morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-03
From: Hot Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Campground
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was really windy. Watermonkey (Greg) and I are a bit more comfortable with our pace and packs. I have had to ducktap my heels and toes. Today we hiked with a full group (AJAX, JAZZYPANTS, BOULDER, WILL, SHANE, WATERMONKEY AND I). During the day, we hiked with no more than 2-3 people as we all have our own paces. We met up (as a group) for lunch, snacks and just a break. By the end of the day, we hiked 2.6 miles before dropping our packs. Then everyone else met up with us and we stayed in Gooch Gap campground for the night.Sending some love to all until next timePhoenix
Date: 2006-03-04
From: Gooch Gap Campground

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

We woke up this morning and it was really cold. It was about 30 degrees. Up to now, it has been pretty nice in the mornings and reaching about 60 degrees for the day. I hiked with gloves and a hat until lunch, when I read the thermometer and it was 60 degrees. I got my trail name today. Watermonkey (Greg) and I were hiking and out of nowhere, he found a Milk Dud in the dirt. He picked it up and showed it to me. Then he crushed it in his fingers to show me that he actually found chocolate in the dirt. Without thinking about it, I grabbed it and ate it. Watermonkey (Greg) said, "That was my Milk Dud". Sorry man!! That night he was retelling the story to our group and thus, my trail name is now "MILK DUD". We had a really good day. We are more comfortable with our packs. My ears are sun burned, and my feet are a little sore, but overall, we're doing great. Watermonkey's (Greg) trail name has been shortened to "MONK". Sending some love to all until next timePhoenix
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Wood Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: clear sky

Today is a short day for us. When we set off this morning there was no wind, it was a pretty nice day. Around 10am it reached about 60 degrees. I can't believe I am getting a sunburn in March. We are stopping at Neel's Gap for the day to buy some groceries. We have plenty of food for dinners, but we need some food for breakfast and lunches. There is a Stone hut with groceries, hiking supplies and things like that. We spent about $20 on groceries today. A person there is doing a shakedown on us to help lighten our packs. We may be sending some things home. I dropped about 10 lbs from my pack after the shakedown and Monk (Greg) dropped about 15 to 20 lbs from his pack. We sent this home to Greg's house. The guy also helped us set our packs, so they sit better. My hips still hurt a little but not bad.We got some good lunch today. I had a salami and cheese sandwich, Pringles and root beer. We hiked up the highest mountain in GA today (Blood MT). It is 4461 ft. It's the first summit that reminded me of NH and was really rocky. The summit is almost over tree line. So far, there hasn¢t been a clear summit. A guy brought some McDonald's to us and I had a double cheeseburger; I definitely ate more than usual there. I haven¢t had the hiker ¢gorge¢ yet. We haven¢t been overly hungry yet, but it feels good to eat. I smoked a few cigarette that night, have had about 4 or 5 since we started the hike and I feel good the next day. The smoking helps to relax at the end of the day and helps me unwind.We met a previous through hiker on Saturday, March 4th. He gave us some good advise. He said, "Don¢t rush it, what matters is between the ears and heart and that will get you to end." We have met a lot of through hikers. Nokia (from Lincoln NH) is a really funny guy; he told us that he spent 7 months on the trail last year. He's out here again just to live the life not to hike to the end. We camped with the group again. A new guy, Cocunut Monkey (from Greenbow, SC) camped with us also. We haven¢t seen him since. He's in shape and hike more miles than we do. Sending some love until next timeMilkdud
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Bull Gap / Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

We got our first taste of rain during the night. We didn't stake out our rain fly and when we woke up we had about 14 inch of rain around heads. Our sleeping bags and clothes were all wet. It Wasn¢t too bad though, we hung stuff at end of day to dry so we had dry place to sleep. It wasn't a good viewing day; it was pretty misty. We came into the shelter around 1;30. It was nice to relax for the afternoon. I love every aspect of this life. We hiked Wildcat Mountain today. It is the steepest. We hiked 300 ft in 12 mile. My feet are feeling better after getting new soles at Neels gap and having my boots stretched for free. My knee is a little sore with all downhills, but nothing to bad at all. We pushed fast today because we had lighter packs. Mostly we did it out of excitement. Another good size group rolled in to the shelter (7 to 10 people). Monk (Greg) and I decided to sleep in our tents because it's more comfortable and warmer than the shelters. They are wooded buildings with cracks in the walls, so the wind blows right through them. We don't hike as a large group due to the size of each. We met a guy named Captain (from Austrailia). He's a cool guy. He told us that he came here (to the US) just to hike the AT. We met another group of people from NJ (Kurly, Sunshine, Swanson, Tofurkey). They are moving a little faster than us but we camp with them at night. We are in no rush, we just keep moving everyday. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Campground
Miles today: 13.0

