morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

HOT SPRINGS------ERWIN-----DAMASCUS It is time to reflect. The 3 towns I have mentioned here are towns, destinations, places that you think about when you are starting your thru hike at Springer Mtn. When you have arrived at all three you have taken part in 455 miles of a great adventure.This morning I left the Place it was dry, but not warm. I am tired today. my feet hurt and overall I am sore 26 miles and 4 shots of vodka (not good). I headed for the outfitter for I needed some help with my shoes. My Dad has sent me some metatarsal pads,the outfitter said bring in and he would make some suggestions. My boots have lost the ability repell water, it was like walking with cinder blocks on yesterday.I did get a spot at the Hiker's Inn a very nice lady and she has agreed to make dinner (supper) depend where you are from tonight. Joining me for this fine fare will be Sparatcus&Rainbow, Nimblefoot and Train.One further observation weather is a great equalizer out here. It has brought many of hikers for what ever reason back together. I have seen more hiker here in Damascus. Hikers that I have not seen since early in my hike good nite and I look forward to another day. Chubby
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A great day in Damascus. It is Monday and the days have a way of blending together. I awoke after a great last night Susanne made a great dinner from pot roast,chicken, potatoes, 3 bottles of red wine and a great desert,just a delightful evening. Today I went to the Post Office pick up my package and off to the outfitter to hopefully get the shoes that will take the pain away from the balls of my feet. Only time will tell and I will have a good idea Tuesday night.I am planning to go to Troutdale do a small resupply and then your guess is as good as mine. Hopefully Bland, but I will let the trail tell me where to stop. This is day 46 and I feel pretty good about my milage, and look forward to picking it up in the next couple of weeks. I spoke with my Dad this afternoon and he is planning to come down and do some hiking with me in the central part of Virginia. We have been fortunate in that we have both hiked the AT in Massachusetts together for about the 90 miles or so. Also Dad has been with me on 2 of my hikes in the White Mtns. I look forward to getting back on the trail Tuesday AM and doing the 500 or so mile here in Virginia.Happy Trails Chubby.
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Damascus----- A town that will be re-visited I left on a promising Tuesday morning and I hiked with anumber of different hikers during the day and arrived at a good time and so I set up my tent and at Lost Mtn Shelter. Then the rains came and did they come, I awoke to a soaking tent and a wet sleeping bag and I was not a happy camper to say the least. We can't quite figure it out we had a wonderful week last week, and this week it is just the opposite rain and more rain.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Damascus-Elk Garden
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

I would like to thank all of you folks that have been reading my journal. My Dad said that I have over 3300 hit on my site, so to all a big thank you. Last night you all knew that it rained here on the AT because everyone was soaked. The old CK decided to hike to Elk Garden VA 60 and head back to Damascus for a new tent and another pair of shoes Number 4, yes my fourth pair since starting this adventure I make the outfitters happy when I walk thru the door. This time I purchased a Big Agnes( it is a tent you people that were thinking that it might be an inflatable doll). And a new pair of shoes, they were heavier than the montrail low cuts that I had previously purchased. I spent the night at the PLACE been there before. Now it is Thursday morning over to the PO and then a hitch back to the AT from a couple of section hikers that were staying at the PLACE. It was like GROUND HOG DAY, I think I did the same think on Tuesday!!!!! I have to say I will find the correct combination with my shoes and feet and hopefully the BIG Agnes will keep me dry. After all of this I know a number of people would say are you crazy, but I love it, and who cares that I am spending my inheritance.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Damascus-Elk Garden

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had the opportunity to hike along the AT to a place called the Grayson Highlands. If you did not know it you would think that you were in Scotland. Guess what it looked like Scotland and it had little ponies, my nephews and niece would have love it. I named the boy ponies JJ and Alex and the girl ponies Karen, Amy and KA and Madison, and I fed them carrots. With a new tent, new shoes and always a great outlook on this thing they call the AT, the weather will get better,it will get warmer and the wind will always be at my back!!!!So said old Chubby. This is day number 51 and I feel good, but sad, because as I look at the registers in each of the shelter I see fewer and fewer names since I've started. To me that means more and more people have gotten off the trail.
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Wise Shelter

