Reports from the Field. Club Meeting. Next meeting Monday October 3, Newsletter of the Chattanooga Hiking Club.

Transcription

1 Newsletter of the Chattanooga Hiking Club September 2016 Club Meeting The Chattanooga Hiking Club meets at 6:30 PM on the first Monday of even numbered months at the Outdoor Chattanooga offices on River Street. Directions to the meeting site are on the club website: chatthiking.com Next meeting Monday October 3, 2016 Minutes from August 1 Meeting Gary Petty called the meeting to order at 6:30. He introduced Butch Feldhaus who was giving a power point presentation regarding his 2015 trek of the El Camino, called "The Way of St. James", in Spain. He undertook this hike with two other friends, and in 2015 walked from Samos to Santiago, approximately 140 kilometers. This year, they plan to continue their pilgrimage from Finistera to Santiago. And in 2017, they plan on walking the entire 790 kilometers. On their way, they carry what resembles a passport and receive stamps at the places they visit. On the Appalachian trail, the way is marked by a white blaze, but on the El Camino, a shell is used to direct the walkers along their path. This became for Butch a spiritual journey as well as a physically tasking undertaking. They had a guide who essentially acted as their "Sherpa" making their travel arrangements and also walking in to meet them at the end of the day! If you are interested in this incredible journey, a movie which is incredibly accurate in its representation of the El Camino is "The Way" which stars Martin Sheen. A book which Butch also recommends is "A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino de Santiago: The Way of St. James" by John Brierley. Butch was an incredibly engaging speaker. Two other experienced El Camino travelers also made an appearance at our August meeting: Pam and Richard Park. We were so glad to see the two of them. A special thanks to Stormy McGauley for engaging Butch to speak. The meeting was adjourned, Sarah Frost, reporting. Smokies AT Hike, Clingman s to Newfound Gap Saturday July 30, 2016 We were hoping for cooler temperatures at higher elevation, and that s exactly what we got. A very light rain early on even helped. Rather than taking the paved walkway to the tower at Clingman s Dome, we started with the Bypass Trail, since a couple of Smokies map markers had not done that little stretch. After seeing several fellow hikers along the way, we reached the AT and turned north, soon slipping around the tower and the crowds, then entering a beautiful world of evergreen trees, green moss, green ferns, and fewer other hikers. Ups and downs, rocks and water bars, the trail was not easy by any measure, but it continued to deliver wonderful deep-woods scenery. We persevered, finishing quite a bit later than planned, but happy for the experience. Tired but proud hikers were Barbara McCollum, Tim Chomyn, Che Carico, Monty Simmons, Bill Kinnaman, Sue Christensen, Betsy Parsons, Freda Keener, Tom Long, Bonnie Smith, Debbie Lambert, and John Rowland reporting. Pictures from Barbara Lunch on the AT - picture from John Pictures from John

2 Page 2 Upcoming Outings Upcoming Outings Saturday September 3, 2016 Gee Creek Location: Cherokee National Forest, Hiwassee area Distance: 3.8 miles Elevation Gain: 600 ft Driving Time: 1 hour Gee Creek Wilderness area was established in 1975 and was the first in Tennessee. The trail is approximately 3.8 miles in and out. There is a minimal elevation gain of 600 feet. Because there are 8 water crossings each way I recommend wearing sturdy water shoes for the entire hike and bring an extra set of clothes. We will hike.4 mile to the pedestrian bridge that starts us through the gorge between Starr Mountain and Chestnut Mountain. The trail is rocky and the crossing can be slick. Hiking poles are a must. This is a short but strenuous trail. We will pass an old concrete flume used by the Tennessee Copper Company for iron ore extraction used in copper smelting. At.9 miles we will come to Twin Falls. This is a popular picnic and swimming area. Most people do not go further than this. At 1.9 miles we will take a snack break before turning around. In the event the water is too high to cross the stream we will hike the lower section of Starr Mtn trail and possibly the old logging loop. Bring water, snack, poles and a towel. Hike leader is Boe Rudder, boerudder@yahoo.com or Saturday September 10, 2016 (last minute change; check the website) Friday-Sunday September 30-October 2, 2016 Mt Mitchell car camp Location: Mt Mitchell north of Asheville, NC Distance: 11+ miles Elevation Gain: 3700 ft Here s the plan: Friday we ll drive up past Cherokee, NC, and hit the Blue Ridge Parkway northbound. A bit farther on we ll stop for a 2-mile hike to Black Balsam Knob or maybe a 6-mile hike to Tennent Mtn, although that may not be worth the extra time; this is high country bald territory, around feet elevation with wonderful 360-degree views - but we won t be doing all that much climbing. We ll continue on the Blue Ridge Pkwy past Mt Mitchell to our campground near the mountain s base. Saturday we ll bag Mt Mitchell, a nearly 3700 foot climb over roughly 5.5 miles; I say roughly because there is a spot in the middle where we can branch off and later reconnect with our original trail, so mileage can vary a little. I ll try to figure a way to set up a car shuttle on top for those who may not want to hike back down on weary knees, but I m assuming lots of folks will want to hike back down. And if someone wants to do downhill only, great, you can help with the car shuttle! Saturday night we ll be back at our campground, which is a nice group site that we ve used before, with indoor plumbing and a large covered pavilion. Nothing special planned for Sunday, but we ll see what folks may want to do. There s lots of room at the campsite, and I hope there s a good turnout, but if it gets out of hand I may put a lid on the number of attendees. Campsite cost will be $139 divided by number of attendees. Hike leader is John Rowland, jrowland_1@hotmail.com or Saturday-Sunday September 17-18, 2016 Benton MacKaye, section 3a to 5c Location: Chattahoochee National Forest, North Georgia Distance: 17.4 miles Driving Time: 2 hours This backpacking trip will continue north in our progress on the Benton MacKaye trail. We will set up a shuttle and hike from GA Hwy 60, where Sarah hiked last month, to Old Dial Road. We will camp at Payne Gap. Daily mileage is 8.4 on Saturday and 9.0 miles on Sunday. Hike leader is Don Vanhook, , dvanhook@epbfi.com. Saturday September 24, 2016 (to be determined; check the website) Past year s pictures from the campsite

