morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-01
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: mist

I was back on the Trail around 8. The river out of Hot Springs was quite a bit larger than I had imagined it. The first climb up the rocks was challenging with a day of rest. I really think my body hates me more after a zero! Sometime early last year, there was a fire around Hot Springs. All morning I keep stopping to look at the charred dead leaves on the tops of the trees and the new green growth at the bottoms. It's amazing how quickly the forest recovers. On one of my many stops, I noticed a fuzzy thing in the dead rhododendron leaves. It was a rusty reddish brown. As I peered closer I realized it was breathing! I took quite a few pictures and examined it closely without disturbing it.   I could see one tiny foot clasped around the stem of the leaf. I could make out maybe a wing. The face was hidden in the curled up leaf but I was pretty sure it was a bat of some sort. I could tell that I was making it nervous because the breathing rate increased. Finally I moved on, but continued to look at the leaves more closely hoping to find another. I finally arrived at Spring Mountain Shelter. I attempted to set up my hammock but I just couldn't get it right with the trees I picked. Definitely out of practice! As I fiddled around the tents on the top of the exploded. Two then five then I lost count. I took down my hammock and found two other trees that would work. I moved everything down and got situated.   After eating dinner, I finally went to sleep after the explosion of people quieted down. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite at 295.2
Miles today: 10.8

I slept so well that I almost didn't want to get up! I love how much better I sleep in my hammock. Anyway, once I finally got going the day just seemed to drag on and on. Right before a Gap, a very awesome man named Yukon had Trail magic! It was a little too early for beer but I got a lovely honey bun as my morning snack. After the snack, The miles just seemed to never end. It was close to 80 degrees according to the thermometer on my watch. Finally I stopped at Little Laurel Shelter for water and another snack. I decided to climb big hill that afternoon rather than first thing in the morning. That mountain seemed to go up and up and up. The heat didn't help. When I thought I had another 0.8 to go up, the trail was blocked with logs and had been rerouted. The last up was cut off and instead followed the elevation line around the last peak. The Guthook app doesn't have the rerouted trail yet so it kept telling me I wasn't on the AT. The new trail section is beautiful and even passes over a couple of really good water sources.   Once the trail rejoined the AT on the other side, I started heading down to the piped spring and Campsite. As I was getting closer, I heard voices. As soon as I arrived, more trail magic. Yukon was now on this side of the mountain. He had coke and hotdogs. I cooked a couple of hot dogs on the fire. I was very grateful for the food. When in Hot Springs, I had planned a resupply at a hostel which I have learned is closed. With Yukons trail magic, I was able to save a couple of meals. I will still be cutting it pretty close to get to Erwin, but I think I'll be okay.   **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Campsite at 295.2

