morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Matt Creek Shelter

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

A very interesting day. I needed to resupply so I left Matt Creek Shelter early with the intention of getting into Glasgow ASAP and getting out. It was about 3 miles from the shelter to the trail on VA 130 and I when I came off the trail, it was a amazing thing. The Wandering Bull appeared, I said where did you come from and he told me, do you see that pick up truck, well I slept under last night!!! I got a ride into Glasgow by PATCHES who was repostioning car for his section hike. I was able to get a ride back and I was on the trail within a couple of hours. I stopped at John Hollows Shelter had lunch and took in the beautiful views of the James River ( I believed that it was named after me in my previous life). Got going again and arrived at Punchbowl Shelter, I spent the night there with Buttah, Proteus and a number of section hikers. It was Day 74, and I did about 13 miles. Go Chubby!!!!!Chubster
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was a grand day. It has to be hiking in VA with just me and the trail as I move north. In life every thing is relative. Not that I am going to get philosphical, but people say the hiking here in Virginia is easy. Yes it is easier than GA,NC, and TN, but it that begs the question why? I believe that a couple of factors come into play. You have finally have been conditioned to the trail and it way of life. You are in better physical condition, and the most important reason mentally you are much tougher. I have heard that the easiest part of VA is the Shenandoah Natl Park, I will let you known. Today was day 75 on 5/22 with 14.6 miles. Wish all my friends were here.CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Cow Camp Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Chubster is moving today. On the horizon today is 800 miles, can you image that 800 miles "wow". All day I hiked byself and I know that this will be more frequent as I move north. A number of people that I started with have left the trail for what ever reason, injuries or that it was not for them. I know that I have one opportunity to do this fete, and barring injury or health related problems, I will.( prayers and good wishes are excepted)The newest information that the CHUBSTER has to report to you. My feet are getting better. The pain is slowly going away, and the reason my new boots, the 6th pair that I have walked in are doing the trick. I have moved up one shoe size and that is real working. The other physical change is that my beard is red and my Johnny Damon hair is blonde. A fellow hiker wanted to know if I was a Norwegian. He said I look like " ERIC the RED" Well folks another milestone and today was day 76, and I did 17 miles Monday 5/23
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Maupin Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I am making my push to Waynesboro. A big problem surfaced this morning, after breakfast I realized that the ALERT signal went on. The Chubster is out of food. The need to make Waynesboro is critical. Out here on the AT there is a catch 22. When your appepite out runs your food supply. The problem arise that when you have piss poor planning, it does mean a crisis on your part. Let me explain to go and carry a great deal of food, it means more weight and weight is the key to performance. Every step that you take with extra weight is compounded over your body. Let's face it Chubster screw up!!!I know the need to reach Waynesboro is important I had traveled 16 miles and I stopped at Paul Wolfe Shelter for a rest and refill the H20. It was about 5:30 and the shelter was full and there were a number of familar faces there and when I said that I was pushing on to Waynesboro because I was out of food. Then it happened the goodness of fellow thru hikers and section hiker came front and center. With 10 minutes I had enough food for supper(dinner).The decision to spent the night with these good people had been made, and that I would make Waynesboro in the AM. I want to say A BIG THANK to all of you nice folks and especially to PATCHES for your generosity. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

After a night at Wolfe Shelter I made the short trek into Waynesboro and I was go to have a a long NERO and a ZERO. I am staying at the Quality Inn, and I have a nice room where I can spread out all of my gear and let it breathe. The purpose of this day and half stay is to eat. Like I said in a previous journal food has become a real problem I can not eat enough to maintain my weight. Talk to you next entry. Day 79 miles 848, but miles to go approximately 1326.CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was just a veg day, until I ran into NO WORRIES. He decided to rent a car and four of us thru hikers threw in $10 a piece and went to Walmart and purchased all the goodies so that we could hand out trail magic. We drove south about 35-40 miles on the the Parkway and set up at a place where the road and the AT cross. It was not too long before we had our first hikers and what a look on their faces. It took a few minutes when they realized that we were thru hikers.That had come back to give back some kindness that other people had shown us. NO WORRIES what a great idea!!! It is something I will never forget. What a wonderful way to spend a ZERO day.As for the short range plans for the CHUBSTER. I will head out early on Sat the 28 for my 81 day on the Trail and most likely the next stop will be Front Royal that is about 107 miles up the AT. Hopefully I can eat my way threw the Shenandoah Nat Park with the number of concession stands and restaurants. Here is hoping that you all have a great Memorial Day. Please give a moment of prayer and thought to all of our military people. They are in my thoughts and that is why I can do what I am doing.CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

