1996 CELEBRATING TENNESSEE EASTMAN HIKING & CANOEING CLUBS 50th ANNIVERSARY
May 1996
THE TENNESSEE EASTMAN
HIKING & PADDLING NEWS

• Next Two Months
• 1996 Anniversary Hike Reports
• Working on the A.T., Maintenance Update
• For The Record
• Upcoming Events

1996 Anniversary Hike Reports

A.T. HIKE #5, U.S. 321 TO WATAUGA DAM ROAD: March 10, 1996 - Karen Arnold reporting. When I decided to try to complete the 15 Anniversary Hikes I decided that I better attempt the shortest one first.  Terry Arnold went with me on this non-scheduled hike.  We left one car on Watauga Dam Road, and then drove to U.S. 321 at Shook Branch picnic area.  Even though at the start it was 20 degrees, there was a cloudless blue sky.  That made the lightly snow-covered area that much prettier - so much so that I didn't mind too much when some of the hair around my face froze!
A.T. HIKE #1, MCQUEENS GAP TO DAMASCUS: March 16, 1996 - Steve Banks reporting.
The weather cooperated very nicely for the first in a series of 15 hikes to mark the 50th anniversary of TEHCC!  When we arrived in Damascus, Emmett Dougherty started south towards McQueens Gap.  The rest of us posted a routed wooden sign (made by Steve Perri) explaining the 50th anniversary of the club, and then drove to McQueens Gap.  We started hiking north under partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 60s - perfect for hiking, but too early for wildflowers.  The Abingdon Gap Shelter is in EXCELLENT shape; Dee Drinkard picked up what litter there was at the shelter and along the trail.  We arrived in Damascus and retrieved the cars before a light drizzle started.  There are four blowdowns between the shelter and the state line that are too big to step over.  Enjoying the hike were Steve Woody, Emmett Dougherty, Kent and Nancy Wilson, Taylor Pickard, Steve and Jill Wilson, Kathleen Kitzmiller, Dee and Luann Drinkard, and Steve Banks.
A.T. HIKE #2, MCQUEENS GAP TO TENN. 91: March 16-17 - Cris Moorehouse reporting.
The first section of this hike was done as part of a scheduled maintenance trip reported later in this newsletter.  The second trip was on Sunday March 17.  By hiking this short section and with our maintenance trip on Saturday we completed this A.T. hike.  We had perfect hiking weather and cut some briars along the way.  Out of the woods and back home at 4:30 PM.  Completing A.T. Hike #2 were Paulette and Joe Hall, Bill and Derrick Stowell, and Theona and Cris Moorehouse.
A.T. HIKE # 2, U.S. 421 TO TENN. 91: March 23, 1996 - Collins Chew reporting.
"That was an adventure!" exclaimed Kathleen on completing the second A.T. segment hike which included several miles of foot-deep snow and frequent 3 foot drifts crossing the A.T.  Kent thought of the drifts as very effective "speed bumps".  After the weather reports and my rather frantic e-mail notes, most folks were prepared with gaiters, dark glasses, and sunscreen.  Although a few brought skis and snowshoes, the snow at the trail head was not deep enough to lead us to take them.  Emmett did the very tiring job of breaking trail most of the way with some relief by Mary Ellen and Kent.  Emmett's dog broke his own trail but Phyllis' shorter dog had to be carried part of the way.  There was a request for a one class upgrade from "Moderate" to "Difficult" to account for the hundreds (thousands?) of feet of extra climbing going over the snow drifts.  Snow removal was suggested as a new maintenance priority.  No one wanted to show off their 4 wheel drive vehicles by driving to McQueens Gap so we only made 7 of the scheduled 10 miles and hiked between Low Gap and Cross Mountain.  The rest will be rescheduled.  The day was absolutely beautiful with a deep blue sky and little wind.  Hikers were: Phyllis Cairnes, Richard Colberg, Emmett Dougherty, Kathleen Kitzmiller, Lois Mansfield, Frank Oglesby, Taylor Pickard, Mary Ellen Ress, Tessa Simons, Hugh Thompson, Kent and Nancy Wilson, Steve Woody, and Collins Chew.
