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

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

1996 ANNIVERSARY HIKE REPORTS

A.T. HIKE # 14, INDIAN GRAVE GAP TO THE NOLICHUCKY Saturday, April 27, 1996. Mary Ellen Ress reporting. Jim Miller joined five of us from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department on our annual Spring Hike. On a sunny warm day, we hiked from Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa. We met and talked to about 15 thru hikers, giving many of them homemade molasses oatmeal cookies, although some of them had just restocked in Erwin and pleaded that they couldn't carry another ounce. "The Whiner" and "Weatherman" were willing to eat all we had! "Mountain Lion" from Chicago shared lunch with us, eagerly accepting fresh fruit, candy and cookie handouts. We also met 7 day hikers and the work crew at the Jones Branch bridge. Everyone appreciated the new bridge except Jessie, a four month old Golden Lab who chose to go through the creek - she had already been frightened all day by the thru hikers and their packs. Hiking were Paula Cooper, Sue Venable, Kay Bishop, Cindy Hawkins, Jim Miller, Mary Ellen Ress and Jessie.
A.T. HIKE 5 THROUGH 15:
Total miles = 88; 161 hours.
May 3 to May 10, 1996
Emmett Dougherty reporting.
On May 3rd I started a backpacking trip with Gary Luttrell, Arvell Luttrell, and Bob Miller from Spivey Gap to Damascus. Arvell hiked with us to Nolichucky River and Gary hiked to Carvers Gap. The 3rd night on the trail Bob and I camped at Carvers Gap. That night we experienced a very bad thunderstorm which produced marble size hail stones that covered the ground. The 4th day we spent drying out from the storm. Then we hiked 5 miles to Yellow Mountain Barn shelter. We spent the next 3 days hiking in heavy fog and blowing rain with wind gusts estimated at 35 mph near Hump Mountain.  On Thursday (the 7th day) we hiked to 321 and picked up more supplies. Then we continued our hike around Watauga Lake. After crossing Watauga Dam, Bob's sole came off his boot and we had to postpone the rest of the hike. We made it to Watauga Dam Road, where we got a ride to the visitors center. There I got a ride from a TVA ranger to a phone. Then I called Gary Luttrell (THANKS GARY) to rescue two tired hikers.
A.T. HIKE # 9 - 10, CARVERS GAP TO U.S. 19E. May 4-5, 1996, Kent Wilson reporting. Hiking Distance 13.6. miles. Several Eastman hikers joined Troop 48 BSA of Colonial Heights to backpack these sections. We camped in tents near the Overmountain Shelter enjoying the fantastic views of the valley below. The weather was very warm (70s to low 80s). The views were clear and likened on Sunday to those in The Sound of Music. We established good rapport with several thru hikers by sharing spaghetti and a ride to a motel in Elk Park (as we finished the hike), and our un-campfire program (due to high winds) Sat. night. The wild flowers were prolific. Spring Beauties carpeted the wooded areas, as far as the eye could see. They were complimented by Trout lilies, Wake Robin trillium, Yellow trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, White Fringed phacelia, and various violets. Making the trip were 8 scouts and 11 adults. Members of the Eastman Hiking club were Kathleen Kitzmiller, E. Phil Smith, Bill and Michael Lewis (HDC), Paul and Richie Kirkpatrick, Steve and Terry Haynes, Lanny, Mark, and Ben Treece, and Kent, Nancy, and Ben Wilson.
A.T. HIKE # 9 - 10, CARVERS GAP TO U.S. 19E: May 18 - 19. Jim Mann reporting. My children, Karen 9 and David 11, had never done a overnight hike before, so we decided to make this hike a two day affair -- spending the night at Yellow Mountain Barn. Alex Broyles also went along to help me keep an eye on two energetic kids. Highlights of this hike were the outstanding views from Bradley Gap and Hump Mt. The weather was clear and very warm, and we all got sunburns hiking across the balds because the hike leader forgot the sunscreen. If you are going to hike this section, please allow plenty of time to enjoy the views and don't forget your camera. Also DO NOT leave your car parked at U.S. 19E overnight.  I did and someone threw a large rock through my truck window.
A.T. HIKE #5, WATAUGA DAM ROAD TO U.S. 321. Saturday May 18, 1996, Cris Moorehouse reporting. We dropped a car off at U.S. 321 and drove to Watauga Dam Road. We headed south in perfect hiking weather. We removed four blowdowns in the relocation that were hanging down partiality blocking the trail. The wildflowers were everywhere and among them were; Partridge Berry's, Fringed Phacelia, White Trillium, Fire Pink, Yellow Stargrass, Mountain Laurel, Bleeding Hearts, Columbine, Pink Lady Slippers, Early Meadow Rue, enjoyed sampling wild Strawberry's, False Solomons Seal and Solomons Seal. Enjoying the flowers and hike were Bill and Derrick Stowell, Richard Colberg, Theona and Cris Moorehouse.
