morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-31
From: Westfield

To: October Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0

The people that follow the hiking part of my adventure will be pleased with my accomplishments today. My dad dropped me off at 9:15 and I was off into the woods again. I didn't realize the draw I had to get back on the trail. To move forward and finish the thing that I set out to do thru hike the Appalachian Trail. Everyone means so well and they want to lavish you with all the comforts that are possible. Oh I am so grateful, but the purpose of doing this can lose it meaning. Today was a beautiful cool day with the sun in and out and I was able to hike 14 miles and I felt good about that. In about a week I will think about the comfort of my own bed and the great meals that I had this week. Tonight I am on October Mtn and thunder storm came thru about 5:30 and once again the CHUBSTER will be in a place that has become my second home. I will be sleeping in the quiet woods along the Appalachian Trail. Thank you Alex and Lisa. Thank you Mom and Dad, and to all that have support me on this adventure. I learned today that the 46th thru hiker had summited Mt Katahdin on the 27th of July and to all that is just great and I say Congratulations. I will be happy to join those 46 and all that acomplish a thru hike for the year of 2005. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-01
From: October Mtn Lean-to

To: Crystal Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: haze

Yesterday was yesterday and today is today. Wow how about a combo of 30.2 miles for the CHUBSTER over the 2 days. The weather looked like it might be hot and muggy, but quite the opposite. It was relatively cool with low humidity and fun to hike. I ran into ENGLISH BOB and we have hiked together over the last 2 days. The Mass/Vermont border is at 1582 and I should be there late Wednesday afternoon or early Thursday morning. Like I said in a earlier journal the AT in the south of MA is more difficult than here on the Northern portion of the AT. ENG BOB, was a bit ahead of me this morning and most likely I will meet him here in Dalton at a sub shop(grinders,hoagies, or a large sandwich)for lunch. We will than probably hike into a campsite called Crystal Mtn and spend the night there. Victor I got your message. I am looking forward to seeing you in the Whites. I just don't know where I will be. If you monitor my progress we most likely will connect. Hopefully I can maintain a good pace and I think that it will be more predictable. Today has been fun and and I should be able to see Mt Washington and the White Mtns from the top of Greylock if it is a clear day tomorrow. Take care on August 1st day #146.CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-02
From: Crystal Mountain Campsite

To: Mt Greylock
Miles today: 12.0

Another great day on the trail. I left the campsite about 8:30 and I stopped in Cheshire at about 12:00 an had a roast beef sandwich. I then hiked the next 8 miles and I summited at the top of Mt Greylock. I know that most of you folks know, but for those that don't it is 3491' and the highest point in Massachusetts. It was a good feeling to be on a mountain that gave you a feeling that the Whites of New Hampshire were not to far away. It also was a beautiful evening and the sunset was magnificent. I met 2 section hikers from Springfield VT and they mentioned that they had been following my hike on this web site. Its a real a good feeling to know that whatever information that I have about my own personal thru hike might help a future thru hikers. I will update again tommorow for my support team Mom and Dad and my nephew JJ will meet me in Williamstown and bring me my new orthotics. For all of you people that have been following my trek from the begining the customized foot gear has finally arrived, better late than never. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-03
From: Mt Greylock

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everyone today was a great day. I awoke on the top of Mt Greylock and I had stayed at the maintance bldg where for $10 dollar you had a bunk and shower. I had AYCE( all you can eat) for 7 dollars and I was ready to hike. The descent off of Greylock was harder than the climb up. I got to meet a really nice family hiking the trail by the names of TROLL, ANCHOR & OBLIVIOUS their 10 year old son. They are from Washington State. They have a support team that helps them along the way. A brother and sister that have been with them for about a month. They have an air conditioned van and they are from Michigan. It is probably be the best way to go with a child along. Well I connected with Mom and Dad and JJ and we had lunch. I was also able to resupply which will take me into Manchester Vt. Dad gave me my new orthotics and they are terrific so far. I have arrived in VT and so I have traveled 1585 miles 11 states and I have 3 more to go and I am also under 600 miles from Katahdin. The weather has been real warm and the humidity has climbed up there again. We need another cold front, which I heard will come in sometime around Thursday afternoon. Oh I forgot to mention JJ hiked the width of the AT in North Adams MA. He also had a ride up Mt Greylock,eat your heart out Sue & Ralph. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-04
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Melville Nauheim Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

