The Tennessee Eastman
HIKING & CANOEING NEWS

May 1993

Contents

• Hiking
• Canoeing
• For The Record

H IKING

TEHCC SPRING PICNIC
(Scheduled for 8 May 93)
Leader: Joe DeLoach (615.753.7903)
Rating: FUN
Our spring picnic is scheduled for May 8 at the Eastman Recreation Area.  We have the #9 shelter reserved until 4:00 that afternoon, so bring the family out for a lunch time picnic.  Shelter #9 is the large one next to the restrooms.  After lunch we'll do a wildflower hike up on Bays Mountain with some recreation in the ball fields as well.  Please bring a covered dish and your item to be grilled.  We'll provide plates, napkins, utensils, charcoal, ice, and condiments.  Soft drinks will be available for purchase.  Please call Joe DeLoach at 753.7903 so we will know how much of the above items to bring along.

DAMASCUS A.T. DAYS
(Scheduled for 8-16 May, 1993)
Leader: Joe DeLoach (615.753.7903)
Rating: FUN
The A.T. Days celebration in Damascus will be held this year from May 8-16. The main events are scheduled for Saturday, May 15 including the backpackers' parade. The schedule has not been published at press time but in past years the parade has started at 2:00. We plan to take part in the parade so please be at our exhibit in the Town Hall at 1:30 if you would like to participate. The festival is under new management, and while some of the events are the same as in years past others such as the speakers' forum will not be held. There will be more events for children this year, so bring the whole family for a day of fun! Call Joe DeLoach, 753.7903, for more information.

MAINTENANCE FOR MAY
(Scheduled for Saturday, 15 May 93)
Leader: Ted Malone (477.2222)/Ed Oliver (349-6668)
Rating: Side hill digging at your speed
We return to the No Business Knob area to continue our work. April's Third Saturday attendance was low due to it being a top priority month for maintenance teams. We'll furnish tools, dry humor and old jokes.

SOUTH BEYOND 6000 HIKE - GREAT BALSAMS
(Scheduled for Saturday, 22 May 1993)
Leader: Garry S. Luttrell (615.239.9854)
Rating: M-D
Join us for a trip to the beautiful Shining Rock area where we will climb peaks such as Sam Knob, Chestnut Bald, and Mt. Hardy. Others we may check out if time permits - Rheinhart Knob and Richland Balsam. We will meet at the parking lot between McDonalds and Burger King in Colonial Heights at 6:30 AM. Pre registration with leader is required (none of the club hikes I've planned so far this year have occurred as scheduled).

KONNAROCK CREW WORK ON POND MOUNTAIN
(Scheduled for 3-7 June 1993)
Leader: Joe DeLoach (615.753.7903)
This year we will be having two weeks of Konnarock Crew time to finish Pond Mountain.  The first week will begin on Thursday, June 3 and run until Monday, June 7. We have more weeks than any other club and we need a good club turnout to justify this support, as well as to finish this relocation which is in its fourth year. Please call Joe DeLoach at 753.7903, Ted Malone at 477.2222, or Ed Oliver at 349.6668 if you would like to help out. Finishing Pond Mountain is our top priority project for the year, so please come out and help.

DEEP SOUTH '93
A reminder that Deep South '93, the biennial conference for ATC, will be held in Dahlonega, Georgia from June 12-18. We are one of the host clubs for this event and early indications are that this will be the best-attended ATC event ever. It is not too late to sign up, but openings for many of the hikes and excursions are filling fast. Dahlonega is less than five hours' drive from the Tri-Cities, and we hope to see lots of TEHCC folks there. For more information please call Ted Malone at 477.2222 or Joe DeLoach at 753.7903.

FAMILY BACKPACK(S)
(Scheduled for June/July 93)
Leader: Collins Chew (615.239.6237)
Usually, I take some grandchildren (ages now, 5 to 15) on a very easy overnight backpack each year. We may go on one in late June and another in July. We would enjoy having others to join us. I will plan meals if you wish. Adults must accompany children. Don't have exact dates yet but must be when my grandchildren are here. If you are interested in joining us, call Collins Chew at 239.6237.

WIND RIVER RANGE BACKPACK
(Scheduled for 4 - 13 Sept 93)
Backpack to Northern Wind River Range, Wyoming, Sept. 4 through 13. Call Collins Chew at 239.6237 for details.

