Hello folks:
After 16 Seasons, I am still ridgerunning and, as this updated photo depicts, standing at the Fontana Trailhead, but no longer accessible due to COVID19. I have done 2 weeks patrols this season and have been sheltering in place off Trail in Fontana Village, tasking for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy; since the virus has dominated our lives. I am appreciative of the ATC for its continued concern and commitment to all who tread the Trail while the ATC continues working hard to preserve and protect the AT for future generations to come.
I often think as I work off trail, how difficult it was for this seasons thru hikers to leave the trail after committing so much time in preparing for "their hike of a lifetime". I look back on my preparations for my own AT thru hike and cringe at the thought. I reared a family, and retired before I could realize that dream I had when I first realized what that White Blaze I was seeing on the trees was about. I knew it was a trail marker as I day hiked north from Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains. It was The Trail, It goes to Maine my buddy said and I was hooked right then. I had a dream; I did realize my dream and hope the same for you..
A thankful old 1999 thru hiker/Ridgerunner, Carl, AKA Greybeard.
Keep hiking.
