morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-20
From: ME 4 & Rangeley

To: Poplar Ridge Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Okay all of you future AT thru hikers, today the Chubster is going to journal 2 days in one. Yesterday I didn't do much only about 4 miles and I camped at Piazza Rock Lean-to, so there is not a whole bunch to tell you. Here on Tuesday the 20th it is raining and raining. You all can sing that famous thru hikers song "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine". The upside of rain is that it will stop, the downside of rain it makes the roots and the rocks slippery. Here is a test for you novice hikers. Is it better to step on a wet root or a wet rock? The answer is_____, I will tell you at the bottom of the journal. Today I went by Moxie Pond, Long Pond, South Pond, Ethel Pond, Mud pond, Eddy Pond you can remember they are not ponds, but lakes. Over Saddleback Mtn(4120)still have some good elevation and over it's little cousin Saddleback Jr(3190). I am at Poplar Ridge lean-to and I am tenting, there are about 7 of us here tonight. It is very interesting the number of people that are a day or two apart. The call of the big K is like a giant magnet. The other factor is that Baxter State Park closes on Oct 15th. At times there will be a early winter in this part of the world. Thats all I need, I have already done winter in the beginning of this trek. Ok the answer to the quetion above is a ROCK, never ever step on a wet root, just asked my dad, and his backside. Ok some math here it is the 20th. Ten days left in Sept and I have 208 miles to go so if I did 12 miles a day I will finish in about 17 days give or take a day. So I am guessing around the 7th to the 10 of October. Just an update from the big K 1392 started from Springer Mtn in GA and as of the 16th of Sept, 108 have finished their thru hike. You folk can do the math on this less than 10 percent so far. Your Pal Chubster.
Date: 2005-09-21
From: Poplar Ridge Lean-to

To: Sugarloaf Mtn
Miles today: 11.0

Have I said how much that enjoyed Maine? I think that I have many times. I can remember a saying from a wise man who said "That if you did not live in the 1950's you got cheated in life". For the 50's according to this man was the last years of innocence. It was a time when you didn't have to lock your doors and everyone you met had a real nice way about them. Somehow that era has slipped away and this is not the forumn to say why. The point that I would like to make here is that this part of Maine reminds me of that saying. If you have not visited Western Maine you will be cheated in life. I am not saying that this area of Maine is stuck in the 50's, because it has all the things that the rest of the country has. What I am saying is that people and remember it is all about the people. The Maniac's are a proud people and warm people. They are folks that are laid back, but willing to help you out and with a gentle courtesy.Another saying that they have up here is when you ask for directions. They say "You can't get there from here" They like to have fun with you. They speak with a dialect that you will hear in only one part of the country, Maine. It is not like a Bostonian, or a Southern, you can't described it, you have to hear it. Hope that this make sense. How about hiking!!!! Chubster. The terrain still remains tough almost 100 miles into Maine,but gradually it is starting to level out. You can see it in the distance. The mountains are not as high and not as many and you can see more lakes and level ground, that's a good thing. I know what lies ahead Katahdin will be the last great hurdle this AT will throw at all us Thru Hikers. Here it is day 197 and I am slowly closing in on 2000 miles. Oh I almost forgot less than 200 miles to go at 198.
Date: 2005-09-22
From: Sugarloaf Mtn

To: Stratton Maine
Miles today: 11.0

I have arrived here in Stratton Maine just another great little town here in Western Maine. The weather was absolutely perfect today and the hiking was fun, left Sugarloaf this morning. I has stayed at the Sugarloaf Summit House last night. This mountain is the second highest in ME and I know that you all the known the highest is Katahdin. I have been hiking on and off with about 20 different people. Just some of the folks that I have been with are THX, PIZZA THE HUT, GETTY LEE, LO JAX, LADY SCARECROW & EAGLEFOOT. I am still fascinated by all the different trail names. I have about one more day of 4000' footers and then it looks like I can put it on cruise control and have some flatland hiking. It might sound boring, but we are all ready for it. Since way back at Mt Moosilauke at mile mark 1782, it has been 218 miles of the hardest hiking on the trail. It has taken me about 24 days to cover that distance. That is an average of about 9.0 miles per day. Here in Stratton I am staying at the Stratton Hotel/Hostel and the there is a new owner. He is a fellow that moved up here about a year ago from all places Jacksonville FL. He is a real nice person and has been very helpful. This evening I had dinner at the White Wolf Inn and I was able to devour a large prime rib and all the fixings along with a couple of beers. You all can see that my appetite has come back. Ok all of you nice people that have following my journal, again thanks for all of your support and good wishes. The CHUBSTER on day 198 at mile 1987 and 187 away from the big K.
Date: 2005-09-23
From: Stratton Maine

