Last Saturday night I, (along with 8 other hikers who came in throughout the afternoon), elected to hike the .06 of a mile off the trail to the Greasy Creek Friendly hostel. Unfortunately this did not turn out to be a pleasant stay. For those of you contemplating going to this hostel please know these facts as told to me by the proprietor Connie or CC. She has had years of trouble with her neighbor....it is a little like walking into the argument of the Hatfield's and the McCoy's! His property borders the USFS road that is across from her property. According to Connie...."He is a paranoid Schizophrenic that I have taken to court on numerous occassions for harrassement!" Also...she added the word 'friendly' into the name because she has 'hostel' across the street! Great...just what I want to hear! Throughout the afternoon and evening....neighbor Bill....blasted country music from 'camoflaged' speakers on an outbuilding that sat close to the road and faced the bunkhouse.....would ride his motorcycle on the gravel road so that he might position himself where he could sit and race the engine and glare at the hikers or position the bike in a way that after dark the headlamp would be shining on the bunkhouse or get up at 5:30 in the morning and start his bike...ride down the road and then yell at the bunkhouse....something like "oh you come on out little boy" (he said this twice)... or jump on his riding lawn mower with the engine cover propped open with a 1 x 2 at 6 in the morning....we did have from midnight until 5:30am that was peaceful. When I asked Connie why she has not put a stop to this ...she said law enforcement would not even answer her calls and Bill has hired her lawyer....so....she just ignores and goes on. I was quite upset that she continues to accept this situation and does not seem to understand the position she is placing herself and other people in. In my opinion it is her responsibility to understand the possibility of harm that might occur and quite frankly told her so. (oh the man also has two large dogs that "he has taught to hate hikers" according to Connie ....they bark and run up and down the fence row when someone is out....heaven forbid one of them get out of the fence!) The other hikers who were there with me and I agree that this situation has the makings for some serious problems so.....beware.....I would not advise others going there.....there are some other odd happenings that went on there as well that I won't bring up at this time but just know.....this hostel is not run by a couple as advertised...she has been divorced for a year now...and you pay tax on everything....and you will be asked to shower in the order in which you appear at the hostel...and shuttles are only run by her and at times she determines.....dinner runs to town will take three hours if you go to Johnson City.....just a really odd and not necessarily hiker friendly place. Hopefully Connie will turn this situation around but in the meantime.......hmmmmm....but in the meantime.....I won't go there again!

The thing with the neighbor is not new. I met someone last year who had to duck a snowstorm there and was barely able to sleep because of the neighbor.

Sorry to hear about the divorce. Not surprising given the difficulties of the location and their isolation.

The problems with the neighbor may relate to illness, with state interest only after a tragedy has occurred, sort of like Virginia Tech's experience.

I've heard from at least one person staying there that the neighbor is a huge problem, but the Hostel itslf really isn't that great either. Bluebelle, aside from the neighbor issues, what was your read?

Saved me from hypothermia in 2005... maybe it was too cold for the neighbors to come out? I thought they were really nice.

My experience with a late November hike was a nice warm shower and meal, but not anything that was essential. It is so close to Erwin as to be a pretty pointless stop.

I stopped there in 2006. The husband was gone then. The neighbor was just as bad, doing the things reported here and the hike was a lot longer, down a steep, washed out, rocky road, than the .6 miles in the guide book. I got nickled and dimed to death, including refills on coffee. CC was nice, but I got the impression she was in it for profit, not for love of the trail, as many hostel owners tend to be. I'm surprised she's still in business.

I stopped there in 2006. The husband was gone then. The neighbor was just as bad, doing the things reported here and the hike was a lot longer, down a steep, washed out, rocky road, than the .6 miles in the guide book. I got nickled and dimed to death, including refills on coffee. CC was nice, but I got the impression she was in it for profit, not for love of the trail, as many hostel owners tend to be. I'm surprised she's still in business.
This is what I heard as well. It was actually a few other personality issues as well.

That was my experience, but figured I was spoiled from places like Miss Janet and Kinkora. Not even Mt. Momma seemed as capitalistic.

I was there Nov 2005. The neighbor was weird, but not blasting music or shooting at the place. The dogs were certain to welcome you as you walked by.

i bet she and the neighbor are in cahoots...waiting for a young group of college kids on a spring break backpacking trip to unwittingly fall into their clever trap- the neighbor terrorizes them, so they seek shelter with her, but she is a diabolical cannibal, who supplies the neighbor and the 'elite' of erwin with fresh and tasty meat...

