morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

We got up, ate a hot cereal breakfast and packed up (it takes about 1 3/4 hours to do) and started down the trail. It was fairly easy until the steep climb up to Brown Shelter. Not too much wildlife today, just one mouse wandering across the trail in the leaves. Here at Carter Gap is Toit, Buzz Light Year and Zoom. Purple and Toots passed us along the way after camping at Stecoach Gap last night. We met up with Turtle at Brown Shelter and found that the crew from Cold Spring also stayed at Stecoach Gap on the old road. Tomorrow, we go to Fontana Dam and start the smokies. Mrs Limestone called Meredith to mail the next two packages.......
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

We got up and headed for Fontana, The Hike Inn. Toit left early to make the Post Office before it closed and then Buzz Light Year and Zoom left before us. We got to the Visitor Center and called Nancy at the Hike Inn for a ride to the Hostel. At the top of the dam are a lot of thru hikers being rock lizards in the sun--Burple and Toots, Pearl and Train Wreck; Hot Cheese and Bird Nest; Nest; Tupperware; and many others. They were waiting for the phone and enjoying the sun.Nancy gave us a ride to the Hostel, washed our clothes and then ride to town for dinner and a store stop--many thanks. We picked up about 10-12 oz of fuel and our next box. We are heading into the Smokiers tomorrow.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the Hike Inn about 8:45 abd saw a buzzard making short work of a road killed possom'. The buzzard was accompanied by a couple of crows. We crossed the dam about 9:30 am andnoticed the low level of the lake. The hike was pretty much uphill into the Smokies and it got colder as the day went on. We were passed by Bear Trap who has shin splints, but is still hiking. We met Piece of Work and TLC along the trail and hiked with tehm off and on for part of the day. We met the Ridge Runner and he asked about our permit and passed on information about weather and the trail conditions. We are the only ones here at Russell Shelter. Woodstock stopped briefly, but pushed on to the next shelter.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light snow

We got up to very cold weather. TLC and Piece of Work arrived just as we were leaving the shelter. Soon after, the snow started and the wind continued to blow. It was really a miserable day of hiking, snow and very cold wind without any views. It is still snowing and we are hunkered down at Derrick Knob for the night. Here at the shelter are POW & TLC, Burple & Toots, Bear Trap, Hot Cheese and Birdnest.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Today was a very long day, probably the highest elevation and miles day. We enjoyed great sunny weather. It was funny to see all the animal tracks in the snow, especially since we see so few of them when we are hiking. Lots of rodent tracks (mice and squirrels), coyotes, deer and hogs. We stopped at Silers Bald shelter for lunch and someone had left a fire in the fireplace so we warmed up a bit before we pushed on. We summited Clingman's Dome about 4pm and it was still very sunny and clear-probably the very best views Limestone has seen in all the trips. Mt Collins shelter is a half mile off the trail and you need to take a large lunch to get water-its a long way from the shelter. At the shelter are POW & TLC, Burple & Toots, Next, Glo Worm and Bear Trap and four guys are spring break who are section hiking. Tomorrow we are off to Gatlinburg for a town day.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

Short hike up and down to Newfound Gap where we caught a ride with the four section hikers of Mt Collins Shelter--who shall remain nameless as they are sort of on spring break. Many thanks guys. We picked up our box at the Happy Hiker Outfitter and got our pictures taken. We picked up some repair tape for Mrs Limestone's pack cover tear and Limestones back pack mouse hole repair. We took showers and went to the Smokey Mtn Brewery for a beer with Nest, Bear Trap, Burple (birthday girl) and Toots; and then to dinner at the Best Itillian restaurant. We are staying at the Grand Prix motel.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg

To: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is a town day. Wash clothes, buy food, eat, library for the computer and sleep. Watched tv and enjoyed the sun. Tomorrow we nead north again. Next update will be Hot Springs.Staying here at the Grand Prix. Cheers....
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Newfound Gap, Gatlinburg

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We checked out of the Grand Prix about 8 am and were joined by Laura, Rock's sister for breakfast. After breakfast, Laura drove us back to Davenport Gap to continue our journey north. Many thanks Laura for the ride and great company. We hope to see you later this fall on the west coast....About 10 am we left the Gap and in three miles of climbing, we reached Ice Water Spring. There were a couple section hikers still there and one thru hiker, Dave. We ate lunch and collected water at Ice Water Spring then we skated down a few icy spots and we were off on a much easier section of trail. The weather was a bit cool with a few sprinkles, but the hike was pretty easy. We learned later it was very rainy in the valley so we were pretty happy with the light sprinkles.We met Ridge Runner Jim at the shelter. The same Ridge Runner Jim that Limestone met last year. Accompanying Jim is Billy, a new Ridge Runner in training. We appreciated our conversations with them and as always really are thankful for the helpfulness and great job done by the Ridge Runners to make hiker's lives a bit more comfortable.The shelter was over flowing with people as there are a lot of section hikers with reservations and a large group of thru hikers bunched up. Here are Driftwood, Cav, Major Miles, Avalance, Dave, Jerrod, Colin and others. We met Long Step on the trail but he has pushed northward.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Another full shelter and it is raining. We are tenting for a bit of privacy and to avoid the miserable mouses. At least we are getting rain and not snow. Ridge Runner Jim and Billy are here and they have their work cut out for them as several folks are here without permits and it is getting dark. So fun to be retired.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Waterville School Road, Standing Bear
Miles today: 10.4

