morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-30
From: TN 91

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Rescue #1 dropped us off at TN 91 and we began our hike on the half mile handicap AT trail through the old Osborne Farm and current cow pasture. Very nice hike as long as you're watching your step. The cows paid no attention to us at all. As usual, the transition from open trail to the dark green tunnel was difficult but today the humidity was extreme so the shade helped. Still finding very few hikers on the trail but today as we approached McQueens Knob we met two trail volunteers who had cleaned Abingdon Gap Shelter and were packing out trash. Great folks! They warned us that the old abandoned shelter we'll see on the way is not Abingdon. Crazy Legs and I continued past an old stone wall and the site of McQueens Knob fire tower which is gone with the exception of a concrete base. Enjoyed seeing the old log shelter. Very small and drafty looking. Wonder if Grandma Gatewood stayed there.Abingdon Gap Shelter was good but there is a leak on the left side and we just happened to have a gully washer thunder storm during the night. We stayed dry but beware if you stay there.
Date: 2013-08-31
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

Woke early this morning to a thunderstorm. Thankful I was in the shelter and wouldn't have to carry a wet tent. The hike to Damascus was hot and humid. The highlight for me was the Virginia/Tennessee border. Virginia threw three big light shows to welcome us. The first and second were thunderstorms as we hiked down the steep trail into Damascus. That welcome we could have done without. Rescue saved us from a watery grave by picking us up at the edge of town. After I dried off and changed clothes we met Crazy Legs at the Blue Blaze Cafe for lunch. After lunch, I went back to where Rescue had rescued us from the rain and hiked the rest of the AT through town. Damascus is a nice little town but I realized that its not just a hiking town but a biking town. Lots of folks with a mud stripe up their backs from biking the wet Virginia Creeper Trail that runs through town. The third light show was a fireworks display in the town park. One of the best shows I've seen and a perfect end to the day.
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

We followed the AT out of Damascus, across US 58 and into the Mt Rogers National Recreation Area to begin our 900' climb to Cuckoo Knob. After the descent from Cuckoo Knob we reached the AT detour around a washed out footbridge and were directed to use the Beech Grove and the Virginia Creeper Trails. The detour was very well marked and as luck would have it, we arrived at a Virginia Creeper parking area just as a thunderstorm hit. We took shelter under a Forrest Service kiosk and remained dry. During the storm I had a nice conversation with a USFS Fish and Wildlife Warden also seeking shelter. When the storm let up we continued on our way down the Virginia Creeper Trail for a short distance before ending the detour and rejoining the AT. At this point the AT parallels above the Creeper trail and the Whitetop Laurel Creek. There were many stream crossings and then the 1000' climb up to Saunders Shelter. Thank goodness for switchbacks. Saunders Shelter is .2 mile down the mountain. No sooner did we arrive at the shelter than another thunderstorm hit. My guardian angel is still looking out for me. After this storm cleared the sun came out. I took the trail behind the shelter to a nice piped water source and then spread my black plastic bag out in a grassy, sunny spot near the shelter and dried my socks. Small blessings! We actually had company in the shelter tonight. Mac & Cheese and Molasses, father and son SoBos joined us. Nice guys with lots of stories. A good day on the AT!
Date: 2013-09-02
From: Saunders Shelter

To: VA 601, Beech Mountain Rd. AWOL 485.0
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light rain

Today was hot and beyond humid! My energy level was at an all time low and, looking back, realize I didn't drink nearly enough. Let that be a lesson. Crossed many streams today and had a few minor climbs. The day shouldn't have been the challenge it was for me. We joined the Virginia Creeper trail again today and left the trail right after the Hassinger bridge. When we arrived at Lost Mountain Shelter we took a lunch break and I took a little nap. Felt some better for the remainder of the hike. Listened to Jack Johnson as I hiked into yet another cow pasture. The cows seemed to like Jacks music as much as I. Crazy Legs and I arrived at our pickup point a little before Rescue#1 so I made myself confortable under a Walnut tree. The best part of the day!
Date: 2013-09-03
From: VA 601, Beech Mountain Rd. AWOL 485.0

