External Text:Lower Shoal Shelter Log Book March 2014 ↓ August 2016 Introductory Internal Paragraphs 24 March 2014 Shelter log provided by volunteer John N Calhoun www.trailjournals.com/mothernaturesson Inside back cover: Please pack out your trash and other's too. Thanks I borrowed this log book from John Calhoun. This 7" x 5" stitched book has a pumpkin front and unbleached back cardboard covers. There are no loose pages and water damaged spots still seem legible. |
| 24 | March | 2014 | 1 Maintainer | John Calhoun | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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| Have a great hike. Enjoy. Mother Nature's Son | ||||||||||||
| 26 | March | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Fireflo, Buddy | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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I was really looking forward to reading the old journal! Just missed it, Mother Nature's Son! Today my dog buddy and I hiked from Camp Pine Glen to here. My friends Tom and Jenna dropped me off and were kind enough to take my kids on a whirlwind tour of Jacksonville, Alabama. My friend "Trail Boss Sharon" stood me up for a trip to Washington DC! Too bad she is missing this beautiful spot! I am currently section hiking the Pinhoti Trail. With this section completed I have finished from Cheaha State park to past the Georgia State Line. I have seen no hikers today. Polly @ the the ranger station told me some people came down from Ohio to escape the snow and were heading south 'til they saw none. Another group was looking for a taxi service out of here! My friends Princess Dooh and Lakelord came through here one year ago + two years ago respectively on their Eastern Continental Divide hikes. Lake has just started his Trans America Trail hike a week ago + is experiencing cold weather.
So sorry I keep missing you on the trail Mother Natures Son. Just want to say thank you for all your hard work keeping the trails open. Even if I did not get to see the old shelter journal, I am most hinoored to be the first to sign this on. In a different hand: As a note: Someone had taken the old notebook some time ago-- |
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| 31 | March | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Bradley, Rabian G | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
This is my son's first official backpacking trip with dad. He is 3 years old and right now he is holding the Ziplock bag full of marshmellows ready for dessert! He is having so much fun and is so excited that he just accidentally whacked me with the marshmellow stick. The sky is clear and we're hoping for a temperature in the 40s tonight. So glad to be here. So lucky to have such an amazing little guy as my son.
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| 5 | April | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Ginger, Authur H | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked in and had breakfast cooked over the fire. Enjoyed the peace + quiet. Saw lots of snails in the creek; have not seen these before. Also a large fish: Ha! | ||||||||||||
| 5 | April | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Teepee Man (How Yurt Man) | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Short hike from 531 road. Recuperating from back surgery January. Doc says walking is good, so I'm walking a place I know well. First hiked Pinhoti when I was 12. (1966) Pine Glen to Coleman Lake. Hiked this trail many, many times. Just celebrated my 60th birthday in North Carolina, Mints, stayed in a yurt & dayhiked in Joyce Kilmer National Forest. Last time to hike to Lower Shoal Shelter about a year ago with my son. At 18 he now hikes with buds. "Comes a Time" Heh Yoohky. Mother Nature is a life and soul energy source that has no alternative. As you hike slow down and appreciate the gifts of this beautiful lady. Trail Notes: - Dwarf Crested Iris Blooming - Bluets Prolific - Triliums popping out - Christmas Fern fronds opening up - Red Buckeye blooming - Oakleaf Hydrangea Leafing - Water cascading over lush moss covered rocks creating a soothing music - Skies are blue, sun is warm. (Think I will lay down on the forest floor and nap.) |
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| 19 | April | 2014 | ? Hikers | Mistletoe J | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked in from Pine Glen with a group from BAG and from GAG. Some overnighters and some heading back. (After a stop at Mellow Mushroom in Oxford.) Overcast, Upper 60s, light drizzle. Plenty of blooms, wild turkey (the bird kind) flew up off the trail. Thanks to M.N.S. for all your hard work. | ||||||||||||
| 19 | April | 2014 | 22 Hikers | Hiker Husband One | Birmingham & Georgia | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Great day to hike, here with hiker wife & 20 other hikers from BAG & GAG. 8 were through hike and did day hike. 13 backpack & camp here. Most tent camp and 4 sleep in shelter. Great day to camp, be out. | ||||||||||||
| 20 | April | 2014 | ? Hiker | Hiker wife | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Slept in the shelter last night. Awesome sky! Cool breeze. Lovely morning now. Please practice LNT leave no trace! of anything! Loving the outdoors - The Original Hiker Wife ☺ | ||||||||||||
| 25 | April | 2014 | 4 Hikers | Lost & Found AT 2011, Eloise, Dora | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Just taking an easy trip on Section 9 on Alabama Section hike #2. LLOT Leave Lots Of Trace. Let them know you were here! | ||||||||||||
| 25 | April | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Bedtime | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| 3rd time out on my first section hike. Just started hiking in the past two years. Loving it though! ☺ And still getting used to writing in these journals. ☺ ❤ | ||||||||||||
| 27 28 |
April | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Eddie, Paul | - | 2 Nights | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Sunday 27th arrived 5:05pm from Pine Glen soaked from rain storm. Monday 28th Great morning and night → Saw Glow bugs? coming down the hills to the creeks by the thousands!! Hunkering ↓ for bad weather tonight + possible tomorrow, ∅ day dry out + recharge. Started at Pinky Burns going to Cheaha for Talladega 400! May4. Tuesday 29th storm wasn't bad here light bugs come ↓ the hills again @ dark! heading out! *See also August 28, 2015* |
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| 30 1 |
April May |
2014 | 2 Hiker | - | - | ? | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Brother and I section hiking. Enjoyed the stay. Beautiful Place. Thanks for those who built the shelter, and maintain it. Started at 281/78 trailhead. Rained all day, not heavy, just steady. Headed to Pine Glen. | ||||||||||||
| 10 | May | 2014 | 5 Hikers | Mn☮, Shave, Dom, Not Alex | - | 6+ | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Started at Porter Gap, This is day 6. Drenched to the bone. Lost Alex, but gained Jerod and Mike. Go MCES! | ||||||||||||
| 20 | May | 2014 | 4 Hikers | Wiregrass Hikers: Ray, Brady, Ray, Nick | , Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Stopped for a break. | ||||||||||||
| 3 | June | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Brandon T | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Was Here. Also a lot of mosquitos. | ||||||||||||
| 22 | June | 2014 | 1 Maintainer | Mother Nature's Son | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Walked in and lightly loppered trail. Saw a big oak that uprooted recently just south of here near the ridge line. Will handle on another trip. Hope all is well and you're having a good hike. Enjoy. | ||||||||||||
| 26 | June | 2014 | 10+ Hikers | BSA Troop 576 Mike C | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Our scout troop 576 is on mile 36/50 for our high adventure. We have 10 scouts with us. The only problem we have had is with ticks. We saw John Calhoun from the Alabama Trail Association earlier today clearing deadfall off the trail. Much appreciated. Good guys! PS) This pen or paper sucks. |
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| 3 | July | 2014 | 2 Maintainers | John Calhoun, Hunt C | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Here again with friend Hunt C. Just removed the large oak tree south of here. Took a lot longer than I thought. Have a happy 4th. | ||||||||||||
| 5 | August | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Salt, Olive | - | 2 Nights | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Fiance and I are here on our first trip together. Came in from FS500 head yesterday, going back tomorrow. Stove broke so we're cooking everything in the open fire.☺ Compared to backpacking, marriage should be a piece of cake. |
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| 18 | August | 2014 | 2 Hiker | Misty, David F | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Finally got my husband on our first hike together! Hope there will be many more to come. Home is where the heart is and mine is in the woods. | ||||||||||||
| 24 | August | 2014 | 1 Hiker | - | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Great hike with some rain falling through the trees and when I got here, I couldn't help wading in the creek. This is what heaven is like. Jesus told us he would prepare a place for us. | ||||||||||||
| - | - | 2014 | 1 Hiker | - | Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| 5 | September | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Mechanical Man MEGA'05 | - | Many | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Stopping for a snack and some H2O. Nice trail. On to Heflin for resupply. Some really nice streams last couple of days. | ||||||||||||
| 28 | September | 2014 | 3 Hikers | Daddy, Sarah, Paul | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Took a day hike with 8 year old daughter Sarah and my 6 Year old son Paul. We took out last night at least 1000 spider webs on the way here. First afternoon in the 70s so it's nice out here! | ||||||||||||
| 1 | October | 2014 | 1 Maintainer | Mother Nature's Son | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Just stopped in to check out the shelter. For the last few weeks I cleared the Pinhoti from US Highway 431 (South Loop). I plan to keep working northward; Just started at 531 south today. Enjoy your time in the woods! | ||||||||||||
| 16 | October | 2014 | 1 Maintainer | John Calhoun | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| 11:30am. In for another spolo work trip - this time clearing north of the shelter. Hopefully, clearing all the way to Pine Glen CG before the Cheaha or Pinhoti 100 foot race starts in November. Hope all who hike here enjoy! | ||||||||||||
| 16 | October | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Ivan, Corey/Ironsides | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Just hiked in from Pine Glen. On our way to hike to the summit of Cheaha! | ||||||||||||
| - | October | 2014 | 7 Hikers | Jh, JC, JA, TA, MC, ES, CS | , Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Matt's bachelor trip! We camped next to the beautiful train tracks last night. Hiked all day and now it's time to eat 2 pounds of burger a person. | ||||||||||||
| 29 | October | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Evan, dog | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Good morning! My dog and I camped here last night. Beautiful campsite at shelter. heading further north today. This is my last time in the woods before I start my new 9 to 5 job. Got to savor the wilderness while I still can! | ||||||||||||
| 30 | October | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Anonymous | - | Many | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Joined the Pinhoti at Heflin yesterday afternoon and hiked 'til near dark - Camped in the woods off the trail... Slow goings today. Reached here in the afternoon because I hung out near the campsite too long getting rid of the chill I got in the middle of the night. Glad to get fresh water again. Will be hiking through the night to make up for lost time and my inefficiency today. Planning to reach at least the lake or Pine Glen before stopping. Looking forward to finding someplace to either fish or pick up provisions to tide me over... A heavy pack takes quite a bit of energy to haul. Going to see if I can't lighten my load somehow... Heading northeast into Georgia. Anyone looking for a good book to read ought to get a copy of: They Fired the First Shot 2012 Read it. If you feel called to be a part of something bigger than yourself; and to help re-birth a real Culture in this country - If you truly love God, your family, and your country - Then chances are you'll never regret reading that book. Wish you the best. Godspeed. |