A.T. HIKE #6 - 7: WALNUT MOUNTAIN ROAD TO U.S. 321
May 18-19, 1996 Kent Wilson reporting. Hiking distance 21.6 miles. Several Eastman hikers joined Troop 48 BSA of Colonial Heights to day hike these sections. We camped Sat. night at Dennis Cove. The weather was very warm (85+), but dry. The hike on Saturday was complicated by a late start, the heat, and one boy with a bad case of asthma. The weather on Sunday was a little cooler, but the climb over Pond Mt. was still tiring. Laurel Falls was well-watered and quite beautiful, as were the pink ladies slippers, flame azalea, mountain laurel, and rhododendron along the trail. We only met 1 through hiker (The rest may have been at Trail Days). Members of the Eastman Hiking club were Kathleen Kitzmiller, Lanny, Mark, and Ben Treece, Kent, Nancy, and Ben Wilson, Matthew Couch, and Jim Fischer.
A.T. HIKE #4, TURKEY PEN GAP TO WATAUGA DAM ROAD
May 25, 1996, Steve Wilson reporting. This trip's original plans were to start hiking from Turkey Pen Gap by driving up the National Forest road, but the torrential rains made the stream crossings dangerous even for a four-wheel-drive truck. Instead, the group decided to hike into Turkey Pen Gap from Hwy 91 which meant we hiked the length of the ridge (16 miles). The day was cloudy and cool, and was very enjoyable. We carried a bow saw, loppers, and hand trimmers; therefore we were able to cut some overgrown briars, plus a couple of blowdowns. Participating were Neil Dotson, Steve Perri, Bill and Derrick Stowell, Jill and Steve Wilson.
A.T. HIKE #8, WALNUT MOUNTAIN ROAD TO U.S. 19E: May 25, 1996 Kent Wilson reporting. Hiking distance 6.7 miles. Due to heavy rains, four hikers chose to complete A.T. Hike #8. Since only 1 vehicle was available, 2 hikers began at Walnut Mt. Road and hiked North. We had much cooler weather than the weekend before. The southbound group met 18 through hikers and 2 other backpackers on this trip. The trail was in reasonably good condition, except for 2 areas that were poorly marked. The south-bound group had trouble finding the trail through the rocky cattle pasture south of Isaacs Cemetery. The north-bound group turned the wrong direction on Campbell Hollow Road. A few extra blazes would greatly improve these sections. We arrived back in Kingsport just ahead of the thundershowers (the hiker in the back of the pick-up was most grateful!). Making the trip were Kathleen Kitzmiller, Steve Woody, and Kent and Nancy Wilson.
A.T. HIKE #4, TURKEY PEN GAP TO WATAUGA DAM ROAD May 25, 1996, Steve Wilson reporting. This trip's original plans were to start hiking from Turkey Pen Gap by driving up the National Forest road, but the torrential rains made the stream crossings dangerous even for a four-wheel-drive truck. Instead, the group decided to hike into Turkey Pen Gap from Hwy 91 which meant we hiked the length of the ridge (16 miles). The day was cloudy and cool, and was very enjoyable. We carried a bow saw, loppers, and hand trimmers; therefore we were able to cut some overgrown briars, plus a couple of blowdowns. Participating were Neil Dotson, Steve Perri, Bill and Derrick Stowell, Jill and Steve Wilson.
A.T. HIKE #5 PLUS, WATAUGA DAM ROAD TO U.S. 321 AND ACROSS POND MOUNTAIN, June 8, 1996, Garry Luttrell reporting. Participants: Steve Woody and Garry Luttrell. Since Steve and I were not going to be able to take Frank William's 6/22 AH #6 hike, we decided to extend his AH #5 hike on 6/8 to include Pond Mountain. After some coordinated car spots, we hiked from the Hampton blue blaze intersection of the A.T., across Pond Mountain to Watauga Dam Road.
A.T. HIKES #1 -THRU #5, WATAUGA DAM ROAD TO DAMASCUS: Date June 9-10 , total miles 37.3, Emmett Dougherty reporting. Bob Miller and I started our hike at Watauga Dam Road with rain coming down on us for about an hour during our trip. We hiked to Tenn. 91 with day packs, then backpacked to Double Spring Shelter. Heavy rain all night made for good sleeping in the shelter. On Monday after the rain had stopped we hiked to 421, dropped our backpacks and continued on to Damascus. We saw two snakes, four grouse, and two turkey with several young ones. The trail was in great shape except for some high weeds  north of Watauga Dam Road, and some between 421 and McQueens Gap.
WORKING ON THE A.T., MAINTENANCE UPDATE

