morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-09-05
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Round Bald
Miles today: 0.0

When Curly and I woke up the next morning, we were greeted by a beautiful breeze, blue skies and a bright sun. With daylight upon us, we saw that we had pitched our tent at the entrance to Yellow Mtn Gap...the side trail to Overmountain Shelter! So much for Force Flex's attention to detail!We cameled up, broke camp and took off for the shelter. Wow! What a beautiful site! Woody, I get why this shelter is one of your faves...it rose right to the top of ours. Curly and I definitely will be stopping by on our 2018 thru hike.So back we went in the direction of Carver's Gap, where we started the day before. With my original mileage plan blown out of the water, we just moved along, enjoying the day and not stressing over the miles. I'm not used to that kind of freedom, so this was a bit unusual, at least for me. We got back to the gap in early afternoon, and Curly wanted to stay the night on one of the balds for the sunset and sunrise. I figured we should hike to Roan High Knob Shelter, after all it is the highest shelter on the AT...gotta be great views there...right?Just shy of 2 miles later we reached the shelter, but the only views were ones not of panoramic skylines, but of black flies. Thousands of large, noisy, gross black flies. Not being sure of what attracted them to the shelter, and really not wanting to know, we turned around and headed back down Roan Mtn. Then back up to Round Bald for the third time in 2 days.There we pitched our tent, ate a hot meal, and snuggled into our sleeping bags as we awaited what would be a glorious sunset. Definitely an excellent plan B kind of day!
Date: 2016-09-06
From: Round Bald

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Extremely windy last night. Thought the tent was going to lift up and take us to Oz a couple of times. When we woke up, we were still on the Bald,and the sun was peeking over the mountains. I shook Curly and we crawled out of our warm cocoons and into the chilly new day. We snapped some pics to preserve the moment, ate a quick breakfast, and broke camp. 1 mile later, we were at our car. On the road and heading home by 830am, we were eating a nice breakfast in Asheville by 10. Hated to be finished so soon, but it was time to get back home and to our real lives. Less than 20 months till the real deal...but who is counting ?
Date: 2016-09-08
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The title of this entry is "one rant". I am not generally a fan of folks who complain in their journal entries,and a rant is normally a person complaining about something. I will try to make this positive...at least as positive as possible for a rant!This hike was the first time that Curly and I were in the midst of so many day hikers. Many of these hikers brought along their furry companions on the trail, and let me say, the dogs were for the most part very well mannered. I'm a dog lover, but I don't go out of my way to touch or pet other people's animals. So on this trail over this weekend, there were a fair number of dogs. But my rant is not about the dogs...the dogs are cool. The dogs are awesome.What isn't cool, and what I don't understand, is how in the world can owners NOT CLEAN UP after their dogs? Specifically, when a pooch pinches one directly on the trail, how is it possible that the owner can just keep on going without picking that thing up...or at least flicking it off the trail? Honest to goodness, if I saw one turd I saw a dozen one one tiny piece of trail, and most of them had shoe tracks in them.C'mon people, use some common sense and leave no trace...even your pets trace, please? I'm not asking you to pack it out, but please remember you aren't the only one hiking the trail, eh?
Date: 2016-10-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

In just about 18 months, I will begin a 7 month unpaid leave of absence to go do something crazy...at least to some. A crazy act that many TJ readers only dream about...a crazy act that others literally think is crazy! A crazy desire that would lead Curly and I to attempt a 2189 mile hike. And while some may think that 18 months is an eternity away, I can assure you that it most definitely is not! As Curly and I have drawn up, refined, tweaked and wordsmithed our AT check off list, every time I pick up the list and read it I get goosebumps from excitement and a twinge queasy from the anxiety of trying to check off the list.Fortunately for us, we've been saving for a long, long time and the finance part will not be an issue. We have a house sitter lined up and many people along the trail who will be incredible trail angels and provide great support. The gear is pretty much purchased, tested and good to go. Just a couple of tweaks here and there that are more about personal preference and comfort.Maintaining a reasonable level of fitness is probably the biggest issue, and as many of you know, it really doesn't matter how fit you are before you hit the trail, cause only hiking will get you into hiker shape. So in the long run, it now is a waiting game, one which we are ok with. Besides, we have the class of 2017 to go before us and to entertain us with their hiking exploits. It really is going to be a great 18 months!
Date: 2016-10-08
To: Main Street Hendersonville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