Today was the last day of the Smokey Mtn National Park and we are now past many of the 6,000 foot peaks and the winter like conditions should improve to more spring like conditions (hopefully). The good news, the sun was out today and it was a really nice hike down to the valley. There was trail magic at the road (soda & beer).   We did not see any snakes on the trail, but Limestone was looking as they were present last year. We did see one Woodpecker and took it's picture, but otherwise there was not too much action due to the winter like conditions.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Waterville School Road, Standing Bear

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We spent the night at Standing Bear in the Cabin (all to ourselves). Took a warm shower and spent the evening talking with other hikers. SB is a great place to stay, low rates and great atmosphere--many thanks Curtis.Today was a first as we hiked over 15 miles in one day, soon this will become common place, but the first time is an important event. We took pictures off the top of Max Patch in the rain and wind, but the view was/is spectacular. The shelter is very muddy so we found a tent spot in the leaves.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was much easier hiking than yesterday-fewer miles and less elevation gain. While it rained off and on last night, today was sunny and nice. We ate lunch at a small spring just before the top of Bluff Mtn (4,686') and enjoyed the views. Beavis, Major Miles and Dog sprinted from the last shelter to Hot Springs in an attempt to get there before the Post Office closed so they could pick up packages (and a tent). This is a very old shelter (1938 vintage) and need work. Sleeping in the shelter (with a few mice) are Rabbit's Foot and Vagabon. Colin, Jerrod and Driftwood are tenting next to us on one side of the shelter and a group of college students are tenting on the other side of the shelter. The college students are from Deleware and are enjoying their spring break. Tomorrow is a town day.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: few clouds

After a short climb, we turned down hill and rolled into Hot Springs. We made a reservation for a room and are staying at the Sunnybrook Inn (Elmer's). This is one of the more unique hostels on the trail. It is a large Victorian House built in the late 1800's and still has much of the original high quality wood work and charm. We are looking forward to dinner and breakfast.We stopped at the Smokey Mountain Diner for breakfast and then checked into Elmer's. Then to the Post Office to pick up our packages. New tent! Bounce box and food drop box. We were thinking about all the firsts and how much we have done so far. We have averaged about 10 miles per day each day we hike, some days more and some less. We have completed 10% of the trail in about a month as we are getting into shape. We have been over the highest point on the trail, Clingman's Dome at 6,643'. We have been in cold snow storms, a few rain and thunderstorms and some really nice weather. So far, except for a few blisters, stumbles and tumbles, we are not injured. We have both lost a few pounds and are in much better shape. Life on the trail has been good to us but we still miss family and friends back home. We have met a lot of nice people on the trail as we leap frog from one group of hikers to the next. Now it is time to enjoy dinner. Cheers.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is our official zero day so we went to the spa and enjoyed a nice soak in the therapeutic mineral baths. Mrs Limestone is getting a massage to pamper her feet...We unpacked our new tent and set it up to make sure we knew what we were doing in case we need to set it up in a wind or rain storm. It is a three person Stephensen "Warmlite" and it looks great. Unfortunately it will add two pounds to Limestone's pack after we send the old tent home, but it has much more floor space and the douple hoop design makes for more head room. We think this tent will better serve our needs. We will tent around shelters as we have been doing in the past so we can continue to enjoy the company of all the thru hikers. Today we are updating the trail journal, washing clothes and going to the outfitter for a few small items. Next stop is Erwin, Uncle Johnnie's..
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Last night we ate dinner at the Bridge Creekside Cafe. The food and drink was outstanding and Limestone commented that he was sorry that he had not taken time to eat here in the past. Also at the Cafe were Colin, Driftwood and Jarrod.We packed most of our stuff last night so after breakfast we were out of Sunnybrook. We enjoyed our stay at Sunnybrook, lots of charm in a well made, hand made old home. Many thanks Elmer. We ate 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner and they were all good.On the way out of town, we made several stops: at the Dollar Store for a reading book, at the Post Office to mail our bounce box and a letter to Brownie Troop 40366, at the Outfitters for fuel, and at the Alpine Court Motel to say hi to Daddy-O, Peacock; and, Tuit, Zoom and Buzz Light Year.About 10:30 am we finally crossed the bridge on our way out of town. We hiked to the Pond for lunch in a peaceful setting. Grey Ghost was there as well.We then hiked to the Shelter and are staying there with Grey Ghost, Kanoti,and Peak Axe; and, Driftwood, Jarrod and Colin are camping nearby. Driftwood went above and beyond the call of duty and carried in a package of marshmellows for toasting on the fire.It is now starting to rain and it is going to be a bit noisy in the tin roof shelter.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