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

As I am the ultimate flip-flopper, I asked Rescue to save us a 1600' climb and take us to the top of Whitetop Mountain so we could hike downhill back to VA 601 then return us to the top of the mountain to continue our hike north. Being the wonderful man that he is he obliged. Our hike down the south side of Whitetop was in the clouds and cool. A steep rocky hike at times but very enjoyable. A great way to start the day. When we reached 601 we met Michael "No Rush", a NoBo section hiker on his way up Whitetop. We offered him a ride in the "elevator" but he declined saying he was in no rush. Cooler temperatures and low humidity made todays hiking much easier. We met a couple from Indiana in the Elk Garden parking lot. They offered us drinks and expressed a yearning to someday hike the AT as well. We continued our hike into yet another cow pasture. Stopped at Deep Gap for an extended break before we started what we thought would be a short hike to the shelter. The short hike became very challenging due to the rocks, water, and mud. Tough hiking with some areas so muddy we rock hopped to keep from sinking. Glad to see Thomas Knob Shelter and what a beautiful view on the rock outcrop behind the shelter. We no longer got settled into the shelter and here comes No Rush who must have rushed up the trail. No Rush tented a short distance from the shelter to take advantage of the view. We were later joined in the shelter by section hikers Walker and Single Malt. Water for this shelter is down the hill behind the shelter from a fenced in spring. We all gathered behind the shelter to watch the sun set. Good group and a great day on the AT.
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Grayson Highlands State Park, Massie Gap Parking
Miles today: 3.7

I woke up after a cool night and took in the view behind the shelter before breakfast. We had a short hike planned so took our time getting ready. Today was Crazy Legs last day on the trail and we had high hopes of seeing the wild ponies and the longhorn steers we'd heard about. Beautiful views on the way to Massie Gap and some fun rock climbing but no ponies. We took the .5 mile blue-blaze to Massie Gap parking and met Rescue#1. We never saw a pony but Rescue had seen 2 earlier right beside the trail. Oh well. Pete arrived in camp soon after lunch and Crazy Legs and Peewee, her dog, were reunited. Peewee missed his mommy!
Date: 2013-09-05
From: Grayson Highlands State Park, Massie Gap Parking

To: VA 603 Fox Creek, AWOL 507.6
Miles today: 9.0

A late start but a good hiking day. Rescue#1 dropped me off at Massie Gap parking area and I hiked back up to the AT. As soon as I reached the trail I saw a herd of ponies grazing on the hillside. They were a distance from me so I took one picture and planned on taking more as I hiked closer. I never saw them again. They were blocked from my view by the shrubs and by the curve of the hill. Oh well, I saw my ponies! Wise Shelter was less than a 4 mile hike from my start but I had to stop because it marks the 500 mile point from Springer. My hike has been an on and off the trail affair but I've enjoyed all 500 miles. I checked the shelter journal and saw entries of hikers I'd met along the way. Nice to see their entries. I continued on to The Scales which was a livestock corral and railroad shipping point. As I approached the corral I saw my longhorns. Their appearance made me a little nervous but I hiked within 5 feet and they didn't stir. At The Scale I met Retread who was out for a short backpacking trip. He's done a lot of hiking in the area and shared a lot history. I sumitted Pine Mountain at 5000' and then descended to meet Rescue aat Fox Creek. A good day but I missed Crazy Legs company.
Date: 2013-09-06
From: VA 603 Fox Creek, AWOL 507.6

To: Dickey Gap, VA 16 AWOL 516.1
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiking is feeling really good and the weather has been great. Met 2 sisters on their first backpacking trip. They were smiling through a tough day but were determined. Took a break at Hurricane Mtn. Shelter and ate some of my Snickers. I'll save some for my longer day tomorrow. I did not take the blue-blaze to the top of Comers Creek Falls but did enjoy the falls below. Met Rescue at Dickey Gap and off the trail for the night.
Date: 2013-09-07
From: Dickey Gap, VA 16 AWOL 516.1

