morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Pig Farm Camp Site
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

We got up about 6:15 am, ate a cold breakfast and were hiking about 7:45 am. The cold breakfast was the rice dinner (extra) we thought might be a good change and it was great. The rice dinner consists of dried apples, rice, walnuts, powdered milk, cinnamon, raisins, and a bit of sugar. We made it last night and hung it in the bear bag, our refrig.Last night, the owls were busy catching mice and making all sort of noises-really cool. And we heard turkeys this morning.Along the trail, we found lots of interesting flowers so we took some pictures and hopefully there is enough detail so we call figure out what they are.The climb up Dragon's Tooth was relatively easy, the view from the top was great and the descent was challenging so we took some pictures of the rocks and rebar steps.We crossed Road 624 and skipped the side trip to Catawba Deli and Store. We ate lunch in a large meadow between Road 624 and 785.After crossing Road 785, the trail drops to a creek and we found an otter swimming there as we crossed the bridge. The otter quickly took cover under the bank when it spotted us.We stopped at John's Spring Shelter for a short break and water as this is the only drinkable water source for the last 13.6 miles. We then climbed to McAfee Knob and took more picutres. It was starting to sprinkle rain again so the pictures are a bit grayish.We then dropped off McAfee Knob to Pig Farm Camp Site were we decided to tent for the night. There are two small groups of deer wandering around and thru camp.There is a solo south bound section hiker here with us.Tomorrow is 15.5 miles to Daleville and it just started the 70 percent chance of rain. At least we will start out dry and be hiking toward a hot shower. and dry clothes.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Pig Farm Camp Site

To: Daleville
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

We got up a bit earlier than usual so we could make it to Daleville about 5pm. The trip over to the half mile cliff walk on Tinker Cliffs was pretty uneventful-just a short stop at Brickeys Gap to take a picture of some old farm equipment. The half mile cliff walk was a bit more exciting as it is a bit of a drop off the edge if you happen to trip or fall off. Although it was still pretty safe as the trail is really wide and the rocks were all dry.We stopped at Lamberts Meadow Shelter for lunch and saw a bunch of deer so we took a few pictures and hiked on.We then found a turtle in the middle of trail a very long way from any water so we took a picture and hiked on. Leaving the turtle for others to see.The lower part of the ridge hike was pretty rocky and no water so it was slow going, but we managed to get to the road on time. Just in time for a heavy rain shower. We were really glad that the rain held off until we were in the last meadow before the road as it would have been a very miserable trip thru the rocks in the rain.After we got to Bill's, Pam came over and Bill made steaks for dinner. We had a great time catching up on what each other has been doing for the last 6 months.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day. With Bill as driver and guide, we did the usual zero day things-groceries, hair cut for Limestone, Outfitter for gear repair and replacement and ate all we could to keep hungry fat cells at bay.We then went out to dinner with Bill and Pam and had a great evening.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: few clouds

Got up from soft comfortable bed about 6 am, packed up day pack, ate breakfast and Bill drove us to Mills Gap Overlook where we slack packed the 19 miles back to Daleville.The trip was uneventful, nice day and cool weather. We saw a few lizards along the way.We arrived in Daleville a bit early so we got some ice cream while we waited for ride. Bill and Pam took us to the Three Pigs Restaurant where made like pigs and ate all we could. A nice relaxing night.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Daleville

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

Many thanks to our friend Bill who took us into his home and let us mooch off him for a few days. We had a lot of fun and look forward to the next time we meet.Up early and took a long showers, last ones for several days. Nice day for hiking, cool with a slight breeze and lots of sun. Met Go and Mountain Sailor at Cove Mountain Shelter where we stopped for a break. We are seeing lots of lizards on the trail, but no snakes.We ate lunch along the trail and then stopped at Cornelius Creek Shelter where we are tenting for the night.Rethinker heard a weather forecast calling for showers. Rethinker, Go and Mountain Sailor are camped out next to the shelter and Shilou is in the shelter.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Today was a non description day-just hiking with very few flowers and no wildlife. It was foggy/rainy part of the day without views until the last thousand feet toward the James River.We are tenting at the shelter and are happy to be drying out after all the rain the last couple days. Here at the shelter are Mountain Sailor, Go, Re-thinker, Shilou and Apostle.We are at a pleasant tent site next to a small stream.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Little Irish Creek Bridge
Miles today: 17.2

Lots of climbing today. The first three miles were pretty nice, fairly gentle grades down to and along the James River. Today we crossed the longest bridge on the AT, beats swimming across.There were lots of section hikers on this section of trail. We have been talking about our travel plans and hope to make all the arrangements when we get to Waynesboro.Tonight we are camped along Irish Creek. It is not much of a spot, but the sounds of the stream make it really nice.Tomorrow we are going to Buena Vista to buy food for the next 4 days. It is a short town day stop as the next town day is just days from here.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Little Irish Creek Bridge