SHENANDOAH------SHENANDOAH, oh no I am not going to sing. Here it is the easiest hiking since I started the AT. Sort of ho hum with a great deal of beauty. I am going to do 20 miles today and then going back to my routine of 13-15 miles a day. It is interesting that after a big day I am tired the next day. I would rather have every day with the same energy. Today is Day 81, and it is the Memorial Day Weekend and this SNP is loaded with day, section and in between hikers. ALERT my first bear siting a small fellow a cub, but where there is a cub there has to be a Mama or Papa bear, I did't see either. I pretty much hiked by myself today and at the end of the day I hiked with Chuck and Jake just before we got to the shelter, execuse me Hut. From this point on if I see a bear I will name then after my friends. This morning I saw "Little Al" Take care the CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather has been terrific. The people that layed out the AT here in the Shenandoah Nat Park made it a place where everyone in the family could hike. There is not a great deal of difficulty, but that is the greatest of the AT. Many times you have difficult sections, and boring sections, and then an easy section, and then a combination. Another bear siting, this guy was good size "Big Al", I have two good friends Little Al and Big Al and I have seen there counterparts here in the Shenandoah. It is nice to do a 13 mile hike for you can take your time and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful park. The motto is Hike your own Hike. I met people out here last week that don't like hiking or camping!! I asked them why are you out here then? There answer was it something to do. Well ( a deep subject) folks day 82 and another different and pleasant day on the AT.Oh, by the way it is the only part of the trail you can hike a few mile and have few beers, it would suit the style of Steve and Steve!!
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

I have enjoyed the SNP and today I did a nice 8 miler. So if you are going to help me to get to Maine,lets do the math. 20+13+8=41-by 3 equals 13.6 cool. I figured that at this rate I would get to Katahdin in the middle of Sept. The nice things about the Shenandoah are that the deer will come right up to you and are overly friendly. I don't think that would be the same with the bears. Short day short journal. CHUBSTER Day 83
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

I will put 2 journal together for the sake of brevity. Day 84 & 85 I am still plodding in the Shenandoah and I don't think that I want it to end. Today will be a 13 miler and we will see what tomorrow brings. I sited another bear today and this one was also good size. The bear looked at me I looked at the bear and he/she ran off in to the woods. I guess the bear was more afraid of me than I of the bear. I pretty much hiked by self and took advantage of the concession stands for food. I think that this is an opportunity to at least maintain my weight. I will stay at Bearfence Mtn Hut and tomorrow move to where ever. June 1st a new month and over 900 miles. I called home from Big Meadow camp grounds and I was able to talk with Mom and Dad. Also I was able to resupply here at the campgrounds and that should take me into Front Royal by Saturday. I stayed at the campgrounds longer than I thought that I would and then talking to some section hikers, and before you know it the day had gone. I will stay at Rock Spring Hut tonight and that is at 913 miles so for the two days I was able to hike 24 miles. I am closing in on 1000 miles and Harper Ferry which is the symbolic 1/2way point. The actual 1/2 way real point is 1087 miles this year. The number changes yearly because sometimes they have to re-route the trail. In a conversation with my Dad, it looks as though we will be able to meet sometime around the middle of June. It will be a good thing to see some family and do some hiking together. Most likey I will be in to PA by then. So maybe we will have a chance to get over to Gettysburg. For now this is your friend the CHUBSTER, and again thanks you all for your best wishes. By the way the feet are the best thay have been since I started.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Today was a rainy day yuk!!, I stayed at Rock Spring Hut last night, and just another night in a shelter. I am doing just fine good attitude and every once in awhile you have a mood swing on the down side when it RAINS, can you hear me shouting? Like I said it is really nice here in the Shenandoah. Hey Zach and Matt my dad told me that you guys sent a real nice e-mail,I appreciate that. As far as where I will be in the next couple of months or so your guess is as good as mine. I am trying to average about 13 miles a day. So if you take a 10 day period and do the math. I will be around 130 x 3 about 390 a month that would put me around 1330 miles. That should be about the NJ-NY border or so give or take a few miles either way. If you have the thru hikers guide book I should be around Lee Massachusetts in about 50 days or so that is 1563 miles. I live about 30 miles from there in Westfield MA.Ok folks I am headed to Pass Mtn Hut tonight and my adventures in the SNP will soon be over and I will be headed to the rocks of PA. The best to everyone talk to you'll real soon. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Pass Mtn

