morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Stealth/James River

To: Budget Inn/Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 21.8

This morning I had to make sure Swift and the Blaze brothers were up, we were doing a slackpack from Buena Vista back to the James River. We all packed up and hiked .9 to the James River where Ken picked us up and dropped us at Buena Vista.Today was mostly climbing but our packs were lighter which made it nice but it is still over 20 miles. There were some nice vistas that we took advantage of with great views. It rained a little but not for long, looked like it was going to get nasty but it never developed, thank goodness.The first part of the day we all moved well, made good time, over 2 mph. Swift and I, however, are much slower on the climbs and slow as the day goes on. But we still manage an overall 2 mph average. We had made arrangements for Ken to pick us up at 7:30pm, and it was becoming clear as the day wore on that we would not make that time. I figured it would be somewhere around 8:15pm.I was getting tired and my feet were beginning to really hurt, I was powering up the last climb trying to catch Trinket, came close but didn't catch him. He pulled ahead and I slowed just to find that there was another short climb, which I focused and powered up that too. Trinket had found another vista and was sitting enjoying the view so I joined him. As the boys sat and rested I decided to go on cuz my feet hurt so bad that I knew it would take me a long time to get down the final 5 mile downhill, so I hiked on. But a few minutes after leaving my brain took on the challenge of getting to the James River by 7:30pm, could it be done, I wanted off this downhill, damn the pain and I started to cruise. Beating the boys is a plus too! I must have been hiking around 3 to 4 mph, I got far enough ahead that I wrote messages with sticks on the trail (taunt them a little), I started having fun even jogging in places to get down. I didn't make it to the James River by 7:30 i was 10 minutes late but I did beat the boys by a 30 min which was documented by Ken. But WOW was I beat. Once the boys got there it was 8:10 and Ken gave us a ride back to Buena Vista and we got a room at the Budget Inn, showered, ate, and collapsed.I was so tired that I couldn't even sleep till around 1am, and Ken was coming at 7am for another day of slackpacking 16 miles. ugh. must sleep - goodnightgearbomb
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Budget Inn/Buena Vista, VA

To: Dutch Haus Hostel
Miles today: 16.3

Ugh!! how awful, I am so tired. But up and going to the gas station across the street to resupply for the day and get some breakfast. Ken will be here soon to pick Swift and I up for another slack.We got to the trail around 7:50am but had to walk 1.3 miles up an old forest road 800' climb just to get to the trail. So we actually got to the trail and started hiking at 8:25am. We were both moving slow, but I loosened up after about an hour, today we had 3 or 4 small climbs all under 1000' but more downhills which as you all know my feet hate. But were out here, I have know choice now it has to be done. This time we were having Lois from the Dutch Haus pick us up at 6:30pm giving us 10 hours to do the 16 miles.I whined about the uphills today and I powered up most of them because it was the only way I was making it up today. I slowed and took more pictures, there were some nice views today and we took the time to enjoy them (for 5 min). We stayed on schedule. But the final downhill, I was trying to figure out a way to tell Swift that I could not do another 15 miles the next day, I was about to cry my feet hurt so bad. I didn't cry but I was pretty damn close. Swift has become my logistical planner (he is Mr. Thru Hiker) and a slave driver for miles. But at the same time he asked me if i minded not hiking tomorrow, wow I said great. Problem solved. We hobbled down the hill and got the the road at 5:55pm and Ear; was waiting for us to take us to the Hostel, Thank God!!I rode up front with Earl, while Swift rode in the bed of the truck and slept. Earl is a great guy had a good time talking with him. It took us a while to get the Dutch haus but when we got there it was nicer than I expected. Knotty pine every where. Lois showed me to my room and brought a bathrobe. She told me to put my laundry in the basket and bring it out. I showered and lived in the bathrobe for the rest of the night. There were 8 of us there, it was nice to see everyone again. Around 7 ish we had dinner meatloaf, baked potato, zuccini, salad, and pecan cake for dessert. Swift and I decided to take a zero the next day because we hurt so much from the high mileage slackpack days. So we relaxed and watched Dead Poet's Society but I fell asleep during the middle of it. I think by 10pm the whole house was asleep. Great place! Good Night Gearbomb soon to be known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Dutch Haus Hostel

