morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-10
From: 1/2 way back from Pochuck

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Have miles to go before I sleep. Let me say I have a little bit of a guilty feeling today. No, I did not insult anyone, I did not get in to an arguement. I am suppose to be hiking the AT. Well when you hike you are suppose to hike, not hang around and have fun. So I know that a number of people out here, my colleagues, peers, fellow hikers are miles and miles ahead of me. At one time I was with them and some are almost 400 miles ahead of me. That begs the question are they having as much as the CHUBSTER? Well at noon here on the 10th of July on day 123 I stopped in Vernon NJ, and I'm at Heaven Hill Farm having a chocolate milk shake. This will help me get to Wawayanda Shelter and get me back on my 12-14 miles a day. I have sent some new photos to Dad so watch your screens for scenes of the AT north of Harpers Ferry. It looks as though next week will be good weather wise, so off I go and to all of you kind people that have sent me messages thank you. John T. Mike B. Jen B. Joe B. Jan. B. And all the P's I may have forgot, yours truly the CHUBSTER 1348 miles and counting!!!
Date: 2005-07-11
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

It has been a good week. Knowing that every step that you take is a step closer to New England. Many of the hikers were complaining about the rocks of PA. I found that they had a legimate beef, but no one has talk much about the little PUD's( pointless up and downs) of NY. I guess that when you have had long ridge hiking in VA and PA. The up 600' and down 500' that come real quick, are a surprise. The views in New York are great. Maybe just maybe it is a way that the AT is telling me about the big stuff coming in New England. It has been five months since I last hiked in New Hampshire. So out of sight out of mind. Today I ran into BALTIMORE JACK who is truly one of the many people that has hiked the AT about 8 times. I first met Jack way back in Hot Springs at the Padlers Pub and we had a few beers together. Interesting he asked me when I had started my thru hike. I told him March 9th. I also told him that I do about 12 to 15 miles a day. He said that what he does and has come to realize that is the way to hike the trail. It always good to hear that you are doing the right thing. Remember the saying out here "Hike Your Hike" Well folks I will be staying here at Wildcat Shelter on 7/11 Day 124 I think. Chubster. A fellow thru hiker was killed on 7/9 in Duncannon he was hit by train. I would hope that you will keep him in your prayers. His name was Justin Kenny, and I would also appreciate it if you say a extra prayer for me, thanks.
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

I had a pretty interesting day. For the first time in a long time I hike with someone, a thru hiker by the name of CHUCK. His real name is Calvert we a had a nice day with real hot weather. The humidity is really getting old. It just sap all of your energy. We were taking a break and sitting on some rocks and all of sudden about 15' feet away we heard a noise and a big old bear walks across the trail does not even look at us and heads into the woods. Well about 6 minutes later another bear in the same spot walks across the trail and this one looks at us and heads into the woods. We are thinking maybe there is another one, but no such thing. The only thing that we could think was that the bears were going to eat blueberries and we were not a concern to them. We arrived at the shelter and I met my first SOBO that is a person heading south we are NOBO hikers heading north. This fellow was doing 30 mile days and he said that it was getting to him. He didn't feel well and he said that it is lonely.CHUBSTER 14.3 miles today on day 125.I did a little calculating and I figured out that it took me 70 days to do the first 725 mile 1/3 of the AT. As of now I am on day 55 in my second 725 miles, with about 50 miles or so to go. That means I will beat my pace of the 1st 1/3. Does that make any sense? Or does anyone care?
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 14.0

Another warm day and today I really take a northern turn. I will follow the AT as it moves northeast and heads for the Hudson River and Bear Mtn. This day was not as exciting as yesterday. No bears just plain old hiking. I am picking up vibrations out here on the trail that the hikers are getting weary. A number of my thru hikers are starting to reach the point of weariness and psychological questioning. They are wondering if this endeavor is for them. We are almost at the 2/3 point of the trail, and the AT is starting to exact it's toll. You have to pay the price day after day of putting one foot in front of the other and moving on. I would venture to say that if a cold front came thru and dropped the temperature and got rid of the humidity,people would be in a better state of mind. Just think of it and here is just a short list heat,humidity,bugs(every kind that you can image)sore feet a pack that is always with you and a longing for creature comforts. Oh OK!! enough of the feeling sorry. I will be moving into my part of the country. I will be closer to my home in Western Mass and will be able to see my friends and family more often. I arrived at Ft Monty and myself and English Bob are heading for the Holiday Inn Express, it is more than we want to pay, but it is worth it. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Fort Montgomery

