morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-03
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is my 46th birthday, yesterday evening my wife threw me a birthday and Bon Voyage party. There was food, drinks and good company, the highlight of the evening was my birthday present(let's just say it was the perfect present for a freedom loving Alaskan). Thanks Babes, you are the best wife a guy can ever want. I am home catching up with last minute tasks and spending some time with my family.Tomorrow I will fly from Fairbanks Alaska to Maryland, where I will spend a day with my family, drop off some resupply gear, purchased 3 days of food for the beginning of my walk from Springer Mountain to Neels Gap.I have a flight to Atlanta 6 March,reservations with the Hiker Hostel for transportation and stay. D day is Thursday 6th March, can't wait to get on the trail.Saber
Date: 2013-03-03
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

The following is information I plagiarized(so don't sue me, I give full credit for your hard work) from other people online journals, ATC website and whiteblaze.net. This information is for those folks especially my family who has never heard of the Appalachian Trail until I mentioned that I am going to hike it. You should heard the questions asked.The 2012 official mileage is 2184.3 miles. The trail gets moved a little from time to time for various reasons (natural disasters, preservation efforts, and even development-unfortunately).It passes through 14 states with elevations as low as 124' and as high as 6625'. It takes approximately 5 million footsteps to complete the journey. The trail is well-marked by mostly 2" x 6" white blazes painted on tree trunks, posts, rocks, etc to keep you on the Trail(heard this works most of the time).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 Trail.Blue Blazing:hiking routes to other points of interest, sometimes taking an easier route around difficult terrain, then re-uniting with the AT again.Yellow Blazing:road walking, hitching to town.Pink Blazing:When one hiker is pursuing another hiker with romantic interests.Thru Hiker:hiker trying to complete the entire AT in one hiking season.Section 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 trail.Nero Day:A day with very few miles.Zero Day:no miles hikedPUDS:pointless ups and downs.AYCE:All You Can Eat establishments. A favorite stop in towns for hikers with insatiable appetites.Shelters:Three sided structures located along the AT, for hikers to use. There are over 250 of these structures along the AT.Trail Magic:unexpected magic, like some pop 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
Date: 2013-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Travel Day Trip Time: 13 HoursWhen I left Fairbanks it was -15 deg, so 20 deg at Springer should be quite nice. My wife dropped me off at Fairbanks International Airport, I checked and join the line for my full body inspection by the dreaded TSA, those folks when you come back on R&R wearing your Uniform and have the war stare on your face, they look at you in the eyes and say thank you for your service, but Sir please take of your boots, your belt (you got to be kidding me right) Homeland Security. Alaska TSA Agents are very friendly, they chat with you as you go through the check point and even after they found a rubber-band I inadvertently left in my pocket during the full body Scan, I thought I read something about the body Scanners were mothballed; maybe Fairbanks did not get the memo from DHS, I was through security in less than 10mins.My flight with Alaskan Airlines (yes we have our own Airline) in my humble opinion one of the best airlines in the nation. What other airlines always takes off on time, makes a 20 minutes window flight connection, serves you free beverages and get you and your bags to your destination on time, plus two free check baggage (sorry Alaskans only).During the flight I read Zach Davis Appalachian Trials; an how to guide to prepare you for the mental challenge of the AT. He said to write down 6 things or reason why you should not quit the Trail when the AT starts to beat you down physically and mentally. I thinking this too easy, like taking candy from a baby;1.My Wife will kill me- that all you been talking about for the last six years and you quit2.My Wife will kill me ¢ you take time away from the family and you quit3.My wife will kill me ¢ you spend all that money, you know how clothing I could buy and you quit4.My Wife will kill me ¢ no vacation for us this year and you quit5.My Wife will kill me ¢ I did not marry a quitter6.I will kill me, because I don¢t want my wife to go to jail ¢ so quitting because it is too hard is NOT an optionI gave Zach book a provisional 2 star rating, when I get to the top Katahdin I will give it a 5 star, it¢s a great book for future Thru-Hiker.At the Airport my sister gave the news that Maryland expecting a winter storm tomorrow and Wednesday, I am hoping my flight to Atlanta on Wednesday will not be cancel or delay.I am going to take it easy tomorrow, re-pack the ruck, purchase some food, maybe visit the REI Store and enjoy some Guyanese food my Mom will be cooking, she thinks I need to be fatten up some before I leave. I had to show her my fat reserve (spare tire), she had a good laughed.