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Short Day It was what raining oh no!!!!! They said it was ????? fill it the blank short day. OK I have been hiking with a good group of people Yappy, Dead Animal, Red, and Houdini. There are always new folks to hike with. I met a fellow that had done a thru hike and he said it would not be like this when you get into the northern part of the AT. The shelters he said are pretty much yours until the weekends. Nite Nite big day tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Parttnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Here it Saturday AM about 7:30 and I am on the trail headed for Partnership Shelter and,Atkin VA on Sunday. The day was rainy and again not very comfortable out here, but it was a 20 miler and the feet feel pretty good. I arrived at the shelter and the first thing I did was order a large pizza the largest one that they had, of all things they deliver to the shelter. It has been a long day,and all is well in the world, according to Chubby Knuckles. I have walked 523 miles and it is day 53, ok average of 10 miles a day. See you tomorrow, CK
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Parttnership Shelter

To: Atkin VA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I have arrived in Atkin and the feet hurt today. Yesterday they were terrific and today it is a different story. Maybe just maybe I will find a happy medium with the milage. I am here at the Relax Inn and it is not the Hilton but it beats a shelter or a tent. I headed over to the Dairy Queen and had lunch/dinner and just watched the people come and go. I would recommend that some of the folks that come into eat here do a few miles on the AT. It certainly would help them weight wise ( only my observation). Here is the plan I have 8 miles to go until I hit 543 that is 25% of the AT. I have 45 miles to Bland and 87 to Pearisburg VA. Hopefully there will not be as many PUD's and I get into a pace that is suitable for me. Okay all of the Chubby Knuckle followers keep me in your prayers and I will hike a mile for all of you.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Atkin VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good morning everyone and I hope that you had a great week. It is DAY 55,and the miles are starting to add up. I left the little town of Atkin behind and the Relax Inn, I have a full load of 6 days of food and the plan is on to Pearisburg for Saturday. Many folks will look at the weather channel and if they see green they think that it is raining in that area. Many times it is further from the truth. In New England on Cape Cod it could be raining in one area and just up the road the sun is out and everyone is on the beach. So the truth of the matter is that today was a great day. The temperatures have been abnormal for Virginia,it has been really cold, and I am happy I did not give up my 20 degree sleeping bag. The terrain here on this part of the AT is relatively easy I had a 14 mile day and arrived at Knot Maul Branch Shelter at about 3:30 the other hiker that were there were RED, HOUDINI, and TUNES,and some section hikers.Little things make you happy out here when I hit the 543.7 ( that 1/4 of the AT) mile mark I had a 25% party, sat down and had a snickers bar and a cold drink of water, now that is real excitement. Chubby
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: VA 623
Miles today: 0.0

I was up this morning at 8:00 and the weather is still cold, but I know it will warm up. Today was a ho hum day and the ridge walking is different than in GA,TN and NC, but I am not unhappy. The question that come up out here is a fellow thru hiker will ask are you on schedule? My answer is always, I do not have a schedule, if I want to do 10 miles or 15, or 20, it really depends upon how I feel. I have no time table other than I know that Baxter State Park in ME closes sometime around Oct 12. I think that many times you lose the meaning of a thru hike, if you have to conform to a timetable. Old CK, thats is me moves on Chubby Knuckles time. The milage for to day is about 16 miles and I am camped out here in BIG AGNES closed to Rte VA 623. A little dinner and early to bed makes CK ready to go in the morning. Chubby
Date: 2005-05-04
From: VA 623

