Which places/sights are worth stopping for?

Traffic Jam · Feb 24th 2015, 7:21am

hikerboy wrote:

they just changed the site description due to some intervention by lw and myself . they serve section hikers and thrus the same if they arrive and leave on foot. sectio n hikers that travel there by car have higher rates.

Thanks for clearing that up. Can someone explain to me why driving in gets a higher rate? Does that mean just a parking fee or higher lodge rates?

hikerboy · Feb 24th 2015, 8:04am

TrafficJam wrote:

hikerboy wrote:

they just changed the site description due to some intervention by lw and myself . they serve section hikers and thrus the same if they arrive and leave on foot. sectio n hikers that travel there by car have higher rates.

Thanks for clearing that up. Can someone explain to me why driving in gets a higher rate? Does that mean just a parking fee or higher lodge rates?

they offer support at a discount to hikers that are hiking through, whether theyre section hikers or thru hikers, not to people who simply drive there, which i think is understandable.
steve bennet "Mike & David, where section hikers and Thru-hikers arrive on foot there is no difference in the charge, where section hikers arrive in their own vehicle there is a $5.00, difference. The Lodge subsidizes all hikers and is willing to do so, however in our past experience we have come across section hikers (using their own vehicle) arrive for a cheap vacation stay in a well appointed Lodge, they bring their own food or dine out or arrive in the Lodge with carry out food, the $5.00 is a tiny surcharge for all the additional cleaning we have to do when they leave. The website does not explain that very well and we will correct that, thank you for your question. Steve & Maggie

Traffic Jam · Feb 24th 2015, 8:36am

hikerboy wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

hikerboy wrote:

they just changed the site description due to some intervention by lw and myself . they serve section hikers and thrus the same if they arrive and leave on foot. sectio n hikers that travel there by car have higher rates.

Thanks for clearing that up. Can someone explain to me why driving in gets a higher rate? Does that mean just a parking fee or higher lodge rates?

they offer support at a discount to hikers that are hiking through, whether theyre section hikers or thru hikers, not to people who simply drive there, which i think is understandable.
steve bennet "Mike & David, where section hikers and Thru-hikers arrive on foot there is no difference in the charge, where section hikers arrive in their own vehicle there is a $5.00, difference. The Lodge subsidizes all hikers and is willing to do so, however in our past experience we have come across section hikers (using their own vehicle) arrive for a cheap vacation stay in a well appointed Lodge, they bring their own food or dine out or arrive in the Lodge with carry out food, the $5.00 is a tiny surcharge for all the additional cleaning we have to do when they leave. The website does not explain that very well and we will correct that, thank you for your question. Steve & Maggie

Sorry, still scratching my head over that one. A section hiker who drives in is less likely to use the laundry facilities, need the spare change of clothes, and will probably bring their own toiletries...I think the extra $5 could be deducted for those reasons alone. But I guess it's a lot harder to clean up after a section hiker than a stinky, contaminated with who-knows-what thru hiker. Oh well, it's their facility they can charge what they want . I agree it looks like a really nice place.

OzJacko · Feb 24th 2015, 8:59am

It's an acknowledgment in a way that the food is a part of the profit margin. I have absolutely no problem with it. I think it makes a lot of sense. They're not dear.

Traffic Jam · Feb 24th 2015, 9:18am

OzJacko wrote:

It's an acknowledgment in a way that the food is a part of the profit margin. I have absolutely no problem with it. I think it makes a lot of sense. They're not dear.

I agree that food seems to be the reason but if that's such a big concern, why advertise for the pizza delivery place? Isn't a thru hiker more apt to order pizza than pay for lodge food? I'm just confused. Usually you read about thru hikers being cheap and that lodges/hostels do better with section hikers, not the other way around. I realize I'm beating a dead horse, I sure wish I were out hiking right now.

hikerboy · Feb 24th 2015, 9:23am

TrafficJam wrote:

OzJacko wrote:

It's an acknowledgment in a way that the food is a part of the profit margin. I have absolutely no problem with it. I think it makes a lot of sense. They're not dear.

