MinnesotaSmith Trip Report

[Mountain Dog]

Go to http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=260818  to read a good and recent trip report of the entire Pinhoti.  This link starts at Bull but you can go to his earlier posts and he starts at Flagg.  He does a good job of identifying serious problems such as the Hurricane Bridge being basically destroyed and where the trail is really hard to find because of growth or the absence of blazes.  He also identifies several trail angels that you might need should you do a long hike.  I hope you pick up on his remarks about the availability of camping sites.  You'll wish you had listened to him if you push too late till dark and expect you'll find a decent place for tent camping.  There are long sections of slab trails that can cause you problems finding a place to camp. I've been ther and done that.  No fun either.

[Cuffs]

Please do not take what MS says to heart.  I have meet him several times and know him well.  His descriptions of current trail conditions are blown way out of proportion.  For all his complaining, he has never lifted one finger to help out on trail maintenance or building.  His idea of how a trail should be is so far out of line you just would not believe it.

If anyone would like to further discuss this person, please contact me privately.

[Mountain Dog]

I thought he was picky about the sloap of the trail at switchbacks.  Still, from some of my recent experiences, such as at Hurricane Creek, he's not completely off base always although he might be exagerating.  Regardless of how he describes the trail, I think his exploits regarding specific trail angels, the places to camp, the route around north on 281 and even the blowdowns near Burns TH are worth knowing.  I was surprised that he did not complain a lot about the blowdowns north of Burns TH.  The last I heard they were so bad that it was almost impassable.  I'm glad it is not that bad.  I learned a long time ago that trail reports are very subjective and to not depend entirely on them.  But, most are interesting.  BTW Cuffs, is SK journaling his CDT trip?

[Cuffs]

MD, sounding silly, but drawing a blank... SK?

[Mountain Dog]

My mistake Cuffs.  I was thinking you were the substitute journal poster for Stumpknocker last year.  I checked and realized it was Hammock Hanger.  Stumpy did a really good job posting and I used his posts before a couple of AT trips last year to familiarize myself with water and trail conditions.  His last postings said he was doing the CDT this year but I have not seen any postings.  Sorry for my mixup.  I can see where the "SK"  was throwing you.

[Cuffs]

Ah Stumpy!  I know him well!  Sue (Hammock Hanger) does most of his journaling. I'll be kayaking with her next month on the Bartram.

[Mountain Dog]

HH did a good job.

Please PM me if you find out if he is journaling.  I met him on the trail last year so reading his journals is a little more personal than reading people I have not met. 

MD

[Firedog]

Hey Cuffs, I put some Bartram pics on today in my gallery. Take a look.

[Cuffs]

Looks like you had a great trip!!  Just a couple more weeks and I can finally get outta here and do some miles.  Seeing all of the photos from everyone is making me jealous!