Balsam Stars

Emma, Peyton, Grace & Joel = Balsam Stars.
Our last week as camp hosts we were treated to a genuine outdoor performance - Balsam Mountains first and only program this year. These "super stars" put together a multi-act play in the Campground Circle. We had the privilege of sitting on the front row. Everyone were treated to Oreo cookies but the highlight of the night were the star performers.

Balsam Campground Families

Thanks for the hugs kids - this grandmother was missing her grandchildren.

We really enjoyed chatting with Jim & Gayla from MS. We discussed owl sounds and talked about birds, trees and outdoor beauty.

Anna and Murray camped across from our camper. Thanks for sharing and spending time with us and also for the spices Anna.

This is the Granderson family. These kids were a pleasure to have in the campground.

AT Ridgerunner Seasonal Job

At the close of Carl's 9th season as an Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner, we discussed whether or not this would be the last year. The job was rewarding as we met many hikers and built lasting friendships but we seriously considered not going back in 2012. Around the second week as camp hosts for Balsam Campground, Phyllis, Morgan and Melissa surprised us with a visit. Between them and George and his wife coming up the following week we began rethinking that decision.
We have notified the ATC that we will be available for next RR season.
Keep hiking,
Carl

More 'camper' friends

We enjoyed several days getting to know Don & Lois Leonard. The true reward of hosting the campground was meeting great people like the Leonards.

Manager Ranger Jack Campbell

Balsam Mountain Campground is managed by Jack Campbell. After spending more than 7 weeks as campground hosts, we believe that the high quality of the campground is the direct result of Jack's efforts.

Photo of Carl, Jack and John French, former camp host.

Balsam Mountain Friends

Don Moen is one of our NEW friends. We really enjoyed talking with Don as we made our rounds throughout the day. Don always asked if we needed anything from the Valley when he went down. Don is one of those "easy" to talk with individuals. Hopefully we will meet up again some day.


















Levi camped with his grandparents, Ray & Donna. He also helped check the hog traps every morning. The Giles are great people from West Point, TN.














Dan & Sarah Shaffer. A wonderful young couple from Ohio. Dan made us each a rope bracelet. We will also have a 'bit' of rope when we need it. Thanks Dan & Sarah.

Troy & Wanda Brown - hikers and trail maintainers.

Balsam Mountain Campground Volunteer Hosts

For the next few days we will upload photos and post our experiences on Balsam Mountain. We have enjoyed meeting many wonderful people and made new friends among the 'camping community'. This was our first time as Campground Host and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity. Not only did we make new friends, we enjoyed great (cool and comfortable) weather and saw a wide variety of wildlife up close and personal. On a scale from 1 to 10 (ten being the best) - hosting at Balsam Campground was a #10.

Stay tuned -

Your Campground Hosts, Shirley & Carl

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

Hikers best friend!

From my PCT journey comes an old friend. Most long distance hikers will recognize Gordon Smith and his van full of Gatorade. Gordon is now supporting a thru-hiker doing the AT. I appreciated Gordon taking the time to stop by and see me on my day off. Gordon is probably the most knowledgeable shuttler for long distance hikers.

I met Gordon and his celebrated charge, "Nimblewill Nomad" on the PCT at Kennedy Meadows right before we entered the High Sierras. 'Nomad's' exploits in long distance hiking make me feel like my hikes are nature walks in a local park. He has hiked more miles than anybody, by far, that I have ever met or encountered on the trail. My introduction to Gordon was through that Gatorade-filled van of his. Hikers always know that his van provides a cold drink and/or a town-shuttle when most needed. Happy trails Gordon and a sincere thanks from us, often foot-weary, travelers.

Keep hiking,

Carl (aka KY Greybeard)

Spring 2011 Thoughts

Spring hiking season 2011 has gone well to this point. I have cleared all old blowdowns on my section of the past winter from Fontana Dam trailhead to Spence Field in the Smoky Mountains National Park.
I have worked this section for nine seasons now with an occasional week in the northern end of the Park. I have come to regard the section out of Fontana as my own and get a lot of satisfaction when I often hear from the hikers how good the trails are here and so clear of debris.
This past week I went north of Spence Field to Derrick Knob Shelter to clear the blowdowns across the trail in that section. So many downed trees slow and drain the hikers of energy.
This season I have been collecting plastic bottles from shelters and along the trail which I fill with all sorts of paper, plastic and cans which I smash and stuff into the empty plastic bottles picked up. I plan to eventually post a photo of them to remind hikers of the need for LNT (Leave No Trace) practices in the backcountry. Each bottle will hold 10 times or more what could be put in a plastic bag and takes up much less room in a backpack; and the mice can't get to the trash.
I meet so many, interesting people including "Chef Dave" who looks to be carrying more than most. I took his picture and asked if he objected to me posting it. He agreed (see older post) and told me his pack weight was down to about 90 lbs. I was astonished. Then he then said he left Springer with about 120 lbs. All I can say is 'whatever floats your boat'.
You gotta love the hiker community.
Keep hiking,
Carl (aka KY Greybeard)