I agree that food seems to be the reason but if that's such a big concern, why advertise for the pizza delivery place? Isn't a thru hiker more apt to order pizza than pay for lodge food? I'm just confused. Usually you read about thru hikers being cheap and that lodges/hostels do better with section hikers, not the other way around. I realize I'm beating a dead horse, I sure wish I were out hiking right now.

okay lets make it simple. they have standard rates. if you arrive and leave on foot, you get a $5 discount.

Traffic Jam · Feb 24th 2015, 10:09am

hikerboy wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

OzJacko wrote:

It's an acknowledgment in a way that the food is a part of the profit margin. I have absolutely no problem with it. I think it makes a lot of sense. They're not dear.

I agree that food seems to be the reason but if that's such a big concern, why advertise for the pizza delivery place? Isn't a thru hiker more apt to order pizza than pay for lodge food? I'm just confused. Usually you read about thru hikers being cheap and that lodges/hostels do better with section hikers, not the other way around. I realize I'm beating a dead horse, I sure wish I were out hiking right now.

okay lets make it simple. they have standard rates. if you arrive and leave on foot, you get a $5 discount.

I realize that HB. I was looking for clarification on the bitching that I always read concerning thru hikers being cheap. I was wondering if section hikers are just as bad. $5 doesn't mean shlt to me, I've paid more at other hostels because I was a section hiker.

Da Wolf · Feb 24th 2015, 10:21am

thru-hikers ARE cheap asses. they expect discounts. they deserve NO discounts or special favors. they're on vacation

Socks · Feb 24th 2015, 10:23am

hikerboy wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

OzJacko wrote:

It's an acknowledgment in a way that the food is a part of the profit margin. I have absolutely no problem with it. I think it makes a lot of sense. They're not dear.

I agree that food seems to be the reason but if that's such a big concern, why advertise for the pizza delivery place? Isn't a thru hiker more apt to order pizza than pay for lodge food? I'm just confused. Usually you read about thru hikers being cheap and that lodges/hostels do better with section hikers, not the other way around. I realize I'm beating a dead horse, I sure wish I were out hiking right now.

okay lets make it simple. they have standard rates. if you arrive and leave on foot, you get a $5 discount.

They'd never make it in the car sales business.

Grinder · Feb 24th 2015, 11:06am

Not too far north of Harpers Ferry the AT passes through the South Mountain battlefield. A precursor to the battle of Sharpsburg (or Antietam if you must). The Sharpsburg battlefield isn't terribly far off the trail itself. Provided you're interested in history, that is.

Blue Jay La Fey · Feb 24th 2015, 12:34pm

max.patch wrote:

all towns are great. some are greater than others, but they're all great.

I completely agree, over the years I've tried everyone. Love then all, never a bad experience. Southerners Rock.

Blue Jay La Fey · Feb 24th 2015, 12:52pm

LDog wrote:

Nah, that's bullh*t. If anyone thinks that a place like Kincora can be left to run on autopilot with the assumption that hikers will do the right thing, well then he's a fool, because we know a large percentage of them won't.

As much as I hate to disagree with you my friend, I have to agree with Jack on this one. Bob is no fool, if you find a "historic" place to stay (my words), that does not meet you requirements just move on, it's not like we walked there that far. I completely respect and understand your opinion and the fact that you helped and agree with the fact that large percentage do not help. You have to know I have a "rule" to try to never bad mouth a service provider on the AT as over the years I've hit them all at one time or another and every single one that no longer exists I miss very much. I tried to disagree with your list and all I could find was Johnny is your Uncle and he's not Little.

LDog · Feb 24th 2015, 1:11pm

Blue Jay La Fey wrote:

LDog wrote:

Nah, that's bullh*t. If anyone thinks that a place like Kincora can be left to run on autopilot with the assumption that hikers will do the right thing, well then he's a fool, because we know a large percentage of them won't.

As much as I hate to disagree with you my friend, I have to agree with Jack on this one. Bob is no fool, if you find a "historic" place to stay (my words), that does not meet you requirements just move on, it's not like we walked there that far. I completely respect and understand your opinion and the fact that you helped and agree with the fact that large percentage do not help. You have to know I have a "rule" to try to never bad mouth a service provider on the AT as over the years I've hit them all at one time or another and every single one that no longer exists I miss very much.