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| 31 | October | 2014 | 1 Hiker | - | Georgia | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Happy Halloween! I'm heading back towards the train tracks. I have really enjoyed the hike so far and will be returning. I saw 3 wild turkeys about two miles south of Pine Glen! When I return I will make it a priority to pack Efficiently. I always overpack and it wears me out. I'm going to wake up to watch the Pinhoti 100 in the morning, hike out, then drive back to Georgia. Speaking of good books, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep is excellent. One of my favorite parts of being at school is having time to read for pleasure. I just bought Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power and look forward to reading it. |
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| 3 | November | 2014 | 1 Hiker | TBone | - | Many | Pinhoti Trail Benton MacKaye Trail |
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| TBone in for the night. No one else here yet (4:30pm). Flagg Mountain and Springer Mountain - Nice shelter and water. MICA3? | ||||||||||||
| 7 | November | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Warren | - | ? | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Warren of findingwarrendotcom (ha) thrus in '08, '09, '10 '08 to Maine |
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| 8 | November | 2014 | Many | Troop 4080 | Attalla, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Saturday. The hardier of us made it here from Pine Glen in 2 hours and 30 minutes. We have yet to see when the scout master will arrive. We speculate that he was eaten by a raccoon or perhaps a slow moving squirrel. | ||||||||||||
| 11 | November | 2014 | 3 Maintainers | Kenny, Tom C, Van P | - | 4 Nights | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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John: a special thank you for all the work you do. It really looks great. Kenny, Tom C, Van P stayed here: so nice. We started at Pinky Burns Trailhead Saturday November 8th. Me, Tom, Van, Lynn C, dog. We cleared some: there are a lot of blowdowns from Choccolocco Lake to 540, cleared from here to 553 (blacktop) with a bow saw and a lot of grunting. We hope to come back and help soon. Tom C says we are tired and wore out (old). Great hiking except for the hill and the one before that, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Nice hike, colors (maples), Gentian (purple wildflower by creek) owls, great sounds, good fire, good Jack Daniels + apple cider. Coyotes loud Kenny Bat welcomed us at the shelter Good Night - Vann John Boy |
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| 29 | November | 2014 | 3 Hikers | Nathan, Earl, Matt | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Came from 500. Headed to Pine Glen. Great weather, slightly below freezing. Shelter looks great John! Excellent group site. | ||||||||||||
| - | November | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Krud | - | Many | Many | |||||
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Krud - Strange Loop 2014 • 2015 Prettiest setting of the Pinhoti shelters I've seen so far! 8,000 miles into my Hike / Bike + still 8,000 more to go! Stay Positive! Avoid Obstacles! |
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| - | November | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Stretch | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
By the way, the Pinhoti Book Club meets here every summer and winter solstice. We need suggestions.Yours Truly, Stretch PS How and Why do people run Ultra Marathons? Dat's Crazy |
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| - | November | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Detour | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Detour in again. Been here before. Deja Vu. | ||||||||||||
| 30 | November | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Wandering Stovie | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Spending the night. | ||||||||||||
| 15 | December | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Brad, Lauren | Montgomery, Huntsville, Al | 2 Nights | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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My first night on the Pinhoti!
I'm from Culman, Alabama and have always wanted to hike the Pinhoti, but never carved out the time for even a section hike. Well, at age 24, that's when I, and my husband - who has hiked on the trail before - have decided to do. Yesterday, Day 1, we hiked from FS500 Trailhead to here, Lower Shoal Shelter (7.7 miles). Tonight's goal is Coleman Lake ≈ 12.5 Miles Then to Burns Trailhead tomorrow, where we'll finish up. Saw three deer yesterday. No Hikers. Very thankful to enjoy this shelter. It's very nice. Ate a very much anticipated dinner of Brocolli Fettuchine Alfredo with grilled checken last night. Oatmeal with cranberries this morning. Very nice to have the creek to wash dishes in. Time to hit the trail! |
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| 19 | December | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Sam, Zach, Channel-dog | - | 4 Nights | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Brother, dog, and I on a few sections. Hiked in from Horseblock Flats. Started at Cheaha on the 15th. We will finish at Sweetwater Lake today. 15 miles yesterday was tough, but we need to beat the rain. (No doggie rain gear.) This shelter is much cleaner than Blue Mountain! Looking forward to a hot shower and a cold brew! | ||||||||||||