To: Dutch Haus Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up at 4:30am - I have to stop doing this but I got up used the time to enter my journal. I made it all the way thru May. Lois rang the bell for breakfast @ 7am: biscuits and gravy, fruit, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. I love this place!!! After breakfast I took a nap to make up for waking up at 4:30am. Naps are nice! I woke up around 11am and got back on the laptop to order my boots, then I jumped on my bank site. Uh oh found fraudulent charges equaling approx $1000 ugh. Then I had to spend the next hour or so on the phone closing accounts, getting new card sent out and the fact that I am on the trail makes everything a little more difficult. But I think we got it accomplished. I will have to wait till Waynesboro to file a dispute, I need to get to a bank and fax machine. Was to upset to eat lunch but I will let it go, I know that I have done everything that i can do to resolve the issue. By the time dinner came around, I must have been feeling better cause I was starving.Tonite we had salad and pizza (5 different kinds). I ate one piece from every kind with Lemon Merinque Pie for dessert. Very good but I am stuffed.Packing tonight, hiking tomorrow. I hate to leave this place, it is very nice, fun to watch new hikers come through. Sitting on the front porch, watching humming birds at the feeders, listening to the stories of the new hikers.But the time has come that I must retire. Good Night Gearbomb soon to be known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Dutch Haus Hostel

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

The last meal @ the Dutch Haus, breakfast: quiche, pancakes, fruit WOW! What a great send off for hiking. We got back to Fish Hatchery Road (1.3 mile gravel road uphill to the trailhead) with our full packs, yuck. Trail magic - a guy that was getting ready to do some maintaining on the trail said he could load our packs in the back of his truck and drive them up the road, so all 6 of us threw our pack in the truck. Trail magic/angels can come in many forms, and I certainly appreciated this angel.Today we had to tackle the Priest, the getting up wasn't the problem as we are already pretty high in elevation, it is the getting down the "Priest". We descend 3000' in 3.3 miles. The downs are hard on the knees and my shoes don't perform well on down hills. First there were climbs nothing bad, we took our time and enjoyed the day and views. There was one view of farmland which I said looked like IN minus the mountains in the background. I also met 3 other women from IN but I can't not recall there names, sorry ladies. We took a break at that view for awhile before we proceeded down the mountain, which we took slow and easy. At the bottem of the "Priest" is the Tye River (more like a large stream) which I had to soak my feet in. Soaking feet in rivers, creeks, and/or streams has become a must do. It is maintenance of my feet! Plus it's funto be a kid and play in the water. I even fell asleep on a rock by the bank of the river. Time to go - up about 2.7 miles to the shelter and I can rest. Camped at a site instead of the shelter (a little less noisy), a very good decision. Ate doctored up mashed potatoes and oreo's for dinner and making plans for tomorrow. Now it is time to hit the hammock. Good Night Gearbomb soon to be known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Dripping Rock/Waynesboro
Miles today: 12.7

