morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Even though it got pretty chilly at Low Gap, I stayed very warm. I didn't leave my wind sock open enough so I had a little bit of condensation on my dry bags hanging from my ridgeline. Everything else was good though. I decided to only go to Blue Mountain Shelter a measly 7.3 miles away to give my knee a break. I took it extra slow. I had done this part of the trail in October 2015 and remembered it well. It is truly one of my favorite sections in Georgia. It has dramatic drop offs, beautiful views, "flat" sections, rock fields, just absolutely gorgeous. When I was out before it was Halloween, A SOBO came around one of the corners wearing a werewolf mask. His beard and hair pretty much make the costume! I had a giggle and just thouroughly enjoyed that walk. This walk was perfect. My knee was much better and barely bothered me at all. I got to Blue Mountain early and joined the group at the shelter for a bit. They made a campfire. One awesome lady carried up 8 marshmallows and some people roasted them on the fire. The sunset was mesmerizing and I couldn't have asked for a better night.
Date: 2017-03-04
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Blue Mountain sunrise started the day off right. I knew the downhill to Unicoi was going to be tough and then the up up up to Tray was going to be tough. I arrived at Unicoi early around 9:30 and then started up. I took my time going up and stopped by a beautiful mind calming spring for my snack of a s'mores pop tart. I continued up up up some more. I stopped right before Tray Mountain Rd for lunch. I decided I would rather have that weight in my belly than on my back for that last climb. As I was going up, over a dozen people passed me. They were all talking about the trail magic at Unicoi. I had just came though too soon. Maybe next time. Since so many people had passed I knew the shelter was going to be bustling. I was right! Once I finally made it to the shelter, I set up my tarp then walked for water. When I got back, the winds had changed and the campfire smoke was blowing under my tarp. I do smoke but that was a little much, so I moved my house down the hill toward the water source. The site was much better. I went to the shelter for dinner and talked to a guy about photography stuff for a little bit before hanging my food and going to bed. It was a great day and a great night!
Date: 2017-03-05
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tray Mountain Sunrise was one of the best yet! I raised up the front of my tarp and watched the sunrise as I packed up and drank my morning coffee. My battery for my phone and my backup were all running low. As well as my internal batteries. As much as I as wanted to go into town for a shower and a recharge, I knew I just couldn't make my body cooperate enough to get Dicks Creek that day. All the people I had been seeing took off down to Hiawasee. I only recognized a few people at the shelter and there was barely anyone there. It was nice and quiet all around, but my head wouldn't quiet down. I was worried about my first resupply attempt. I had made a reservation for Monday night at the Budget Inn and the shuttle would take me down. At least, I didn't have to try hitchhiking yet. I didn't sleep very well and was dreading the walk down in the morning. I was worried about getting up early enough to make it down in time for the 11am shuttle. I finally fell asleep to the pitterpatter of rain on my tarp.
Date: 2017-03-06
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek - Budget Inn
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: broken clouds

I got up about 5am and listened to the gentle rain while I waited for the first light. I was packed up and heading downhill by 7:15am. I knew I wouldn't make the 9am shuttle but I made fairly good time and made it down by around 10. I sat by the stream in the rhododendron tunnel for quite a while before heading to the parking lot to wait for the shuttle. The shuttle finally arrived by about 11:30. once at the Budget Inn, I did my laundry first thing. I decided I really like my frogg toggs pants. They are just awesome. Once the clothes are clean, I took a shower and put on clean clothes. I walked to Ingles and bought way too much food. I carried it all back to the hotel. Lessons learned..., it's really hard to eat a salad with only a spoon. I ate too much cake. I spent the majority of the evening updating photos on my Facebook Page. I was going to try to upload photos here too but I dontbthinknIbwillbhave enough time. My name is Mickie Blair so if you would like to look at all the pictures, I made the albums public. I will try to upload a few pictures here if I have time before i head back to the trail.
Date: 2017-03-07
From: Dicks Creek - Budget Inn

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

I took the shuttle from Budget Inn back up to Dicks Creek this morning. We arrived about 10am and I started up the hill. When I first woke up this morning, my throat was a little sore but I just figured it was the air/chemicals in the motel room. I figured as soon as I got back outside it would feel better. But for some reason as the day progressed I just felt worse. It took way longer than usual to go the 4.5 miles to the shelter. I was hoping to get there before the rain but unfortunately I walked the last hour in a light rain. I didn't end up too wet but enough to get slightly chilled. I ate a little and then arranged my house. I cooked dinner about 5:00pm and then crawled into my hammock. I am warm and content. The rain is falling on my tarp and it sounds like heaven. I am sure I will sleep much better tonight than I did last night. I am hoping to wake up feeling better tomorrow. There is absolutely no cell signal up here tonight but I'll post when I can. My only mission for the rest of the evening is to sew up my pants. I knew I should have gotten a new pair before I left but hopefully these will last with my makeshift repair until I can figure out how to get a new pair from REI. **Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-08
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: moderate rain