| 23 | December | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Sir Trips a Lot | - | 7 Nights | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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"Sir Trips a Lot" (Trail the wife gave me) Day 1 Started from Cave Creek Trailhead on Saturday 20 December 2014 Mile 79.1. Passed Blue Mountain Shelter. Camped at Hillabee Creek. Great place for reliable water. No fire that night. Around 18:00 a doe came within 15 feet to 20 feet before she realize me then took off. Pretty cool. I went to sleep in my new superfly tarp and ridgerunner hammock with my Thermarest R5.7 pad. "Best Night Ever." The pad reflects the heat, even with the cheap Ozark 32° down sleeping bag from Walmart. Checkout Warbonnet Hammock beat sleeping ground. Day 2 Sunday 21 December 2014 Saw a few Turkey and Squirrel. Not a real eventful day. Crossed over US431 and made camp at mile 96.9 Spring Bog Crossing. Had a little rain but dry. Day 3 Monday 22 December 2014 Back on trail. I was hoping that the proposed Greenstone Shelter had been built: it wasn't. The weather forecasted rain so! Instead of making camp I went on to Lower Shoal Shelter. Hoping to make it before the rain. Nope I didn't make it. Started to rain around 15:00 but got lucky and made it here at 16:00. Sleep in shelter. I miss my hammock. Even though I was warm my back kept me awake most of the night. Day 4 Tuesday 23 December 2014 Stayed at shelter all day. Dried out gear. Made small fire to dry socks. Made Coffee, beef jerky soup, and had a lazy day. Day 5 Wednesday 24 December 2014 Headed back to Cave Creek Trailhead. Hoping to stay at Blue Mountain Shelter on Friday, December 26. 27 December hike 2 miles to car and go home. Hope the weather is clear the next 2-3 days. If not, Oh Well. That's called camping. Enjoy the trail. Stay safe. "Sit Trips a Lot", signing off |
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| 24 | December | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Matt L | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Merry Christmas! | ||||||||||||
| 26 | December | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Hemlock | - | ? Nights | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Heading southbound. Started at High Point. Loving the peace and quiet out here. My first time backpacking the Pinhoti, and I really appreciate the gentle slopes. Merry Christmas. ramblinghemolock.blogspot.com |
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| 26 | December | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Red Rocket, Tigger | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Red Rocket and I (Tigger) are taking a little after Christmas hike. Love the scenery. Can't wait to come back one day. | ||||||||||||
| 28 | December | 2014 | 1 Hiker | - | - | Many? | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| 2nd Pinhoti ike (1st long one). Started yesterday @ Burns Trailhead, hiked from Laurel Shelter this AM. A happy Ney Year to everyone! | ||||||||||||
| 31 | December | 2014 | 2 Hikers | Matthew, David S | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Started at FS500 South Trailhead and stopped here to eat lunch. | ||||||||||||
| 31 | December | 2014 | 1 Hiker | Just Bob | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| 14:15 Plan to sleep here in the New Year - Hopefully there will be no fireworks tonight. Will know in a bit if this shelter is Mousie. | ||||||||||||
| 2 | January | 2015 | 1 Hiker | - | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Noonish. Came in from Choccolocco WMA this morning. Rain all morning. Rain all afternoon. Totally worth it when I saw the shelter. Probably wait until the rain clears out in two days to head back to Choccolocco. This is a beautiful escape and a quaint, quiet start to 2015. Pitter patter of the raindrops on the rocks makes it hard not to love. I just wish Mother Nature left me more dry wood. Will make do so long as I can dry out every day. Joke: Q: What's the difference between an enzyme and a hormone? A: You can't hear an enzyme. |
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| 21 | January | 2015 | 3 Hikers | DAWG 420 smoke out, Halfpack, anonymous | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| 1 | February | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Lefty | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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I Came, I Saw, I Slept. Not a bad visit. Good company, good conditions. Time to beat the rain. |
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| 5 | February | 2015 | 1 Maintainer | John Calhoun | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Thursday, 2:30pm. Just walked in for a break from trailwork. Got back from the Everglades, Okeefenokee trip Sunday. I sure miss our woods here. | ||||||||||||
| 14 | February | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Oreo | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Northbound Pinhoti | ||||||||||||
| 14 | February | 2015 | 1 Hiker | T Knight | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Walked in to enjoy the nice weather and this lovely spot. | ||||||||||||
| 27 | February | 2015 | 1 Hiker | T Knight | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Came back here for my first solo overnight. | ||||||||||||
| 14 | March | 2015 | 3 Hikers | GPa, Victor, Fish | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked in from FS500 South Trailhead. Great group of boy scouts here. We had a great fire and told stories. | ||||||||||||
| 19 | March | 2015 | 4 Hikers | Dewey C, Eddie B, Jimmy M, Hugh H | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Dewey's first hike. Came in from trail FS500. 8 miles 'til we got here. Having a great time. Raining now at 7:40am. God bless and be safe. | ||||||||||||
| 20 | March | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Sparrow | - | Many | ||||||
Crawfordville, Florida to here and in great shape for the  . Going to eat my Italian sausage, green peppers, and tomatos I bought in Oxford on my break yesterday.
