morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Fontana Dam shelter

To: Smoky Mountains
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hello again! I just got back from a wonderful visit with Whistler at Fontana Dam over the weekend. We got alot packed into our short visit, and now Whistler's back on the trail headed into the Smoky Mountains. Starting back on Saturday night, Ryan and I found Whistler waiting at the Fontana Post Office along with a few hundred Mini Cooper convention goers. It was great...they were having a rally and we got to check out the cars and displays before the rain started up again. I think Whistler was glad he didn't have to be on the trail Saturday since it rained pretty much the whole day. He had waited around town doing laundry and getting supplies until we got to pick him up....After that we made our way towards Robbinsville where we had a hotel for the night. Got supper at a great local BBQ restaurant and had some brownies that I had made as a surprise for Whistler. We stayed at a cute little place, Phillips Motel, and then Sunday we toured the area and made our way back towards the AT. We saw a lot of motorcycles and Mini Coopers all headed for the Dragon's Trail - a strech of road that has about 315 curves in only 11 miles! And driving part of it ourselves-we decided it really was curvy!! We got to watch kayakers/rafters going down a stretch of river with rapids, and we checked out the marina at Fontana Dam. It's amazing how the Dam impacted the area. The water can fluctuate 15-20 ft. and at the marina, barely 200 feet out, they said the water was already 150 deep!! The valleys within the mountains had just completely been covered with water. It was quite an experience, and then we got to see the actual dam. Over 400 feet tall, and 2,000 feet long - walking over it Sunday afternoon really put things into perspective. On the north side is the entrance into the Southern portion of the Smoky Mtn. park, so Whistler got to see where he will be headed on Monday. He is going to try and cover the park without going into Gatlinburg so that will make over 60 miles and 6 days of traveling. Depending on the cell phone coverage we might not be hearing reports until he gets to the other side, but we'll see. I got more pictures from his travels, so look for those, along with the ones I took over the weekend. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I now have another mile added from my travels on the AT After we checked out the Marina, Whistler took our car over to the Hilton shelter, while Ryan and I walked the mile on trail and met him at the shelter. I don't know how he does it - and all the other hikers. It was hard enough for that mile- going up and down in the warm weather without a pack, but it was also easy to see the draw to it - the beautiful scenery, sense of accomplishment and commaradrie of the hikers on the trail (a community in motion as it's called). Wish Whistler well, as he crosses the Smokies!!
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Molly's Ridge shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

Just wanted to let everyone know that I heard from Whistler today. It's amazing how cell phones work out in the middle of nowhere (or at least if you're high enough to find a signal). He made it to the first shelter at Molly's Ridge last night. There was a lot of elevation change and it was slow going up the 3,000 ft. Today made an early start by 7:00 in the morning and will be walking with a few other guys who are out hiking just the Smokies. He called me about 11:30 and had just been taking a break, but had the bad news of busting one of his hiking poles. It sounds like it got caught in a rock crevice and just kind of snapped in half. He'll be on the lookout for the old fashioned walking pole (a good solid stick) until he makes it to the next outfitters. The weather's been good for hiking - cool, partly cloudy.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Mollies

To: Peck's Corner
Miles today: 25.5

Since the last posting, Whistler's been to Derrick's Knob shelter for Tuesday night, Clingman's Dome and Mount Collin's shelter on Wednesday, and for tonight he's headed to Peck's Corner shelter.And of course, there's been some interesting experiences along the way. There is still a lot of elevation change, but Whistler was saying how some of the trail allows horses, and those sections are a lot more level because horses can't handle the steep grade changes as well. So that's made the trail easier on everyone! He found a good stick to temporarily replace his broken hiking pole. Clingman's Dome, which is the highest point in the Smokies, was somewhat of a let down. It sounded like Whistler was hoping for a nice place to rest and relax in the sun and get some water, but I guess it was windy, cloudy, and cool - and no water available. So Whistler didn't spend too much time there, but kept moving on after appreciating the view. Wed. night (5/9/07) at Mount Collin's shelter had wire fence enclosing all the sides to keep the bears out. Probably slept a lot better knowing that! There were 11 other hikers there that night, and I guess one of them had an alarm go off at 4:30 in the morning. It woke Whistler up, and of course not too happy about that. Didn't leave for the trail quite that early, but had walked 4 miles by 9:30 and.....reached 200 miles!! So now he is half way through the park and plans to reach the north end in 2 more days. There are about 11 more miles today and then he plans to camp at Peck's Corner tonight.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Peck's Corner

