morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Everyday at Trail Days has been so full. So many things to do and no time to fit it all in. I went to the post office. Picked up my repaired tent. Went back to the vendors for a couple of things. Hiked in the hiker parade. I got soaked by the rain and water balloons that smashed into me. I lost an earring but was able to find it in the road only mildly damaged. A water balloon knocked it out. Had a fantastic breakfast cooked by Spice Rack. That was all early in the day. Then last afternoon B Money, Muffin and I road bikes 17 miles back to Damascus. It was all down hill. It was a really nice break. We were shuttled up the mountain by a van with a bike rack to ride back down. The van did all the work. Right after we got back the sky opened and it rained, thunder, and lightening. Muffin cooked dinner for us (burgers). We also had salad that B Money made. Sowega was on dish detail. I started packing to head back to the trail in the morning.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Damascus

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a short slow hike out of Pearisburg. I loved Damascus and Trail Days but I again found the noise from Pearisburg overwhelming. I loved the time I had with my husband over trail days. Absolutely awesome to have cuddles and hugs part of my life again. Even if it was for a short four days. Now back to the hiking. I have a cold and arm loaded with lots of food from town, (as usual) so I did give myself an easy day. I hiked from Clendenin Road to Rice Field Shelter. The shelter over looks a bald. After I enjoyed visiting with all kinds of new folks, I went out to enjoy the view. It seemed as though you could see forever. I was watching a couple of birds of prey soar when I fell asleep. Nice to have a mid-afternoon nap. When I came back to the shelter I had a couple swigs of Sowega¢s moonshine. Strong stuff. Maybe it will fix my cold. Relaxing about for today. Work tomorrow. I just had the best dinner I¢ve had on the trail. It was butter, onion, pepper, garlic ¢ diced and fried, packet of clams, water, and Alessi Pasta Fazool Neapolitan Bean Soup. So good and I hope it will help my cold. (Yes, my food bag is always too heavy). Muffin I took a second nap in my new sleeping bag. It is sooo comfortable. I love it.
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I started my day watching they sunrise from my sleeping bag. I got packed up in record time and was on the trail by 7:20 AM. I think I set a new record for being out early. My cold was really bothering me. I coughed frequently and my heart pounded with any up hill. Most likely from the decongestant I took. Needless to say I plodded slowly forward. The trail was pleasant today. I saw a deer wondering in the woods and a sweet little salamander. I made it to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter mid-afternoon. Swamp Fox was waiting for me as planned. Then Sowega, Swamp Fox, and I headed to Bailey Gap Shelter. We knew the bridge going over Stony Creek was washed out. We decided to find the river rather then to go around on a road. One might think that a river big enough to washout a bridge should be avoided. I figured I was up for the challenge. I left my pack unbuckled so I could get out of it if I had to. My hiking poles helped keep me steady and I made it across the close to 40 feet wide river. Swamp Fox went first, then me, then Sowega. We all made it with ease. Fun time once I made it to Bailey Gap Shelter. Swamp Fox got my water for me. He could read the, I can¢t move another inch look on my face.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: White Rock 
Miles today: 14.6

Swamp Fox and I started hiking a 7:10 AM. A new record. We hiked form Bailey Gap Shelter to Laurel Greek Shelter. Sowega took a break with us at War Spur Shelter. He planned to hike further than us to get into Catawba by Thursday. He is having many worries. I hope they don¢t take him off the trail. I would miss him. He has been a great friend.         Our morning hike was uneventful. The sun was very warm for the climb up White Rock (3800¢). It took forever and I looked especially bad. You would think after walking this far I could make it look effortless. I failed. I still show my suffering. There were two young people on White Rock when we arrived. One was leaving for the Navy to be a pilot and the other just graduated from college in animal studies. Shortly after Swamp Fox and I got settled on a rock to enjoy the view, a vulture landed next to the couple and defecated right there. We were all shocked. I took pictures of the huge bird. I guess you had to be there. I told the couple good luck with life and their future marriage. They laughed. I told them I give strangers good advice and wondered on my way.        The surprise for the day was running into the older couple we rescued from the snow on the trail. They told us they have completed over 900 miles in sections. Good job.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: White Rock 

To: Sinking Creek Mtn, Niday Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