3 Page 3 The Blue Hole and lunch and boating on the lake Wednesday July 27, 2016 Most of the hikers in the North Chick Pocket Wilderness today had never been to the Blue Hole! This trail is 1.1 miles in to the first swimming hole - you can go on up the trail for a short distance to several other popular swimming spots. The trail is quite rocky and the North Chick will be impassable when lots of water is running. This was a good choice for today as a morning only option left lunch time open to convene for a covered dish at the home of Trish Appleton. Trish has a pontoon boat and 2 kayaks, and Bob Rahn brought his canoes to share. The food was the best ever and the shade was plentiful for those sitting chairside on the bank. What a pleasure to share this day with Val and Carl Hargis - Val used to be a regular Wednesday hiker until she hit the road with husband Carl to travel the states. Thanks Trish!!!! Che Carico reporting. Pictures from Sarah & Teresa Good friends, good food, and a little paddling - pictures from John Pictures from Che Hiwassee River float/picnic Wednesday August 3, 2016 This annual outing has become so very popular and our numbers have surely grown! There were 35 floating the river in duckies provided by Webb Brothers Outfitters, four who paddled their own canoes, and 6 who hiked downstream from Big Bend or set up for the picnic and prepared for the hot dog roasting. Our master chef was Bill Kinnaman assisted by Wayne Chambers. Thanks also to Teresa Dean, Boe Rudder, and Patti Giles for transporting food, ice, and beverage from Webb Brothers to the Big Bend picnic area and for preparing the tables. Hungry rafters paddled in, pulled up on the bank, and circled the tables as the odor of roasting hot dogs filled the air. Many said this was the best covered dish hot dog roast picnic we have had on the Hiwassee! The weather was perfect as no threatening storms rolled in - this has happened in the past. All came ashore safely back at the outfitters and all embarked for home - some stopping at Gilliland's for freshly picked peaches. Several had made a quick trip to the sock outlet in Cleveland on the way up so all needs were surely met on this river trip! Che Carico reporting. Benton MacKaye, Toccoa River Swinging Bridge Saturday August 6, 2016 Great hike today to Toccoa River Swinging Bridge! Three new hikers joined us on this 7+ mile hike: Edith Behringer, Anne Anderson, and Steve Miller. Also attending were Tim Chomyn, Kathy Seymour, Patti Giles, Tom Long, hike leader Sarah Frost and sweep, Tim Frost. This hike is definitely a keeper! Picture from Sarah

