"Willow"

'Willow' is a Plot-Terrier mix and a Service Dog trained to sense and warn his master of potential problems with blood sugar levels, amazing. She is the best behaving dog I have ever encountered on the trail, never barking, staying seated and always attentive of his master's movements while just sitting and generally following  "M80" (trail name) with his head and eyes.
  For those interested The Plot Hound is arguably the most celebrated bear hunting dog anywhere and was  bred (developed) on Plot Mountain (named after the Plot Hound's breeder) near the Smoky Mountain area.

The trash from my second week of the 2013 Season, as Ridgerunner in the Smokies.  Among other things take note of the jeans with the legs and waste taped shut and the result containing a variety of food including oatmeal, Ramen, nuts and chocolates. The jeans were then tossed about ten feet into a tree. This of course was to keep black bears from getting it. He knows his black bears!  This is a thoughtless act and provides no consideration for back country etiquette (LNT principles).  At least the soggy mess found its way out of the back country and into a trash can.

Keep Hiking,

Carl

Egor

This is Egor. He is a young Russion hiker/adventurer. His treking renders most long distance hikers "babes in the woods". He has hiked in so many countries, had so many experiences for one so young.He will follow his current AT thru hike with going to Columbia, having hiked previously thru Nepal and Europe. Egor is a bright young man who could be the "boy next door" but with an adventurous spirit and "the other side of the mountain always in his sites."
Keep hiking,
Carl

2013 AT RR Season Week 1

My first week in the Smokies was cold, white and deep--Approximately 12” of snow when I got to Mollies Ridge on Sunday. The next storm may dump another 8” for my hike up on Thursday. There are numerous thru-hikers holding up here at Fontana Lodge to wait out the storm. A hiker jam is looming for Thursday.

In spite of hardships caused by the snow the beauty is overwhelming (as you can see in these photos).

More updates to come.

Keep hiking,

Carl

2013 Ridgerunner Season

The official 2013 RR Season in the Smokies has begun.  We had a good hike orientation and a pre-patrol hike to Cosby Shelter in the rain (Appropriate); with Andrew, the Georgia RRs and the Van Horns who will again help the three of us cover the AT for the Season.  This is a parting photo of Trey, Billy and me, left top to right, before we begin our patrols.  It’s going to be a great season.

Keep hiking,

Carl

2013 AT Ridgerunner Season Begins

Getting ready to report for my 11th AT RR Season at the end of this month. Will keep the blog updated as time permits.  New changes for overnight stays in the Great Smoky Mountain NP back country are to begin this year.

Ending Greenbelt Camp Host

Our time at Greenbelt Park is fast coming to an end. We have enjoyed the high canopy and dense shade from the huge Poplars, and abundance of Oaks, Hickorys and Walnut trees which account for a lot of squirrels.
The black squirrels, we're told, were brought down from Canada and escaped from the National Zoo. They are seen here in the park and are a pleasure to watch. We often see raccoon, opossum in the headlights of our truck as we are closing the gates in the various areas. Occasionally, a fox will show up during our closing rounds.
We have particularly enjoyed the numerous deer in the park, often 4 or more at a time and counting 25+ in the evening at Sweetgum Picnic area is not unusual.

Every Tree Tells a Story

Every Tree Tells a Story
During a visit to the National Arboretum, Shirley and I walked up to the Capitol Columns on display. Along the path to the columns, removed in 1958 for an addition, are 'trees of note' pictured on informational signs.
Of interest to us was the sign featuring a stately old Beech, a testament to its durability, having survived the numerous initials carved into it. The tree is part of the continuing legacy of the Parks and connecting Parkways designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in Louisville, KY. Although more famous for designing New York's Central Park, Olmsted left his mark on the Louisville parks system.
Since moving to Louisville at age 13, I have enjoyed the hiking the trails through the beautiful parks.

Another post on Greenbelt NCP

Greenbelt National Capitol Park:  An economical Capitol tourist bargain! 1,100 acres of dense woods with very tall Poplars, Oak, Hickory and Maples providing an old growth canopy and just 12 miles from Washington, D.C.
The wildlife consists of fox, coon, numerous squirrel (including black squirrel) and deer. There are great woodland trails to enjoy and the Smithsonean Museums are conveniently near.

Shirley and I have enjoyed the park and numerous trips to the Capitol..a must see for all Americans.

Mid-way Point Greenbelt Campground Hosts

We are half way through our Camp Host volunteer summer gig. Greenbelt National Capitol Park East is located at 6565 Greenbelt Rd in Greenbelt, MD. If you want to visit D.C. and have a beautiful, convenient place to set up camp while visiting the National museums and/or memorials, this is the place. The camp sites are spacious and the cost is reasonible.  $16 per night for tent or RVs.  There is, of course, no hookups because it is a National Park but there are hot showers in either of the 4 loops A, B, C and D.  Generators are allowed from 6 am to 10:00 pm.  C loop is for tent camping only. "A" loop is designated for Boy Scout troop stays.  B & D loops are suitable for RVs and tents.  The Campground is 12 miles from the White House. Transportation via the Metro is the way to go.  Greenbelt Metro Station and College Park are just a couple miles from the Campground entrance.