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 7.0

I am doing a short day on 7/14 and it will be Day 127. I had to back track about two miles and going thru the Zoo at Bear Mtn. When I arrived there yesterday it was closed and the AT goes right thru the middle of the zoo. Well I got to the zoo and I saw a number of animal, but I did not see any bears. I guess I have seen my quota in the past week. I didn't leave Ft Montgomery until about 1:00 I only had to do about 7 miles and get there for dinner around 5:30. Oh I forgot to say where I was headed. I am going to stop at a Friary, no not a Montestary, because it does not have Monks, it has Friars. It is called Graymoor Friary and for years the Friars have been providing, food and a pavilion to house thru hikers, sound cool. I arrived and shortly after one of the friars came down to the ball field where the pavilion is for a head count for dinner. There are 6 of us here this evening BALTIMORE JACK, MTN DEW, ENGLISH BOB,QUIET PAUL,PADRE, and yours truly the CHUBSTER(I know that Sue D will get a kick out all the different trail names. Good night, and go Red Sox. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Graymoor Friary

To: Canopus Lake
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: haze

Can not drink enough water!!. We left the Friary and the day was already warm about 75 degrees and the humidity was really up there. I hiked with a couple of girls that I had met way back in Erwin Tn GIGGLES and BOX OF FUN. They are good friends and were roomates in college. They started their hike on March 7th two days before me. Like me they are just taking their time and enjoying the AT. I also hiked with ENGLISH BOB. We did about 12 miles today and it really felt like about 20. I could not drink enough water and the humidity is a killer. I heard from my Dad and he said he would pick me up on Saturday for a day of R&R at home. Mom and Dad will be watching my neice and nephew so it will be fun to see Uncle Jimmy with his big red beard. Another milestone so let ring the big bell for the CHUBSTER 1400 miles and right now I am at 1408 and after another 12 tomorrow I will be at 1420 and almost 2/3 of the AT. I certainly appreciate all of the great e-mails to my guest book, it really helps to get so many great words of encouragement. Take care all and hiking tomorrow Sunday off and back on the AT bright and early Monday AM. CHUBSTER.
Date: 2005-07-16
From: Canopus Lake

To: Rte NY 52
Miles today: 13.0

I headed out today with the goal of meeting my Dad and headed home for a stay in my own bed for 2 nights. Also the other plus is that I will have some home cooking. The trail really beats you up. I have noticed that alot of us have the same walk. No offense, but we call it the old man's walk. A little slow and stooped over. I hiked with English Bob. At the last shelter before Rte 52 Giggles and Box of Fun left us Trail Magic just liked they promised, with our names on our own bottle. Thanks I certainly do appreciate it and most likely I will repay the favorite ladies. Met my Dad around 3:00 and we had about 2 hour ride home. It is real easy being in my back yard. I hope to hike about 5 days and take advantage of being so close to home. It helps on the hotels in this area because they are a lot more expensive than in the South. We are also hiking thru the part of the country during the summer that is a vacation area. I will update in my next journal about the visit to to the family homestead. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-07-17
From: Rte NY 52