To: East Flag Rr
Miles today: 16.5

I know that a number of people have been following my journals so I do apologize for not posting sooner, but technology is limited in this part of the world. I am still out here and doing well!!! Maine is great and the little towns are even better you know me no rush Chubster. Today I did a couple of things that are unusual for me. Hiking big miles I did 16.5 miles and was able to get a ride back to Stratton so I could stay another night in small town Maine. There are so many thru hikers out here and no one is in a big rush. The other thing that I did today is that I went over the 2000 mile mark. That is a big thing out here. It is kind of neat to say I am a 2000 thousand miler. The hiking has been terrific and the beauty here and the warm weather just continues. It is Friday the 23rd on day 199, and I am at mile 2004 with 171 to go. Chubster
Date: 2005-09-24
From: East Flag Rr

To: Pierce Pond lean-to
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I have been hiking with LOJACK and MATEO, and we have been having a ball. No one can believe how nice the weather is. Today is another 15 miles and this is what the reward is after so many miles. It is funny thing that the end is almost here and that the early miles are just a long ago memory. It takes you about 3 weeks to get trail tough and then you go through various stages. It is like baking a cake. You have 2 or 3 layers that are similiar to the physical and psychological and mundane aspects of hiking. Then you finally get to this part of the AT,and it is all frosting. I don't want to get to mushy, but it will be very interesting to reflect back over the last seven months. If I look back with 156 miles to go I would be approaching Fontana Dam and I had just purchased my first pair of shoes. Oh those shoes, maybe the next time I do this, my trail name will be SHOES. CHUBSTER day 200 YEA, mile marker 2019.
Date: 2005-09-26
From: Pierce Pond lean-to

To: Caratunk
Miles today: 5.0

Hey Hikerdude thanks for the well wishes and the photo of us at the Inn at The Long Trail. I am living your motto "hiking to party". Last night was just one of the best places in all of God's wonderful creation Pierce Pond Lean-to. It is located near where else Pierce Pond. Most people when they think about hiking picture a beautiful flat trail, with lovely pine and spruce trees. With the sun shining and the birds singing. Most of the trail is not like that, but it is like that here at Pierce Pond in Western Maine. This morning we just took our time and were in no real hurry, simple reason we were only going to go 5 miles. We were going to cross the Kennebec River. This is one of the most famous rivers on the AT. Many of you know the story of the hiker that drown crossing this river back in the mid 1980's. Just happens to be a hyro-electric plant up stream that releases water at unanounced times, and that is what happened to this unforunate hiker when he was crossing the river. So now the Maine Hiking Club has a fellow that will ferry you across the river in a canoe. So that is what the Chubster did. For a brief moment I felt like Washington crossing the Delaware (only kidding)Just a couple of miles down the trail you guessed it, another small town. This town was called Caratunk and it would be the 2nd to last town on the AT. We couldn't past this by even though we had plenty of cold food. Chubster and friends are headed to the Northern Outdoors and will be looking for good warm food and cold beer. On Day 201 and 202 , oh I forgot to mention the next day we took a ZERO day, it was raining and we needed the rest.
Date: 2005-09-27
From: Caratunk