To: US Road 60, Buena Vista
Miles today: 6.8

A nice night sleeping by a small river. We were on the trail just a few minutes when Limestone found a tick in his arm. So we took a few minutes and extracted one small critter.The hike around Lynchberg Reservoir was pretty, even if there are no clear views due to all the leafy trees. However, we were surprised to find a really nice camp site at the upper end of the lake. It seems the data book forgot to mention this small detail.We stopped at Brown Mountain Shelter for a long break and to kill some time as we were way too early for our shuttle ride.We got to the Road 60 early so we called the shuttle and got picked up early. We stayed at the Budget Inn and it¢s a mile walk to the closest super market-not fun on the busy highway with cars and trucks zooming by as you navigate a small grassy or rocky ditch shoulder (there are two small sections of side walk in the long walk).We went to dinner at the Italian Restaurant down town and it was great food.When we got back to the Budget Inn, Limestone found the second tick in his arm¢such fun!
Date: 2008-05-23
From: US Road 60, Buena Vista

To: Porters Field, plus some
Miles today: 15.2

After the shuttle ride back to the trail, we made the 2,000 foot vertical and 2.8 mile horizontal climb up to Bald Knob which is covered with trees and no views. We then dropped into Cow Camp Meadows and climbed Cole Mountain which is a very grassy, open bald with great views.It was a very dry hike as there is no water along the trail from Hwy 60 to a small spring 10 or 11 miles away.We met Abby (Mrs. Cluck) today and we were passed by Bear Trap (again).We did see two deer and one rabbit.Today was our first, planned, no cook dinner meal. We packed in a Ceasar Salad, Pocket Bread, cheese, and lunch meat. It was a pretty good change. We also changed to a Mr Goodbar candy for dessert. So, we have migrated to a non cook breakfast and lunch and are now working on a no cook dinner in preparation for the hot weather coming up.Tomorrow there is a 30% chance of rain, but it just started a day early.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Porters Field, plus some

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

We got up to a sunny day in an old orchard. A few of the apple trees are still blooming, but most of the trees are past flowering.We climbed up ¢The Priest¢ and then down, down the other side. Along the way, Mrs. Limestone found a rattle snake-a very fat rattle snake out to catch some sun. The snake was along the side of the trail so Limestone gave the snake a prod to move it out into the brush. We took a few pictures and moved down the hill.At noon, we stopped for lunch along a small creek for lunch. Unfortunately, Mrs. Limestone was not having a real good day and she stepped on a rolling rock and fell into the creek. No major injury, just a few bruises.We hiked on to Maupin Field Shelter where we are overwhelmed with all the tents. It is Memorial Day weekend and there must be 25 or so tents (including ours) around the shelter.We spent the evening around a small, separate campfire with a family from VA and thru hiker named Pack Animal. It was a nice night.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful walk along the Cedar Cliffs. Fringe trees are in full bloom and there are a lot of them along the cliffs. They make a nice frame for some of the pictures.The trail was actually pretty rocky and slow going even though the map/data book shows fairly easy elevations.There are a lot of people on the trail, still the Memorial Day crowds and we spend a fair amount of time talking with people.This section has a water problem, very little of it. We are camping at the Paul Wolfe shelter.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Rock Fish Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

We got going early, and traveled quickly (for us) to Rock Fish Gap. After a phone call, our shuttle ride arrived and we are staying at the Tree Streets B&B in Waynesboro. This is a really nice B&B. Today was a rest day, just a short walk to the restaurant.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Rock Fish Gap

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is a town day, Mrs. Limestone got some new boots-Montrail Hardrock for women. Her feet have been getting sore as the miles pile up. Also, her old boots are starting to fall apart. We ate ice cream made from real cream and it was a great snack before we went to the Ming Garden¢s all you can eat buffet.We were limited to one hour on the library computer due to the high demand (line up) of other users. We made travel plans, but did not get the TJ updated.We purchased groceries on the way back to the B&B. I often wondered what B&B folks think of thru hikers that show up and buy groceries and then dump all the unnecessary, extra packaging in the room garbage can. We are always amazed at the amount of packaging we dispose of this way.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Waynesboro

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a late start on the trail as we spent time talking to Bill and Nikki, owners of the Tree Streets Inn B&B. It was a lot of fun and interesting learning about their home and the events to get the B&B opened.The hiking was a bit easier and we saw a rabbit and deer. There is a lot of poison oak growing along this section of trail.Mrs. Limestone¢s new boots are working ok, at least her feet are not hurting so much tonight.Short day, only seven miles and tomorrow, we will be in the Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