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| 22 | March | 2015 | 18 Hikers | Troop 28: Eagle Catcher, BioDegreatest Doge, Dan the Doge, Verocious Spider, Tree Enjoyer (The one who enjoys the trees.), Bellany B, Octavia B of the Sky People, Seagle on the tocks, Ivanka Trump, Hog Chaser, Amber R, LandBird, Keyaira Lizard, Small Pebble (x4) | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| The walk in was great. Had perfect weather. As we closed in one friend almost went down a cliff. We're Troop 28, and stayed with 18 people. Rain is coming, drawing near. Today's hike is gonna suck, but it'll be a good adventure. | ||||||||||||
| 22 | March | 2015 | 1 Hiker | - | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| I came, I saw, I'm off to Maine. I'll be there tonight, hopefully. → | ||||||||||||
| 22 | March | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Octavia B of the Sky People | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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As you saw on the page before, Dan the Doge signed the journal entry. But his signature was forged because Dan does not have opposable thumbs - and we ate him. Dan was a sweet dog, but our group forgot our food and we became hungry... so RIP in peace Dan, you are loved... ((Jokes)) |
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| 23 | March | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Chizzlin Cheswick | - | Many | Eastern Continental Trail | |||||
Hiked in from north of Cheaha State Park yesterday. Did 26 miles to get here by 8 last night. Rained all day but got here. Started in Miami 31 December 2014. Gone 1400 miles to here. Heading for the AT. Then to Canada. Hiking the Eastern Continental Trail ECT. Got 3500 miles to go. Been averaging around 2 miles a day!Chizzlin Cheswick ECT Thru-Hiker |
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| 31 | March | 2015 | ? Hikers | Group from FBC Pelham, Taylor, Gabrielle | Pelham, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| 2 | April | 2015 | 4 Hikers | PB & Jelly, PEI, Canada | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail Benton MacKaye Trail |
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| Flagg to Springer | ||||||||||||
| 2 | April | 2015 | 2 Hikers | Red, Freed | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Planning to stay the night. Beautiful setting. I just hope the weather is as nice. | ||||||||||||
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Hello Red, Fred |
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| - | - | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Heidi of the Glens | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Lovely enchanted evening in this magic hollow. Staying up late to watch the fairys dance. | ||||||||||||
| 5 | April | 2015 | 1 Hiker | CJA | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Took a hike on a beautiful eastern afternoon. God's creation is beautiful. | ||||||||||||
| 21 | May | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Bones | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hello peopleof the Pinhoti. It's Bones, Just saying Hey and moving on... Happy Trails. Oh Yeah going to 278... from FS500 | ||||||||||||
| 24 | May | 2015 | 2 Hiker | John & James B | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked in from Pine Glen and staying the night. Good father-son time. | ||||||||||||
| 28 | May | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Ryori | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked in from 500 south. Headed north. | ||||||||||||
| 28 | May | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Rock | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Stayed last night. Nice shelter. Headed to High Point. Will stop @ Choccolocco Shelter after Laurel Shelter. | ||||||||||||
| 2 | June | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Tyler | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hi. I'm Tyler. | ||||||||||||
| 4 | June | 2015 | 2 Hikers | Bones | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Back at it... with a friend going to Burns Trailhead. Thanks to those who maintain!! | ||||||||||||
| 2 | July | 2015 | 2 Hikers | | - |
Day |
Pinhoti Trail |
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| Ranger station @ 500 to the shelter. Beautiful hike! Good luck to all the walkers out here! | ||||||||||||
| 19 | July | 2015 | 2 Hikers | Moe C & his chick | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Came in from Pine Glen for the night. The hills bite when it's 95+ out! Beautiful site and the creek was a lifesaver! We slept in hammocks hanging off the same 2 trees thanks to Dutch! Best way to spend a hot, humid night in the woods. I hear the trail back is all downhill. ☺ | ||||||||||||
| 26 | July | 2015 | 3 Hikers | Diagnosed, Icebreaker, Green Catalyst | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Set out to capture the Shoal Creek Shelter Portal. Explore Ingress, a geocaching meets capture the flag game for your phone. Join the enlightened and join us on many more adventures. | ||||||||||||
| 15 | August | 2015 | 1 Hiker | David O | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| First time on the Pinhoti. Training for the Pinhoti 100 in November. Camped at Pine Glen and ran to ranger station at FS500 and back. Beautiful day and great adventure. | ||||||||||||
| 26 | August | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Good News Tom C | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Beautiful day. Not hot but clear sky. Day hiking from junction Pinhoti with 523 to Pine Glen and back. God Bless!! | ||||||||||||
| 28 | August | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Paul | Mississippi | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Reference 28 April 2014 3pm Here without Eddie "Pyro" after April / May hike. Arthritis got him. Hip replacement maybe soon. We made it to Cheaha on time for race + Harvick came in 7th for a free bloom onion that Monday! At Outback Steak House! Fantastic Hike!!!!☺!! Just day hiking now. | ||||||||||||
| 29 | August | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Paul | Misssissippi | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Partly cloudy. Cool night. No bugs like in April. Great night! Wore out! Heading Home! Going to C new movie "A Walk In The Woods" Bill Bryson. 'Til next time! | ||||||||||||
| 2 | September | 2015 | 1 Maintainer | John Calhoun | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Wednesday. In for a short break. Clearing trail. Only got to abou ½ mile north of FS531a. Looks like I need the blade brush cutter. Will get back soon. Please volunteer if you can. | ||||||||||||
| 4 | September | 2015 | 1 Maintainer | John Calhoun | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Friday. Back again today. Finally clearing the trail from south 531 to here. Still a lot more to go. I used my loppers and one day used the Echo weed / blade cutter. It is much more efficient than the "Sling Blade." (Some people call it a Kaiser Blade.) But I enjoy the quiet much more than just petty efficiency. Hope y'all have a good time in the woods. | ||||||||||||
| 19 | September | 2015 | 2 Hikers | GPa, Fish | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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See 14 March 2015 Back again for our 4th time. We was here March 09, 11 + 15. First time here in September. Great Place, Trail in great shape. |
