HIKING & PADDLING NEWS

Contents

• Next Two Months at a Glance
• Hiking
• For The Record

HIKING

MOUNT LECONTE
(Scheduled for Sat, 9 July 94)
Leader: Cris Moorehouse (615.246.7283)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Hiking Club will repeat its annual assault of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  We will hike up on Saturday, July 9, spend the night in two small cabins and hike back down on Sunday, July 10.  The distance is 5.5 to 7.8 miles one-way depending on the route chosen.  The cost is $63.47/person.  This includes supper on Saturday, lodging for the night, and breakfast on Sunday.  We have reservations for eight and the trip is not full so call the trip leader with your reservation request ASAP.

MOUNT LECONTE
(Scheduled for Sat, 9 July 94)
Leader: Dewey Fuller (615.764.7340)
Contact trip leader for details.

THIRD SATURDAY MAINTENANCE
(Scheduled 3rd Saturday in each month)
Leader: Ed Oliver (615.349.6668)
The July Third Saturday (16th) Maintenance trip will either be on the back side of Round Bald at Carver Gap on the Roan or we will cut weeds one or two places on the Trail.   Call for details.

KONNAROCK CREW - NO BUSINESS KNOB TRAIL REHABILITATION
(Scheduled from 28 July - 1 August 94)
Leader: Joe DeLoach (615.753.7903)
No Business Knob is named for a gentleman who tried to climb it a few years after a fire, when the top was impassable due to briars and brush.  He decided that he had no business being there.  Even though the Appalachian Trail goes around No Business Knob rather than to the top, a couple of years ago you may have decided that you had no business being there either.  The Trail in the No Business area had virtually disappeared in many places due to poor maintenance and probably inadequate construction in the first place.  Due to the efforts of several Club members and one adopter, Bill Berry, much of this section of Trail has been repaired.  However, much more work remains to get the entire section in good shape.  This summer, we have an excellent chance to finish this repair.  The Konnarock Crew will be working on this section for at least part of the weekend of July 28 - August 1.  We will be splitting this time with the Carolina Mountain Club which is relocating a nearby section of Trail on the south side of Spivey Gap.  Their relocation is in a very rocky area and they will use Konnarock to finish that relocation or through Saturday, July 30, whichever comes first.   Therefore, we will have Konnarock at least for Sunday and Monday, hopefully more.  We will stay in touch with the progress of the Carolina Mountain Club relocation and as that proceeds we will know exactly how much Konnarock Crew time we will get.  This section is the first on our part of the Trail that most hikers see and a good initial impression can last a long time - as can a poor one.  Let's get a good turnout and finish this project this summer.  As always, anyone who works at least five days with the Konnarock Crew get a year's free membership in the Appalachian Trail Conference and the prestigious Konnarock T-shirt.  For more information please call Joe DeLoach at 753-7903 or Ed Oliver at 349-6668.

LITTLE STONEY CREEK TRAIL
(Scheduled 31 July 94, Afternoon)
Leader: G. S. Luttrell (615.239.9854)
This will be a casual Sunday afternoon hike of about two miles following Little Stoney Creek and passing two waterfalls in the 50-60 foot range.  We may even take a dip in a cool pool on a hot afternoon.  Contact hike leader for further details.

GREAT MOOSE EXPEDITION IS COMING
(Scheduled 2 - 11 September 94)
Leader: G. S. Luttrell (615.239.9854)
Our objective will be to shoot moose (photo shoot, that is).  We'll hike to some Maine pond sites where moose are likely to venture; set up camp for a few days; shoot moose and other wildlife that might pass by; and explore some side trails.  At night, expect to be serenaded by the northern loon.  We'll also revisit some of the lovely spots we passed through when hiking the A.T., such as Horn's Pond and explore the Bigelows and Avery Peak. This will be a cost share trip and, if feasible, we'll consider renting a large van.  Contact the hike leader for further details.