Date: 2013-03-07
From: The Approach Trail,Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1 ¢ Thursday, March 07Hiking Days: 1 Nero Days: 0 Zero Days: 0Start Location: Springer Mountain. Mile Marker: 0Ending Location: Hawk Mountain Shelter Mile Marker: 8.1Hiking Time: 4H05M Start Time: 1330 End Time: 1735Today Miles: 8.1Total Miles Traveled: 8.1Weather: Sunny Temp: 35-55,Expense(s) Room: $ 92 Breakfast: $ 0 Lunch: $ 0 Dinner: $0 Grocery: $0 Trans: $0 Misc. : $0Recap:Today was good day, the weather was perfect for hiking. Wake up at 6am, packed, breakfast was at 0715,ate breakfast, paid for Hiker Hostel service ,take ride to approach Trail,. Sign-in at Amicalola Falls State Park (AFSP) Visitor Center, I am thru Hiker #217 or 218 (I didn¢t write it down). At the visitor center this old gentleman came to me shake my wish me good luck, he then whispers I'm my ear you are the first black person I have seen here over the years. I know of at least 3 other black people that complete thru hikes of the AT...black people need to get out on the trails more so you can be seenHiked the Approach Trail to the AT Southern terminus it took about 3.5 hours. The hike is not really strenuous as other people were making it out to be, the steps were a prelude to the mountain you have to climb later and it a fun hike you get to see the Waterfalls. Getting to the top of Springer Mountain and seeing the first White blaze was very emotional for me, I having been thinking of hiking the AT since 2007.It was just as I had envisioned. I kissed the plague, had John (Thru-Hiker from Canada) took a Photo of me, had a snack and was on the way. The trail to Hawk Mountain was muddy in some places overall not too bad. The climbs were not bad.Oops I was in such of a hurry to get on the trail I forgot to sign the register at the terminus, I remembered at just after the Springer Shelter started to go back, then change my mind; well I still be a thru Hiker if I make it to Katahdin, Maine..I got to Hawk Mountain about 1735, taken an extra 45mins because the AT and the Benton MacKaye share the same at the Trail after the USFS 58 footbridge, I saw the White blaze when I cross the road, all I saw after were the diamond blaze for MacKaye, so I turned back to road looking for AT White blaze, I walk down USFS 58 looking for the White blaze. I started back up the MacKaye, I saw a southbound Hiker asked him if this was the AT he said yes so I continue . If I had walk another 50ft the first time I would have seen the white blaze.Someone drew white blaze rectangle within the MacKaye diamond with? Where the white blaze. Guess I was not the only one got fooled by the missing blazes.Note to AWOL guide please AT and MacKaye same trail to Long Creek Falls, I even show a group of hiker the trail to the Falls (just didn¢t know it was the AT).At the shelter I set up my tent for the very 1st time ( too much snow on the ground in Alaska), ate dinner (knorr and tuna creations), read and signed the shelter register. Early bed me, today was a good day.Saber
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