To: Bald Mtn Lean-to
Miles today: 14.0

Out of Caratunk and I think that I will write a book. The title will be "The Little Towns of Maine". I wonder just wonder if there is such a book! I have one more town to go and that will be Monson about 37 miles away. I am refreshed from spending a day and 1/2 in Caratunk and today will be about 14 miles I have a couple of small mountains before I hit Monson. The weather has cleared after yesterday rain and it is still unseasonably warm. The trail is muddy, but okay, you are not fighting the rocks and roots. I know that my beloved Red Sox are fighting hard to win the Eastern Div and if those dreaded Yankees win, maybe the Sox will have a chance at the wild card. I will do a trail dance and a mountain prayer for them. Early in the morning someone I meet will let me know if they won. The hiking today was fun I had to forded a couple branches of the Piscataquis river. They were moving pretty good, but were not to high. Until we meet again this is the Chubster wishing you all the very best. On day 203 at mile marker 2038 with 136 to go.
Date: 2005-09-28
From: Bald Mtn Lean-to

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Just out here hiking today. I generally have a little bit to say, but not much today. I have been hiking again with LoJack and Mateo and we are on the same pace and probably will wind up in Monson together. There are so many people out here that I don't know because they started after I did and have there own group of people that they hike with. I understand, if I did not run into that fatique problem in August I would have finished a couple of weeks ago. Again the old saying everyone's hike is different. Chubster on day 204 at mile marker 2051 with 123 to go.
Date: 2005-09-29
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to

To: Monson
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have made into Monson. It is 2:00 in the afternoon and the storm clouds have been chasing me for the last 3 miles. There is a cold front that will be moving thru with a promise of cooler weather and maybe the first real cold weather of the fall. I would say that the weather was cooler in the Whites, than here in Maine. I would reason that we were at higher elevation in New Hampshire. Here like in the last 2 towns of Stratton and Caratunk there are the same numbers of thru hikers. The bunk house was filled up when I arrive so I got myself a private room ($30). It has a TV so hopefully I can watch the Red Sox tonight. I spoke with my Dad and if all to goes to plan I should summit on Katahdin either the 7th or 8th of Oct. I would like to thank you all so much for your encouragement and support. It really means so much to me. There were some low points on this trip. At first it was trying to find the right combination with my feet and hiking boots, shoes. Then later it was the overall tiredness and fatique. With out your help and the many times you said keep going Chubby, Chubby Knuckles,or Chubster. It is amazing that my dream will be ending and I had all of you helping me along the 2174.9 miles of the AT. I have 114 miles to go, which includes the 100 Mile Wilderness and the eventual ascent of the big K. As of this writing the weather for the next week here in Northern Maine looks great. So on day 205 at mile marker 2060 until you hear from me again signing off the Chubster.PS. I will let you know when I summit
Date: 2005-09-30
From: Monson

To: Long Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is a rarity I didn't believe that I would be able to journal until I got to the campsite near Katahdin, but here I am. This will be just three short journals. I was able to reach(Dad)I will tell you where in the 3rd journal. Today Friday I left Monson the last town on the trail and I made it to Long Pond Lean-to. It was 15 miles and I can't believe the weather. It is just so nice about mid 60's with a gentle breeze from the Southwest. This is Chubster on day 206. Mile marker 2075, less than 100 miles to go.
Date: 2005-10-01
From: Long Pond Lean-to

To: Chairback Gap lean-to
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

This is just an up date to the previous journal. I have made it to Chairback Gap Lean-to. On day 207, mile marker 2086. Can you believe it!!!! Only info I can give you about the trail is that is real muddy.
Date: 2005-10-02
From: Chairback Gap lean-to

To: Sydney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

This is the 3rd journal today it is really 1 and 1/2 journals. I arrived at this campsite and I did 12 miles on Sunday and 4 mile this morning Monday on 10/3/05. I am presently on top of White Face Mtn. The weather is absolutely wonderful. There is a strong wind and the day is crystal clear. I took a chance and I was able to reach Dad on my cell phone. How lucky is that, so much for the 100 mile wilderness. I think that it is just the luck of the Irish. I told him that I am looking at the Big "K" about 72 miles away on trail miles and maybe 50 as the crow flys. I know that so many of you have read about the excitement of other thru hikers when they see their final goal. Let me say just one thing you can't feel their excitement until you expierenced it yourself. It is unbelievable!!!!! Okay calm down Chubster You have 72 miles and also need some food. I will be stopping at that campsite that is 1/2 way for one on their famous burgers. Today this is Chubster on day 208 and 209. At miler marker 2102, with 72 to go depending on whatever else I do today, should be about under 60.
Date: 2005-10-03
From: Sydney Tappan Campsite