Today was the highest mileage day so far-20.4 miles. We are not the big mileage people and are being passed by the youngsters doing the 25-30 miles per day. Hopefully, we will all get to Katahdin.Mrs. Limestone just missed stepping on the head of a big black rat snake¢so we took its picture.We made it to Loft Mountain Campground in time to visit the camp store; walk to the wayside for a cheese burger, fries, and blueberry milkshake; and, take showers.The campground sits on a high ridge so the views are really grand, and there are very few campers here.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was not a good day for Mrs. Limestone who took a nasty fall. Mrs. Limestone is pretty bruised and shaken up, but nothing is broken. She tripped over a rock and took a header in the middle of the trail. Fortunately, there were a couple trail angels who came along shortly afterward and one of whom was a very knowledgeable nurse. They helped us to the trail head and ranger work center at Simmons Gap where one of the employees was an EMT. We discussed our options and Mrs. Limestone opted to stay on the mountain at a campground close to a campground host so we have contact with the outside world, rather than being transported to town in an emergency vehicle.We are camped at Lewis Mountain Campground next to the camp host so we can be monitored and/or get emergency help if it is needed. To the unknown trail angels who helped us off the trail, many thanks. And to the Park Service Employees who transported us to the campground and provided assistance, again many thanks. We are so thankful for your help.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero-day for Mrs. Limestone¢s fall recovery. We are camped at the Lewis Campground. Mrs. Limestone feels a bit better, but still has a pretty big head ache. The bruises on her leg are turning darker to match her black eye. The good news, no broken bones and she will recover pretty fast. As the day goes on, she has been playing cards, relaxing and generally feeling better. Maybe the shower and clean clothes are helping too. At least the shower is uplifting for the spirit.While we were sitting at the picnic table, several deer have been wandering by and it keeps the dogs all stirred up with lots of barking.The camp host told us a bit of history about a bear killing and eating a fawn just at the edge of the campground last year. The campers wanted the Park Service folks to stop the attack, but they refused (good move) and allowed the natural processes to continue.Early to bed for lots of rest.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: moderate rain

This morning Mrs. Limestone felt much better so we ate breakfast with coffee from the Camp Store and started hiking north. We did a very short day, 8 miles and are staying at the Lodge at Big Meadows. Mrs. Limestone likes the nice change to have sheets and a shower in a private room. Of course, we ate the required cheese burger, fries, milk shake and large soda for lunch at the Wayside. And for dinner, we had the turkey dinner, extra salad and ice cream dessert¢just loving those calories. Also staying here at the Lodge are Shutter Bug & Hot Wheels who we have not seen since Trail Days.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Big Meadows