"Community" on the trail is a big deal. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, chances are pretty near 100% that you are going to run into other hikers. Curly and I love the social aspect of the AT...and so it is a special treat to communicate with and then meet hikers that are on Trail Journals.We had the joy of getting together with Woody and his precious wife Velma. After exchanging emails over the past couple of months, we agreed to meet and eat (naturally) in early October. It was a great time! Woody has spent way more time on the trail than us, so we got to pick his brain and enjoy one trail story after another. Children, grandchildren and common careers rounded out the day.I hope our paths cross again, certainly in 2018 if not sooner. Thanks Woody for a great time...we wish you well over the next year as you prepare for an epic adventure!
Date: 2016-10-15
To: Harmons, Jamaica
Miles today: 0.0

Sometimes a little break from the norm can be a very good thing!Curly and I recently traded the green forests for the lush green jungles. We have just returned from a week long missions trip to Harmons, Jamaica. No, Harmons is not on the coast...you can't get to it by cruise ship or by airplane. It is located 3 plus hours into the interior of the country from Montego Bay. Harmons is a small town without running water, paved roads, zero traffic lights and most homes don't even have bathrooms in the main living area. Unemployment is around 90%, and there is a three year waiting list for one of the homes that our group built while we were there.The blessings in the week were found in the wonderful friendships made. Sharing the love of Christ with beautiful people welcoming us into their homes and hearts. Our group was able to not only build 2 houses, but we also had book fairs, soccer camps, block parties, and much more. Hard work, great friendships, and at the end of the week, Curly got her hike in up the mountain! I went last year, didn't feel the need to repeat!Back home, we are again reminded of just how much we have, and just how little we need...not unlike what many thru hikers discover for themselves. And now, back to the woods!
Date: 2016-10-27
From: Home

To: Table Rock State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It has been a challenge to find extended times to get out of town and into the woods. Curly Turtle and I have opted to take whatever moments we have, and as a result, we have done more over nighters than multiple day/night trips in 2016. Upside to that is you can be more spontaneous...down side is that your pack needs to be ready to go any time, any where. It's more of a challenge for me, because I thrive in a planned, structured setting. That's not how Curly rolls...so, you get the idea!We both had Thursday/Friday off, so we decided to head to Table Rock State Park. Just as an aside, there are great trails in South Carolina, particularly in the north west section of the state. Table Rock is one example. It is the eastern terminus of the Foothills Trail, and has multiple other trails within the parks boundaries. Great for day hikes, or like us, we simply hike out of the park boundary and on to the Foothills Trail, where camping is allowed.Our plan this time was to hike the Pinnacle Mtn Trail which follows the Foothills Trail, and hike up to the top, something we hadn't done yet. Then back down, hike off state park property and set up camp for the night. As usual, we got off to our usual late start and did our hiker sign in at the park visitor center around noon. Skies were overcast and temps in the low 70s, not bad weather, a bit warm, but not oppressive. Water sources were pretty much dried up which we anticipated, so we took 5 liters of water between us for this 1 night trip.We lollygagged for most of the afternoon, taking breaks and chatting with the handful of day hikers that were out. Views were minimal because of the cloud cover and lack of sun, but the elevation change was quick and for legs that hadn't been out in almost 2 months, it was a great workout! We finally reached the intersection of the Foothills and last leg of Pinnacle Mtn, and up we went. I don't think too many people visit the summit of Pinnacle Mtn...the trail is not used, lots of overgrowth, and few markings. It's a steep ascent and we were told by a couple we had met that the view was underwhelming. We finally reached the top and the view was indeed underwhelming, but hikers also understand that a goal achieved is still a satisfying moment...so satisfied, we were.Curly Turtle and I came down the mountain and back on to the trail. Hiking west we quickly came upon a camp site that was off state park property, and being that it was late in the day, we set up camp for the night. The night was a mild mid 50's, perfect sleeping weather with a light breeze passing thru. A screech owl nearby serenaded us after dark, along with the other night time sounds of the forest. First nights in the woods are always a bit restless, but always preferred to any other place.
Date: 2016-10-28
From: Table Rock State Park

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Because we have yet to "fall back", daylight doesn't come to the woods until 730 or so...which makes breaking camp interesting. I'm an early riser, Curly Turtle not so much. So when I checked my watch this morning for about the fifth time, and it was 645am and still pitch black, I'd had enough. My old tired bones can't lay on a sleeping pad that long! Got dressed and started boiling water for coffee. It was a nice morning, not cold, just right. Woke up my tent mate with a hot cup of tea and snacked on a protein bar for breakfast.   Camp chores took up the next hour and we were on our way back down the mountain around 8am.Returning the way we came yesterday, our views at Bald Knob were spectacular! Panoramic and clear as a bell, it was a great way to end our little adventure. With fewer hikers out that early, both of us talked very little and simply enjoyed the morning. With our thoughts to ourselves, the miles back were mostly downhill and flew by. As we came off the trail around 1030am, the park was swiftly filling up. Our personal time was at an end, and that is always bittersweet. Glad to have had the time in the woods, but glad to be resuming life, no matter how chaotic it may be. It is always good to take the time and just go for a hike, and even better when you finish and are hungering for more. It inspires us for the next adventure!
Date: 2016-11-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

