Backcountry Journeys

Transcription

1 Backcountry Journeys Great Smokey Mountains in Autumn "Do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast...a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it s still here. So get out there [...] and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, climb the mountains, bag the peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, the lovely, mysterious, and awesome space. -Edward Abbey

2 Trip Overview As the autumn winds bring cooler temperatures to the Great Smoky Mountains the rugged hills in North Carolina and Tennessee come alive in brilliant displays of color. The mountainsides are as if they were painted with bright contrasting strokes of reds, oranges, yellows, pinks and greens. The bewildering variety of plant life in the Smokies is incredible and the Flora here is what Granite Domes & Waterfalls are to Yosemite and Geysers & Wildlife to Yellowstone. Great Smoky Mountains has over 100 species of tree spread throughout five different forest types including Eastern Hemlock, Mountain Ash and various Maple Trees. If you ve never witnessed the Smokies in Autumn, you might think you had just stepped foot into Candyland (remember the board game?). Walking along the steep, leaf covered pathways under a canopy of color is a truly remarkable experience and the photography opportunities in the Smokies are incredible in the fall.

3 You ll be photographing ethereal waterfalls under brilliant leaf covered canopies as well as abundant wildlife such as Black Bear, Elk and a wealth of birds and amphibians. Macro Photography is second to none in the Smokies with ample opportunities to photograph snails, salamanders, moss covered trees and clear water droplets on newly fallen maple leaves. Excellent photography opportunities such as misty sunrises from grassy balds overlooking a sea of mountains are the norm on this trip. We ll get some great hikes in to lesser known locales within the park and leave with a wealth of Appalachian Photographs for your portfolio. Join Russ Nordstrand and Backcountry Journeys on our Lodge-Based photography tour/workshop this fall. Our handcrafted itineraries let you photograph the best that Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer without all the guesswork or logistics. This fantastic photography tour/workshop includes excellent accommodations in cozy lodges, a great menu and a fully immersive Smoky Mountains Photography experience in the park s most magical of seasons.

4 Highlights Incredible Fall Colors Abundant Waterfalls Macro Photography Possibilities Beautiful Fall Hiking Small Groups Cozy lodges Fantastic trip, including top-notch meals Learn from & shoot alongside a seasoned pro Noteworthy Travel Logistics This trip begins & ends in Asheville North Carolina at: Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville I Rockwood Rd, Fletcher, NC Phone: (828) You can arrive at any time on the first day of the tour as long as you arrive in time for the 6 pm orientation meeting that evening. We should be back in Ashville no later than 2 pm on the last day of the tour. Transportation On-Tour When you arrive in Ashville just call the hotel. If you are using their complementary airport transportation please contact them at least 24 hours before your arrival to arrange your shuttle pickup, the shuttle is available between 7 am and 11 pm. Once you arrive at the hotel we will provide ground transportation for the duration of the tour!

5 Itinerary Day 1 Lodging: Hampton Inn & Suites Arrive in Asheville, North Carolina by 6pm tonight for an orientation and welcome dinner with the group. Day 2 Lodging: The Park Vista by DoubleTree Hiking Mileage: Between 2-6 miles Our inn-based Great Smoky Mountains photography tour starts with a pre-dawn drive from Asheville to the East side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our hike today takes you to one of Smoky Mountain National Park s most spectacular waterfalls and compliments it with amazing high-country views. Along our hike we will pass

6 through diverse old growth forests and ecosystems, with opportunities to see wildlife such as black bears, deer and elk. Our trail passes literally beneath Grotto Falls (the only waterfall in the Park that you can walk behind). After the falls, we ll continue to the top of Brushy Mountain, where we ll soak up views of Mount Guyot, Charlies Bunion, Mount Chapman, Mount Sequoyah and a lot more. Mount LeConte, where the lodge with the same name sits high on its mountain perch, will dominate our view south. This evening we will work on compositions from one of the high vantages in the park and then return to Gatlinburg in the evening. Day 3 Lodging: The Park Vista by DoubleTree Hiking Mileage: Between 2-5 miles Once again, we ll be up early to catch the sunrise on the Great Smoky Mountain divide. Our morning session will be from Newfound Gap. It was here that Roosevelt dedicated the Park with a speech in Today s hike takes us along the famous Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion, one of the Park s most celebrated rock formations. Fantastic views of the endless rolling ridges of the Smokies abound on today s hike. We ll enjoy a picnic lunch with the incredible views as our backdrop before hiking back to the trailhead. On our way to tonight s lodging we ll spend some time photographing Clingman s Dome (the highest peak in the Park at 6,643 feet) and Oconoluftee Valley which is usually a fantastic place to Photograph Elk. Day 4 Lodging: The Dancing Bear Lodge Hiking Mileage: Between 2-5 miles We ll hit the trail early our goal being the quiet, yet beautiful Cades Cove side of the park. We ll spend the morning photographing the changing leaves and gorgeous Autumn colors of the Smoky Mountains in historic Cades Cove. After shooting we ll have a picnic breakfast in the Cades Cove picnic area. This area has excellent opportunities for