To: Helveys Mills Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

It is Wednesday the only way that I know is that someone mentioned it this morning. Up and moving around 9:00 AM and the plan today is to head thru Bland and head for Helveys Mill Shelter. The country side here in Western VA is absolutely wonderful, there are these big working farms that have great vistas as far as the eye can see. I am walking at a elevation of about 3600 feet and it goes up and down, but oh so gradually. Plenty of cows and and lots and lots of hay. You know if I was a cow I could eat my way up the trail. Arrived at the shelter around 4:00,and there was the same group of hikers RED, HOUDINI, FATTY and BATMAN and there was fellow that I met at VA 623 who was hiking different sections of the trail and sleeping in his van, and giving out trail magic. CK is doing well the feet hurt, but maybe that is the way it is going to be. Chubby's Day 57 and clicking right along and approaching 600 miles.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Helveys Mills Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

How you doing? I am fine , but today is going to be slow and easzzzy. Not much punch in the old engine this moring. I think it will be about a ten miler. If and when I get to the shelter I will make the big decision to camp or to move on. It is a nice day and I know it is Thursday because yesterday was Wednesday and tomorrow is Friday. I am not making much sense, but I am having a great time out here. I stayed last night in the shelter with a bunch of real nice folks and everyone is just doing their own thing. I have been hiking the last few days with RHINO(sp) and he is from Germany and a very interesting gentleman. I guess in Germany the hiking is much easier than here. For one reason there are more hostels ,inns, and places to accomadate the hikers. That means only one thing, you do not need a large amount of food or equipment, essentially all you need is a day pack and the supplies for one day or maybe two. RHINO also said the number of people that hike in Germany is a lot greater than the number of people that hike here. Pretty good info Huh? I have arrived at the shelter and my body had the correct vibrations so this is where I will stay for the night. Chubby
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great day I did the fourteen miles with no problems. I have been averaging about 15 miles this week. One reason I only have to concentrate on one state. When I was between TN & NC I had to look both way while I was hiking left and right. Now I only have to look straight ahead. You all know that I am joking!!!. I arrived at the Wapiti Shelter early in the afternoon and there was only one person there and two people that arrived later and were tenting. Some time later on in my journals someone out there in journal reading land will have to remind me why so few people stay at this shelter and I will tell you. (A mysterious shelter) I passed the 600 mile mark today and I will be in bed early because I hear the call of Pearisburg VA. Take care your hiking friend Chubby.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

I arrived in this thriving Metropolis last night about 6:30 and I was happy to arrive at the Plaza. I figure I have lost about 17 lbs. I have not weight my self, but I just know. So the first order of business is to clean up, six days of trail grit( hey Alex do I sound like a cowboy?) then down to the Sports Bar next to the hotel and eat and drink,drink,drink. I will tell you all I have met the nicest people since I have been here in VA. I met these two guys in the bar and guess what they were watchin, NASCAR. Generally when you going into a sports bar they have a number of TV's and generally they are showing a variety of sporting programs. Not this bar every TV had NASCAR on. So guess what Chubby watched last night? Pearisburg is a friendly town has everything I need Laundry, Post Office and a couple places where I can resupply. Tomorrow I will be taking care of the basic needs and call my MOM because it is her DAY. A big ZERO day for Chubby, until next time, this is your partner Chubby on day number 60 at a total of 621.7 miles.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Troutville
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick up date. A number of people are going to Trail Days, but your friend Chubby will be pushing North. This is an educated quest I have been averaging 15 miles a day so I will be in Troutville on Saturday and will update my journal. Just would like to say thanks for all that read about my adventure. Just to say thanks to Mom&Dad,John & Amy and little Chubby Jr, KA & Peter,Madison & Smoogie, Ralph & Sue, Nanny,Alex and Dan&Linda,Corey,Randy,Erin, and all of you nice people that are following my journals. I will cross the 700 hundred mile mark today and the weather has been great all week. Keep your comments comming. I also would encourage any of your comments, it really helps. Chubby.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Symms Gap
Miles today: 12.3