4 Page 4 Raccoon Mountain Wednesday August 10, 2016 The top of Raccoon Mountain has 14.6 miles of trails built by SORBA but intended for multi use. In order to place a shuttle, cars were left at the East Overlook parking area. We then drove on around the lake to the Laurel Point parking area to begin our hike. This trail should be rated moderate as we trekked from Laurel Point to the East Overlook with a distance of 5.5 miles - we included the.5 mile Split Rock loop. Though on top of a mountain which houses a pump storage facility, we were sheltered by a heavy canopy of forest, pleased by beautiful views, and cooled by steady breezes. The trail rocked and rolled a bit and was a perfect half day hike on a warm day with storms in the forecast. Trail maps are available at the Visitor's Center. Dampened hardly at all by a brief sprinkle of rain were: Louis Spencer, Teresa Dean, Mac Dean, Wanda McCarter, Patti Giles, Bill Kinnaman, Stormy McGauley, Susan Garrett, Monty Simmons, John Rowland, Sue Christensen, Bob Rahn, Tennyson Carico, Barry Ligon, Beverly Ligon, Joyce Campbell, Larry Parks, Linda Keown, Sarah Frost, Tom Long, Tom Weldon, Betsy Parson, Candy Frederick, Barbara Miller, Melba Smothers, and Che Carico, reporting. Riverwalk, S. Broad to Blue Goose Hollow Wednesday August 17, 2016 The newest section of Chattanooga's River Park has officially opened and nothing would do but explore from the Wheland Foundry trail head to the Blue Goose Hollow trail head and back. This section is 3 miles long. August days have been very warm and it surely is hotter when walking on a paved path in downtown. With an early start we encountered MANY walkers, bike riders, runners, skate boarders out to enjoy this grand section beautifully landscaped. No one complained of the heat as the path parallels the river while alternately winding behind businesses - some still thriving and others now skeletons of their heyday. Sometimes a breeze wafted from the river. Comfort stations with restrooms, shade, and water are carefully placed. What a treasure enjoyed today by: Suzanne Dorough, Renee Grace, Sharon Hogan, Betsy Parson, Tom Carter, Boe Rudder, Patti Giles, Pete Rittenberry, Teresa Dean, Mac Dean, Vicki Armour, Carole Klemisch, Edith Berringer, Louis Spencer, Bill Kinnaman, Susan Garrett, Madelaine Box, Donald Box, Lori Smith, and Che Carico, reporting. Chattanooga Nature Center to Betty s Bench Saturday August 27, 2016 We first hiked out through the Reflection Riding area to the pond and the gazebo at the end of it. Then we turned back on the trail heading for Betty s bench. Upon reaching it we did a little clipping of encroaching foliage, and then spent a few enjoyable minutes remembering our friend and all the good times we shared with her. I had a few representative pictures of her on my phone that I had gleaned from the myriad of pictures on Betty s computer; those brought a few chuckles and comments. After a while we then climbed up to the lower levels of the Chattanooga/Chickamauga Military Park trail system and used the Kidde Trail as our means of descent back to the cars. Hikers were Boe Rudder, Ralph Van Pelt, Donald Box, Patti and Ned Giles, Kendra Cross; welcome newcomers Nicky, Athena, and Joe Barta; and hike leader John Rowland reporting. Pictures from John

5 Page 5 Outings Schedule Other Items 09/03/16 Gee Creek (S) B Rudder 09/17/16 Benton MacKaye backpack (S) D Vanhook 09/24/16 Bald River B Rudder 09/30/16 Mt Mitchell car camp (S) J Rowland 10/01/16 Wolf Ridge (M/S) S Barnes 10/08/16 Smokies (S) B McCollum A couple more Smokies pictures from Barbara Wednesday Day Hikes - Che Carico - The Wednesday group hikes many of the same trails as the weekend hikers. Since a schedule is not published in advance, please call Che at (423) on Monday or Tuesday and listen to the week s hiking plan or before Sunday her at MidWeek@chatthiking.com to be added to the distribution list to receive the week s plan every week. Hike Difficulty Ratings The information below is provided as a guide only. Each hiker assumes the risks associated with hiking in the great outdoors, including the responsibility of paying any bills associated with rescue efforts or medical care. The wise hiker always carries water, food, and first aid items. Easy (E): 6 miles or less; mostly level or only slight incline. Moderate (M): 6-10 miles with an elevation gain that will generally not exceed 350 feet per mile, with a total elevation gain of no more than 1000 ft. Moderately Strenuous (MS): 6-10 miles in length, but include rocky trail conditions, tricky stream crossings, or elevation gain of more than 1000 ft but less than 2000 ft. Strenuous (S): a distance of miles or with more than 2000 ft total elevation gain, but no more than 3000 ft. Extremely Strenuous (S+): Usually involves distances of more than 14 miles or more than 3000 ft in elevation gain. There might be very steep/rugged climbs, deep stream crossings, or unmentioned trails. pace is 2 miles an hour; less on steep or rugged terrain. Fast pace is 2.5 to 3 miles an hour or more and may not vary much regardless of terrain. Attention: When calling to go on an outing, please specify exact number of people who will be attending. Do NOT just show up with a friend or family member unannounced! This puts your hike leader in an awkward position as most hikes involve some planning of transportation. Also we frequently hike in wilderness areas and other places where the number of hikers in a group is limited. If that is the case, and the hike is already full, you may be turned away! Cancellations: Hike leader s are entirely at the own discretion regarding the weather. It is possible that a leader may decide that, due to weather conditions, they do not feel safe hiking on that day. Lightning kills many people every year and can strike hikers on a trail. Also many of the areas where we hike are prone to flash floods that can kill or injure. The leader will call if deciding to cancel before the day of the hike. In the event that the decision to cancel is made on the day of the hike, the leader will give you the courtesy of showing up at the designated meeting place to announce that the hike is cancelled. Rock/Creek Discount Info Show your Chattanooga Hiking Club Membership Card, along with your ID at any Rock/Creek Store. Chattanooga Hiking Club - 10% off one Item *Applies to one non-sale, in-stock item. Can not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Offer does not apply to gift cards, boats, boards, coolers, & electronics. In-store only. Club Officers and Support: President - Gary Petty (423) Vice President - Stormy McGauley (423) Treasurer - Donald Box (423) Secretary - Sarah Frost (423) Outings - Boe Rudder (423) Newsletter/Webmaster John Rowland (423) Membership Database - John Rowland (423) Membership Information - Chris O Conner (423) Trail Maintenance - Steve Barnes (423) Midweek Outings - Cheryl Carico (423) Website: chatthiking.com (includes link to newsletter)