FOR THE RECORD

IN MEMORIAM - Jean Claude LeBlanc
(Tom Pridgen reporting)
Jean Claude "John" LeBlanc died at home May 20, 1994.  John paddled with many of us and will be fondly remembered as a soft-spoken young man who was an accomplished paddler with a voracious appetite at the end of every trip.  A valuable addition to any trip, John will be sadly missed by TEHCC and APE paddlers alike.  Our sympathy is extended to his father Charlie LeBlanc, stepmother Karen LeBlanc and brother Charles LeBlanc III, other family members and close friends.

"After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well; ...nothing can touch him now." - Shakespeare

A.T. MAINTENANCE - TENN 91 TO U.S. 421
16 April 94
(Kevin Edgar reporting)
On a beautiful sunny and cool day we hiked and did annual maintenance on this portion of the A.T. north of Elizabethton.  It was generally in good shape; we took out about 20 blowdowns, which is well under our annual average.  Wayne attacked a very large diameter blowdown just north of Double Springs Shelter with great valor, but his gas ran out just before he could get through the beast.  We had reports of mounds of trash at the shelter, but someone had beaten us to it; the shelter was in superb shape with not a scrap of trash.  Our enthusiastic crew even cleaned up a large amount of trash from the parking area at U.S. 421.  There are a couple of places on this section where we will need to do a few hundred feet of sidehill rehabilitation due to trail sloughing off down the mountain.  Otherwise, the section is ready for hikers!  Thanks for their fine blazing, clipping, sawing, and company to W. Catron, S. Dougherty, C. Moorehouse, B. Tonnies, D. Wilder, and G. Wilder.

LOWER NOLICHUCKY RIVER MAINTENANCE TRIP
14 May 94
(Brad Dayvolt reporting)
In preparation for this year's Canoe School and in response to the very light turnout for the scheduled river clean-up, five paddlers made the run from Chestoa to Chuckey Trading Company.  From a previous trip we knew that a strainer lay in the sweet spot of Radio Tower Rapid.  So armed with a bow saw we proceeded to eliminate this potential nuisance to beginner paddlers.  Once done, we drifted down to the next no-named rapid (a.k.a. Ed's Aluminum Boat Wrapid) where we discovered that about 1/4 acre of Erwin pasture land had made the 100 foot vertical descent to the river bank, and in the process had left two sizable trees in the throat of the rapid.  While these were easily avoidable by veteran paddlers, we reasoned that veteran paddlers would be elsewhere anyway.  This was a potentially lethal student trap.  After some discussion (group engineering at its finest), we managed to remove the worst of the strainer by climbing out over the "raging river", throw-roping the tree to shore, and cutting several large limbs out of the water.  Straddling an 8 inch log when the large limbs released and were sucked into the current was some bouncy ride.  Though the tree's spring action was quite the surprise for the novice lumberjack, he did manage to hang on and not drop the saw.

After the nerves settled, we proceeded to the takeout feeling satisfied that this stretch of river was somewhat safer for future student paddlers.  A fine Mexican meal ended another great day on the river.  Paddlers: T. Pridgen, E. Montgomery, S. Gubser, B. Dayvolt, C. Hoopingarner.

DAMASCUS A.T. DAYS
14 May 94
(Steve Perri reporting)
Our Damascus A.T. Hike started in Damascus at about 9:30 after we dropped off three vehicles at Backbone Rock.  Thirteen of us headed south out of Damascus on the A.T. as we ascended the trail which was beginning to show the signs of poison ivy.  We saw both yellow and pink Lady Slippers and Lily of the Valley.  We also encountered several Flame Azalea near the state line.  As we approached the blue blazed trail to Backbone Rock, it began to rain lightly which was just enough to cool everyone off during the brief descent.  We watched several groups climbing Backbone Rock from the parking area then drove back to Damascus.  We arrived in time for a 1:00 lunch at the firehouse for some awesome chicken as everyone was ravenous.  After inhaling lunch Steve Perri and Jim and Melinda Williams walked in the parade just behind the Konnarock Crew.  The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the festival activities.  Enjoying the hike (since we traversed down the steep direction instead of up) were: S. Perri, C. and T. Moorehouse, Jim and Melinda Williams, Paulette Hall, C. and B. Floyd all from the Hiking Club plus five others from A.T. Days that wanted to join us.

