morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-12
From: The Captains 655.9

To: Campsite at 668.3
Miles today: 12.4

I woke up to the sound of a light drizzle on my tarp. I stayed in my hammock a bit longer than usual hoping it would stop.   As the minutes ticked away, I got more an more anxious about getting moving.  Finally, I just gave up and started moving.  The trail was a muddy mess all day and I ended up soaking wet.  Despite being wet and a little chilly, I loved the walk.  The forest was blooming with mushrooms and the birds were still singing. I pretty much kept my camera covered all day but I did risk it a few times to hopefully get a couple good shots.  I passed by War Spur Shelter and was tempted to throw in the towel there, but I managed to make it down to the stream.   I sat up my tarp in the rain and got everything arranged.  I changed into dry clothes and attempted to warm up.  Goat finally arrived and she sat up her tent on the grass in hopes of avoiding a mud pit.   I had finally gotten warm and de used to eat dinner and head off to sleep before it was even dark.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-14
From: Bruisers Knob 679.4

To: Campsite at 687.4
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

I only woke up a couple of times during the night.  The moon was bright and the occasional crunching of leaves made it harder to fall back asleep.   I took a while getting up since we only had less than eight miles to go to the Hiker Feed.  The sun was shining and the sky was bright blue.  The trail passed over a rocky ridge with breathtaking views of the valley below.  I had to stop twice to allow huge black snakes to move off the rocks so I could pass by.  I stopped and took a photo of the Eastern Continental Divide Sign before starting the descent.   I stopped at every Campsite and scoured the area for left behind stakes.  I had absolutely no luck.  However, the day was filled with lizards of all shapes, sizes, and colors.   I took as many pictures as I could but some were just way to quick for me. I did take a video of one cute little lizard doing push ups trying to impress me. We made it down to the Hiker Feed early and munched on snacks while the awesome people made homemade Calzones in Dutch ovens.  There was salad, baked ziti, chicken, homemade salsa, and desserts galore.  It was the best trail magic yet!   I literally ate until I could barely walk.  I finally got myself moving and made it less than a half a mile.  I found a campsite that had plenty of rocks to hold down my tarp.    Goat and a few others arrived shortly thereafter.  We all talked for a little while before I finally headed off to bed.   **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-16
From: Lost Spectacles Gap 700.7

To: Campbell Shelter 712.7
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up feeling much better and was ready to start a new day in a better mindset.  The trail was pretty easy going for a while until I ran into more rocks.  Nothing as frightening as after Dragons Tooth but still hard.  At one point it looked like the trail just dropped off the side of a ledge.  I scanned around and was relieved to see a white blaze on a tree heading down in a different direction.   It took absolutely no time it seemed to reach the road leading to Catawba Grocery and Grill.  Goat had just passed me so we ended up doing the road walk together.  At the grill/grocery/gas station, I was impressed with there selection of Hiker resupply items.  I was able to get everything I needed plus things I didn't even know I wanted. I sat outside for a few minutes and drank a coke before starting the road walk back to the trail. I stopped at the creek and collected water before heading up.  The trail went through some beautiful pastures then followed a creek for a while.   I stopped randomly just to enjoy the beauty and take a deep breath.  I passed through one cow stile that required a bit of creativity considering my pack and I wouldn't fit through.  Finally after a little climbing, I was heading forward again.  After the creek, I walked through another pasture.  When I stopped at the edge of the woods, I turned back to look behind me.  It was gorgeous and in the distance you could see Dragons Tooth far in the distance.  It was mind boggling to realize that I had just been there and I had walked to the place I was now standing.  Eventually I continued on looking forward to taking photos at Mcafee Knob.   I was a bit shocked to see the parking area before the knob packed.  There had to be 30 cars there.   My hopes immediately sank knowing there would be too many people at the top for me to be comfy playing around with my camera and remote.    I tried to tell myself it would all work out but my pace slowed to a crawl.   I shuffled along for a while then Goat passed by.   At Catawba Mountain Shelter, I joined Goat for a snack while we waited for some people to come back down.   It seemed as the comings and goings were about even so we finally headed on up. Finally we got to the knob. Thankfully there were only a half dozen people there when we arrived.  I got a few photos of Goat and then handed my camera to her on auto.  Over the next three hours, I made three trips out on the rock attempting to get a photo of myself I was happy with.   If so many people hadn't have been watching, I would have gone a dozen times.  After looking though the pictures, I still wasn't happy with the "me" in any of them.   I finally just gave up and headed down to the shelter.  At the shelter, I set up my hammock, ate dinner, and just went to bed. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-18
From: US220 (Daleville, VA) 728.1

