morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-13
From: Campsite at 997.8

To: Bears Den Trail Center (1003.2)
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: few clouds

I woke up much more sore than normal.  Typically only my feet and ankles hurt but this morning I was pretty much hurting head to toe.  I guess I tensed up when I slid down and all of my muscle were in protest.   Today was the day, I would cross the 1000 mile mark on my journey.  When I finally arrived at the spot, I took a while to really think about how far I had walked.  I thought about all the little things I was enamored by.  I thought about the days and days of rain.  I focused on the moments I smiled at chipmunks going nuts over nuts.  I tried to convince myself that I could and would keep going.  No pain, No Rain, No Maine.  And for me, I 100% believed I could leave my past behind on top of Katadhin.  That she would absorb it all and that I could finally be free.  I left that spot telling myself to just keep walking.  That once I got my boots back, the walking would be less painful.  That everything would be okay.It was only a few more miles to Bears Den Hostel, so I walked with my head high and taking deep breaths.  At the hostel,I showered then waited till the afternoon to find out where to set up my tent.  The hostel was full by 5 and we went up to the store to pay and retrieve packages.   Dinner was a frozen pizza cooked to perfection, but I wasn't able to eat much.  The last few days my appetite had been pretty much non existent.  I ate a little and went to my tent.  I picked up my laundry from inside later but pretty much relaxed in the grass all evening after packing up my food. **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Bears Den Trail Center (1003.2)

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter (1014.4)
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

I had hoped the short day would help with the pain but it was pretty much the same.  I finished the last few miles of the Roller Coaster with a full pack of food.  The increased weight made the day one of the most painful yet.  I struggled to find anything to keep my head in the game.  I crossed into West Virginia for the first time and thought about soon finishing two mores states.  I tried all day to focus on Katahdin but by the end of the day, I was just focusing on taking one step. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-15
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter (1014.4)

To: Ed Garvey Shelter (1030.0)
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Today was a day of milestones.  I finally finished Virginia.  I would complete West Virginia and start Maryland.  I started walking early because I knew it would a very long day.  I got to Harpers Ferry around Lunch time.  I visited the ATC and had my photo taken.  I was number 815 for the year.  I was so incredibly proud of myself but my balloon sunk quite a bit when a man at the store commented on my start date and how many zero I must have taken to just be getting there.  I tried to put it out of my mind and headed back to the trail.  I crossed over the Bridge and started Maryland.  The Towpath was absolute hell for what seemed like hours.  It was as hard as concrete and I was in so much pain I was nauseous by the end.  It seemed like days passed before I finally got to Ed Garvey Shelter.  I made the long trek down for water without my pack.  I struggled to eat dinner and finally just turned in for the night. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-16
From: Ed Garvey Shelter (1030.0)

To: Annapolis Rocks Campsite (1048.2)
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

My first thought of the day was that my boots were in Smithburg waiting on me and that they would fix everything.  I kept my head down and just walked and walked and walked.  I took a few pictures through the tears but they didn't at all take any away my focus from the pain encompassing my entire being.  I stumbled into the campsite dizzy and exhausted.  I got water and sat up my tent.  When I was laying out my footprint I saw a ball of leaves stuck to the bottom with spider webs.  I pulled it off and dropped it on the ground.  Out of the leaves rolled a black widow.  And the web was teaming with her tiny offspring.  She rolled herself into a tiny ball for protection.  So not only did I carry pack house 18.2 miles but I carried hers as well.  I felt incredibly guilty.  I gently moved her into the woods away from the campsites and then retrieved the ball of leaves and gave them back to her.  I apologized and wished her the best.  I know they are poisonous but I still felt bad.  After finishing with the tent, I forced myself to eat cold mashed potatoes and then went to bed with a pounding migraine and pounding feet. **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Annapolis Rocks Campsite (1048.2)