I want to notify all of the people that have been following my trek up the AT that, I am going to make a big change( please do not panic)I have made changes in the weight of my pack. I have gone from 40 lbs at Springer to 27 lbs here at Troutville, I am really in Daleville. The change that I am going to make is dictated by the trail. Most of the people out here call me CHUBBY, I did a unscientific poll and I have decided that if my pack is lighter than my name has to be lighter. Hence from this day forward I will be know as CHUBBY and knuckles is a thing of the past. So on my trail journal you can find me under Chubby Knuckles, but I am really CHUBBY, but(then again I am not, because I have lost about 18 lbs and I weight 160). Now that is over I left Pearisburg this morning and I am only going to hike 12 miles or so and that is what I did arriving a beautiful campsight called Symms Gap Meadow. I hike with a fellow by the name of Rick from Cleveland. I had met him early in March and have not seen him for a months. What a beautiful sunset eat your hearts out Miles 634 and Day 62.
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was another great day I hiked most of the day with Rodeo he is a very funny man and what an imagination!!!! Day 63 and 14.00 miles. The terrain is getting a bit rocky and tough on the feet, but CHUBBY is pushing on. I have a great sister in Fl and she has added another dimension to my trail journal more photos, so be sure to click on the old photo button and you will see what will be comming to a local movie theater soon!!!
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This was a interesting day I hike about 13 miles and I was going to hike to Niday and find a campsite and pitch my tent, which I did. I went to nite nite about 9:00 and around 10, I heard these noise and saw these lights. It was a Dad and I think 2 young children hiking. Of all thing, pretty rocky ground and in my opinion a bit dangerous, oh well this is the AT and nothing surprises the CHUBBY hiker today was day 65 and I am at approx 660 miles
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Catawba Shelter

To: Dalesville
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

You go CHUBBY 18 miles, plenty of get up and go today. The call of the towns I hit the 714 mile mark today and watch out Pizza Hut to us thru hikers that is gourmet eating!!!!. Wolfgang Puck no, but to me its the best. Just think of the calories that we burn out here on a daily basis. Yes it is day 68 and I am loving it. I hit the shower thank God there is not a shortage of water because when I clean up I do use a lot of hot water. Nothing better than pizza and cold beers 3 and 7, no not lucky numbers. They are the 3 pizzas and 7 beers that I had. I asked the waitress for the check and she said that it had been taken care of. Rick from Cleveland had bought me dinner, that is what happens out here, I will have the opportunity to pay him back, thanks Rick. Tomorrow is the BIG ZERO.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Dalesville

To: Dalesville
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday the 16th of May was a ZERO day and it was a great day. The objectives of the day. Sleep, sleep, go to the outfitter and eat, and eat some more. Well I stayed at the Econ Lodge in Dalesville and I got to the restaurant early and had a big breakfast. I hitched down to the outfitter and purchased a new sleeping bag. It was a Maromet(sp) rated for 40 degrees and much lighter than the bag that I just sent home. That had a 20 degree rating, but was a real life saver in the true sense of the word when I was in the Smokies. Also purchased a new shortsleeved hiking shirt and some moleskin. I sent the winter gear home via UPS. Dad said he could open a used outfitter's store. As I was walking out of the outfitter store a lady said do you need a ride, did'nt even have stick out my thumb. People out here just know that you are a hiker. Well it was time to eat again and I headed to the"3 Little Pigs" for lunch. I had 2 lunches yes the first one I had alarge pull pork sandwich and 3 beers, and the 2nd lunch I had a large casadia, and a couple more beers. It is called Carb loading. I did some laundry, and then headed to Walmart to resupply for the next five days. So that is a typical day for CHUBBY here on the AT, when you are having a ZERO. Oh I forgot to mention I headed back to the Pizza Hut for dinner. There were a number of hikers who had arrived in town since yesterday. Some old familar faces, and a number of new faces, take care on the trail again Tueday the 17th for my 70 day.CHUBBY
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Dalesville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I am now known as the CHUBSTER. I have heard from a number of sources that there has been some concern about my whereabouts. Well the Chubster is very well and and gradually moving north. To all of my followers and I know that I have some new ones, thank you (Jill,Gubba,Jim Tierney,John Marshall,& Jack Cunningham,and Matt McLaughlin) for your nice messages. And to all that are following my adventure I certainly do appreciate it, and it helps psychologically to hear all the nice things. If you recall your history Rome was not built in a day, and this thing they called the AT can not be walked in a day. Well I left Troutville on the 17th of May on day # 70, and hiked to Wilson Creek Shelter. A short hike of about 9.7 miles and I spent the night there with The Wandering Bull, Buttah, who I had not seen since the NOC, also there was Vision Quest. Hey Dad thanks for the Mountain Meals the Fettucine Alfredo was great send more. I also have my studio working overtime I understand that my nephew Chubby Jr has put some more photo on the site for your viewing, go Jr, thanks Amy.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jenning Creek_Stealth Camp
Miles today: 17.0