To: US220 (Daleville, VA) 728.1
Miles today: 0.0

We were slow to get moving but managed to enjoy breakfast in the hotel lobby.  I had a biscuit with gravy, a waffle, and yogurt.   I could have eaten more but I managed to behave.  Around 10am, I requested an Uber to the outfitters. Not dying was well worth the $6.   At the outfitters, I asked for a size 6.5 in a certain shoe, but of course they didn't have any.  The employee ended up bringing me all the shoes he had in a 6.5.   He found a couple of shoes on sale in size 6.  After trying on them all, I settled on the Adidas Terrex.  They felt the best and had enforcements in all the places I shredded on my last pair.  I picked up new bear line (mine was getting a little too short) and fuel as well.  I ran into the coffee shop and got an espresso milkshake to die for.  After filling up on coffee ice cream goodness, I headed into Kroger for a quick cheap resupply.  Once all the chores were completed, we walked arms full down to the HoJo.  Once settled in our room, I went down for coins for laundry.   He was out but did have detergent (which came in a baggie with a dryer sheet).  I managed to scrounge up enough quarters to wash and dry a load of laundry.  While the clothes going, I ended up updating as many photos on Facebook as I could and arranging my food.  The rest of the day was just bumming around resting my feet.   For dinner, we ordered pizza.  Late that night, we saw our first lightening bugs of the season while I downloaded and played with a star/constellation locator app.  I finally decided sleep was needed and headed off to bed. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-19
From: US220 (Daleville, VA) 728.1

To: Wilson Creek Shelter 739.3
Miles today: 11.2

I ate a quick breakfast in the Lobby then headed back to the room to pack up.  We were crossing the 4 lane highway about 8:30am. The breaks in traffic made it feel a little less like The Frogger episode on our first day in Daleville.  Between US220 and US11, the sounds of nature were drowned out completely by the rush of cars.  I was however surprised to see two deer mulling around in the field.   After crossing the railroad tracks, I was ecstatic to hear birds again.   It was already sweltering and the birds made me a little happy.  Passing through the 0.6 miles corridor of private land, I saw a little gnome village at the base of a tree.  I was happy the little fellow was there.  It definitely didn't look new and I wondered how many feet he has seen trample by.   On flip side, I wonder how many people have walked past and never saw him and his tiny mailbox.  The highlight of my day was seeing a turtle relaxing on the side of the trail.  I could not resist stopping and taking a dozen photos.  Of course, he looks a bit skeptical of all the attention but was still extremely photogenic. The majority of the time I feel like the turtle or the tiny snail.  I keep trying to think if I ever actually pass anyone when walking.  I honestly can't think of one.  Sometimes people will stop for lunch and I'll pass but they quickly get ahead again.   My biggest struggle is not feeling like I am a failure.  I keep telling myself that I am moving north.  That I am making progress but it's still disheartening.   Shortly after Daleville, I reached the 1/3 completed milestone.  I am in shock that I have walked 730.1 miles.   I AM making progress.  Still battling the heat, I stopped on an uphill and caught a glimpse of an inchworm crawling on my arm.  I returned her to a tree.  I stood and watched her as she quickly inched her way up to eye level.   I definitely refuse to carry anything that can move that much quicker than me. As afternoon approached, the sky started to cloud over.  A few rumbles of thunder echoed in the distance.  I stopped to put on my pack cover and found my first tick crawling on my shoe.  After sending him back to the woods, I kept walking.   In the distance, I heard a siren much like a severe weather siren and I prepared for the worst.   As it started to rain, I put on my rain jacket but just kept walking.  A few more rumbles of thunder and a few lightening cracks made me move even quicker further downhill.    The downpour started but I was grateful it didn't last long.   I stopped at the stream before the Shelter and filled up on water.  The last half mile uphill took a little longer but I finally arrived safe and sound.  I set up my hammock, and ate dinner very early.   I was absolutely exhausted from the heat and just wanted to relax. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-20
From: Wilson Creek Shelter 739.3

