WELCOME

Thank you for logging on. It is hoped that you will enjoy reading about our outdoor experiences from the Appalachian Trail in the East to the Pacific Crest Trail in the West and everything in between. If you have questions about Carl's gear or need information on backcountry hiking, the AT and/or PCT, don't hesitate to email either one of us: sgoodman5815@gmail.com or goodmanATRidgerunner@gmail.com.




8/16/11

2011 RR Season Ends & Balsam Mtn Camp Hosting Begins











We enjoyed a delicious carrot cake from The Country's Best Carrot Cake.





Thanks to all the folks at Fontana Village Resort.



















On Tuesday, 17 May, our daughter, Anna, and son-in-law, Dave, their 3 children, Shirley & I walked up to the Grill at Fontana Village Resort and much to my surprise I see Melissa Coburn, Pam Rodgers, our friends Bernice & Roger Dunton sitting in the Grill. They, along with Phyllis Henry, Mac McNutt and others totally surprised me with a celebration for my 70th birthday. Thanks to all of you who emailed birthday greetings.

It was a beautiful Spring and, as usual, a rewarding AT thru-hiker season. I counted more thru-hikers (over a thousand) than any of the previous eight seasons as a Ridgerunner; and, it was great to see so many enjoying the awesome Smoky Mountains with the hope of reaching Katadin in the next few months.

My RR season ended on May 30th and after a few short weeks, Shirley and I began a NEW adventure. We became Campground Hosts at the Balsam Mountain Campground; a 'jewel' of a campgound and the highest in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at 5,300 ft.

Keep hiking,

Carl, aka, KY Greybeard

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