Our conversations have gotten as dirty as we are each day. Last night, we had an indepth conversation about crapping ones self. I can't believe tomorrow will be full week of hiking. I can't believe we still have 5 more months of hiking. I am proud that we got 13 miles today!! This is the most I have done in one day. We talked to first thru hiker who we had heard was dropping out. His name is Bill, He's probably in his50¢s. He told us that he's not feeling the trail and that he's got a lot of stuff going on at hime. He's a really nice guy. I respect him for trying it though. You know What¢s nice about trail life? On the trail you can say goodbye and go on your way. Not like in the "real world", where goodbye's are sometimes made into a big deal. This morning it was really really cold. I slept in my fleece and sleeping bag (pretty much all my clothes). It got up to 50 during day. I am still getting burnt on ears. We had 2 big mountains today (Blue Mt and Rocky MT). Rocky Mountain was toughest yet. We hiked 850 ft in 1.8 miles. I challenged myself by not stopping the entire way. It kicked my but, but I feel good and I got to the top. There are some amazing views at the summit. I think that you can see different states. All the mountains look blue. Tonight we are staying at Graft¢s campsite. It¢s been awesome hanging around a campfire w/a good group of people. Tomorrow, we are staying in town. It¢s going to be interesting to stay in town. Mentally I don¢t need it; but physically I could use the shower and some good solid sleep. Sending some love until next time
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Cheese Factory Campground

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight we are staying in the Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee, GA. Took a most needed shower. We are going to eat at this place that has an all you can eat buffet for $6. I will call in a week to update my journal.Sending some love until next time
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero day today because there were tornado warnings. We didn't need it mentally, but it was nice to have a relaxing day. We bought some more food and drank some beers. It felt weird being in the same place for a full day. Sending some love until next time Milkdud.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Dick's Creek Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Felt really good to hike. The trail is beginning to feel like home now. Spent $20 to get out of the rain today. Feel guilty for spedning that much. The manager of the hotel gave us a ride back to the trail. It rained really hard yesterday, but today feels more like spring. Bugs are everywhere. We crossed the Georgia - North Carolina line today. There were a lot of ups and downs in NC. Got really steep, really fast. It was a tough hike. We met Turtle M and Turtle D from Rochester, NH today. We sat on a ledge and watched the sunset and ate some S'mores. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Last night was really warm. It was good for sleeping. We had a flat hike today which made it a nice day. 1 hour into the hike it started raining. It rained all day. An hour after we got to camp that night, we dried out. Monk (Greg) and separated for awhile to be by ourselves to zone out. I took it slow the last 3 miles of the hike to take it all in. I love everything about the lifestyle. It makes all the aches and pains easier to deal with. We stayed in the shelter (that was built in 1959). It's a run down building and falling apart. We don't sleep well when we stay in the shelters, so this will be the last night we sleep in the shelter. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I chilled out with a group of people for a few days. Today was a pretty uphill hike. We hiked Albert Mountain (5,220 ft) and we climbed 500 ft in .3 miles. Today was the first time I had to put my poles down to climb over rocks. It was Well worth it though. There weer some amazing views at the top. We started hiking with a retired man (Bushwacker) from FL keys. We ate lunch with the crew at top of mountain. 1 mile from Rock Gap shelter there was some "Trail magic". I Went from limping around to running just to get free sandwich from Crutch. He's a former AT hiker,doing some trail magic and some hiking. I ended up having a couple sandwiches and sodas; That night everyone went to an all you can eat except Monk and I (with 4 other people). We went to see the oldest poplar tree; The 6 of us couldn¢t reach around the entire tree by linking hands our hands. It is a really big tree. That night we met 4 other people (No Worries, Little brother, Casino and Thumper). All of them are really cool kids. We hung out with them for a couple of days but are split up now. Ajax came back and hung out around the fire, we had a good group of 12; TRAIL MAGIC has been amazing; people have hotdogs sandwiches, sodas onthe side of the trail. After a long day, it¢s amazing to have these ¢treats¢. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is an easy day. We finished the day in an hour and 20 minutes. We hitched into Franklin, NC. We got a ride from a really cool dude (Joseph Foster). He's a young construction worker who picks up thru hikers. He took us to an all you can eat buffet. He bought us 12 pack and refused to take money. He said he knew we were on a tight budget and he wanted to do this for us. The buffet was AMAZING. There were about 13 people with us for dinner. It's amazing to see how hikers react surrounded by food. We were in such good spirits by the end of the meal. We spent the rest of the afternoon getting food to get us to Fontana Dam (week¢s worth). We also bought a week's worth of food and mailed it to Fontana dam to get us through the Smokies since there isn¢t any good places to get food there. We're going to spend night here as golf ball sized hail is expected. It's an unexpected town stay. While we're in town, having a group of 7 becomes to much. Everyone has things to do and doesn¢t want to split up. So it makes it hectic. That night, took shower, ate some pizza and hung out with the crew. we had a relaxing night. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