To: Wolfsville Rd, MD 17 (1054.6)
Miles today: 6.4

I had checked the tracking on my boots the night before and saw they had not been updated for several days.  I kept telling myself they were there and that they had just not been scanned.  I tried not to think about it all night.  At first light I started walking,  I wanted to get to the post office before they closed at noon.  It was 6.4 Trail miles and then a 1.5 mile road walk into Smithburg.  Since I am so slow it was cutting it extremely close.  Once the post office opened, I called and asked about packages.  She only had two packages (socks, dehydrated spinach and a box of small gear replacement items).  I was crushed and at that point I had non idea what I was going to do.  Every step was horrible.  I still had to hurry for the other boxes and I finally made it to the road.  The road was Winding narrow two lane with absolutely no shoulder.  I walked on the edge but kept having to step off for cars. Pretty much every other step down my ankle was turning in as I gasped in pain.  With only about .4 miles to go a kind couple pulled over and took me the rest of the way.  I got my boxes and tried to figure out what to do.  Goat arrived and we decided to zero in Hagerstown so that I could get boots at Dicks.  I called Dicks and they had no boots in my size.  I figured I could at least get ankle braces until my boots were located or I could get rei to ship me new ones. We ate at the deli/market and then was amazingly able to get Uber to take us to a hotel in Hagerstown.  The hotel was absolutely horrible to Goat and we both ended up in tears for different reasons.  After some phone calls, we were finally able to get into the room.  I posted on the AT Women's group and an amazing lady offered to take me to Dicks the next day.  We had picked the hotel because it had a coin laundry.  I went to the desk for change but she didn't have any. Then I walked to gas station to get quarters.  On the way back, I saw someone had a load going with only 15 minutes remaining.  I went upstairs and gathered our laundry.  By the time I got back down a temporarily out of order sign had been posted.  Apparently a leak above the laundry was flooding the floor.  It was a few hours but I finally managed to get permission to wash our clothes. We had pizza for dinner and I ordered boots and ankle braces to be shipped to Boiling Springs. **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Tumbling Run Shelters (1072.9)

To: Caledonia State Park Campsite (1082.9)
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Today's focus was one foot in front of the other.  Goat had to get a package in South Mountain at the post office.  I was going into the post office to mail everything I could think of away to lighten the load.  It was slow going but I made it to the post office.  I mailed off the boots and 2 pounds of stuff (stuff sacks, the legs for my convertible pants, most of my awol guide, and every other thing I could survive without).  I kept walking hoping the best but I was disappointed.  The pain was no better.  We stopped at Caledonia State Park for trail magic and to camp.  The food was amazing and I was grateful for such amazing kindness. **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Hagerstown MD

To: Hagerstown MD
Miles today: 0.0

I didn't sleep well and ended up making my own instant coffee before breakfast was available in the lobby at 6:30.   When It was finally open, I made my way down. It was completely packed so I made a waffle and went back upstairs.  I spent the money updating pictures on Facebook and resting my feet.   Around noon, the trail angel took us to Dicks.  I found boots in my size and looked for ankles braces too but no luck.   I figured if the boots worked I could send the new one back.  She kindly took us to Walmart for a resupply and then back to the hotel.  I am forever grateful to here.  Resting my body and calming my mind was my only goal for the rest of the day. **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Wolfsville Rd, MD 17 (1054.6)

To: Falls Creek Campsite (1065.2
Miles today: 10.6

I had coffee and oatmeal in the room instead of braving the breakfast in lobby.  We called Uber and ended up with same driver.  She took us all the way back to the trailhead so we didn't have to walk up the road again. As I started walking in my new boots, I kept telling myself that all the pain would disappear.  But within, a mile I was in tears.  I stopped very few feet to catch my breath.  I cried mile after mile.  I knew everything at that point was just over.  Different boots, ankles braces, handful after handful of ibuprofen and Tylenol were not going to get me to Katadhin.  I just kept walking.  I didn't have a choice.  I kept telling myself I had to at least go halfway.  Halfway just like the butterfly on the bush.   I left Maryland and entered Pennsylvania.  I took pictures at the Mason Dixon Line sign.  On the mailbox was a rock painted with Katadhin is calling.  I sat down and just cried.   After a while, I finally was able to get up and keep walking.  More tears and I finally saw the Campsite.  I sat down for a while and let me tears dry before setting up my tent beside goat.  Cold potatoes for dinner again and then to bed.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Falls Creek Campsite (1065.2