C ANOEING

BLUESTONE
(Scheduled for Sat-Sun, 8-9 May 93)
Leader: T. Dougherty
Rating: II-III
I know it doesn't seem possible but this year marks the 15th year for the Bluestone River trip. We plan to start a few miles above I-77 bridge this year just as we did 15 years ago. We didn't get off the river that time until dark but hopefully we will do better this time.

In years past, we have had water levels between flood and virtually dry, weather between balmy to freezing, and sunshine to hail. I expect this year's conditions will be within these limits. This is a chance to enjoy Class I-II+ whitewater under very scenic conditions with first-class overnight accommodations on the river at Mt. Creek Lodge. We will plan to meet at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 8 at Mt. Creek Lodge parking lot, canoe the Bluestone from above I-77 bridge, spend the night at Mt. Creek Lodge, and take out on Bluestone Lake at about 2:00 p.m. Sunday. We will have our traditional Saturday night meal at the Oak Supper Club for those who want. I've reserved 10 rooms in Mt. Creek Lodge at $42.00/room (single) plus $6.00 per each additional person. Campgrounds are also available. The rooms will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Pipestem doesn't rent rooms for one night on weekends except on cancellations. Those who want to make the Bluestone trip this year have the option of camping, spending Friday and Saturday nights in the lodge, or making other arrangements. If you want to spend two nights in the lodge, let me know so that I can confirm reservations very soon.

Based on comments from previous Bluestoners, this trip is a unique combination of exceptional scenery, reasonable whitewater, excellent riverside accommodations, and outstanding food and socializing. Contact trip leader for details.

LEADER'S CHOICE RIVER TRIP
(Scheduled for Saturday 22 May 1993)
Leader: Ed Montgomery (615.357.8721)
We will select a local class II whitewater river based on water flows and the group's interest. We will plan to meet at Burger King in Colonial Heights at 9:00am to combine boats, select a river and make final plans. Please pre register by calling 357.8721 (home). Plan to bring standard safety equipment, lunch, and a good attitude.

CANOE SCHOOL
(Scheduled for 3, 5-6 June 1993)
Leader: Dewey Fuller (615.764.7340)
The twenty-first Hiking and Canoeing Club School of River Canoeing will be held June 3, 5-6. The course includes classroom instruction Thursday night, June 3, and river trips the following weekend with on the river instruction. Both beginner and intermediate tandem and solo whitewater instruction will be given with a strong emphasis on river. Participants will be responsible for providing their own equipment and transportation. Refreshments will be provided at the end of both river trips. Text for the course is BASIC RIVER CANOEING by McNair ($7.60 tax included). This is an excellent book for those interested in river paddling and is well worth the purchase price.

Minimum Required Equip: Each Boat (tandem): 3 paddles, 2 life jackets, bow and stern lines (painters). Decked boats (kayaks and C1s) need paddle, life jacket, and helmet. Extra flotation such as air bags is strongly recommended. Personal Gear: rain jacket, knee pads, lunch and change of clothes in a waterproof bag. If you would like to review the text before class, copies of BASIC RIVER CANOEING can be purchased at the Eastman Employees Store (building 89) on Eastman Road. For additional information contact Dewey Fuller at 615.764.7340 Bristol, Tenn.

SCHEDULE: June 3 (Thur) Classroom instruction: 6:30-9:30 PM at Eastman Employee Center, Room 115. June 5 (Sat) River trip: Meet at 9:00am, B-215 parking lot. June 6 (Sun) River trip: Meet at 9:00am, B-215 parking lot.

FOR THE RECORD

WE NEED SOME HIKE LEADERS!
(S. Banks and J. DeLoach reporting)
The Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club was founded as a means for employees to get together and enjoy hiking at our many area attractions. Over the years we took on maintenance of the A.T. and later included paddling trips as well. In the latter two categories we are very active; our maintenance hours for the A.T. are way up and we continue to have a vigorous paddling program. However, we are really falling down on the number of recreational hikes. So far this year we have only had TWO hikes in this area, with a third scheduled for late June. We have many club members who want to participate in hikes but are not very familiar with local trails. We need some hike leaders to volunteer for the schedule that Steve Banks compiles. While many people are interested in challenging hikes climbing mountains or finding remote waterfalls, many others just want to enjoy a nice walk in the woods. We've got plenty of places to go but not enough leaders. Let's fill up the schedule this summer/fall!