To: Cove Mountain Shelter 753.1
Miles today: 13.8

I started out early in hopes of beating some of the heat.  The original plan was to go to Jennings Creek which would have been a 17 mile day.   I knew fairly quickly that my feet, ankles, and body just weren't up for a 17 miles day.   I am losing hope that I will ever complete one 20 mile day much less multiples.  A few miles in after crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway yet again, I saw two deer.  One was my first young buck.  He had two tiny nub antlers.  I could resist just watching for what seemed like an hour.  They saw me watching but were not concerned at all.  The longer I stood there the hotter it got so I finally started walking again.   I stopped a few more times to take a couple pictures but never really sat down until Bearwallow Gap.  Cove Mountain Shelter at the top of the hill had no water so I knew I would have to carry it up.  The further up I went the hotter it got but I do believe this was one of the most beautiful areas.  The mountain laurel and rhododendron were in full bloom.  The trail followed the edge of the ridge and the distant mountains were always in view.   Over those distant mountains also hung storm clouds.   I was hoping I would make it to the shelter and get set up before the rain started.  As I inched closer to the shelter, I was fairly certain the sky would open up when I had 0.1 miles to go.  I was so relieved to see the shelter while I was still dry.  I found less than ideal trees quickly and managed to get it all set up before the massive storm started.  Laying in my hammock, the wind blew fiercely and the sky lit up every few seconds.   As I watched the rain come down in sheets, all I could think about was carrying all that water up the hill.  I watched the rain pour off my tarp and I am pretty sure I could have collected enough water for everyone at the shelter in 10 minutes.  The rain continued for hours and I finally gave up on it ever stopping.  I finally just decided to try to sleep. **Photos/Videosbon Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Cove Mountain Shelter 753.1

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter 765.0
Miles today: 11.9

Today was a day of fog both in my head and all of my surroundings.  I kept my head down most of the day counting my steps trying to get to the next shelter.  It had rained all night long and I didn't sleep very well at all.   Several tents ended up in puddles because the ground just could not keep up with the amount of rain.  I took a few pictures here and there as I tried to center myself.  I focused on the rain drops dangling on the trees.  Even though it was a dreary day, I was still able to go the beauty.  I arrived at the shelter with only minutes to spare before the rain started up again.  Goat arrived and as the drizzle got heavier, we ate under my tarp.  Shortly after we were surprised by a voice on the other side of my tarp.  A park ranger had come up "the back way" from the Blue Ridge Parkway.  He was a former thru Hiker so he was definitely understanding.  He walked down to check on the shelter then walked back to his vehicle.Originally our plan was to make it a shorter day so we could visit Apple Orchard Falls which was 1.1 miles off the trail down a steep hill.   After checking the forecast earlier and just seeing more rain, we just decided to hike past and see where we ended up. I was in my hammock ready for sleep long before dark.  I spent some time catching up on journals and photos then just decided to try to sleep.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-22
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter 765.0