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 48.3

Over the past few days, Whistler has been making progress over the Smoky Mountains. Since Pecks Corner on May 10, he has stayed at Cosby Knob shelter Friday night, and the Standing Bear Hostel Saturday night. For $15 a night, Whistler had a small room, shower, internet access, laundry facilities and a little camp store. And on the trail Sunday, there was a little more trail magic! Whistler saw an orange cooler hung up in a tree (to keep it out of reach of bears) and after bringing it down, found a supply of Power Bars for hikers to take. What a great surprise! Sunday night was spent at Brown Gap.It might be a few days till the next posting. Ryan and I have moved back up to Wisconsin (it's great to be back) because he has finished up his last Optometry rotation and will now be graduating. So Wednesday we have to head down to Chicago (Illinos College of Optometry) and spend the rest of the week with graduation festivities. But Mom will be getting news from Whistler and when I get back, will make another entry to get things back up to date. Take care!
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Brown Gap

To: Curley Maple Gap
Miles today: 95.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hello again!It's amazing how fast a week goes by. I'm sorry for not getting a posting on sooner, but just getting back from Chicago and trying to get everything settled back in here has been pretty hectic. But I heard from Whistler, and talking with my mom, I have enough information for quite a lengthy entry.Since way back on Sun. May 13, Whistler has gone almost another 100 miles! Monday was spent at Big Rock Spring, and Whistler camped right next to the spring and he got to hear the water bubbling all night. Tues. on the trail he came across a turkey with 5 of her chicks! She was right on the trail and I think as surprised to see Whistler as he was to see them. It didn't take them long to scatter off though. That night he made it into Hot Springs, TN and stayed at the Sunnybank Inn, a hostel for $15 a night and had an organic vegetarian meal for $9. The trail runs right through town and there are markers inlaid right into the sidewalk. Very different than the dirt/rock trail that he's been following for the past miles. Whistler ended up staying another night at the Inn, so spent Wed. (5/16) in town, refilling supplies and getting a much needed haircut! Whistler was telling me that his 'barber' was a local 85 year old woman who had been a hair dresser in town many years ago. But for $3 she would still offer her services to those in need Thursday had a big breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and hash browns before heading back out on the trail. At one point on top of a mountain while the reception was good, Whistler made a phone call to the florist here in Kaukauna, WI and ordered flowers for Barb (my mom). It's their 32nd anniversary tomorrow!! Spent the night at Spring Mountain shelter alone - it isn't often that he's had a shelter to himself.The next few nights have been fairly routine, alot of hills, beautiful views, and phone calls home to check in with everyone!Monday and Tuesday this week was spent in Erwin, TN. Stayed at Miss Janet's House - another hostel with bunks and kitchen facilities for the hikers. So -- that's been the past week. We got another set of pictures from Whistler so make sure to check out the photo's section.
Date: 2007-05-26
To: Mountain Harbour
Miles today: 42.6