After a noisy night in the shelter caused by mice and snoring, we got up to heavy rain. We ate a warm breakfast of oatmeal and tea. We then put on our rain gear and headed down the hill to Allen Gap. We skipped the trail magic at Allen Gap and continued north in the fog. We stopped for lunch at 8 miles at a shelter, it was still pretty foggy.There was more trail magic after the shelter, but the trail magic crew was just getting organized and set up so we continued north without stopping.We heard several grouse, but did not see them-too much fog.Here at the shelter are Peak Axe, Kanati, and Grey Ghost; and, camped out are Driftwood, Jarrod and Colin.Today was a new mileage high, 15.4 miles.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained hard all last night and we were glad we opted to stay in the shelter. Peak Axe built a fire in the fire place so it was nice and cozy in the shelter. Mice were having a party running around the shelter all night and both Grey Ghost and Kanati were up several times defending the packs. Between the mice and the rain, it was pretty hard to sleep.Today started out really foggy (actually a continuation of yesterday), but it cleared up just as we broke camp. Today was a hard hiking day, starting with a steep climb up Big Butt Mtn, then lots of down hill and finally ending with a huge climb back up the mountain to camp. Tomorrow is more of the same.We did see tad poles/frog eggs in some mud puddles so we took some pictures for the Brownie Troop. The eggs were just begining to hatch.Tonight we are in our tent for the first time and it is really great. It has so much more room and the double hoop makes sitting up much more comfortable.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 13.5

The new tent works great. While we did get some condensation, it was caused by the very cold foggy weather on the outside. The tent is designed to have a bit of condensation on the ends, but the double wall in the middle worked great and we did not get a bit of water on us or our stuff. So far, we are really impressed with the tent. We will see how well it does as we go along and it gets exposed to different weather conditions.Today was a lot of work, but the hight point on top of Big Bald (5,516')was well worth all the work. We had a 360 degree view across the country side. Thank you for the sunshine.We are camped at Whistling Gap. The water source is really marginal and it took some work to get enough. We built a fire and took turns sitting in the one green lawn chair someone left behind. Camped here are Jarrad, Driftwood and Colin (now trail name Zipper).Zipper was talking about his first attempted thru hike several years ago. He had fun, and many funny experiences. His trip was cut short at Neels Gap so this is his second attempt.We made reservations at Uncle Johnnies for tomorrow night--hot showers and laundry, yea!
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Whistling Gap

To: Nolichucky Hostel
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

A note for others following along, the spring at Whistling Gap is probably going to go dry without a lot of rain in the next few days. Limestone cleaned it out as best he could to make collection of water easier, but the flow is really low.We got up early, showers calling, and headed into town with only a brief stop at No Business Knob for lunch.Today is a warm sunny day, a great day for a walk in the woods. And, our packs are pretty light without any food.At the Hostel, we took showers and shuttled to town for pizza.We are staying in one of the cabins at Uncle Johnnies so we have some privacy-its really nice.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Nolichucky Hostel

To: Iron Mtn Gap Road
Miles today: 19.1

Today turned out to be a very long day, and a very high mileage day as we slack packed back to Nolichucky, Uncle Johnnies. We met Piece of Work and Tough Little Cookie at Iron Mtn Gap. Also passing thru the gap was Double Time, doing tripple time pace.The hike up Unaka Mtn (5,180') was pretty uneventful, just keep climbing and climbing and eventually you get to the top. But, the top of the mountain is really unusual and special with its unique stands of Red fir and hemlock. It remains a person of the higher elevations of Washington State or the northeast.On the way down Unaka Mtn, we met Grey Ghost who has sore knees and a bad cold. We suggested that he needed to do a zero day and let his body rest. Grey Ghost is about the same age as Limestone and has yet to take a zero day.At Beauty Spot we met Kanati (who is heading to Cherry Gap Shelter) and we suggested that he talk with Grey Ghost about zero-ing.We took a break at Beauty Spot to take some pictures.We met Zipper, Driftwood, Jarrod and Avalance, and then Hot Cheese and Bird Bath all heading for Beauty Spot. Later, we found Cav resting at Curly Maple Shelter and Peak Axe just below the shelter. Peak Axe showed us his snake pictures, very lucky.When we got back to Uncle Johnnies, we ate microwaved, left over pizza and drank beer. The took a shower and called it a day--all in all a great one.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Iron Mtn Gap Road