To: Marble Spring Campsite 777.2
Miles today: 12.2

I woke up in the clouds again but for some reason it just didn't seem as dreary.  Maybe because I said to hell with it and put on a clean fresh pair of dry socks.   For some reason I am always in a better mood with clean dry socks.  On my first major climb of the day, I saw a beautiful deer standing on the hill above me.  She got spooked and started bounding down the hill, she changed her mind about halfway down and instead turned to run directly at me.  I was frozen unsure of what to do, but when she was about 30 feet from me she changed direction again and headed back down the hill.  My heart was pounding but I at least managed to remain upright.  After a few minutes, I continued the climb up Apple Orchard Mountain.  It wasn't long before the sun tried to make an appearance.  The rays of sun breaking through streaked the forest.  The mist in the air glistened and danced.  I tried to take pictures but of course, pictures do not do it justice. It seemed like the climb would never end but I finally got to the top to see the FAA Tower.  At this point, I was above the clouds and had a beautiful blue sky.  The valleys were still a sea of fog though.  On the walk down Apple Orchard, I ran into a couple more rock scrambles that made me a little nervous since it was still wet.  I passed under the Guillotine and then continued down.  I crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway again and then passed Thunder Hill Shelter.  After another walk over the Parkway, I stopped at Thunder Ridge Overlook.  The view was totally whited out so I just kept walking. The remaining climb of the day was Highcock Knob.  It was definitely an adventure.  The grass on both sides of the trail was tall and the beginning of the climb was pretty easy.  The next uphill was difficult and my heels were starting to bother me again because it was so steep.  It leveled off again only to head straight up again.  Once I finally reached the top, our evening Campsite was only a little bit further.  Once I retrieved water and ate dinner, I headed off to bed.  I was drifting off to sleep when a whippoorwill decided to let its presence known.  The call continued from about 9:30 until about 10.   Finally natures version of the car alarm stopped voicing his displeasure at my Campsite choice.  I laid awake for just a little while before I finally decided to turn off my phone and head to bed. **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-24
From: US 501 (Glasgow, VA) 784.9

To: Punchbowl Shelter 795.4
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I literally woke up over a pond.   The water underneath my hammock was at least three to four inches deep.  My sit pad was floating nicely but my trekking pole was under a couple of inches of water.  I put on my Tevas and braved the ice cold wading to get to the privy.   There was definitely going to be no coffee under the tarp that morning.  Thankfully the rain had stopped and I was able to move everything to higher ground.  I had breakfast and coffee then waded back in to retrieve my hammock and tarp.  Overnight several tents had become one with the pond and I was grateful I was up high.   Yet the debate on switching back to the tent was still raging.   Sadly when one guy was packing up his soaked tent, he noticed several piles of human feces in the water near his tent.  Apparently some people didn't use the available privy, and in return we all spent the morning walking through poop water.  I was completely disgusted but unfortunately I was at a loss on what to do.  Eventually we were all packed up and headed back to the road to attempt to get back to the trail.  Finally after several minutes, one car stopped but the driver wanted $30 dollars for "gas money" to take take us five miles to the Bridge.  We said no thank you.  A few more cars passed then a man stopped and offered us a ride for no charge.  I think he really just wanted someone to talk to talk to on his way to work.  He was a nice guy just having a hard time.  Once back at the bridge, we started our walk to Punchbowl shelter.   The climb up Rocky Row was long and took every bit of energy I had.  It wasn't long before the rain started again.   By the time, I arrived at Punchbowl I was completely soaked and chilled to the bone.  I got my hammock up and got water.  I took off all my wet clothes and crawled in my hammock for a couple of hours until I got warm.  I finally ate dinner and then decided just to call it a day.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-25
From: Punchbowl Shelter 795.4