This morning started with walking through beautiful farmland. I asked Swamp Fox if he could smell cow manure. It smelled so strong. Well as time moved on I realized the dirt on my leg wasn¢t dirt. It was all bad. Fortunately I was near where I could was it off. We hiked from Laurel Creek Shelter to Niday Shelter. We passed the Keffer Oak tree that was huge. It is more than 300 years old. What an incredible tree to see. The climb up Sinking Creek Mtn (3450¢) was steady and it was warm. We went down to Sarver Hollow Shelter for water. The trip to the water source took forever. But it was worth it. Below the water source were two old cabins that were falling in. One of them had two free stone fireplaces. One was completely intact and beautiful. The craftsmanship in the stonework really caught my eye. I sent some other hikers to see it too. We ate lunch on the trail. The ridge walk was a lot of tilting ledge. It was hard walking. My right little toe is painful. I¢m still coughing more than I¢d like. I¢m hoping it starts passing soon. There were wiper wills singing at bedtime. I love listening to them. I met a family of five from Wolfboro, NH out hiking the trail and a man from Concord, NH named Hot & Sweaty. I almost forgot to mention the break I wanted to take while crossing the ridge. Walking on the tilting ledge was exhausting so, I suggested to Swamp Fox that we stop for a rest. The only problem with my idea was the three red ant houses where I wanted us to sit. I would have been all bad if he hadn¢t spotted them.
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Sinking Creek Mtn, Niday Shelter 

To: DragonÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Tooth 
Miles today: 15.6

I had a great morning of hiking. Swamp Fox and I left Niday Shelter before 7:30 AM. We saw three baby birds in the nest, frogs, a beautiful turtle, and a water snake. The forest flowers were everywhere. I saw my first blooming rhododendron. I took a picture of a tall while flower I have never seen. Lady slippers were everywhere. Mountain Laural was also starting to bloom, and many more I haven¢t mentioned. I found a bandana in the trail. I knew the day hiker it belonged to so, I hiked it out. She was waiting for her husband by VA60. I was able to return it. She gave me some cough droops for my cold and aqua-mura that I had run out of the ¢A¢. She also gave Swamp Fox and I some snacks. What a nice couple they were. She has only a short hike near Dragons Tooth to finish Virginia. We started hiking toward Pickee Branch Shelter when the sky opened. It poured rain with thunder and lightening. We had our pack covers on and just kept hiking. It stopped raining after about two hours. We continued hiking wet. The hike over Dragon¢s Tooth was a Challenge and I was really tired. We had planned to hike out to a warm bed and dinner. But I was so tired and the weather was turning bad again. We had about one mile left to hit VA624 when I spotted a tent site off to the right. The rain started again before we could get our tents set up. We hurried as best we could. I crawled into my dry (mostly) tent. Ate a cold supper with M&Ms donated by Swamp Fox. And snuggled into sleep with lightening and down pouring rain all around us. We talked through the tents until the noise from the rain and thunder made it hard to hear. I fell asleep quickly. But awoke during the night a few times to the storm outside. I said a prayer to keep us safe.
Date: 2005-05-20
From: DragonÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Tooth 

To: Catawba VA311
Miles today: 20.8

Today was an eventful day. We woke up to clearing weather. But our tents are covered in dirt and wet. We packed up and headed for VA624 to call to see if the bed and breakfast was open. While we were walking the .4 to the store a man stopped and offered us a ride. He brought us to the corner and told us his wife would be coming in 5 minutes in a black camry if we wanted to slack pack from Daleville and stay with them tonight. Scott¢s wife Mandy came as expected and we were off to hike from Daleville US220 Back to Catawba VA311. The views were awesome all morning. I loved Tinker Cliffs. By the time we arrived at McAfee Knob we were in a cloud. It was still pretty, just in a different sort of way. We made it out to the road around 8 PM. My feet are a mess from walking in wet shoes for 20 miles. One of the funnest things today was hiking south bound we ran into Sowega, Mouth of the South, and many more people that we know that are a head of us. Mouth of the South now has blue hair. We have to keep up with his hair color changes. After getting back to Scott and Mandy¢s they treated us to hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, beer, and ice cream. Life is good.
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Catawba VA311