A.T. HIKE #11, CARVERS GAP TO HUGHES GAP: April 5, 1996 - Karen Arnold reporting.
I did this Anniversary Hike early because I knew I would have to miss it later in the summer.  I parked my car at Carvers Gap, took a picture for the Carver family who wanted their picture by the Carvers Gap sign, and began the hike alone.  Terry Arnold later finished a bike ride at the top of Roan Mountain then picked up my car and met me at Hughes Gap.  It was about 35 degrees, foggy, and overcast and because the fog was frozen on the trees the first part of the hike felt as though you were walking through an "enchanted" forest.  The first two miles had many icy patches and muddy areas.  I saw two blow downs at ~ 3 and 3.25 miles from Carvers Gap - just past Ash Gap I think.  There were trees about 14 - 18 inches in diameter - one was across the trail, the other seemed to be along the trail for about 8 feet.  There was one other blowdown about 10 minutes from Hughes Gap - it looked to be only about 6 inches in diameter and Terry thought if he had had a bow saw he could have handled it himself.  It took me about three and a half hours to complete this hike.  The only people I saw on the trail were a couple of guys who had Husky dogs carrying what looked like mini panniers - they were quite ready to protect their masters, too!  There was also one back-packer heading toward the Roan Mountain shelter for the night.
A.T. HIKE #4 TURKEY PEN GAP TO WATAUGA DAM ROAD: April 5, 1996 - Richard Colberg reporting.
Three hikers completed this section as part of the maintenance trip led by Joe DeLoach.  The weather was cool (mid 40's) and overcast, with good views of Watauga Lake after the fog cleared from the trail.  We cleared about a half dozen blowdowns; only one blowdown was severe enough that hikers had to bypass the trail.  Enjoying the hike were Richard Colberg, Joe DeLoach and John Keifer.
A.T. HIKE #2, MCQUEENS GAP TO TENN. 91: April 5, 1996 - Steve Wilson reporting.
Upon arriving at McQueens Gap, we were greeted with frost on the trees and a damp cold breeze.  The cold weather meant few hikers and good wild life viewing.  Trip highlights were seeing two deer, two turkeys, a grouse and the delicate frost on the north side of the trees.  Making the hike were Jill and Steve Wilson.
A.T. HIKE #3, TENN. 91 TO TURKEY PEN GAP: April 13, 1996 - Steve Perri reporting.
The Third Anniversary Hike for TEHCC was carried out on April 13th.  Fourteen participants convened in Colonial Heights for our departure.  We were unable to drive to Turkey Pen Gap since we did not have the key to the Forest Service gate.  Jill and Steve Wilson along with Emmett Dougherty opted to hike up the hill to head north on the A.T.  This allowed us to spot cars at each end which would simplify our departure allowing us to finish where our cars were parked.  The rest of the group headed trail south from Tenn. 91 to Turkey Pen Gap.  The weather was perfect with temperatures in the low 70s.  We stopped several times along Iron Mountain to take advantage of the spectacular views towards Doe Mountain.  There was numerous evidence of turkey scratching and signs of deer along the way, but not much in the way of wildflowers due to the extended havoc of this winter.  We arrived at Grindstaff Monument for a short break to be greeted by Emmett Dougherty and his sidekick Dell.  We had only hiked 3 miles and driven to our starting point while Emmett had hiked uphill 2 miles and on the A.T. another 2 miles before meeting us!  We continued our hike after a short social period and arrived at Iron Mountain Shelter to meet Jill and Steve Wilson.  After eating lunch, we continued our hike to the blue-blazed side trail to Hurley Hollow.  We made the trek down hill with some degree of relief of doing this downhill rather than uphill as well as the receiving the first droplets of rain when we arrived at our cars.  We had the fortune of having father and daughter Albert and Louise Parsons participate as guests in this hike since they were visiting from South Carolina.  Those present for this hike were: Richard Colberg, Emmett Dougherty, Kathy Kitzmiller, Albert and Louise Parsons, Steve Perri, Tessa Simons, Bill and Derrick Stowell, Kent and Nancy Wilson, Jill and Steve Wilson, and Steve Woody.

