morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-18
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

On top of Sassafras last night was definitely interesting. I am still struggling to find a spot for my tent where I don't slide all the way to the front or to the back. Maybe one day, I'll figure it out. The wind and rain continued all night long. I didn't sleep much which was probably a good thing. I had woken up about 3am and couldn't go back to sleep. About 3:30, the area lit up which headlamps. It was Jef and his friends! They brought me my much needed new pants and ibuprofen. It was absolutely amazing to experience such kindness from a complete stranger. I will never be able to repay the generosity but I will most definitely pay it forward one day soon. The days was another tough one! I packed up in the rain and started moving as quickly as I could. At Cheoah Bald, the night's clouds still hovered over. I couldn't see the wonderful views like last year, but I believe this sight was just as amazing. A huge part of my being feels as if being up in the clouds is my home. It helps me to focus on the present. The shroud keeps me from looking too far in the future and from glancing back and focusing on the past. As I left, all I could think about was getting my brand new pants all dirty on day one! The clouds eventually blew away and I was welcomed with blue skies. I passed though Stecoah Gap then went up Jacobs Ladder. It wasn't nearly as bad as last year. The temperature was much cooler and the partly cloudy skies gave me moments of shade. I was very nervous as I continued to walk in regards to finding a tent site. Several people passed heading there as well. When I finally arrived, I was able to set my tent up in a hole that acted as a windbreak. I traipsed down the hill and got water. After dinner, a very nice group of three young men let me hang my bear bag with theirs. It helped tremendously with my anxiety. I made reservations at Fontana Village and now I am heading off to bed. So far, I think I may have found my very first flat spot. I'll let you know where I end up in the morning!**photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-19
From: Cody Gap Campsite

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was an absolute beautiful day to be outside walking! I left camp about 8:30 this morning and headed toward Fontana 28 AT Crossing. I was able to walk and truly enjoy the day considering I only had to go 8.7 miles and didn't have to worry about getting all set up before dark. The area from Cody Gap to Fontana is beautiful. Tons of views and I got my first food trail magic! Kiki was at Yellow Creek Mountain Rd grilling hamburgers and hotdogs. He is a former AT thru hiker and is heading off to hike the PCT in April of this year. The hamburger was absolutely amazing. After a little food and talking, I headed back up. I was so happy today to be outside that I didn't think about anything else but the few feet right in front of me. The last two days my knee has done great. My feet doing numb after about nine miles has been my only issue. If I rest for a few minutes, they recover just fine and I am able to keep walking. My only other issue is some chaffing/burn from the ride down the NOC. I am bright red from my waist down to the back of my knees. It still hurts to sit down, but I am sure it will heal up just fine. I resupplied at the General Store and bought twice as much food per day as I had been eating. I calculated the before calories and it was only about 1500. I am hoping that if I eat more I will be able to go further each day in the smokies. Just like last year, I am so nervous about the shelters. I have yet to sleep in a shelter basically due to all unfounded fears.   I am sure this year it won't be as crowded. Tomorrow, I am just going to the Fontana Hilton. I will hopefully find a spot to set up my tent and just lounge around all day. It won't technically be a zero because I will have walked 1.2 miles. On Tuesday, I will on the trail as soon as I can see. I know the climb up the 11 miles to Mollies Ridge will take me all day. Well I am trying to convince myself to head off to bed I these bright white clean sheets at the village hotel. **Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-20
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 1.2
Weather: clear sky