To: VA624
Miles today: 5.9

Today was an easy slack pack from Catawba VA311 to VA624. We hiked through some beautiful farmland. Ran into multitudes of people we know including B Money and Jukebox. Mandy our host planned to bring us to see the movie Star Wars when we got done our hike, and we invited B Money and Jukebox. We all enjoyed the movie. Went to the outfitters and some other stores. Swamp Fox got a new sleeping bag. I wanted a new stove called MSR superfly or dragonfly but no on had one in stock. It was a bummer. Then we went to Home Place to eat. Yummy. Mandy and Brian Patch have spoiled us with great food as well. B Money and Jukebox are also spending the night with us at our wonderful hosts house. I think we all plan to slack pack again tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-22
From: VA624

To: Daleville
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was the last of our slack packing for now. We hiked from Mills Gap Overlook back to Daleville. This is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views were fantastic. The wildflowers increasingly beautiful. The people fun and interesting. Our host Brian Patch has shuttled us all over and cooked fantastic meals. I will miss Mandy and Brian Patch muchly. Catawba is a very friendly town. The mountains and farmland are welcoming. For dinner I had chicken and fish from the grill under a full moon. Jukebox, B Money, Swamp Fox, Frits, and our hosts were all great company. I saw some deer, fish, and a lizard today. Great day on the A.T.         I almost forgot to mention the torture of Swamp Fox with a hair cut. Jukebox and I cut his hair. Trimmed his eyebrows and shaved his ears. Screaming was occasionally heard.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Daleville

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Mandy shuttled us to the trail early afternoon by the time we finished our errands. I was able over the last day to get re-supplied with food and fuel. Swamp Fox and I started hiking around 12:20. We hiked to Cove Mtn Shelter for lunch. Then off to Bryant Ridge Shelter. This shelter is built post and beam. It is beautiful. Swamp Fox got my water for me for dinner. I¢m feeling spoiled. Sowega passed us on the trail and is here tonight. Swamp Fox and I got lightly rained on before we reached the shelter. I¢m exausted form living large at Brian Patch¢s and Mandy¢s house. Nite.
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Apple Orchard Mtn
Miles today: 10.3

Today began with overcast and quickly turned into a thunderstorm. The 10.3 miles were wet and cold. We had lunch at Cornelius Creek Shelter. As we left the shelter the rain got heavier, and continued all afternoon. Apple Orchard Mtn (4225¢) was bald. The wind and rain were so cold. The Guillotine was worthy of a picture but with the rain I didn¢t take one. We arrived at Thunder Hill Shelter just before three. Changed clothes and crawled into our sleeping bags for a nap. The shelter was greatly appreciated in the rain.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Apple Orchard Mtn

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today began in heavy fog. It wasn¢t raining but everything was wet. We were on the trail at 7:30 AM. For the first couple hours you could only see the trail right in front of you. We left a note for B Money to catch us and go to Mom and Pop¢s Motel. A lot of my clothes were wet from the rain the day before. I was looking forward to a shower and laundry. Swamp Fox and I hiked to Marble Spring for lunch. B Money joined us in the afternoon. And we all took a break at Matts Creek Shelter before heading out to Glasgow, VA. Chilly Willy and Just Ray were there. We enjoyed a short visit. They were the two that were helped out of the snowstorm into Kincora. We made it into Glasgow shortly after 4 PM. Plenty of time to get laundry, showers, and dinner done. I called home. I miss being able to get things done there.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Bluff Mtn, Little Irish Creek Foot Bridge
Miles today: 14.9

Swamp Fox, Mouth, Woodrose, Mule Skinner, and Bella (the yellow lab) left Glasgow and headed up the trail. We started the day at the James River Foot Bridge (710¢). Then proceeded to climb up Bluff Mtn (3372¢). It was a steady long 4.4 miles. At the top was the Ottie Cline Powell Memorial. Ottie was a four year old that wandered away from school and died at the memorial site. Talk about sad. The views today were beyond awesome. I continue to see new to me flowers everyday. I have felt like I was in a slump the last couple days, but I¢m brightening back up now. The trail has been so well maintained. Great job trail maintainers. I¢m tenting tonight at Little Irish Creek Foot Bridge.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Bluff Mtn, Little Irish Creek Foot Bridge