A.T. DAYHIKES - N.Y./N.J.
14-22 May 94
(Kevin Edgar reporting)
This series of dayhikes covered the 150-mile stretch of A.T. beginning at the Delaware River on the N.J./Pa. border, and continuing to the crossing of N.Y. 22, near the Connecticut/N.Y. border.  While the entire length of this section is within 60-90 minutes drive from New York City, and there are stretches of suburbia quite close to the trail in places, this portion of the A.T. also contains many places of beauty.  We saw a bear cub (wailing for mom, who we didn't see but whose appearance was much anticipated), wild turkeys, deer galore, and numerous interesting birds (thanks to our combined ornithology skills we were able to classify and identify these; "yellow", "blue", "blue with little red splotches....").   The views from several points on the Kittatinny Ridge in N.J. were quite nice, as were those of NYC from Bear and West Mountains.  Harriman State Park in general was very pleasant, and Steve reported that the Lemon Squeezer was an im-press-ive experience (the author missed that day due to foot ailments).  The weather was great on the weekends; cloudy, cool and tending to wet during the week.  While the White Mountains and Mt. Katahdin are certainly nothing to be trifled with, Steve and I both agreed that the most dangerous place we've seen on the trail so far has to be one of the NY road crossings; he favors the Taconic Parkway (cars coming at one from 4 directions simultaneously was a fine test of one's time in the 40 yard slalom while wearing hiking boots; a neglected Olympic event), while topping my list was the interestingly designed convergence of hiker and half-crazed NYC commuters at the N.Y. 403/U.S. 9 intersection.   We would also be remiss if we left out the innovative floating bog bridges which took the trail across a swampy area north of High Point in N.J.; they floated well without the weight of a hiker on them, but substantially less well when stepped on.   Fortunately there was no current in this particular swamp, otherwise one might have taken an unexpected detour to Delaware.  In fairness, this long stretch of A.T. was in generally excellent shape, and the traversing of it almost entirely enjoyable.   Enjoying the fruits of the N.Y./N.J. maintainers' labor in the north woods were Steve Banks and Kevin Edgar.

MASSIE GAP TO ELK GARDEN
21 May 94
(Waylon Jenkins reporting)
Ten hikers enjoyed this trip which offered unusual variety for a day hike.  The first half of the trail offered the wild ponies near Massie Gap and magnificent views all along the trail.  The rocky section across Wilburn Ridge added further variety and interest.  After passing the side trail to the summit of Mount Rogers, the second half of the hike passed through a section of forest with numerous early spring wildflowers.  We encountered many other hikers who were sharing this popular trail.   Participating in the hike were C. and R. Floyd, A. Batchelor, G. and D. Doran, P. Hall, B. Muse, R. Ketron, and C. and W. Jenkins.

TEHCC CANOE SCHOOL '94
19, 21 & 22 May 94
(Brad Dayvolt reporting)
The 22nd annual Canoe School was successful again this year.  Six students attended the Thursday night seminar.  The basics of whitewater paddling were introduced.  Particularly effective was the demonstration of how to break a cheap paddle while doing an on-side low brace off the floor.  This portion was led by Charley LeBlanc and Brad Dayvolt.

On both Saturday and Sunday the class made the traditional run, the lower Nolichucky from Chestoa to Chuckey Trading Company Restaurant.  This 9 mile run is great for beginners in that it contains nearly all the elements of the sport, but with low intensity.