This has been the biggest mileage day so far. DAMN it felt good. It was definitely a work out but wasn't bad at all. Saw first 2 balds today. You are in the middle of a forest and the next thing you know you are in the wide open space. The first one was Siler Bald. The summit is 5200 ft. It was the first 360 degree view. You get to the view and all you can see is mountains as far as you can see. We went up to top with JP and roadrunner. They ended up rolling down the hill. It was funny as hell, they cut themselves up on grass. JP rolled down, while Roadrunner went head over heels down. I thought he was going to kill himself. WAYAH Bald was the 2nd bald we saw today. There was an observation tower at the top. There was an even better view here. That night we camped on a ridge. Man it was cold. Our water froze for first time. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: The NOC
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

The NOC is a little outfitter town on the river. Today was a really long, tough downhill day. It really beat up my knees. It felt like they were bleeding from the inside. Once we got to the shelter, Monk (Greg) and I there split some onion rings and nachos for dinner. The onion rings were amazing. They had some homemade ranch sauce for dipping. They were really good. Food always makes me feel better. We met up with little brother and no worries on Wesser Bald today. We just chilled at the observation tower. It made the hike downhill a little easier. We had an awesome night. We camped for free on this river beach. There were about 15 of us and We had a big fire. It was really cool. We met tree girl and matt and just hung out all night around the fire. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-16
From: The NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We sleet in this morning. It was a beautiful night. I slept really well. When we got up today we went directly to breakfast for some pancakes. Oh my god, pancakes never tasted so good. We stayed at the NOC until 12:30. Made some phone calls to my mom and Meghan. It was good to talk to them. We ended up hiking straight uphill all day. It kicked my ass. We had a quiet night and it was too cold to write much. sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We started at 8am today. We took an hour lunch and dinner. After dinner, we took 12 hour break before we did some night hiking. The last 2 miles kicked my ass today. My legs felt like they couldn't keep going. The last few miles, I stumbled along. We finished at 10pm. I was really beat. Monk and I had awesome welcoming at the shelter. The crew cheered us on and were glad that we made it to spend the night with them. We chilled around the fire for a bit. There are so many different types of people out here, it¢s cool. A thru hiker is thru hiker; it¢s like a brother/sister hood out here. It¢s really cool how everyone makes you feel welcome. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are taking 2 days of rest at Fontana hill shelter. Zero days are always awesome. Today we are doing some grocery shopping and laundry, making some phone calls and mailed post cards. We went to a disappointingly expensive dinerr. We got some chicken fingers for $7.50 that didn't fill us up. We ended up eating more when we got back to the shelter. We drank a bunch today. We sat around with about 9 other people int he middle of the field drinking. It seemed like every hour another person or 2 would join us. There ended up being about 20 of us just hanging out, drinking. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a more relaxed day. We split some bread and sandwich meat with Anson, Kurly, Pebbles, Tortoise, Snake and Bear. It was really good, it filled us up more than the chicken fingers last night. We watched a movie and played some ping pong. It has been good taking 2 days to prep for the Smokies. It's always good to reset physically, emotionally and mentally. It's so easy to get caught up in everything out here. This rest has helped me to sit back and reflect on some things. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: snow