My friend was sick and went walking around looking for the place (in 03') but couldn't find it and returned to the trail. Remember hearing some crazy stories about rabid dogs and barb wired fences.

Can't comment on this place, as I haven't been there, but it seems unecessary considering how close to Erwin it is.

Can't comment on this place, as I haven't been there, but it seems unecessary considering how close to Erwin it is.

my first thought on passing it.

Mine too. I think I passed it 1.5 days from Erwin.

I've heard from at least one person staying there that the neighbor is a huge problem, but the Hostel itslf really isn't that great either. Bluebelle, aside from the neighbor issues, what was your read?

Hey Sgt. Rock....the house itself is in great disrepair. You must not flush before showering or there will be no water pressure....there is very little at best as it is. We were also asked to not turn on lights unless we were reading due to cost and electrical issues????(not sure what those are??) Connie mentioned she owes her X $60000 before she can do anything to the property....so.....if this is her only income that could take awhile. The bunkhouse itself is just an outbuilding with 4 bunkbeds...plastic covered mattresses...you supply your sleeping bags...she does give you a pillow and pillowcase....no heat or air....one hanging light from ceiling. Minimal accomodations at best.

My concern is not necessarily with the luxury or lack of accomodations but in the lack of concern/care of the hikers. I just do not want others to get caught in a possibly volatile situation....we need to feel safe in these advertised hostels and I certainly did not! Luckily for me a hiker and her boyfriend drove to the hostel and I was able to hitch a ride with him to Johnson City.

This sounds very much like what I heard. Thanks for the report.

My daughter Grass and I stayed at the Greasy Creek Friendly two nights while section hiking last summer. Connie was very nice, very accommodating (even specially bought me some items I asked for in advance, on her shopping trip before we arrived). The place is rustic, but no more so than many other hostels.

Yes, the neighbor's dogs barked inside their fence as I walked by. Again, not unlike other places along the AT.

We stayed in the house, not the bunkhouse, but she was happy to show us around the bunkhouse. Again, rustic like so many others.

We had no problem with water, flushing, showers, or electricity.

She was quick to cook for us when we asked for dinner or breakfast.

If she charges taxes, then I specially admire her for her ethics and honesty!

To us, Connie seemed a very sweet and sincere lady and we have recommended her place and still do.

Rain:sunMan

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Mine too. I think I passed it 1.5 days from Erwin.
I remember talking to Tabasco about the place. Not a pleasant stay from what he said.

That is one of the guys who told me about it. Apparently he ran into you on the AT on one of the nights we spent together on the AT. He told me I had just missed you at Cherry Gap.

[quote=Lilred;616557. CC was nice, but I got the impression she was in it for profit, .[/quote]

Why is that a bad thing?

Haven't been there but I sure wouldn't stay ANYWHERE where angry dogs and mental people were considered "normal" or okay. Does our safety and well being mean nothing? We're hikers so we should just suck it up and risk our lives???? Fine. All you macho men keep staying there until mental man next door shows up with a rifle. You can deflect the bullets with your incredibly macho abs and attitude. The women will show more sense and get the hell away from this dangerous hell hole. I'll help spread the word to stay far away from this whack job and her neighbor. The word will spread down the trail and she can figure out how to make a living some other way. There is a right to have a legal business - there is no obligation to patronize that business.

I passed this place by last summer but heard stories by others about this "neighbor". Sounds like he's got his routine down to a science. This guys devotion and the amount of energy he puts forth to hating hikers is hilarious. Is this "friendly" listed in the guide books for 08? I looked in my 07 companion and i couldn't find it.

Why is that a bad thing?

IF i ever ran a hostel it would be totally for profit. i've seen what hikers give when asked for donations only. they always have money for beer, dope, restaurants, etc.

When I hiked in 07 I found Greasy Creek Friendly hostel and CC to be very adequate for hikers. I was lucky enough to sleep in the house and could not hear all of the noise reported by those staying in the bunk house. CC was very nice, the food was very good and I was able to do a small resupply. The problem there is the refusal of the Virginia police to do anything about her crazy neighbor. It is hard to believe the she has to put up with his harassment and they will do nothing. She is much more tolerable than I would be.

I'm not sure which is worse: the sexist rant or the utter stigmatization of the mentally ill.