To: Westfield MA
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived home Saturday about 5:00. It was great Alex and Madison were there and we all sat down to dinner. Boy oh boy does a 4 year old ask a lot of questions. It was great I told Madison that I had a beard and long hair because I was helping Santa for the summer. Sunday was a day where the CHUBSTER became his old self once again. The past 2 weeks the beard and the long hair had become a pain in the ---. So I have become stealth,I shaved off the beard and I got a real short haircut. I will tell you I feel so much better. My support team Mom & Dad put me a wind tunnel and told me that the beard and the long hair was creating drag, thus slowing me down. I am only kidding, I just wanted to get back to good old Jim. I am going back to the trail to tomorrow and I will be hiking again by 10 or 11 and I have 20 miles to the CT state line and another 115 miles before I cross the Mass Pike in Lee MA. I have hiked all the trail in Ct & Ma so it will be nice to be on familiar ground.I just want to remind all those folks that were going to hike with me your opportunity is getting close. Let me know. My Dad will out here the week of the 25th so if you want to join us give us a shout. The best to all and when you see the new photos, you will see the same CHUBSTER on the inside, but a new look on the outside.
Date: 2005-07-18
From: Westfield MA

To: Rte 52 & Telephone Pioneer Shelter
Miles today: 11.5

I arrived back on the trail at about 11:00 and I will say the advantage of being so close to home is going home.(Yogi Berra) Today was another warm day and it looks as though it will be like this until late tomorrow. There is a cold front moving thru and it will clear out all of this humidity. I did 11.5 miles today it felt pretty good to have two nights of rest at home. At the shelter tonight were GRAYBEARD. I will be more comprehensive in my next journals and I will tell you more about trail conditions. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Rte 52 & Telephone Pioneer Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Lean-To
Miles today: 13.0

TODAY was by far the hottest day on the trail. I would say that the temp was in the mid 90's and the humidity was real high. My guess would be that the heat index was well over a 100, thats a combination of heat and humidity. I crossed in to Connecticut today and you could tell the difference. On a postive note it was a great feeling being in New England. On entering CT you could notice right away the improvement of the trail conditions. In my humble opinion the trail conditions in NJ and NY were the poorest of any states that I have hiked. There has to be a better effort made to maintain the trail in comparasion to the other states. Today was day 133 and when I arrived in Kent CT I had lunch with GRAYBEARD, JAXS and PATHERFINDER. A pretty up-scale little community and they know it. Not as trail friendly as many of the towns that I have been through. I guess that most of my complaining has come out in this journal, but better out than keeping it in. I promised to be more upbeat,the CHUBSTER Could it be the weather?
Date: 2005-07-20
From: Ten Mile River Lean-To

To: Caleb's Peak
Miles today: 12.1

Just some good old hiking today. I hiked with GRAYBEARD. We had a helluva of a rain storm come thru last night and it blew out all of the nasty humidity and we are all the better for it. I don't seem to have much engery. I can remember when I was early on in my hike when my feet were bother me so much I had so much engery. Now I think that I don't have very much body fat and that I am working off of muscle. GRAYBEARD suggested that maybe I should put more animal fat in my diet, like bacon. If anyone out there in Chubby Knuckle world has any suggestion I am open to suggestions. I am hiking in to Fall Village tomorrow and Dad will pick me up again on Friday. It sound's like I have a job of hiking from Monday to Friday and the weekneds off. This is just the opposite of what I was doing when I had a real job. It will not last long when I start to get further away from home. Hope you are all well and the best from the CHUBSTER on Day 134.
Date: 2005-07-21
From: Caleb's Peak

To: Pine Swamp Bear Lean-To
Miles today: 13.5

Mosquitoes are having a feast out here. They probably think everyday is like Thanksgiving when a Thru Hiker comes along. We sweat so much that even if we put on OFF or deep woods spray, it is gone in about a 1/2 hour because of the sweating. Like I said before the AT is like a giant accordion. Sometimes you have a shelter all to yourself, but this evening there were 8 thru hikers it felt like I was back in NC/TN when everyone was starting.Like I have said many times the greatest of the trail is the people that you meet out here. I hiked with a fellow who's trail name is FREE. A retired Marine Major and it was a wonderful expierence hiking with him today.The information that you get from your fellow hikers is great. The other point that I would like to bring to your attention is the fact that a lot of folks are starting to buy in to the Chubster's philosophy "Slow is the way to Go" Some people just feel the call to do big miles and then realize that they have missed so much. It could be view, or a conversation, or just the pure pleasure of being out here in a world that moves very very very slow. In a talk with FREE he said his mother said enjoy the the time that you are out hiking on the trail. "Take time to smell the Roses" Ok folks thats all for now on day 135. Chubster.
Date: 2005-07-22
From: Pine Swamp Bear Lean-To

