Old Guestbook

Total: 48 guests

Name: Karl Andrews
Website: Karl's Home Page
Referred by: From LinkExchange
From: Athens, Georgia (now)
Time: 1997-04-14 13:04:00
Comments: What is the status of the AT getting into Alabama? I would like to see it soon. I am ready to backpack it. I wish you well in mission. Sincerely, Karl Andrews
Name: Bonnie Coats
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: Florence, AL (University of North Alabama)
Time: 1997-04-10 07:51:00
Comments: I am interested in getting involved with organized hikes. Do you know of any organizations closer to the Florence area?
Name: Steve Pierre
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Mobile
Time: 1997-04-07 14:44:00
Comments: Our Scout troop has recently hiked trails in Sipsey, DeSoto, and Talladaga Wilderness areas. The boys had a great time. Thank you for all you do to keep the trails well maintained and opened. It is very much appreciated. We hope you are successful in getting the Appalacian Trail extended to North Alabama. In June we will be hiking the AT in Nantahala between Rock Gap and the Nantahala River with boys ranging from 12 to 17 yrs old. They can't wait!
Name: James Yu
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: Mobile, but i am going to school at auburn now
Time: 1997-04-03 08:38:00
Comments: nice page, but yall should include more info on where mtb trails are.
Name: john king
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: huntsville ala
Time: 1997-03-31 19:03:00
Comments: very good info.
Name: Michael D (Sonny) McMahon II
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Time: 1997-03-27 15:55:00
Comments: Juss lookin for some places to possibly visit
Name: Tim Lockwood
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: New Jersey
Time: 1997-03-26 18:53:00
Comments: Would like to know more of Alabama hiking. I have relatives(bro & fam) living in Athens area.
Name: Wheeler
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From:
Time: 1997-03-25 22:10:00
Comments: Posted earlier inquiry about Little River Canyon and have since visited. I recommend it highly. KIen, the ranger at DeSoto State Park was very helpful. Great whitewater and outstanding natural beauty in the canyon. No trail in the canyon so it was quite rugged as we boulder-hopped and bushwhacked down the west bank from Little Falls to just beyond Crow point. Great waterfalls and would be an outstanding adventure to raft it with the water as high as it was which included some Class 5 rapids. Would consider going anyotime with someone wishing to share expenses! Enthusiastically recommend Little River Canyon to all serious hikers/nature lovers.!!!
Name: Bob Davidson
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: Talladega
Time: 1997-03-23 21:22:00
Comments: I would be interested in information and possibly membership in the Alabama Trails Asssociation. Any information you could send would be greatly appreciated.
Name: Bobby Taylor
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Cullman, AL
Time: 1997-03-21 10:15:00
Comments: Just completed a day hike of the northern extension of the Pinhoti Trail north of Hurricane Creek. About 2 miles was cut and marked. Very nice trail with good scenery and good hiking. I really liked the beaver pond. The final 2 miles or so was marked but not yet cut. This will be a good part of the trail when finished. I'm not sure if I ended up at Indian Mountain, or if Indian was the high top just around the next hollow. At any rate, the ATA is doing a good, great, job of extending the trail. I also just returned from a 4 night backpack of the Pinhoti from HWY 278 to HWY 78. This is a really great area for solitude and wilderness hiking. I saw turkey and deer every day (also saw snakes, squirrels & birds.) I DID NOT SEE a human being other than myself (except in passing cars at road crossings.) The trail is in great shape except for the area from the railroad bed to Terrapin Lake (east of FS 500 and Dugger Mountain)on Oakey Mountain. I strongly recommend long trousers (you should see my legs) because of the underbrush, and I even more strongly recommend patience when you reach the blow down just above (east) of the lake. I opted to go around the blowdown to the South (left), and then circled back around. I didn't pickup the trail until the Terrapin Dam. It would probably have been better to go around the North (right), but I didn't have a good map of the trail and didn't know that it went that way. Either case, until the blowdown is cleared, it is a real pain to get through (I spent 45 minutes of hard