A woman has decided to make the best of a bad situation. The problem with the neighbor is a stable one persisting over at least 5 years without bloodshed. Hell, at least it isn't a hostel owner flicking tobacco leaf bits off her front tooth at you.

BTW, the hostel is in NC. No state in the Union would allow police action over noise and signage, unless one could concoct a stalking/harrassment charge from it.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Greasy Creek Friendly in 2006. CC and her husband were still together then, and the neighbor was a little wacked. She was very accomodating though, always willing to cook what we wanted or talk about anything. We got a shuttle from them too, which worked out very smoothly. Yes, she charges tax on everything, but technically anytime you buy something you should be paying tax. The bunk house was a little rustic for my taste, but no more so then others. Overall, I was really happy with my stay there, and we found the neighbor to be quite amusing once we discovered what the situaiton was.

The problem there is the refusal of the Virginia police to do anything about her crazy neighbor. It is hard to believe the she has to put up with his harassment and they will do nothing. She is much more tolerable than I would be.
The Virginia police have refused to do anything primarily because the Greasy Creek Friendly is in North Carolina. :D
CC is my neighbor, the facts have been reported on this hostel for years, all reports concerning this guy across from her are pretty much true. Make your own decision about staying there or not.

Why is that a bad thing?

It's not a bad thing, just not a realistic way to make a profit. Hikers are hardly a reliable source of income, much less a profit generator. It's like teaching, ya gotta like it cause it sure doesn't pay squat. CC just didn't seem like she liked it all that much.

It's not a bad thing, just not a realistic way to make a profit. Hikers are hardly a reliable source of income, much less a profit generator. It's like teaching, ya gotta like it cause it sure doesn't pay squat. CC just didn't seem like she liked it all that much.

oh really? i bet uncle johnny is turning a profit. good for him

oh really? i bet uncle johnny is turning a profit. good for him
They are about 25 miles apart trailwise, but a world apart otherwise. Her location is awful even without the neighbor. You can ride a free bike from UJ's and get anything you need.

oh really? i bet uncle johnny is turning a profit. good for him

From hikers alone? Or from river rafting? Big difference. Apples and oranges. I'm with Lil Red on hiker business not fully supporting a for-profit trail hostel.

Rain:sunMan

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From hikers alone? Or from river rafting? Big difference. Apples and oranges. I'm with Lil Red on hiker business not fully supporting a for-profit trail hostel.

Rain:sunMan

.
Talking to Richard there, it is more than even those groups. In the winter they have people that live there paying by the week and during races at Bristol they are now getting clients.

I'm in the process of planning a short section hike from Hughes Gap to 19E, and was going to contact these folks for a shuttle and/or place to stay..............After reading thes eposts, it sounds like the shuttle part may be OK, but the overnite stay, not so much?

Any other input as to shuttle providers in this area?

Thanks.

Sure - UJ is in that area and has a few people on-call to shuttle. North of this place you have Brahmer Castle, the B&B on 19E (I forget the name) and Bob Peoples with Kincora when he is available. I reccomend you look at ATC http://www.appalachiantrail.org/transportation

If UJ's can't shuttle for what ever reason try these guys, Rushing Water Outfitters, www.rushingwateroutfitters.com. I used them last week for a shuttle to Johnson City, they are located next door to UJ's.

Or me. PM sent.

Ya know, not every hostel is gonna be a great place to hang around, take zeros, crash at after a night at the bar. Some hostels are good for a quick stay, then on again. This is just such a hostel.

Hey, I escaped from a thunderstorm, reunited with a friend, had a veggie burger, and stayed up late typing on the Internet and drinking wine. I was happy with my stay.

Sure, there's a weird vibe there. It's not a good situation, with the neighbor, and now, sorry to hear, the divorce. But if you're in the area and there's a thunderstorm coming, it's good to know she's there.

I'm with you Pokey.

I'd hate for hikers to avoid the Friendly because of the misbehavior of her neighbor - misbehavior that isn't much different from the drums and music of Trail Days - just with a nasty attitude.

So far, only esthetic issues are a problem with the neighbor. The Friendly has a business discipline that would have done Miss Janet well (well, not so rigid, but you know what I mean).

I had a pretty nice stay there in 2006. CC was still with her husband then and we all had a good visit. The neighbor's dog just about scared the poop out of me, but other than that I didn't really have any complaints. I probably wouldn't go back, though, for the reasons other mentioned--that it's so close to Erwin, and also that 0.6 miles seemed a lot longer because I wasn't sure if I was on the right side trail.