Whistler is walking faster than I can keep up with journal entries Since the last posting (4 days) he's walked over 40 miles. There have also been some intersting developments with his plans for continuing on the trail. It looks like my Mom (his wife Barb) will be going down to visit him so that he can continue on the trail for another month!! In the next few weeks, Barb will fly into Roanoke, VA where Whistler will meet her with a rental car and then they will be able to spend the next week sightseeing, and Whistler will get a break from the trail.Things have been going so well, that he's not quite ready to quit the trail yet!Going back to Wednesday (May 23), Whistler had to set up camp in the rain for the first time and had cold instant mashed potatoes for supper. Thursday morning everything was still wet from the rain, and the trail was challenging with slippery rocks and mud. Whister experienced his first bad fall that morning, but said that by landing mostly on his pack, his backside didn't suffer too much. Spend that night at Clyde Smith shelter. Friday was a big day since he saw a bear on the trail! Whistler was coming around a hairpin turn and could hear rustling in the brush 300-350 ft. ahead. The next thing he sees is the bear running away from him, until it stopped to look back at him! Whistler tried to get a picture, but luckily the bear decided to keep going and head away from the trail. After that Whistler had to climb Roan Mountain 6,200 ft. elevation. One of the hardest climbs yet, and Whistler had used some language that I won't repeat here As he was coming to the Stan Murray shelter for the night he met a southbound hiker named 'Tyvek'. What's amazing about this guy was that he was hiking barefoot!! He is supporting a cause that advocates 2 weeks of counseling for the veterans returning from war. Saturday (May 26) turned out to be a beautiful day and Whistler was going to hike about 12 miles Mountain Harbour hostel near Elk Park, NC
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Mountain Harbour

To: Mountaineer shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

As I'm writing this from Kaukauna, WI it's pouring down rain with thunder and lightning - so I'm hoping this weather isn't reaching reaching Whistler!Saturday, May 26 turned out to be an interesting stop because the hostel had rooms for the hikers on the second floor of a barn. So he got to sleep above 2 horses and a bunch of goats! Makes for interesting sounds and smells The next morning Whistler paid for a hot breakfast before heading out on the trail. But before he left the hostel, he met a young guy that had come in late last night with 2 puppies. So the story is that this guy came across 4 bloodhound puppies about 5 miles back and 2 of them followed him all the way to the hostel! They were old enough to be seperated from their mother (10-12 weeks old probably) but still everyone was worried about what was going to happen to them. The folks at the hostel called the county animal shelter and they were going to do everything they could to keep the puppies safe, otherwise that hiker was going to call off the rest of his hike and take them home with him!! I'm sure he was pretty attached by then, and vice versa! So I hope there is a happy ending.For the rest of the day, it was pretty uneventful. Whistler made his way to Mountaineer shelter which is at 3,470' elevation, has a water source, but no privy. Makes the barn look pretty nice
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Mountaineer shelter

To: Iron Mountain shelter
Miles today: 39.9
Weather: scattered clouds

From the Mountaineer Shelter Sunday night, it was a long, relatively flat walk to the Kincora Hiking Hostel. Whistler had to suffer through the last hour in the rain, but once he made it there - cooking facilities, a shower, and warm bed awaited. Tuesday May 29 took him into Hampton, TN near Watauga Lake. That morning he had about 3 miles in before breakfast, but then was able to stop for a hot meal and an internet cafe where he was able to check the internet and catch up with the rest of the world . Watauga Lake was created from a dam built in 1948 and Whistler was able to camp near the water and take a swim that night. It has been getting hotter during the days, so I'm sure that was refreshing.Wednesday was 13.6 miles of the almost 40 miles, and the challenging part was that water was not available for the last 10 miles of the day. The natural springs had dried up, but luckily Whistler had carried enough water in so that it was worth the extra 6 pounds! He decided at noon to cook his hot meal - a whole box of mac'n cheese and a box of chocolate pudding. It's amazing what a little powdered milk and water can make!
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Iron Mountain shelter

To: The Place Hostel
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: broken clouds

