Anyone know if the hostel is operational this year? Any details?

:banana
Several hikers from the trailjournals site have written that they've been there so I would assume that it is.

I was up there today. The hostel is open.

The Hostel is open and doing a great job... however..for the family and friends ..just a few steps from Walasi is the Blood Mt. Cabins..wonderful place to meet family..and stay in the comfort of cabins...

Just passed thru there a few days ago; hostel is up and running; they also have a big cabin for rent if the hostel is full.

Winton and his staff were WONDERFUL with the folks I was with; I saw Winton spend half an hour helping this older guy cut almost 50 (!!!) pounds from his pack. (And no, the "older guy" with the 84 pound pack was NOT me!)

Very happy to see that the new owners/management here are doing so well; this is the first Trail business that most folks encounter as they head North, and it's a terrific one.

It will be great if Winton lives up to the reputation of Jeff and Dorthy. That would be an accomplishment but if Jack capitalizes WONDERFUL then it may happen!:banana

Did Jeff and Dorothy Hansen retire, or move onto other projects? I dealt with them many times and found them to be wonderful people. I remember a couple of years ago that their lease had come up for renewal and there was a campaign to keep them as lease holders.

Any info would be appreciated! Thanks...

They live in Blairsville, Ga. and I hear Dorothy opened up a book store.

I stayed at the hostel here along with 8 others on Tuesday March 16th. Most of the people I had been hiking with either stayed here or hiked another mile or so to camp (if money was an issue). For me the bunk was worth the $15. I showered, microwaved dinner, and enjoyed the fellowship of my hiking friends. Several others washed clothes. This is not a Blueberry Patch, so if you only have cash for one bed a week, wait. But if you have the money, it's a great place to rest. I found it was a good place to get to know the folks I had been hiking with on and off for the past few days.

I am glad to see some good reviews of Winton's place. I live in Atlanta. I buy all my specialty gear at Neels Gap. Winton's selection is great..his prices are right AND his advice about gear is excellent. Because so many hikers pass thru his shop Winton knows when a new peice of gear has performance issues and he will advise you of this before you spend your money. A good example of this the new MSR Missing Link Tent. It is a very spacious..lightweight tent. It sets up with treking poles BUT you have to have the taller poles to make the tent pitch tightly. Most people own the shorter poles. The taller poles cost apprx $100 and they are heavier. This makes the tent too expensive and/or too heavy for some people. Being told this info up front allows you to make the best gear choice for you. This type of customer service really makes a difference if you are on a long hike.

excellent outfitter. so-so hostel. when youve been out in the cold for 3 or 4 days, its paradise.

Can you "slack pack" into Walesi-Yi? That is, are there beds with mattresses and sheets (or should I bring my sleeping bag and thermarest?)

Sky Rider

(walessp)

[quote=Walessp]Can you "slack pack" into Walesi-Yi? That is, are there beds with mattresses and sheets (or should I bring my sleeping bag and thermarest?)
=====================================
No sheets ...just bunks with matresses and a place to shower. Better bring your sleeping bag (and a pack towel if you want to clean up). Simple accomodations but like was said in an earlier post ...it's paradise after a few days in in the cold/wet weather.

Tell Winton 'Slogger said HEY !!

Can you "slack pack" into Walesi-Yi? That is, are there beds with mattresses and sheets (or should I bring my sleeping bag and thermarest?)

Sky Rider

(walessp)

there are mattress on the bunks, not sure about sheets and such, i know you get a towel when you check in.

give em a call (706) 745-6095

I was up there today. The hostel is open.
The hostel is always open. Five bucks off if you don't use heat. ATC membership gets a 10%cash/7%plastic discount in the outfitter.

Winton and Cornbread are seriously great folks to deal with up there.

(and a pack towel if you want to clean up).
They provide towels.

who knows wayne? he ran the store for dorathy and jeff.he walked barefoot allways.does any one remember?

was there last weekend before the ruck. road up with chief to pick up stumpknocker. winton is an awesome guy doing a great job.

Cool outfitter with a lot of variety in gear, but I was disappointed in the cabin we stayed in. The bunks had very low head room and the kitchen was not well supplied for cooking or dishwashing (no dishwashing liquid). A kind hiker coordinated a domino's pizza order. Otherwise food choices for dinner are pretty limited (some frozen items such as pot pies, some staple items, fruit, hot dogs, and typical backpacking food), and there are no nearby restaurants. I'd call it a great place to shop and gear up, but so-so to stay overnight.