To: VA 16, Mt. Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 14.6

I started my day with the usual uphill trek. Passed up Trimpi Shelter and soon came across the two sisters I'd met yesterday. They were talking to "Yes" who is hiking south. The sisters and I hiked together for a bit but they stopped for a break and I continued alone. I passed a stile and hiked into a cow pasture. I was hearing gun shots in the distance and as I continued to hike they were sounding uncomfortable close. I started clicking my poles in the hopes that I would be heard. There is no hunting season in effect at this time so it was probably someone out target shooting. After I crossed VA 672 (a gravel road) I passed a boy scout camp set up. No one was around and I wondered if they were the shooters. The trail was really nice with few roots and rocks. Life is good on a stumble free trail. Just before I got to my pickup point at the Mt Rogers Visitor Center I came to the BEST SHELTER ON THE TRAIL!!! Partnership Shelter is not only a nice shelter but has a SHOWER!!! I'm sure the sisters will enjoy their stay for the night. Rescue and I toured the Visitor Center and I reported hearing the gunfire. I also bought a new orange bandana. It may save my life! Good day on the trail.
Date: 2013-09-08
From: VA 16, Mt. Rogers Visitor Center

To: US 11, AWOL 542.2
Miles today: 11.5

Well, today didn't start out to be my last day on the trail but it is. The trail was good, I felt great. My endurance had reached a point that I am very comfortable but I really am ready to go home. I hiked out of the "green tunnel" and the trail opened up on Glade Mountain. A beautiful view. I checked my phone and had phone coverage. I called Rescue#1 and told him I was done. Funny how suddenly it happened. I know Rescue was a little surprised. I'm told never to quit on a bad day. Well, today and yesterday were both very good days. I am just ready to go home see my kids and grandkids. I'm ready to go home. I'd planned for this year to be my last year to hike the AT. I know already that I'll be back next year if at all possible. I'm sure I'll never finish hiking this trail but I know that I'll never regret a step I take.
Date: 2013-02-11
To: The Beginning
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Adventures have always been a very important part of who I am. All of my life I have known that I want to do things different...or similar to my grandpa. Long story short my grandpa instilled a sense of adventure into me that has inspired me. He was either sailing from Lake Pontchartrain to somewhere far away, fishing in northern Saskatchewan, skiing in Colorado, or hunting jaguars in Honduras. He did all of this while being an incredible husband, father, and servant of the Lord. One of my favorite quotes that he always shares with me is as follows: "There are three types of people in this world: 1) those who watch things happen, 2) those who want things to happen, and 3) those who make things happen. We do the latter. I have always viewed life as a story with a lot of different experiences good and bad. When I look back on my life I do not want to have any regrets and I do not want to miss out on any experiences that come my way. I made my final decision to hike the Appalachian Trail right around Thanksgiving 2012. Since then I have been preparing non-stop for my adventure on the AT. I fill my time browsing whiteblaze, researching gear, counting ounces, and day dreaming of all the things that the AT has to offer. I am extremely excited to begin my adventure at Amicalola Falls in Georgia but I am also very nervous (a good kind of nervous). I know this will be a incredible journey that I will never forget. I cannot wait to get out there to experience the AT and everything that makes it so great! Several books on the AT that I really enjoyed: Hiking Trough by Paul Stutzman (Apostle 2008), AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller (AWOL 2003), and Appalachian Trials by Zach Davis (Badger 2011) all great books.
Date: 2013-02-11
To: Why I want to hike the AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I have always been fascinated by the AT. At a young age we would take trips to Smokey Mountains NP and I always thought about how incredible it would be to hike the AT. When I first started tossing the idea of attempting a thru hike around the one thing that stood out the most is that now is the perfect time. All of the "stars" that go into making a thru hike possible aligned and I knew that i could not pass on this incredible opportunity. So I decided to hike. I want to experience life at its simplest. I want to clear my mind of distractions. I want to be immersed in God's creation. I want to experience the AT community. I am looking forward to persevering through the tough times. I am not scared of the elements that will be thrown my way because without them I would not be on the AT. I am excited for all things that make the AT so great and make it more than just a trail. I consider myself blessed to hike the AT.
Date: 2013-02-12