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Good morning Chubster has found his Northern legs, today a outstanding day milage, weather and attitude. I spoke with my dad early in the day from Whiteface Mtn and after that I turned the afterburner on and made it to Cooper Spring Lean-to. That is 17 miles and a couple of under estimated mountains in White Face Mtn and Little Boardman Mtn. When you have your stride working, milage like this is what I did some days back in Virginia. That was not too often, for my policy has been sure and slow. I had a nice message from the Wandering Bull and he said Chubster you are on the money averaging 10 miles a day , actually 10.07( thanks Bull maybe our trails will cross again, have a great life). The elevation has leveled off and I am at between 1200' and 500' along the shores of some beautiful ponds(lakes). Here is the plan tomorrow I will head for the Whitehouse Campsite an great place in the middle of the 100 mile wilderness. I will take rest a little to eat, do a small resupply and headed out for the final 45 miles. The Chubster on day 209 at milage 2115 with 59.7 to go.
Date: 2005-10-04
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Marar Tote Rd Whitehouse
Miles today: 14.0

Hey hey and one more hey. I am staying true to my word. Last night I had a great stay at the Cooper Brook Lean-to, after the 17 miles in the Maine Mud the the sound of the brook put me to sleep. Can you believe it the temperature is in the mid 70's and I am actually sweating out here in the first week in Oct. They say it will be nice heading into Thursday and Friday and Saturday will be getting cold and windy with some rain. I have been hiking with Mateo, just seems like we are on the same pace. Another over 10 today with 14 miles to the mouth of the Nahmakanta stream on the Pemadumock lake. That is quite a tongue twister. This is where you sound a air horn and a guy shows up in a motor boat and takes you over to White House Landing. It is a beautiful place and with the weather so warm and Maine in the peak of the foliage season,can it get any better? I am here with MATEO, BONFIRE and SEEKER. It looks like I will have about 46 miles to Katahdin, which should be 3 more days, and then up the big K and my journey will be over. Over and my dream will have come true. Tonight to everyone, from a peaceful place in Maine, the Chubster on day 210 at 2129 miles
Date: 2005-10-08
From: Marar Tote Rd Whitehouse

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

I arrived at Abol Bridge I will hike 10 miles to the Birches and wait for the weather to get decent. I hope I can summit either Sunday or Monday. At this moment I am soaking wet, but the temperature is about 70. We are all waiting for a clearing opportunity for the final 5 miles!!!. I will fill in the the details after I summit. Chubster at 2169 and holding.
Date: 2005-10-09
From: Birches

To: Big K the End
Miles today: 41.4

It is over, it happened at 12:15 on October 9th 2005. I summited Mtn Katahdin on a class III day. It was the worst of days, but also the best of days. The worst is that last night we had 4 to 5 inches of rain. This morning would be almost as bad about 2 inches. My decision would be decided on the following. Would I wait until the rain let up, and maybe tomorrow it would be better. When I found out that it was a class 3 day it meant that I could hike. So I decided that today was the day. It was exactly 7 months to the day and the weather was like it was the day I started at Springer Mtn back in GA so long ago. The town of Millinocket was jammed with hikers waiting for better weather, but today was Chubster day. It took me just under 4 hrs to reach the summit and I had fufilled my dream. I Hiked my Hike 2174.9 miles. I followed every White Blaze and on day 214 I became a Thru Hiker at a average of 10.16 miles per day. I want to say thanks Mom and Dad, and to everyone that supported me. I will in a week or so follow up with some final thoughts about my adventure.
Date: 2005-10-10
From: Big K the End

