Pinhoti Trailhead Shuttle

[milkman]

 Hey guys, just a quick question:  with the shuttle service, what would be a suggested donation?  Just wondering what a good rule of thumb would be  (I love it that they offer the service---and dont want to short change them, or they may stop doing it!)  

There's was an ongoing thread over on WhiteBlaze just today asking the same question.
http://www.whiteblaze.net...e-going-rate-for-shuttles
I don't know if this link will work and I usually don't direct people to another site but there are a couple of posts that explain it pretty good in my opinion.
Basically what they are saying is it's between $1.00 and $1.50 per mile one way calculating round trip or $2.00 per mile. As some have pointed out the miles and time down a back dirt road are different than highway miles. Someone over there had a pretty good formula using the IRS 0.55cents per mile and $15.00 an hour driving time that worked pretty good for figuring back dirt roads. Just use your good judgement. Figure what it would cost you and allow some for the time for their trouble. Plus I've heard that with blisterbob you might even get a cookie.(LOL)

[squidbilly]

Three or four really good cookies.  Plus, he knows the Pinhoti and can pick you up if you need to cut the trip short. And how many shuttles offer secure parking?  Tip accordingly. 

[Sailer]

Have a great time Bob and be safe!  I may be hitting you up come mid/late September.

 Thanks in advance for the great service you provide!

[Cuffs]

Dont know where youre headed, but Southern VA s pretty dry. Was up there first week of July.

[hermit11]

Dont know where youre headed, but Southern VA s pretty dry. Was up there first week of July.

I plan two- 3 day sections so I can keep my pack weight under 25 lbs.
#1- Davenport Gap S. to Newfound Gap, I will need 1 water source here, should be OK.
#2- NOC N. to Fontana, Yellow Ck. looks like reliable water, but I will leave a stash at Stecoah Gap.

bb

[ku coyote]

Bob,

Thanks again for your service!  We made it back to the car and it started fine.  Hope you enjoyed your trip as well.

[jstring]

blisterbob,

I am farely new to this forum but have been hiking the Pinhoti for several years.  I have recently seen your posts about shuttling hikers to and from trail heads and wanted to ask a few questions.

Some buddies and myself are planning a 4 day/3 night hike from FS 500 to the Burns TH.  We would probably be coming in 3 vehicles since we all live in different places.  First... do you offer drop off and pick up service or just drop off?  If you offer both...Do you have space at your house to park our trucks or would you prefer to meet us at one of the trailheads and go from there?

We don't have our dates ironed out just yet but I will keep you posted and check this forum for any updates.  We are all very excited about your shuttle service and the rumored cookies.  We have been "staging" a truck at one TH and driving back to our starting point.  Your shuttle would obviously save us some drive time and some anxiety when leaving a truck in a secluded location for several nights (although we have never had an issue).

Thanks!    

[jstring]

blisterbob,

Thanks for the info.  Our plans are to make the trip sometime this fall...maybe winter.  Once we figure out our dates, I will touch base with you and make sure your available. 

Thanks again and hope you had fun on the AT!   
Justin

[hermit11]

Pinhoti hikers,

First:
I am saddened to see possibly the greatest website for exchange of trail information about the Alabama trail system come to an end.
It will take a monumental effort for someone to develop anything to equal the value of info that has been shared here.
I have faith that where there is a need there will be results. Or as the cliche goes, 'if you build it they will come'.

Second;
I have had contacts about our shuttle service closing at roughly the same time.
Our decision has nothing to do with alatrails shutting down.
Ours has been a serious consideration since last Dec. and we wanted to get through the spring season before posting a notice.
We have commitments out of state and cannot give the dependable service the hikers deserve.

With regrets,
blisterbob

[Cuffs]

Youve been of great service BB!  Im still looking forward to getting in some trail miles with you one of these days!  Stay in touch!

[buck]

Thanks not only for the shuttle service you've provided, but also for all the trail maintenance you have performed. All of us may not have caught a ride, but I'm sure we've all walked down some trail which you cleared. Thank you

[stevebo]

  Good luck bob and sue----and thanks for everything!  You will be missed!

[stevebo]

Also, whats all this crazy talk about alatrails shutting down?  (I must have missed that memo)

[Ewker]

Also, whats all this crazy talk about alatrails shutting down?  (I must have missed that memo)

Stevebo, go to the thread in the Site Requests and discussions to see the post