I was think about you folks out there in Internet World ( is there such a thing?) You are dutiful about getting on this website to follow the people that are hiking what ever trail. And for what ever reason they do not post a entries for maybe a couple days, a week, or a month, or even longer. It is like comparing a hiker to a submarine. Now you see me and hear me and now you don't. A submarine only comes up out of the water when it needs, air, water and to resupply in many ways like a thru hiker. You only hear from us when we report to our transcriber where we are. In fact we don't have come up for air, but we have to get water and resupply. Thus it is the time to communicate where we have been and where we are going and how things are.Enough about the above today I am in the green Mtn state of Vermont and the hiking is pretty easy. The weather is pleasant and I figure I will stay on my current daily milage schedule of around 13 miles a day. It seems to work for me and I figure this week I will hike more than I did the previous two weeks. The AT here in Vt follows the same path as the LT (long trail)that goes from the Mass-VT border to Canada. The AT takes a right hand turn around Rutland VT and swings East toward New Hampshire and the "Whites". The new orthontics are taking some time to get use to,so I'm alternating them with my older orthotics. Like a friend said from Florida (Randy) I can't believe I am under 600 miles, thank you. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-05
From: Melville Nauheim Shelter

To: Kid Gore Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Howdy out there in the world that moves really fast. From the CHUBSTER where the world moves really I mean really slow, like 2 mph. Today was Friday and I can remember when I had a real job, we would always say TGIF (Thank God Its Friday). One of these days I have to start thinking about what I am going to do after I finish the AT. I know that I am not going be astronaut,oh well I will figure out something. I have to concentrate at the job at hand hiking. Yesterday I went over 1600 miles and and I hiked with a fellow with a name of SKYWALKER, guess where the name came from. He is 6'11 an 1/2, not 7'feet oh well for the sake of 1/2" I made hime 7'foot. That is really 2 big people that I have met out here, can you recall the other big guy? OK I will tell you his name was TINKERBELL,he was only 6'7". Today I landed at the Kid Gore Shelter and the TROLL family was there. The day was a good one and I believe it was day 150 out here on the trail. I would say 130 hiking and about 20 zero days. Here is wishing all of you the best, about 560 miles to KATAHDIN. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-06
From: Kid Gore Shelter

To: Stratton Pond
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left fairly early for me today around 9:00 and I wanted to do 15 miles and get over Stratton Mtn and make a few more miles to get to Stratton Pond Shelter. The day was great and the vista were the best that I have had since leaving VA and the country side opens up here in Vermont and it lets you look back at Greylock in Massachusetts and ahead to Mt Washington in New Hampshire. I don't have much to say today. Just a rememberance to my parents. Mom and Dad met at Stratton Mtn back in 1967 and were married a year later so to Mom and Dad I just hiked over the Mtn where you two first met. Congratulations-Jim. CHUBSTER on day 151
Date: 2005-08-08
From: Stratton Pond

To: Manchester VT Stealth Camp
Miles today: 10.3

Good day everyone a good morning here in Vermont. Today plans are to head into Manchester VT. Do a nero-zero-nero. Please follow along,I am planning to hike the 10.3 miles into Manchester. I should arrive around 3:00 PM and I am with BUTTAH, PROTEUS, & JAXS. We will most likely camp behind the Price Chopper and just relax and most likely, you guessed it have a few beers. Arrived here in Manchester and have set up camp. This entry will also include the zero nero because I have to resupply and today the 8th of August do some laundry and head out late this afternoon and hike to Bromley Mtn Shelter. There is not lot of info that I have to report here on day 153. The plan for the rest of the week is 46 miles to Rutland and I should arrive sometime on Thursday. It will be another 47 miles to the New Hampshire border and will there most likely on Mon or Tues of next week. CHUBSTER Happy Hiking. Just a brief milage update for you number folks. Last week was a pretty good week for the slow Chubster I did 108 miles for an average over the 8 day period. (Does a week have 8 days?) I could be losing it. Total miles to-date 1639 down and 535 miles to go. I have been averaging 10.76 since I started on March 8th( approach trail)not included. Hence if you divide 535 by 10.76 I should have about 49.72 days left, one has to be precise, to Katahdin. Sound reasonable, but one never know so "close,but yet so far away".
Date: 2005-08-09
From: Manchester VT Stealth Camp