Is this a fun area to spend the night? Space for people to congregate out of the bad weather and exchange stories/histories? Good people around I assume? Trying to decide if I want to stay here overnight. I guess this will probably depend on the weather and/or my health. If it's a beautiful day, I may just resupply, shower, and keep on hiking.

Yes! Beautiful place and area

I was disappointed in the cabin we stayed in. The bunks had very low head room and ....

... food choices for dinner are pretty limited (some frozen items such as pot pies, some staple items, fruit, hot dogs, and typical backpacking food), and there are no nearby restaurants.I think the Sheraton is going to put in a hotel/restaurant complex next year in Addis Gap.

It's nice, but I would save an overnight for Cloud9.

It's nice, but I would save an overnight for Cloud9.

why not do both?

I think the Sheraton is going to put in a hotel/restaurant complex next year in Addis Gap.

Day hiking out of Addis hasn't been the same since LaPradds closed.

why not do both?

Why stay at Walasi-Yi when you can stay on top of Blood and see arguably the best sunset/sunrise on the trail in GA?

Good post, Frosty!

I can't believe some people are complaining about the level of accomodations at Neel's Gap.

Um, news to some folks......Neel's Gap is in the middle of nowhere. If you want a real motel, full cable, a choice of restaurants, and a mint on your pillow before someone tucks you in, you can always pay for a shuttle to a real town.

And then you can go home.

And good riddance. I personally am GLAD some of the acomodations on the Trail are still pretty spartan.

It helps encourage the whiners and higher maintenance folks to quit, which all in all, is not a bad thing at all.

Why stay at Walasi-Yi when you can stay on top of Blood and see arguably the best sunset/sunrise on the trail in GA?

great point!

Love those guys though.... an AT institution! We should help support it enough to stay that way. I go out of my way when in the neighborhood to see old Winton and drop a couple bones on a book, shirt, or mmmm.... ice cream!

Where the hell you been, Wook?

Welcome back and have a great Spring!!

See you in Georgia in 2 weeks maybe.

It's not like you're forced to stay at Walasi-Yi. There are other options available. Skunk Mountain, oops I meant Blood Mountain, shelter is on the way and there's a nice camping spot with water just a half mile or so north of Neels Gap.

Blood Mtn Cabins (http://www.bloodmountain.com/)are just up the hill a bit. They're more comfortable and if you can convince three other hikers to split a cabin then the price is about the same.

Or have the Walasi staff call Keith Bailey (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=7033&catid=searchresults&searchid=7066) at Goose Creek Cabins (http://www.goosecreekcabins.com/hikers.htm). They won't mind, he's on their speed dial. If you get the answering machine you might as well have a seat because Keith speaks reeealllll slllllowww.... He'll drive up and pick you up and return you to Neels the next day. For extra small fees GCC will also do your laundry and shuttle you into Blairsville ("Buh-LAY-yers-VEE-yill") to shop and eat at the AYCE Cookie Jar (http://blairsville.com/food/viewdetails.asp?f=&restaurant=The+Cookie+Jar) restaurant.

And good riddance. I personally am GLAD some of the acomodations on the Trail are still pretty spartan.

It helps encourage the whiners and higher maintenance folks to quit, which all in all, is not a bad thing at all.

Right on Jack!

Winton, put on a demonstration/presentation at Amicalola S.P. last weekend. You can tell that he has a passion for what he does. You can tell that he does what he does because he loves doint it. His presentation was on shoes, boots and socks. He told the story about the first year that those ugly plastic shoes hit the trail. He saw the trend and ordered as many as he could get his hands on. He sold them all. You can blame Winton for all those Crocs on the market.