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

It is not doing this ( see photo) and you don't have to walk with the white stuff up to your knees, but it is doing the big RRRRR word and for 6/3/05 it is damm cold and my feet are wet. They don't hurt bitch, bitch, bitch it is not like the CHUBSTER to complain, but there is no one out here today and maybe just maybe I am feeling sorry for myself. I am heading to Gravel Spring Hut this afternoon at about 942 miles on day 87, for an average of 10.82 miles a day. With about 11 zero days. I would be averaging roughly 12.2 miles daily, if I did'nt want the creature comforts. Oh well I feel really good about what I have accomplished so far and the words for the day are one foot in front of the other and soon the great state of Maine will welcome me with all of her colorful glory. As they would say in Maine "you can't get there from here" yep.Take care and and to you guys out there in Longmeadow have a case of beer for me. Hey Jill I will be heading thru Maryland in about a week, give me a call on the cell if you have a chance. JimDon't get nervous if you are following the CHUBSTER, because my transcriber is away on vacation and will be doing some hiking with moi, but he will find a way to update, thanks.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

OK I am back and almost out of VA. I hiked 13 miles today to Front Royal and stayed at the Super 8 tonight with the HIGHWAYMAN. I got off the trail and Mike a section hiker who is from Ohio had his truck there and gave us a ride to the hotel. Mike a big thank you. I certainly did enjoy hiking with you thru the Shenandoah. It is always nice to hike with someone who hikes at the same pace. Hopefully we will meet again, thanks Jim (CHUBSTER).
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Front Royal

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather really hit me hard today. As I have said before rain, snow, wind,cold, fog now you'll can add HEAT. Bam,no matter what kind of shape you are in when the temperature jumps in to the high 80'sand low 90's it really slowed me down,not that I was speedster to start with. Today I hiked with the Highwayman and we did 11.0 miles on Day 89. Going to bed.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

I wrote a whole journal and mistakenly wiped it out. I don't feel like re typing it so the hightlite of the day was when I arrived at the shelter. There was a fellow there by the name of TINKERBELL 6'7" about 275. I have about 1200 miles to go before I sleep and I am sure that I will see other great sights. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear Den Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was hot again. I am only going 10 miles today and I am stopping at Bear Den Hostel. I am going sleep,sleep eat and eat. This is the best kept secret on the trail, and of all the hostels that I stayed at were just great. This in my humble opinion is the creme de la creme or something like that. The very best, a wonderful lady set a table that would blow you away. You think of it and she served it, thank you. Hopefully I will make Harpers Ferry either tomorrow or Thursday no hurry. Slow moving CHUBSTER.DAY 91 tomorrow will be 3 full months.Next week Dad will join me for a couple of days hiking, some good meals and just a few beers, looking forward to that.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Bear Den Hostel

To: Harper Ferry
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Well folks I hit Harper's Ferry and it really feels good. I am 1/2 way. I would like to to wish Debbie & Kevin on their weddimg day Congratulations on Saturday the 11th. I just wanted to wish that everyone there that they have a great time. Kevin I owe you a Glenlivet. CHUBSTER day 92 1020 miles
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Harper Ferry

To: Harper Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello everyone I am doing just fine and I want to thank you all. Especially those that took the time and filled up my guest book. There have been some wonderful comments and I certainly do appreciate all of your support. I have to apologize for not posting my journals more often. Here are the 2 execuses, first of all my transcriber (Dad) took some time off to go to Florida to a wedding, does he not realize that the CHUBSTER has a following. Second reason the CHUBSTER has had trouble with the heat so I took another ZERO day here in Harpers Ferry. For all of you waiting I am the 226 thru hiker to pass thru the ATC. They are great people they take your photo and the 2 postcards I received when I started they ask you to send one to Springer Mtn, and the other one goes back to the ATC when you finish your hike in Maine. They are delightful folks and a big thanks goes out to them. I will head out in the morning and begin my invasion of the North. First a short part of West VA & Maryland then on to PA. My Dad will head up from FL on Tuesday and we will probably meet near Rte 30 about 50 miles into PA. Again thanks and the best to all, and if I give any inspiration. It will be one foot in front of the other and you will get there.
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Annapolis Rock Campsite
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: few clouds

Day 96 I hiked by my self most of the day. There were a number of day hikers and this is an easy area of the trail. It is a part of the trail that is relatively close to Washington DC and not very difficult, so it is good that the person that wants to get into hiking can get their start. I met a interesting fellow today. He was a what they call a Ridge Runner and was doing his duty for the PATC. That is the local hiking club on this part of the trail here in Maryland. Nice talking with you Dave.There is a interesting challenge on this part of the trail. It is called the 4 state hike. It is approximately 40 miles and you go from Virginia thru West VA, and Maryland to Pennsylvania. It sure makes for a long and tiring day and it is mostly done by the younger hikers. Well I am not part of that,but I am in Maryland and soon will be in PA. A good day and I am looking forward to see my Dad on Tuesday. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Annapolis Rock Campsite