Last night, I didn't really sleep very well. I think I have become very sensitive to perfume and scents. Every time the heat would come on, I would have a sneezing fit. I finally gave up and just turned it off. About 6, I finally got up and starting getting everything ready. I had a honeybun that I really wanted warmed up. Unfortunately, there was no microwave in the room. I finally got the idea to turn back on the heat and warm my "bun". It worked great!The shuttle dropped me off at about 9 and I headed to the Fontana Hilton. I decided to stay here for the day and start out at sunrise in the morning to Mollies Ridge Shelter. According to the book it is about 11.4 miles. All up hill. Last year, I remember struggling to make it Shelter to Shelter. I wanted to make sure I gave myself plenty of time. I am extremely anxious about other aspects of the smokies. Bears and having to stay in the shelters are two of my major worries. The Smokies are also the end of the familiar for me. My section hiking last year ended at Standing Bear Farm. The unknown after scares the daylights out of me. Most of the people out here now are completely unfamiliar which also makes me anxious. I still haven't found a group I fit with. I am really just way too slow to keep up with anyone. Being an introvert doesn't help either.The day was overcast instead of bright and sunny. It definitely matched my mood. Tomorrow is supposed to be raining but I really don't mind walking in the rain, but setting up the tent is hard. I am not sure if I will be able to update much over the next few days.   I can't remember what the cell signal was like. Well I am about ready to head off to sleep. Hoping my body and mind continue to hold up over the next few days. ** Photos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-21
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Staying up to date on my Journal while in the Smokies was pretty much impossible. My evenings were spent worrying about the next day and if could go as far as I had to go. I worried about the shelters and of course the bears.   On the first day, I was up and packed up before the sun rose. I knew from last year the walk up to Mollies Ridge was going to be tough.   I was at the Dam by sunrise and watched as it rose up over the mountains.   At the end of the Dam before entering the park, a family of deer were folicking. They bounded up the steep side of the mountain effortlessly. Oh how I wish I had their abilities.   I finally arrived at the drop box for the permit and the climb began!The day was absolutely gorgeous. Sunny and almost hot! It took nearly all day to finally arrive at the full Mollies Ridge Shelter after walking 11.4 miles. I got my tent up, ate dinner, and promptly went to bed. That night severe thunderstorms passed through. The wind and the lightning were both fascinating and frightening. I finally managed to sleep and was again up early the next morning. Photos and video on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-22
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 2 was a 12 mile day to Derrick Knob Shelter. The entire morning I walked in the clouds. The winds were strong but I was hopeful the sky would clear enough for a view from Rocky Top. I tried to stay out of my head and just focus on my immediate surroundings.   The fear and the anxiety of the unknown kept trying to steal away my desire to walk through both the physical and mental pain of the past, present and future.   As I approached Rocky Top, I was rewarded with clearing skies and breathtaking views.   I stopped for lunch and then continued on. I finally arrived at Derrick Knob Shelter. The temperature had dropped and the wind had picked up again.   I set up my tent, retrieved water, and ate. Once I was all done for the night and safely in my tent, I began contemplating the next day. Last year I went from Derrick to Mt Collins which was 14.5 miles.   I really wanted to be able to go that far but I knew how unhappy I was last time and how painful it was. By bedtime, I decided to forgo my original plan and just go 7.4 miles to Double Springs Shelter.**Photos/Video on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-23
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 3 was absolutely perfect! The sun was shining and it was a completely stress free walk.   Since I was able to take my time, I was able to look up more. I stopped often and took pictures. I watched the birds on the hunt for the best snacks. I laughed as a squirrel seemingly forgot where he put his nut stash. He reminded me of a person searching for their keys when they are already in their hand. I was also able to coordinate with a trail angel I met through the women's group. The plan was for me to arrive in Newfound Gap the next afternoon where she would take me with her back to her home in Knoxville for the night. I arrived fairly early to Double Springs Shelter however it was already packed. I sat up my tent and just lounged around for a couple hours till supper time. It was a truly wonderful day and I couldn't have been happier. After dark, the wind kicked up and it rustled leaves all night. The site was fairly protected from the wind but higher up I could hear it roaring through the evergreens. I finally ended up falling asleep after preparing myself for the trip down to Newfound Gap. **Photos/Video on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