To: Lost Pond Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Good morning all. I slept real late this morning and the Chubster is not moving to fast. I will walk 12 miles today to Lost Pond Shelter. I will do it because I am driven, but my body is starting to fail me. Not the feet, but I feel so drained and this morning I awoke with stiffness in my neck. I known that you folks have read about a number of people that started with something small and it got worse. I hope to make Killington by Thursday where my Dad will meet with some stuff and if I don't feel better by than I will make a decision to go home and regroup.Chubster
Date: 2005-08-10
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Greenwall Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

No one ever said that this thru hiking would be easy. Sometimes it is better to be lucky, rather than to be good. You can double that out here on the AT.So far I have been real lucky. At the present I am hiking on fumes, the gas is real low in the tank. This morning I can't turn my head either right or left. Just think of it, without the ability to turn your head it becomes very difficult to function as a hiker. I have made the Shelter and tried to call the support team, (Dad) but I have no signal. So I will hike into Wallingford VT tomorrow and call from a pay phone. I can remember in the past that I have had this happen to me and it is because I have become run down (fatigue) you might call it. Lets all say a prayer that all it is and with a few days rest I will be back on the AT.CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-11
From: Greenwall Shelter

To: Rte 140 Vermont-Home
Miles today: 4.0

OK everyone the CHUBSTER has made contact with the Mother Ship. My Dad was headed out to do a long walk-run and Mom said the Chubster is sitting under a tree in Wallingford VT in front of the elementary school. He is down,his gas tank is empty and wants a comfortable bed and needs to be re-engerzied. No walk for Dad he picked me up. Drove 130 mile each way and the CHUBSTER is now showered, fed and going to bed for a long night sleep. I didn't quite make Killington VT, but the homefront looks a lot better. I shall return(I believe a famous general said that)CHUBSTER. Up to date numbers 1665 on day 156. Thanks
Date: 2005-08-12
From: Rte 140 Vermont-Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

From Support Team----The CHUBSTER is exhausted, he has an overall tired feeling and a very stiff neck. He has no desire to eat, but had some macroni and cheese for lunch today and a bottle of orange Gator Aide. A pretty orange lunch. We think that with plenty of sleep and TLC he will be back on the AT. I am just posting this because he has had a number of phone calls and we want to make sure that all that support Jim know that he will be fine. Everyone that attempts a Thru hike has some difficulty, those that don't are very fortunate and blessed. It is CHUBSTER time in the box. Take care his dad.
Date: 2005-08-13
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Here it is Saturday around 1:00 and I have to say I am feeling much better. I am not quite a 100%, but today is much better than Thursday and Friday. I had to sleep about 36 hours out of the 48. I don't know if I had heat related problems or just serious fatique. I have had a great lunch and I have been doing a great deal of hydrating.I would like to say a great big thank you to all the well wishers that have called me and to all those folks that have sent e-mails. I want to say thank you to my fellow hikers. It is really a family out on the trail and everyone looks out for every one else, again thank you.Here are my tentative plans based upon the rest of today and tomorrow. Just aside(I'm thankful that I am not hiking today temp here is 95 with the heat index at 102). I plan to be out the AT Monday and moved forward. I don't have much left in Vermont about 64 miles and then into New Hampshire.Here's saying a Great Big Thank You from the CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-15
From: Home

