Shuttle service

[Mountain Dog]

What about a sticky, such as the FAQ at the top of the Pinhoti section, for shuttle service?  I see Blister Bob is available and I've seen others offer help occasionally.  Shuttle service availability is a big issue for people from outside an area that will only have one vehicle available.  New people to the trail or to the Pinhoti might not find the shuttle availability buried within the postings.  What do the rest of you think?

[blisterbob]

Well, of course I think it is a good idea, but I did not want to be presumptuous
or self-serving by initiating  myself. I welcome the effort to make hikers aware
of the services we offer.
Thank you and happy trails,
blisterbob

[squidbilly]

What about a sticky, such as the FAQ at the top of the Pinhoti section, for shuttle service?  I see Blister Bob is available and I've seen others offer help occasionally.  Shuttle service availability is a big issue for people from outside an area that will only have one vehicle available.  New people to the trail or to the Pinhoti might not find the shuttle availability buried within the postings.  What do the rest of you think?

I think it's a great idea.  Maybe Bob should get listed on here too, so more visitors can find him.

[schlanky]

I think the sticky is a great idea. It's an important, useful service. The sticky will prevent folks from having to search threads for the info, and it'll also be there in plain sight for folks who come on the site and didn't know a shuttle service existed.

I'm very excited to see we have a  shuttle driver for hire. I'm already thinking possibilities for this fall. Since I hike solo, a shuttle really opens up the options.

[Ewker]

I agree with everyone above   

[Solo1]

Thanks MD and everyone. Good suggestion! Remember when Justin did shuttles? He got popular real fast didn't he? Shows a strong need for this service.

Thanks to you too BBob. Check this out and let me know if it's serviceable:

http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/shuttles.html

[Mountain Dog]

Yes, Justin did get busy.  I remember talking him into shuttling me when he was still in school and telling him he would be used a lot, particularly if he made his service known.  He relied strictly on word of mouth and still did a lot.  I checked out your link and it looks good.  I check out Backpacker and White Blazes frequently and send people to your site for trail info and to this site to just discuss the trail.  Sure is a lot more info now than when I first hit the Pinhoti.  BTW Solo, I'm checking out the Bartram and their data book has a unique feature.  They have a lot of bridges over water and gulleys.  To help people identify the bridge, they list it with how many post the railing has and if it is a one railing bridge, they indicate if the posts are on the upper or lower side of the bridge.  The Alabama Pinhoti does not have many bridges but this trick migh apply to the Ga. portion.  Only you would know.  Hike Happy. 

[blisterbob]

Solo,
It is OK with me if you want to list my Name and Phone on 'PTA shuttles'.
We live 9 miles from Adams Gap and shadowsue or myself is available
almost all the time and usually can be at any Alabama Pinhoti trailhead
within 2 hours.
Pinhoti Trailhead Shuttle
256-276-1661  or  256-276-1856
hilltophermit@msn.com

Happy Trails

[Mountain Dog]

For what it is worth, I was playing on the Bartram in N.C this last week.  I talked to Ron Haven, a man providing both AT and Bartram shuttles.  His group and the Foo0thills Trail association are working to coordinate shuttle information/services in such a way as to increase the number of people that will use the Foothils trail and the Bartram to reach the AT.  I know shuttle availability makes the difference if I want to try a new trail.  I've done a lot of out and backs, I prefer the outs and a pick-up at the end.

[stevebo]

hey guys, I just used blisterbobs  trail shuttle, and wanted to let every one know, his customer service is top notch----it was a great experience!  I arranged beforehand to meet bob at the Cheah trail head for a lift to the 431 trailhead.  He was on time, had several items on hand (maps etc) in case i forgot anything, drove me to the trail head, and even waited until I started hiking, just to see if I was ok!  (and his wife sent along a very nice little packet of homemade cookies to eat on the trail!)   He made sure I knew that his cell phone would be on, and to call if I got hurt, or needed an early pickup.   On the way to the trailhead, I really enjoyed talking to bob---he's a great guy, and full of interesting stories about the Pinhoti!   Anyway, it was a very good experience for me, and I will definitely be using his shuttle service again in the future--------Thanks blisterbob! 

[Mlsherrod]

Thanks to Blisterbob for his very timely service, even on thanksgiving.  A world class and great driver.  He knows the Alabama Pinhoti and the fire trails. See you in the Spring.