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Since deciding to hike I have been constantly reviewing gear and purchasing everything that meets my needs the best. I have spent countless hours on whiteblaze and other gear sites to determine what will work for me. Now I can finally say with a sense of victory that I have finally acquired everything that I will need. It was super exciting deciding on every piece of gear that I wil be bringing but I am glad that I am finally done. Everything went fairly smooth for the most part and I am happy with the gear that I have decided on. My favorite piece of gear that I am most excited about is my Henry Shires tarptent. I got it in the mail about 3 weeks ago and slept in it in my backyard that night. Sleeping on a nice bed of grass isn't the most realistic gear test but I couldn't resist trying it out. The only problem that I have had so far is when I seam sealed my tent last weekend. If you have ever been to my house you will know that my neighbor has a countless number of cats that run free and do whatever they want. I had it setup in my backyard for about 10 hours in order for the solution to dry. When I went out later that afternoon to check on the progress I saw hair balls rolling around and cat foot prints in the floor of my tent. I then noticed that the mesh interior of my tent was torn in about 10 different places. I guess the cat figured out how to get into my tent but it couldn't figure out how to get out, so it decided to just claw through the mesh wall. I was quite irritated but after about an hour of thinking about what I should do I decided to walk over to my neighbors house and explain what happened and show her the damage. They were understanding and paid me for the damage. A huge blessing. There would've been no way for me to sleep in the torn up tent for 5 months without losing my mind from looking at the holes everyday. Anyway all is well and I now have a new liner for my tent. Anyway it is now 45 days until I put my feet on the ground in GA! I am extremely excited. Oh and with this post my journal is now live on the trailjournals website. I hope you enjoy reading and keeping up with my journey. Feel free to message me while I hike. Hope to see you on the trail. Ps. I have a pretty thorough gear page on here and the reasoning for that is to help out present and future hikers. I hope you can learn something from my setup (i still have a lot to learn and a few things aren't listed that I'm bringing). My gear list isn't the right for everyone but i believe it is right for me. I used a lot of people's journals/advice to form what works for me. Oh and I'm using an iPhone to type this and that is what I will use on the trail. Between autocorrect, small buttons, and big thumbs I'm sure there are many mistakes. I hope that won't be to much of a distraction.Farewell
Date: 2013-02-15
To: Where I am mentally with hiking the AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Two weeks left in February and then the 30 day count down begins. It is strange how days seem to move so slow but when I think about it I feel like the trail and my start date is right around the corner. My emotions are all over the place. When I am thinking/talking about the AT I am super excited and I am usually in that state of mind for 98% of the day. On the other hand when I am not thinking about it all of a sudden the thought of what in the world are you getting yourself into pops into my mind. Do I have a clue? I have all my gear but am I missing something...what if I am missing a key piece of knowledge. Then I will calm down and smile about it. I planned my hike to kind of have mystery to it. I will carry what I need to get me to the next town and resupply. So if you are wondering how much I have planned....my gear is set, my start date is set, transportation is ready, and that's about it except i do have to get my permit for the smokies. I have my food set for the first 31 miles to neels gap and once I get there ill prepare for the next few days. I will resupply with steaks, lobster, gumbo, ramen, granola, Vienna sausage, or Oreos. Whatever they have that works best. I am glad I am doing it this way instead of having fixed dates of when I need to be where. Not saying that is bad or the wrong way to hike the AT but it is my preference; it is like a lot of mini adventures leading to katahdin. I am excited to stand on top of springer mountain looking north and to have all of this pre-trail anxiety behind me.
Date: 2013-03-01
To: Trail Name
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is the first day of march and 4 weeks until I begin. I have been trying to figure out if I was going to wait until I started hiking to get a trail name or to have a name before I start. A few weeks ago "Laura B" signed my guestbook and suggested the name Jericho. I really liked the suggestion and it has only grown on me since. I am excited about my trail name and all that it stands for. So far this is the beginning of my experience with the culture and the traditions of the AT. I cannot wait to begin march 30th it's soon but it still seems so far away.
Date: 2013-03-03
To: 27 Days Out
Miles today: 0.0

