Excerpt from: Exploring the Appalachian Trail by RV, Sort of...

V&A Pace Arrow"We moved our base of operations to Woodsmoke Campground, Unicoi, TN on April 22nd. We had been scouting in Tennessee for AT road crossings and RV campgrounds well ahead of where Mom & Windtalker were in their hike so we would be prepared when we needed to move our base or meet them on the trail. On our excursion, we discovered this very nice campground situated at Exit 23 on I-26. This was the only campground in Tennessee where we parked our motorhome. The sites were level and the trees tall enough so they didn’t hit the motorhome when we drove through the park. Among numerous other amenities, they had twenty nine large, full hook-up dappled-shade sites, laundry facilities, night security, and Wi-Fi.

Meow MeowWe did encounter a couple of things at this park I would like to report, the first of which I found to be somewhat amusing. The woman who (along with her parents) owned, operated, and lived in the campground told me she adored cats, had several of her own and she dressed them in clothes. The owners were such friendly folks that it was difficult to walk away from them. They were amazed to see MeowMeow walking on a leash later that afternoon, especially after I told them he didn't learn to walk on a leash until he was eleven years old. Silly cat didn’t know what a litter box was and thought he was a dog!

 

Sams Gap MapSams Gap PhotoThe second situation was regarding the Appalachian Trail map that hung in the campground office. It did not show Sams Gap, where the first AT road crossing in Tennessee was located and where we were going to meet Mom & Windtalker. I got into quite a debate with the "dad" when I told him about its existence. He told me there was no such place; I countered with "we just came from there." He didn't believe me. I later showed him a picture taken of Mom & Windtalker with the "Sams Gap" road sign on I–26 above their heads; so he wrote it on their Appalachian Trail map."

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Reviews

Anita (aka "A")Vince (aka "V")

“Finally, a book is written for trail angels, support groups, and families and friends who want to meet hikers on the Appalachian Trail. There are many trail books to help the hikers, but what about the support people who want to meet the hikers along the way? … an excellent guide to make the helper's job easier…tells the story of parents who followed their daughter the entire Appalachian Trail, meeting at trail crossings for as little as a "hi" or helping them out of a potentially dangerous situation…can be used as an atlas to help support groups find trail crossings, camp grounds, or for someone who just wants to wander the byways along the Appalachian Trail…gives ideas of what the support people can do for entertainment while waiting for the hikers…After reading this book, we wish we had six months to follow hikers on the Appalachian Trail!” Fiftysense Product Review Panel – Fiftysense.com “Common Sense Ideas for Thriving After 50”

"This book is as charming as the support team themselves. A six-month journey along the Appalachian Trail proves “trail angels” do exist! Informative...lots of maps, web addresses and a teamwork approach to details." Barb Blythe – 20-year member of the Appalachian Mountain Club