To: Tumbling Run Shelters (1072.9)
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

I started the day trying to be more optimistic.  I told myself to embrace the pain and that I was stronger than it.  I walked 1 mile in the boots before crumpling and putting back on my trail runners I was carrying just in case.  The trail runners were no less painful and after crying for 7.7 miles I stopped at Tumbling Run Shelters.  I had texted Goat and she had came back down to stay with me.  I told her that she was going to have to go on without me. That I would keep walking but it was going to be less miles than her. I didn't want to hold her back.   The evening was peaceful and calm and we laughed and laughed at the littlest things.  The next days plan set and off to bed we went. **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-21
From: Tumbling Run Shelters (1072.9)

To:  Caledonia State Park Campsite (1082.9)
Miles today: 10.0

Today's focus was one foot in front of the other.  Goat had to get a package in South Mountain at the post office.  I was going into the post office to mail everything I could think of away to lighten the load.  It was slow going but I made it to the post office.  I mailed off the boots and 2 pounds of stuff (stuff sacks, the legs for my convertible pants, most of my awol guide, and every other thing I could survive without).  I kept walking hoping the best but I was disappointed.  The pain was no better.  We stopped at Caledonia State Park for trail magic and to camp.  The food was amazing and I was grateful for such amazing kindness. **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-22
From:  Caledonia State Park Campsite (1082.9)

To: Toms Run Shelter (1098.7)
Miles today: 15.8

I woke up with a new determination to not let the pain win.  I started walking ignoring everything my body was telling me.  I refused to let the tears come again. Just walk I told myself.  Today was the day I would cross the official halfway.  I walked and walked.  I turned on my phone to check distance and a voicemail popped up on my phone.  The message was from a lady in Atlanta who I used to help whenever she needed it.  She needed something simple.  I spent an hour begging and begging for someone in Atlanta to help her.  Everyone's response was I am too busy.  Or I got no response at all.  In the past, I dropped everything to help them, but they had absolutely no desire to help in return.  My heart broke for the lady in Atlanta.  I have failed at pretty much everything in my life but I was good at helping her.  Now I was in the middle of the woods, stumbling towards Katadhin for the unattainable and I couldn't even help her.  Needless to say, the tears flowed the rest of the day. Tears of every kind of pain imaginable.  As I hobbled toward the halfway point, I was congratulated by hikers going in the opposite direction for making it halfway.  I kept my head down to hide the crying and thanked everyone of them.  I stood at the halfway alone and continued to absolutely lose it as I walked past.  I finally got to Toms Run Shelter and closed off everything. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-23
From: Toms Run Shelter (1098.7)

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park General Store (1102.3)
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up to the sound of rain lightly falling on my tent about 5am.  I changed shorts, donned my rain jacket and hobbled out. It was light outside but the sun hadn't risen yet.  I stood in the rain for a few minutes and tried to enjoyed the gentleness.  I finally ate breakfast, packed up and just started to walk.  I walked for 2 and a half hours and had only managed to go a mile and a half.  It was still raining.  I sat down on a broken splintered tree beside the trail.  I looked up to the cloudy sky.  I watched the rain drops plummet down. Every one reminded me that I could still see, that I could still feel.  Each one was a memory I can never forget regardless of how I hard I try.  I wanted to walk to forget.  I wanted to walk to stop reliving the past over and over again.  I wanted to walk to find my home. To find where I belonged.  I wanted to walk to stop the uncontrollable hurt.  I have always been in complete control over my physical pain. I used that pain as a way to know I was alive. As a way to dampen my emotions. As a way to know that I am just not a shell filled with emptiness.  In moment, resting on that splintered broken tree I realized beyond a shadow of a doubt that my splintered broken soul won't ever be whole even if I walk 10,000 miles.  Not being able to walk through the physical pain made me realize how weak I am.  In the 1100 miles, I saw the most beautiful things.  Reflections of the world in tiny raindrops. Tiny plants emerging from the dirt and growing into the most amazing flowers.  Wildlife frolicking and foraging.  Clouds dancing in the valleys.  Rivers and streams bouncing down a mountain without a care in the world. I wanted to be a part of that.   Maybe my answers are down another path or maybe my questions don't have answers. I decided then and there that Katahdin was a destination I would reach.  I was done. Finally I was able to will myself to walk again, all I could think about was getting back to my truck in Atlanta.  My safe spot.   Goat caught up and I told her I was done.  We walked to the General Store at Pine Grove.  The same amazing lady from the women's group who helped in Hagerstown picked me up.  She took me to her house and I will stay there until I can get back to my truck.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-06-25
From: Hanover PA