The phone calls are getting fewer and farther between since Whistler's reached the Damascus, VA area. The cell phone coverage hasn't been that great, so trying to get a clear signal has been challenging. But we did hear from him last night and it sounds like things are going well.Backing up to Thursday May 31, Whistler got to experience a little 'trail magic'. It had been raining for part of the morning and he was waiting out the worst of it under a park shelter at a parking lot right off the trail. A lady happened to drive in the lot and checked to make sure Whistler was alright or needed anything. They chatted awhile, and then she asked if he wanted any of the groceries she had just purchased! So Whistler got to pick out one or two goodies from the back of her car. Pretty nice! It stopped raining shortly after that and he made it the rest of the way to Abingdon Gap shelter. That night he had to put up his tent even though he was at a shelter because the place was packed. There were already 7 guys in a 6 person shelter, so Whistler made his own camp.Friday, June 1 turned out to be the easiest 10 miles so far! It was flat and pretty much a gradual downhill into Damascus. He stayed at The Place Hostel - sponsered by the Methodist Church.We'll try to keep the journal entries up-to-date, but it'll depend on how well we can keep in contact with Whistler. As Mom always says "no news is good news!" And it sounds like another disposalable camera is on its way, so hopefully there will be new pictures this week.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: The Place Hostel

To: Partnership shelter
Miles today: 63.7
Weather: light rain

It's terrible...I'm getting so far behind with journals that I can't keep up with Whistler. Now it's been over a week since the last posting, and he's gone over 60 more miles. Of note last week, was Tuesday (June 5) when he got to see wild ponies. On his way to the Thomas Knob shelter outside of Elk Garden, VA, the trail crosses over federaly owned land that is home to these small horses. Whistler got close to a small group of them and one even came over to try and nip at his pants leg! I guess you have to watch your pack and other belongings because these horses will try to chew on them and other salty items.Thursday was the 500 mile mark.The weather has still been remarkable good, with only a few days of rain in the past weeks. And it sounds like the hills are getting flatter and the trail is a little easier. Part of that may be the fact that Whistler is getting his 'trail legs' too! He even wore through his hiking boots. Since there are hiking outfitters in some of the larger towns that he's passed through he was able to buy a new pair - it won't take long to break those in! Last night (Friday June 8) he stayed at the Partnership shelter, which is a pretty nice one since it has shower facilities. It must also be near a town because Whistler and the other hikers there for the night ordered pizzas!! There were 8 or so large pizzas brought in and every guy had their own. Everything was gone except for a few pieces left for a snack today. I guess after walking 15 miles with a pack on you tend to work up an appetite. Partnership shelter is at 523.2 miles and an elevation of only 3,360 feet. Whistler mailed us another disposable camera so I added those new pictures to the photos page.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Partnership shelter

To: Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

(Whistler's entry sent himself) Sure enjoyed the pizza last nite!!!   Ordering Pizza from the shelter was Cool!!   Slept in the upper level as there was about 10 hikers staying for the nite. A couple of the old regulers were there, Moondog, Major Tom, Spud, Calm Water to name just a couple that i have gotten to know.   Left in the morining to a very overcast sky with a thick mist hanging in the air.   A couple of climbs to start and then back in the "long green tunnel". The last couple of miles broke out into an open, rolling, field area and could agin enjoy the country side. Being early afternoon the sun had finally deicided to come out and was hot.   Approaching I-81, the Relax Inn came into sight form the hillside, and thoughts of any further miles for the day soon disapeared completely, so 11.5 will have to do. Thoughts of a nice shower and soft bed took over.    Went to the barn restaruant for supper with a group of seven other hikers. The conversation was lively. Spud announced she was leaving the trail.   The group thoroughly tried to talk her out of it.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Davis Path shelter