7 wildlife so we ll keep an eye out for some of the Park s many types of wildlife (black bear, deer, elk, turkeys, and more). Today s official hike is a forested creek-side hike to a stunning waterfall that is arguably the Smokies most scenic hike. We ll keep an eye out for otters as we make our way along the creek, eventually arriving at the most voluminous waterfall in the Park. We ll relax for a picnic lunch on a beach in clear view of the torrent of water spilling over a sandstone cliff. We ll spend ample time photographing this waterfall and eventually hike back to the trailhead. A short shuttle ride to our hotel, a tasty Southern dinner and a cozy night s sleep top off another rewarding day of Smoky Mountains exploration. Day 5 Lodging: The Dancing Bear Lodge Hiking Mileage: Between 2-5 miles Our photograph session this morning will be along a beautiful creek, surrounded by colorful, mist-clad mountains. We ll spend the morning photographing waterfalls during our hike. Today s hike is one of the most diverse and in many ways fulfilling as we dive into enjoying all the Smokies has to offer! Our hike takes us past stunning cascades, through forests bursting with an incredible array of plant and animal life, and along charming mountain creeks. Tonight s dinner an outdoor evening picnic dinner prepared by your guide is enjoyed in the stunning Cade s Cove area after a refreshing shower and a bit of down time at our hotel. We ll spend time photographing the Cade s Cove area during dinner. Day 6 The final day of our Appalachian Experience brings us to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our final morning of photography in the Smokes will be from one of the most breathtaking vantage points in the park as we photograph the surrounding Smoky Mountains at dawn from an excellent vantage point. After our hike we ll settle in for a short, scenic shuttle back to Asheville, giving us time to contemplate the natural beauty, invigorating hiking, phenomenal biodiversity, and fascinating history we ve had the

8 privilege to explore for the past 5 days. We will arrive back in Asheville by 2 pm. Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary park restrictions, campsite availability, hotel availability, weather, road closures, guest ability/injury, and natural events like fires and flooding.

9 Trip Details Physical Requirements All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability to hike with camera equipment and essential hiking gear. For example, tripod, camera, lense(s), sunscreen, water (up to 2 liters person), snacks, and extra layers (if necessary). The weight of your pack largely depends on what gear you choose to bring on each hike. Typically backpacks weigh between 15 and 20 lbs. But remember the choice is yours Participants must also be able to hike several miles each day between 2 and 7 miles per day for several days in a row. These hikes will be on trails with uneven and occasionally steep terrain. Group Size We keep groups small to maximize your one on one time with the guide / instructor. Accommodation We will be staying at cozy lodges throughout the Smoky Mountains. For example, the Dancing Bear Resort in Townsend, TN offers a level of luxury and service that sets it apart from other cabins rentals or hotels in the area. This outstanding resort sets the stage for a rejuvenating experience with all the comforts of home, plus a fabulous scenic backdrop. Cabins come with luxurious amenities such as an indoor whirlpool tub and outdoor hot tub on the back porch. The Everett Hotel is in the center of Bryson City s historic district overlooks the beautiful town square. This luxury boutique hotel is an ideal location to place you in the midst of great shopping, galleries, magnificent mountain views, unique on-site dining, and discovering why Bryson City is honored to be called The Gateway to the Smokies. Trip length 6 days Mileage Approximately miles for the whole trip.

10 Pack Weight lbs Fitness level: Moderate to strenuous hikes ranging from 3-7 miles day on uneven, and sometimes steep and slippery terrain. Meeting Time and Place 6pm on day one at The Courtyard by Marriott. Asheville, North Carolina Trip Conclusion The Courtyard by Marriott. Asheville, North Carolina at approximately 2pm on day six. Price/Start Dates See website for current pricing and dates: Great Smokey Mountains In Autumn Meals Most meals are included during the trip dates and we typically eat at park lodges in the evening as well as handpicked local restaurants. We often eat snacks and prepare lunch on the trail. We typically return for a late breakfast, or eat breakfast on the road during photography trips as we are often out early to capture the morning light. There will be one evening with dinner on your own. Weather Expect warm pleasant days with cold misty mornings and frigid nights. The weather can prove unpredictable in the Smokies and can change on a moment s notice. Remember some of the best photographs are made before, during and immediately after a storm cycle. There is no such thing as bad weather just poor layering and gear choices please plan accordingly! For more info on what to bring please or call us. Make sure you are prepared for rain! General weather in the Smokies: Gatlinburg, TN Weather, Cherokee, NC Weather