I'm in the process of planning a short section hike from Hughes Gap to 19E, and was going to contact these folks for a shuttle and/or place to stay..............After reading thes eposts, it sounds like the shuttle part may be OK, but the overnite stay, not so much?

Any other input as to shuttle providers in this area?

Thanks.
It would actually work better if you get a shuttle from Mountain Harbour BB&H since they are next to the 19E trailhead. One reason, you do not want to leave your car overnight at 19E.

Mountain Harbour are good folk. They have shuttle/parking combo prices. I believe they just need a days notice to reserve a shuttle.

Greasy Creek is actually a few miles southbound of Hughes Gap.

My son and I stayed there during an ill-fated hike last summer. We started our hike out of Erwin heading to Damascus and within 1 mile I fell and busted open my knee and required 10 stitches. Long story, I'll get into another time, but we ended up starting further up the trail (thanks to U J)and stayed with CC on night 2. There was one other person there who stayed in the house, so we got the bunk house...a little musty but what should you expect when you are sleeping in a shed. I do remember be warned about the neighbor, he did wake us up early reving his motorcycle, as expected. Yes, she did charge tax on food and "smiley faces", but she is trying to run a business. She is an Hasidic Jew (apparently converted?) and doesn't "work" on the Sabbath, however she was nice enough to take us up the trail a few miles on her way to Church (free of charge) so I could test my knee! We hiked back to the hostel, where we called it quits. (Stitches, risk of infection and a worried girl friend 200 miles away). Anyway, she broke her Sabbath to shuttle us to our car in Damascus of course for a fee. I found her to be very helpful and nice. Yes, she is a little different, but everytime I step on the trail I meet someone "a little different". That's part of what makes the trail so unique are the characters you meet along the way. After all, aren't we all a little different? Some just more than others! Think about it.

My son and I stayed there during an ill-fated hike last summer. We started our hike out of Erwin heading to Damascus and within 1 mile I fell and busted open my knee and required 10 stitches. Long story, I'll get into another time, but we ended up starting further up the trail (thanks to U J)and stayed with CC on night 2. There was one other person there who stayed in the house, so we got the bunk house...a little musty but what should you expect when you are sleeping in a shed. I do remember be warned about the neighbor, he did wake us up early reving his motorcycle, as expected. Yes, she did charge tax on food and "smiley faces", but she is trying to run a business. She is an Hasidic Jew (apparently converted?) and doesn't "work" on the Sabbath, however she was nice enough to take us up the trail a few miles on her way to Church (free of charge) so I could test my knee! We hiked back to the hostel, where we called it quits. (Stitches, risk of infection and a worried girl friend 200 miles away). Anyway, she broke her Sabbath to shuttle us to our car in Damascus of course for a fee. I found her to be very helpful and nice. Yes, she is a little different, but everytime I step on the trail I meet someone "a little different". That's part of what makes the trail so unique are the characters you meet along the way. After all, aren't we all a little different? Some just more than others! Think about it.I remember running into you all at Cherry Gap. You should have seen me running back to Iron Mtn Gap that evening with the incoming lightning & thunderstorm.

I was wondering how you were going head up Roan with that knee.

I remember.... As you can tell, we didn't make. It was a wise, but hard choice for us to call the hike, but I lived to hike another day on TWO legs. We told you about the trashed gap we had just hiked through, I can't remember the name of the gap. ...and I remember, that was a tough storm.

Three of us stayed at the this hostel on a wet dreary June day.This proved to be one of the highlights of our entire AT experience! The hostel was absolutely spotless and the woman running this facility is an absolute delight!Connie or CC regaled us with jokes and and a show starring her cat.She also cooked dinner and breakfast at prices that were absolutely rediculously cheap! Her neighbor did not bother us one bit, only the barking of his dogs when we left.Ya, the shower pressure was a bit weak,but she also did laundry for us,talked about the next section of trail,and made us feel very welcome,hated to leave!How anyone can say they had a bad experience is beyond me! This place was not easy to find but well worth the the half mile walk!

I stayed there and had an excellent time. I kind of liked the fact that the place wasn't overrun with other hikers. In fact, we stayed there for a night again after Trail Days (long story). The neighbor is an idiot, but we were ready for him on the second visit. We picked-up some lawn chairs and set our alarms. By the time he came out to start his lawn mower, motorcycle, edger, and God knows what else, we were sitting outside his gate sipping coffee and cheering him on. He didn't seem appreciative and went back inside within about 20 minutes.