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

We ate breakfast at the Lodge-a window seat with great views of the valley. It was clear and sunny after last evenings thunder storm. We found deer all along, and on the trail today. They often refused to get off the trail and out of the way. There were also a lot of day hikers out to enjoy the scenery.We stopped for lunch at the Skyland Dinning hall, along with a bunch of other thru hikers. We are working at eating our way thru the park.It was a fairly difficult day with lots of rocks that keeps our pace slowed down, but we did manage to hike over 18 miles today.We are tenting at the Pass Mountain Hut. It¢s funny because no one is staying in the shelter and there are 9 or 10 tents around the shelter. Staying here are Sampson, Mrs. Cluck, Red Dog and Lucky Dog, Butter, Hot Wheels & Shutter Bug, and Rebound.Mrs. Limestone is feeling much better and her headache is about gone. Her feet are still hurting.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was warm last night and it was really warm today-until the afternoon rains. We stopped for a snack at the Elk Wallow Wayside-our last cheese burgers before we leave the park.We saw a bear on the way to and from Elk Wallow, same bear three times. It was a medium sized bear with a nice looking fur coat, shinny and black.During lunch, Sampson got bitten by a tourist¢s dog. Fortunately, it did not break the skin and he was able to hike on. The dog owner was a real low life and hardly took the time to apologize. In the park, dogs are required to be under control, but this one was being watched by a very young person who could not keep it under control. We were really glad to be away from the wayside.While at the Wayside, we picked up some groceries to get us to Harpers Ferry.We are tenting at Gravel Springs Hut and it has to be one of the worse tent sites of the trip. The tent sites have lots of rocks, are not level and are very small in size. Our tent does not fit the site and is hanging over the edges. We are both thinking about being off the trail for a short break.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim & Dolly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Right after we started hiking, we came across a new born fawn alongside (maybe two feet from the tread) the trail. We took a few pictures and then moved on trying not to disturb it. We stopped at Tom Floyd Wayside (shelter) for lunch and set out a huge storm. The storm caused the sky to get very dark, almost black and then the winds came. We could see really big trees swaying back and forth, the thunder and rain made us very glad we decided to wait a few minutes to see what happened after it got so dark. It was nice to be in a shelter, but when we started hiking again, there were trees and branches all over the trail and it made for some slow going.We were not so lucky when the second storm arrived and it caught us a few miles from camp. We got soaked in the heavy down pour, but at least the wind was not as strong.We are staying at one of the nicest shelters so far, Jim and Dolly Denton Shelter. We are staying in the shelter. There is a separate shelter for cooking and a solar shower. It is too cold and really late for us to take a shower, but it looks like this would be a welcome site on a warmer day.Mrs. Limestone¢s bruises are getting better, but her feet are getting worse. She is definitely ready for a break/town day.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Jim & Dolly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight we are tenting at the Rod Hollow Shelter. Today was just a normal walk in the woods. We were greeted by a trail angel with beer and Gatorade. We opted for the Gatorade as it was just too hot for a beer-or else we might have called it a day right there.We dropped our trash and got ice water from the Trail Angel¢just great! The views at the Sky Meadows State Park are great. It¢s a nice break from walking in the woods all the time. It was warm today, and should be hotter tomorrow. Limestone found a few more ticks crawling around on him and fortunately, the ticks were just exploring and not borrowed in for a feed. He has lost count of how many have been dispatched, but the number is into the double digits while Mrs. Limestone is at just one. The big wood ticks are easy to find and feel, but the deer ticks are pretty small and you can seldom feel them. Everyone is looking for a free lunch!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we hiked the ¢roller coaster¢. The good news it started out cool and foggy so it was nice hiking, but no views. After the first couple ups and downs, we were ready for a change so we went down and then up. We stopped at the Bears Den Hostel for a lunch break and we arrived just as the power returned after being off for a couple days. Guess that was really good news as they do not have water without power and we needed a drink, or maybe two drinks. Bears Den is an interesting building so we took pictures. After lunch, it was really warm as we finished the last of the ¢roller coaster¢ and coasted into the Blackburn Trail Center for the night. At Blackburn, we had snacks and a beer, took a show in the solar shower, and then had dinner. All compliments of Blackburn-how great can it be? We met Trail Boss who installed the sign warning of the roller coaster, trail humor. We then retired to our campsite and tent. On the walk back to our tent site, we came across a deer bedded down along the trail. It was sort of spooky seeing those big eyes in the flashlight and not knowing what the critter was until it ran off.Tomorrow is a town day and the start of a couple week rest and recovery trip home.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: ATC Center
Miles today: 12.0

It was an uneventful, hot hike to Harpers Ferry. Did I say hot? We started sweating 2 minutes after we started the climb from the campsite to the trail and it lasted for the entire short 12 miles to Harpers Ferry. When we crossed the river, it was hard to take the bridge rather than the ford the stream route¢discretion being the better part of valor we opted to walk along side the vehicle traffic and just observe all the others playing in the water. Took a few pictures of geese, but they are not too good.We checked into the motel, took showers and went to the ATC center/headquarters. What a great place. We signed the guest book, skipped the picture as we¢ll do that this fall and spent time talking with other hikers. ¢Pain Train¢ (Driftwood, Zipper and Nipples) were there which was pretty neat as we have not seen them for some time. Driftwood is one of the few hikers still on the trail that we met at the Hiker Hostel the first of March.After the stop at ATC, we were off to the Outfitters to make arrangements to mail gear. The Outfitters is also a great place with lots of neat stuff and plenty of help/information. It was interesting to see them helping brand new hikers get prepared for their trips. It was still hot and there are heat warnings in effect.We then went to dinner at a local eatery adjacent to the outfitters. It was great, plentiful food and we managed to clean off our plates and still leave adequate room for a big dessert and coffee. After dinner, we headed back to the motel for a nightly snack.
Date: 2008-06-08
To: DC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a travel and visiting day. It did not go like expected, but it was fun. We were up early, ate at the motel buffet, then boxed up our gear and went to the outfitters to get it all mailed home. It was a warm walk from the motel to the outfitters and it turned out to be a really hot day. At the outfitters, we talked with a woman who was just starting a hike north. She had never been hiking before and was starting on a day with heat warnings¢we wished her luck and tried to provide a few tips that might be helpful for a new-comer to the sport.   Having done so much work walking to the outfitters after breakfast, we stopped at a restaurant for a small snack. Limestone then went to the train station to watch the trains, and Mrs. Limestone went to the book store and other trinket stores to see what she could not live without on the trip home.There was a train derailment so the trains were all running late and it derailed out plans to see POW and TLC. Hopefully they are doing well and maybe we will be able to meet when we get back to Harpers Ferry this fall.After several ours of waiting, the train finally arrived and we were off to DC. We meet CeCe for dinner. It was fun, but much too short of a visit.We arrived at our motel about 10 pm and are not looking forward to the 4 am call tomorrow. It could be a long day with the change in time zones before we get to sleep in our own bed.