To: Ensign Cowal Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 97 I am going a short distance today and I am slowing down because I am going to meet my Dad on Tueday at Caldonia State Park on Rte 30 in PA. It real nice here as you move North because there a are a number of road crossings and many small state parks that have concession stand for eating. I don't know if I mentioned this, but I am at 155 lbs and that is a lost since I started of 25 lbs. Take care CHUBSTER.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Ensign Cowal Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 98 not a lot to say today, but I missed by a day. I will meet my Dad tomorrow. Just updating my milage. Oh forgot to mention I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line, which is also the MA-PA border at 1050 miles.
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I met my father at 8:45 in the evening he was running a little late and had driven over 1100 hundred miles. It was great to see him it was 98 days since he dropped me off at Springer Mtn. Just think about it he drove 1100 hundred miles and I have walked almost 1100 miles. My Dad when he arrived informed me that he had made an appointment with a Foot Specialist for Friday morning. So maybe just maybe I can get my feet straighten out, and then watch out for the Chubster the 2nd half of the trail. Again to all I thank you for your support and I will be back on the trail Saturday AM bright and early.I have 210 mile to hike in PA and then New Jersey, New York and I will be in my backyard and on old familiar ground New England. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Ironmaster's Hostel
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

WELL (deep subject) I took a couple of days off and I went back to Massachusetts. I had my feet examined by an authority in the field Chris Bails a great guy, and knows his stuff. He reconditioned my orthontics and made a mold of my feet for a more customized pair of orthontics. I did this with the help and kindness of my Dad. I can't thank him enough. It did two things for me. It allowed me to get off my feet for the three days, and it also gave me a psychological lift. To know that you are in one piece and that overall in pretty good condition is a real good feeling. I will dedicate the second half of the hike to all the great people that I have met during the 1st 1100 miles. I would like to say the very best to people like TURTLE who I hiked with early on the AT. Also to FALLOUT, who had a stress fracture, thanks HIGHWAYMAN for your time with me on the trail. Some of the people that I hiked with are no longer on the trail, but many of the others are still here. They are either a day, week, or month ahead of me, or behind me but some how we all reconnect along the trail.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Ironmaster's Hostel

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is 102 day and in my previous entry I did a lot writing about personal stuff and forgot to say anything about yesterday's hike. Anyway here goes, yesterday was a great day back on the trail. I started from Caledonia State park and for the day I did 20.1 miles. I did'nt think that I would do that much, but certain thing just kept pulling me along. It was an important day in that I passed the mathematical 1/2 way point 1087. I also knew that there was a hostel and any chance you can sleep in a real bed, you have to go for it. Next to the hostel is Pine Grove Furnace Store the home of the"Half-Gallon Club" Anyone who has hiked there from Georgia or Maine may join this thru-hikers tradition. All you have to is buy a half-gallon of ice cream as soon as you arrive and it eat it as fast as you can. I did buy the half gallon, but in the tradition of the CHUBSTER I ate it very slowly and enjoyed all that I ate. You have to remember it is my hike, and I did it my way. ( sound like a familiar song).Some of you out there in the computer world are probably asking. How are the feet? Tell you the truth not bad not bad at all. With new boots and reconditioned orthos. There was no pain or blisters, but there was some stiffness, and I asume it was making the adjustments to the new equipement. It is great being back on the trail and today will be a 15 miler, take care and to my DAD Happy Father's Day. CHUBSTER
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: US-11
Miles today: 12.2

It is Monday morning and the weather is the very best that it has been. It is 103 day on the trail and I hiked by myself for a good long ways. I did hike with GIGGLES & BOX OF FUN two young ladies toward the end of the day and that was fun. No pun intended. This is just a gorgeous part of PA. I am in the Cumberland Valley and they have large working farms and it is really very nice hiking. The old saying out here is when the good days are out weighing the bad days. The cold and wet days are just a distant thought. I took it real easy today. I had hiked 35 miles in the last two days and I am still getting use to the new boots. Today will be a short one and I am going to stop at the Appalachian Trail Motor Inn and spend the night. I did stop in Boiling Springs for a couple of hours, and what a great little town. It derives its name from the springs that bubble up into a pond in the middle of town. So you don't get the wrong idea the water is not warm, but at a temperature of 53 degrees. The great part of this adventure is spending time in these small towns and sharing and exchanging talk with the local town folks. The other great thing about PA is that there is many roads that you cross, so you do not have to carry as much food. Victor I did receive your message about hiking this weekend. I will try to call you,also try calling me. CHUBSTER