SPC. Benjamin E. Media 3/23/1981 - 05/31/2006Started off the day to do 17 miles to Betty Gap Campsite.The first climb was easy so decided to go all the way to Long Branch. Got there and a day group was setting tents when i passed.Last night was cold, pitch tent on scope of elevate feet instead, kept sliding into door, didn't sleep well, was not cold water bottle inside sleeping bag.up at 0700 still dark, got food bag, eat breakfast , water, pack up put on long johns top under hiking shirt, wear fleece beanie and gloves all day.I was good while moving.Out by 0830 hrs., passed one hiker, I met yesterday, older gentleman , lite pack, slow and steady pace. At the shelter he was worried about the cold, I asked him about last night he said it wasn't too bad.Not many hikers out today. Lots of Fair-Weather Hikers thru Hikers.The today were spectacular, especially at the top of the Albert Mountain - Fire-tower, by far the steepest climb, also first time over 5000 ft elevation. It came at the tail end of the dayThe last 2 miles into shelter was easy. three people were already at shelter. Pict tent, dinner and take care of tomorrow hike, moving faster than planned.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wake up about 3 ins of snow on the ground and still falling, blowing wildly poor visibility. Decided to zero, on schedule.The section hiker packed up and left for New Found Gap, have shelter to myself which is nice.Snow still falling and blowing around, so time to catch up on journaling, listen to music and just relax. In my sleeping bag, good decision to stay here.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Try to leave this morning too much show, decided to take another zero day. At lease its not costing me money.The forecast for tomorrow call for sun high 40's. I will try for 20 miles if trail decent 30 miles into Standing Bear Farm.With time on my hands, nothing to do lets take a look into this day of them hikerMe: SaberThe nigh prior before bed i take a look at my AT Guide. I am using David "AWOL" Miller 2013 North Bound Unbinded Edition. In my opinion the best AT GuideAWOL is his trail name, he has written books on his Thru-Hike a Kindle and his Website.Okay back to topic at hand. I divided the guide e into two sections GA - Harper's Ferry - Maine. At my Sister's home i will pick when i take a break at Harper's Ferry VA.I try to plan between 18 -20 miles, so i look at shelter, water location, the elevation and terrain profile on the guide. If i have a few steep climb I reduced the mileage to allow for the climbs. I am average about 2.5 MPH, walking pace. for exp my first day in the Smokies I planned a 23 miles day, I figured that there were only two major climb that will slow me down. The three miles at the start and a mile climb, 5 miles before shelter I will be staying so I give myself 10 hrs to get there. I make up time on the flat and down hill.I am normally up by 0630 at first light, I take down food bag, separate my meal for the day, put snacks in my Hip Belt pocket then breakfast, cereal with powdered milk, brush teeth pack up and try to start hiking by 08:30.Before Bed I also purify water for the next day so I camel up (drink a lot) and purify for the day's hike. I carry a 1.5 liter Smart Water Bottle and refill and purify as necessary. I am using Aqua Mira, you have to wait at-lease 30 min. before drinking water. I have a sawyer squeeze filter, too cold, have to wait until average temp 45 or more. During the hike I would snack and take breaks as needed, when there are scenic view points I stop take pictures. When I meet other Hikers I would stop and chat but I always achieved the dairy mileage i set.I love walking it gives you the clarity of mind to think and ponder on things.Update: About 1410 four section Hikers-College Spring Breakers all cold and wet, later three more Section Hikers came in, the shelter went from quiet to noisy, they were cooking in the shelter just having a grand time. I know come rain or shine I will be leaving, hope I get some sleep.Hope the storm past and tomorrow is a better day.