To: Rte 7 & 112
Miles today: 6.5

Today will be short hike down the ridge line into Lime Rocks. If you just want a great place to visit the Northwest corner of Connecticut is beautiful. Here in Lime Rock they have a great racetrack that is not a round or oval track, but a track that is like Watkins Glen in New York. I got to the road where I was going to meet Dad and there he was driving down the road with GRAYBEARD sitting in the front seat. GRAYBEARD had left the shelter before me and my Dad has seen on the side of the road and pick him up. All three of us went up Rte 7 and found a nice little resturant that served a great breakfast. We were joined there by 2 other thru hikers and just sat there for about an hour. We gave everyone a ride back to the trail and Dad and I were off to the homestead. Oh I almost forgot when we got back to the where we had left the trail there was a Hot Dog stand and GIGGLES & BOX OF FUN were there. They were being interview by a local newspaper. They also have a group name which is the LAUGH FACTORY. day 136,and 137 and 138 will be spend at home. I will see you all again Monday AM. Chubster
Date: 2005-07-25
From: Rte 7 & 112

To: Riga Lean-To
Miles today: 14.0

Hi everyone Chubster is back on the trail here on a Monday morning the 25 of July. I had a great 2 day visit at home and I can honestly say that I feel better than I have in a couple of weeks. My Mom cooked me a lb of bacon and I will take the advice of Walt Hills a fellow that I hiked with in PA and I bought some Slim Jims. I met VISION QUEST, as soon as I got out of the car and she was comming out of the woods. I figure I will do about 14 miles today and sometime tomorrow I will cross the MA-CT border at mile marker 1492 and I will be in my home state of MASSACHUSETTS. I will update later on in the week. Also I would like to mention that I have under 700 miles to Katahdin---go go Chubster.
Date: 2005-07-26
From: Riga Lean-To

To: Jug End
Miles today: 11.0

A bad news day and good news day. I heard that QUIET PAUL packed it in. On my guest book he informed me that the wheels had come off the cart in Great Barrington. It is sad when a fellow hiker who has come this far has to quit for whatever reason. QUIET PAUL,who is from Baltimore maybe with some rest you can make it back. I thank you for your time with me on the trail. The good new is that I feel a lot better,Mom that lb of bacon really helped. I made into Salisbury Ct today and it is a beautful little town here in Northwest Ct. I also ran into RODEO, who I had heard had dropped off the trail. Guess it was not the case. The good news is that I am in Massachusetts and that I have passed by the 1500 mile mark. I arrived at the Jug Inn, a place on the trail not a facility. I set up my tent before the mosquitoes carried me away. I have never seen so many and so big. I want wish my Dad a Happy Birthday today he is 65 and I can't thank him enough for all that he has done for me. On day 140 the CHUBSTER wishes all that read his journal the best.
Date: 2005-07-27
From: Jug End

To: Rte 23
Miles today: 13.2

Today's hike brought back a number of memories all good. I talked my Dad into hiking this portion of the Massachusetts section of the AT last year. We were hiking this portion of the AT from the CT border up thru the Southern Berkshires. Dad commented that he could not believe the number of wonderful stone walls out in the middle of no where, that went on as far as the eye could see. I informed him that at one time this was all farm land in the 1800's. That is the way the farmers could tell where the boundary of the their property lines were. As more and more people moved to a more urban setting the farms were left in disrepair. The farm land gradually became reforested, but the stone walls remained. It is funny the southern part of the AT in MA is a more diffcult hike than the Northern portion. You would think that it would be more difficult as you moved toward Vermont not so, except for MT Greylock.The hike today was one of misery. I don't think that the temperature was as warm as yesterday, but the humidity was oppressive. That is the element that really saps your strength. Although I have hiked this area many time it is hard to remember until you walk the trail once again. Mr weather person is talking about a cold front moving thru. That will drop the temp and humidity and that is the reward of being out here on the AT. Ok everyone hope all is well the Chubster on day 141 is at 1515 miles and gradually getting there.
Date: 2005-07-28
From: Rte 23