To: Piney River Campsite 
Miles today: 18.6

Today Swamp Fox and I left the campsite at 7:30 AM. We had planned to leave early knowing the mileage we planned and the mountains for the day. Mouth planned to catch up later in the day, which he did. I continue to see flowers that are new to me everyday. I just love seeing them. One of my favorite parts of today was reading the signs posted near Brown Mtn Creek Shelter to remind us of a community of freed slaves that had settled there in the early 1900¢s. I could see stonewalls and what looked to be old foundation rocks in the woods. The following is a quote from the first sign. ¢Observe as you walk. Be aware that history surrounds you. Keep your eyes and mind open to explore the secrets held by the land.¢ Today we hiked over Bald knob and Cold Mtn. I didn¢t think we¢d ever get to the top. Hard long climb. We arrived at North Forks at Piney River Campsite at 7:15 PM. Setting up camp and doing the evening chores went quickly. I had time to relax and enjoy darkness setting in. The owls hooted and the river rushed on. It has been a perfect evening.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Piney River Campsite 

To: Montebello, VA
Miles today: 4.2

Today I hiked from the campsite at North Forks of Piney River out to Montebello, VA. I¢m staying in the Dutch Haus B&B. It has been wonderful to meet such welcoming people. Laundry, shopping, and yummy food today. I even had a chance to check my e-mail briefly. Thank you to everyone for your support. Now on to the story of the day. Deer ticks are a huge problem here. I picked a live one off my leg. Grateful it didn¢t bite me. Swamp Fox had two on him. One on the back of his leg. I could pull it off with my fingers. This morning he thought he had one on his butt. I told him to drop his drawers so only a nurse could. He lowered just the top of his pants. With my headlamp and tweezers I was able to dig it out. He took it like a man. Laughing. Sorry sick humor. It was funny but you had to be there. No red ring so hopefully no lyme disease. Scary stuff.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Montebello, VA

To: Priest, Three Ridges
Miles today: 19.9

We hiked from Fish Hatchery Road to Reeds Gap. There was an additional mile walk on Fish Hatchery Road that isn¢t included in the mileage. We hiked over the Priest (4063¢) and Three Ridges (3970¢). I didn¢t think the climb up Three Ridges would ever end. It really kicked my butt. I am exhausted. Saw lots of day hikers and only two thru hikers ¢ Spic Rack and Mouth.
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Priest, Three Ridges

To: Cedar Cliffs, Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we hiked from Reeds Gap to Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. We got settled and dinner eaten when the rain began. Nice to be dry in the shelter. The hiking today was fairly easy, though rocky. The poison ivy along the trail is driving me crazy. I haven¢t caught it yet by some miracle. The view from Cedar Cliffs and other rocky lookout areas were beautiful. I love the mountains. Swamp Fox and I ate lunch at Cedar Cliffs. There were some small trees with lacey white flowers that smelled so awesome. Today was a relaxing sunny day. I laid in the sun on the cliffs at lunch. It was hard to overly motivated.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Cedar Cliffs, Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a total relax day. However it seemed to be constantly busy; just with southern flair. Swamp Fox and I hiked to Waynesboro, VA visitor center where trail angels gave us a ride to the outfitters and to town. Bless the angels. We stayed at the Quality Inn. Awesome place and fairly central. We ate at Pizza Hut and a Chinese Buffet. Groceries, got laundry together, picked up mail, we to Wal-Mart and the liquor store. The day was gone. Funny how much time it takes in town. I¢m seeing fewer and fewer other hikers both on the trail and in towns now. This is a big town and that may have an impact. I miss the traveling pack of Georgia.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 10.0

We finished our town chores in the morning and were on the trail out of Waynesboro by 11 AM. I sat and talked with Spice Rack and One Thing at the post office while they were waiting on their ride. Moneyrol missed his ride and had to get another one. Swamp Fox, myself, and Draggin rode out of town together. Draggin was going to the outfitters. We saw Captain Patagonia and Quinn just out of the woods and asked our ride to give them a ride to town. The trail angels have an awesome network to help us get in and out of town. We hiked under sunny skies to Calf Mtn Shelter. We cooked an early dinner and decided to head on. We had been gabbing with two-week hikers during dinner. We hiked past Sawmill Run and found a tent site in the woods. Setting up tents has become easy and routine. I¢m afraid I fell asleep with Swamp Fox talking to me from his tent. I apologized in the morning. We also saw two deer practically close enough to touch them as we left the shelter after dinner. It is great to be in Shenandoah National Park. Another milestone, life is good.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Shenandoah National Park