Heard something roaming around last night but it did not keep me awake, I was tucked away safely in my hammock. Today on the trail at 8am. Today we do the "Three Ridges" a 2000' climb first thing. I was ready for it - started off gradual, then got rocky but I was into the groove and she was a good climb. I had some nice views too. the next section from the summit down didn't seem bad but it seemed long. Some sections just seem to drag on forever and this was one of those sections. Once we got to the shelter, we stopped for lunch - disappointed with our performance we didn't linger and pushed on. This was a rocky trail, very rocky, and just when you thought yopu were past all the rocks, well more rocks. Finally made it to a small stream between the what, that's right rocks, and we stopped for water (which I had to camel up ((carry extra water)))and to soak our sore feet. Today my stress injuries started bothering me. I think it was all the rocks.From the stream we had another 5 miles or so to go to Humpback Mountain, which is where we were planning on camping. My knees were begining to ache and my arch on my left foot hurt. I didn't want to cause anymore damage to it - so when we got to the road we hitched into Waynesboro. Good decision - I have my new boots coming here also. Plus I can take care of my bank problems and rest my knees and feet. I may slackpack a 15 mile day or I may just take a few days off, not sure what my foot needs yet.We hitched in Waynesboro, got a room and cleaned up and headed to the hiker feed at the church but missed it by an hour. No worries though we still ran into lots of hikers we were glad to see. We hung out for awhile and gabbed, then got something to eat. Headed back to the room and watched Lewis Black, great comedian, funny, funny man.Time for sleep, cause I knew I will be up early - its getting worse. I wake up now between 4:15 and 5:30 am ugh. Can't help it. Good Night Gearbomb soon to be known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Dripping Rock/Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro/Quality Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Zero today - have to do a bunch of nothing, but it adds up. After the rocks from yesterday my stress injuries began bothering me, plus I am having my boots delivered here on Monday. Also I have to do bank stuff on Monday as well. But today, Sunday, is for resting/relaxing.We walked around town, ate, layed around the hotel room. Finally around supper time, I headed for the field where some hikers where tenting. Found Q-tip, Trinket, Slackimus, Hoof it, Wookie, and others we hung out there for quite awhile - drank and got tight. About 9ish Swift wanted to get something to eat so we left, and yes we were intoxicated. So much so that we got lost walking back to the hotel, funny stuff. We were a sight I am sure. We tried going to the the grocery store but I had to pee so we abandoned that venture and went back to the hotel and ordered pizza. Inhaled the pizza and crawled into my bed, I love my bed. Good Night Gearbomb soon to be known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Waynesboro/Quality Inn

To: Waynesboro/Quality Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up still always early again went to the lobby and made waffles for breakfast and watched the weather. As soon as 9 am got here, I started my errands.I went to a bank next door to the hotel and spoke with the manager, who was very helpful. I got the dispute faxed over to my bank and got $$ off another credit card so I am good to go now. The rest of the day was spent doing other running: boots picked up from the outfitter (they sent two pair). I don't know if I will be charged for both, one pair was charged to the account that I had to close, so we'll see. But I love the boots so I will keep both pair and send one pair ahead. I am also going through my pack trying to lighten it up some more. Prompting by Mr. Thru Hiker, he is relentless. Sending stuff ahead that I don't need right now, send stuff home that I don't use. Mr. Thru Hiker found it pretty funny that I carried a extra cartridge for my pen. So home it goes, I'm always learning and refining out here.Tomorrow we are slackpacking from dripping rock to Rockfish Gap. Today was a very productive day, mailed boxes and rested.Good NightGearbomb soon to known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Waynesboro/Quality Inn

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Today we hiked from Dripping Rock (where we got off on Sat) to Rockfish Gap. I was glad to be hiking again, it felt good.We had to climb Humpback Mountain. It was a gradual grade, there was a short section of rocks but it was fun. I had my new boots, I love them. I am a boot girl, they make all the difference in the world. I will never go to trail runners or short boot style again. The day went fast, didn't get on the trail till 10:15 and we walked our usual 2 mph but the time seemed to fly. We had a couple of nice views and after the mountain the trail was nice.Swift found bears for me, he has been trying to spot them since I hadn't seen one. He found two cubs playing on a log, we didn't see momma so he banged his poles together to make sure momma knew we were there. We never did see momma but the other cub ran down the tree looked at us then we heard all of them run into the woods. My first bear sighting, no pictures but still really cool.Got back to Rockfish around 5:15pm - Waynesboro by 5:30pm and showered by 5:45pm. WOW. Did quick food inventory, ate dinner, then Kroger, CVS for ice cream. Then back to the room. Put my food bag togeter, called and arranged a ride back to Rockfish Gap tomorrow at 8:30am. Watched a little TV, ate my cookie dough ice cream and was asleep by 10pm.Good NightGearbomb soon to known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Rockfish Gap

