Walasi-Yi

[galaleemc]

Yes! Beautiful place and area

[Frosty]

I was disappointed in the cabin we stayed in. The bunks had very low head room and ....

... food choices for dinner are pretty limited (some frozen items such as pot pies, some staple items, fruit, hot dogs, and typical backpacking food), and there are no nearby restaurants.

I think the Sheraton is going to put in a hotel/restaurant complex next year in Addis Gap.

[floyd242]

It's nice, but I would save an overnight for Cloud9.

[vaporjourney]

It's nice, but I would save an overnight for Cloud9.

why not do both?

[max patch]

I think the Sheraton is going to put in a hotel/restaurant complex next year in Addis Gap.

Day hiking out of Addis hasn't been the same since LaPradds closed.

[max patch]

why not do both?

Why stay at Walasi-Yi when you can stay on top of Blood and see arguably the best sunset/sunrise on the trail in GA?

[Jack Tarlin]

Good post, Frosty!

I can't believe some people are complaining about the level of accomodations at Neel's Gap.

Um, news to some folks......Neel's Gap is in the middle of nowhere. If you want a real motel, full cable, a choice of restaurants, and a mint on your pillow before someone tucks you in, you can always pay for a shuttle to a real town.

And then you can go home.

And good riddance. I personally am GLAD some of the acomodations on the Trail are still pretty spartan.

It helps encourage the whiners and higher maintenance folks to quit, which all in all, is not a bad thing at all.

[Tha Wookie]

Why stay at Walasi-Yi when you can stay on top of Blood and see arguably the best sunset/sunrise on the trail in GA?

great point!

Love those guys though.... an AT institution! We should help support it enough to stay that way. I go out of my way when in the neighborhood to see old Winton and drop a couple bones on a book, shirt, or mmmm.... ice cream!

[Jack Tarlin]

Where the hell you been, Wook?

Welcome back and have a great Spring!!

See you in Georgia in 2 weeks maybe.

[Dances with Mice]

It's not like you're forced to stay at Walasi-Yi. There are other options available. Skunk Mountain, oops I meant Blood Mountain, shelter is on the way and there's a nice camping spot with water just a half mile or so north of Neels Gap.

Blood Mtn Cabins are just up the hill a bit. They're more comfortable and if you can convince three other hikers to split a cabin then the price is about the same.

Or have the Walasi staff call Keith Bailey at Goose Creek Cabins. They won't mind, he's on their speed dial. If you get the answering machine you might as well have a seat because Keith speaks reeealllll slllllowww.... He'll drive up and pick you up and return you to Neels the next day. For extra small fees GCC will also do your laundry and shuttle you into Blairsville ("Buh-LAY-yers-VEE-yill") to shop and eat at the AYCE Cookie Jar restaurant.

[Ronin]

And good riddance. I personally am GLAD some of the acomodations on the Trail are still pretty spartan.

It helps encourage the whiners and higher maintenance folks to quit, which all in all, is not a bad thing at all.

Right on Jack!

[Bilko]

Winton, put on a demonstration/presentation at Amicalola S.P. last weekend. You can tell that he has a passion for what he does. You can tell that he does what he does because he loves doint it. His presentation was on shoes, boots and socks. He told the story about the first year that those ugly plastic shoes hit the trail. He saw the trend and ordered as many as he could get his hands on. He sold them all. You can blame Winton for all those Crocs on the market.

[SunnyWalker]

I stayed at Walasi-yi ctr two different nights this last week on the AT. One, when I came to Neels Gap at the end of a day. And then at weeks end when I had reached Unicore and hitched back there as it was a good place to hole up and wait for my ride. Winton and all let me hang around and they were real nice. They helped my find a good pair of boots while I was there early. The hostel includes: bunks with mattress, towel, shower (bring your own soap). You may pay extra to wash laundry in a typical washer and dryer. It is a pittance-as to what they charge for laundry. There is a "kitchen" with sink, running water, microwave and telephone. There is a common area and campng spots nearby. I appreciated their hospitality and did some chores while I waited to express my thanks. It is $15.00 or thereabouts. -SunnyWalker

[SunnyWalker]

Oh, forgot one thing-I don't see how one could re-supply at Walasi-yi. The food IS there for it-Freeze dried Mtn Hse., candy and energy bars and an assortment of chewy things. The freezer contains frozen items to cook in the microwave. So I don't think this would work as I did not see any cheese and mack. -SunnyWalker

[buckowens]

When we were there in June they had a pretty good selection of Ramen, Mac and Cheese and a few other noodle dishes. It is to the left as soon as you go through the door in a small alcove with the energy bars. I did a 4 day re-supply there with no problem. The food was expensive, but I expected that.

[SawnieRobertson]

Keeping on hiking if the weather is favorable is rewarding. There are some terrific sites to wake up at once you get through with the switchbacks. There is even water.--Kinnickinic

[SunnyWalker]

Ooooops! Sorry Buckowens, I did look good enough I guess. Also, I said "mack and cheese" as a joke. But I guess you got my drift. Again, I really appreciated Walasi-yi and their hospitality. They were great. I hope everyone stops there. -SunnyWalker

[buckowens]

Ooooops! Sorry Buckowens, I did look good enough I guess. Also, I said "mack and cheese" as a joke. But I guess you got my drift. Again, I really appreciated Walasi-yi and their hospitality. They were great. I hope everyone stops there. -SunnyWalker

Hi SunnyWalker,

Don't feel bad for missing it, it is in a little alcove that could easily be missed. Roo and I hung out there for quite a few hours... We were so starved for food and normal stuff that we covered every inch of the store .

I agree that the staff there is very friendly and accommodating!

[Tha Wookie]

Hey all,

In case you are wondering, the place is still going strong and might be better than ever. Winton did have some big shoes to fill, and he's doing a WONDERFUL job! Not to mention, he's getting a lot more shoes, too! Today when I stopped in I added a pair of my tattered Montrails to his 2000 miler museum collection. What a great idea.

There is something about the feel of the place that is even more homey and comfortable than I ever remembered. He and Cola are kicking butt up there. I wish I could stop in every day and shoot the breeze. He showed me some new gadgets today, like some new stove styles and a solar-powered LED that he just got in from an inventor. They have so much stuff you would NEVER find at REI-type place.

And guess what..... I don't know if I'm supposed to let the cat out of the bag, but I bet he won't mind the free advertising:

They soon will have an ON-LINE store so we can get these rare finds, and support one of the FEW mom-and-pop style backpacker stores left in the country. AND, at the same time, we can support a business that preserves this historic building on the AT as a hiking store, and not some gas station or private house. So keep you eyes peeled. I got a behind-the-scenes peek today. I'll post a new thread about it when it's up.

Sorry, Winton, if you didn't want me to tell yet. I have poor self control. Ans thanks for all the hospitality.

[Skidsteer]

They kinda, sorta had an on-line store in the works.

I'm happy to see they are expanding on it.