To: Millinocket Econ Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Columbus Day the day after for me. I decided to hole up here at the Ritz of Millinocket (Econlodge). I had dinner last night with Lo-Jack and his family. Thank you Mr Lo-Jack a pleasant surprise. The body needed rest. I know that everyone says that the toughest mile is Mahosuc Notch, to me Katahdin would rate right up there especially with 2 inches of rain coming down and 5300' in 4 miles. I am headed out tomorrow shuttle to Medway, then Portland and Boston and hopefully meet Mom and Dad. Until tomorrow the dream fulfiller is headed back to the world and reality. Chubster
Date: 2005-11-24
To: Westfield Massachusetts
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends from the class of 2005. It is snowing to beat the band here. It is 9:00 am and we have about 4" of snow on the ground. It will remind many of us of the snow of last March and April. I give my thanks to all that I met in the year of 2005 on the trail,thank you.Chubster
Date: 2005-12-25
From: Hobe Sound FL

To: Hobe Sound FL
Miles today: 0.0

Merry christmas to the class of 2005 and all those who have singned my guest book. I'm currently down in sunny Florida ( wreslting alligators )and visiting my family for the holidays.I would also like to wish the class of 2006 good luck in their upcoming adventure yes I'm a little jealous. Anyways I will be out on the trail this summer in Southern New England doing some trail magic. Can not wait to meet some of the characters who will walk this great trail.Chubster 10   Gators 2 (fingers that is). Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas everyoneYour friend Chubster
Date: 2005-12-30
From: Hobe Sound FL

To: Westfield MA
Miles today: 0.0

I just want to wish the class of 2006 the very best. If I could give just one helpful hint to those doing a thru hike. Some days you will feel like quitting, but wait one more day and things will get better. It is important to remember that you have thought about a thru hike for a long time. You have also have done a great deal of preparation so just dig deep and you will be sucessful. Your friend Chubster 2005. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Date: 2006-01-13
From: Westfield MA

To: Mt Willey New Hampshire
Miles today: 16.0

Good morning to everyone. The old saying old soldiers don't die they just fade away. Well old or younger hikers just keep hiking!. Yesterday I hiked my first meaningful hike since I finished my thru hike on October 9th, 2005.Way back when I had started to hike the 48-4000' footers in New Hampshire. Well yesterday I finished my 40th mountain, when I hiked Mt Willey (4285). It is near Crawford Notch in NH, and in the month of January there is snow. At the lower elevation there was not much snow, but at higher elevations I was happy that I had my cramptons. I met one other hiker all day and we had a great conversation about hiking. When I reached the summit of Willey it was a wonderful feeling. It was perfectly clear day and I could see Mt Washington in all her glory. It was a grand day and it brought back so many memories of last year. I hope to all my fellow hikers happy hiking and hopefully I will see some of you on the trail or on a Mt top. Chubsters (TH 2005).
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Work

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

1 year later and you guessed it I have Springer Fever. It was March 8,2005 and I was walking up the approach trail to Springer MT. My Dad had dropped me off and it was a miserable and snowy day. I spent my first night .03 at the first shelter on the AT. I write this entry for the simple reason that I would like to wish the class of 2006 the very best on their thru hikes. I can remember the strength and the excitement of my first weeks on the trail. I can remember all the wonderful people that I met and all the things that I learned. I can honestly say that it was the best memories of my life. You will have times that you will ask your self why am I doing this. I will say that the good days will out number the bad days. I can remember that the days of Spring jumped into the warm days of Summer and eventually Autumn and I was climbing Katahdin and my quest was over. Yes one year later I can reflect what you are all going through. My words of inspiration are one step at a time and 5 million steps later you will have live your dream just like I did. The best to all Chubster
Date: 2006-03-09
To: none
Miles today: 0.0

I was reading some journals today and I reflected back to my thru hike of last year. It is really a funny feeling just to think about all of the things that the class of 2006 are going thru. I can remember some of the same things that they are encountering. Although it seems so long ago. I would like to say to all of you great hikers keep going and the best of luck. I had a big surprise today. A friend of my mine sent me a copy of the 2006 Thru Hiker Guide by old Wingfoot and my name was found in the acknowlegements. I thank you, I had talked to Dan about a place in Great Barrington, take care Chubster 2005.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: none

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Just a up lifting message to all of you out there on the AT. Last year at this time I was right around Troutville and I was about a third of the way toward my goal of the big K. I was tired , but happy to be in VA. I would like to shout out a big keep going and good luck. Chubster 2005.