WORKING ON THE A.T., MAINTENANCE UPDATE
SHOOK BRANCH TO SUMMIT OF POND MOUNTAIN.  Report for Thursday, March 14, 1996: Maintaining Adopted Section of the A.T.
3 People X 8 Hours = 24 total hours worked.
Participants: Darrol Nickels, John Kiefer, and John Thompson.
This group walked from U.S. 321 to Pond Flats.  They removed eight blowdowns and raked soil away from the uphill side of the trail.  John reported that the trail is in good condition.  There is one large blowdown near Pond Flats.  It was too large for them to remove.  Hikers can detour about three feet and easily walk around this blowdown.  They met two thru hikers.  The thru hikers said that the trail is in good condition.  They had encountered some blowdowns but nothing serious.
CUT BLOWDOWNS FROM HUGHES GAP TO IRON MOUNTAIN GAP.  Joe DeLoach reporting, March 16,1996
Trip #1.  Total Hours 5 x 9 = 45 hours
Participants: Joe DeLoach, John Kiefer, Frank Oglesby, Frank Swanson, and Frank Williams (enough Franks for a cookout).
Frank (Fritz) Swanson and I started from Hughes Gap and worked our way south while the other two Franks and John started at Iron Mountain Gap.  Each group removed several blowdowns, the worst being right around Greasy Creek Gap which was about where we met.  We also repaired a couple of short sidehill sections.  This section is now completely clear.  We ran across some fresh ATV tracks at the last gap Trail north of Iron Mountain Gap.  They may have come up from the house which is just below the Trail in that area.  I wonder if we have ever talked to the Forest Service about this house; it is quite noticeable not only close up but also several miles away.  Met five through hikers, all of whom said that they remembered no significant blowdowns all the way back to Spivey Gap.
A.T. MAINTENANCE: Garry Luttrell reporting, March 16, 1996
Trip #2. One person X 6 hours = 6 hours total, 4 miles trail covered.
At Spivey Gap, I mounted the wooden sign that Steve Perri prepared saying that the section of the A.T. from Spivey Gap to Damascus is maintained by TEHCC and that the club has served 50 years, 1946 - 1996.  Then, I drove to the access trail about 2 miles trail south of Indian Grave Gap, hiked up to the A.T., then back towards Indian Grave Gap, cutting and clearing.  There's about six spots 10 - 20 feet in length along this 2 mile stretch where some sidehill work is needed to move the trail back up to its original location.
REPAIR TREADWAY NEAR TENN. 91 AND MAINTAIN SECTION FROM U.S. 421 TO TENN. 91.  Ed Oliver reporting, March 16, 1996 Trip #3.
Total hours 11 X 8 = 88.
Participants: Paulette and Joe Hall, Kathy Hall, Steve Perri, Dean Webster, Bill and Derrick Stowell, Theona and Cris Moorehouse, Stacey Amos, and Ed Oliver.
Five members of this group hiked from U.S. 421 to Tenn. 91.  They picked up trash and cut and clipped.  The other six people repaired a section of trail about one mile trail north of Tenn. 91.  We managed to complete most of the trail repair.  However, there is still a hundred feet or so of trail that could use some work.  This section is in good condition.  We met three thru hikers.  They said that the trail from Spivey Gap to Tenn. 91 is in relatively good shape.  They had encountered some blowdowns but not an excessive number.
WORK ON JONES BRANCH BRIDGES, TRAIL NORTH OF NOLICHUCKY EXPEDITIONS.  Ed Oliver reporting. March 23, 1996.