I was up early again to start the long trek down to Newfound Gap. The clouds had again settled over the mountain tops and I knew my chances of a view from Clingmans Dome was slim to none. Last year it was dreary and overcast as well. Once I gained some elevation, I had to stop and put on my rain gear. It is absolutely fascinating to watch the moisture being pulled from the clouds by the trees as the wind rushes them across the sky. On the spots free of the trees, there was no rain. I was completely mesmerized. The day passed by slowly and I arrived at Clingmans with a hazy view of the concrete structure. This year I decided to walk up even though I would only see clouds. It was amazing. I was able to take some pretty photos and then continued down. In some places on the trail, the snow/ice from the previous storm were still visible. The terrain wasn't horrible but I still didn't arrive down to Newfound until about 4. About a half mile from the Gap, the trail angel Brandi had walked up to find me. We walked back down to the Gap. She had some trail magic for me and other hikers. After an hour or so, we headed down with two other women hikers. She dropped them off in Gatlinburg and we continued to Knoxville. In Knoxville, I resupplied and got everything all clean, me included!   I had the most delicious Sonic cheese tater tots then headed to bed. **Photos/Video on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-25
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail angel Brandi took me back up to Newfound Gap early. My original plan was to go to Icewater but with the next days predicted thunderstorms I decided to head to Pecks Corner since quite a few miles along the way are ridge walking. The day was mostly overcast with few here and there. The clouds parted briefly for a surreal view from Charlie's Bunion. The day went by much quicker than expected. I arrived early at Pecks Corner but it filled up shortly thereafter. I was able to set up my tent and even though I was on a slope I sleep fairly well after making peace with the long walk to Cosby Knob Shelter the next day. *Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-26
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The days walk was definitely tougher than I remembered. It was still extremely windy with some exposed areas. The views later on in the day were amazing. The sky was indecisive on whether it wanted to be cloudy or clear. Right after the helicopter pad, a clearing to the right allowed me to watch the clouds swirl and fill up the valley. The next gusts of winds would bring in new clouds. Even though I still had a long way to the shelter, I convinced myself to stay for a little while and enjoy. My rain jacket protected me from most of the winds, but I finally managed to get a little chilly and moved on down the mountain. By the time, I arrived at Cosby Knob I was again mentally and physically exhausted. The changing skies had wrecked havoc on my ability to remain in the present. Once I arrived at the shelter, the rain began. I sat up my footprint and rainfly then went back to the shelter to cook dinner. I realized that I hadn't eaten lunch or my afternoon snack. So instead of cooking, I just ate those. Once I was finished and food bag hung, I finished setting up my house. I was getting ready to take a photo of my nightly dwelling when I noticed a rainbow materialize.   I was shocked and overcome with emotion.   The past year a rainbow has shown itself at when a major change in my life is about to occur.   Needless to say I forgot to take a photo of the tent and tried to capture the rainbow. The photos of course just do not show how magnificent it was. After it faded, I finally went into my tent.   The next day was to be the last day of the familiar. The unknown awaited after Green Corner Road. My anxiety was sky high all night. I barely slept wondering about the unknown.** Photos/Videos on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-27
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light snow

I was up and out of camp before the sun had risen over the mountain. Almost everyone had gotten up early excited to finally be done with the Smokies. The day was a beautiful walk. It was hard on the knee but I was able to make pretty good time. The change in the vegetation as I moved down the mountain wasn't as dramatic as it was last year, but it was still beautiful. Last year, the lower I traveled the greener the trees and bushes became. I am about three weeks earlier than last year. Right now, all the new growth is just starting to emerge. Tiny green leaves and buds are just beginning to show themselves. The sides of the trail are lined with little white flowers that don't open until the sun touches them. Once I finally arrived at Davenport Gap, I was elated to be out.   The remaining miles to Green Corner Road were exhilarating. The trail follows a stream as it tumbles down the mountain. The sounds was music to my ears. As I neared the pavement right before I-40, I was greeted by two white butterflies dancing around the trail. Butterflies like rainbows have played a very significant role in my life. In my past, when I would lose something or someone very special to me... a butterfly would appear to let me know that all was well.   Since the horrible incident at my job in the end of 2015, I hadn't been comforted by the appearance of any butterflies. Maybe they were there, but my heart or my brain refused to see them. But as I stood on the trail and was circled time and time again, a peace overwhelmed me. I was able to breath a little easier. I crossed over the bridge and under I-40 crying tears of relief. I arrived at Green Corner Road and headed up to Standing Bear. I had originally planned to keep going up a couple of miles to camp. The emotional drain from the day had left me exhausted so I just camped at Standing Bear and prepared myself for the new that would start the following day. **Photos/Video on Facebook - Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-28
From: Green Corner Road

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 13.3

I didn't sleep well at all. The gravel road seemed to have quite a bit of "traffic" and a rooster was confused about what time it was. But overall it was a pretty decent night. The first shelter was my goal for the day.   The first hill was a little easier than I expected and the views were great. It was interesting to see the stark contrast between the forest and the presence of man such as the power lines and towers. As I walked I was awestruck by the beauty of the new. I took my time and took picture after picture. Spider webs, flowers, fungus, and even a snake all peaked my interest. I still arrived at the shelter to early to stop. After the first climb of the day the clouds took over but as I approached the shelter, they started to clear. I made the decision to try to push on to camp on top of Max Patch. I really wanted to take full advantage of the tent before I got my hammock back in Hot Springs. The day went quickly but it was long. After 13.3 miles of walking, I was so excited to finally be done for the day. Earlier my first bald, Snowbird Mountain was shrouded in low clouds. It was eerie yet beautiful. But as I approached Max Patch, blue skies emerged. Shock and awe overwhelmed.   The wind was strong but I was truly inspired by the sight. I climbed the steps and continued to the downside of the Bald. I set up my tent and settled in. I watched an amazing sunset. The sky seemed to be on fire.   The winds died down a bit after dark and I was able to fall asleep despite the hound dog barking on some nearby property. **Photos/Video on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-29
From: Max Patch