I was a little later than normal getting out of camp. I woke up with a pounding headache, sore throat and stuffy nose. Even though I didn't feel that great, it was still a good day. The sun was bright and the sky was an amazing blue. I reached the Georgia/North Carolina Border right after 11am. I was so happy to see that I was the only one there. Another milestone in my journey where solitude allowed me to reflect on the past, present and future. It was a bit overwhelming to know that I was leaving my home state. After this adventure, I don't think I will ever be able to go back. I am not sure where I will end up but I am hoping for a tiny amount of clarity on where my life goes from here. As soon as I headed up the hill to Bly Gap and the tree, the wind kicked up. As I pushed harder up the hill, the worse I felt. My head felt like it was stuffed with popcorn and then my ears started to hurt. I stopped half way up and hid behind a fallen tree for some lunch and to put on my rain coat and hood as a wind break. It helped some and I finally reached the top. I talked to a few people today who had all left on March 1st.   I am sure I will passed by the bubble soon. I know that my body just can't do the things I want it too. The last couple of years, I did so much damage to it that it will never be able to keep up. I am going to attempt to do 12.5 miles tomorrow. I don't know if I can but I have to try. At some point, I want to go quicker so I don't have to carry as much food. At Muskrat tonight, I found a place to set up my hammock by the stream. The sound sort of drowns out the noise at the shelter. I know they are all having a good time and that's what matters. I am sure we will all be asleep before long. The foot end of my hammock and quilt got a little damp last night in the rain. I am glad I got to Muskrat early so I could let it try out a bit before adding the windsock. Hopefully my head and ears will be better tomorrow so I can make it to Carter Gap. **Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-09
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

I woke up early and was all packed up and hit the trail about 7:08am. I wanted to get to Carter Gap Shelter 12.5 miles away. This would be my first over 12 mile day and I wanted to give myself plenty of time. The terrain wasn't bad at all but still about 8 miles in my knee was yelling. I took more ibuprofen and continued on. I walked through much of the area I went through last year around March 15. The area was so completely different. The forest fire that swept through changed everything. I known that the forest will heal and new growth will flourish. It was an excellent reminder that time does heal. Today was my 40th birthday. As I walked through the charred landscaped, I kept reminding myself that healing is possible. My scars will never fade completely and I will never be the same as I was before, but life will continue. I will regrow my hope. My determination to survive this past will blossom with each step I take. I wake up every morning and choose to continue moving forward. The forest, the trail has given me a path to the phase of my life and I am not going to give up just yet. ** Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-10
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night at Carter Gap Shelter were thunderstorms and quite a bit of lightning. Several strikes seems to feel as if they were right over us. Everything seemed to just shake. The wind started up again and of course I did quite a bit of swaying.   I am so scared that the wind will get underneath my tarp and take it away. The soil in the burned areas just isn't very solid. There are several inches of soot on top of the soil. I try and try but it just seems like I am not finding good spots. I am starting to think about getting a tent to try for a little while. I really don't want to waste the money but I also don't want to be terrified every night.   The views today were amazing. The storms last night made the most beautiful skies over the mountains this morning.   I of course have a thing for clouds. The section was just like I remembered it from last year. My favorite little piece is right before Albert Mountain walking in the side of the mountain overlooking Big Butt, NC. That's actually what it says on the map. Albert Mountain up was quite a climb. In some places, I basically had to crawl. My legs just aren't long enough. I crossed the 100 mile mark. I was excited to see someone had made a Little Rock formation. Otherwise, I am still pretty stuffy. I am not sure if it's allergies or a cold. Either way once I get into Franklin, I'll be buying some medicine when I get my resupplies.   I am also thinking about taking a zero to help heal my head and my knee and wait out a little weather episode.   I am going to try to get down into Winding Stair Gap for the 9:30 shuttle. I hope that I can get there quickly without causing too much knee pain. ** Photosbon Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-11
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up early again but so was everyone else!I packed up quickly and started to Winding Stair Gap. I was able to get there in time for the 9:30 shuttle. I went a bit too quickly and I was hurting by the time I got down. I figured it was worth it though. Once I got in to Budget Inn, I asked for an additional night. I will be taking my first zero tomorrow.   I waited a little bit for the room to be be ready. Once I had everything in the room, I walked the 0.5 mile down the road to the Ingles. I got all my resupplies and headed back. I got everything all sorted and packaged out. I did laundry and spent the rest of the day worrying about taking a zero and what I was going to do. By the end of the day, I had decided that yes I would buy a tent.   The outfitters was closed but the little one across the street is going to be open tomorrow. Fingers crossed, I am making the right decision. ** Photos Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-12
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Budget Inn Franklin
Miles today: 0.0