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| 24 | September | 2015 | 1 Hiker | MC Fancy Pants | - | Many | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Southbound and down, through to southern trailhead. Nice day of hiking. Stayed at Coleman Lake last night. Good to have a hot shower. Nice weather. Good job on the trails. Well marked + maintained. Dang - Rained all night. Late Start |
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| 26 | September | 2015 | 1 Maintainer | Mother Nature's Son | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| In for a break on another solo work trip. Clearing from this shelter north to FS531. Hope to have it done by the Pinhoti 100 Race. Have fun. | ||||||||||||
| 27 | September | 2015 | 10+ Hikers | Shawn V M | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| We just took a break from our hike. Very nice shelter. We came in with 9 youth. They liked the falls. Really beautiful place. | ||||||||||||
| 5 | October | 2015 | 2 Hikers | HazBen, TowSack | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Practice / shakedown hike to prepare for an attempt of the AT. Beautiful place. Very nice after a long day. Thank you for the work you do! | ||||||||||||
| 15 | October | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Olivia | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiking parts of the National Forest and sightseeing around the area for a bit. Fair weather, feels great. Thanks for the trail and the nice shelter. | ||||||||||||
| 24 | October | 2015 | 2 s | Noah, Meg | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Meg iz A'M 7 | ||||||||||||
| 29 | October | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Wildernessman | - | Many | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiking from Piedmont Trailhead to Sylacauga. This is my 3rd time. All I can think about is a big cheeseburger and fries. | ||||||||||||
| 7 | November | 2015 | 2 Hikers | Lost & Found | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Lost & Found in for the night. It's been ages since I walked @ night in the rain. Last 6 miles here were dark + wet. Glad to be here, in for the night. ☺ Puppy Luv + God's Peace ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ + a class in penmanship! |
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| 14 | November | 2015 | 8 Hikers | Kristen, Jennifer Ashley, Justice, Kristi, Haley, Amanda, Miss Donna | Alexandria | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Kristen made it and didn't die lol. And I came with my new besties from Alexandria. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives! | ||||||||||||
| - | November | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Cameron | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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What a glorious location for a trail shelter! Enjoying the solitude and the crunchy leaves. "You can't control the waves but you can learn how to surf." Enjoy it out here people. Cameron - Out! |
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| 18 | November | 2015 | 1 Runner | Linell S | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Morning trail run from Shoal Creek Ranger Station. This is my first time to visit this shelter. What a pleasant surprise! It's such a beautiful and serene location. I will be back again some day soon. | ||||||||||||
| 22 | November | 2015 | 4 Hikers | Dan the Man, Mom of 4, Backpacking Ben, No Excuses Noah, Piper The Wonder Dog | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Enjoyed a wonderful evening at the shelter with 2 of our four children! Played cards, built a fire, enjoyed a delicious dinner after a long hike from the railroad crossing. Thank you for a well kept shelter. Such a beautiful spot! Our 2 older kids really missed out! | ||||||||||||
| 27 | November | 2015 | 2 Hikers | Coleman L | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Me and a friend enjoying our last days of Thanksgiving break going from the train tracks to Pine Glen. Could not ask for better weather while hiking my favorite section of the Pinhoti. Romans 12:2 "We don't hike to escape life. We hike so that life doesn't escape us." |
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| 28 | November | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Vince A | Villa Rica, Ga | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Hmmm. Campfire still warm at 4:00pm CT. Coals allowed me to start a fire without striking a match. Looks like it wasn't even doused! ??Hmmm. Nice hike in from 500FS Trailhead. Heading back tomorrow. Beautiful views on way here. Clear skies. I need to get industrious and clear some deadfall between 523 + 530FS. |
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| - | - | 2015 | 3 Hikers | Sandychelle, Dave M, Roxy | - | 6 Days | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Day 2 of our 6 day 82 mile hike from 431 trailhead to Jackson Chapel Trailhead. What a beautiful spot for a shelter. I wish I could stay forever. No time to stay though☹ Gotta make to our food drop @ Pinky Burns tomorrow or we will be hungry! Thank you for such a great place to rest and have lunch. |
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| 6 | December | 2015 | 1 Hiker | S | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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A peace that comes with the still. Quietness accompanied by rushing water. A gift only given when you take the time to stop and listen. When all is let go, you find your soul. |
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| 17 | December | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Linell S | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Stopped here for a quick lunch break for while trail running from Shoal Creek Ranger Station. I'm wishing I had more time to spend in this quiet, beautiful, serene location! This is one of my favorite spots on the Pinhoti. Looking much forward to my next visit. ☺ | ||||||||||||
| 25 | December | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Deirdrei, Charlie, Gwyneth | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Christmas Day. Partly cloudy. 73° Slight breeze. This shelter gets my award for Scenic Shelter! Beautiful- Out to discover a new section of the Pinhoti today. Typically hike in the Cheaha Wilderness. It's been a great week of meandering. Hiking with my Husband Charlie, 11 year old daughter Gwyneth, & our furry German Shepard Jewell. As of Monday 21 December 2015 newest addition is Bear, puppy found at Clay County Lake!! What a Christmas treat to find this shelter. ? Sunshine | ||||||||||||
| 29 | December | 2015 | 1 Hiker | D | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Came in from 500, started around 9:00am. Only met one person; He was going out. Trail is in good shape: a few spots of small trees down. Going to leave in the morning. Didn't have much time to go further up trail. Great Shelter. Nice falls. Good sleeping noise!! Cleaned up some trash around area, wasn't too bad but I wish people some respect for God's creation. Hike your own hike. Thanks for all your work, Mother Nature's Son. |