Send your list of hikes to Steve Banks, B-284, and your list of canoe trips to Dewey Fuller, B-150B. Include the name of the trip, date, rating (easy, moderate, or difficult), and your name and phone number. It's not difficult to lead an outing; contact Steve or any member of the Steering Committee if you have any questions.

MIDWEEK & WEEKEND MAINTENANCE TRIPS
(Reported by Ted Malone)
For those of you that are retired or may be working on rotating shifts, we have a very active group of retirees that go out on most weekends and during the week as well. One says it keeps him in shape for golf. In closed sessions they call themselves, the "Retards". Whatever the name, these guys are doing a great job of keeping the A.T. open and looking good for us. The maintenance side of the Hiking Club has two records that we sort of pride ourselves on. We have never turned anyone down that wanted to go on a maintenance trip and we have never worked anyone to death. Seriously, our maintenance trips are 100% social, 100% enjoyable, 110% scenery and we do manage to get some interesting work done. For middle of the week outings call Darrol (239.5442) or Bruce (247.1838) and for general information call me or Ed Oliver (349.6668).

TENNESSEE EASTMAN HIKING AND CANOEING PATCH
(Reported by Ted Malone)
Our Club patch is back from the printers and they and our artist/member Luann Mack-Drinkard did outstanding jobs. Its primary color is royal blue with the Dennis Cove water falls in white. A brown A.T. is climbing a light green Hump Mountain with a light blue sky above it. In the foreground is a dark green rhododendron with pink flowers. The patch is round except for the A.T. diamond at the bottom. Copies can be seen in the Recreation stores at B-310 and B-89. The patches are $2.50 each. For purchases, call me or Steve Falling (239.5502). If you want them mailed to you add $0.30 for postage.

MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB
(16-19 March 1993)
(Steve Banks reporting)
Although this peak is not on the A.T., and this hike was not in the TEHC schedule or the newsletter, I decided to go for it anyway.  Mt. Kinabalu, at 4,101 metres (13,440 feet), is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia.  It is in the province of Sabah, in the country of Malaysia, on the island of Borneo.  In spite of the fact it is only a short distance north of the equator, the summit is bare rock, and well above tree line.  It is not volcanic in origin, despite the many volcanoes in Indonesia farther south.  Juergen Eckstein (a German expatriate) and I decided to climb it after a group from our sons school climbed it in January.  After flying from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu (the capital of Sabah), we took a minibus from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park, and spent the night at park HQ.  We got the necessary permits and other arrangements, and booked our guide.

During the first day, we ascended from 6,000 to 11,000 feet, in only 3.5 miles.  The trail consists of at least 10,000 log steps - the trail was excellent, with many rest stops along the way.  The rock formations on the summit plateau towered above us as clouds blew across the mountain top.  The vegetation was lush jungle at the base of the mountain, and gave way to more hardy shrubs before thinning out completely.  We spent the night at Laban Rata rest house at 11,000 feet, which features a full service restaurant, dormitory style housing, and hot showers.

The next morning, we awoke at 2AM, and were on the trail (more steps!!) by 3AM, to be at the summit by sunrise.  We joined a string of people carrying flashlights, ascending the mountain using very steep steps.  At the end of the steps, we came to a rock wall, which we ascended using ropes that are pinned to the rocks.  Then came the summit plateau, and a more gradual ascent to the summit (Low's Peak).  As we arrived at the base of the last steep climb to the summit, I began to feel the effects of the altitude, including dizziness and shortness of breath.  We arrived on the summit more than 30 minutes before sunrise, and were forced to "hunker down" in the rocks for protection from the freezing winds.  After watching a beautiful sunrise, we began our descent in bright sunshine.  I was surprised to see ice on ponds on the summit plateau - ice is something we see only in drinks in Southeast Asia!!  We descended all the way to park HQ and spent the night there before returning to Kota Kinabalu, and flying home to Singapore.  This was a memorable and enjoyable experience; I highly recommend it.