To: stealth
Miles today: 14.8

Our ride got us to the trail by 9 am. About 8 miles to the border of the Shenandoah State Park. Everyone says you will see lots of bears in the park, I can't wait. The hiking is suppose to be easier also.So far the trail is great but no bears yet. I did see a deer that just looked at us while we talked with some other hikers. I snapped a picture but just got his butt. Also ran into the blaze brothers (Qtip/Trinket) and Wood Wrangler again. Took a break with them and hiked a short time with them, then another break. I hiked on and Swift came shortly after but the Blaze brothers never showed up. The trail has been great but my feet still are getting tired. I was ready for camp when we found a campsite. Set up - cook - clean up - bearbag - talk - go to sleep - repeat.In my hammock by 8:30 pm checked mileage, now off to sleep. See you all tomorrow.Good NightGearbomb soon to be known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-10
From: stealth

To: stealth/Ivy Creek
Miles today: 15.2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUZIEGoing through the Shennies is nice for a couple of reasons: then terrain is less hard, a lot of wild life, and lots of info (mile markers) on the trail. Today I saw on the trail a big momma bear and two cubs. I got a picture but it is fuzzy. Momma looked at us, we looked at momma, then she turned and walked off with her cubs. I got in front of Swift to get a picture, but momma turned around walked down the trail a few feet and then into the woods. Pretty exciting though. There are lots of bear here. I also have seen many deer and these deer don't run away. They just look at you, eat a little more then mozy off when they are done.We stopped at Loft Mountain campstore and hung out there for 3 hours, rested during the heat of the day. I think I might of even taken a short nap in the grass. We fixed dinner there and then hiked about 3 or 4 more miles. Today was a nice day, took our time enjoyed the views.Good NightGearbomb soon to be known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-11
From: stealth/Ivy Creek

To: stealth/Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 14.8

Got a bit of a later start this morning - it just felt good laying around in my hammock. But no miles will get hiked if I stay in my hammock. Up I get and on the trail by 8:30am.Today was more ups and downs which I like (though I still grumble about them). As I was humming along the trail, Swift was stopped in front of me, which usually means he is looking for a bear but this time there was a big black snake sprawled out smack dap in the middle of the trail. I had to ask if he was alive cause he didn't move at all. We had to walk around him, when I looked back at him to get my picture - he was in fact very alive (but still did not move). Got a great picture!We stopped and enjoyed a view of Powell Gap Hollow, the breeze and shade. We decided to eat our lunch there. Then hiked on to Hightop hut (shelter) to rest and eat dinner. Nails was there, good to see him again. Met him back at the hiker feed. There were several other hikers there as well. It was the first time in a while we had run into hikers. Still the Blaze Brothers are missing-where are you guys? Well we ate supper had some fun conversation and about 6pm hiked on. We wanted to hike about 3 miles more but ended up going a bit farther. It set us up better for getting into Big Meadow Wayside tommorrow. Its late and I am tired off to bed with me.Good NightGearbomb soon to be known as TIGERLILY
Date: 2010-06-12
From: stealth/Swift Run Gap

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 15.9

Want to get an early start on the trail and we did it, on the trail at 6:44am. And yes Swift was tapping his foot as if I was running late!!This morning was hard for me, it was 8 miles to caffiene and that was all lthat was keeping me going. I don't know what kept my legs going but finally we arrived at the campstore. I got my pepsi oif kcourse but I have been introduced to a new bad habit out here - one of energy drinks. I had "Monster" back in Pearisburg where Swift insisted on introducing me to my first. Now it seems I have a 2-3 can habit. I occasionly have to substitue a "rockstar". So while at the camp store I bought two Rockstars and put them into my nalgene for later - Swift just laughed. After a rest we headed out for the last 8 miles of our 16 mile day.Okay, I feel much better now. Up the climbs - down the hills, no problem. I was loose and we were cruising. My new boots are great, no hot spots, no pain. The best decision so far on the trail - to go back to boots. I also bumped up a 1/2 size also a good decision.We were doing great and I started to hear thunder rumble in the distance. I wondered if we would make it to the wayside before the rain. NO!!! About a mile and a half out the skies let loose and I was drenched. It wasn't bad though, its kind of fun to hike in the rain once you give up all hope of keeping that third left toe dry.We got to Big Meadow Wayside 10 min after it stopped raining, we changed into some dry clothes then got something to eat. Ran into "Too Much" who is slacking the Shennie's and he gave us a ride to the lodge. Ahh a nice dry place to relax. I think I will enjoy it.Good NightTiger Lily
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 1.1