On Saturday, the group consisted of 23 paddlers and 18 boats: 6 OC1s, 5 OC2s and 6 K1s.   Ten of the paddlers were true students including four high schoolers from Gary Baringer's Ecology Club making their first ever river trip (two in kayaks).  The trip went very well with only four spills and one minor broach.  Devil's Looking Glass (II), created the most excitement, but nothing but pride was injured.  No ropes were needed to extract the kayak, and Harry and Susan's sandwiches proved water-proof and actually ran a pretty clean line in their solo baggies.  Much to the instructors' surprise, everyone stayed upright thru Cliff Rapid (a.k.a. Wall) and Big Rock.  Tom Dosser, in his "styro-maxed" aluminum Grumman, and the novice tandem team of Phillip and Burchel both proved that "keeping the pointy end pointed downstream" will get you thru Cliff Rapid upright, even if backwards.  Harry and Susan received rookie-of-the-year honors by demonstrating that it is indeed possible to successfully run Big Rock Rapid with all four hands gripping the gunnels.  Perhaps the scream helped.

On Sunday, we had 11 paddlers (5 true students) and 9 boats including a first time river-runner soloing his son's tandem canoe, and pair of beginners in a virgin Mad River Duck Hunter.  (A new hull sure is shiny!)  This trip also went well as the beginners learned very quickly.  Paul and Joel did get in some under-water duck hunting at Cliff Rapid, but they gallantly refused Snake's throw rope as they self-rescued boat, paddles and hat.  (How many dangly things does it take to fill an OC2?   See Paul for answer.)  Student Don did especially well in his soloing his first river trip.  I'm not sure why he decided to "wash his boat" after "stopping to examine" some nondescript rock near the flat-water approach to Big Rock Rapid.  But after Gordon Porter showed him the quick alternative to bailing out all that "rinse water", Don made an exciting yet clean run of the last rapid.   He made the instructors proud.

Saturday's rarely-sunny, cool-when-wet weather broke into warm sunshine just in time for the take-out social hour.  Sunday's weather was near perfect sunny and warm, but the strong head winds made for tough flatwater both days.  A sizable group gathered both evenings in the restaurant to relive the day, exaggerate the main events, and plan many future white-water adventures.

As always, the safety and success of this year's school was entirely possible because of the generous support provided by veteran paddlers from both clubs.  As a first time "school leader", I was extremely pleased by the many members of both clubs that called to volunteer instruct, lead and sweep, set throw ropes, provide personalized instruction at every opportunity and of course provide rescue help whenever needed.   Thanks to you all.  I suspect several of the new students will become active paddlers and club members.

Finally, I wish to thank the Chuckey Trading Company Restaurant for their gracious hospitality (and dynamite burritos).  As in the past they once again supported our school.

Participants this year were: T. Dosser, H. and S. Wease, M. Morrow, P. Savarese, J. Henry, C. and T. Hoopingarner, D. and W. Fuller, R. Lott, W. and T. Daughtery, D. and M. Mathis, L. Rogers, D. Kreh, G. Porter, D. Ingram, K. Swift, C. LeBlanc, B. Dayvolt, R. Vander Aa, S. Davis, G. Barnijar, M. and B. Taylor, S. and H. Hendrix, B. and P. Pierce, and C. Howell.

PEN-MAR TO HARPER'S FERRY ON THE A.T.
27-30 May 94
(G. S. Luttrell)
It was a beautiful weekend for a backpack trip: warm days, cool nights, no rain, and the insects were unusually dormant.  By using a half day's vacation on Friday, I arrived in Harper's Ferry with enough time before dark to hike the canal towpath section of the A.T. to the U.S. 340 bridge.  On Saturday morning, I met Ed Patrick (Trail name "Leroy") from Piney Flats, Tennessee, at the A.T. Hostel.  We met on the trail, and I shuttled him back to Front Royal to pick up his car on Monday.