11 We recommend checking these weather links prior to your trip departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly. Price Includes Most meals, ground transportation, accommodation during the trip dates: from the evening of day 1 through the morning of day 6, professional photography instruction, park entrance fees, medically certified wilderness guide. Price Does Not Include Airfare, alcoholic beverages, accommodations before or after the trip dates, Souvenirs, one meal on your own, guide & staff gratuities (industry standard is typically 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience.) Conditioning for Photography Trips We will be hiking between 3-7 miles per day typically. The better shape you re in, the more you will enjoy the trip. Even if you are very athletic, I recommend walking as often as possible with pounds in your backpack, wearing the boots you plan to hike in. You can alternate this with other cardiovascular & strength routines. Balance is critical on rough ground. Whatever you can do to improve your balance will pay big dividends. Always consult your physician before commencing with a workout program. Training by Hiking The absolute best way to train is by doing the activity you are training for. If you live where there are trails with 1. Uneven, rocky surfaces 2. Steep terrain 3. And where you can hike several miles

12 Begin by training with a light backpack and hike at least 3 times/per week. The most difficult part of hiking for most beginners is the terrain with uneven footing, the next is the steepness or incline of a trail or hike, then the distance. Unless you are already in very good shape it is best to start training at least 3 months before your trip. If where you live there are no hills, or steep uneven trails your next best bet would be walking stairs; for example, hiking up and down stairs will work muscles used in both uphill and downhill hiking activities. Find a building with many stories, or a stadium with many steps for your training ground. Make sure all the while that you use the boots you plan to bring on the tour during your training. Next to increase your cardiovascular fitness you will probably need to implement some cross training, and additional cardio activities into your training unless you live and train at high altitude already. A few of the hikes will take more than 5,000 feet in elevation! That is similar in elevation to the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado to put it in perspective. Cardiovascular fitness, as well as proper pre-hydration shortly before your trip will immensely improve your experience as well as others experience on the tour, drink at least two liters of water per day as least 3 days before your trip starts! Additional Training activities include: Bike or walk to commute to work or run errands, carry your work supplies in a backpack if you are walking. Make time for an afternoon or morning bike ride. This will help increase your cardiovascular fitness as well as increase strength and endurance in your legs. Join a gym to utilize their classes or equipment. Many gyms have stair climbers, treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. All of which will help with your cardiovascular fitness. Swimming is a great way to build endurance and cardiovascular fitness and is easy on the joints. Yoga and/or Pilates classes are the best way to increase your flexibility and stability, both of which are very important for hiking on uneven terrain with weight on your back.

13 Jogging or running can be great for cardiovascular fitness, however be careful implementing this activity into your training unless you are already a runner, or jogger. Running without proper supplemental training can cause injuries. Lodging & Meals Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours & Workshops include most meals, lodging from day 1 through the morning of the last day of the tour, ground -transportation while on the tour, National Park entrance fees, guide fees and other items essential to a successful trip meaning that once your there all you will have to focus on is your photography. We can accommodate most special diets so please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.

14 Gear List This gear list should answer a lot of your gear questions so please read through this carefully. If you still have questions, please give me a call. While hiking your clothing is a system of layers that you add and subtract according to the weather and temperature. My personal clothing preference while hiking is to wear a pair of good synthetic Smartwool type socks under sturdy boots. I wear light-weight nylon pants that convert into shorts (no long johns while on the trail), a polypro shirt and either a sunhat or warm hat depending on the weather. As weather conditions change I add insulating and waterproof layers to my base setup. Don t bring any cotton clothing. Cotton is not a good insulator and once it gets wet it takes forever to dry. Absolutely no jeans! Photo & Field Gear for: The Great Smoky Mountains in Autumn Required Camera Gear: DSLR or Mirrorless Camera. (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic etc.) Medium telephoto zoom lens ( mm zoom or equivalent) Normal Lens (50mm or equivalent zoom) Wide-angle lens (10-20mm, 16-35mm or equivalent zoom) Sturdy but lightweight Tripod (must be able to carry this for hikes) Memory Cards Batteries, batteries, batteries (enough said?) Battery Chargers Filters such as a circular polarizer and neutral density are a must. Lens cleaning pen & cloth Camera Day Pack (this should appropriately carry all your camera & hiking gear and have a rain cover)