Well, I did not mean to badmouth Bob. That comment up there was in response to Jack's comment. I had a wonderful visit with Bob. We talked late into the evening. I love him for his service, and what he does for the trail. I just wish he had some help to keep the place right.

appalachiantrailcafe.net/index…d449b70054f9c454bb902a69d appalachiantrailcafe.net/index…d449b70054f9c454bb902a69d

I tried to disagree with your list and all I could find was Johnny is your Uncle and he's not Little.

Oooops ... fixed.

Da Wolf · Feb 24th 2015, 1:19pm

love Bob too, dislike the hostel. Braemar Castle is much better

max.patch · Feb 24th 2015, 1:20pm

Blue Jay La Fey wrote:

I tried to disagree with your list and all I could find was Johnny is your Uncle and he's not Little.

i believe uncle johnny has gotten a lot of negative press at tos over the years that was not warranted.

most hikers like miss janet. as a way to "pump up her business" hikers would post complaints about uncle johnny. i noticed as soon as miss janet got out of the hostel business in erwin that the compaints about uncle johnny stopped. conincidence? i don't think so.

Da Wolf · Feb 24th 2015, 1:31pm

lotta blind faith in j

Astro · Feb 24th 2015, 1:36pm

max.patch wrote:

Blue Jay La Fey wrote:

I tried to disagree with your list and all I could find was Johnny is your Uncle and he's not Little.

i believe uncle johnny has gotten a lot of negative press at tos over the years that was not warranted.

most hikers like miss janet. as a way to "pump up her business" hikers would post complaints about uncle johnny. i noticed as soon as miss janet got out of the hostel business in erwin that the compaints about uncle johnny stopped. conincidence? i don't think so.

I had a positive experience at Uncle Johnny's back in 2013. And you can not beat how it was right on the trail. :thumbup:

max.patch · Feb 24th 2015, 1:42pm

Astro wrote:

max.patch wrote:

Blue Jay La Fey wrote:

I tried to disagree with your list and all I could find was Johnny is your Uncle and he's not Little.

i believe uncle johnny has gotten a lot of negative press at tos over the years that was not warranted.

most hikers like miss janet. as a way to "pump up her business" hikers would post complaints about uncle johnny. i noticed as soon as miss janet got out of the hostel business in erwin that the compaints about uncle johnny stopped. conincidence? i don't think so.

I had a positive experience at Uncle Johnny's back in 2013. And you can not beat how it was right on the trail.

uncle johnny's did not exist when i thru'd. i'm looking forward to checking his place out in person.

hikerboy · Feb 24th 2015, 1:46pm

I stayed at uncle johnnies in13.only benefit is town shuttle and slackpacking opportunities. Last year I camped at the campground across the river

Socks · Feb 24th 2015, 2:31pm

By no means (easy means anyway) on the trail, but if you've never been before, I hear Washington D.C. makes for a great day trip, New York city too.

LDog · Feb 24th 2015, 4:37pm

max.patch wrote:

Blue Jay La Fey wrote:

I tried to disagree with your list and all I could find was Johnny is your Uncle and he's not Little.

i believe uncle johnny has gotten a lot of negative press at tos over the years that was not warranted.

most hikers like miss janet. as a way to "pump up her business" hikers would post complaints about uncle johnny. i noticed as soon as miss janet got out of the hostel business in erwin that the compaints about uncle johnny stopped. conincidence? i don't think so.

I remember those comments on tos. Didn't deter me from staying there in '13. Great visit, Got a reasonably priced shuttle to/from Trail Days.

I don't doubt your analysis. Miss Janet does have her fan base.

Traffic Jam · Feb 24th 2015, 4:50pm

I enjoyed staying at Uncle Johnnys last year. But I'm easy to please. As long as it's relatively clean, I'm happy.

OzJacko · Feb 24th 2015, 9:07pm

Uncle Johnny's had norovirus issues in 2013 (we knew of at least 2 sufferers there the night before we hit town). We stayed in a hotel. Erwin is a bit of a pain to get around in. Nice views in and out on the trail is my best memory.
Stayed at Braemar instead of Kincora. No regrets on that decision. Bob seems a nice guy, met him on trail with a work crew. I wish he lived in northern PA.