This morning the plan was to hike 10 miles but this lodge is quiet and nice. No TV's a good place to journal, read, and rest.So I hiked .9 from the lodge to the wayside and then stayed at the lodge another night. I had missed that .9 mile the day before and have to keep my thruhike pure (walking past every whiteblaze).This is going to be a short entry because I am going to get busy or should I say unbusy ZERO ING.Tiger Lily
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 8.0

Took a leisurely morning, slept in lounged around. Finally got on the trail around 10:15am, wanted to make the next wayside for lunch but they close @ 2pm. Don't know if we'll make it, Skyland is 7 miles away.Checked my watch once we hit the trail 10:15am - it was a nice trail but not a lot of views. I stopped to gaze at the valley below and moved on. Some time in the first hour of the hike I had to laugh - cause Swift, who usually hikes in front of me, his hike changed. At first he was just hiking then I said to myself he's going for it!! I knew by the way his hiking changed that he was trying for the wayside for lunch - hold on Tiger Lily here we go. 1:15pm we made it to Skyland dining room - 3 hours 8 miles not bad for two old folks. It was a good trail to hike fast, not a lot of views to slow us down. When we arrived at Skyland we ate lunch and rested on the terrace. I planned on hiking to the next shelter 6 miles away - uh oh - it's raining, pouring. Any excuse! Stayed the night at Skyland cabin's. I love hiking and I love getting a room also. I love a balanced life. I love having a life again. Went to the cabin and read about the Shenandoah's, learned a few things, enjoyed the day lounging around. At 8pm Swift and I went to dinner, I had the Chicken Reisling. It was very good. Wow I am getting spoiled out here. I am still having a great time and I have hiked over 900 miles. I can't believe it myself - the girl that only backpacked 18 miles before coming out here has backpacked that far. In about two weeks I will be half way!Tiger Lily
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Uh oh again - woke up and its raining, yup that's right - a zero day. Went up to the office to arrange another night and ran into Cody. She is also zero ing today, so we both gave each other permission to be slugs for the day. Today is the perfect day for reading, writing, and napping.Tomorrow it is suppose to be a repeat of today but hike we will do no matter what. But the good news is we are here on a Tuesday and thge entertainment tonite is the Shenandoah Valley Cloggers, Swift is very excited. We decided to go a little early and eat some dinner before the entertainment, Cody and John joined us. We enjoyed the cloggers and had a nice time. Afterwards we went into the dining room and joined "Nails" for some Blackberry Ice Cream Pie and a beer.It got late - so off to bed I go.Good Night Tiger Lily
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Thorton Gap/Luray, VA
Miles today: 9.5

Woke up to rain and thunderstorms this morning but hiking today no matter what. Got some breakfast, checked out and was on the trail @ 9:45am. I had run out of Aqua Mira (water purifier) a few days ago and it was difficult finding water sources that didn't need purifing - so I decided that we should get off at Thorton Gap and go into the outfitter in Luray. I called ahead to make sure they had the aqua mira. They did so I asked them to pull it and hold it for me.We hitchhiked and got a ride - I rode in the cab, Swift in the bed - and we went thru a pelting downpour. Swift got drenched but we made it to the outfitter and got what we needed. Decided to stay the nite and hike out first thing in the morning.The trail today was nice. Mild climbs, some rocks and we took a blue blaze to "Mary's Rock" thats rite, I have a rock named after me. Would have been a great view but today was socked in w/fog and clouds. I got a picture though. Tomorrow morning will be here soon, I am tired looking forward to a good nights sleep.Good NightTigerlily