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs Laughing Heart Lodge
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

 Fun night at the shelter,wouldn't want to do that again unless I absolutely have to due to weather or other dangerous circumstances.Today's plan was to walk 18 miles into Hot Springs for resupply and food, food, food, real food.Up early,ate breakfast,packed and was on the trail by 0800. The section hiker left a few minutes before me. He took the short cut the southern entrance out of the shelter. Me being a purist had to go back the same way I came in.The temperature warmed up during the night,so the trail was very slushy, made for cold wet feet. As I gain elevation, it became pure snow. It was almost magical walking in the woods,with the snow muffling the sound of my feet. You could hear the water rushing down the mountain spring in the distance.It reminded me of what a great country I live in.this was reinforced by the music that I was listening to last night, very patriotic music, Lee Greenwood's, god bless America, Billy Ray Cyrus, some give all, and Arlington.I was feeling so good,it was like I was floating on air. I made quick time on the few climbs. I have developed my climb routine- eat a candy bar,drink some water,shift my gear into low lock and start climbing.Not stopping until reaching the top.Coming into Hot Springs was really nice, once I came down from the higher elevation there was no snow and the temperature was in the 50's. I am staying at the Laughing Heart Hostel, having arrived at 1445.once checked in and showered, time to go into town, restaurant food, resupply,plus a visit to the outfitters for new socks. my socks had taken a beating through The Smokies, plus needed fuel and water purification.Back at the Hotel, chat with the Owner Chuck Norris and some other Hikers. Met Dirty Bird, we have the same birth date, six years different, I am older. She started on our Birthday.Everything ready for me to leave tomorrow .I am an Happy Hiker, shower, fed, bed, life is good.Saber "Just Walking"
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 29.5
Weather: overcast clouds

 I planned an ambitious 29.5 miles hike for today. It would leave me with a short hike into Erwin TN, where I have a Mail Drop.I make quick work on the 1st 4 miles. I was on the trail at 0815, I passes Dirty Bird who started a few mins. ahead of me. The morning was a little chilly so I wore my Long Underpants, a comical look - hey my legs were warm.At the Cascade, I stop for water (5 mins to purify) and remove my Long Underpants.Dirty Bird caught up with me so we took picture of each other at the Cascades.I then begin the first climb up to Hogback Mountain, half way I realized I will need some music to help me meet my daily task. I stopped plug in the I tunes, I did a random selection of the music, this sometime does not work out well. Its seems when ever I need a boost, the motivated song would play.I complete the first 10 miles in 4 hours which was slower than I expected.I closed Sam Gap, saw the welcome to Tennessee sign to my left (be there in two days)a State Trooper was waiting for speeders coming into North Carolina, my speed wouldn't show up on radar. I passed a few day Hikers and a Female Thru-Hiker. Then it was the highest climb of the day to Bald Mountain on the guide it didn't seems so steep but it was a hard slug to the top. I passed an Older Gentleman in his eighties hiking to the top. At the top the view were spectacular. I stopped for snack and put on windbreaker, it started to get cold at high elevation - 5516 Ft. The Gentleman make it to the top, we chat for a few mins. I herd someone shout Saber, I looked around and it was the Sister's hiking with dog, I last seen 18 March at Fontana, I thought they were in Damascus. They were Slack Packing from Erwin to Sam's Gap.I got to Bald Mountain Shelter at 1635. It's another 905 miles to Business Knob Shelter so I have to find my high gear to make it before dark. I was flying down the trail, had one small climb (at this point my low gear was burnt out). The trail was well graded, I complete the 905 mile in 3 hours 15 mins.It was getting dark when I arrived. I say an Hiker setting up his Tent, it was A J my Hiking Buddy I last say at Fontana too. It appear I am catching up with the Group before I left the Trail at Fontana.It has been a great day.Congratulate me longest day on the AT 2905 milesDinner and bed, easy day tomorrow.All You Can Eat, KFC in Erwin - Here come Saber, hide the Chicken.