labor.) In addition, there are areas in this section where I had to search for the trail. The blazes (BLUE BLAZES, NOT WHITE TURKEY FEET!) are intermittant in areas. For the most part, when the blazes disappeared I was able to follow what looked like the trail and sure enough, I would eventually find a blaze. There are numerous down trees across the entire trail, but these are not too serious to get around (a little sweat.) The only true blow down I encountered on my hike was the one on Oakey. The two shelters I saw (I stayed at Lower Shoal) were great. Truly fit for a king (or a tired old hiker.) With the exception of about 3-4 miles on Dugger, water was plentiful (remember, this was March. However, most of what I saw looked liked reliable water.) I only have one beef with the entire portion of the trail I hiked, and that may only be because I was tired when it happpened. The trail DOES NOT GO to the picnic area/restrooms/running water at Coleman Lake. I was halfway past the lake before I realized that I was just going to bypass camping area/swimming area. When approaching from the north, you can turn left off the trail at the west end of the lake and pickup the 4 lane hiking trail around the lake. Stay on the north side of the lake for the shortest hike to the improvements. Approaching from the south, do the same at the south side of the lake. Otherwise, you will walk right past (which might not be a bad idea if your early in the season, because after I walked about a mile out of my way, I found that the doors where locked to the facilities, and the water was turned off. I don't know when the FS will reopen the campground. If anyone has any questions about this section of the Pinhoti, feel free to email me at bltaylor@airnet.net. Have a good hike!
Name: Brad Wheeler
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: Huntsville, AL
Time: 1997-03-20 20:22:00
Comments: Just moved here. We're going to hike little river canyon tomorrow in DeSoto State Park and were looking for more specific information on trails in the area.
Name: Guido Slangen
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From:
Time: 1997-03-20 14:40:00
Comments: I am using this means to ask anybody who can help me to let me know. My oldest son Guybe Slangen graduated from college two years ago. After that he hiked the appalacian trail for six months...Two weeks ago he got a job teaching in a private school for handicapped children. He stayed with his friend who lived in a houses that was inherited from his grand parents. Two days ago Guybe tried to lit the fire place. The result is, he burned down that whole house.......Thank God is was not injured......All his camping equipment and gear, clothes, boots etc. was in his room....Right now he has nothing left....... There must be a company out there who can help him. If you need evidence of the fire I can contact the local police. Guybe does not know I am doing this. Some people out there might remember him....... This is the fastest way I could think......Just a father who want to help his son. (860)633-1026 His trailname is GUMBY He always talked about trail majic..........Any help is appreciated to get him back on the trail....He has given numerous talks to help others....He needs your help now. Guido Slangen 105 Martin Terrace Glastonbury, CT 06033
Name: Peggy
Website:
Referred by: From WWW.LPAGE.COM
From: Huntsville,Al.
Time: 1997-03-18 08:19:00
Comments: Looking for trails for mother and daughter hikes in Al.
Name: Sean Blankenship
Website: yahoo
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Birmingham, Al. (I live in tuscaloosa, Al. ; university)
Time: 1997-03-14 18:04:00
Comments: I have been hiking at the Sipsey river area and enjoy going there often! Thank you for your interest in this area. I would like to see more articles on this in the future concerning trail information and how to find the old poplar tree that is supposed to be on trail 204. I would also like to know how I could locate someone to help me take a canoe upstream from takeout so I could leave my car waiting! (anyone living in the bankhead area) Thank you!
Name: Sean Blankenship
Website: yahoo
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Birmingham, Al. (I live in tuscaloosa, Al. ; university)
Time: 1997-03-14 17:59:00
Comments: I have been hiking at the Sipsey river area and enjoy going there often! Thank you for your interest in this area. I would like to see more articles on this in the future concerning trail information and how to find the old poplar tree that is supposed to be on trail 204. Thank You!