I went to the outfitters early and bought a copper spur UL 1. I spent the day playing with and taking it up and down inside the hotel room. It snowed over night but melted fairly quickly. All day I felt completely defeated and was second guessing buying the tent. I try to keep telling myself that this is an adventure and I have to learn to adapt. I have a horrible habit of seeing things in two extremes. Right or Wrong. Success or Failure. Victory or Defeat. Light or Dark. Part of my purpose of this walk is to learn to be more at peace with the unknown. To teach myself not to think in black and white. I long to see the shades of gray. I packed up my hammock and mailed it to myself at the NOC. I am hoping the tent works out better.   Being in the towns has a tendency to send me into a depression so I kept myself busy most of the day. I am heading out in the morning to Winding Stair Gap. I plan to only go to Siler Bald Shelter so that I have time to play around more with my tent. I am trying to stay on the positive side of the line but it seems like that line is being drawn higher and higher in the sky. ** Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-13
From: Budget Inn Franklin

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Bald Shelter11 milesWe headed back to Winding Stair Gap and I up about 9:45. There was still quite a bit of snow on the ground up here. It's just amazing the difference a little elevation can make. The climbing didn't seem that bad at all. However the further up I went the cloudier and cloudier and cloudier it got. More and more snow covered the ground. The trail in places was snow free and muddy but in other places it was more of a slushy ice layer. I arrived at the first Silar Bald Shelter trail fairly early so I decide to go to the second trail.   That side of the mountain seemed to have quite a bit more snow. I knew as soon as I got to the second trail that I just going to keep going to Wine Spring or maybe even Wayah Bald Shelter. In order to save time, I decided against going up to Siler Bald. (I went up last year). I knew it would be my first night ever in a tent and I didn't want to be at a shelter alone.   I have only slept in my hammock outside. Once I got to Wine Spring Campground, I decided to keep going since it was deserted as well. I made it to the tower at Wayah Bald and took a picture. I was there last year before the fire and I wanted comparison photos. About 30 minutes before I got to the shelter, it started sleeting/raining a little bit. I found a semi flat spot and set up my tent for the first time outside. I managed to get it all set up and was inside when it really started to come down. I kept my fingers crossed pretty much all evening that I did it right and that I would be dry and warm all night.
Date: 2017-03-14
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Burningtown Gap, NC
Miles today: 3.6

I woke up several time overnight. I wasn't cold but I did keep sliding toward the front of the tent. Guess my "flat" spot wasn't so flat. It was odd arranging everything in the tent when I am so used to just hanging everything off my ridgeline in the hammock. In some ways it was much easier and in some ways it was much harder. When I woke up for the final time about 6 am, I was in a snow cave. I had cell service and took a look again at the whether. Fear set in and I called a lodge and got a room and a shuttle pick up at Burningtown Gap. I had a hard time packing up everything in the tent while keeping everything semi dry. I was so thankful that I was able to tie strings in my tent stakes the night before. I would have never been able to get them out of the ground if I hadn't. I finally managed to pack up all the stuff and get the tent all broken down. I was very very late leaving for me but I did manage to finally start walking down about 45 minutes after most people had already gone. The 4 miles to the pickup point was a wild walk! It was snowing the entire time and the footprints ahead of me disappeared quickly. I was playing "Where's Waldo" with the white blazes all morning. I made it to Burningtown Gap more quickly than I thought I would. I was cold and wet and the wind was crazy. I got to the lodge and spent the afternoon debating on tomorrow plans.   The forecast was cold and the windchill was going to be in the negatives. A few people here wanted to slack pack the section or start again. My fear was overwhelming and I decided to take another zero and not risk injury or freezing to death. I think about all that I sacrificed to get   here and I just don't want to risk ending it because of going out in weather like this. If I seriously hurt myself, my journey ends and I'll be back living in my SUV trying to decide on my future. I have been out here less than 20 days and I am not closer to finding my truth than when I left.   My heart hurts so bad at the thoughts of having to stop early that I will try to stay on the safe side as long as financially possible. I will continue to go slow and be careful. Tomorrow I'll spend the day uploading photos and journals. I wasn't in the right mindset to do any of them in Franklin on my 1st zero. So tomorrow, I'll take another zero and try to ease all my fears. ** Photos and video on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-15
From: Burningtown Gap, NC