15 Camera Rain Sleeve Optional (but recommended) Camera Gear: Back-Up Camera Body Long fixed telephoto lens: 500mm or 600mm Macro lense 1.4x tele converter Extension tubes Laptop Computer with Lightroom / Photoshop Pre-Installed(for personal use in hotels for downloading images while on tour) External Hard Drives Remote Shutter Trigger Camera s Instruction Manual Suggested Field Gear & Clothing: Personal Field Clothing (think layers) Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket Long pants, or convertible hiking pants, one pair of leggings or lightweight trousers to block sun and give warmth at night Warm Hat & Gloves (This is a Must!) Down Jacket Softshell Jacket lightly insulated windproof/breathable jacket for layering and protection from wind Long Underwear (synthetic top & bottom) Shorts & T-Shirts for on the trail during warmer temperatures Hiking Socks (Smartwool, Darn Tough etc.) Brimmed Sun Hat Sunglasses Sturdy Hiking Boots Casual wear, for your evenings off the trail Water Bottle or Hydration System (2 liters) Rain shell, waterproof/breathable jacket Rain Pants underwear Gaiters (optional) Shooting Gloves

16 Pocket knife (optional) Binoculars (optional) Trekking poles (optional) Prescription medication Sunscreen Bug spray Knee pads (for low-angle shooting) Personal toiletries Money, for tipping your guide (industry standard is generally 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience), and for any personal expenses not included in the tour package such as alcoholic beverages, a few of the meals, souvenirs, etc. Note on Packing for the tour: Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all your camera gear on every hike or outing. Each evening you will be briefed on which lenses, filters, etc. you will need to carry the following day on the scheduled tour or hike.

17 Registration To book your reservation with Backcountry Journeys a deposit is required for each person on a trip. Depending on the trip, deposits are usually 30%-50% of the trip cost. All our trips can be reserved using our secure online registration form. Please note: Your final balance will automatically be charged to the card you used to initially book the trip 120 days prior to the departure date. If you are booking within 120 days your final balance will automatically be charged within 7 days of making this reservation. Payments, Cancellations & Refund Policy All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. For deposits we accept Visa, MasterCard and PayPal. Final payment of the trip fee is due 120 days prior to departure. Trip deposits are non-refundable. Acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all required forms, documents, and payment. We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply: 120 or more days prior to departure: 100% of deposit plus a per person $100 administration fee 119 to 61 days prior: 50% of entire trip fee 60 days or fewer: 100% of entire trip fee No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever. Trips are sold as a package only. All our Workshops & Tours are subject to the realities of the natural world. Although we will do everything in our power to stay on itinerary, circumstances including but not limited to permit availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or public land closures, and forest fires can affect our itineraries. The price and duration of a trip will never change once you are registered. Payments are not refundable for any itinerary change.

18 Backcountry Journeys reserves the right to cancel trips. If this is the case a full refund of the amount paid will be given, including the deposit. Backcountry Journeys is not responsible for additional expenses incurred preparing for the trip (for example: non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.). Transfer Policy If you transfer from one trip to another: 120 or more days prior to the trip start date, there is a $50 administration fee. Less than 119 days prior to the trip start date, regular cancellation and refund policies will apply. Travel Insurance Sometimes life happens and you have to cancel because of unforeseen circumstances. We highly recommend protecting your travel investment and purchasing a trip insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage. Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage and baggage delay coverages. Medical coverage purchased with your policy is crucial and required if you do not have health insurance. Please note that Backcountry Journeys does not recommend or endorse any particular plan or insurance company as everyone has different insurance requirements. You will likely find several good options for travel insurance plans over at

19 Our Promise Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours & Workshops offer you a seamless adventure travel experience where we handle the details so you can focus on photography. Our world-class service and small groups allow for a personalized experience that allows you plenty of one on one time with your instructor. Joining a Backcountry Journeys Photography Tour is embarking on the trip of lifetime. Really. All of our locations are hand selected by myself (Russ Nordstrand) to provide you with unique one of a kind photographic experiences. It s like no other kind of Journey. Our trips give you more time in the field to work on your photography as we ve got the logistics handled. We focus on the quality of the experience and the photography.

20 Backcountry Journeys is set apart by our commitment to offer the finest outdoor photography travel experience in the industry. What does that mean? It means we are dedicated to bringing you an unsurpassed travel experience with impeccable attention to detail. We ve got you covered from the moment you first contact us, to our fine-tuned photographic itineraries, the excellent lodging we select for our trips and our goal of ensuring you are at the right place at the right time. We re in the business of making it easy for you. The intentional decision to remain a small independent business with a focus on being the best means that our trips grow more cohesive each year. It means we don t cut corners and our service remains world-class as an owner operated business. When you reserve a trip with Backcountry Journeys you know you re purchasing quality as you know the level of effort, care and attention to detail poured into every Tour & Workshop. After all, our reputation is our most important asset and our consistency in delivering amazing experiences speaks volumes as our guests return year after year to photograph new & different locations. Backcountry Journeys is in the business of providing not just Photography Tours but vacations where you will leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Sincerely, Russ Nordstrand