CLIFF RIDGE: Cut blowdowns and brush from Relocation for Konnarock Crew, May 18, 1996. Ed Oliver reporting. Participants John Thompson, Bruce Cunningham, Frank Williams, and Ed Oliver, 4 people X 9 hours = 36 hours total. We cleared the relocations that the Konnarock Crew and the Hiking Club will be working on Cliff Ridge. There is a few hundred feet on the southern most relocation that we did not have time to clear. It may not take three weeks to complete these relocations. It will take at least two weeks and will probably take part of the third week.
KONNAROCK CREW PROJECT - CLIFF RIDGE RELOCATION: May 23-27, Joe DeLoach reporting.
Number of TEHCC Participants = 14 Total hours = 250

This was probably the most unusual week of Konnarock we have ever had. The Club turnout was outstanding, probably record-setting. Thanks to that we got a respectable amount of new Trail built, estimated around 700 feet. However the Crew had their problems. First of all a member had some debris go into her eye on Thursday. The Crew leader had to take her to the Erwin hospital on Thursday and the JC Eye Hospital on Friday (she's OK), as well as make several trips to the ranger station in Erwin to fill out the Volunteers in the Forest insurance paperwork. Then the rains came. One Crew member forgot their tent and got deluged on Friday and was not at full strength on Saturday. On Sunday when we had eleven Club participants show up we only got about 1/2 hour in before the storms hit. Then there was one Crew member who just never caught on with what was supposed to be done. He got belligerent on the last day and the Crew leader had to take him to the airport and send him home. With all that we were fortunate to get done what we did. There is a tricky switchback that will take some time to install. Our cushion for getting this project done in three weeks is gone. Hopefully we'll have a more productive week coming up. On Monday afternoon Darrol, Cris, and Theona removed two blowdowns between Temple Hill Gap and the No Business Knob Shelter. These hours are included in this write-up. We had nine Club volunteers who donated their Memorial Day to work on this project. Thanks to all for their dedication!
APPALACHIAN TRAIL MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY: FOREST SERVICE POLICY ON FIRES IN WILDERNESS AREAS.
May, 28, 1996, Joe DeLoach reporting. Participants; Steve Perri, Cris Moorehouse, and Joe DeLoach. 3 X 3 hours = 9 total hours. The Forest Service will be implementing a policy where fires caused by lightning will be allowed to burn in Wilderness areas. Currently all fires are extinguished. The reason for the new policy is that fire is a natural process (our friends on Buck Mountain not withstanding) and that many plants are stimulated by fire. The Forest Service representatives said that this policy would only apply to small fires and these would be very closely monitored. If a fire is in danger of getting out of control (for example, if there is dry weather after the lightning strike) then the fire will be put out. The fire will not be allowed to burn onto private property. In some areas within Wilderness, fires will be suppressed more readily than others. Laurel Fork Gorge is an example of where fires will be extinguished.