Total hours 6 people X 9 hours =54.
Participants: Mary and Bruce Cunningham, John Kiefer, Frank Williams, Darrol Nickels and Ed Oliver.  We cut two locust trees for the main supports of the upper-most bridge.  One locust tree slid down the mountain to within a few feet of the creek.  The other tree is still located several feet up the mountain side.  We also worked on the approach trails to the bridges.  We met two groups of hikers.  At least one of the groups was thru hikers.
MAINTAIN SECTION BETWEEN CAMPBELL HOLLOW ROAD AND U.S. 19E.  Report for Saturday, March 30, 1996.
Total person hours 4 X 8 = 32
Participants: Mary and Bruce Cunningham, Darrol Nickels, and Ed Oliver.
We cut the blowdowns on this section of trail.  We also clipped back the rose bushes and briars.  Darrol walked to the Apple House Shelter and measured the roof so that he would know how much material will be required to repair the roof.
BITTER END TO DENNIS COVE. Greg Kramer reporting, March 30, 1996.
2 people X 8 hours = 16 total hours.
My son and I went out to look over section 11 from each end and from the middle at White Rocks Fire Tower.  We were successful in getting to each access point.  We walked some of the trail and clipped rhododendron.  For a first look after the past winter the trail looked in good shape, with no severe problems.  Trip time 8 hours.
WATAUGA DAM ROAD TO WATAUGA LAKE SHELTER - MAINTAIN ADOPTED SECTION. Reporting for Sunday, March 31, 1996.
Total person hours: 4 X 4 = 16
Participants: Jim, Patricia, David and Karen Mann.
They started to walk from Watauga Dam Road to the Watauga Lake Shelter, cut any blowdowns, and do the clipping.  The rain turned them back after then had gone about 1 mile.  They removed blowdowns and cut back the rhododendrons. They will return to this section later.
IRON MOUNTAIN SHELTER TO WATAUGA DAM ROAD. Joe DeLoach reporting, April 5, 1996.
8 people X 11 hours = 88 total hours.
Participants: Steve Banks, Richard Colberg, Bruce Cunningham, Joe DeLoach, John Kiefer, Cris Moorehouse, Theona Moorehouse, and Steve Perri.
Steve, Steve, and Cris drove to near Turkey Pen Gap where the road crosses the power line.  We split into three groups at the Trail.  Bruce, Cris, and Theona cut north from the Hurley Hollow Trail junction to the spring for the Iron Mountain Shelter, then started working their way south.  The other five of us walked to the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness boundary, where the sign is resting against a tree.  In case this sign is ever missing there are a few metal signs along the boundary.  Steve and Steve then worked back north until they met the first crew.  Richard, John, and I worked on through the Wilderness.  We all cut several blowdowns but it really wasn't that bad.  There was one that was hard to get around about 1/3 mile above Watauga Dam Road.  We also clipped briars, rhododendron, etc. and broke up a fire ring that had been built at the spring south of Vandeventer Shelter.  We nailed up a new sign for the shelter.  Garry, sorry but we didn't cut the water trail at Vandeventer.  Also, there was a nearly full log book at the shelter so we just left it rather than place ours.  I'll send ours back to you.  We did pack out the trash from the shelter.  The hikers that we saw could remember no significant obstructions to the Trail on our section; a couple did say that it was worse south of Sams Gap than north.  However, we have concluded that hiker reports are pretty much meaningless since we had been told this section was in bad shape.  This section is now completely clear.
HUMP MOUNTAIN TO END OF DOLL FLATS RELOCATION.  Maintaining Adopted Section of the A.T.  Ed Oliver reporting, April 5, 1996
3 people X 8 hours = 24 total hours.
Participants: Frank Williams, Carl Fritz, and Ed Oliver.