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: moderate rain

Today was definitely one of the most difficult days so far. The morning started out shrouded in fog. The forecast had predicted rain and possible storms so I got up early to get over Big Firescald Knob. As I approached the beginning, I debated on taking the bypass because the winds were really strong. I finally just decided to go for it. It was extremely difficult and in parts, I was crawling on my knees to keep from being blown off the side. I crawled up several parts hand over hand and then scooted down parts on my rear.   Even though it was difficult and I was scared, it was still exciting. The views mainly consisted of clouds and trees bending over backwards. Once I was done though, I was glad I went over. I stopped by Jerrys Cabin Shelter for a morning snack then continued on in the wind. Not long after that it started to rain. It rained for several miles and I forgot to put on my rain pants till it was too late.   A couple miles before the shelter, the rain let up and my pants started to dry out. At about 0.8 miles before Flint Mountain Shelter it started to rain again even harder. Up until that point my feet had stayed dry, but all of a sudden I felt like I was walking on water.   Once I arrived at the shelter, it was full of people trying to dry out even though it was early. I set up my tarp and then started trying to warm up. I put on my dry rain pants and after an hour or so I finally warmed up. I joined a few people at the fire they miraculously started and was able to dampen some of the moisture in my socks and shoes. I finally gave up, ate dinner and went to bed.   It was a long wet day but I managed to survive. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up around 5am hungry as could be. Cutting a few snacks makes a huge difference, I can't wait till tomorrow so that I can go back to full "feeds".   Between the rain yesterday and the short miles today, I cut back a little on food so that I would have enough to get to Erwin. All day today, I was looking forward to my peanut butter tortilla tomorrow. Other than obsessing about food, today was a beautiful spring day. Everything is transforming! The forest floor was dusted with tiny flowers and the moss was lime green. I crossed over/around a couple of cow fences and saw a rooster stalking guinea hens I think. This area seems more "inhabited" by humans. I saw houses in the distance from my mountain views. I could hear dogs barking in the valleys. Sadly there were also old tires lining the gorgeous stream as it tumbled down the mountain. Old barb wire lined the trail in several places and the occasional pieces of rusted farm equipment popped up. This area reminded me so much of the place where I grew up in Northwest Georgia.   I spent most of the day reminiscing but my brain was finally cleared by the clear blue sky and the daunting hills in front of me. I arrived at Hogback Shelter in the early afternoon. The area around this shelter is of course beautiful. There are so many trees, I could spend years counting them. The long walk to the water source was the only downside.   I was able to hang up everything and I think things are finally dry. Tomorrow I'll be heading to Bald Shelter and the weather is supposed to turn cold again. I am even seeing forecasts for snow. I am looking forward to tomorrow and can't wait to see what the day holds. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I am in my hammock struggling to get warmed up. The winds are really strong and hopefully my tarp with survive the night. The shelter is packed and I know that once I get warm I will be much warmer in my hammock. The walk today started out fairly good. I had done 6.2 miles in around four hours which is really fast for me. I got signal for a little bit and was able to check the weather. It showed storms coming in a couple hours.   I got to Big Bald and it was just starting to sprinkle. The closer I got to the actually bare land, the wind was out of this world. The tiny drops of rain felt like they were digging holes in my face.   I felt like a ping pong ball in the bathtub just bouncing around. I got over the first bare area and dropped back down into the little trees.   I looked up and saw another Bald to go up and over. At about that time lightning struck just about on top of me.   As I was pretty much running up the hill, I heard a voice in the small trees. A guy was hanging out in there because of the lightning. We followed the tree line to the other side of the Bald. I could see the posts with the white blazes but I guess I wasn't technically on the AT. But I pretty much didn't want to die yet. Once I got to the shelter, there were so many people I could barely find a spot to sit.   I put on a couple more shirts and tried to warm up. It was too packed to unpack everything.   I finally just decided to set up my tarp and hammock.   I found a set of semi decent trees and pitched the tarp low to the ground. I found a few rocks to help hold down the stakes. Once it was all ready, I got water.   Now I am just waiting till 5:30 or 6 till I can eat dinner.   Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be bad. I was originally planning to go to No Business Knob Shelter which is 10.6 miles away but now I am hoping to do 16.8 miles into Uncle Johnny's. I am hoping to get a really early start tomorrow. Fingers crossed.   I have to cross Little Bald tomorrow and I am terrified.   **Photos/Video on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: light rain

The early morning is such a peaceful time. I was wide wake at 5am. I started packing up and had breakfast about 6am. My 16.8 mile planned walk started at about 7am. The first climb up Little Bald Mountain was beautiful. The sun was trying to peek over the mountains but the clouds just kept fighting back. As I summitted Little Bald, the snow starting to fall. Big fluffy flakes. I stopped to quickly put on my pack and camera cover. I tried to take some video but the snow on my phone was making it so difficult to get the touch screen to respond. I finally gave up and continued to just walk. Off and on all day the snow/sleet would come pelting down. The wind would try to blow me off the trail. The climbs were so bad but the descents were harder. I arrived at No Business Knob Shelter by 12:30, sat down for about five minutes and kept walking. Most of the walk was on the side of the mountain. Almost straight up on one side and straight down on the other. I am always extremely careful because I am afraid of tumbling down. The climb out of Temple Hill Gap was a steady up but not too bad. The last climb of the day however seemed to go on and on. It seemed to go up, dip down, and then go up again. It was snowing again, so I decided to attempt my first "eat and walk". Mission accomplished! I didn't trip or choke so maybe I'll try again. When I finally reached the top, the brutal descent (in my opinion) began. Steep downs, switchbacks, more steep downs, etc. Those are my least favorite. My knees and the balls of my feet hate me. It took me almost two hours to go the last two miles. I arrived at Uncle Johnny's around 4pm. I was so excited that I managed to do 16.8 miles in one day. I now know that I can do it. My food bag had only trash and one breakfast so I am sure the lightweight helped. I also didn't stop to take many pictures. I missed doing that!I set up my hammock in the covered area, but also put up my tarp. The wind and blowing rain would have made for a miserable night. I went on the evening shuttle and splurged for Italian. It was absolutely delicious. I worried the entire time I was gone though about my tarp. When I got back, my tarp was blowing against my hammock. The stakes for my tarp absolutely refused to hold. I searched out large rocks and cinder blocks to try to secure it more. I was finally satisfied and bedded down for the night.
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Nolichucky River