To: Wyethville, VA
Miles today: 11.6

This is a journal entry from Whistler himself, who is writing from the library in Wyethville, Va.   Not sure where to start, but first thank you to my daughter, Julie for updating the jounals for me.   I am in town for the next week plus to take some time off from the trail and most importantly meet my wife in Roanoke VA for some reunion time. I am desperately looking foward to seeing her again.   I am so excited that it almost seem like going on the first date with her again.   The trail has become a bit easier that the first days in Georgia, as all the thru hikers will agree too. The hills are only a little smaller, not quite so high but we have gotten use to the rigors and have settled into a daily routine of getting up, working on breakfast, packing the pack, loading the water containers and then hiking. Looking for a shelter or camp, cook a dimer, roll out the sleeping bag again. I find the only decisions that need to be made are where to stop to snack or where to stop for the nite, and quite enjoy that. There isn;t too much to worry about the weather as what happens is going to be OK.   O.... and maybe how far is the next town for resupplies????   The other part... the people part, the other hikers that you meet along the way. It is amazing the hikers that you get to know for only a short time and only by some trail name, but feel a kind of kinship too, only by reason of the common experience of hiking the same section of trail today.. You problaby don;t even have a clew as what there real life name might be.   You might trade email addresses with them and look foward to checking on ther progress in the future.   Secretly hoping that they will make the goals they have set for themselves on the trail. When one of those hikers goes off the trail for whatever reason maybe small disappointment.   I am not going to be hiking the whole trail and have known that from the beginning, but do not regret being not able the finish it. I think i could physically do it if i wanted to but am looking foward to going back to being part of real life at home. The latest plan is to hike to Hapers Ferry in West Va and get the Amtrack home. That will be logical ending point in my mind as it is about half way the and home of the Appalachian TRail Conference.   Shared Davis Path Shelter with one other hiker last nite named PS and enjoyed visiting with him.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Rural Retreat on Intertate I 81

To: Knot Maul 
Miles today: 2.1
Weather: clear sky

Dropped off my wife Barb at the Roanoke, Va airport on Wed at noonish. We spent a great week sight seeing the western part of Va. Enjoyed the Natural Bridge and the light pageant there at nite.   Lexington captured our interest too. Finally the last days where spent exploring the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoahs.   O yes.... the real food was great!! Seemed to be eating just about all the time.   Don't really care for anything that you have to boil water to make.      But the best part was getting to know her again, and just being with her!!I felt special during that time and i hope she did too.   After getting a shuttle ride from the owner of the Relax Inn at I 81 back to my last mile on the trail, it almost felt strange to out in the woods again. Hiked the 2.5 miles the closest shelter for the nite.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Knot Maul 

To: Davis Farm Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Only one other hiker was in the shelter last nite, as it is getting very late in the season for thru hikers to be this far south and have a reasonable chance of completing it. The new summer weight sleeping bag worked great, as i sent back the winter bag.   Not really out of the routine, as i woke up at the usual time. Tried a special mix of cocoa and frosted flakes with some powdered milk for breakfast. cooking in the mornging isn;t my style. Don't think that mix would sell on the grocery store shelves very well.   Drinking water is seeming to be little harder to find, as it has been very dry and the rainfall totals for the year are way below average. Some of the springs have been completly dry and others look more like the size of the average back yard bird bath.   RATTLE SNAKE!! My first and hopefully only encouter with one. He was lying in the trail sunning himself. At first i thought it was a log...but when it moved...that was no log. About that same time he realized i was there and started the rattlers going loud and strong. Evidently he didn;t want anything to do with me. Waited a bit until he crawled off the trail and i walked way over to the opposite side of the trail and we parted company.   Thought i was gong o be completely un-nerved by the short encounter but wasn;t really.   Finished off the day by walking along the top of the ridge of Burkes Garden. Beautifull valley below.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Davis Farm Campsite

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started moving by 7:00.   Walked a 1/4 mile or so and heard noises of branches breaking and leaves rustling, looked up and saw a bear running further off the trail. He only went 50-100 feet further and stopped. I looked at him and he just kept looking for worms or grubs or such.   Guess this is just another one of the things that the trail seems to do to keep you enticed in the trail.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Trents Grocery/Campground
Miles today: 16.3

Shared the shelter last nite with 2 boy scout and leader who were from a troop in Va. They were out for short 3 day section hike so had lots of food along. They were kind enough to offer some of their pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast. Thank You!   This days hike was easier than usual as it was mostly flatish...not completely flat but less mountainous. Crossed VA highway 606 and decided to head down the road 1/2 mile to the little grocery store and deli. instead of over the next mountain. Found it to be a good place to eat and camp for the nite. Ate my first cheese burger in years (probably since heart surgery), but didn't think it tasted very good. Showered and washed sweat soaked clothes.