Name: Stuart Macdonald, Colorado State Trails Coordinator
Website: AMERICAN TRAILS Web Site
Referred by: Net Search
From: American Trails and Colorado State Parks
Time: 1997-03-13 11:55:00
Comments: We'd like you to link to our home page. Just started a section with links to trail web sites in each state. Will have a hot button graphic on the home page, but for now click on RESOURCES AND LIBRARY, then on "America's Trails State by State" thanks for any suggestions, your ATA site is truly suave and debonair!
Name: Bobby Taylor
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Cullman, AL
Time: 1997-03-09 20:12:00
Comments: I am still looking for a map of the Pinhoti Trail. The Forest Service sent my a 12 inch copy of a drawing; said they were out. Alabama Outdoors, out; Rogers, out; Does anybody know where I can get a map? Thanks for the help.
Name: F. Paul Perret
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Demopolis, Alabama
Time: 1997-03-07 13:07:00
Comments: To Carol Wilson: I enjoyed your page on the Sipsey Wilderness Area. I am interested in hiking and canoeing in that area a contact number for more information. I would also be interested in work projects on the Appalachian trail connection. Please keep me informed of progress and work dates if you are interested inobtaining more volunteers. Paul
Name: Curtis Porch
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Alexander City, AL
Time: 1997-03-03 10:20:00
Comments: I have enjoyed about 2 hours of your home page. I love hiking and look forward to hearing from you on membership to the ATA. I am also looking for people in the Alexander City area to hike with.
Name: Cam Murray
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Columbus,MS
Time: 1997-03-02 20:30:00
Comments: What's going on? I was just surfing the net and found this page so I decided to stop by.I do a lot of hiking in Alabama,especially in the Cheaha/Talladega Wilderness Areas.My friend and I went on a hike on the Pinhoti from Coleman Lake to Cheaha State Park.On the section between Hwy 281 and Hwy 431 there were numerous downed trees and brush so bad the trail was virtually impassible and it was marked horribly.Is there anything the ATA can do about this? Please email me. p
Name: jphn O'Keefe
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: RR#2 Clarksburg Ont. Can
Time: 1997-03-01 13:59:00
Comments: I live on top of "Blue Mountain" a section of the Niagara escarpment,one of two places in the world to be a preserved biospere, the othe being the great rift valley in Africa. Running along the top of this escarpment is a 400 mile long Bruce Trail". We hike it ,bike it ,ski it and camp on it frequently since it runs through our backyard. We are coming to Alabama and will be staying on Martin :Lake near Dadaville and will be hiking your trails. Looking forward to it as you have a fabulous home page.
Name: Sudeeptha Bowie
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: New Orleans
Time: 1997-03-01 01:26:00
Comments: Nice Pictures,we need info on traveling to appalachian trails.
Name: Wade Harper
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Marietta, Ga
Time: 1997-02-27 18:27:00
Comments: I am a member of the Benton MacKaye Trail Assoc. I plan to hike the Pinhoti trail soon. I am working on my home page. Maybe I will include the Benton Mackay Trail on it since it does not have a web page of its own.
Name: Roger Faulkner
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Dothan, AL
Time: 1997-02-23 22:38:00
Comments: I'm new to the state...still trying to get my bearings. I'm a hiker, a Unitarian, and lost here! I'd like to network with other scientific environmentalists, or just real people!
Name: Tony H. Smith
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Pensacola, Fl.
Time: 1997-02-23 20:46:00
Comments: Was looking for some good hikes in Alabama for me and my girlfriend to do, she lives in Cullman Al. I'm in the Navy and am currently stationed in Pensacola. I was stationed in Hawaii and got hooked on hiking while there. I am now a member of the Florida Trails Association, and was wondering if you have any chapters in the southern part of Alabama. We are currently looking at taking one of our trails up to the Alabama line from here. Tony
Name: Stuart E. Roberts
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Birmingham Al.
Time: 1997-02-23 08:04:00
Comments: ok so I didn't leave a message. I did just send congrats a note for help finding Al. Trails info to the webmastter. I enjoyed the sit although i have interest in Little River Canyon and cannot find info please help me
Name: Larry Cooper
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: Bloomington, In
Time: 1997-02-22 10:32:00
Comments: Hope you get to Springer Mt.