SOUTH TOE RIVER TRIP
27 March 1993
(Ed Montgomery reporting)
With HIGH-HIGH river flows and whitewater fever running about as high, my phone rang off the hook the night before this trip. I contacted Burchel Pierce and he agreed to lead these rusty, out-of-shape, fair weather paddlers down the South Toe River. The South Toe was an excellent choice and the group enjoyed a GREAT river at an extremely high level (3 feet on Toe gauge!). The South Toe River has it's headwaters on Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rockies (elevation 6,684 ft.). We paddled section 2 and this is a fine stretch of scenic water. It has class A scenery, excellent water quality, a rating of 2-3, and runs about 7 miles. B. Temple commented that this was the only river passed that didn't resemble a giant Yahoo chocolate drink; big & muddy.

Our first major rapid was Toe Jam and it was jamming! It was much harder at this level due to forming a KEEPER hole on river right with several squirrelly waves upstream. We had a couple of kayakers swim here, three open boaters portage, and three other successful runs. The next rapid was 10W40 (10ft drop within 40 yds) and it was run by all without incident. Skull Rapid was our last major rapid and it provided time for lunch and play. Big B took a quick swim here and is now thinking of purchasing a dry suit. He would have probably swam earlier if it hadn't been for the cold water limiting his playing time. During our lunch break we ran into a couple of land lovers that were looking to purchase the land around Skull Rapid. This area may see development in the near future; let's hope not. It is a jewel of a river now and future development could lead to it's downfall. The last rapid was also run without incident, we decided to name this one "Sticky" as it grabbed several boater's tail end as they made their way thru. Six of eight boaters took a swim during the day with only Burchel and I escaping the cold dip. Cindy would have enjoyed taking a cold swim, but she was off at a barn dance. Hope to see her and Dave swim on a future trip. Those paddlers enjoying a GREAT day of paddling include; Brad Dayvolt, Bill Temple, Steve Davis, John Holbrook, Carmon Howell, Steve Gubser, Ed Montgomery and our famous trip leader - Burchel Pierce.

A.T. HIKE/TRAIL MAINTENANCE
(2 April 1993)
(Gether Irick reporting)
This combination South Beyond 6000 hike/trail maintenance began at Carvers Gap in 4" of snow; it included a short bushwhack to the rock marking the peak of Roan High Bald, and a side trip off the A.T. to the peak of Roan High Bluff. Hoar frost was everywhere in the exposed areas and snow cover varied from 3-8". There was surprisingly little wind at the open site of the old Cloudland Hotel. It is usually colder and windier in mid July than it was on this April 3. We met only one other hiker, J.R. of North Dakota who had started thru-hiking the A.T. in Georgia in February and said that he had seen enough snow for a lifetime. The 57° day had melted all of the snow at the lower elevations by the time we exited at Hughes Gap. D. Baker chain-sawed a total of 31 blowdowns on the A.T. portion of this 7-mile hike with only one minor hang-up of the saw - impressive! Enjoying the fantastic day were Don Baker, Owen Holbrook, Doug Clark and Gether Irick.

LOWER NOLI TRIP REPORT
(4 April 1993)
(M. Mathis reporting)
Brad Dayvolt, Dale & Mary Mathis did the lower Nolichucky on Sat. from Expeditions to Chucky. We put in at NE at ~1:00 PM. Surprisingly there were no cars parked in the put-in lot. Where were all the gorge-runners? The water was running 2900-3000 cfs and seemed like a good level - not too pushy, but plenty of H2O so as not to be at all boney. We did very little playing all in all to conserve strength for the long journey to Chucky. D of course had to get in some obligatory side-surfing and was forced to do 2 combat rolls (in 2 different rapids.) Not to be outdone, B jumped into a hole sideways and came within inches of going over upstream. A quick lean downstream kept him upright, but by this time his boat was full of water, almost to the gunnels. The pre-Chestoa wave train was good-sized, but not like the 4000-cfs monsters. M took the pink boat straight over the top of the biggest one and was stopped cold in the hole on the other side, but managed to punch on out with no mishap. Water was high enough to take the left side at Barking Dog. The big strainer was still lurking at Cliff Rapid, so we steered clear of trouble here. Big Rock Rapid near the take-out seemed easier (less technical, fewer rocks) at this higher water level than it was at canoe school. The whole trip took ~4 hrs., with one short rest stop. It was windy and cool (mid-50's) and in retrospect we were not really dressed warm enough for swimming. D did get a little chilled after his 2 (great) rolls and M & B were lucky to take no swims. A good high-fat dinner at Chucky ended a fine day of paddling.