LIhikers · Feb 25th 2015, 12:56am

I've never been on the AT south of Harper's Ferry, but if you find yourself in New England make sure to go to the top of Killington Mt, the view is great.
Plus you can watch the down hill bicyclists that go up on the ski lift and then go screaming down the mountain on special bikes.
Straton Pond was really nice too, great place to cool off on a hot summer's day.

OzJacko · Feb 25th 2015, 1:39am

Race Mountain area when the blueberries are ripe. A special treat.

LIhikers · Feb 25th 2015, 3:06am

Hmmm, wild blueberries.
I remember me and Kathy eating our way across PA a couple of summer's hikes.
And then there's the blueberry farm just off the AT. I think that was in Pittsfield, Mass.

CoachLou · Feb 25th 2015, 8:44am

LIhikers wrote:

Hmmm, wild blueberries.
I remember me and Kathy eating our way across PA a couple of summer's hikes.
And then there's the blueberry farm just off the AT. I think that was in Pittsfield, Mass.

Just north of Goose Pond / U.S. 20

Traffic Jam · Feb 25th 2015, 8:50am

I feel guilty when I eat wild blueberries, like I'm taking food from the bears. They are so good though.

OzJacko · Feb 25th 2015, 8:53am

Payback for the badly hung bags.

Da Wolf · Feb 25th 2015, 9:11am

TrafficJam wrote:

I feel guilty when I eat wild blueberries, like I'm taking food from the bears. They are so good though.

seriously?

Traffic Jam · Feb 25th 2015, 9:27am

Da Wolf wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

I feel guilty when I eat wild blueberries, like I'm taking food from the bears. They are so good though.

seriously?

Yes, especially when the mast crop is bad.

Da Wolf · Feb 25th 2015, 9:46am

what is a mast crop?

Traffic Jam · Feb 25th 2015, 9:52am

Da Wolf wrote:

what is a mast crop?

acorns and other tree fruits.

3 or 4 years ago the smokies had a bad mast crop and very little rain so bad berry crop. I passed some berry bushes and there weren't but 10 berries on them. I met up with about 8 scouts who told me they ate the berries. The Bears were a real nuisance that year and the next year. So I don't eat berries.

Edit, okay there were 9 berries, I ate one. But just ONE!

Drybones · Feb 25th 2015, 2:27pm

SandyofPA wrote:

I would like to mention Moutain Harbor B&B and Chef Mary's incredable breakfast. I paid to camp in a horse ring just to enjoy it! The hostel was full.

I agree about Mountain Harbour, my favorite....I got to sleep in the barn loft though.

Drybones · Feb 25th 2015, 2:30pm

TrafficJam wrote:

Da Wolf wrote:

TrafficJam wrote:

I feel guilty when I eat wild blueberries, like I'm taking food from the bears. They are so good though.

seriously?

Yes, especially when the mast crop is bad.

It seems to go in a cycle with a bumper crop every three years or so.

Drybones · Feb 25th 2015, 2:32pm

TrafficJam wrote:

I feel guilty when I eat wild blueberries, like I'm taking food from the bears. They are so good though.

I'm a heartless bast*** when I'm hungry.

Traffic Jam · Feb 25th 2015, 6:42pm

Drybones wrote:

SandyofPA wrote:

I would like to mention Moutain Harbor B&B and Chef Mary's incredable breakfast. I paid to camp in a horse ring just to enjoy it! The hostel was full.

I agree about Mountain Harbour, my favorite....I got to sleep in the barn loft though.

Me too. I didn't realize there were horses below me until the next day. The barn cat hung out with me for part of the night.

Drybones · Feb 25th 2015, 8:58pm

TrafficJam wrote:

Drybones wrote:

SandyofPA wrote:

I would like to mention Moutain Harbor B&B and Chef Mary's incredable breakfast. I paid to camp in a horse ring just to enjoy it! The hostel was full.

I agree about Mountain Harbour, my favorite....I got to sleep in the barn loft though.

Me too. I didn't realize there were horses below me until the next day. The barn cat hung out with me for part of the night.

Those were some pretty big goats he had also. I really liked the owners, nice down home folks, and the breakfast was fantastic.

LDog · Feb 26th 2015, 1:04am

SandyofPA wrote:

I would like to mention Moutain Harbor B&B and Chef Mary's incredable breakfast. I paid to camp in a horse ring just to enjoy it! The hostel was full.

Mmmary!

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