To: Unknown 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Saturday was spent trying figure out how to get back to Atlanta.  I will be getting a plane ticket and heading back to get my truck.  Sunday was spent second guessing everything.  Right now, my first priority is to get to my truck. Atlanta holds only pain and I know I can't stay there.  I sacrificed everything to take this trip and now I have absolutely nothing but a truck and a tiny box of memories.   I don't know where to go or what to do now.   Another question with no answer. I learned a lot about myself in the past four months and I am not sure if it's a good or bad thing yet.   This will be the last journal entry.   I want to thank everyone for the amazing support and I will forever be grateful.  I apologize if at times it was hard to read or was just too much.  My intentions were to show a transformation with the most amazing happy ending.
Date: 2017-02-03
To: How it Began
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) has been a long time bucket-list item. The dream was renewed in July 2006 during a family vacation in north GA. Hiking was not on the vacation agenda; however, our final day¢s adventure to Amicalola Falls State Park resulted in a family photo at a stone arch. The sign next to the arch stated ¢Appalachian Trail Approach, Springer Mtn 8.5 miles, Mt Katahdin, Maine 2,185 miles.¢   I had not thought of the AT in a very long time. ¢Oooooo the trail¢ echoed through my brain as the hiking bug firmly planted its teeth into the mushy content of my skull. Arriving home, I dug out my old 20 year camping/hiking gear, searched the net for an easy trail access points, and planned a weekend getaway. I¢ve logged over 500 AT miles since then but the 3-7 day ventures have not curb my appetite to hike the entire trail. My turn has finally come. On April 4 2017, I will set off for what I hope to be a complete north bound journey of the world renowned Appalachian Trail. Oh yeah!
Date: 2017-02-07
To: Gear Choices
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So many options. So many opinions. Ask 10 hikers about gear choices and you¢ll get 10 answers. Tent or hammock? Canister or alcohol stove? Wool or synthetic base layers? What about rain gear, hiking poles, or shoes? I¢ve come to the conclusion that there is not a perfect gear set-up. Gear choice is what works best for the individual hiker and knowing how to use that gear. Over the last 10 years of section hiking, I¢ve used three different tents, two hammocks, three sleeping bag/quilts, four stoves, three packs, and a variety of sleeping pads and clothing options. Each new selection was a bit lighter weight than the previous. All previous gear setups worked well enough. I had likes and dislikes for each. So what shall I do? Use a different hammock, quilt, pack, and stove of course. My choices include: Arc Zip backpack from Zpacks. Sparrow hammock from Dream Hammock. Flight Jacket and Zepplin quilts (both 20 degree down) from Under Ground Quilts. I¢m still on the fence about stove options. Base layers will be merino wool. I¢ll start the hike with low cut hiking shoes and then switch to trail runners. I lean toward a lightweight setup without getting too crazy about every ounce. While keenly aware of how quickly ounces add to pounds, I¢m not interested in cutting my toothbrush or towel in half. I will carry some comfort items, a small pillow, designated sleeping clothes, and a camera. Currently, my base weight is 14 lbs (food and water excluded) & (extra warm clothing is included). I¢ll lose about 3 lbs of gear when the weather warms up.
Date: 2017-02-09
To: Training
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Training for a long distance hike is difficult, especially if you live in flat-land Florida. I have been prepping for this thru hike for nearly a year despite not knowing if it was really going to happen. Truth is, I needed to exercise more anyway. The notion of hiking was pure motivation. Most days, I fast walk a six mile course at a local park. I¢ll jog parts of the course for cardio. The mixture of walking and jogging has helped a great deal but long, steep hills are what I really need. The best I can do for hills (without driving an hour) are parking garages and bike path over-passes. They¢re not very exciting or picturesque but they provide a leg work-out. Recently, I added a 12 pound day pack to the walk.
Date: 2017-02-11
To: Thru Hiker HangTag
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