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sleeping past the sunrise was actually exciting. I seemed to be in a food coma most of the night which hasn't happened in the last 42 days. I had my morning coffee while I gathered laundry. Once laundry was done, I lounged around I my hammock and massaged my sore calves and feet. I joined the 12:30pm shuttle to town. I had more food as the pizza AYCE then went shopping. After repackaging all the food, I realized once again I have too much food! I tried to stuff it all in my zpacks bear bag but it just wasn't cooperating. I knew I shouldn't have bought those ramen! They aren't very squishable. After debating for a couple hours, I finally just went and bought an 18 liter food bag. I'm sure I'll find a use for the zpacks bag. The rest of the day, I spent in that bad neighborhood called my brain. Zero days are necessary for my body to have a break, but mentally they are exhausting.   I start to worry about my future and where I will go after this journey.   I have not received any clarity on my purpose. I was truly hoping that it would hit me like a bolt of lightning. I am grateful that I still have about 1850 miles to seek out what will drive me forward. I ran into a couple of people here that I have camped with before.   It was really soothing to see kind familiar faces. I think a couple left out today and a few will leave out Sunday. I do hope to cross paths with them again.Tomorrow's destination is unknown. The first shelter is only a little over four miles away. The next camping spot marked is 13 miles away. I am not sure how far I will be able to make it with this much food.   My goal is to just walk until I feel like my body says enough. I have truly enjoyed staying here at Uncle Johnny's. The people were very nice and seem to genuinely care. Erwin is a neat little town that reminds me very much of northwest Georgia where I grew up. I am finally feeling sleepy and am heading off to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day and there are many mountains to climb. **Photos/Video on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Nolichucky River

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 11.8

The zero at Uncle Johnny's was truly the first zero I enjoyed. I ate good food and just relaxed.   It was a healing day for my body   As I left the hostel, my mind was wandering. I tried to focus on the little things around me instead of the big picture and the future. The first couple of miles I ran into two people (not together) that were going back down to Uncle Johnny's. The temptation to join them was overwhelming. I had to remind myself that living in the past hinders my ability to move forward. Literally and figuratively. As I climbed my way up out of Erwin, I was greeted with a million signs of spring. Several trees had tiny leaves emerging. Flowers were blooming. The air had a different feel to it. I took quite a few photos that I believe really capture the tiny joys of the trail. I arrived at Curley Maple Shelter by 12:30. It was an interesting place but very limited on hammocking options. I decided to abandon my original plan and just keep walking. It was quite scary because I no dead set plan. I keep looking at the guides hoping to find a spot to stay that had water.   I climbed the mountain to Beauty Spot and was amazing at the clear blue skies and the view. It's name is definitely fitting. After Beauty Spot, I came to Beauty Spot Gap. The guide mentions that cars drive by at odd hours so I was excited to see Mountain Goat already set up there. After I got set up, a few more people arrived. The sunset was amazing lighting up the sky with reds and oranges in the west while the moon appeared in the opposite sky.   **Photos/Video on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Oh my pack still feels so incredibly heavy. I spent all day thinking about all the stuff I want to purge when it gets warm.   I still have four days of food left and I am hoping to make it to Hampton, TN without having to stop and pick up more food. Aside from my heavy pack and my first luster on my heel, the day was otherwise gorgeous. I climbed Unaka Mountain. The spruce forest is truly enchanting.   Most of the ground was still covered in snow despite it being close to 60 degrees. It was one of my favorite spots so far. Most of the day seemed to be a series of ups that never ended accompanied by downs that pushed the limits of my knees and feet. I arrived at Greasy Creek Gap about 4 and battled with myself about going down to the hostel. I really don't need anything and it would have been a waste of money to go down just because everyone else was. I finally just set up my hammock and kept my brain busy attempting to plan the next few days.   Tomorrow is going to be difficult. A big big up. I am undecided on my end point. Part of my reasoning for being out here is to let go of my expectations. Expectations of myself and others. I have held onto to those hopes for so long that they are ingrained.   Those hopes and expectation have kept me chained to a brick wall. Tomorrow I will climb another mountain and leave a little piece of me behind.   **Photos/Video on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Greasy Creek Gap presented a colorful sunrise while I drank my morning coffee. I was a little slower than normal but still got moving by 8am. I was hoping to see some wildlife this morning since I seemed to be the only one out.   Unfortunately the only creatures i saw early were the the gray birds with a few white tail feathers. They seem to be everywhere and just pose so beautifully. Best of all is they don't seem to mind my company. Today I couldn't stop focusing on loneliness. I have never been a social person and have never truly been part of a group or family. Part of my soul longs to be a part of something bigger but the majority of my being has accepted the loneliness.   Regardless of my place "in the real world" on this trail I am gaining peace with myself.   I can walk, I can focus on the physical pain, and I can forget the past. A few miles of the walk today were spent walking through the woodpecker corridor.   I listened and watched them bang their heads on the trees all day. They are persistent little ones and I admire their strength and determination. They never see to give up!The climb up to Roan High Knob Shelter was excruciating but definitely worth the pain. The evergreens were amazing. In many places, the ground was still covered with snow despite it being at least 70 degrees. In several places, large icicles dangled from the rocks. I could have stayed all day long.I finally reached the shelter and got into my hammock early.   I tended to my aches and pains. I tried to plan out the next few days but finally gave up.   New plan..... Just walk until I can't walk anymore! **Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Doll Flats
Miles today: 13.3

