Avoid Standing Bear Hostel

[SouthMark]

Can we please get a "Like" button?! Good for you Lone Wolf. Nothing spoils a hike faster than the presence of arrogant drunken druggies who think it's the rest of us that aren't "having fun."

"Like" ...

[BabySue]

Funny that the Long Trail is on someone's short list.

[turtle fast]

I have nothing but positive things to say about Curtis and Maria. You have to remember that they do not make a million dollars doing this, probably just enough to keep it going and a buck or two after to make improvements. As with the honor system, unfortunately you do have turds that take advantage of people and its a shame that these people stoop so low...and much like any store the honest pay for it through the pricing structure. Alas, anyone in the hospitality industry knows that it is impossible to please everyone. What many don't know is that Curtis knows about many hikers before they get to the farm, especially problem ones from the grapevine and the communication between trail service providers.

[Chaco Taco]

I have nothing but positive things to say about Curtis and Maria. You have to remember that they do not make a million dollars doing this, probably just enough to keep it going and a buck or two after to make improvements. As with the honor system, unfortunately you do have turds that take advantage of people and its a shame that these people stoop so low...and much like any store the honest pay for it through the pricing structure. Alas, anyone in the hospitality industry knows that it is impossible to please everyone. What many don't know is that Curtis knows about many hikers before they get to the farm, especially problem ones from the grapevine and the communication between trail service providers.

Curtis knows and one thing you figure out on the AT pretty quickly is that it isn't very private anymore. The whole grapevine thing is pretty much on this site and between hostel owners. Aint a secret society or anything. A certain hiker a few years ago learned that lesson the hard way when the s*** he tried to pull, finally caught up to him. There is a network along the trail and if you screw hostels repeatedly, your name gets passed along. The decision of how to deal with them when they arrive is up to the hostel owners.

[BlackCloud]

Just wanted to add.

we all end up paying for the freeloaders.

In all aspects of life.

As for Curtis, I've left a vehicle there a few times & talked w/ him. Seemed just fine to me......

[max patch]

I think the folks that run Standing Bear Farm are great folks who've helped out thousands of hikers over the years. SBF is a cool place.

The OP started this thread by saying that the owner was "rude" and concluded it by saying that "he heard" something from one hiker and that "he heard" something from another. Not a whole lot there to be concerned about.

I don't know anything about SBF as I've never been there and probably never will - since its only 60 ish miles from Gatlinburg to Hot Springs I really don't need a resupply half way in the middle. But if Tarlin has been there multiple times and vouches for the place that tells me all I need to know.

[ChinMusic]

But if Tarlin has been there multiple times and vouches for the place that tells me all I need to know.

I am in general agreement with this but............someone like Tarlin, as well known as he is, COULD be treated differently than Joe Schmoe.

At my office some patients will be rude to my staff and sweet as sugar to me.

[Jack Tarlin]

Chin Music: Just for the record, in response to your last post, I want to say that when I first walked into Standing Bear, Curtis and Maria treated me with courtesy and respect long before they knew or cared who I was, as I am sure they continue to treat folks to this day, i.e. equally, and well, regardless of who they are, or however "well known" they might happen to be.

[SassyWindsor]

Some hikers don't mind asking operators along a trail for favors or freebies. When they are refused they get mad, whine, "warn" other hikers, post negative stuff, etc. These hikers give the hiking community a bad reputation.

[Lion King]

I wonder just how many hikers would make it through if the trail was like it was in 1998 or before.

There are so many people out there who 'expect' trail magic, who think they are elite, who think because they are on a long walk they should be welcomed with a red carpet, even in 2009 I could not believe how many people had cell phones at ever GD shelter I stopped for lunch or dinner at. All out, all emialing, or talking or texint...insane, really.

Now, people call or go in at every rain drop, every snow, every whatever...and as far as Curtis, Curtis is Curtis, there is no gun at the gap pointing at you saying GO TO STANDIN BEAR, that is your choice, and if you go and it sucks, get the hell out and move on and let the people who want to eat a pizza, sit with their feet in a creek and just bull**** with each other to do that.

It aint a Hilton, if you want that, go to a Hilton

Im with wolf, lot of crybabies out there.

[on_the_GOEZ]

+1 for Standing Bear Hostel. Seeing as there are no good resupplies in that area, Curtis et al's domain is an oasis. Prices were good, staff was friendly, and he has awesome maps in the bunk room.

The hill up to the property is too steep, though

[Texico]

I stayed at Standing Bear Farm about a week ago. I had no issues at all with the staff, but the resupply was a bit sketchy. Quite a bit of the food was past its expired or “best by” date by up to a year. Some things even had the dates removed. So if you’re just looking for a place to stay, you should be good, and if you remember to check the food you should be good too.

[Cameldung]

About resupply, learn what the terms mean.
Best if used by (or before)" date. This refers strictly to quality, not safety. This date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
"Use by" date. This is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
I have lived overseas for most of my life and have eaten many food stuffs way past their Best or Use By dates. In fact the Armed Forces Radio used to have PSAs telling the military service members that these dates don't mean the food is bad.

[Wise Old Owl]

Wow all this is making me wonder what's in store for me when I ridge run Maryland this summer and have to deal with the state's "no alcohol" rule...

You knew Prohibition was back in style? Its in full circle there..... Can't smoke or start a fire either....

[10-K]

do a SOBO on the Long Trail

August 3rd that's exactly where I'll be......Looking forward to it.



About SBF... stayed there once, needed some superfeet ($45) and he had one of his guys pick them up for me while he was in town and I paid him when he got back which I thought was pretty good.

[on_the_GOEZ]

August 3rd that's exactly where I'll be......Looking forward to it.

End2Ending or a section of the LT? Me and my significant other are contemplating a July 30th start in North Troy.. Want to see Jay Peak without 10 inches of snow this time

[Wise Old Owl]

Curtis knows and one thing you figure out on the AT pretty quickly is that it isn't very private anymore. The whole grapevine thing is pretty much on this site and between hostel owners. Aint a secret society or anything. A certain hiker a few years ago learned that lesson the hard way when the s*** he tried to pull, finally caught up to him. There is a network along the trail and if you screw hostels repeatedly, your name gets passed along. The decision of how to deal with them when they arrive is up to the hostel owners.

Well CT I cannot find anything wrong with that- when you decide to open your own business - that's called networking to bring in value and stop loosing business. Sort of like being a smart farmer separating the wheat from the chaff.

[yellowsirocco]

About resupply, learn what the terms mean.
Best if used by (or before)" date. This refers strictly to quality, not safety. This date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.
"Use by" date. This is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.
I have lived overseas for most of my life and have eaten many food stuffs way past their Best or Use By dates. In fact the Armed Forces Radio used to have PSAs telling the military service members that these dates don't mean the food is bad.

I have no problem eating out of date stuff. My rule is as long as it looks good and smells good I will put it in my mouth. On the other hand when I purchase something I expect it to be within the date listed on the packaging.

[bamboo bob]

Hikers ripping off hostel owners seems to be a growing problem. I heard about it at Kinkora last year. There's no excuse for it.
I stayed at SBH last year and the problem I saw was with one of the employees.
It's very convenient for a resupply.

Exactly, agree 100%, Curtis is way too tolerant of his employees.

[Hill Ape]

Will make a point of stopping here, sounds like good folk

Hillape