THRU HIKER SEASON BEGINS

Heading for the Smokys and looking forward to patrolling the AT for the 10th year. Should be a great year. I am expecting to see many repeaters and meeting new hikers. Visit my blog for updates, photos and posts.
Keep Hiking,
Carl
aka KY Greybeard
GA ME '99
PCT '08

Balsam Mtn Campground Pics

This is how we set up our camper for 8 weeks as Campground Hosts. It worked out better than we expected and overall, we spent many happy hours meeting and greeting other campers.

More Camper Friends on Balsam Mountain

This couple shared their Glacier NP experiences with us and after we got home we received a pack of valuable information (maps, brochures, NP news)from them. Thank you Veronica and John. We are seriously considering a Glacier NP vacation.

Wildlife Management in the Smokys

Wild hogs (ferrell) are not native to the GSMNP and the Park service works diligently to reduce the footprint made by them. There were 4 traps up on Balsam Mountain and because of Carl's due diligence - we caught 4 in the 8 weeks we were Camp Hosts.
This Boar was the largest critter (approx. 250lbs) we caught.

Side trips on Blue Ridge Parkway

Our campground host schedule gave us 2 days off per week. In all our trips and hiking/backpacking in the Smoky Mountain NP and the Shenandoah NP, we had never driven on the Blue Ridge Parkway. So, we took a couple of days and drove north to explore the overlooks, falls and mountain range. We ate lunch at the Pisgah Lodge, hiked Linville Falls, Waterrock Knob, and Mount Mitchell overlook. Unfortunately, the weather was not very friendly so we did not get to do as much as we would have liked. Here are a couple of photos from the Parkway.

Local Maggie Valley Campers

We met and became friends with Darlene & Danny, a couple of motorcycle campers who often rode up from Maggie Valley to camp and some days just to picnic at the historic picnic area on Balsam. They always stopped by our campsite to say hello. Good luck Danny and Darlene.

New friends from our home state -Kentucky

Lois & Danny from Munfordsville, KY camped in their ALiner across from the Host site. It was great talking with them and we look forward to meeting up with them in Louisville.
Thanks Lois for showing us the best way to slice a Cantaoupe.

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