The Dam Trail

4/29/2015
     Fontana Dam has been closed to vehicular traffic for the entire season, although it may yet be opened before the end of May.  It has never, in twelve seasons, been closed this long.  Many section, weekend and day hikers are disappointed as am I; and for me, it means walking that extra 3/4 mile 2 to 4 times every week.
     Oh well!  It just makes me arrive about thirty minutes later at my destination and does not affect the thru-hikers.  And Maintenance is actually what keeps the wheels turning.
     This is a photo of the Dam this past Sunday morning around 0700 when I walked across on my way to the trailhead.
Keep hiking,
Carl, ATC Ridgerunner
aka KY Greybeard
GAME '99
PCT 2008

    

LEAVE NO TRACE - "REALLY"

4/17/2015  I love to meet folk who show or talk about trash and litter they have picked up along the trail or at Shelters they have passed from Springer; people who must look ahead to a time when sons and daughters, or grandchildren will come to our wild lands to discover this 'treasure' we know, and love, as the Appalachian Trail. 
    Today, I met two young thru-hikers, Seth Orme, (Cap) and Joe Dehnert (Loose), at Spence Field, who have dedicated themselves to gathering what 'unthinking' others have left behind.  These two are weighing and logging poundage as they deposit their collection at points along the way.  They had carried a bag of tent poles weighing 6 lbs., (among other trash and litter), from south of Mollies to drop off at Clingman's.
    "Cap" and "Loose" represent the epitome of all LNT practitioners.  www.PackingItOut.blogspot.com.  By the way, I offered to carry out the tent poles to lighten their load since, I am sure, they would be adding to their cache between Mollies and the "Dome".
Keep hiking,
Carl, aka KY Greybeard
AT RR
GAME '99
PCT 2008

"SAR" - Search & Rescue

4/20/2015
     I took part in a SAR on 4/4 this year and, as is sometimes the case, an individual just needs rest or provisions and a little assistance, and is not actually injured or lost.  Such was the case on the 4th of April when 3 hikers over extended themselves. 
     On Monday, the 20th, I was reminded of a SAR several years ago when I ran in to Amy Allen.  She was heading North and I was heading South, finishing up another RR week in the Smokies.  I had met Amy at about this time 10 years ago, "or more", when she had twisted her ankle and was stuck at Russell Field Shelter.  Other hikers had contacted Park officials who contacted me requesting I evaluate and assist is possible.  Together, we determined Amy just could not safely hike down to Cades Cove carrying her pack.
     I left my pack at Russell, locked up in the Maintainer Box, took her pack, and walked her down to Cades.  She thanked me, I returned her pack, and I hiked back to Russell.
     On this encounter, Amy let me know that she was the individual I had helped hike out and that 8 days later she recovered, got back on the trail and eventually completed her thru-hike.  Then she informed me that she had written a book and said,"You're in it."
     I am looking forward to getting a copy of "Summoning the Mountains" by Amy Allen.  Also, I was not surprised to learn she and I have a mutual friend in legendary long distance hiker, Nimblewill "Nomad" whom I hiked with in 2008 on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).  I was honored, encouraged and hold memories, not so different from Amy's on THAT PCT thru-hike.
     I am blessed, and pleased to know I have, on occasion, literally helped someone have a better day!
Keep hiking,
Carl Goodman, aka KY Greybeard
GAME '99
PCT '2008

"Animal" Passed thru-hiking Again

4/15/2015
I missed 'Animal' this year.  He is one of my perennial favorites.  He carries all his food in a 5 gallon bucket which he has carried to Katahdin several times.  He is one tough individual.  This photo is his 2012 thru-hiker.
  Welcome back 'Animal'.  Sorry I missed you.
Keep hiking,
Carl, aka KY Greybeard
GAME 1999
PCT 2008

A FAMILY GREETING

3/16/2015
  I met a young man of Korean decent, Eric, I think was his name.  We talked as we hiked down the trail.  I found myself remembering and relating experiences I had with several young Korean men whom I got to know through a Korean Airman I met while stationed at Kunsan Air Force Base - 1964.  I had so many good times there.
  I related to Eric a family welcome at a Korean home like no other.  I received a "greeting" (verbally and with a bow) from every member of the family in traditional dress; about 15 family members in all. 
  The encounter began with the smallest little girl through the grandmama-san, repeated with the males, ending with the grandpapa-san in splendid white attire complete with very high, white stovepipe hat and snow white Fu manchu beard.
  The experience was a wonderful, once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.
Keep hiking,
Carl, aka KY Greybeard
GAME 1999
PCT 2008

FRIENDS OF THE SMOKIES

I was pleased to meet a group of 5 day hikers at Russell Field, and not just any day hikers but members of the "FRIENDS OF THE SMOKIES" and members of "MARGARET STEVENS 900 MILERS".  I hope I got that correct.
They, in part are helping in many ways to preserve the Smokies for generations to come in as natural way as possible.  I 'SALUTE' you!
Keep hiking,
Carl Goodman, aka KY Greybeard
GA/ME 1999
PCT 2008

I THANK "YOU"

Occasionally I receive cards from thru-hikers who passed in the Spring, trekking through the Smokies, Katahdin bound.  I was particularly pleased to receive a card from Chris Minnich and Jamie Ratchford because during training for our 2015 spring patrols, we are told, as Ridgerunners, we are Ambassadors, representing the ATC and the Park Service.
Hearing from thru-hikers is always a pleasure, but to know you have in any way made their hike better, is very rewarding.
"Studmuffin", "Glorious Laughter", I THANK YOU!