To: Big Al's
Miles today: 3.0

Life on the trail has a way of changing. You put down the destination of where you think you will be for the comming day and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Well yesterday I was hiking with PROTEUS and LEVITHAN and we were doing real well until we hit rte 7 and we decided to go in to town. The weather was hot I mean real hot. Collectively we decided to go into Great Barrington, not all the way, but just on the outskirts. There was a fairly good size super market on rte 7 and next door to it was a little French Cafe. Well in the true nature of explorers we made the choice of hopefully spending a few hours there. It happened to be more that just a few hours. More like 4 hours we had sandwiches and beer and more beer. The owner of the cafe was a great guy and asked me how he could his liitle cafe listed in Wingfoot's Hikers Thru Guide. While we were there he called the publishers number and was fortunate to speak with Dan Bruce aka WINGFOOT. Dan asked to speak with me. We spoke for about 20 minutes and he asked me to verify the conditions and the possibility that it would be a future place where thru hikers could stop. He also asked me about my own personal hike and we had a very pleasant conversation. He thanked me for my input and I thanked him for his time.Well it is always a good feeling to have someone show interest in what you are doing and the chance to help future thru hikers. We finally left Great Barrington around 6:00 and hiked until about 9:15, when we arrived at Tom Leonard Lean-to at 1513 mile marker on the AT. Today the 28th I slept real late and I thought that I would make some good milage, but another great opportunity pop up. My best friend Alex C (Big Al)just happens to live in Lee MA. Well about 12:30 he gives me a call and he makes me a offer that only a fool would turn down. "CHUBSTER" how about you come over to my house and have dinner with me and Lisa and there new born son. We will grill up some steaks and have all the good stuff that goes with it, and maybe a few beers. Needless to say being of weak mind, but I still have a strong heart I agreed. OK Ok !!!! the milages has not been the greatest. You have to remember life is not a dress rehersal, you only go this way once. Tomorrow is another day and I can't promise that I will do big miles, but I will try!!!!honest. CHUBSTER on day 142.
Date: 2005-07-29
From: Big Al's

To: Big Al's Berkshire Bungalow
Miles today: 13.0

I stayed with my dear friend Big Al last night and had dinner with him and his wife Lisa & son Daniel. It was great seeing them and Jan,Joe and Jen we did have a good time. Al dropped me off where he had pick me up and I hiked 13 miles,and you guess it Big Al picked me up again on Webster Rd and we went out to dinner Friday night. We went to a great restuarant in West Stockbridge and had a few bottles of there fine wine we also had dinner.( for you folks that have never been to the Berkshires this is the home of James Taylor and Tanglewood, and the summer home of the Boston Pops). Needless to say Saturday was a non hiking day. It worked out really well because my dad and sister picked me up in Lee Ma. She had come in with her husband and son JJ from Florida ,and I had not seen her in four months. We headed back down the Mass Turnpike about 25 miles to Westfield and had a big cookout and naturally a few beers. It was great seeing everyone, but I have to get out of the Berkshires or I will never finish this adventure. Oh Well!!!!!! It looks like trail time departure will be early Sunday morning the 31st of July, I hope. CHUBSTER.
Date: 2005-07-30
From: Big Al's Berkshire Bungalow

To: Westfield
Miles today: 0.0

It is pretty apparent that the CHUBSTER is living the good life. I spent the day on the home front with the family and throughly enjoyed myself. On the serious side today will be my last day of eating like the little pig PORKY, and I will be about my business. I can honestly say that I will finish Massachusetts this week and I will be in Vermont probably Wednesday. Today is 144 on the trail. I have not sat down and figured out the number of zero days I have had, but I will. Looking forward to the Green Mtn's of Vermont and the White Mtn's of New Hampshire. This week I did about 55 miles and I will be at 1530 so I am averaging over 10.5 per day. And that is including all of the zero days. Take care I am really going to get serious about this hiking!!! Please remember the turtle and the rabbit, you just have to finish. CHUBSTER