The two most relevant issues for the A.T. are hiker safety and structures (bridges and shelters). Steve asked if hikers who are in an area where there is a fire would be warned; the guidelines only refer to posting trailheads and taking other measures to warn people not to GO INTO an area, not actions for those who are already there. The response was that trails and parking lots would be patrolled to warn hikers, but again something more explicit in the guidelines would be appropriate. We were told that if vehicles were parked in access lots someone would attempt to locate and warn hikers. The guidelines indicate that loss of property will not be permitted but there was nothing explicit that this applied to shelters. One comment was illustrative; I was discussing this with John Romanowski who said that "your shelters (Vandeventer and Laurel Fork) are cinder block or stone so they won't burn". Of course the roofs and interiors are wood! I think some more clarification on this is appropriate and I will obtain that.
KONNAROCK CREW PROJECT - CLIFF RIDGE RELOCATION:
May 30 - June 3
Joe DeLoach reporting
Number of TEHCC Participants = 16, Total Hours = 243

This was another enigmatic week with the Konnarock Crew. We had a second consecutive week of great Club turnout, and unlike the previous week we had excellent weather. However, we were once again not able to complete as much Trail as we would have liked. We were able to open the sixth and seventh relocations, start a rehab between those two, and get close to finishing the relo at the bottom. We were not able to start the uppermost relo which is the longest of them all. In order to complete this project in the next allotted week we will have to get another good Club turnout, have good weather, and work more effectively with the Crew leader.

On the brighter side - we have already had five Club members work the needed five days with the Crew to get T- shirts. Seven other Club members have worked at least three days, with two more weeks of Konnarock Crew to go. Could be a record year for Club participation!
HWY TO HAMPTON (POND MOUNTAIN), June 1, 1996, Steve Wilson reporting. Recreation and Maintenance, 2 people X 9 hours = 18 Total hours. We started hiking at Watauga Lake and hiked over Pond Mountain to the blue-blazed trail to Hampton. The cool weather made the day a pleasant hike across one of the most dreaded sections of the A.T.  The trail was in good shape on the lake side of the mountain, where the relocation was performed a few years ago, but it was steep near where the blue-blazed trail leaves the A.T.  Making the hike were Jill and Steve Wilson.
CUT WEEDS AND BLOWDOWNS: Report for Wed., June 5, 1996. Participants; Jack Young, Bruce Cunningham, Frank Williams, and Darrol Nickels. Bruce, Jack, Frank and Darrol accomplished the following tasks.

1. Cut weeds and picked up trash around Watauga Lake (near Shook Branch). The lake is very high and is above the trail. Hikers can either wade through the water or use the high water trail. Frank and Jack cut all weeds that were above the water level.
2. Cut grass trail south of Dennis Cove
3. Cut blowdown trail south of Dennis Cove
4. Cut blowdown near Bitter End.
5. Cut weeds from bog bridges trail north of Campbell Hollow Road to Isaacs Cemetery. Weeds and grass were very high in this area.
6. Cut weeds and grass trail north and trail south of US19E.
7. Picked up trash near US19E.

FOR THE RECORD

INDIAN GRAVE GAP TO TOP OF UNAKA MTS.: Saturday, April 13, 1996. Mary Ellen Ress reporting. Jim Miller and I hiked from Indian Grave Gap to the benchmark on top of Unaka Mountain and back. We met a group of day hikers from North Carolina and a boy scout troop out for the weekend. On our return trip we passed out homemade oatmeal cookies to 13 hungry thru hikers. That made 23 people headed for the shelter that night, with storms moving in! Jim and I were glad to be headed back home, but enjoyed the views from Deep Gap and Beauty Spot. The trail was in good shape and there was not the usual litter at Beauty Spot.
SAM'S GAP TO SPIVEY GAP: Saturday, April 20, 1996. Emmett Dougherty reporting. Total distance: 13.5 miles. This hike started with one-half starting at Sam's Gap and the other half at Spivey Gap. Mary Ellen wanted to pass out home made cookies to the through hikers. Her group met 13 through hikers. The weather was good for the first half of the hike, but we were hit with a huge thunder storm atop Little Round Bald. The other group were caught near Big Bald Mountain, where they were forced into a nearby shelter. The trail was in excellent condition, and we were amazed at how much the new relocation made this hike easier with several new switchbacks. Hiking with Mary Ellen Ress were Rolla Wade, Phyllis Cairnes, Shelton Thompson, Lois Mansfield, and Emmett Dougherty.
A.T. DAYS, DAMASCUS, VA. 5/16 -5/18.  Garry Luttrell reporting.  Participants Rebecca, Phillip, Renee, and Emmett Dougherty, Kathy Hall, and Garry Luttrell. Kathy Hall set up the TEHCC display in the Damascus Town Hall on Thursday night, May 16, for the Tenth Celebration of A.T. Days. The only other major display was one by the Forest Service. Most of the activities were scheduled on Saturday May 18, including the Backpacker's parade, and it featured water balloon and water gun fights along the route, among the many thru-hikers. Carrying the TEHCC banner in the parade were Emmett Dougherty, Garry Luttrell, and probably the youngest participant, Phillip Dougherty.