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Rain, Rain, Rain! Wet cold day. Swamp Fox and I hiked the 10 miles to the first shelter, Blackrock Hut. We arrived here at 12:30. Changed into dry clothes and ate a huge lunch. Then settled in for a two-hour nap. Yay to naps. There is lots of company here in the rain. Nameless arrived with a guitar! I am psyched for music tonight. Warm sleeping bag and relaxing company what more could I ask for?
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Rain, Rain, Rain. This morning we left Blackrock Hut in the rain. It seemed slightly warmer today. We went to Loft Mtn campground and did laundry. Then we went two extra miles to the Wayside and back for Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Swamp Fox ordered a blackberry shake that was yummy. I sneak into his food. Smile. I started out the day sad. I cried a little as I hiked on. Lucky I hike first so my face doesn¢t get seen. I got over what ever it was before lunch. Cheeseburgers cure all. We are spending the night at Pinefield Hut. Anna and Frank (section hikers) are here with us. It was a fun time at dinner. I drank a little too much before dinner but managed to cook anyway. Hopefully sun tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Pinefield Hut

To: High Top Mtn, Baldface Mtn 
Miles today: 16.7

Today is my birthday, 43 years old. The shelter awoke and everyone sang me Happy Birthday. Swamp Fox had a card for me, M&M¢s, and a ¢Little Debby¢ cookie for a cake. He has been a thoughtful hiking partner. I am very lucky. There was a deer right outside the shelter grazing on grass as I awoke. What a way to start the day. We had hoped to hike nearly 20 miles today. It was so humid and warm that I couldn¢t hike fast enough. I had hoped to call my family but didn¢t make it to a phone. We had lunch at the bug infested High Top Hut. Then we got to dry our tents at an over look on High Top Mtn (3587¢). Tonight we are tenting on Baldface Mtn (3600¢). Dinner was at South River Picnic Area. So, we didn¢t have to worry about water supply where we tented for the night. Shortly before dinner I identified the ¢chicken mushroom.¢ I have been searching for this orange mushroom for a while. I added a couple small ones to dinner. Yummy.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: High Top Mtn, Baldface Mtn 

To: Baldface Mtn
Miles today: 11.9

Challenging was the word for today. We hiked form Baldface Mtn (3600¢) to the lodge at Big Meadows. The terrain was gradual and fairly easy. The rough part was my legs and feet. I just hurt. My right knee didn¢t want to bend. I have over 500 miles in my trail shoes and they are wearing out causing rubbing spots. I had to keep stopping and trying to fix my shoes to last until I can get to an outfitter. Plus to rest my legs. I was way too slow because of everything hurting. It took an extra two hours to get to the lodge. Swamp Fox was having a frustrating day as well. The saving grace was when I was coming upstairs from using the phone and who did I see¢¦Sowega! He had taken some zero days putting him behind us and he had tried to catch me for my birthday. We went to dinner and watched some live music in the lounge. Sowega bought me my birthday drink. It was so nice to see him. It was nice to listen to music too. Music is one thing I miss on the trail.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Baldface Mtn

To: Stony Man Parking Area
Miles today: 10.1

Today we hiked from Bid Meadows to Stony Man Parking Area. We tented off the trail on the edge of a rock cliff. Our two tents barely fit. Swamp Fox had on corner hanging over the edge. He staked a coupe other edges so he couldn¢t slide over the edge. It was a great spot to watch the sun go down. We didn¢t finish with our town chores at Big Meadow until nearly noon. So, we got a late start. I was having an emotional day. Found myself crying as I was hiking along. It actually made me faster trying to keep Swamp Fox from noticing. I made it about six miles before he stopped me ¢ realizing I wasn¢t looking too well. We stopped for about 15 minutes talking and I was able to snap out of the funk. Virginia blues. My shoes also needed some more messing with to decrease the pain. I think I¢m just exhausted. Will probably need a day off soon. Swamp Fox pointed out that 920 miles means we have hiked more together than we did before we started hiking together. For dinner we stopped at Skyland. We had burgers, fries, and beer at the pub. Sweet potato fries for starters. Yummy.