2 so again we had a great time around the fire. Day 4 was 7.5 miles to Neels Gap where I am no. Bllod Mountain was "tufffff"! Just saying. Will try to do better with the journal. No internet means no journal. Will load some pictures in a few, got to go get my laundry out of the dryer.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Neels Gap

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 37.9

First, the last 4 days have been wet, cold, and tuff. The phone died in the rain on the 16th. Went to Hiawassee to dry out and clean up on the 17th. Visited the Verizon store while there, water ran out of the phone on the counter when they took it apart. The phone has spent the last two days disassemble in a bag of rice inside my pack. It now seems to be working just fine. To much to try and write to catch up. You'll just have to read the book someday. Lets just repeat wet, cold and tuff. But still smiling and having a great time.Will try to do better with updates and photos but no service means no updates. I'm able to tx when I cant post on the journal so if anyone needs a check in just tx me.I loaded a couple pic's so check'em out.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

The stars have all lined up and there is Internet here at the shelter tonight. Sweet.We left the Hampton Inn this morning at 7 am with a free ride back to Winding Stair Gap from Marilyn Crawford. Thanks so much, that was awesome. We started hiking about 7:20 and 11 miles later we arrived at our destination for tonight. It was a beautiful day. A tough day but with crystal blue skies. We had some long climbs but we reached the shelter by 2 pm. That's with a long nap at the tower at Wayah Bald. It was just to nice not to rest in the sunshine. Now we have a great fire, we are all fed, and the bear bags are hung. Pretty sweet day on the AT!!!
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: snow

What an amazing day. Woke this morning to a few inches of snow. It was pretty cold but we all cooked breakfast and packed up and headed out. We walked in snow all day. As we were starting out of Telico Gap it started snowing lightly. By the time we got to the tower on top of Wesser Bald it was really coming down.Some of the hardy people decided to climb the tower but Mack and I headed for the shelter. It was snowing so hard the trail was being covered as we walked. You could hardly see the tracks of the people who went before us.Mack and I arrived at the shelter and it was empty. Perfect, we have 7 in the caravan today. We have all eat'en, and are now in our bags. It's gonna be a tough night. Very cold.No pain, no Maine!!!
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

It was 17 degrees this morning at Wesser Shelter when we all managed to get out of our sleeping bags. It's hard to leave a warm 0 degree bag, trust me, but we got up anyway. Cooked breakfast with fresh water that AYCE went and got. All our other water was frozen solid. It was hard to pack up with numb fingers and even harder to put those ice blocks called boots on your feet.We hiked in about 6 inches of snow up on the mountain but as we worked our way further down the snow faded away. We had several good views of Clingman's Dome as we hiked. It was completely covered in snow, and the Smokies looked "snowy"!When we arrived at NOC we checked in at the Country Store for our cabin, then went across the street for some burgers and fries. Awesome!!! After that we visited the Outfitter and picked up our food drops then headed for the cabin. We are fed, clean, warm and dry. Life is good on the AT. We will be entering the Smokies on the 30th. Hope Mother Nature is kind to us.New pics posted as well.