As much as I dislike traveling over Thanksgiving (visualize I-95 parking lot), Curly Turtle and I decided that this year we would find a nice mountain home relatively close to our kids who live in Virginia, and oh yeah, by the way, something conveniently located to the AT! We scored a place outside of Luray with amazing views, a cozy fireplace, and only a three quarter mile road walk to the trail, about at the halfway point in Shenandoah National Park.It only stands to reason then that on the day before Thanksgiving, we would take a little hike northbound on the trail with our awesome kids and a gorgeous fall day. With a crisp 45 degrees and a slight wind to motivate us, we struck out on our little adventure. As always, we began going "up", but elevation was slight, and with only a day pack, it was a walk that warmed us up in body and spirit. With the trees bare and the leaves crunching beneath our feet, we followed a service road to the magical intersection where the trail crossed. It never ceases to amaze me as to how special it satisfies my heart to see those white blazes after an extended period of time. We headed north with the sun on our left shoulders and the trail calling us to move on.We did not have a map or guide with, just followed the blazes and after an hour or so, came to Blackrock summit just outside of Big Meadows. The views were stunning, as farms and homes dotted the countryside below, and the sun rays pierced the now bare trees with its warmth and light. We moved on and quickly came upon Big Meadows Lodge, now closed for the winter. I've read in other journals how docile the deer are in this area, and it is certainly true. As we cut through the area to check out Big Meadows, we were greeted by a doe who, rather than bolt upon seeing us, hung with us and allowed Curly to take a few pictures. We ascended to the Lodge area and were greeted by Russell, a maintenance employee and historian of this section of the park. In the short time we spent with Russell, he shared wonderful stories of his life growing up in this area and the incredible lifestyle of the people of the Shenandoah Park!With a view to get home, we said our goodbyes, and headed back the way we came, grateful for the opportunity once again to hike a small portion of this amazing trail, and whetting our appetite for our 2018 adventure. On Friday we will head south and see what the trail has to show us on what for many is their own personal Black Friday adventure to malls and stores. We, however will "opt outside".
Date: 2016-11-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After a great Thanksgiving Day with loved ones, and trying to stave off a tryptophane coma, I rousted Curly out of her warm sack early this morning (by her standards) and we headed out for our Black Friday hike. It was literally black when we headed out at 630am, the morning light had not made it over to the western side of the mountain where we are staying, but there was just enough as we road walked to our destination.With only a few hours to spare we hit the intersection where the service road met the AT around 7am and taking a right turn, we proceeded south bound. The weather was a balmy 50 degrees and there was a lot of cloud cover as we headed into the forest. I think we enjoyed probably the easiest terrain ever of all the sections we have hiked on the AT...flat, plenty of duff to make our footfalls quiet and except for the crunching of leaves, absolute solitude!We hiked in silence, awed by the beauty surrounding us. Massive trees surrounded by tall grass that appeared to be matted down everywhere we looked. It was eerily strange and we could only wonder about what and how what we were seeing came to be. Approaching our turnaround point, we stopped for breakfast...fruit and home made jerky. Yes, a Curly is on a dehydrated food kick, so we are trying out all kinds of new recipes.Sadly, we turned around and headed back to our lodging, glad for the opportunity to be outdoors, sad to be saying good bye to SNP for now. On our return trek, we were greeted a hiker headed to Springer..one of the few SOBO's left! "Flash" is running a bit behind, but started in Maine and plans on finishing at Springer. We wished him well and wrapped up our own days hike, looking forward to our return in the spring of 2017, when we will hike the entire park! Now that we've tasted the Blue Ridge Mountains, we can't wait for our return encore.
Date: 2016-12-31
To: Harbison State Forest
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Like all of you, I am amazed at the speed of which 2016 moved. Can you remember when turning 16 to get your drivers license couldn't arrive quick enough? Or that 21st birthday seemed a lifetime away, and now, where has it (and the time) gone? Yes, the years move swiftly, but I embrace that, and hope you do as well.Curly and I have 2 traditions we love to participate in during this time of year. The first is to do our Christmas "clean up" and put the house in order at the end of each year. No lingering and hoping that someone else will do it...that was yesterday. And on the last day of the year, or first of the new, depending on circumstances, we like to go on a hike. So therapeutic and a great way to shake off the cobwebs after a hectic and fattening Christmas season.Bundling up early this morning, we headed out to Harbison State Forest in Columbia for a short 4.5 mile easy hike. Overcast, a bit gloomy, but not too cold, we simply enjoyed the time outside. The views were not spectacular, and the birds were not singing. But...my heart was filled with joy at having the time and the means to be out doing something I love, with the one I love the most.As we look ahead to 2017, we approach the new year with hope and excitement. After all, New Years bring about new beginnings, fresh starts, and "do-overs". For us, 2017 means one year closer to our thru hike in '18, and planned hikes in Shenandoah NP as well as Vermont. Maybe some sections of the Foothills Trail as well. We look forward to the birth of our second grandchild in late March, and who knows what else the Lord has in store for us? Whatever it may be, we welcome it.Best wishes and happy New Year to all of you, and especially to the thru hikers of 2017. I can't wait to follow your adventures this coming year!
Date: 2017-01-20
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I love to read in general. And I really love to read about hikers and hiking. In another post sometime down the road, I may share my hiking reading list, it has certainly become pretty extensive. But you are wondering, "what does reading pleasure have to do with why you hike?" Fair question, I have read "Appalachian Trials" by Zachary Davis multiple times. He encourages hikers to make different types of lists, one of which is why they want to hike the AT. Many journals on TJ share their varied reasons. I like that...it gives us readers some insights into people's souls, make the connection a little more familiar. Rather than me writing out 10 reasons why I want to hike the AT, I'll just share one reason why I hike period. It might get a bit long and a bit preachy, so if you hang in there, you have been forewarned!I was raised in the outdoors of Michigan. Family vacations were camping in the state parks, first in a tent, then a pull behind, and eventually my parents bought a cabin in the woods of northern MI. I hunted, fished and played in the woods year round. Then 20 years on active duty, with pretty much all of that being outdoors. My wife Curly Turtle and I would day hike occasionally and as our family grew up, we camped a little also, but our kids didn't enjoy the experience as much as we did, so we did other things. Once they grew up and moved on, we re-engaged with our love for the outdoors and the joy of being outside in the midst of Gods great creation has flourished, particularly over the last 4 years or so. Which brings me to why I hike, and especially why I love long distance backpacking.Hiking draws me close to God. It is more than simply a "spiritual experience", it is an intimate one. The beauty of the woods causes me to marvel at Gods creative majesty. Hiking in the Whites with horrible weather raging humbles me as I sense His power. Laying in our tent and being woken up in the middle of the night by owls talking to one another gives me pause and reminds me that even in the solitude, I'm not alone. Hiking is just not spiritual for me, it is highly relational and energizing. It is awe inspiring. The first sentence in the Bible says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" Genesis 1:1...for me, a walk in the woods leads me to conclude this declaration is very much true.There are other reasons why I hike, but drawing close in a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe eclipses all the others. And I simply cannot wait to experience that on what hopefully will be a deeper level when we take our own walk in the woods in 2018!
Date: 2017-02-11
To: Saluda, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