The night at Roan High Knob Shelter was definitely not my favorite, but I did manage to survive. The day started out with a downhil that was painful but doable. At the bottom, I started up and crossed over Round Bald and Jane Bald. The area was absolutely breathtaking. I took my time and thoroughly took in all the beauty. I stopped at Overmountain Shelter for a quick lunch and kept walking. The sun was blazing but I finally managed to make it up Little Hump. Once I came out of the trees and got a glimpse of Big Hump Mountain, I almost turned around and camped. Fortunately the clouds floated over and Big Hump didn't look so impossible. Up and up I climbed until I finally reached the summit. I stood on top of that Bald and wished for a future. A future I could see as clearly as the mountains surrounding. A future I could feel as real as the gentle wind sweeping across the grass. A future I could love as much as the peace that overwhelmed me while I stood there. I finally made my way down the rocky winding trail to Doll Flats. The views of the valley took my breath away. I officially finished North Carolina and was happy to make another state off the list! I took the long walk down to the stream to get water. I heard a commotion in the woods and saw a large hawk. I am sure he was hunting but I was glad I didn't witness a kill. I think he missed. Of course my camera was back at the Campsite. Later in the evening, a couple came in and set up. Other than that it was a night quiet night. ** Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Doll Flats

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I witnessed the most gorgeous sunrise over the mountains and valley. I delayed leaving just to take it all in. Once I finally got going, the miles past very quickly.   I was at US19E in only a couple hours. I sat on the rocks for a little while debating on going down to Mountain Harbour B&B for another day of food. Finally I decided to walk downhill just to see. On the way down, a very nice lady with daffodils in her cup holder stopped and asked me if I needed a ride to town. I was able to hold my emotions in check long enough to decline and let her know I was only going a couple of tenths of a mile. I don't really understand why but her being so nice to me with absolutely no expectations in return sent me into an emotional tail spin.   On this trip, I have yet to hitchhike or even attempt it. I do not want to ask for anything for fear of being told no. So needless to say, I probably looked like a fool standing on the side of the road crying like a lost child. I finally made it down to the B&B. I bought my first Mountain House meal on the trail. I planned to lugthat and a block of cheese all the way up to Mountaineer Shelter for my dinner. As I came up from US19E, I was shocked at the amount of trash and junk thrown into the woods everywhere. That area was by far the trashy place I have seen so hard. If I make it through to the other side of this journey, I plan to come back and try to pick up and haul off as much as I can. The trail passed through some rolling hills, valleys, and meadows. At the top of on of the hills stood a lone tree. I was hoping my tears from earlier had moved on but of course the lone tree brought them back in force. Once I topped the hill, I stood under that tree and admired her ability to stand alone and survive. The hill and meadow past that tree was alive with birds, bees, and butterflies.   I sat up there for an hour and tried to convince myself to put the past behind me and just keep walking.   Finally I was able to leave enough of my mental load behind to pick up my pack and continue on. I passed by two beautiful waterfalls and finally arrived to an empty shelter. Since Erwin it seems as if the number of hikers has drastically decreased. I cooked an ate my mountains house chicken fajita bowl with cheese and an extra tortilla. It was by far my best dinner but also probably the most expensive. I definitely won't be able to do that often but it will be a great treat every once in a while. With another day finished, I finally was able to fall asleep and hope for a better brain day. **Photos\Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)