Month: July 2011

Posted on

Explore the Holston River series – Wadlow Gap to Weber City, June 18

Deb Reynolds reporting

The flat water series continued on 6/18 with a new section for me and most others.  We had a large group of eight folks who were looking for a relaxing paddle and new territory.  Jamie and Eric decided to go upriver a bit as we only expected to cover two miles today and they added on a mile or so.  The rest of us cruised on down to Weber City counting the times that I got stuck on the shoals.  The river was lower today with quite a few shoals.  I managed to show everyone how not to go down on the river.  I did triumph at the end, as I was the only one in the front group not to get stuck on the last set of shoals, but only because Kent went first to show me where not to go.  The river today was exceptionally clean and very very private.  Just like last time, we had a protective blue heron that flew ahead of us, waiting patiently for us to catch up before starting off again.  We just barely made it off the river before the thunder started.  I think Jamie and I were the only ones who were still strapping our kayaks on the cars when the sky opened up. Continue reading “Explore the Holston River series – Wadlow Gap to Weber City, June 18”

Posted on

Friday Hikers: Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge, June 17

Collins Chew reporting

We had ideal weather for our 4.8-mile hike from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge and return and then another 0.5 mile (about) hike through the Rhododendron Gardens.  Along the AT, the rhododendrons were upstaged by a nearly continuous, beautiful display of flame azalea with many colors showing.  The rhododendrons were also very nice, particularly near the top of Grassy Ridge and in the Gardens.  There were many other wildflowers, including American Mountain Ash, Grays Lily, bluets, ragwort, and more.  Many others shared our enjoyment of the day.  There was the usual stop for peaches as well.  Hikers were:  Olin Babb, Lee Bockman, Anne Cosby, Carol and Dave Dunham, Judith Foster, Bob Harvey, Jerry Sluder, Judy and Bill Tindall, Lowell Toof, first timers Rikki Rhoton and Sharon Trumley, and Collins Chew.

Posted on

HA-1– Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

Vic Hasler, Rental Equipment Coordinator (rental@tehcc.org)

A new type of equipment for the hiking club – trekking poles.  Based on discussion held at the March Lunch & Learn, a pair of Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Poles was purchased for $80 to allow members a chance to try them out before deciding to buy this type of equipment.  These three-section poles were selected due to the ease of adjustment within 29-55 inches using the FlickLocks feature.  Rental rate “D” ($4 weekend, $6 week-long) will be set for these poles.  If popular, then another pair of a different style may be purchased to allow comparison.

They will also be demonstrated at Ian Powell’s “Trekking Poles 101” Lunch & Learn on July 21st, so come learn how to properly use them – including those wrist loops.

Posted on

Friday Hikers: AT – Braemar to Shook Branch, June 10

Collins Chew reporting

We hiked from Braemar over Pond Mountain on the AT to Shook Branch to measure a new relocation near the top of Pond Mountain.  The relocation measured 1851 feet long and the entire section ended up 0.1 miles shorter than the guide book distance.  We walked about 7 miles including the mile on the blue-blaze trail from Braemar.  There were a fair number of wildflowers with Mountain Laurel the showiest.  I was also fascinated by the white and pink-flowered shrub at low elevations at both ends.  I guess it is Corymbed Spirea.  The flower spikes of Galax got the most comments.  Some flame azalea was still blooming.  Hikers were:  Bob Harvey, Lowell Toof, and Collins Chew.

Posted on

Fun Fest 2011 Moon Light Hike at Bays Mountain Park

Ian A. Powell Reporting

TEHCC needs your help. On Thursday July 21 the club is co-sponsoring a moon light hike at Bays Mountain Park. For those who haven’t attended or volunteered, it’s a fun 2.4 mile hike along [[BMP Lakeside Trail|Lakeside Trail]]. It kicks off at 8 o’clock and goes to about 10 PM. Previous community attendance has been in the 200’s.  The club needs people to help with head count and to help guide attendees through trail intersections. Volunteers should meet on the end of the dam closest to the visitors center at 7:30 PM. All that volunteers need to bring are a flashlight and insect repellant.  Please contact Tom Boyd at tomboyd@eastman.com or call 229-1395 if you would like to volunteer/help with the event. Please contact Tom if you plan to help out so that we can ensure we have enough people to support the event. Hope to see you there.

Posted on

July Club Meeting – Trekking Poles

Leader:  Ian Powell, ipowell@eastman.com

Never used a pair of trekking poles before?  Not exactly sure how they are supposed to be used?  Why do they have baskets on the bottom, it’s not going to snow in July?  Why are the pesky straps on the pole, should I cut them off?  Trekking poles can be intimidating and sometimes a big ticket item to purchase.  At this meeting we will go over the proper use, adjustment and maintenance of trekking poles.  We will touch on the different options that the industry includes in their pole designs.  This is your chance to try out a pair of poles and see it they are something you might be interested in.

Posted on

Nolichucky River Clean-up and Celebration, June 4

Debbie Briscoe reporting

We had record attendance at the cleanup this year!  But first let me say and I couldn’t have done it without the support of our club officers Jerry, Cheryl, Wes, Jeff and Scott.  Their assistance with organizing, getting the food, and picking up donations and TVA bags was a huge help!  At sign-in, we had an exciting and overwhelming period of giving out location assignments and organizing clean teams.  After getting everyone on their way to the specific focus points, I teamed up with a small band of merry volunteers and set off to the Saw Mill put in.  The weather was perfect and the water was wonderful! Continue reading “Nolichucky River Clean-up and Celebration, June 4”

Posted on

Friday Hikers: AT – Whitetop Mountain, June 3

Collins Chew reporting

We had a beautiful day for our 7-mile hike on the AT over Whitetop.  I have never seen the field so green.  There were many wildflowers including flame azalea.  Hikers were: Jack Aaron, Olin Babb, Lee Bockman, Kathy and Jerry Case, Andrew Cleland, Anne Cosby, Carol and Dave Dunham, first timer Irma Graf, who was scouting for the ATC meeting next month, Bob Harvey, John and Helen Hoover, Carol Idol, Heather Jacob, Larry Miller, Susie Seiler, Jerry Sluder, Lowell Toof, and Collins Chew.

Posted on

The Week Ahead – July 11th

Is it too hot for hiking? Would everyone prefer to be on the water instead? We have a lot of water events but only the reliable Colins Chew and his Friday Hikers doing a foot based event. We do rely on our members (any member) to organize and list events, so if you have an idea please email chair@tehcc.org and we’ll work with you to arrange it and get it on the calendar.

  • Paddle to the Grill on Thursday
  • Friday Hikers
  • NOC Canoe Club Challenge on Saturday
  • Explore the Holston River (flat-water series) on Saturday
  • Watauga Class I-II on Saturday
  • 2011 Nantahala Hometown Throwdown Event #4

As usual, get the details on the Schedule.