We cut and clipped the trail between the trail north end of the Doll Flats relocation to the edge of the open field on Hump Mountain.  We also cleaned out water bars.  This section is in good condition.  There were enough blowdowns on this section to make the trip worthwhile.  However, none were much of a problem for hikers.  After completing our adopted section, two of us walked trail north to U.S. 19E.  We cut all the blowdowns on this section of trail also.  It was an interesting day.  We were in the clouds most of the day.  The trees were covered with a heavy layer of frost.  There were still a few small areas of snow.

FOR THE RECORD

TEHCC IS ON THE WEB - Steve Banks reporting
On March 15, TEHCC launched its Web site on the Internet's World Wide Web.  A Web site is an electronic bulletin board that people all over the world can look at through the Internet.  TEHCC's Web site includes alert information (blowdowns and vandalism), general club information, club newsletters, activity schedules, trail maintenance information, frequently asked questions and our answers, a photo gallery, links to the Web sites of other hiking clubs, and forms that can be used to send electronic mail to club officers.  Questions and comments should be sent to Steve Banks.  I'd like to put a color or image background on our Web site, and would appreciate suggestions.  Also if someone has photographs of TEHCC members hiking or paddling, or of our region's mountains or rivers, I'd like to put them on our Web site as well.
OLD FASHIONED HIKING - NO HIGH-TECH STUFF - WILBURN RIDGE, MOUNT ROGERS: Leader: G. S. Luttrell. Good Friday - Saturday, April 5 - 6, 1996.
The five of us started this hike at about noon from Massie Gap parking lot after a lunch of Subway sandwiches.  The 1 mile hike to the campsite was chilly and in the clouds.  After we set up our tents, the clouds lifted some, and we decided to hike up to the summit of Wilburn Ridge.  We soon were in the clouds again, but we enjoyed the hoarfrost that covered everything.  In keeping with the theme of old-fashioned camping, no freeze dried foods were used and several of us cooked hotdogs over the campfire.  When we hit the sleeping bags, there was a full moon and calm conditions.  During the night, the temperature dropped to the 20s, and soon we heard something hitting the rain flies.  Next morning we awoke to 3 - 4 inches of snow on the ground - and this was the first weekend of April!  After breakfast (some of us had scrambled eggs and bacon) and after a snowball fight, we packed our gear and trekked back through the snow to Massie Gap.  Participants in this hike were Matt Whisnant, Kathleen Kitzmiller, Billy Luttrell, Garry Luttrell, and Ted Cross; who did not have his camera and tripod, much to his regret.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIKE: Leader: Rick Lott. Scheduled Saturday, May 4th, Rating: Moderate
We will meet at 8 AM in Colonial Heights or 8:30 at the Burger King at South Roan Street in Johnson City.  This year, depending on the groups preference, I thought we might try spotting my van and another car at the top parking lot by the swinging bridge.  The other cars will be placed on the Parkway.  We will hike up from the parkway and cross Calloway and MacRae peaks over to the parking lot.  Distance should be around 6 miles.  There is some light rock clambering and a few ladders to go up.  Hikers should wear good hiking boots and bring rain gear.  Gloves, hats and an extra layer of clothing should be brought, since temperatures at the top can be considerably colder than in town.  Be sure to pack a lunch and water.  Views from the top are fantastic and there is an old plane wreck that we can look at near the top.  There is a small fee ($4-5) for hikers and $8-9 per passenger for cars going in.  Please contact the hike leader for carpooling coordination if you plan to go.
SHOWING OF A VIDEO OF THE WINTER DINNER MEETING PROGRAM:
Leader: G. S. Luttrell
(Scheduled for May 14, 1996).
A video of the program, "50 Years of Hiking, Stories, Experiences, A.T. Stewardship", from the Winter Dinner Meeting on 3/3/96, will be shown in Room 223, Eastman Employee Center, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, on Tuesday, May 14, 1996.
PLANNING / INFORMATION MEETING FOR THE ISLE ROYALE TRIP:
(Scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 1996
Leader: G. S. Luttrell.