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

The night sky on Max Patch was clear and the sky was a sea of stars. I was awestruck. The night was fairly uneventful after the barking and howling from the hound dogs in the distance. The only exception was about 2am when a pack of coyotes started having wild conversations with the moon. I woke up at my typical 5am and noticed that even though it hadn't rained at all the inside of my tent was very damp. The condensation was dripping from the rain fly through the big net and onto my quilt. I had a short day planned so I was hopeful I would get to dry it out. I retrieved my food bag shortly before the sun rose and made my breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. The sky lit up a brilliant red as the sun peaked over the mountain. I rigged up my phone with a hair rubber band and a trekking pole so that I could do a time lapse video. When the sun finally showed itself, the grass glistened with dew. The entire Bald was a sea of sparkles.   I tried to hang out a little while to see if my tent would dry some, but I finally gave up and just packed everything all up. The tent was more wet than when it had actually rained!!The walk down followed many streams and creeks. The rushing water was able to drown out the thoughts in my head for the majority of the day. I arrived at Walnut Mountain Shelter extremely early. I unpacked everything and strung it all up to dry. I laid on top of the hill and just listened to nature for a couple of hours while everything finally dried out. The sun finally fell down behind the mountain as the winds kicked up. After a couple of hours I was finally able to sleep. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-30
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1

The wind howled all night and continued into the morning. I didn't sleep well at all and finally retrieved my food about 6am. I got breakfast and as soon as it was light enough to see I fought the wind to pack up and start walking. My original plan was to go to the shelter right before Hot Springs but then within minutes of starting I decided to go all the way to Hot Springs. My tent would still be dry and I could mail it off. The day started out with sunshine but the clouds rolled in fairly quickly. It never actually rained but the threat was always there. I was going extremely fast for me and at about six miles in, I finally decided to stop and have a snack. I finally found a place to sit at an old dirt/gravel road. As I sat eating my beloved pop tart a monarch butterfly started circling me. She stayed for several minutes and even landed on my boot. Again emotions overwhelmed me and I was at a loss for what to do next. The rainbow, the white butterflies and now this one.   As I tried to make sense of it all, she fluttered off. Not just in any direction though. She took the trail north following the white blazes. And I followed.After I passed Deer Park Shelter, both my brain and body seemed to shut down. My feet were numb since they had passed the on fire stage. My brain was completely unfocused on the obstacles of the trail. I managed to fall forward twice within a mile of each other. The second time I busted my lip but was otherwise okay. When I finally arrived at Laughing Heart I was able to pick up my two large packages. They didn't have any private rooms so I went off in search of my very own shower. My first challenge was to get down the long flight of stone steps with my packages and my pack. I used muscles I didn't know I had. I was able to get a room for two nights at Alpine Court.   It was way more expensive than I was hoping but at least I had my own room. My biggest shock was the door to the outside had no deadbolt and the knob itself was very loose. I am pretty sure that even when locked, it would be fairly easy to push open. It seems odd to be that out in the woods, it's a bugnet between me and the world, but in the real world.... I need a deadbolt. I gathered my clothes and headed to the laundry mat. The laundry mat had no change machine so the nice people at the bank gave me change.   Once all my laundry was done, I headed back to the room for a shower. Then evening was spent opening my food resupply and my hammock. Once I finally got sleepy, I wedged a chair under the door and fell asleep.**Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)
Date: 2017-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

I tried to sleep in but I still managed to wake with the sun. I rearranged stuff and changed some thing on my tarp and hammock.   Eventually I managed to make a trip to the Dollar General for a few things. I got my tent packed up and headed off to the post Office. They were closed from 11:30 till 1. I did go have a huge hamburger with a fellow female Hiker named Goat. The food at the Smokey Mountain Dinner was amazing. I ordered a salad to eat later and then went back to my room. It seemed to take all day to repackage food and get everything situated. Finally it was bedtime again. **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)