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I took my first official zero day.The package I was expecting yesterday did not arrive. I decided to take the day off to wait for it.I spent the day repacking and relaxing. At 1600 checked with Uncle Johnny, still no package. Take the Shuttle into town for some food at McD. I got back still no package, I check the FedEx tracking, they turn the package over to the Postal Service who maybe delivery it tomorrow. So a wasted day.The weather was not great for hiking, AJ - Ice-Pack, Slacked Packed yesterday, he was covered in Freezing Rain, so it turned out to be a good day for a zero/I will wait until the Mailman arrive tomorrow. Leaving, I am not going to zero another day. I will think of another way to get it.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Started late today. The package was sent to USPS to be delivered with mail. Got a ride to Post Office but the package went out with the regular mail so I waited for the Mailman who delivered the package about 1230. Uncle Johnny wanted me to stay for the Barbecue they are having but I want to get out on the Trail. I planned to hike to Cherry Gap Shelter. If I wanted to get there before dark I had to maintain a steady pace.Fresh Ground was set up for Trail Magic. I just stop to say hello and continue on.Yesterday there was freezing rain today it is warmer so all the ice on the trees were falling to the ground. It was especially bad on Unaka Mountain. All of the forest was water logged.It was raining ice water, my feet was getting wet, could not wait to past the forest. After the forest it was an easy hike to the Shelter.I arrive just before 2000 hours, it was still day light. Setup tent, got water from a Piped Spring behind the Shelter, cook dinner and time for bed.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

I planned to get to Overland Shelter, a converted Barn. I had a climb before me. Roan Mountain one of the highest climb on the AT with snow and ice, don't know how much it will slow me down.I was the only one at the Shelter last night. The Thru-Hikers are beginning to thin out.I was up and out by 0830. The first three miles was easy then it was time for climb up to Little Rock Knob. I passed a Thru-Hiker on the way up. He was huffing and puffing you would thought by now most Thru-Hikers will have gotten there trail legs. He mentioned he stayed at the Hostel at the Gap.I continue on, had some great views at the top of Little Knob. I passed a few Section and Day Hikers on the way to Roan Mountain. I stopped for lunch after __ Gap to fuel up for the big one. The climb was easy at the beginning, nice switch backs, it also has a few false summits. The last part of the climb the most difficult not because of the slope but ice and snow lots of it all the way to Carvers Gap. I had to take my time, slip a few times, no fall. At times you were walking on a steep ice rink.Pass the chimney remnant (guess a cabin was there) also pass the Highest Shelter on the AT. Roan High Knob Shelter, it was on a Blue Blaze Trail, I didn't stop just wanted to get off the ice.Make it down to TN 143, lots of people were out. With the weather finally breaking for the better and it is the weekend.The Trail to Overland was muddy, I arrived at Shelter about 1815, lots of Campers out. I was able to find a tenting site. It was very windy here, their are two Female cowboy camping, I wish them luck (bad idea)with the cold wind coming off the Mountain.I set up my tent, clean my feet, dinner, bear hang my food bag (because everyone doing it). I think its a useless practice, you should see some of the hangs.Another good day on the AT, lots of views. Long day tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day started of cool, windy climb up Hump Mountain, great views of the surrounding Mountains. Then the trail enters the wood and the temperature soared into the 80's I made a lot of water stops. I have not seen any Thru-Hikers in two days until I get to the Shelter a Female Thru-Hiker was there. I met a day Hiker going the other direction.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Campsite- AWOL Guide Mile 437.8
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: few clouds

Planned a 24 mile day, was going to stop at Kincora for shower and laundry, quickly realized that was pointless.When I got to Shook Branch Recreation Area I was surprised to see AJ, thought he was in Damascus. He stopped in Hampton for Headphones. We agree to camp 3 miles past Vandeventer Shelter, my original stop because you had to walk 6 mile down a steep slope for water. I made it to the Campsite before day, longest day on AT for me. AJ never showed up, so water dinner and sleep.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Campsite- AWOL Guide Mile 437.8

To: Dave's Place Damascus
Miles today: 29.3
Weather: few clouds

Decide to go directly into Damascus and take a zero tomorrow, will cost an extra night Hostel fee.Easy miles in, no major climb. Run short of water because no water was at Piper Springs at Low Gap US 421, had to walk to Abingdon Shelter for water. Nice cold Spring, long walk down Blue Blaze Trail. The water purification getting old, have to change to filter another state down, 11 to go well miss 30 miles again.