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up early, 6am and ate breakfast. After packing up our gear, we checked out of the Hostel. We have added a few items to our packs: the old Sweet Water Filter has such a large leak, it no longer is useful so it has been replaced with an MSR Mini Water Works ($85)-and more weight; we added a ground cloth for our new tent-even more weight; and, we added a new towel to replace the one we can not find.On the way out of town, we stopped at Hardees for a second breakfast-egg, sausage, bacon, cheese buiscuts, sweet rolls and washed it all down with coffee.Thank you Brownie Troop 40336, our package was waiting for us at Uncle Johnnies.We hiked to Clyde Smith Shelter for lunch and water, and then spent the rest of the day hiking part the way up to Roan High Bluff, i.e. we stopped short at Ash Gap where we are tenting for the night. Its a long walk to the water, note to self, take a lunch next time.Wrong Way and his dog Erwin passed us at Greasy Gap. Long story, shortened: Wrong Way spent several days at Uncle Johnnies and someone told him about a dog that was about to be put to sleep forever. So, Wrong Way goes to the dog pound and gets Erwin out and they are now hiking north. Story with a good ending.Today was a short, hot day and after a long day yesterday, it was nice to do a short day.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Ash Gap

To: US Rd 19 E, Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 16.7

Last night was a very windy, probably 40-50 miles per hour. Limestone was up a couple of times checking stakes and tie down lines to make sure the tent was still anchored to the mountain. The good news is the tent performed like a champion. But it was a noisy night with all the wind in the trees. By adjusting the lines, we kept the tent flapping to a minimum.We climbed over Roan High which is another milestone as this is the last peak over 6,000 feet elevation that we will cross until we get to New Hampshire and enter the White Mountains--yea! After Roan High, we dropped down onto the Balds and continued to enjoy a windy, sunny hike down to Highway 19E. Mrs Limestone thinks that walking in the wind is difficult trying to keep her balance.We enjoyed hot showers and an evening of conversation with Wrong Way and Dodger. Mrs Limestone has more blisters and a sore knee. After lights out, Limestone called home to catch up with all the happenings and latest news. The snow still remains in the Limestone's yard.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: US Rd 19 E, Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Laurel Fork
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

After an outstanding breakfast (thank you Mary), we left Harbour Mtn B&B about 10:30 am. It is a very late start for us, but the conversation at breakfast was fun so we lingered a bit.We climbed up past the "little church" in the woods and then decended to Jones Falls where we ate lunch. We then decended to Elk River and watched some ducks on the river and took some pictures. We then hiked up to the new Mountaineer Shelter in the middle of a Forest Service controlled burn. The fire was basically out, but there were still a few smoldering stumps. It was not a fun section of the trail to hike. We took a short break at Mountaineer Shelter and then hiked over to Laurel Fork where we are camped for the night.While we were eating dinner, Peak Axe came by on his way to Moreland Shelter. We told him that Dodger should be there as well.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Laurel Fork

To: Dennis Cove, Kincora
Miles today: 11.8

When we got up, it was cold and the temperature was dropping. Soon, it started to snow a little bit, then it stopped. Jarrod, Zipper and Avalanche passed our camp as we were eating breakfast and then Driftwood passed us while we were hiking. It continued to get colder. We stopped at Moreland Shelter (in the wind) for a quick lunch and then continued on to Kincora. Due to the cold weather and approaching snow storm, Kincora filled up fast and there are a lot of folks here to get warm. We took showers and shuttled to town to pick up a few things. Our box was waiting here when we arrived--thank you Brownie Troop 40336.We enjoyed talking to the many other hikers after the twon trip. It is getting colder and snowy. We will either take a zero day or slack pack Pond Mtn tomorrow--depending upon the weather. Limestone spent last Easter here, in the midst of another snow storm.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Dennis Cove, Kincora

To: Braemar Castle
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a zero day at Kincora. Its snowing and really cold so we opted to stay put for the day--and stay warm. We didn't do to much, just eating.This afternoon, we moved to the Castle to make room for the next bunch of hikers that were coming off the trail to get warm. The Castle is down in the valley and is very nice as we have a private room next to a kitchen. We went to dinner at the Ice House which is a local bar and burger place. Limestone ate the meat loaf, judged very good and Mrs Limestone ate the burger, also judged very good. Both were washed down with cold beer. Section hiker Lance went to dinner with us and then decided to take a chance at the pool table but lost in the first round and spent the rest of the night watching.We lost track of all the hikers at Kincora, but recall that it included Piece of Work, Tough Little Cookie, Zipper, Jarrod, Driftwood, Cav, Peak Axe, Avalanche, Vagabond, Daddy-O, Peacock, Jack Frost, Recycle, and others.