To: Burningtown Gap, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Breakfast this morning (and dinner last night) were amazing.   I have spent the last few hours updating all my photos and Facebook albums.   After this post, I will be all caught up with everything. I haven't been uploading to instagram but I may upload a few pictures this evening to keep my brain busy. I will probably spend the rest of the evening trying to figure out where I'll end up the next few nights. It's really hard because I am not sure how the trail will be with the leftover snow/ice and I am trying not to buy anymore food and just make do with what I had brought from Franklin. I have been outside for a little while today. Everything down here is melting but the tops of the mountains you can see from here are still ice covered. The wind had picked up and the blowing snow and ice from the trees is just beautiful. I will be heading out about 8:30 in the morning. Ideally I would like to make it to Rufus A Morgan tomorrow but Wesser maybe a more reasonable stopping point. I would prefer not to walk down and then back out of the NOC on the same day.   I guess we see how my knee behaves tomorrow. Thank you so much for reading all my ramblings and for providing so much encouragement. **Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-16
From: Burningtown Gap, NC

To: A Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was by far my most difficult day. Emotionally as well as physically. I was dropped off at Burningtown Gap NC at around 8:30am. It was about 10 degrees and snow was everywhere! The walking was hard but I finally managed to get going at a pace that kept me pretty warm. Once I made it to Cold Spring Shelter, I saw my first other humans of the day. Several guys had stayed there and were heading into the NOC for the evening. My plans were to try for Wesser Bald Shelter (7 miles) and if I got there early enough to head to A Rufus Morgan. I knew the climb down into NOC was rough in great conditions and I knew it would be horrible with the snow and ice. As the day passed ever one of the guys from Cold Springs Shelter passed me by. The climb up to Wesser Bald was tough like I remembered it but actually worse because of the snow, slush, mud and ash. I made it to Wesser Bald Shelter around 2 and decided to head downhill to Rufus. It was warmer and I hoped that some of the ice had melted. I was scared to wait till morning to try. I knew all the ice would re freeze. Once I got to the scary part, I knew it was going to be shear hell. For what seemed like a couple of miles, I just sat down and slid on my rear. The ice was so slippery and my boots/poles couldn't find a place to grip. In several places, I truly believed I was going to slid right over the edge. Everyone had already passed me for the day and I knew if something happened there would no one to find me till the next day. I was literally in tears all the way down. I was shaking so badly not just from fear but also from being so cold. My pants are fairly thin and they did not fair well on the slide. I was so emotionally exhausted that I was just hoping it would just be over with. I am trying so hard to remain positive about my future but when my head gets involved it's terrifying. Once I made it down to Rufus, I saw that I was absolutely the only person there. Everyone else had continued down to NOC. I setup and got situated for night two in the tent.   I still haven't managed to find a flat spot and I keep sliding. I definitely miss my hammock and will be switching back after the Smokies. I will just have to learn to deal with the wind and hope for the best. ** Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-17
From: A Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

I am laying in my tent at the top of the hill by the trail to Sassafras Gap Shelter. It's supposed to be windy and rainy, so we will see how I fair. A trail angel is bringing me new pants! I looked in the NOC and they had absolutely no convertible pants for women. Jef is coming up this evening for a long section hike with friends and they will be walking in the dark! The shelter is down a big hill and I want to make it easier on them when they run by sometime during the night/early morning. So far, so good. I haven't been blown off the mountain yet! When I stopped by NOC this morning, I got some insoles and yet another knee brace. If I have to wear 12 braces, I will just keep walking. My knee only gave me a little trouble on the 6 or so miles up. So today, I am grateful it was all up!The snow was pretty much gone down at the bottom but as I climbed higher and higher the scenery became whiter and whiter. It is absolutely fascinating to see the different areas. One side of the mountain will be white and then you walk around to the other side and it's all melted. The parts of the trail that never see sun like the rhododendron tunnels still have several inches. Mentally today was a much much better day. I am so incredibly thankful for a group I am a member of on Facebook. The Appalachian Trail Women's group have given me so much support that I really don't know if I would still be out here if it wasn't for them. Absolutely no one I know from my former life has shown any interest in my progression up the trail. Out of sight, out of mind. But anyway, that group of women are the absolute best thing about this hike so far. I actually do not feel alone!**Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)