traffic south of GSMNP [Archive]

ishmael86

07-09-2005, 18:55

Sly

07-09-2005, 19:37

I guess my real question is: Can I be super lazy and get away without bringing a tent/hammock, and just counting on the shelters?

Sure you can and most likely get away with it, but a freakin' tarp only weighs a pound.

Nothing personal, but you're the type of idiot I try to stay away from. Should you need a rescue, you desrve to be fined heavily.

weary

07-09-2005, 20:27

Hi, just wondering if anybody could give me an estimate of how much traffic the AT sees just south of the Smokies, say between Fontana and Siler Bald, in early August on a weekday. Does the heat drive away most people? I'm planning to hike from Davenport through the Smokies and a bit farther on.

I guess my real question is: Can I be super lazy and get away without bringing a tent/hammock, and just counting on the shelters?
Among the pleasures of backpacking is the sense of independence. I pretty much agree with Sly's comments. But regardless. Bring a tarp. It serves as emergency shelter and a psychic boost, a sense of being on one's own with no worries about who are what intervenes.

Weary

bigcat2

07-09-2005, 20:55

Just a reminder that if you plan on staying in GSMNP you have to have a permit and are required to stay at the shelters, at least leagally. You can risk not getting a permit or just sleep wherever, but if a ranger wanders by, they will either escort you out of the park and/or fine you w/ $150 or close to that figure. Regardless, it's always good to have something w/ you in case of emergencies as has been stated. Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it as they say.

ishmael86

07-09-2005, 21:53

sliderule

07-09-2005, 22:06

ouch!
I've already got my shelter reservations for inside the park.
I was planning on bringing some lightweight shelter anyway.
I guess I was just wondering how many people to expect to share the trail with.
Just a question.
Don't worry, I won't need a rescue. I'll just take my idiot self on out of here I guess.There was nothing wrong with your question. But there is a lot wrong with the response that you received. Totally uncalled for and inappropriate.

attroll

07-09-2005, 22:10

Yes I don't understand why Sly responed like that either. It threw me for a loop.

Sly

07-09-2005, 22:31

Your original question/comment is a little confusing. You ask about hiking south of the GSMNP between Fontana and Siler Bald, which is near Franklin. The shelters in that section are first come, first serve.

You then add, the Smokies and a "little south". Even with "reservations" it's still prudent to carry your own shelter.

sliderule

07-09-2005, 22:43

Your original question/comment is a little confusing. If you are confused that easily, perhaps it would be prudent to refrain from referring to others as idiots.

Sly

07-09-2005, 22:54

If you are confused that easily, perhaps it would be prudent to refrain from referring to others as idiots.

What do you call someone that hikes without a shelter? Trail challenged?

Nean

07-09-2005, 23:08

I gotta admit my first thought was thats harsh coming from Sly. Sly I thought you was perfect. The only stupid question is the one not asked.

Sly

07-09-2005, 23:28

The only stupid question is the one not asked.

Those too.

Love and respect you Namie... I'm sorry if y'all didn't like my answer, but I'll stand by it. Perfect, I'm not. You can sugar coat your advice anyway you want.

Nean

07-09-2005, 23:49

likewise Sly and me neither. I just looked at the age and # of post and thought this person might not have a lot of experience and was just askin us oldtimers some friendly advice?

Sly

07-10-2005, 00:20

likewise Sly and me neither. I just looked at the age and # of post and thought this person might not have a lot of experience and was just askin us oldtimers some friendly advice?

Yeah, I know, but instead of berating me for my answer, as curt as it was (call it tough love) why not offer your own advice? This thread isn't about me.

SGT Rock

07-10-2005, 00:34

Yeah, I know, but instead of berating me for my answer, as curt as it was (call it tough love) why not offer your own advice? This thread isn't about me.
Call it tough love for the advice impaired. :-?

Anyway, always bring some sort of shelter. You never know what you will come across by the way of shelters or others in them, and you always want to have a back up. A 13 ounce sil-nylon tarp has plenty of room and don't weigh much.

Nean

07-10-2005, 11:44

OK youse guys, here is my advice W/O the tough Love/etc.:

Once again I agree with Sly, you can- and probably will, get away with it, but I'd be safe and carry at least a tarp as it might end up being the smartest pound in your pack!:)

MDSHiker

07-10-2005, 13:38

I hiked the AT thru the park in the month of August. The temps were very nice/mild and there weren't many people on the trails. August is usually dry there...just watch the water situation. You should have a great hike.

smokymtnsteve

07-10-2005, 16:35

I assume that the 'confusion " came from the fact that there are 2 siler's balds ..the one in the GSMNP and the one that is just north of the HWY 64 xing near franklin....if one was hiking just south of Fontana then the silers bald located outside of the park made sense,, these shelters south of fontana are first some first served...

sliderule

07-10-2005, 17:08

I assume that the 'confusion " came from the fact that there are 2 siler's balds ...Siler's Bald is in the Park; Siler Bald is near Franklin. Ishmael86 had it right.

smokymtnsteve

07-10-2005, 17:17

well take a tent or tarp anyway,,, :D

not all of us real hillbillies can read and rite as good as U,

Sly

07-10-2005, 17:59

Siler's Bald is in the Park; Siler Bald is near Franklin. Ishmael86 had it right.

If you re-read the original post, no he didn't.

how much traffic the AT sees just south of the Smokies, say between Fontana and Siler Bald

South of the Smokies is Siler Bald, near Franklin or Winding Stair Gap. Silers Bald is in the Smokies.

I apologize for coming off crude, and never should have used the word "you're" after "nothing personal" therefore making it personal, it wasn't my intent.

SGT Rock

07-10-2005, 18:08

No problem Sly, those of us that have met you know you're OK.

Sly

07-10-2005, 18:22

Thanks Rock. I'll try to choose my words more cafefully in the future.

sliderule

07-10-2005, 18:28

If you re-read the original post, no he didn't.
Yes, she did. Fontana to Siler Bald is south of the Smokies. That's the section of the AT about which the lady inquired. She did not mention Siler's Bald. Nor did she ask about the southern portion of the Smokies (ie: Siler's Bald to Fontana.)

Sly

07-10-2005, 19:00

Yes, she did. Fontana to Siler Bald is south of the Smokies. That's the section of the AT about which the lady inquired. She did not mention Siler's Bald. Nor did she ask about the southern portion of the Smokies (ie: Siler's Bald to Fontana.)

I don't understand your point. I answered the original question pertaining to the section south of the Smokies, where they have first come, first serve shelters.

She stated later about having "reservations" in the Smokies and even though your supposed to have a place to stay there are any numbers of reasons why she make not make it.

Bottomline, it would unwise and imprudent NOT to carry a shelter on any overnight backpacking trip.

Nightwalker

07-11-2005, 00:28

Thanks Rock. I'll try to choose my words more cafefully in the future.
Hey! I know what'd meller you right on out...

:D

To whomever: Sly's a little gruff at times, but once you met him you'd love him.

Heck, he's taking on the highly-unpaid highly-underappreciated job of coordinating the Soruck next year, and that's a pretty rough task (as Pittsburgh will gladly tell ya!).