Nothing like a good mocking to start the day. :sun

I stayed there and had an excellent time. I kind of liked the fact that the place wasn't overrun with other hikers. In fact, we stayed there for a night again after Trail Days (long story). The neighbor is an idiot, but we were ready for him on the second visit. We picked-up some lawn chairs and set our alarms. By the time he came out to start his lawn mower, motorcycle, edger, and God knows what else, we were sitting outside his gate sipping coffee and cheering him on. He didn't seem appreciative and went back inside within about 20 minutes.

Nothing like a good mocking to start the day. :sun
Now thats cool.

By the time he came out to start his lawn mower, motorcycle, edger, and God knows what else, we were sitting outside his gate sipping coffee and cheering him on. He didn't seem appreciative and went back inside within about 20 minutes.Kudos on your creative response!

The worst part is that I later discovered the ijut is deaf. Had I known beforehand, we could have made big signs like at sporting events so he could have understood our taunts.

Live and learn.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Greasy Creek Friendly in 2006. CC and her husband were still together then, and the neighbor was a little wacked. She was very accomodating though, always willing to cook what we wanted or talk about anything. We got a shuttle from them too, which worked out very smoothly. Yes, she charges tax on everything, but technically anytime you buy something you should be paying tax. The bunk house was a little rustic for my taste, but no more so then others. Overall, I was really happy with my stay there, and we found the neighbor to be quite amusing once we discovered what the situaiton was.

I was also there in 06. I share Rainbow Brite's sentiments. I and several other thru-hikers drove to Traildays with CC at the wheel. All of us had a good time. Although I found her eccentric and somewhat reserved, she always seemed nice, accomodating, patient, and willing to have a deep conversation. She seemed like a very honest person with a conscience. Hence, keeping records of taxable income. I don't have a problem wit folks who run a hostel to make a profit. She was still married. I never had a problem with the shower. I don' t think she accepts packages, but I could be wrong. It would seem that a full typical resupply might be better served at one of the nearby resupply pts. at places with greater services and amenities. The place is rustic, it doesn't have the amenities that some hostels have, but for just a night out of the rain, some delicious non-dehydrated trail food, or a less then whirlwind "zero" day the place is deserving of a possible visit.

I stayed there and had an excellent time. I kind of liked the fact that the place wasn't overrun with other hikers. In fact, we stayed there for a night again after Trail Days (long story). The neighbor is an idiot, but we were ready for him on the second visit. We picked-up some lawn chairs and set our alarms. By the time he came out to start his lawn mower, motorcycle, edger, and God knows what else, we were sitting outside his gate sipping coffee and cheering him on. He didn't seem appreciative and went back inside within about 20 minutes.

Nothing like a good mocking to start the day. :sun

Now, there you go. All depends on how you roll with it. It's experiences like this that make hiking the AT that much more memorable!

IF i ever ran a hostel it would be totally for profit. i've seen what hikers give when asked for donations only. they always have money for beer, dope, restaurants, etc.

You got that right. Except that you might temper it with many, most, or something like that. You are a hiker, too, but you and I understand that the right way to get what you want is to give someone else what he/she wants. In this case it's money.
Now, if we all gave each other what we think the other deserves, we'd all end up in the big house.

I stayed there on my way through and CC is wonderful, her bunkhouse is great and her food....she has a menu on the table and everything on it rocks! Sorry, I didn't read this entire thread..but I had a wonderful stay at Greasy Creek FRIENDLY. I even hiked back up the mountain and returned with some friends who also stayed. The Shroom Burgers were top notch! As for the nutjob...he makes the stay all the better.
When he realized that he wasn't bothering us and that we were amused by his 4:30 am chainsaw, lawnmower and hammering..he gave up and went inside. We took pictures and played some drums along to his beat...wonderful experience and he's a gem of a person who has the most tolerant neighbor in the world. Hats off to CC and Greasy Creek.

A really nice place. Connie is very gracious and very chatty. She remembered you, Ramble~On. You must have made a good impression.She loves hikers and I reccomend her highly. Her neighbor greeted us with the loud music but he had to go towork early.

She puts on a great cat show.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/6/2/1/7/093.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showimage.php?i=35778&original=1&c=510)

Is that cat overfed???:rolleyes:

Shelter mice would have no chance.