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

I'm back and I first of all want to say thank you for all of the calls and emails. It is a great feeling to know that so many of you folks are really nice and generous people. Today was a very interesting day. I am sure that many of you have had this feeling. It is a sureal feeling, you feel much better than did when you first got ill, but you are not 100%. Today we left Westfield MA about 8:30 and arrived at the trail head about 11:00, which was on rte 140. My Dad dropped me off and drove to the next trail head on rte 103 in Vermont. Our plan was that he was walking South bound as I hiked North bound and we would meet about 1/2 way. We did meet and Dad did follow me until we got to rte 103. I had to catch him a couple of time from falling on his ass. To his credit he did real well on a very muddy and slippery trail. (Thanks Dad)We had lunch and I still had no appepite, but I ate a pattimelt and had some fries. Dad drove me back to the trail, he headed home about 125 miles and I headed for the Shelter. I am planning to have large drink of a protein enrichment supplement and see if that gives some pep. Today was great and I appreciate the help. I just need a good shot in the ass to jump start me.I have run into a number of hikers that have similar problems. Like my little sister Amy said I have run into the wall. She has done a number of Marathons and can relate to what I am going through. Thanks everyone. CHUBSTER at 1670 on day 160.
Date: 2005-08-16
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Cooper Lodge
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

If you are skiers you will know these names KILLINGTON(The beast of the East), RAMSHEAD,SNOWDEN, AND PICO. There are not many thru hikers out here that have hiked over these mountains and also have been fortunate to have skied these mountains. I can now say that I have done both. It is just a great day when you can walk on the ground that is generally 3'to 4' covered with snow, both man made and natural. Killington is one of the finest ski resorts in the world and I have had the good fortune to have skied most of the 200 or so trails.Today I took it easy I did feel somewhat better, but I still have that weakness that I can't explain. I did 10.1 miles and there was no real rush and tonight I sat on Killington Peak at 4000'( a little less) and I for the first time could feel the coldest of a Mtn top even in the middle of August. They have a saying up here " Don't ski alone remember these Mountains are just as cold tonight as they were 200 years ago"I have said many time before the AT is amazing place. Just when you think that someone is way ahead of you they pop back up. Here at the shelter tonight are RODEO and CHUCK. I am so thankful for the chance to walk these 2174.9 miles and today it brought back a lot of wonderful memories. Yes Mr Boland I can remember when you use to bomb the mountain!!! I slept well last night even though I still feel a little sick, this to will pass. Take care all and remember the CHUBSTER went under the 500 mile mark today. I now have only 494 miles to go.
Date: 2005-08-17
From: Cooper Lodge

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

It is Wednesday morning and I had a great night on top of Killington. The weather has broke and it is great hiking weather. I still have the feeling of tiredness. I can recall the early days of NC/TN where I would go up a Mtn and I would say give me more. Now I go up a mountain and I say where can I sleep. The appetite is still very mimimal. The plan for the rest of the week is an effort to get to New Hampshire, I hope. I had the good fortunate to cross rte 4 and I stopped at the Inn at the Long Trail. Word has it that it is the oldest ski lodge in the USA. It has a great bar and a wonderful restaurant. I ordered a sandwich, but had to force myself to eat it and I had no beer!!!!! I spoke with my parents and I agreed to visit a doctor next week and have some blood work done. This evening I am at the shelter and naturally I am tenting. It is the best thing to do and I do sleep well. I had a good day hiking I did 16 miles and I wonder if I will pay the price tomorrow. Here it is day 162 the CHUBSTER.
Date: 2005-08-18
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: Wintturi Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

I did pay the price today I had absolutely no energy. I did 10 miles and was exhausted. This is becoming like a job that you don't like. I came out here to have an enjoyable expierence and I am really struggling. After a while it becomes a mental thing. I do appreciate the confidence that folks have in me and I have to remind myself one step at a time. Enough I am staying at the shelter with 2 ladies from Germany that are on Holiday and doing a section hike. They are very nice people and I love their sense of excitement. Here in Vermont your friend CHUBSTER on day 163.
Date: 2005-08-19
From: Wintturi Shelter