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| 30 | December | 2015 | 1 Hiker | Atameen | - | Many | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked in from Blue Mountain Shelter last night. I was incredibly happy to see another hiker out here on Day 4. Darwin is really a great guy and great company. He seems to know the area pretty well. 2 more days before I take a zero day and resupply. Looking forward to a hot shower and finishing my through hike up into Georgia. | ||||||||||||
| 1 | January | 2016 | 1 Hiker | Ed S | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Spent a very good night here. 34° this morning. Came in from Helflin (FS500), going to Laurel Shelter tonight and out to Rabbittown Road the next day. Happy New Year!✝ | ||||||||||||
| 1 | January | 2016 | 1 Hiker | Shizazz, Comet | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Woke up two hours late to get here. Made it avoiding any rain. Outlook for future is partly sunny, mild days, chilly nights. Plan to stay through Monday. This reminds me of a scene out of a fairy tale! Shizazz and I are welcoming 2016 by camping out here with nature, truly enjoying life. 2 January 2016: Today has certainly been an adventure! Shizazz and I explored the are a bit and found a few great hammock spots. It's been chilly but managable. We found this beautiful sunrise view @ the top of the hill and made a ? not up there Saw 2 other hikers & their dogs, but they were just passing by. |
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| 8 | January | 2016 | 1 Maintainer | Mother Nature's Son | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| 11am. Just stopped by to check out the shelter, hauled out some flags and trash. | ||||||||||||
| 23 | January | 2016 | 4 Hikers | Sean, Brett, Carlee, Kane, dog | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked in from Lake Coleman with an inch of snow on the ground. Saw a deer on the way in. Low of 20°. Feathered friends bag kept us warm. YOLO | ||||||||||||
| 31 | January | 2016 | 8 Hikers | Heflin Cub Scout Pack 206: Luke A, Shannon R, Jake L, Nate A, Haydon H, Sy A, Harrison R, Jackson R | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
Hiked here for Webelos requirement.
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| 13 | February | 2016 | 2 Hiker | Carson M, G-pa | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
Day hikin' with my G-pa.
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| 19 | February | 2016 | 1 Hiker | - | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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3:22pm CENTRAL Hike from Pine Glen. Gorgeous day! Sleepy! Ready to eat! |
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| 22 | February | 2016 | 1 Hiker | Second Mouse | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Camped the weekend at Pendergrass Hunt Camp with some friends. Got a late start, arrived here just before dark. Woke last night to the sound of thunder. How far off I sat and wondered. Ain't it funny how the night moves... Getting a late start out of here due to massive rain. My friends call me Second Mouse cuz I'm never the first one up or on the trail, but I get along. It's the early bird who gets the worm, but it's the Second Mouse who gets the cheese.☺ Stay sat, Don't fall down |
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| 23 | February | 2016 | 1 Hiker | HJ Brown | Mt Juliet, Tn | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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I set out reasonably early today from the Shoal Creek Work Center / Ranger Station after a rest day yesterday, hoping to beat the rain. I didn't. I was fairly soaked when I arrived at the shelter, but at least I did not have to walk in a thunderstorm like last week. I haven't really seen the sun since last Friday - I'm beginning to be worried about my tan... ☺ Thanks once agin to the people who maintain the trail so well, & to the people who built the shelter. I had no idea the Pinhoti would be this nice or the forest here would be so splendid. What a surprise for my retirement party! Hello to John Calhoun - Mother Nature's Son for sure. Also, hello to Mike and Kelly if you are behind me, and if you are ahead of me I hope to catch up to you again. HJ Brown Capt, USPHS (ret) Mt Juliet, Tn (The Brown Bags '89) 24 February 2016 07:00 It's a wet world this morning. At least there were no serious thunderstorms last night. The babbling brook of yesterday is a raging torrent this morning. Looks like wet feet are unavoidable if I'm going to get to the other side today. |
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| 5 | March | 2016 | 1 Hiker | D Bass | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked to Lower Shoal Shelter last night. Got down in th teens. Like to froze but woke up to a beautiful sight here. | ||||||||||||
| 14 | March | 2016 | 1 Hiker | Blue Bog | - | Many | Eastern Continental Trail | |||||
| Terrible and rainy last night under my tarp shelter. These things are not great for bad weather. Glad to have made it down to this shelter tonight to let everything dry out. Pressing forward to the AT and then to Maine! Peace | ||||||||||||
| 15 | March | 2016 | 2 Hikers | Reid / Forkless, AP | Birmingham, Al | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked out from Hawkins Hollow yesterday to Jackson Chapel, then left Pine Glen at 3:00pm to arrive here by 5:00pm. Only to discover a dozen other hikers at the shelter. Luckily they were kind enough to allow us to use the shelter and lent a pen to write this entry. | ||||||||||||
| 15 | March | 2016 | 12 Hikers | Jesus H, Rachel E, Taylor G, Laura W, Emmi I, Miranda S, ?, Collen P, Jess N | Wisconsin | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Spring Break Trip 2016 - University of Wisconsin La Crosse! The 12 of us hammocked here for the night, enjoying the waterfall and clear night skies. Only 11 of us made it since I got swamped by deadly hornets arond the shelter. Luckily the rest of us all have our teeth. #BAMA#She ain't go no teeth# drysoon Hola amigos Coming from the rough streets of Milwaukee, Coming to this peaceful area is a blessing that I hope everyone else enjoys as well. Jesus A H First time backpacking. Loving all the creeks, so refreshing. Beautiful trails & great weather & people. Thank you! Tess H, SPT #PeeParty #Choccolocco monster is real PS BTEW NBD he's real. Don't step in the shelter.... Get Out! Get Out Now! RIP Alex n |
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| 16 | March | 2016 | 1 Hiker | The Michigan Wolverine | Michigan | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Second tick or tock or tic in 2 days. Lime disease here I come. Wow mosquitoes toooo! This is my lucky day..... Why would anyone come here from Wisconsin on spring break! |
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| - | March | 2016 | 1 Hiker | Kelly V | South Dakota | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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↳cent... As a resident of S.D. I find the terrain very different. Having a blast! Enjoying every scene! And my campmates have been amazing! ☺ Liar |
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| - | March | 2016 | 2 Hikers | See Hieroglypics | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
Fantastic hike from Coleman yesterday. (about 13 miles) It was dark when we arrived so we were pleasantly surprised by the lovely creek outside in the morning. We fixed up the broom this morning after having some coffee. Seems to be holding up.