Name: Barbara Baracks
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Brooklyn, NY
Time: 1997-02-21 20:35:00
Comments: This is a letter of inquiry, though let me first say how impressed I am with your site's design and membership's obvious commitment. Joy Malone of the Alabama Forest Service said you may be able to give me some information. I am thinking of solo backpacking through Bankhead National Forest in March or April for about five days. I've never been to Alabama before. Can you advise me about: o The possibility of a car service or public transportation between Birmingham airport and a trail head. My alternative is to rent a car which will sit for 5 idle and expensive days! o How I can obtain a topo map of the Bankhead Forest? If possible I'd like to send away for it in advance. o Do you recommend a particular book on this forest? o I know the weather will be uncertain. Any other local conditions I should be aware of? Any particular trails you would recommend or avoid? I appreciate your help. Barbara Baracks bbaracks@ix.netcom.com
Name: Cherl Manis
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Philadlephia, TN
Time: 1997-02-20 16:34:00
Comments: The reason I am here is because I know the web master and wanted to see what he has been doing in his spare time.
Name: T. Keith Maples
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: New Hope al. near Huntsville
Time: 1997-02-18 18:31:00
Comments: This is the first time for me to find this site, alot of great stuff I'm sure I"ll visit many times.
Name: Michael Sobkowiak
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Pittsburgh PA
Time: 1997-02-16 13:30:00
Comments: I would be excited to see the AT extended and ideally all states and countries in North America hav an inter-connecting trail system that would act as a green way for humans and animals alike. Good luck on the project please e-mail me if you need any support.
Name: Evin Thompson
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Jacksonville, AL
Time: 1997-02-14 20:53:00
Comments: The site is still looking great!
Name: DON STUECKLER
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: BIRMINGHAM
Time: 1997-02-13 17:06:00
Comments: NICE WATER FALL PICTURES, I WAS THERE TOO!
Name: Bobby Taylor
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Cullman, AL
Time: 1997-02-13 09:53:00
Comments: I have just recently moved back to AL from living for 15 years in in Florida (Orlando). I have hiked about 500 miles of the A.T. from Springer to Damascus, and hope to do the whole thing in '99. I have just found the Sipsey Wilderness Area, and have hiked some there. I am very interested in the Pinhoti (?) Trail, and also your effort to connect with the A.T. It sounds like you are planning to follow the old Indian High Town Trail. I would welcome the opportunity to possibly help in your endeavor. Bobby Taylor 1501 Stadium Dr. NE Cullman, AL 35055 (205) 734-3593
Name: Rich Evans
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Orlando, Fl
Time: 1997-02-12 06:26:00
Comments: In the year 2000, I plan to hike from Orlando to Canada on the Florida Trail, your Pinhoti Trail and then up the AT to its new terminus on Mt. Jacques Cartier. I would be very interested in the possibilities to link up the Pinhoti to the Florida Trail. As a Florida Trail member, I would be happy to help in any way to make this happen.
Name: Shane & Vicky Wilson
Website:
Referred by: Word of Mouth
From: Warrior, Al
Time: 1997-02-10 19:30:00
Comments: Great pix Jay!!!! Vicky
Name: Byron Giddens
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Sylacauga, Al
Time: 1997-02-08 15:00:00
Comments: I enjoy reading about AL national parks and trails for hiking, backpacking, and camping.Thanks for a good web page.
Name: Mike Sparks
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Boaz, AL
Time: 1997-02-05 19:11:00
Comments: I am looking to expand my knowledge of backpacking. Can anyone there help me.