I¢m excited to receive the commemorative thru-hiker hangtag from the AT Conservatory in the mail today. These yellow tags are sent to hikers that preregister as a thru hiker. I¢ll happily carry it all the way to Katahdin, ME.
Date: 2017-02-18
To: Stinkin' Thinkin'
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So much stinkin¢ thinkin¢. Thinking a lot about the trail. I'm eager to get started. Much of the thinking time is just good entertainment; rehashing gear choices, clothing options, start date, and am I doing enough to get ready - physically. I¢m settled on most gear options but still trying to eliminate what is unnecessary. Example, do I really need that pillow, drinking mug, a designated set of sleeping clothes, or camp shoes. They¢re nice to have but but add weight and volume to the pack. Cold weather clothing options are the hardest. Thin blooded from 17 years of warm Florida living has me concerned about being cold while on the trail. Heck, I¢m reaching for a jacket at 60 degrees. April 4th is my start date but that seems sooooo far away. Do I dare depart late March? I¢m walking six miles nearly every day with little jogging mixed in. And finally, I¢m back on the diet¢¦ I¢d like to shed 10 pounds before setting out. Thinking¢¦thinking¢¦ so much stinkin¢ thinkin¢. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Date: 2017-03-26
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 8.7

Arrived Springer Mountain today thanks to expert back-road driving by Liz. Today's plan was to scope out the drive and return Monday for the official start. I was so amped up I started today. Doing so gave Liz a shorter drive home on Monday. I did it for her...yeah, that'sounds the ticket. Weather threaten rain most of the day. There were a few showers and one good down pour. Temps hovered in the mid 60s. Perfect for hiking.
Date: 2017-03-30
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Due to the threat of severe thunderstorms, I hoped off the trail for the night. I needed a shower anyway. Fortunately, Mind The Gap Ministries was cooking burgers for hikers. Yay, trail magic. They were closing down for the afternoon and offered to take a group of us to Top Of Georgia Hostel. A very nice operation. They took great care of us.
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Bly Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Pushed to Carter Gap Shelter. High Winds and rain is expected tonight and tomorrow. Hiked thru large areas of 2016 burn areas. All the ground leafs and small underbrush burned completely. Many of the trees will likely survive. Highlights include views from Standing Indian moutain. Had more trail magic today. Old Goat and Granny finished cooking the final few hamburgers. I got there just in time. I had two burgers, an orange, carrots, spinach, and an energy drink. Yummy.
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC.
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

The rain was not shy last night or today. Gear was a little damp due to the high winds. I wanted to get as close to Franklin as I could. Constant rain and a stiff cool breeze kept me moving. I really kicked it in gear when the lighting started. Long day but I pushed to Franklin so I could try out. No views today. Staying at the Sapphire Inn. Highlights, climbing a very steep Albert Mountain in a downpour and making it safely to Franklin.
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC.

To: Wayha Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started the day with pancakes and bacon at the local Baptist Church. They have been serving this hiker breakfast for ten years. Did a quick resupply at the Dollar General than shuttled back the Winding Stair. Today's hike was mostly uphill. Gear is clean an dry. There's no rain in the forecast. Happy to be here.