To: Thistle Hill Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Oh my gosh oh golly I forgot to mention that the CHUBSTER hit the 1700 mile mark yesterday. Today is Friday and I'm still moving slowly, like I was in the twilight zone. I will do just over 11 miles today and that is Ok. I spoke with my Dad. We will meet around noon on Saturday for another ride back to Westfield and home and a weekend of rest and force feeding. Hopefully I will be able to see my doctor and rule out any Lyme disease. I know that I have lost more weight, it will be interesting to see how much. I am here at the shelter by myself and that has not happened in a very long time. Sometimes it is a good thing to have time by yourself. Well I am getting closer to New Hampshire. CHUBSTER on day 164 at 1718 miles.
Date: 2005-08-20
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: West Hartford VT
Miles today: 5.0

Here it is day 165 and a total of 1723 miles. I have 9 miles until I hit the New Hampshire state line. I just realized that after the VT/NH line I will have only one state line to cross NH/ME. I met my dad at 11:30 and we headed down the road. I spotted a Mickey D's and said I feel like a burger. My dad looked at me and said I thought that you had no appetite. I said I have a hankering, well a Big Mac and Cheesburger and a bunch of fries and large soda we left MacDonalds in White River Jct Vt. Next stop 75 miles down the road was at a Friendly's where I had a milkshake. A much needed shower when we got home and a weigh in at 150 pounds, down 5 from my previous weigh in. I have gone from a lightheavy weight to a middleweight. I need to gain weight, so any and all suggestions are appreciated. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-24
From: West Hartford VT

To: Hanover
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

I am still alive. Sorry for not updating, but since Saturday the 20th of August I have been at home in Westfield. I had a series of tests. They took about 6 viles of my blood and also I had a ultra-sound. Guess what absolutely nothing is wrong. The doctor said maybe it was a low grade virus and I was suffering from fatique. I have been eating and trying to regain some strength for the Whites. Today my Dad and I drove up to West Hartford VT and we hiked into Hanover NH. I needed a psychological lift, I just had to get out of Vermont. The plan is to be back hiking on Friday with a friend of my Victor and we will hike for 3 days and hopefully I will regain my old form.This is an editor footnote from Chubster's Dad. I hiked with Jim today and it is eye opening expierence. The trail was comparatively easy section of about 10 miles. I will say that it is easier for me on the uphill rather than on the downhill. We had a good day until it started to rain and then pour. Hiking on the AT is not easy. I really feel that you have to be extremely lucky to stay healthy. We hope that Jim is on the mend and we look forward to have him finish his quest.
Date: 2005-08-26
From: Hanover

To: Goose Pond Stealth
Miles today: 14.0

I have hit the trail here on Friday morning with my friend Victor and it makes all the difference in the world. For so many day,weeks,and months you hike the AT by yourself. It is really a pleasant change to have someone you can share information with and just have some conversation. Most of the time out here you are talking to yourself, so Victor a big thank you, your friend Jim. We left Hanover about 8:30 and headed up the AT. It was very pleasant day and we were able to hike 14 miles. We made camp at Goose Pond Rd and had a stealth camp. It was very interesting when I was in Hanover I ran into a couple of thru hikers that were in town and they told me that about 40 thru hiker were also in town. I guess the last large group is moving into the final phase of the AT. if you were to cut the trail up into sections I have just passed the 4/5 point on the AT. As of today I have come 1747 miles and have 428 to go. This day 171 on 8/26. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-08-27
From: Goose Pond Stealth

To: Firewarden's Cabin
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Saturday morning and it is a great day, Victor and I hope to take full advantage of the day. We are planning 10 miles, but we have a good climb over Smart Mtn and it is about 3200'. It has to be remember that I am now in New Hampshire and that you don't have the switchbacks of NC/TN. The trail here has a straight on approach over the mountains. We were able to see Moosilauke (4800) to the north and that will be the beginning of the Whites. Also we could look back and see the Green Mountains of Vermont. It was a good day of hiking and for all of you folks that have followed my journals I am starting to regain my appetite, which is a good thing. I can say how much I appreciate your support, thanks Darcie. You real know the value of friendship when day after day you read the nice message folks send to you. Today is day 172 at 1757 miles and 418 miles from Katahdin. CHUBSTER