This backpacking trip will involve spending eleven nights on the island, and will require close coordination of food, gear, ferry schedules, etc.  We'll view a 30 minute video about the island, share some more information about the plans, and the deadline for deposits for the ferry.  We'll meet in Room 223, Eastman Employee Center, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL PROJECT - CLIFF RIDGE RELOCATION
Leader: Joe DeLoach
(Scheduled for May 23-27, May 30-June3, and June 13-17)
Rating: When you hike it, you'll appreciate it!!
Last year with the help of the Konnarock Crew we opened several relocations to the Appalachian Trail south of the Nolichucky River on what is known as Cliff Ridge.  Cliff Ridge is aptly named as the mountains drop very steeply into the Nolichucky Gorge.  The A.T. drops steeply as well, resulting in erosion, a slippery treadway which can be dangerous in wet weather, and just plain lousy hiking.  The relocations we put in last year made this a much safer and more stable Trail while preserving the great views of the Gorge and surrounding areas.  We have four more relocations to install and three weeks of Konnarock Crew time this summer to finish the project.  The Konnarock Crew is a summer work crew organized by the Appalachian Trail Conference.  Working with the Crew is fun and provides an opportunity to learn about trail construction techniques.  There are a variety of tasks to do in trail construction, not all of which require a strong back and a soft head, and we work at our own pace, so don't let the phrase "construction" scare you away.  As an added incentive, those who work at least five days with the Konnarock Crew get a year's free membership in the Appalachian Trail Conference and the authentic Konnarock T-shirt, not sold in stores but can only be earned.  The Crew will arrive on Thursday afternoon and work through Monday afternoon. We'll have organized trips on the weekends but Club members are encouraged to help on the other days as well.  We'll meet at the parking lot between Burger King and McDonalds in Colonial Heights at 8:00 on the Saturdays and Sundays.  Bring lunch, gloves, and water; we'll furnish the tools but please let us know if you're coming so we'll know what to bring and to look for you.  Contact Joe for more information.
A.T. HIKE #4: TURKEY PEN TO WATAUGA DAM ROAD
Leader: Steve Wilson
(Scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 1996)
Difficulty: Moderate.
This is the fourth in the series of hikes to cover our section of the Appalachian Trail for the 50th anniversary celebration.  For this 10 mile hike, we will start at Turkey Pen Gap and hike out the ridge top of Iron Mountain until we reach Watauga Dam Road.  Bring lunch, water, and appropriate clothing for the weather.  Meet between McDonalds and Burger King in Colonial Heights at 8:00 AM.
A.T. HIKE #5 WATAUGA DAM ROAD TO U.S. 321
Leader: Frank Williams
Scheduled June 8, 1996.
This easy 3.4 mile hike is the fifth in the Hiking Club anniversary series.  Bring lunch and water and meet between McDonalds and Burger King in Colonial Heights at 7:45 AM for an 8 AM departure. This hike will end at the U.S. Forest Service Shook Branch Recreation Area with picnic tables and a sand beach.
A.T. HIKE #6 U.S. 321 TO DENNIS COVE:
Leader: Frank Williams
Scheduled June 22, 1996.
This is a more difficult 8.9 mile hike and it is the sixth of the anniversary series.  We will hike through the Pond Mountain Wilderness Area with an elevation gain (and loss) of about 2,000 feet.  Bring lunch and water and meet between McDonalds and Burger King in Colonial Heights at 7:45 AM for an 8 AM departure.
A.T. - NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT
(Scheduled for Sunday, June 30 to Sunday, July 7, 1996)
Leader: Steve Banks
Rating: Difficult.
This will be a series of dayhikes and backpacks on portions of the A.T. in New Hampshire and Vermont.  Total distance will be about 130 miles.  If you are interested in going, contact the trip leader.

Contact Cris Moorehouse, editor to submit an article.