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter 804.9
Miles today: 9.5

It pretty much rained all night long.  The small little stream feeding the pond became a gushing creek overnight.  I mostly stayed dry but a few drops from my tarp ridgeline and splashing up from the ground made everything a little damp.  Finally about 6, the rain stopped and I got moving.   When I was taking down my tarp, I noticed that at one end near the tie out for the ridgeline the Cuben fiber was stretching and has a couple of holes.  I am pretty sure that is the source of my leak.  I am not sure I will be able to repair it well enough to 100% trust it.  I have tried to be careful about the tightness but it obvious I have definitely failed.  My hammock suspension is also looking a little frayed.  I am pretty sure I will be going back to the tent.  I know it's not as comfortable but at least I am on the ground already instead of being dumped there. I just can't afford to keep money in the hammock system when I spent so much on a tent in Franklin.  The trail was muddy and the sky overcast.  Thunderstorms were yet again predicted for the early afternoon.  All of the rain the last couple of weeks have popped up stream all over the trail.  The "unreliable" sources are flowing very well and the reliable sources are out of control.  Swapping Creek was supposed to be a nice leisurely walk across big flat rocks.  Instead, I walked across a fast flowing river.  The water came up about three inches above my knees.  I was grateful to have my trekking poles otherwise I would have ended up down stream.  The wildlife for the day included a garter snake, a million dragonflies and a very handsome frog.   With my feet soaking wet, I continued to walk.  Each step got more and more painful on my heels.   I finally arrived at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter fairly early.  The rain hadn't started yet so I set up my hammock and tried to repair my tarp with the little Cuben tape I had left.  But I am pretty sure it won't work long.  I should be getting my tent back soon so I won't have to stay up all night worrying.   The sun of course decided to attempt to shine.   The entire area around the shelter was a sea of different kinds of butterflies.   Unfortunately not long after a quick shower sent the butterflies away and out came the biting bugs.  The massive thunderstorm never arrived and of course I felt like a complete idiot for stopping early.   I really don't think I'll ever make the right decision when it comes to the weather.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter 804.9

To: Piney River Campsite 818.8
Miles today: 13.9

The morning started out by being eaten alive by tiny little bugs as soon as I got out of my hammock. I was off and tried to move quickly.  I stopped after a half mile and lathered myself with hydrocortisone cream to reduce the swelling in the welts all over my arms and legs. I started up Bald Knob earlier than expected but I slowed on the uphill as expected.  The higher I climbed the more the wind blew.  It was at times knocking me off the trail.  I finally stopped to put on my rain jacket to keep from being so cold.  I was focused solely on my feet as I climbed.  I tried to place my feet so my ankles/heels didn't hurt so bad.   I literally jumped out of my skin when I glanced up and saw black fur barreling down toward me.  It turned out to be just an over excited unleashed border collie mix who owners couldn't keep up.  After gathering my senses and letting them pass I continued up.   The wind was working hard at blowing away the clouds and by the time I got to Cole Mountain the sun was winning.  I stood on the top for a few minutes fascinated by the shadows of the clouds racing across the grassy top.  As I continued over the clearing, the wind kept trying to roll me down.  I finally got back into the trees where the wind was a little calmer.  The rest of the day was fairly uneventful and I got to camp in time to relax a little and let my socks and shoes finally completely dry.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Harpers Creek Shelter 834.9

To: Campsite at 848.5
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Morning arrived and as much as I didn't even want to get up, I forced myself to start walking.  I was dreading the climb up Three Ridges.  I climbed and climbed and as a reward I did get a few amazing views of the clouds settled in the valley below.  Once I made it to the top, relief set in as I walked down. The sun shining helped to improve my mood. I crossed over the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple of times.  The last mile or so to the Dripping Rock parking on the BRP was nothing but slippery rocks.  After several missteps and almost falls, I slowed to a crawl nursing my new bruises, sore ankles, and aching heels. I arrived at the parking area and was greeted by an amazing group of people cooking baked potatoes and pork chops for a Memorial Day Trail Magic celebration.  I ate and felt a little better.  I only stayed a little while before continuing to walk.  Goat and I planned on camping somewhere around the area but ended up walking a mile further to an unmarked campsite before the trail to the picnic area.  I sat up my hammock and ate my last snickers labeled "Cray Cray".  I had bought the Snickers in Montebello and since they were behind the counter, the cashier picked out the words. So apparently, she knew me well.  I went to bed before the sunset, and tried to enjoy my last night in the hammock.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)