On my way to WAYNESBORO. For the Chubster it was going to be a day that I will never forget. You'll think back to a previous journal when I said out here expect the unexpected. It was a great morning and I was up early and out on the good old AT. Around noon I stopped for a pit stop(potty time)at Bobbets Gap Shelter and also to resupply on the H20. Kind of unique setup typical shelter, but the Privy (the Can) was beautful just like something you would see in a nice hotel,really in was out of character. Well after lunch, water and taking care of nature's calling, I was off to finish the 17 miles I had planned on doing. I had come back up on the trail and thank God for perpihal vision, for out of the corner of my eye on the trail was a rattle snake. I was extremely lucky for I almost step on it. I waited about 5 minutes to see if it would move and it would not. I threw a small pebble not to injure, but no movement. I then poked the snake with the tip of my hiking pole ,it rattled it rattler, I guess that is why it is called a rattle snake, no movement. Guess what? the Chubster left a note to beware of the snake in the middle of the trail and did what any smart human being would do, I walk around Mr Rattler.Lucky guy on May 18th, 2005. I made it to Jenning Creek and tented and thanked the Lord, that I could hike another day. I was with Buutah and Highnoon, Don't you just love the trail names?
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Jenning Creek_Stealth Camp

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A short day and then a long day and then a short day. Does it sound like a pattern? Well I left my stealth camp site and knew that I wanted to enjoy all of the finery of the Virgina countryside. I got up late I move slow I was thinking maybe I could sit down and have a few beers, that was not going to happen,wishful thinking, but I could sit down,and I did at Bryants Ridge. That is where I met 3 delightful and caring people PATCHES,NAVIGATOR,& OLD MAN. Its really funny out here you hear a name and it could be no where near the truth. Out here the old saying "Shit Happens" It should be names happen for whatever reason. That afternoon it was short and I stopped and spent the night at Cornelius Ridge Shelter with the aft fore mentioned and some two section hikers by the name of JOEY and JILL,SOBO, yes I wrote it correctly!!!Jack was home playing golf. Another great day even though the milage was limited.Day #72 and only 9 miles your friend now know as Chubster. HAPPY TRAILSP.S. PATCHES if and when you have the time you have to do a THRU HIKE.
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matt Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

A long day. I was hiking with The Wandering Bull and he said that my long days are his short days. Like everyone said " you have to hike your own hike" Today was not a good one rain,rain,and more rain. For those of you that have heard this saying, no pain, no rain, no Maine it is the truth. At the shelter this evening is AWOL who is tenting. This guy can move I am 5'11' and AWOL is about 5'5" and can he move. It has always been my practice to hike at about 2 miles per hour and AWOL does about 4 miles an hour, so you can do the math. Also at the shelter is JUST BOB and a number of section hikers, who are terrific people and they do share with us thru hikers. Today was D-73 and I had a little over 17 miles, so it going to be an early evening. CHUBSTER