Today is going to be a short entry as it's getting really cold. Today was the worst day so far on the trail. It rained all day. It was a really cold rain. We are really cold and really wet. The great old smokies had great welcome for us. 3 miles into the hike, everything started to freeze. It was to cold to stop for lunch or a snack, so we hiked directly to the shelter without stopping. I sat in my bag for 4 hours before i got the feeling back in my fingers, hand and toes. We met Smokey today and just chilled with him and Swanson. We listened to some good music. It was amazing to hear music again. Sat up for hour and got really cold again. Went to bed. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a late start today. We started at 10:30. It was really hard to get up this morning after having a wet and cold day yesterday. It was actually pretty warm when sun came out. The Smokies are really pretty; the fog rolls in like smoke (I guess that's why they call them the Smokies). We had a great lunch; sat in a grassy field with monk, JP and roadrunner. Sat in the sun to warm up; Just sat on my pack listed to music. I had to push hard last couple of miles because it started to drizzle. I didn¢t want to spend another day hiking in the rain. The last of the hike I ran and made it to shelter 10 minutess before it started pouring. Heard more songbirds today; it's really cool to hear then chirping all day. Monk let me borrow his headphones after lunch. It was nice to hike to music for first time. I heard a song by LIFEHOUSE that made me think of my sister, Becky. I really miss that girl, I really hope that she's figuring out some things at home while I am away. Today was a tough 11 miles. There wasn't any kick your ass straight ups, buth there were constant ups and downs all day, which take their toll. It is another cold as hell night; gonna bundle up and get warm. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

We aren't feeling good after 2 days of cold, wet rain. Wow, got a realty late start. We started at 12:30. Last night was somewhat dry, but it was even colder than the night before. Slept for shit and I took a nap at 9:30 this mornign. I couldn¢t bring myself to get out of my bag until the sun warmed me up. The Smokies have been tough on us so far; but once I made it out; man was it beautiful. A huge ice storm rolled in last night so everything was white and gleamed when the sun shined on it this morning. My boots were frozen together this morning took awhile for my toes to warm up. My glove fingers were also frozen together so I wore an extra pair of socks as glo9ves. We¢re starting to look really rough, the weather is taking it's toll on us and our clothes. Hiking was good once it warmed up and it wasnt as windy. It's nice to walk in a winter wonderland in comfort. The last mile, I slipped on ice and had to catch myself. I have never caught myself so hard as I did. In the process, I think I almost severed a nerve in my hip. It was such an intense pain that it dropped me to my knees. I buried my head in the mud. I just sat there grunting and not moving until I got my bearings back. I was exhausted at the end of the day. Thankfully, it's not a lasting pain, but man was it intense. When I made it to the shelter, everyone asked me what happened. We stayed in the shelter with about 4 other people. Tomorrow we are hiking 10.8 miles into Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

We weren¢t planning on stopping in town but it dropped down below zero and we got 6-8 inches of snow. We are just going with the flow. We aren't testing the weather. Last night we got a good scare. Train went out late to get some water and to hang his food bag. The fog settled in so fast that he lost his way and couldn't find the trail. We woke to him yelling for help. We found him (by forming a chain from the shelter) about 300 yards from the shelter heading the wrong way. Sending some love until next time. Milkdud
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Updating my journal personally for the first time. Finally got back on the trail after being stuck in Gatlinburg for 3 days. Lot of snow in the Smokies and the road was closed for a couple of days. Got a lot done in town though, bought a new bag (down-sized a bit),a tarp tent, and a stove so that Monk and I are completely seperate now and can move at our own pace. Really nice to be back on the trail again. The snow is taking a toll on my legs but now that it's clear the Smokies are beautiful. Great day of hiking today but getting cold again tonight so gonna bundle up to stay warm. Sending some love to all until next time. -Dud-
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

First warm night in the Smokies last night, woke up this morning hot in my fleece jacket. Another beautiful day in the Smokies, but really wet with all the snow melting. The Smokies are just like anything beautiful and come at a price. But if you're willing to tough out the weather they sure do pay you back and then some with the woods and the views on clear days. I've never been so cold and miserable in my life on the bad days, but the warm clear days have been my favorite of the trail so far. Monk pushed on ahead tonight probably doing about a 20 mile day but my legs were pretty sore from all the snow,ice, and slush. Think it will be good growing and learning experience for us both to split up every once and a while. Still loving this life, haven't been this happy/content in a long time. It's also very freeing to live this lifestyle, always on the move. Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring. Sending some love to all until next time.   -Dud-
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Great day! Hiked with headphones todya and had a great time into Mountain Mama's. Hiked into Mountain Mama'a with Ajax, who bought me one of their famous cheeseburgers. The only thing that beats a delicious huge burger these days is a free one! Hung out for a while after lunch and did a little resuply. Headed up towards a campsite for the night but saw a sign for Boulder staying at Standing Bear Hostel, so had to stop in to say Hi. Really missed the guy and concerned because I heard he was laid up with shin splints for a couple of weeks. Had a great night hanging out with him and the guys that worked the hostel. Also met up with Monk there, had thought he would be well ahead but he stopped to see Boulder too.