On Saturday, I hiked 15 mi. to Pogo Memorial Campsite, and it was good I got there early, because all the tent sites were taken by 6 pm.  Pogo had a nice spring with a large flow.  On Sunday, I met Ed at Washington Monument State Park, and we made arrangements to meet at Pen-Mar on Monday.  Just beyond the State Park is Dahlgren Camp which provides hot shower facilities for hikers - hard to pass by without stopping.   After another 15 mi. day of easy hiking, I spent Sunday night at Cramptons Gap Shelter area.  Again, it was good to be there early, because the tent sites were taken quickly.  There were lots of hikers in this South Mountain Recreation Area this weekend - through hikers, weekend hikers, boy scouts, and girl scouts.  On Monday, I left my gear at the campsite, hit the trail by 6 am, slackpacked back to my car at the A.T. Hostel, then drove back to Gathland State Park to pick up my gear.  Joining me on this hike, at least for the shuttling, was Ed Patrick, and many through hikers - "Grandpa Al", "Gaiter", and a 70+ year old lady who was doing some 20 mile days.  After completing this section, I have one 7.5 mi. section of the A.T. remaining - Newfound Gap to Clingman's Dome, and I plan to finish on a high note.

CARVERS GAP TO HUGHES GAP HIKE
4 June 94
(Frank Williams reporting)
Twelve hikers gathered to celebrate National Trails Day with this short pleasant hike on the Roan.  We saw several overnight backpackers and one through hiker.  It was a short, easy hike and we were at the cars in Hughes Gap by about 1:30.  Those enjoying this outing were J. Mann and son, David, R. Ketron and nephews, J. and J. Anderson, J. Sizemore, S. Brown, N. Ottenfeld, J. and J. Ralston, B Borup and F. Williams.

VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL HIKE
11 June 94
(Dan Sand reporting)
The weather was agreeable and the hike enjoyable on the Virginia Creeper Trail on Saturday, 11 June.  Two black snakes and a turtle were some of the wildlife seen on the trail itself in addition to numerous wildflowers.  The easy hike only took about 2 and one-half hours so we were back to Kingsport well before 2 PM.  S. Blankenbeckler and D. Sand made up the group.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ALONG THE A.T.
(Joe DeLoach, A.T. Committee Chair, reporting)
The Appalachian Trail is the longest continuous footpath in the world.  A key word is "footpath".  The Trail is not designed for other users such as ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, or horses.  As such these users are not allowed on the Appalachian Trail (except in a very few areas, such as the Smokies, and significant damage is occurring there due to horse use).  Illegal use of the A.T. is fairly frequent in our area, most commonly by horses followed by motorized vehicles.  Problem areas include the balds of the Roan Highlands, Iron Mountain Gap, and McQueens Gap.  We aren't the only Club with this problem - I saw horse tracks on a new Trail relocation at Springer Mountain just days after it was completed!

While in many cases the illegal users are merely unaware of the laws and are not belligerent, the possibility of violence always exist.  Hikers are strongly discouraged to confront illegal Trail users.  The best way to respond to illegal use of the Appalachian Trail, or any other foot-travel-only Trail, is to contact the U. S. Forest Service.  Each ranger district has a law enforcement officer that can cross district or state lines if necessary to investigate a problem.  These law enforcement officers no longer report to the district rangers but to a state law enforcement officer (in Tennessee, Malcolm Jowers) who in turn reports to the regional Forest Service Office in Atlanta.  The telephone numbers of the ranger districts can be found in a telephone book under U. S. Government - Agriculture Dept. of, Forest Service.  An example of how this system can work occurred recently at Iron Mountain Gap.  A hiker noted about 20 horsemen on the Trail north of Iron Mountain Gap.  The hiker called the Unaka Ranger District in Erwin, and a law enforcement officer from the Nolichucky Ranger District in Greeneville was able to take the call and wrote 14 tickets for illegal use on the Trail (there were several juveniles present).  Remember, DON'T take matters into your own hands - notify the Forest Service.