I am getting closer and closer until I head to GA. The last two weeks have been the toughest but they have finally taken a turn for the best. Long story short I have been working seven days a week between Gearhead Outfitters and volunteering with United Way. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with both of them but being so busy has distracted me from my hike. I went from thinking non-stop about it to having it in the back of my mind in order to complete the things that I have going on now. One thing that I believe is very important to me accomplishing my overall goal of Katahdin is my mental preparation before the hike. It has been refreshing the last few days as I have regained focus and I am back to mentally preparing. I cannot wait to see all that the AT has to offer in each of the 14 states, 2,184 miles, and to accomplish all of my goals along the way. I was talking to my family about trail magic along the trail and my brother thought it would be funnier to actually setup and perform actual magic ha. I think it is hilarious but im not sure how hungury hikers would respond to the humor.
Date: 2013-03-07
To: Prep
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I have had a great opportunity to get advice from two guys who have hiked the AT and one of them (Hebert 2010) has accomplished the triple crown of hiking. He thru hiked the PCT, AT sobo, and CDT in back to back to back years. Quite an accomplishment. It's a blessing to be able to get advice from those who have gone before me. I am blessed to be able to have someone review my gear and pick up tips before I start. They both have been super encouraging and really helpful in my preparation. The southern terminus of the AT is on top of Springer Mountain and is only accessible via the Approach Trail (8.8 miles that is not apart of the offical AT)or by using USFS road 42 which is a mile from the start of the trail. I want to hike the AT and I want to start my hike on the AT. So I have decided to hike 1 mile south from usfs 42 on the AT to the start and then begin my hike heading back north.
Date: 2013-03-21
To: 210
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow I am leaving Shreveport to go home for a week before I head to Georgia. I finally feel like I am about to start. The last few weeks have been moving slow and making my start date seem so far away. Saying goodbye to all of my friends and family in the Shreveport area has been a blessing. Today is the first time I have been able to check the 10 day forecast for Spring Mountain and it is supposed to be a high of 52, low of 36, and a 50% chance of rain. It makes me laugh because all this time i figured my first day on the trail would be raining, cold, and probably hailing. I am going to make the most of whatever comes my way and enjoy the moment at hand. No rain, no pain, no Maine.
Date: 2013-03-26
To: Hiking terms
Miles today: 0.0

For those not familiar with the AT here are some terms I will use in my journal in the coming months.AT :Appalachian Trail, National scenic corridor from Springer Mountain, Georgia to its northern terminus, Mount Katahdin, in Baxter State Park, Maine. Nearly 2,200 miles along the backbone of the Appalachian Mountain range.Trail Name:Alias name a hiker is known by on the trailNOBO:hiking northbound. Highest percentage of thru hike attempts are NOBO's.SOBO:hiking southbound. Thru hikers starting in Maine then south to Georgia.FlipFlop:hiking AT from different directions, ultimately hiking it all. Some hikers are NOBO's from Georgia to Harpers WV, then transported to Maine, to hike from Katahdin back south to Harpers Ferry, WV.Slack Packing:Hiking without full pack. Often a hiker can get a ride to and from trail and leave full pack behind for the day.White Blazing:hiking/following the white markers for the actual footpath of the Appalachian TrailBlue Blazing:hiking routes to other points of interest, sometimes taking an easier route around difficult terrain, then re-uniting with the AT again.Thru Hiker:hiker trying to complete the entire AT in one hiking seasonSection Hiker:hiker doing a section of the AT. Some hikers have completed the entire AT by hiking sections of the AT over a period of years or decades.Day Hiker:hiker doing part of AT without spending night on trailNero Day:A day with very few milesZero Day:no miles hikedPUDS:pointless ups and downsAYCE:All You Can Eat establishments. A favorite stop in towns for hikers with insatiable appetitesShelters:Three sided structures located along the AT, for hikers to use. There are over 250 of these structures along the ATTrail Magic:unexpected magic, like some drinks, food, or candy left near a stream, or a ride into town, etc...Trail Angels:Folks who are friends of hikers, some who have completed thru hikes in the past. They might set up near the trail and make burgers, chips, and drinks, for thru hikers. Give shuttle rides, operate hostels specifically for thru hikers. Simply amazing individuals