I stayed at Walasi-yi ctr two different nights this last week on the AT. One, when I came to Neels Gap at the end of a day. And then at weeks end when I had reached Unicore and hitched back there as it was a good place to hole up and wait for my ride. Winton and all let me hang around and they were real nice. They helped my find a good pair of boots while I was there early. The hostel includes: bunks with mattress, towel, shower (bring your own soap). You may pay extra to wash laundry in a typical washer and dryer. It is a pittance-as to what they charge for laundry. There is a "kitchen" with sink, running water, microwave and telephone. There is a common area and campng spots nearby. I appreciated their hospitality and did some chores while I waited to express my thanks. It is $15.00 or thereabouts. -SunnyWalker

Oh, forgot one thing-I don't see how one could re-supply at Walasi-yi. The food IS there for it-Freeze dried Mtn Hse., candy and energy bars and an assortment of chewy things. The freezer contains frozen items to cook in the microwave. So I don't think this would work as I did not see any cheese and mack. -SunnyWalker

When we were there in June they had a pretty good selection of Ramen, Mac and Cheese and a few other noodle dishes. It is to the left as soon as you go through the door in a small alcove with the energy bars. I did a 4 day re-supply there with no problem. The food was expensive, but I expected that.

Keeping on hiking if the weather is favorable is rewarding. There are some terrific sites to wake up at once you get through with the switchbacks. There is even water.--Kinnickinic

Ooooops! Sorry Buckowens, I did look good enough I guess. Also, I said "mack and cheese" as a joke. But I guess you got my drift. Again, I really appreciated Walasi-yi and their hospitality. They were great. I hope everyone stops there. -SunnyWalker

Ooooops! Sorry Buckowens, I did look good enough I guess. Also, I said "mack and cheese" as a joke. But I guess you got my drift. Again, I really appreciated Walasi-yi and their hospitality. They were great. I hope everyone stops there. -SunnyWalker

Hi SunnyWalker,

Don't feel bad for missing it, it is in a little alcove that could easily be missed. Roo and I hung out there for quite a few hours... We were so starved for food and normal stuff that we covered every inch of the store :D .

I agree that the staff there is very friendly and accommodating!

Hey all,

In case you are wondering, the place is still going strong and might be better than ever. Winton did have some big shoes to fill, and he's doing a WONDERFUL job! Not to mention, he's getting a lot more shoes, too! Today when I stopped in I added a pair of my tattered Montrails to his 2000 miler museum collection. What a great idea.

There is something about the feel of the place that is even more homey and comfortable than I ever remembered. He and Cola are kicking butt up there. I wish I could stop in every day and shoot the breeze. He showed me some new gadgets today, like some new stove styles and a solar-powered LED that he just got in from an inventor. They have so much stuff you would NEVER find at REI-type place.

And guess what..... I don't know if I'm supposed to let the cat out of the bag, but I bet he won't mind the free advertising:

They soon will have an ON-LINE store so we can get these rare finds, and support one of the FEW mom-and-pop style backpacker stores left in the country. AND, at the same time, we can support a business that preserves this historic building on the AT as a hiking store, and not some gas station or private house. So keep you eyes peeled. I got a behind-the-scenes peek today. I'll post a new thread about it when it's up.

Sorry, Winton, if you didn't want me to tell yet. I have poor self control. Ans thanks for all the hospitality.

They kinda, sorta had an on-line store (http://www.mountaincrossings.com/home.html)in the works.

I'm happy to see they are expanding on it.

Aside from from what Winton has done to the place I am sort of partial to Walasi-Yi at Mountain Crossings because he has an 8 x 10 of my summit picture from 2003 on the wall near check out counter up in the front of the store.

Thanks Winton ...

'Slogger

They kinda, sorta had an on-line store (http://www.mountaincrossings.com/home.html)in the works.

I'm happy to see they are expanding on it.

No, it's like really really in the works.

seen it with my own two eyes. Can't wait. Just in time for christmas.

An on-line store would be real neat. I would love to see their book collection they have for sale on-line. I tried to write down as many titles as I could while I was there. My favorite thing was to buy a good drink and either sit to in front and watch all the motocycles drive up (HOGS Oh YEAH!!!), or sit over at the overlook at the picnic tables. Walysiyi Ctr. is real neat. -SunnyWalker

I did not mention this but when i went through Walysi yi last summer I bought a pair of boots there. the fellows talked to me, counseled and looked at my needs and everything. The result was a pair of boots that I have liked better than any others. To call them boots is a misnomer actually because they do not come up over the ankle. I like them better than my Salomon boots and I never thought I would find something better than Salomon. The brand name is: "Keen". If I ever need boots again i will try to return.