Name: Leslie Booher
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: New Harmony, IN 47631-0155
Time: 1997-02-05 00:20:00
Comments: The new section devoted to the Sipsey is lovely. There were 2 things I noted, though: (1) there was no mention of bird life, and when we were there several years ago, we thought we saw endangered red-cockaded (sp?) woodpeckers; and (2) a key to the map would have really helped; I studied the map for a long time but was never sure where we went in and came out; Johnson (?) Cemetery was one of our favorite places, but I couldn't find it on the map, so I couldn't get oriented. I don't know what road we went in on, but we parked on the Wilderness side of the road, hiked through a huge blow-down, hung a right, went down into the canyon, forded, stayed down a long time (except when we went back up to look at the big tree), forded again, hiked back out of the canyon, visited the cemetery, then got back to the vehicle. At that time, that was a pretty standard way to go. I don't think that we were coming in from Double Springs, and I can't think of the name of the other town. Several years ago (oh, yes, maybe '93), my brother and I stayed at a campsite near and at the Jesuit Hostel in Hot Springs with a thru-hiker who was the manager of Over -the-Mountain Outfitters in Birmingham. If you know him, tell him "hi" from me. My brother lives in MS and visited him in the store once. I miss the south. My regular outfitter is in Jackson, and you never go to Jxn without a skirt on, so there I'd be in my dress, hose, and heels buying backpacking equipment. Here in IN, we have a fabulous place called J.L. Waters in Bloomington. All other local outfitters aspire to be like them.
Name: Richard D. Jayne
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: Butler, Ala presently
Time: 1997-02-03 14:24:00
Comments: Led construction of Bladon Springs Loop Trail (3.5 mi) Winter of 94/95. Complete. Wear boots in spring. AT Hike 1995 Springer to just S of Penn line 1000 mi+ Planning Harpers Ferry - Maine in summer 1997
Name: Glenn Aderholdt
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Auburn
Time: 1997-02-02 19:04:00
Comments: I would like to hike the pinhotti trail over spring break. I am currently a student at Auburn studying civil eng. I am an avid hunter /outdoorsman and former Marine,just thought I would say hello.
Name: Larry E. Madden
Website:
Referred by: Word of Mouth
From: Rome, GA
Time: 1997-02-02 12:07:00
Comments: referred to you by Tim Banks, President of The Georgia Pinhote Trail Association. I am on the board of directors of The GPTA. Morton Archibald from Huntsville indicated that some of the people from Hunsville would come over on March the first for our work day at Dug Gap in Dalton, GA. If you know of any persons from AL that would like to participate please send me a list of names so that we can plan for the number of workers. I will respond via return e-mail with directions. Feb. 2, 1997 - 3:10 pm
Name: Jim Jackson
Website:
Referred by: Net Search
From: Palestine, Texas
Time: 1997-01-29 05:12:00
Comments: Please include a map showing the location for those of us who may be coming through on vacation. Would like to hike some of your trails. Thanks for the show! tljack
Name: Judy Thorne
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Florence
Time: 1997-01-22 18:37:00
Comments: Just found you and will return to read all later. Must go and grade papers now!
Name: Mike McGhee
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Jasper, Ga.
Time: 1997-01-22 06:53:00
Comments: Was looking for a spring break of bicycling for my family
Name: Jeannie Smith
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Talladega, Al.
Time: 1997-01-21 09:25:00
Comments: Love those photographs by Jay Hudson. Also enjoy hiking with Jay and the Talladega gang and learning more about the ATA. Keep up the good - no, great - work! Can't wait to see those icy waterfall pictures from the Nubbin Creek/High Falls hike we did a few weeks ago! They have to be incredible and everyone should get a look at those pictures!
Name: Roy A. Busler
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Alabama
Time: 1997-01-16 19:16:00
Comments: Recently an old railroad track bed running from Oneonta to the Tarrent area was cleared, I heard there was a possibility that it might get some funding to become a communitie walking/bike trail. I really like this Idea because it would surely take the people who would enjoy it through areas they might not have ever got to see. With all the growth, and home/sub-division building going on locally this might become something people from near and far could enjoy with their families for years to come. I hope I'm not out of line with this comment, if so please disregard it. Keep up the good work. Roy A. Busler
Name: Trae
Website:
Referred by: Just Surfed On In!
From: Cullman
Time: 1997-01-16 13:44:00
Comments: I love the Sipsey Wilderness Area. The trails are well maintained and the wildlife is spectacular.