UPCOMING EVENTS

A.T. HIKE #7 - DENNIS COVE TO BITTER END: Sat. July 13, 1996. Leader: Steve Banks, Rated Moderate.
This is the seventh in a series of hikes during 1996, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club. We will start at Dennis Cove, and hike up and over White Rocks Mountain to Bitter End. In clear weather, there are excellent views from White Rocks Mountain firetower. The total distance is about 10 miles. Let's meet at the parking lot between the Burger King and McDonalds in Colonial Heights for an 8:00 a.m. departure. Due to the long car shuttle, if there are enough hikers we can split into two groups and do a key swap. Bring water, lunch, and clothing appropriate for the weather. For more information, call the trip leader.
PIGEON RIVER: July 13, 1996. Leader S. Ernst. Contact trip leader for details.
WATAUGA RIVER, BELOW DAM: July 20, 1996. Leader: E. Montgomery. Contact trip leader for details.
FUN FEST MOONLIGHT HIKE: July 25, 1996. Leader: Steve Falling. Again this year, the club will be helping the Bays Mountain Park staff with the Moonlight Hike around the lake (about 10 miles). Over 400 hikers turned out last year for this event so it gives the club some good publicity. Volunteers are needed to walk with the crowd and to keep the hikers on the correct trail. The hike begins at 8:00 PM and finishes up about 10:00 PM. The volunteer with the closest guess of the number of hikers wins a Bays Mt. T-shirt. If you are willing to help out with this event, please contact Steve Falling for more information.
A.T. HIKE #8, BITTER END TO US19E: July 27, 1996. Trip Leader: Emmett Dougherty. This 9.4 mile hike is rated moderate. Bring lunch, water, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Meet between McDonalds and Burger King in Colonial Heights at 7:15 for 7:30 a.m. departure.
A.T. - NEW HAMPSHIRE: July 21-26, 1996. Leader: Steve Banks. This hike will cover the 54 miles of the A.T. between Kinsman Notch, N.H. and Norwich, Vermont. Rated moderate. Contact the trip leader for details.
A.T. - MARYLAND: Scheduled for Saturday-Wednesday, August 3-7, 1996. Leader: Steve Banks. Rated: Moderate. This hike will cover the 40 miles of the A.T. between Pen Mar on the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line and the Shennandoah River bridge near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. If all goes as planned, this will mark the the completion of the A.T. for the trip leader. Let's meet at the parking lot between the Burger King and McDonalds in Colonial Heights for an 8:00 a.m. departure. Everyone is welcome -- please call the trip leader if you're going.
NOLICHUCKY GORGE, 1ST TIMERS TRIP: Date: August 17, 1996. Leader: Dewey Fuller. Contact trip leader for details.
MULTICLUB ANNOUNCEMENT: Scheduled for August 30 to September 1, 1996. The 1996 MultiClub campout will be held this year at the primitive Appletree Group Camp (USFS) near Nantahala Lake in western North Carolina. Because of the remote location, the NHC will be providing meals from Saturday breakfast through Monday breakfast. Registration deadline is August 15th if meals are involved. For information or registration, write or call Kay or Jack Coriell, 704-369-6820, 358 Sanders Road, Franklin, N.C. 28734, or call Cris Moorehouse.
ATC BIENNNIAL CONFERENCE, 1999: G.S. Luttrell reporting. Planning is already underway for the '99 Conference; and TEHCC, along with seven Virginia Clubs, have agreed to help in hosting it. Our involvement will be coordinating the workshops, and volunteers for serving on the committee and a chairperson will be needed.
To contribute an article contact Cris Moorehouse Newsletter Editor.