Resupplying in Heflin today. Hopefully, we can find a decent hotel too. Mostly, we just want to eat the greasiest thing we can get out hands on!SOBO from High Point |
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| 5 | April | 2016 | 2 Hikers | Wade P | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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We are camping at Pine Glen. Just out hiking today. We came from 531. I have only hiked the trails around Cheaha, but my dad has hiked all of the Pinhoti. Including here. We have seen several deer and turkeys while riding the roads around here. This shelter area is the best I've seen so far. Very beautiful here. It is truly a blessing to be able to enjoy God's creation. Christ's peace to to all |
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| 15 | April | 2016 | 1 Hiker | Denal | - | Many | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Trail Magic Lives! Another glorious day. Did about 15 miles and was hungry. I come down the hill and see this beautiful waterfall - And a shelter by it! And then, in the shelter, is a jar of peanut butter and a bag of bagels. Seriously, who leaves perishable food in a shelter in the woods! I immediately made a sandwich. Then I began to wonder - "Sell By" date of April 7, no bugs, no mold, no rodent already eating them... I ate 2 more anyway. Now I can go directly to Cheaha State Park without having to stop for more food! Thank You, divine nature SOBO |
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| 2 | May | 2016 | 1 Hiker | JayBird | - | Many | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Bagels still good! Glad Denali didn't eat the Spam. It was great! Thanks for food and a beautiful shelter and trail. NOBO |
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| 6 | May | 2016 | 1 Hiker | Sunny D | - | Many | Eastern Continental Trail | |||||
Friday. Lunch. Bagels still good. Ate one and left one. First time in a while for peanut butter. Will have to add at my resupply. Peace! SOBO
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| 14 | May | 2016 | 2 Hikers | GPa, Fish | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Hiked from FR500 for overnight. | ||||||||||||
| 14 16 |
May | 2016 | 2 Hikers | Thames, Tig | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
We shared the site with GPa and Fish. Gorgeous weather. Flowers blooming everywhere. I really liked the starburst one of red and pale yellow with red stripes. Peanut butter, can of chicken, 2 water bottles are here. This is Tig's 1st visit to the shelter. It's been inspirational. My favorite camping adventure yet. Mostly because of my company with Thames.
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| 25 | May | 2016 | 1 Hiker | Thames | - | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Thames hiked in from FR500 again. Some work had been done Then mostly illegible. This entry is written in light pencil over black ink bleeding from the other side of the page... |
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| 27 | May | 2016 | 1 Hiker | - | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
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Hiked in starting at sunrise - 4:50am; made it here by 8:50am; First time here on a spring day; Plenty of ticks for everybody. You're missing out. Plan on leaving tomorrow; expecting a warm day, no rain. Ravioli should be ready soon, then I'll have a pot for my noodles. Definatly going to wear pants and long sleeves despite the heat tomorrow. In nature we return to reason and fault Emerson, RW Lots of frogs and lizards among the fire pit rocks. Going to scout for higher land with less mosquitoes. Prone water filled areas. A good place west of here to see the sunset? |
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| 19 | July | 2016 | 1 Hikers | Bradley G 35, Rabian G 5, Kody 7, Landon 12 | - | Overnight | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
Stayed here 2 years ago with my 3 year old son. (March 31, 2014) He's now 5 and growing fast. He's laughing and running around the shelter again and again. I have my nephews with me too. Landon is 12 and Kody 8. We all played in the creek for hours. Saw a foot long red / orange snake just down from the waterfall. Hammocks hanging in the shelter. I think my little guys are going to sleep pretty hard. It is supposed to get down to69° tonight. Should be nice. Feeling pretty lucky to be here with these fellas making some great memories. Stormed earlier but we stayed dry in the shelter. There's a wasp nest (Huge!) up above. Must be 50 wasps on it. We have no spray so we are trying not to get them excited. #thegoodlife
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| 4 | August | 2016 | 1 Maintainer | Mother Nature's Son | Leeds, Al | Day | Pinhoti Trail | |||||
| Just stopped in to check on the shelter. Lightly loppered as I went. Have a good time in the woods. | ||||||||||||