How crazy is it that it's not even mid February and we are enjoying 70+ degree weather in the Carolinas? I know, I know, don't rub it in, and I'll do my best to be sympathetic to the rest of the country currently under siege!So Curly and I hit the trail outside of Saluda, NC with our good friends the Cosby's, and all props to Staci for planning this incredible day. We headed out first thing Saturday morning and in less than 2 hours were at the trail head. Let me tell you, this trail follows the Green River, first you are hiking alongside the river, only to face an upward climb and suddenly the river is way below. The views were spectacular on this 3.5 mile one way, 7 miles total hike. It was such a beautiful day and we had all of it to enjoy...so much so that for once, I felt no need to race down the trail.Plenty of folks had the same idea, so the trail was busy, but not in a bad way. The sun found its way through the bare trees, and with many of the trees being faked out by what they think is an early spring, buds are beginning to appear. The forest floor was blanketed in young ferns popping their heads out from the leafy blanket above them, and with new pine trees just appearing, it was obvious that winter was on the decline and spring on the ascendancy!We hit the end of the trail at a beautiful outcropping of rocks, and ate our lunch. We were entertained by the many whitewater kayakers passing down stream...these guys were amazing! Paddling over waterfalls and maneuvering around huge boulders, it was like having a front row seat to the X games...it was an outrageous day.After lunch, the four of us turned around and made our way back to the vehicle, looking forward to our visit into the little mountain town of Saluda. I am sorry that we hadn't visited sooner, such a quaint, laid back place. We hit town in large afternoon and meandered through the shops...did you know the oldest general store still operating is in Saluda? What a trip.Yes, we ate dinner there at a delicious BBQ joint. Then topped it off with ice cream. No, we aren't thru hikers yet, but we certainly are like it! Sadly, all good things must end, but the day only whetted our appetite further for next years thru hike, and better yet, reminded us how precious it is to be in the forest taking a hike with people you love. Thanks Staci and Ben for a great day...can't wait to go back in the summer with you guys for a little tubing.